Muay Thai fighter Bronson Powell to represent Australia in Europe

An aspiring professional fighter from the Territory has turned his life around after suffering what he says was the darkest year of his life.

Darwin Muay Thai fighter Bronson Powell. Picture: Contributed.

An amateur Muay-Thai fighter from Darwin has a new lease on life having survived the darkest year of his life.

After his life spiralled out of control 22-year old Bronson Powell is now grabbing life by the horns as he sets out to become the nation’s top fighter.

“I was in a very dark place in my life and suffered a number of suicidal thoughts,” Powell said.

“I’d just moved into my own place but the guy I was moving in with pulled out last minute so I ended up job hopping, barely scraping by.

“On top of some other things that happened in my personal life, I began to shut everyone and everything out.”

Bronson Powell in the ring at NT Fight Series. Picture: Contributed.

Powell said at one point, he didn’t see the purpose of sticking around.

However, after he thought about his mother, his coach and family, he realised he was hurting them just as much as he was hurting himself.

“I thought about my mum, family and my coach Astro,” he said.

“I new I was hurting those around me, especially Astro.

“I look up to him so much and he’s the only person that’s put me on the right path.

“He’s like a father to me and has helped me become a better person and not turning up to training or returning his calls was the wrong thing to do in hindsight.”

Fast-forward to this year and Powell says he is back on track with the ultimate goal of becoming a household name.

Bronson Powell is off to Europe to represent Australia. Picture: Contributed.

“My goal is to become World Champion and to become a ONE Championship fighter,” he said.

“I know I have the self belief and ability to; I’m five from five in fights so far.

“There’s nothing else like stepping into the ring and being in control of your own future.

“At the moment I’m working FIFO which is tough as I have to train by myself and keep myself motivated away from the gym.

“But when I’m home I’m training two-weeks straight, twice a day.”

Powell’s next step on his journey – while not Muay Thai – will see him head to Europe in the coming months to fight as part of team Australia at the WAKO World Cup Tour in June.

Powell will be one of 4,00 fighters from across more than 50 countries in the tournament, the largest kickboxing event in the world.

“I’m pretty excited to have been given this opportunity to represent the nation and fight against some of the best in the world,” he said.

“I’m hoping to learn as much from this experience as I can to make me a better fighter and person.

To support Powell on his trip go to:https://www.gofundme.com/f/my-goal-to-become-world-champion?cdn-cache=0

Originally published as Muay Thai fighter Bronson Powell to represent Australia in Europe