Former Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Phuket trainer Prathet Sor Tanikul, is flying the orange and black colours this weekend as he prepares for his latest bout on British soil.

Prathet arrived at Tiger in 2004 and spent seven successful years at the camp as a trainer and competitor.

No stranger to island life, 33 year old Prathet will be swapping tropical Phuket for the temperate island of Jersey this weekend. Prathet will compete at the third annual Kings Of The Ring promotion at the prestigious Hotel De France on Saturday May 26th. He takes highly ranked U.K fighter, Panicos Yusef in what is set to be a show stealing bout.

In 2011, Prathet and his English wife made the move to her native United Kingdom where he continues to teach and train Muay Thai. Although a true Thai at heart, Khon Kaen born Prathet has quickly embraced British culture and sport.

“I like England in the summer and I love Manchester United,” laughs Prathet. “I cook Thai food but I do like some English food. The people I meet in England are happy and are good people.”

Cultural differences aside, Prathet knows he must adapt his fighting style in order to triumph against a growing number of well schooled English Muay Thai students.

“I think most falang (foreigner) in England have a true fighter style of fighting. If they have trained in Thailand, they have more of an idea for timing and freestyle fighting. Falang train with other falang here and they like to train hard and with a lot of power.”

Since arriving in England, veteran Prathet has made a name for himself as one of the most experienced fighters on the British Muay Thai circuit. Using his wealth of knowledge, he teaches seminars to aspiring fighters and encourages all of his students to visit Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Phuket.

“A lot of my students here know me from Tiger and through my fights on Tiger’s YouTube channel. At Tiger, they have a lot of good, experienced Thai teachers so you can enjoy the full training – Thai style. It is good for them if they can train with Thai people. Thai people have a lot of technique, experience, control and timing as they start when they are very young.”

With overseas success on the horizon, Prathet is quick to credit Tiger for his successful career in and out the ring. Especially owner and founder, Will McNamara and Director, Will Elliot.

“I worked at Tiger and I was happy. Tiger owner Will helped me a lot – I love him the same as my brother. He had the idea for me to work and fight in Phuket. I would like to send my love to Will and Will! To all the teachers, the team and students around the world, I love you and miss you. If you can, come and see me in England or I am sure I will see you in Thailand again one day!”