Gary is ready to take on the world

Jun 6 2006 Paisley Daily Express

MUAY Thai kick boxer Gary O'Brien will finally get his World Championship campaign underway in Thailand this week.

The Johnstone martial artist will do battle with fighters from 100 other countries, all keen to get their hands on the world title.

However, O'Brien, who is scheduled to fight in a series of bouts in Bangkok from today until Friday, believes that the opposition may well have underestimated the strength of the Scottish contingent this year.

He said: 'There are around 100 countries entering, although in my opinion, the best fighters are from Thailand and the former countries of the USSR, but you just don't know who the best will be until you get there.

'I'm sure they won't be expecting Scotland to be putting up much of a fight, but they will be surprised.'

O'Brien is aiming to win a gold medal at the event after claiming two bronze medals during his last two outings over there.

He said: 'I can't guarantee gold, but I can guarantee if I'll be giving it everything to earn it.

'I think the Scots guys are beginning to rise up in peoples' expectations and with the fighters going over this year, we will definitely be causing plenty of upsets.'

If he does win the precious gold, O'Brien plans to spend a few months in Thailand, improving his deadly skills at the world famous Fairtex training camp - where the best Muay Thai kick-boxers in the world hone their skills.

He revealed: 'I am hoping to be taken on by Fairtex as one of their fighters to finance my time away, so it depends on what promotions they want me to fight on.

'I hope to get as many fights as my body can handle and I want to experience life as a professional Muay Thai fighter, so I'll fight wherever I get the chance.'

If he does realise his dream of winning a gold medal, O'Brien, will then turn his thoughts to his next big ambition which is fighting at the Lumpini - the martial arts equivalent of boxing at Madison Square Gardens.

Gary said: 'Fighting in the Lumpini has always been a dream, which to be honest I didn't think I'd achieve, but I had the opportunity last time I was there and didn't take it, so I'm sure it will come up again, but it is second priority this time, the main priority is to get the gold.'