Tyler Kerr To Do Muay Thai Training In Thailand
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Tyler Kerr will spend the next several months in Thailand pursuing his Muay Thai ambitions, training at respected gyms, fighting on local shows, and immersing himself in the culture.
The Bermudian said it has long been his dream to “eat, sleep, and breathe” the “art of the eight limbs” in the county of its origin.
After being placed on gardening leave following RenaissanceRe’s acquisition of Validus Re, the underwriter believes he may never have a better opportunity.
Kerr, who discovered Muay Thai while scouring the internet for a new hobby more than four years ago and trains at Fight City Muay Thai and Fitness, told Bernews: “I have this unique opportunity where I can disappear for several months because of my work situation, and I’m at a stage where I don’t have too many responsibilities.
“The goal is to live the lifestyle [of a professional fighter], have a bunch of fights, and develop my skillset and knowledge of the sport massively.”
The 28-year-old will initially spend a month training at the renowned FA Group gym in Bangkok, preparing for the Amazing Muay Thai Festival, which runs from February 2 to 5 at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in the capital.
He won the silver medal in the Super Lightweight Elite Class at the previous festival in Hua Hin last year.
“I should fight on a local show in a few weeks to warm up for the festival,” Kerr said. “The level of competition was high last year, but it’s increased drastically.
“I’ll be alone, but our gym [Fight City] is well-respected and connected, so I know coaches from the US and Canada who can corner me.
“It will also be an amazing experience for me to fight at the Lumpinee Stadium – it’s a special venue.”
Kerr will also visit Vietnam to train alongside Ybon Dang, his opponent in the final at the Amazing Muay Thai Festival last year, before returning to Thailand to hone his skills at the Powerhouse Phuket gym, training under Paul Banasiak, a former top professional fighter, and the Spirit of Siam gym in Chiang Mai.
Then he will head straight from Thailand to Des Moines, Iowa, for the TBA Muay Thai Expo World Championships in June, where he hopes to storm to victory in the Featherweight A Class, having won the B Class last year.
He expects to be a far more battled-hardened fighter in six months and is excited to fully dedicate himself to his sport without the distractions of working full-time.
“Working around a full-time job could be quite challenging, and you must make sacrifices,” Kerr said.
“It’s hard to train properly, have proper sleep, and have a social life. Usually, your social life takes a backseat.
“It’s going to be intense. I’ll be up against guys often fighting because they have to [to survive].”
“The style is also a bit different, more traditional, and slightly more violent. The only equipment you have are gloves, a mouthguard, and a cup. Your elbows, knees, and chin are all out, so you’ll get more banged up.
“I’ve put a few thousand hours into this over the past few years. My coaches believe I’m ready for it.”
Weldone Tyler, I am sure you will do well and gain much experience with your travels anf your training.