Tough Enough Muay Thai Challenge: registration extended
Dundalk Thai Boxing links up with O’Hanlon Park Boxing Club
Dundalk Thai Boxing have teamed up with O’Hanlon Park Boxing Club to create an event in aid of charity that brings the concept of white collar boxing to the next level.
The UFC has become increasing popular in Ireland in the wake of the success of people like Conor McGregor, however cage fighting can take a very long time to learn and can be quite brutal.
Therefore, as a bridge between white collar boxing and UFC style cage fighting, the two local clubs have created the ‘Tough Enough Challenge’ which incorporates the stand up elements of UFC style fighting but with an emphasis on safety.
Brian Gallagher, the head coach of Dundalk Thai Boxing, explained the genesis of the idea:
“Last year we were celebrating the club’s 20th anniversary and we were thinking about ways to give something back to the local community.
“We initially considered a white collar boxing event but thought how can we modernise it and reflect something of what Thai Boxing is about and so the idea of the ‘Tough Enough Challenge’ was born.
“We have ran shows in the past but have no experience of working with a charity so we approached Paul Taaffe of O’Hanlon Park Boxing Club who is well known for running charity events and we were delighted that not only did he offer us valuable advice and insight but offered for his club to also come on board which we were only too delighted to accept.”
The club was keen to fundraise for one of the lesser known charities — and preferably a charity connected to children — and opted for Rainbow Ireland, a free service for children and young people who have been affected by loss because of bereavement, separation or divorce.
Children, just like adults, experience grief and loss and if not supported it can become deep and unresolved in a young mind and heart and affect future emotional health and well-being.
The event takes place in the Ramada Hotel and 12 weeks of training is provided by fully qualified instructors. If you think you have what it takes to commit to two nights a week of training and would like to step into the ring at the end of your training to compete and help a fantastic charity, then Dundalk Thai Boxing want to hear from you.
To contact the club, you can message their Facebook page Dundalk Thai Boxing or come along to their registration day in Apex Fitness on the Coe’s Road on April 29th from 7–8.30pm. Registration can be paid at the first class of the camp which takes place next Monday, April 3rd.
The challenge is for those aged between 18 and 55 and is open to both males and females. Fighter safety is paramount, so all fighters are evenly matched, wear 16oz gloves, head guards, body shield, as well as shin pads and a gum shield.
