Another Thai victory for Hawk Coleman

Troi Coleman…from Burntwood to Bangkok

TROI Coleman – the Burntwood middle pursuing his fight career in Thailand – is celebrating another victory in his adopted, Far East homeland.

On May 6 at Bangkok’s Spaceplus Arena, the 27-year-old gained majority, 10 round victory over local fighter Apichit Pimsen. Two judges had Troi winning 96-94, the other saw it a 95-95 draw. Pimsen lost for the second time in eight contests.

Footage of the last round shows a real barnstorming session.

After victory, Coleman posted about his Thai regime: “We have a group of coaches and fighters and supporters from all over the world with language barriers and cultural differences, but we all love and speak the language of boxing.

“We support each other the same if it's a debut or a title, if we win or we lose. Much more to come.

“I met the main man Tunal Baris (fighter, trainer and Thai boxing academy founder) only 10 months ago, and, since then, in and out of the ring, he has guided me to be an all-round better boxer and person!

“Six fights in seven-and-a-half months. One WBC Asia title, One WBA Asia title! A class experience fighting Cuba’s number one prospect Yan Marcios in Dubai.

“I’m developing as a fighter and person, so for that, you have my gratitude. Thank you, brother.”

“Hawk” Coleman is certainly on one hell of an adventure – and the gamble is paying dividends. The man is living the dream.

He’s being kept busy – since opening his Thai career in July last year, he’s fought six time, collected the WBC Asian Continental title, and pushed Marcos – one of the world’s best amateurs – to a points decision.

Midlands fans will remember an aggressive fighter with a decent dig.

He was last seen in a British ring in December, 2020, when River Wilson-Bent despatched him with possibly the punch of the year. That was for the vacant Midlands title.

Following the first defeat of his career, Troi upped sticks to Ko Sumui, a paradise island in the gulf of Thailand.

And, boxing wise, he’s doing very well for himself.

I find it incredible that Staffordshire now has a claim on an Asian title.

There are those who will say Thailand isn’t known for its middleweights, but even the naysayers have to applaud Coleman for rolling the dice.

And the Marcos eight rounder in March suggests Coleman has hit the best form of his career. Marcos is a former outstanding amateur who has now won all nine pro fights, six by stoppage. Coleman has lost two of 13.

After the scrap, Troi posted: “This is all part of learning on the job. Don’t sleep on me -  I’m not even half way to my ceiling yet. Hawk season!”

From Burntwood to Bangkok champ. If that’s not a film just waiting to be made I don’t know what is.