“I NEVER actually planned to fight originally,” said Ben Reid, who is currently gearing up for his first title fight as a professional fighter in one of the toughest combat sports on the planet.
“I began training in around 2018, when I was working in an office – and I went to watch one of my colleagues fight in a white-collar boxing match. I’d had a few beers, and I messaged my coach Michael asking if we did anything like that.
“I ended up having my first amateur fight in Jersey about six months after I started training and I’ve never looked back.”
Now a professional Muay Thai fighter, with a perfect pro record so far comprised of three wins – all of which have been finishes – Ben balances the daily battle of his own training with his other job as a personal trainer and coach.
“It is hard work, to be honest. I love my job but when I am training my clients, getting booted up and down the gym holding pads and then managing my own training, it can be very tiring at times as it all adds up.
“This is when sponsorship really comes into it and I’m grateful to have my sponsors behind me. It means when I’m in fight camps I can cut my hours a little bit – I do love coaching people but being a professional I also need to focus on my career and make sure I am ready and fit for my fights.”
Having turned pro in 2023, Ben’s dedication in the gym has quickly translated into wins inside the ring.
“My second professional fight was actually in Thailand which was a crazy experience. Anyone who has fought out there will understand what a mental time it is, from getting matched to being put on posters.
“The lad I fought was very experienced with over 250 fights, people were coming up to us taking photos, saying they were betting on us and then after telling me they won money – it was cool.”
Ben currently has his sights set on the ISKA 4 Nations 72.5kg title, which he will look to claim on June 1 at the Trinity Showground when the next Blood Fight Series event takes place.
“My coach Michael does brilliant shows, I would definitely recommend going to one. It’s a great atmosphere, definitely one of the best live sporting events you can go to in Jersey. The level of fights with the fighters that are coming up are no joke, and there are always knockouts.”
And regardless of what is now on the line, the 26-year-old made it clear that he wants another finish.
“I’m not a point scorer, I don’t like playing games, I just want to get in and out – you don’t get paid for overtime as they say. So I’m keen for a straightener and I hope my opponent is, too.”
Should he replicate his emphatic victories thus far, Ben has his sights set much higher.
“My goal is to be in the top ten in the UK. Hopefully I will see myself there within the next few years. That’s the plan and I’ve got my eyes on a few people and I think in a year or two I will be ready to fight them.
“No disrespect to them, they are great fighters – but I know that I can get to that level and I want to show that.”
He added: “I want to thank my current sponsors, 24/7 Vend Store, Fuel 2 Go Jersey, The Window Detective, ProformJersey and Ashbe Construction.
“I couldn’t do this without them. It’s expensive turning pro, it’s expensive looking after yourself, training, nutrition, sports massages, everything that goes into it.
“I also couldn’t do anything without my coach and my team at Blood Fitness.”
