Title Image
Image
Caption
Muay Thai fighter Cameron Billy sparring. (Photo credit: Allison Billy/Facebook)
Portal
Title Image Caption
Moose Jaw's Cameron Billy (left) will be heading to Verona, Italy, to compete in the WBC Muay Thai World Festival in June. (Photo credit: Allison Billy/Facebook)
Categories

Moose Jaw’s Cameron Billy will be taking part in the WBC Muay Thai World Festival in Verona, Italy, from June 25 to 29. 

The four-day competition will feature 800 fighters from 90 countries across five continents. 

It’s an amateur Muay Thai event, with competitors classified by weight and skill levels. Billy will compete in the 200-pound C tier. Although he has fought in many unsanctioned tournaments in Saskatchewan, he has only one sanctioned tournament under his belt, which took place in Calgary. 

To participate in the Muay Thai Festival, Billy, 19, had to try out for one of several teams across Canada and earned a spot on the Winnipeg roster. 

“We have 44 athletes going from across Canada. They’re separated into different teams — the Vancouver team, Winnipeg team and Calgary team — and I tried out for the Winnipeg team,” he said. 

Billy will be the only fighter heading to the tournament from Saskatchewan. 

The tournament will take place at the historic Roman amphitheatre Verona Arena, which is believed to have been built around 30 AD. 

“Even when you look at it, you realize it’s a really old coliseum. I get to be a part of that history, which is pretty cool — representing Saskatchewan and Canada on my shorts,” Billy said. 

He credited his home gym, Control Jiu Jitsu, for developing his skills since he was young. 

“We have great coaches, great people there. It’s a great community and everyone’s welcome, no matter how old you are. There are people that come who are 65, and there’s a range from 65 to 16. We have youth classes. It’s good for us,” he said. 

Billy also trains and spars at Siam Kickboxing and Muay Thai in Regina. 

He said he will leave for Italy on June 19 to get acclimated to the elevation and time difference. 

The trip isn’t cheap, as he’ll have to cover his own travel and meals. A rib night fundraiser is scheduled for May 17 at the Crushed Can to help with expenses, along with a 50/50 draw and penny parades. Those interested in purchasing tickets can message Allison Billy on Facebook. 

Portal