Teen fighter’s drive to be the best in the world
She’s the teenage fighter who first had to best her five siblings, now she wants to be the best in the world and she’s willing to throw down with anyone
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MUAY THAI: She's the teenage fighter who first had to best her five siblings, now she wants to be the best in the world.
Jorja Hersey will throw down the gauntlet to anyone.
She has already conquered her division and age group as the national champion, and should the coronavirus pandemic allow, she will be off to the world titles later in the year.
She has been training out of the Sunshine Coast Thai Boxing Centre for three years under the guidance of Joe Hilton.
Her natural ability won her the opportunity to represent Australia in the 12-13s F -48kg division.
Her sparring partner Skylah Hammil was also selected.
The Chancellor State College student said being one of six children gave her both a competitive edge and determination.
"I want to win and be the best," Jorja said.
"I just love training and the feeling of winning.
"I put a lot of effort in and have a great trainer in Joe."
Her mum Joanne said Jorja's four sisters, and an older brother, are all "super competitive" in the MMA or AFL circles.
"Oh they will throw down the gauntlet to anyone. They're always on the boxing pads at home," she said.
"Being one of six she had to stand up for herself.
"The pandemic has made it hard to train but they still go hard. Bike rides, runs, that sort of thing."
Hilton said his protege had a huge future.
"I'd say it's her aggression, she can flip a switch and go flat out. Once she is on full ramp she doesn't stop," Hilton said.
"Because she is tall and has the height advantage she can control a fight.
"She is very skilled across the board. We like to train all her weapons up at once."
Hilton said all his young protegee was lacking was fights.
She was all set for five match-ups before the world championships but the global pandemic meant it was highly unlikely.
"We are preparing like it will still happen. We might get one fight in now if we're lucky," he said.
"But she can't even spar at the moment.
"She has all the weapons but just lacks confidence. She can be a bit nervous when stepping into the ring. But she shouldn't be."
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