With numerous state, regional and world titles in the trophy cabinet and at just 19 years of age, the sky is the limit for the Scottish-born, Perth based fighter George Mann (28-5-0).
With his first amateur contest coming at the age of seven, and his first professional fight at just 14, George Mann is a fighter beyond his years. Having competed around the world as well as living and training in Thailand, he has been able to accomplish more before the age of twenty then most fighters may ever hope to achieve.
A tall, lanky fighter with incredible reach, Mann is blessed with a build that is almost perfect for the art of muay thai. Able to keep his opponents at bay with precise push kicks and vicious knees to the body, Mann has proven to be a handful for even the most skilled fighters.
His opponent this Friday night at Epic Muay Thai 18 is Sydney-based Thai fighter Palungchok PTJ who fought less than two weeks ago in a five-round battle against fellow Sydney-sider Jay Tonkin.
Speaking to Fight News Australia in the leadup to the semi-main event bout, Mann said that after almost 8 months out of the ring he was feeling ‘strong, light and waiting patiently’ for the bout.
“I know very little about my opponent. I know he just recently fought the highly rated Jay Tonkin in Sydney and won via points. I haven’t watched the fight and I don’t intend on watching it. I know he will train hard under a great gym, PTJ and so shall I. May the best man win”.
Mann’s last fight, in July of 2017, was against the experienced Lion Fight World Champion Tum Sityodtong. Despite a hard-fought battle in which he took the split decision over five rounds, Mann now believes the weight cut he endured to make that fight took its toll on his body, resulting in an extended layoff from the ring.
“I successfully weighed in at 65.1kg, however, it had effects on my body which didn’t allow me to fight to my full potential. I am relieved that I was able to win the fight, however, I know I am capable of more. This was an eye opener that 65kg was no longer realistic and I had to consider a slightly heavier weight division to compete in”.
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Despite the long period out of the ring, Mann will come into Friday night’s bout fully prepared for the task ahead of him following his move to Riddlers Gym late in 2017. Training under the famed Darren ‘Riddler’ Reece, Mann now has an incredible stable of fighters to work with including Lloyd Dean, Barrie Oliver and Tyler Hardcastle. Knowing as a fighter that there is a finite amount of time to achieve all he can in the sport, Mann made the difficult decision to move gyms.
“I was previously at Gav’s Gym which I enjoyed, however, it was a part-time gym as the owners had a very challenging job themselves outside of the sport. After thinking about my future for a couple of months, I decided to join Riddlers Gym. Everything is going well and I’m looking forward to my first fight under the new gym”.
Having just applied for permanent residency, Australian fight fans can be sure they will be seeing plenty more of George Mann for years to come.
“I love the lifestyle in Australia, I have been made welcome by everyone here and I was lucky enough to meet my girlfriend, Shannon. Australia is now home”.
Epic Muay Thai 18 takes place this Friday night, March 23rd, from the Herb Graham Recreation Centre in Perth. The 18-fight card is headlined by an incredible local matchup between WMC Australian Champion Lloyd Dean and the formidable Roy Wills.
