Muay Thai on the menu at RSL Club

FIGHTERS from across Australia will head to Ballina RSL this weekend for the return of the Muay Thai Amateur Series.

The Muay Thai Amateur Series 2 will take place on Saturday, April 12.

Fighters of all shapes and sizes will compete in full contact with stand-up striking, sweeps, and various clinching techniques.

Solace Muay Thai at Ballina has a handful of its members competing with coach and owner Spiro Darzanos instrumental in organising the event.

“About eight of our guys will compete and we’ll have people coming from Canberra, South Australia and all over the place,” he said.

“A couple are fighting for the first time and some of the other guys will be in exhibition bouts against each other.

“We’re under the Muay Thai NSW banner and it will be a grassroots event which is run by the governing body.

“The amateur guys are fully padded, and the idea is to give them an event where they can give it a go.”

Darzanos has been an advocate for growing the sport across the region after first opening his gym in 2019.

He quickly expanded to his current location in Cessna Crescent after signing up more than 50 members.

He has taught women and kids classes, while also travelling around the country with people looking to compete in events.

Support from Ballina Shire Council and mayor Sharon Cadwallader has helped bring the shows to the region.

“It takes about three months for fighters to prepare for an event like this,” Darzanos said.

“Some people change their mind and pull out, so it takes a lot of commitment and is a lot of work for a promoter.

“There can be a lot of red tape in trying to get our sport over the line, too, but the mayor has been really supportive.

“Sharon attended one of our previous shows and helped tell people what we’re all about.”

Plans are already in place for a council grant to help run a professional fight night later in the year.

The event this weekend starts at noon with tickets available at the door.