Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a World Champion in Muay Thai? Sure, talent and skill play a role in determining who reaches the top, but in a global sport with countless fighters competing for the highest rankings, there has to be something else that sets the best apart from the rest.
Like you, we were curious to find out what it takes to be the best, so we reached out to two of Muay Thai’s most elite fighters to get answers. We interviewed Josh Hill and Dan Bonner, two champions fighting out of Majestic Gym in the North of England, and asked them about their training routines, their mindset, and the challenges they overcame to become bona fide Muay Thai champions.
In the next few paragraphs, we’re going to unpack their answers, revealing the similarities between their approach to give you a glimpse at what it takes to become one of the best Nak Muays in the world. So, if you aspire to win a World Title in the future or are simply intrigued by the life of elite athletes, read on, this article will give you a glimpse into the life and training of champions.
Introducing Our Interviewees
Dan Bonner is the current WMO Light-Heavyweight World Champion and former WBC International Champion. He is currently ranked as the best light-heavyweight in the UK whilst also holding the #1 spot in the WBC Super-middleweight world rankings. Dan is scheduled to fight Cyprian, Andronikos Evripidou for the coveted WBC Super-middleweight world title later this year.
Following his recent victory over Frenchman, Jonathan Mayezo to capture the WBC Middleweight International Title, Josh Hill is now simultaneously ranked as the #2 middleweight in the world in both the WBC and WMO world rankings. A victory over the tricky Santanfah Sitsongpeenong on RWS earlier this year also earned him the #7 ranking in the prestigious Rajadamnern Stadium. Later this year he challenges Bad Company’s own, Joe Craven for what could become his second ISKA World Title.
Training Philosophy
In their interviews, both champions noted that they train relentlessly year-round, whether they have a fight scheduled or not. Dan and Josh both note that they train twice a day, six days a week. This attitude undermines the common “fight camp” approach to fighting where many fighters disappear from the gym until a fight is booked and then ramp up their training for 4-6 weeks leading up to their bout.
Josh says that he likes “to make sure that every box is ticked. Whether it be S and C (Strength and Conditioning), running, clinch, pads, or sparring, I want to make sure I’ve done all to the best of my ability all week. I want to make sure I’ve boxed the best sparring partners; I’ve pushed myself the best I can in my S and C and throughout my running.”
Dan notes a similar approach, the only difference being that when a fight isn’t on the horizon “everything is tapered down. I still train 2-3 times a day, six times a week, just with less intensity.”
In their weekly training, both champions don’t limit their training to one coach or one gym. While their home may be Majestic, and their guiding coach, Kev Harper, both men search out expert strength and boxing coaches who offer expert knowledge in areas that complement their Muay Thai training.
Work
Even at the highest levels, Muay Thai athletes living outside of Thailand must consider external factors such as providing for themselves while pursuing their Muay Thai career. This rings true for both champions who have taken to teaching their beloved sport as a way to make ends meet when they aren’t center-ring. Dan co-owns his own gym in Warrington, The Forge, where he runs alongside his twin brother Matt, a successful MMA fighter and former Cage Warriors World Champion. Josh, alternatively, teaches PTs out of Majestic Gym, and while having to maintain a full-time commitment to both fighting and coaching comes with its unique challenges, Josh is able to see it as a unique opportunity to develop:
“As a coach you get to work on this with your fighters and ingrain it in yourself a different way. I think that benefits me in a big way, not just in training but it allows me to structure my training around training others and I’m not stuck, I can prioritize my own training.”
Personal Sacrifices
Muay Thai World Champions Daniel Bonner & Josh Hill after a early morning Muay Thai session.
When asked about the sacrifices they have made to achieve what they have in the sport both Josh and Dan remain relatively silent. Dan will often mention missing the quality time he spends with his young daughter in the lead-up to a fight, an ache that is exacerbated when he fights internationally, but in running his own business he is able to schedule extra time to spend with her after the dust settles on his latest bout. Josh indirectly mentions having to go to bed early every night in preparation for work or training which is scheduled long before the sun rises the next day, but keeping with his usual upbeat attitude he notes:
“I’ve always believed that early nights win fights, so when I’ve got a fight coming up I get to bed early. Early nights, making sure every box is ticked and that’s the way to go. No cutting corners.”
So, rather than seeing this as a sacrifice, he clearly accepts this as a part of his routine and as something he simply needs to do to reach his goals.
What We Can Learn
Muay Thai World Champions Daniel Bonner and Josh Hill standing tall with their championship belts, a testament to their dedication and sacrifice.
It is apparent that there are many similarities between Dan’s and Josh’s training philosophies. While Josh notes that his coach has very little input in structuring his training because, after many years of working together, Kev trusts that Josh is doing everything necessary, Dan has a different view of his coach’s involvement; “He’s the boss and I do what I’m told.” That being said, he continues to go above and beyond the expectations that are set for him, “I do still try and add little bits in there to improve on.”
It is clear to see that both champions are highly self-motivated. Even after countless fights and numerous titles, the two men aren’t complacent with just doing the same thing for each fight. They train relentlessly whether or not a fight is looming and do extra work without being prompted, seek out extra knowledge and training at their own expense, and regularly travel to find the best training partners who can prepare them for each opponent’s unique challenges.
With lengthy careers and plenty of experience both fighters have found a way to make a living from coaching. While they are clearly passionate about the sport and love what they do it seems that they have selected their vocation because it allows them to make fighting their priority. Coaching allows them to schedule work around their changing training schedules and they can increase or decrease their work commitments with relative ease depending on how close they are to a fight.
Neither champion complains about the drawbacks of having insecure work or an irregular income. In fact, when prompted neither Dan nor Josh offered any complaints about the lives they live in order to fight at the highest level. To them there are no sacrifices, they readily accept the decisions they’ve made in order to pursue their life’s passion.
Final Notes
While there are many lessons an aspiring fighter can take away from the interviews with Dan and Josh, it should be noted that they are case studies, reflecting a unique situation that may not be realistic for everyone. Not every fighter, especially early in their career, will be able to make a living coaching or have the benefit of putting fighting before their vocation. Likewise, being able to travel to different gyms and coaches for training is rare and anyone looking to do it needs to have a clear and open discussion with their own coach before doing so.
By reading between the lines of their responses it is obvious that being self-motivated, prioritizing a fighting career, and loving every aspect of a fighter’s life are clearly keys to the success of both men. There are no sacrifices, they embrace the life they lead and all the struggles that come with it. If you want to become a champion and take your fight career as far as possible then you should do the same, however this fits with your personal circumstances.
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