A collection of the best Muay Thai fighters from around Australia will go toe-to-toe in Mandurah for the ninth installment of Futures fight nights next month.
The card looms as a showcase of some of the top female, male and junior fighters on the circuit, with event director Chantel Green labeling it as a show “Perth would be lucky to have.”
Former champions Alicia Pestana (WA) and Yolanda Schmidt (NSW) will headline the show in what promises to be an enthralling rematch for the main event, while a four-man eliminator series will provide the semi-main event.
Meanwhile Whitney Tuna will make a lengthy return from injury to defend her WMC state title against Kaelee Mallard, and local rising star Dylan Thorpe will clash with Drew Hedley in a bid to be crowned the first Futures junior champion.
Green, who owns local gym True Grit Thai Boxing, said the quality of the fighters reflected the significance of the show.
“Every fighter on the card is a hard-nosed, talented martial artist who’s going to put on a great show,” she said.
“This will be the biggest we’ve ever put on and to bring this caliber of show to Mandurah is huge – Perth would be lucky to have this.”
Green’s passion for promoting upcoming Muay Thai talents led her to holding the first Futures fight night in Mandurah some years ago, which has since evolved into an opportunity for fighters of all skill levels to gain more exposure on the circuit.
“I pride myself and my fight nights on opening doors for everyone involved in our sport,” she said.
“Male, female or junior fighters can all find a place on the card and it’s a way for them to showcase what they can do.”
The event will also raise awareness for a cause close to the heart of many WA Muay Thai fighters, with the night’s top performer earning the Jessica Lindsay memorial trophy named in honour of the fighter who died due to weight cutting in 2017.
Previous Futures shows have proved a huge success in Mandurah, with last year’s event selling out the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
“We get so much support from the community,” Green said.
“A lot of it boils down to sponsors and how far their help goes for us.
“This time around we’ve got Phenomenal Gym Wear promoting their range on ring-card girls, and having Bowden Select and Medusa Marble and Granite jump on board helps us keep beer and table prices low for the spectators.”
To purchase tickets to the event – which will be held at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre on Saturday, March 2 – call 0403 250 157.