Wexford Muay Thai fighter wins on his professional debut

A Wexford Muay Thai fighter made his professional debut recently…

John McGee, who fights out of Valhalla Muay Thai Gym in Wexford town, made his professional debut on May 26th.

McGee emerged with his hand raised. Wexford man McGee fought Georgestone in the South West Fight Series 2024 which took place in Torquay, Devon, UK.

After the fight, John McGee commented that it was a great experience to make his professional debut against a strong opponent:

“Happy to get the hand raised against a guy with a wealth of experience in the professional ranks. From a great gym and having shared the ring with Glory heavyweights, we knew we had a tough opponent in front of us. Huge respect to them as always.

This victory is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Friends, family, coaches, training partners, sponsors & spectators – Thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

Just days after the highs of getting his hands raised, we caught up with John to discuss how he felt:

“I felt great. The atmosphere in the venue was electric and I had a good team travel with me, with their roars it felt like I was the fighter at home,” he told Wexford Weekly.

John is now officially on his own professional journey. Fights could come thick and fast, but for John, it’s just about putting in the hard graft and improving every day.

“What’s next is to get back in the gym and keep sharpening the craft daily. Never let the losses get to your heart or the wins get to your head! We have Rita Gabryte and Tadhg English both fighting in the UK this weekend, so when it’s not myself it’s one of the team. Being there for them is as important as being there for ourselves. Our head coach Tony always has us busy, there’s never a dull week or any down time to get complacent,” he said.

Professional sport is nothing without the backing of a supportive group of family, friends, and sponsors and John wanted to thank those who helped him along the day.

“As always I’d like to thank my nearest and dearest. The hand being raised is a tiny percentage of the work that my team puts in to me. Friends, family, sponsors & spectators, everyone is appreciated,” he said.