MMA | Countdown is on to the Tough Enough Muay Thai Challenge

The countdown is well and truly on on to the Tough Enough Muay Thai Challenge which takes place in the Ramada Hotel on the Armagh Road on Saturday, July 1st.

Dundalk Thai Boxing have teamed up with O’Hanlon Park Boxing Club to create an event in aid of charity that brings the concept of white collar boxing to the next level.

The club was keen to fundraise for one of the lesser known charities — and preferably a charity connected to children — and opted for Rainbow Ireland, a free service for children and young people who have been affected by loss because of bereavement, separation or divorce.

The UFC has become increasing popular in Ireland in the wake of the success of people like Conor McGregor, however cage fighting can take a very long time to learn and can be quite brutal.

Therefore, as a bridge between white collar boxing and UFC style cage fighting, the two local clubs have created the ‘Tough Enough Challenge’ which incorporates the stand up elements of UFC style fighting but with an emphasis on safety.

Twenty-four competitors, eight from O’Hanlon Park Boxing Club and 16 from Dundalk Thai, are over halfway through a 12-week training programme provided by fully qualified instructors and are gearing up for the big night in less than three weeks time.

Tickets are now available for the event, priced at just €20. Doors open at 6.45pm with the first bout at 7pm. Show sponsors, Matthews Coaches, will be providing free transport to the hotel with buses leaving from St Patrick’s at 6.30pm.

Dundalk Thai are also offering one lucky winner two tickets to the event. You can find further details on the club’s Facebook page.