Kenny Tse was recently crowned the Australian Bantamweight Kickboxing Champion

Kenny Tse’s stocks are on the rise following his latest Beast Championship victory in Calliope last Saturday. Find out how ‘The Pitbull’ mentally prepared for his latest hard-fought victory.

From fixing backs during the day to taking names at night, Gladstone’s own Kenny ‘The Pitbull’ Tse recently reached the summit of Queensland’s kickboxing scene.

Born to Chinese immigrants, Mr Tse was a good student who was often bullied at school for his weight issues, short stature, and ethnicity.

That all changed when Mr Tse’s older brother Tim, who is now an established kickboxer, encouraged him to take up kickboxing aged just 13.

Mr Tse’s first brush with competitive kickboxing was just two years later and he has since gone on to amass a record of 40-8 and has held the K-1 South Pacific Championship.

Kenny Tsu was recently crowned an Australian Bantamweight Kickboxing Champion. PHOTO: @bensungrey

After several years out of the cage following a three-loss streak, and consolidating a move from Melbourne to Gladstone earlier this year, Mr Tse returned to combat sports last Saturday.

In the main event of Beast Championship’s Gladstone F (r) ight Night at the Calliope Roosters Sports Complex, he tasted gold once again.

He defeated Arthur Jukes by unanimous decision and was named the A Class Kickboxing 61.2kg bantamweight champion, earning himself an Australian title.

Mr Tse said it was an indescribable feeling when his hand was raised as the winner of a bruising bout after what had been a challenging 12 months.

“This was a battle, this fight, for me mentally getting back into the cage after so much time out and managing my business Spinal Health and Co Biloela Chiropractic,” he said.

“Usually I fight overseas in places like Thailand, Malaysia and China with One Championship, but the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to that.

“Some of the biggest challenges I faced in the lead up to the fight were running a business, finding time to coach and mentor younger fighters and still having to mentally prepare myself for combat.”

Mr Tsu went toe-to-toe with Arthur Jukes and emerged victorious via unanimous decision. PHOTO: @bensungrey

Mr Tse’s assistant coach Steve said the sky was the limit for the talented Mr Tse, and he had never seen a fighter with a more admirable work ethic.

“He raises the training standard of our gym every time he sets foot in there,” Steve said.

“It is unbelievable the impact and influence he has on the younger fighters in our gym, they all look up to him and even knew about him before he moved to Gladstone.”

Mr Tsu's coach said he was so proud of his fighter and how hard he had trained in the lead up to his outstanding victory. PHOTO: @bensungrey

Mr Tse said he did not make predictions regarding his next opponent like some fighters do, although he had a devastating message to any potential suitors.

“My coach Jason does not change the training regime to suit specific fighters,” Mr Tse said.

“I’m going to punch until I can’t punch any more, kick until I can’t kick anymore and don’t stop punching and kicking until your opponent is on the floor.”

Kenny Tse posed with his team from Platinum Chiropractic Centre after his gruelling championship victory over Arthur Jukes on Saturday night.