Waikato Muay Thai fighter Melody Downs wants gold at IFMA Royal World Cup

VIDEO: Melanie Downs is a five time national Muay Thai champion. Next up?

It will be Downs’ first attempt at the amateur world title in Bangkok, the home of Muay Thai, but it won’t be her first time fighting in Thailand.

Downs knows her punch is her weapon, but more will be needed against the worlds best.

“I’ll be training in a camp beforehand just to get used to the place and the temperature and the atmosphere heading into the games the following week,” Downs said.

“We train twice a day [in camp]. Each training session is three hours, so it’s six hours a day worth of training, and it’s just your usual running, getting into pads, technique.

“It’s good preparation.”

Melody Downs is heading to Thailand for the Muay Thai world championships with gold on her mind.

Downs will compete in the 67kg welterweight division at the world championships, but admits the heat and humidity in Thailand could see her lose some weight before the tournament begins.

That doesn’t worry Downs, who is comfortable with her weight and the skillset she will be bringing to the championship.

Eight fighters are expected in Downs’ division from all corners of the globe.

“I’m expecting there to be quite a few people in that division this year,” Downs said.

“I reckon it’s going to be a good challenge. It will be quite important coming out on top because it means that you are number one in the world.

“I think I have a good chance over there. I’ve seen some of the other girls in the same weight division fight before and I think that I’ve got the ability to come out well.

“I just think it’s about having a bit of belief in yourself, and win or lose it’s going to be an awesome experience and a good chance for me to learn and find out where I am in terms of the rest of the world.”

Downs said her height could be a factor at the world champs, given most fighters in her weight grade are shorter than her.

She said her punching is an asset, she likes to clinch, but her front kick and range is what could give her an edge over other fighters.

“Over there they fight differently. They based their scoring more on clinching and elbows, rather than punches, so it’s just about finding out what your opponent is like and adapting.”

Downs only started fighting about seven years ago, introduced to the sport by her boyfriend at the time, and said she was hooked as soon as she began training.

She said being able to get in the ring and fight is a challenging, rewarding experience, and when she wins the pain always feels worth it.

During each fight Downs and her opponent always become mortal enemies, but afterwards the two competitors become friends, hugging and congratulating each other.

Downs said it’s a quirky aspect of the sport, and shows the respect opponents have for each other.

All going well, Downs will be making plenty of friends in Thailand, but only after she has dished out a beating.