Precision wins teen State title

Holding up his gleaming belt, Singleton teenager Damon Nelson said he was stoked to be named the Muay Thai State junior lightweight champion last month.

The Lanna Prestige fighter battled Bailey's Walter Lara for the State title in the Nemesis 10 series at Kingsway Indoor Stadium on May 23.

Winning by a split decision, Damon, 15, said the fight of five two-minute rounds was tough, with Walter two years his senior.

He said he had fought Walter in his fourth fight and had lost by the judges' split decision, so it was a great feeling to come out on top in the State title round.

"It was a great experience and it helped me grow, but to win was something extra," he said.

Damon said he was more of a precision striker rather than a grappler and it worked to his advantage in the fight.

He said he had grown up around Muay Thai and fighting was a family affair, with his parents and siblings all jumping in the ring.

"Mum and dad started before I was born," Damon said.

Having trained since he was a child, Damon said he went into his first fight last December and had not looked back.

"I like the feeling of being in the ring. It is adrenalising," he said.

Damon's father and trainer Andrew Nelson said he was proud of his son's achievement.

"He has put in a lot of work and winning makes it all worthwhile," he said.

Damon is now preparing to defend his title in October and is hoping to fight in the nationals.