Luke Fraser: A 57kg Muay Thai pocket battleship not to be messed with

He is a 57kg pocket battleship once bullied at school, but who is now the reigning Muay Thai Queensland 57kg state title belt holder.

He is a 57kg pocket battleship not to be messed with.

Meet year 9 schoolboy Luke Fraser the reigning Muay Thai Queensland 57kg state title belt holder.

Fraser, 14, claimed the title late last year after stepping up from three round bouts he was accustomed to in junior tournaments to win in his first five round fight.

He started in the sport six years ago inspired by a combination of being picked on at school while also looking for an off-season sport around soccer.

Coached by Jojo Ancajas from JTA Training Systems at Nundah, Fraser said he worked the hardest he ever had in an effort to win..

“This was going to be one of the biggest fights of my career,’’ he said.

“Usually I fight 3 rounds but for the championship belt I had to fight 5 rounds so JoJo and I worked harder at training than we have before.

“At the end of the fight when I was announced the winner by split decision it was the best feeling because all my hard work paid off.

“(Coach) Jojo’s key advice is to have loyalty, respect and honour.’’

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Recognising he had to take his training up a gear if he was to win the state 57kg final, Fraser sort extra sparring at neighbouring gyms as well as working with coach Ancajas.

Luke Fraser, 14, is the Muay Thai State Champion

“We did extra fitness and went to other gyms around Brisbane for extra sparring.

“I had to get special permission to fight because my opponent was 17-years-old and I am 14-years-old and we had to travel to Mackay to fight in front of his home crowd.

Mum Donna was proud of her boy’s achievement.

“Luke has gained a lot of confidence to believe in himself,’’ she said.

Donna and Luke said his school, Wavell SHS, contributed to his success by “being very supportive’’ and while also ensuring the schoolboys academic work came first.

The state title adds to a growing list of achievements from the rookie.

Other milestones in the sport include:

+ Muay Thai Australia Championship bronze medallist 2020.

+ Siam Cup Junior Muay Thai Championship Belt in 2019.

+ Sangtiennoi Muay Thai Cup 2019.

+ Siam Road to Eruption winner in 2018.

+ John Wayne Parr Tomorrow’s Champion Winner 2016.

Originally published as Luke Fraser: A 57kg Muay Thai pocket battleship not to be messed with