A teenage Thai boxer from Hunslet who trains at Bad Company’s Bramley gym has just won a silver medal in a world championship tournament in Thailand in June. Charlie Bedford turned 18 three months ago. This was his first time competing as an adult.
“I’m delighted to have been a member of Team England,” said former Ruth Gorse Academy student Charlie, who’s just completed a two-year level two course in carpentry and joinery at Leeds College of Building.
“I boxed three Mexican and one Canadian opponent at 60kg with each bout being three two-minute rounds. The final was closely fought and the Mexican opponent won. I will learn from it. I’m proud of what I achieved in this my fourth time in the national squad. I’d previously won a silver medal at 57kg in Bangkok in 2024 and then golds at 57kg and 60kg at the championships in Venice and Verona in 2023 and 2025. My girlfriend from Warrington also competed and like me won a silver. This made the tournament special.”
Charlie started training in the sport of Muay Thai just before the pandemic. “When restrictions eased in 2021, I joined Bad Company then on York Road. I thought it was amazing and just wanted to be part of it. Over the years my coaches Lisa and Richard have become like a second family to me, and I’ve built deep and hopefully long-lasting friendships with the other fighters. Ours is an individual sport but we perform better when mutual support and encouragement are offered. However, there’s no feeling to match winning in the ring and using the skills learnt to prove that I’m physically and mentally tougher than my opponent.”
“Tournaments can be demanding. We always watch each other compete and the other thing we watch is our diet so that we make weight. In all combat sports competitors must control weight. Then there’s the heat. The sport has its potential dangers, but I don’t think about it. I just think about putting on a good performance. The first time I competed I was nervous, but coach Lisa helped me face it. I wanted to prove myself and I’m proud I did. The sport has built my confidence and made me resilient.”
Charlie lives with stepmum Louise. His father Rob passed away late in 2024 following a brain tumour diagnosis. “Thai boxing has helped me cope but I might never come to terms with it. My dad was only in his forties. He was an excellent guitarist and taught me to play. His fellow band member Ian had also previously succumbed to cancer. Last year I had the honour to play guitar with the remaining members of Dad’s band Milloy at EasyFest in Wakefield. It was an emotional moment. When I compete, I remember my dad. That makes me even more determined.”
Coach Lisa is keen to commend Charlie. “We’re proud of Charlie. He was a quiet boy when he first came to the gym. It’s been good to see him become more confident and self-assured. Charlie’s both a talented fighter and a great person. He’s always keen to ask how other people are doing and is a calming influence to have around.”
Charlie is currently working in construction but would like to return to Thailand for an extended training period. If possibly able to offer Charlie sponsorship, please contact him via Lisa at lisabadco@gmail.com or text 07885 270267.
This post was written by James Bovington
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