USMF athlete Michael Chase Corley (25), of Spring, Texas will be fighting May 8, 2010 in Lumpini Stadium, the Muaythai Mecca. “It has been my dream of mine since I started Muay Thai, to fight in Lumpini Stadium. The best Muay Thai fighters of all time have fought there. I am extremely blessed to have this opportunity” said Corley.
A Member of the 2008 and 2009 USMF National Muaythai Team, Corley decided to turn professional in December 2009 after the IFMA World Cup. He is currently 2-0 (2 KO) and is training at the Fairtex Bangplee Muay Thai camp.
Michael Corley is trained by the well respected Fairtex instructor, Ajarn Nueng Fairtex. Nueng is the son of living legend, Ajarn Apidej Sit Hirun. Nueng has trained Fairtex World Champions with the like names of Naruepon “Mr. GQ” Fairtex and Kaew “Sugar” Fairtex.
His father is Ajarn Apidej Sit-Hirun, a Living Legend, who simultaneously held seven titles in Muaythai and International Boxing with 350-400 fights and was also named the “Fighter of the Century” by the Authroity King Bhumibol of Thailand. So Neung was introduced to the art of Muay Thai at a very young age.
He used to watch his father all the time and gained lots of knowledge from watching his classic battles. Nueng also learned the hard way “My father used to really push me in Muaythai, he wasn’t satisfied with me fighting in the little shows. My father wanted me to be in Lumpini”… “I used to get kicked all the time in and out of training sessions by my dad” laughed Nueng. That’s certainly learning the hard way, Ajarn Apidej was known for having one of the hardest kicks in the history of Muay Thai.
Though he didn’t make it into the rankings of Lumpini, Neung has gained a reputation as an excellent trainer that pays close attention to detail. Speaking of his training style Nueng said “I like to analyze each student. Whether they are a beginner or a professional, look at their strengths and weaknesses. I then help them reach their goal with the art.”
From people who just want to lose weight all the way to professional fighters, Nueng has received praise. “I feel really proud when a student I trained for a fight goes back home and sends me an e-mail telling me about how good he did.”… “Whether someone is a beginner, or pro I enjoy spreading the art of Muay Thai to students,” said Nueng.
Ajarn Nueng Fairtex is currently a trainer at Fairtex Bangplee Fitness in Thailand, and is a senior trainer and special assistant coach for USMF National Muaythai Team in 2006, 2007 and 2009. In 2009, he was awarded the Honorary USMF Senior Trainer and Assistant Coach Award for his hard work in assisting USMF National Muaythai Team to win the most medals ever won: 2 GOLD and 5 Bronze medals.
