A Harrogate Thai boxer who is turning 14 has added another belt to his collection after success at Barnsley Metrodome.
Harley Lee, who began competing three years ago, has now won seven title belts - most recently the WKO world title at 54kg.
He described the moments before the opening bell as “a few butterflies”, quickly replaced by focus.
"I love attending the competitions and especially when I come home the winner.
“It’s soon all action as I concentrate on showing just what I can do.
"I love everything about Thai boxing, Muay Thai as it’s officially called.”
His father, Oliver, said Harley first tried karate at seven before switching to Muay Thai.
He now trains up to five days a week at Jompop Kiatphontip’s gym in Leeds.
He said:
“It’s a bit of a trek, but he’s thriving on the care and attention of the coaches in a family-oriented atmosphere.
“Harley’s already a role model for the younger children and loves nothing more than keeping busy fighting as often as possible.
"A short while ago he had half a dozen bouts in less than a month which helped him get established on the regional Muay Thai circuit.”
Head coach Jompop Kiatphontip praised the youngster’s approach.
He added:
“This boy is exceptionally good. He always pushes himself to the limit and has excellent concentration skills, which translates into ruthlessness in a fight where he looks for opportunities to showcase what he’s learnt.”
Harley says the sport brings benefits beyond fitness.
He said:
“It protects me from things best avoided. Some children in my year already vape regularly. That’s not good.
"They’re strict at this gym and I like to be strict with myself and put all my effort into improving.
“The sport can be brutal. Fights are exhausting as you use both arms and legs and when I’m older even elbows.
"I’m allowed head shots with protection, but I feel ready for a full contact bout including head shots which I’ll have when I fight in Thailand next year.”
Like many young Thai boxers, Lee has aspirations to compete on major stages.
He hopes one day to appear on the ONE Championship platform and at Bangkok’s Lumpini Stadium.
The family says they have twice visited Thailand for training, including sessions at Kiatphontip in Bangkok and Yodyut on Ko Samui.
Harley added:
“You need to get used to the heat. I love experiencing the culture and the food.”
Potential sponsors for Lee can contact Oliver Lee via Facebook, e-mail nywhiterose1@gmail.com, or call Kiatphontip gym on 07547000091. (Contact details supplied by the family.)
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