Billy the Kid back in the ring

GYMPIE athlete Billy Degoumois has been lured back into the ring for a bout against a Cambodian kickboxer and current world title holder.

Billy Degoumois is coming out of semi-retirement in a bid to capture a world kickboxing title in Adelaide against an opponent from Cambodia. Picture: Submitted

BILLY "Billy the Kid" Degoumois' resume is beyond impressive in the world of Muaythai kickboxing.

Amid various achievements at all levels of the sport, Degoumois, 29, is credited with being four times Australian Champion and two times South Pacific Champion.

They are statistics which have struck fear in the heart of many an opponent who has dared step into the ring against the Gympie athlete.

But having drifted into a state of semi-retirement in recent times, Degoumois, who turned professional in his early 20s, has been lured back into the spotlight with a chance of capturing glory on the international stage.

"I received a phone call from a promoter in Adelaide about a fight on June 20," he said.

"It's against a Cambodian kickboxer who is the current world title holder."

Degoumois is quick to highlight the gravity of the opportunity.

"I've done a lot of Australian events, and even a couple in New Zealand and Japan, but not one that is international," he said.

But to think Degoumois is feeling daunted by the challenge would be foolish.

"I know what to expect with the standard because I have contested international-standard opponents before," he said.

However, a major drawback is the limited time in which Degoumois has to prepare for the event - a mere five weeks.

And having been in semi-retirement, the kickboxer concedes he is not in the best shape for a fight of this magnitude.

"I've got a fair bit of conditioning work to do over the next month and a bit," he said.

Degoumois works for Nestle and his employer has seen the value in the kicboxer's latest undertaking.

"Nestle have been really supportive and given me a month off to get ready, I really appreciate that support."

Degoumois will now base himself in Brisbane for the next month to train.

"I will be hitting the training six days a week, including skipping, running, pad work, technique (refinements) and sparring," he said.

Muaythai kickboxing differs from that of standard kickboxing in that competitors are allowed the use of knees and elbows.

Originally published as Billy the Kid back in the ring