Sport
11 September, 2023
Fighters dominate Cairns ring
LOCAL Muay Thai fighters Anthony Cifuentes-Henderson and Shakayla Pedrola showcased their prowess in the ring recently, taking out their respective fights at the Elite Fight Series in Cairns.
Training six days a week, three of those being double sessions, Cifuentes and Pedrola have dedicated hours of training at Spirit Mauy Thai Gym Mareeba (SMT) to ensure gold.
Coming back for revenge, Cifuentes went up against well-known fighter Charles Jakab, whom he had fought against before.
At the beginning of the fight, the crowd were behind Jakab but as the bout went on, it was all eyes on Cifuentes, who fought with immense passion and fury.
For Pedrola, she knew her opponent Vicky Valesquez would be tough, but with her hardcore training behind her, she was able to take out the match.
Coach and co-owner of SMT Rosario Signarino said he couldn’t be prouder of his students and their discipline throughout the night.
“We were really lucky because so many members of our gym came down to Cairns to watch and support the fight,” he said.
“I knew he (Cifuentes) was super prepared, and he surpassed my expectations and just didn’t stop for three rounds.
“Shakayla didn’t surprise me at all because she has been working really hard inside and outside the gym and her professionalism working in the gym has come along way. She did amazing.”
Cifuentes and Pedrola are set to compete in the state championships at the end of the year and head to Thailand to train next year.
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