Stepping Into the Ring: My First Fight in Thailand with Sumalee Boxing Gym
A Journey That Changed Everything
“My experience with the First Fight in Thailand program was incredible.”
That’s how it all began — four words that sum up months of sweat, discipline, and emotion. For Joya, training at Sumalee Boxing Gym in Phuket wasn’t just about learning how to fight. It was about pushing limits, finding strength, and becoming part of something bigger.
Training was intense — running twice a day and four hours of Muay Thai sessions daily. It demanded everything: focus, endurance, and heart. But every drop of sweat was worth it when the results started to show.
A standout moment was traveling to Krabi with the trainers and teammate Alex Jones. “It was surreal to see our fight poster everywhere on the island!” Joya said. “And of course, stepping into the ring for the first time was unforgettable — the adrenaline rush was unlike anything I had experienced before.”
Support That Feels Like Family
Behind every fighter stands a team that makes it all possible.
At Sumalee, the trainers’ support went far beyond the gym. “They have become like family to me,” Joya shared. “During every round, I felt grateful to have their support. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Of course, not every day was easy. Overtraining happens — especially when motivation is sky-high. “There were days I pushed too hard, and some sparring sessions were brutal,” Joya admitted. “But my trainers looked out for me.”
After a minor injury, recovery became the focus: acupuncture, cupping, ice baths, and sessions with the best sports physiotherapist on the island. The gym’s facilities — including a swimming pool, ice baths, and massages — ensured a perfect balance between intensity and recovery. “That’s what allowed me to perform at my best without burning out.”
Training Tailored to Perfection
The trainers didn’t just coach — they customized every detail.
“They had known me for a while, but now they focused on me differently and pushed me to my limits,” Joya explained. Nutrition, sleep, and recovery were monitored closely. “One trainer would remind me, ‘You need to sleep now; your body heals when you sleep.’”
Training consisted of six-round sessions, incorporating heavy weights, jump drills, and daily sprints. “They believed this would make fight night easier — and they were right.”
Breathing was another crucial element. “My trainers emphasized breath work. They’d say, ‘If I tell you to breathe, you need to breathe.’”
Everything was individualized — designed to build physical power and mental calm.
Fight Night: The Moment of Truth
When fight day finally arrived, nerves kicked in — but so did excitement.
“The venue was electric,” they said. “The organization, the atmosphere — everything was perfect.”
The morning was spent resting and visualizing. Later came a pre-fight meal followed by rehearsals and a pre-fight massage.
Then came the gloves, the hand wraps, the heartbeat pounding louder with every minute. “I asked my trainers about ten times if everything was okay,” they laughed. “Once the gloves were on, even going to the bathroom was a mission!”
But the nerves vanished when they stepped into the ring. “I felt so much love and support — the entire Sumalee family was there, cheering me on. From that moment, I knew one thing for sure: no matter what happened, this wouldn’t be my last fight.”
A New Chapter Begins
The First Fight in Thailand program isn’t just about a single night — it’s a transformation. It’s about confidence, resilience, and connection.
For this fighter, the journey redefined what’s possible. “It was the most rewarding experience of my life,” they said. “Sumalee made sure I was ready in every sense — physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
From the first run at sunrise to the final bell, it was a story of growth — and a reminder that once you step into the ring, you’ll never be the same again.
Thinking About Your First Fight?
If you’ve ever dreamed of testing yourself in the birthplace of Muay Thai, Sumalee’s First Fight in Thailand program offers the full experience: expert coaching, cultural immersion, and a fight night you’ll never forget.
We are taking enquiries for the FFIT 2026 schedule (dates TBC)
👉 Learn more about the program here and take the first step toward your own story.
