Zac Hasson, an 18-year-old from Idle in Bradford, has won a bronze medal at the Amazing Muay Thai World Festival in Bangkok. The teenager fought three times in three days against elite international opponents to secure his place on the podium. His performances also helped his local gym, Bad Company, earn the title of Team of the Tournament.
Three Fights in Three Days
Hasson's journey in Bangkok included victories over a Ukrainian and a Canadian opponent on the first two days. His third bout, against a Mexican fighter, was a closely fought contest that ended in defeat, leaving him with the bronze medal. The Mexican boxer went on to win the gold in their category.
Reflecting on the experience, Hasson said: "There were high and lows to my experience in Bangkok. The organisers were strict about competitors weighing in the day before and the morning of each fight day. I boxed three times in three days and lost a closely fought contest in the third bout, meaning that I took a bronze medal."
Balancing Training and Studies
Hasson balances his rigorous training schedule with school studies and coaching younger fighters. He trains at least seven times a week and is now competing at pro-am level, which means no head or body protection, though shin guards are still worn and elbows are not yet permitted. His bouts last nine minutes, compared to 15 minutes for fully professional contests.
"I’ve been fitting training around school. I attend at least seven sessions a week and I’m now fighting at pro-am meaning no head or body protection although we still wear shin guards and can’t yet use elbows," Hasson explained. "Winning is just the very best feeling. Helping train the younger fighters and cornering them on shows is so enjoyable."
Future Ambitions and Upcoming Fights
Hasson plans to study physiotherapy at university next year, with Leeds or Manchester as potential destinations. He lives at home with his parents and two brothers while preparing for his upcoming adult category bouts. His next major match is scheduled for September 12 in Manchester on the Hitman show, which will be a C class fight without shin pads.
"I’m currently preparing for a step-up as I next box on the Hitman show in Manchester on 12th September. This will be a C class fight without shin pads," Hasson said. "I’ll be competing as an adult so there’s no head or body protection. I then hope to be part of our team for a European championship in Sardinia in October."
Local people and businesses interested in supporting Hasson with sponsorship for his upcoming European competitions can contact him via Instagram @zac_badco or through coach Lisa Houghton-Smith on 07885 270267.
