always a fighter

Louis Shipton

Fighter · Gym Owner · Promotor · Gen'Dai Thai Boxing \ Apex Muay Thai Promotions, QLD

I first met Louis when I had my first interclub fight back in 2022, so ive basically known him for my entire Muay Thai journey.
Since then, we've crossed paths at plenty of fight shows, and ive even had the privilege of making a trip to his gym in Mackay for a PT smacking some pads together. He's a great coach with a great team, and I've always had a huge respect for what he's built.
These days he's not only running his gym but also building an up-and-coming promotion and creating opportunities for fighters along the way.
We also share a mutual love of Nando's and tattoos, so he's obviously good in my books lol
I wanted to feature Louis because he's someone I've watched grow throughout my own journey in Muay Thai, and I was really interested to hear more about the fighter behind the gym owner, coach and promotor.

FOLLOW ↓

@apex_muaythai_promotions
@gendai_thaiboxing

BEFORE MUAY THAI

What were you doing before Muay Thai, and what drew you to the sport?

I was a high-level gymnast, but due to a lack of competition, I didn’t compete much, which I found difficult. I found it hard to train so hard without a purpose.

I loved the competition side of things and I’m very competitive. When I found Muay Thai, it made me train hard because I had fights every few weekends coming up. I enjoyed the constant action and competition.

THE FIGHTER

What was your experience like as a fighter?

Absolutely amazing. I loved every minute of it. There is nothing I would have changed or done differently. I had the best coaches, the best gym and a great support system around me.

What do you remember about your first professional fight?

My first professional fight was a four-man tournament, so I had two fights in one night and that was my first professional fight I’d ever had. There was big media hype behind it and it was a massive professional show. It was a great opportunity and I loved every minute of it.

FALLING INTO GYM OWNERSHIP

Did you always know you wanted to open a gym?

Opening a gym was never really on the cards for me. I didn’t want to open a gym at all, but somehow it just happened. It was never a thought. I just fell into it, and I’m very grateful it happened the way it did.

MORE THAN A GYM

What’s surprised you most about being a gym owner?

The impact I have on people’s lives without knowing it.

I believe if the gym closed tomorrow, a lot of people would have a bit of an empty void in their lives. I feel like the gym is not only a community and safe space for them, it’s just a general part of day-to-day life for most of our members.

They don’t even see it as a chore to train. They see it as a privilege, and they really need the gym and that community in their lives.

RUNNING THE GYM

What’s something people probably don’t realise about running a Muay Thai gym?

How to manage people and fighters. You have to really look after them as if they were your own children, and also never think you are ever above anyone.

The day I think I’m the best in the gym will be the day I close the place. Everyone is equal in the gym, including myself.

BEING ON THE OTHER SIDE

How has your role in the sport changed since becoming a gym owner?

My roles haven’t changed much. I’ve just got a better variety of people that can really help me in the sport, whether that’s in business, training fighters or general mentoring.

I have a lot more access to that sort of thing now, which is great, and great connections.

WATCHING THEM WIN

What do you enjoy most about helping other fighters develop?

Seeing their hand get raised and the smile on their face after all that hard training and all those hours. They know it finally paid off and they’re so pleased with themselves. Then I know I’ve done my job correctly.

BUILDING THE PROMOTION

What made you want to start your own promotion?

To give opportunities to local fighters and create a pathway for them to get into Muay Thai without having to travel all around Australia.

What do you want your shows to be known for?

Great fights, well organised and run, and more importantly, looking after its fighters and making them all want to return for the next show.

What’s involved in putting together a fight show that people don’t see?

Hours and hours of work behind the scenes that people don’t see, just to create fights and opportunities for everyone to enjoy.

 THE HARD PART

What’s the hardest part of running a promotion?

Telling coaches that the other gym’s fighter has just pulled out and I can’t find a replacement.

What’s the hardest part of running a gym?

Trying to give everyone in the gym 110% of your attention 24/7 and making sure you’re doing enough for them.

WHAT HE’S BUILDING

What are you hoping to build with the gym and promotion?

Strong grassroots and professionally run fight shows, with a strong level of high-level fighters. I want the gym to really stand out on its own and make a name for itself.

THE FIGHTER STILL REMAINS

Do you see yourself more as a fighter, coach, gym owner or promoter these days?

I’ll always be a fighter from Manchester. That’s my identity and all I know.

LESSONS

What’s something you’ve learned from being on the other side of the ring?

Treat people how you want to be treated. Keep your ego in check and remember we are all the same and equal, so never think you’re top boy.