Cooktown teen Hanson set for professional Muay Thai debut

OLIVER Hanson will have no fear as he steps into the ring for his first professional Muay Thai fight this Saturday against a man who loves nothing more than kicking blokes in the head.

Hanson, who trains out of Full Boar Gym at Cooktown, has had more than 30 amateur fights in his six years in juniors, but coach Vince Parkes is adamant the tough fighter is ready to step it up.

His journey started as a 10year-old, when he watched teenagers throw down at a Muay Thai card. He decided that day he’d give this sport a crack, and, now 16, he’s primed for his pro debut.

“I’m feeling the same as every other fight,” Hanson said. “A fight’s a fight. You can’t take anyone easy as anything can happen.”

Parkes would know, he’s been in the business for a very long time and has watched many a fighter progress to the professional level, and in Hanson he sees a toughness and ability he thinks could deliver the ultimate result.

“He’s definitely ready.” Parkes said. “He’s been fighting for six years, has 22 wins from 34 fights.

“He’s durable. He put on about 17kg 18 months ago, all muscle, and has stepped it up.”

Cummings presents a huge challenge for Hanson.

The Fight Academy ace has several titles to his name, but is driven instead by the opportunity to fight.

But Parkes is confident.

“We’ve seen Dirk fight, we know what he can do. Oliver’s working hard,” he said.

“We’d love to see him get a win, and he can do it.

“He puts 110 per cent in at training all the time, and if he does that on the night, he could do anything.”

The Cairns Post will stream all professional bouts from the Pullman Cairns International this Saturday, with the livestream to start at 6pm.