By James Bovington
Bramley Thai boxer Gracjan Krupski has just returned from two weeks of intense training and competition in Thailand and has emerged as an elite member of the England team.
Krupski won a gold medal in the 66kg pro-am category which allows older amateur fighters to compete under some professional rules. The event, held in Bangkok, was the world championships of the WMF sanctioning body.
“It was well into the tournament that I had my first bout against an experienced Lebanese fighter aged 23,” said Krupski, 18.
“I placed a lot of pressure on him with strong punches which to be frank did some damage but got me the win. I then went on to win the gold against a Brazilian competitor.
“I dominated the fight with further strong punches and a left kick. Bouts at the tournament were fast paced but it was great fun and more importantly I gained some valuable experience.”
Uzbekistan had the most fighters but there was a large contingent in Team England including juniors faged 15 and under.
Kriupski added: “They had a serious approach, but we had fun while offering each other strong support as we did for Matty Sylvester, from Leeds, who won a silver in the 81kg category.
“Everyone enjoyed the high-quality hotel accommodation including swimming pool, gym and sauna. Now I’m back home catching up in preparation for my imminent ‘A’ level exams.”
Krupski trains at Beeston’s Master Sken Academy under Rafal Wrzeszcz and will be cheering on teammates at the Sandee novice show at Barnsley Metrodome on 12 April.
Pro-Am might well be unique to Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, in that much of the protective equipment worn in amateur bouts is no longer required. Pro-am boxers compete without shin pads, but elbow pads remain compulsory.
Kicks, knees and elbows to the head are allowed but pro-am fights remain at an amateur length of five two-minute rounds rather than the three minutes for professional bouts.
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