MASDA Gym Liverpool has been awarded the prestigious UK Gym of the Year 2024 by Thai Fighter UK. This accolade recognizes the incredible achievements of head coach Alex Forman and his outstanding team of athletes over the past year.
2024 was a monumental year for MASDA Gym. The team not only headlined some of the UK’s biggest Muay Thai events but also showcased their talent on international stages, including ONE Championship, RWS Muay Thai, and top promotions in Australia. Their success across such a wide range of platforms has set a new standard for excellence in the sport.
MASDA’s athletes delivered remarkable performances throughout the year, with many achieving career-defining milestones:
- Alfie Ponting: Set a new record as the youngest British fighter in the history of the entire WBC Organisation to win the world championship. He became only the second British fighter ever to successfully defend the WBC World Title, achieving all this within just three years of starting his Muay Thai journey in October 2021. Alfie’s 2024 record stands at 3-1, including a TKO defense of his title against former champion Luca Falco.
- Owen Gillis: At just 18 years old, Owen defeated WMO Defending Champion Daren Rolland to claim the featherweight title—a significant victory considering Rolland’s prior success, which includes stopping Dan McGowan. Known for his fearless attitude, Owen consistently takes on the toughest opponents, even at higher weight classes, to stay active. His 2024 record was an impressive 6-1, including a KO victory on RWS.
- Marc Campbell: After winning the WBC Muay Thai British title earlier in the year, Marc then delivered a masterclass performance against Joe Le Maire in December, winning the WBC Muay Thai International title via unanimous decision in Liverpool. His efforts earned him the honor of WBC World Fighter of the Month for December 2024, capping off a stellar year.
- Josh Duncan: Positioned himself for a breakout 2025 with a string of solid wins.
- Emma Usher, Michael Lynch, Fin Mueller, and Hassan Imran: Broke into the UK’s top 10 rankings.
- Levi Bailey: Ended the year ranked UK #5 with a massive KO victory.
A bright future for MASDA Gym
With the MASDA Fight Night events showcasing rising stars and the majority of the fight team under the age of 21, the future looks incredibly bright for MASDA Gym. Alex Forman’s dedication to developing young talent has not only secured this award but also positioned the gym as a powerhouse for years to come.
A Celebration of Muay Thai in the UK
Thai Fighter UK’s Gym of the Year award also highlights the broader impact of Muay Thai gyms across the country. These gyms not only produce top-tier athletes but also serve as hubs for community engagement, fostering discipline, confidence, and camaraderie among their members. The sport is experiencing unprecedented growth in the UK, and MASDA Gym’s success exemplifies the thriving state of Muay Thai.
Congratulations to Alex Forman and the entire MASDA Gym team on this well-deserved recognition!