Bedford and Cambodia don’t have many links, but for one of Bedford’s Muay Thai combatants, the prospect of facing a top fight got another step closer with victory on short notice against Cambodia’s number one in November.
Kory Chettle, who trains out of Bedford-based McGowan Muay Thai, was given two weeks notice to make the long 14-hour flight to the Asian nation that borders both Thailand and Vietnam in November, and proceeded to win the fight in a huge shock to the partisan home crowd.
Chettle, who flew out to south-east Asia to be part of Phnom Penh, the outdoor event for Cambodia’s annual water festival, was the huge underdog for his fight against Sok Thy but proceeded to silence the home crowd with a stunning victory.
It’s not the first time Chettle has defeated a Cambodian fighter, as Kory outgunned Hong Sovanchansothy 12 months ago – again on Cambodian soil – and negotiations are now underway for a rematch in early 2026 with the fighter’s stock now considerably higher.
The win has capped an excellent year for McGowan Muay Thai, who boast a number of internationally acclaimed fighters, including European title winner, Liam Cunningham.
Read: Bedford’s Liam Cunningham wins WBC Muay Thai European title
The pair fought on the same card as part of an event in March at the Moberly Sports Arena in London, where Chettle defeated Rio Johnson, although Cunningham lost out in the opening fight of the night.
Also in action at the back end of 2025 was the gym’s rising star, 17-year old Igor Smialowicz who won a Muay Thai English title with victory in Barnsley against Junior IFMA World Championship gold medallist, Ali Hussain.
The win extended Igor’s record to eight wins and just a single loss.
The victory secured the Legacy Promotion English title, and at the age of just 17, Smialowicz is well placed to continue making his mark in what is a brutal fighting arena.
Igor’s hopes for 2026 include a potential shot at a British title in London as part of the World Super Series.
As well as their national and international level fighters, McGowan Muay Thai also offer classes for all ages and abilities. You can find out more about McGowan Muay Thai at their website here.
