SEVENTEEN-year-old Kalamunda resident Asher Crosby is preparing for a first in his young muay thai career with an interstate bout that will see him face a 29-year-old opponent under full muay thai rules in Darwin next month.

Asher, who trains out of Kalamunda Kickboxing and Martial Arts will compete at Garrison Fight Night on November 29 against Victorian fighter Max Long of Don Millar’s Supafight gym.

Kalamunda Kickboxing and Martial Arts coach Murray McKechnie said it was a chance for Asher to test his skills against the oldest opponent he’s faced to date but said it was a step he was ready for.

“He’s 17 and going up against a 29-year-old, so it’s a big challenge,” he said.

“But he’s had about 15 fights now, he’s disciplined, respectful and very composed for his age.

“He’s really going places.”

Mr McKechnie said Asher’s progress has been exceptional since he first laced up the gloves at age seven to when Asher began training to compete.

Asher has spent the past decade immersed in muay thai, training almost daily at the Kalamunda gym that has become a second home.

He credits the club’s tight-knit culture and its values of respect, humility and perseverance as key influences on his development both in and out of the ring.

“Every session challenges me – pushing me to overcome my limits physically and mentally, and making me better inside and outside the gym,” he said.

Mr McKechnie said that attitude has become part of the club’s identity.

Asher’s technical base was laid early under the guidance of former world champion Bruce Macfie, who Mr McKechnie said was “instrumental in Asher’s early training” and helped instil a strong work ethic that continues to drive him today.

“We pride ourselves on community and respect,” Mr McKechnie said.

“Asher’s seen the benefits of that culture.

“He sets the benchmark for how to train every time he’s in the room and others lift their standard.”

The Darwin match is expected to be streamed live through Garrison Fight Night’s social-media platforms, giving supporters a chance to follow the Kalamunda martial artist’s performance.

Mr McKechnie said the age gap is part of the mental challenge but believes Crosby has the maturity to handle it.

“He’s getting comfortable performing in front of a thousand people,” he said.

“Although he’s humble and quiet, he rises to the occasion.

“The only real challenge is mental and seeing the opponent as just another fighter rather than someone older but I believe he’s got it.”

The November 29 fight will mark Crosby’s second interstate contest in two years.

In 2023, he claimed an interstate title against South Australia, and his sights are already set on returning to Thailand next March to fight at Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium which is one of the sport’s most prestigious venues.

“That’s huge for any fighter as it’s one of the biggest stadiums in Thailand,” Mr McKechnie said.

“(Asher’s) definitely on his way.”

Asher’s record stands at eight wins, two losses and no draws, and while his focus remains on the upcoming bout, Mr McKechnie believes the young fighter has a long career ahead.

“He’s got the skill, composure and attitude to go a long way,” he said

“We’ve been supporting the community for 25 years, and seeing one of our own from Kalamunda competing on interstate and international stages is really special.

“Hard work equals rewards and his most recent interstate title win is proof of that.”

Residents can follow the live stream of Garrison Fight Night through Facebook on Saturday, November 29, to watch Asher represent both his gym and the Perth Hills on the national stage.