Muay Thai World Bantamweight Champion, Corey Nicholson, had a dream come true when he knocked out Thai fighter Pentai Singpatong in the fourth round to take the title.
He gave this fight his all, against a formidable opponent who had over 300 fights to his name, ending in a knockout in the fourth round.
Nicholson won against Ellis Barboza 8 October to qualify for this World Champion fight.
He grew up at Ironfist Gym with some of Australia’s best fighters, including Michael “Tomahawk” Thompson who began as one of Nicholson’s idols and continues to this day as his training and sparring partner.
Thompson would come in to the gym between shifts at work to train with Nicholson and has provided a huge amount of support to the young fighter over the years.
Nicholson, who trains with Ironfist Gym in Brisbane, has co-trained with Canungra Muay Thai coach and father-in-law David Torrens throughout his career.
Dan Bell from Ironfist Gym has been training Nicholson since he was 12 years old.
“Corey first came to the gym in Ford Road as a 12 year old wide eyed little fella, keen to learn everything he could about Muay Thai, and to see him 15 years later secure his third World Title makes me prouder than I can express.”
“This is our third fighter to take from beginner to legitimate World Champion and our seventh World Title. Thanks again mate, we make a good team.”
Nicholson was delighted to have his partner and former Muay Thai fighter Samantha Torrens and their two children ringside on the night, along with his mother Christine and brother Mitch.
In an emotional post on his Facebook page, Nicholson thanked his partner Sam.
“To Sam and the boys wow I love you guys to the moon and back.”
“My rocks, the ones that keep me level headed and the reason I’ve been driving hard to get here.”
“I wanted my boys to see me become the number one ranked bantamweight in the world so I couldn’t let them down on Saturday night.”
“As for Sam you’ve been with me for my whole pro career; you’ve seen it all from the beginning to the top but we did it and you believed in me every step of the way.”
He also made special mention of David Torrens and his contribution to Nicholson’s training.
“You too know what to say when I need it and always make time for me around your busy schedule. You’re the fitness king and I appreciate you!”
