Billy Gibbon is on a mission to chase his fighting dream in Thailand

Billy Gibbon has already made waves in Tasmania’s fight scene. Now, the teenage athlete is chasing his biggest challenge yet: a solo training mission to Thailand’s top Muay Thai gym. Find out how you can help.

At just 17 years old, Huon Valley’s own Billy Gibbon is preparing for the journey of a lifetime — a solo three-month training expedition to the birthplace of Muay Thai.

Currently training under coaches James Woolley and Shaw Dean at Huon Valley Muay Thai and Free Form Combat, Gibbon has already made his mark on the Australian fight scene, competing in the ISKA Australian Championships in Brisbane and at several Legion Fightsports events across Tasmania.

Now, the rising athlete is taking his commitment to the next level.

“I am going to Bangtao Muay Thai which is one of the best Muay Thai and MMA gym in the world,” Gibbon said.

“I went over there a couple of years ago, just for a couple of weeks just to test it out and I was like f*** yeah this is awesome.

Tasmania Muay Thai athlete Billy Gibbon is heading to Thailand to grow his craft in the ring as he chases to become Australia’s best Muay Thai athlete. Picture: Dogs of War Combat Sports

“So like three months over there, is like three years over here pretty much, you get so many high level guys over there, especially the gym I’m going to.

“It’s just awesome, will look at potentially doing a fight over there as well.”

Gibbon discovered Muay Thai at 14, after a year of boxing at the PCYC in Huonville.

Since then, he has had four fights, holding a record of two wins and two losses, with his most recent bout ending in victory in Launceston.

Now, Gibbon is as hungry as ever to get back on the winners list.

“What I like about it more is that you can do more in Muay Thai,” Gibbon said.

“It’s not just punching — you can kick, grapple, elbow, throw knees, there are more tools to work with and more ways to challenge yourself.”

Working and training at the gym in Huonville has shaped his discipline, and while he doesn’t follow traditional fight camps, Gibbon said his daily grind keeps him ready.

“When a fight’s coming up, I just ramp up the training,” Gibbon said.

“That’s why this trip is so exciting — over there, everyone trains hard and they’ll push me further than I’ve gone before.

“I’m keen to soak it all in and bring that knowledge back to share with others in the Huonville.”

Gibbon departs at the end of July and is seeking sponsorship support to help cover costs such as travel, accommodation, training, and day-to-day expenses.

In return, he’s committed to sharing regular updates from his journey, giving supporters a first-hand look at what it means to chase a dream on the world stage.

“I’m proud to represent the Huon Valley wherever I go,” Gibbon said.

“With a little support, I know I can make this journey something that inspires others too.”

You can donate to Gibbon’s GoFundMe page.

Originally published as Billy Gibbon is on a mission to chase his fighting dream in Thailand