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The community of Muay Thai today sadly sees many ‘champions’ come and go. Fighters with questionable experience seem to boast ticket sales, championship belts and ‘legendary’ status, but the truth of this is that a great number of these fighters are in fact disposable, along with the hype that surrounds them. While holding an Area, English or British title is certainly commendable, displaying the skill that separates these credentials from that of a World status fighter seems to be the telling factor that exposes a competitor from a true Muay Thai fighter.
It is not often that this elite breed of fighter is produced; it has been seen in few Western fighters such as Steven Wakeling, Ramon Dekkers and John Wayne Parr – they are all exceptional practitioners of the sport of Muay Thai. But could young talent Jade Nicholls follow suit? Showing early promise and potential in her junior fights as a teenager holding two junior titles, Jade entered her first adult fight aged 17 against Sally McCarthy. Displaying signs of persistence, strength and technical ability, Jade won a dominating fight at a weight much heavier than her own. But it was not until her second fight that people began to take note. Ambitiously taking a giant leap to fight then British no. 2 ranked fighter, Emma Close, for the UKMF British title, Jade had spectators skeptical, yet curious. After stopping the highly experienced Close with a brutal KO from a single knee to the body in the first round, Jade silenced all critics who claimed that her inexperience in the ring and age would hold her back. It looked as though Jade Nicholls was the name on everybody’s lips, and she wouldn’t leave them in suspense, making a prompt return just months later to defend her title.
Proving to be her toughest fight yet, Jade successfully defended her title winning a points decision over Emma Bragg in October. After confirming everybody’s new belief in the young schoolgirl from Carshalton, it is hard to picture a loss in the near future for Jade. But what is it that fighters like Jade and the Wakelings have in common?
It is easy to say that these fighters are simply born with a raw, natural talent that only few are lucky enough to possess. But those who train alongside Jade everyday know this is not the case. The work ethic displayed by Jade from a young age until now, driven by her trainers and team-mates, is what separates her from the majority of fighters we see.
The desire to capitalise on her talent, the training put in until this is perfected, and the self-belief. The motivation to make it to every training session, the enthusiasm to learn, and the positive attitude that she brings to the gym. These are all the things that inspire others, and these are all the things that make a World champion. These are all the things that Jade Nicholls possesses in abundance. Britain has found itself a new World champion in the making.
It is time to believe the hype.
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