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After fighting around in the undercards for a while, Perth native Jason ‘Destroyer' Lea has been making a big name for himself lately. He recently won the eight-man tournament at Battle Collossal IX and earned himself a trip to Thailand to compete in the 16-man tournament. We caught up with Jason mid-training.
Jason, you're in Thailand as we speak, tell us what is happening for you right now.
Yeah, I'm in Bangkok at the moment training hard and waiting to attend a press conference and photoshoot for the 16-man Thai Fight competition.
How do you think you will go over there?
I have some pretty good competition but I am confident in making it to the finals.
Are you adjusting to the environment?
I've been here a few times now and it's always hard the first week or so, but I love training in the heat. I'm adjusting just fine. The first time I came here was in 2004. I came over for training and fought in the Prince's Cup tournament where I came up against Thailand in the final. I lost in a close battle to the tricky Thai boy. I also fought back in 2006 on the Kings Birthday in Sanam Luang Park in front of a massive crowd. I thought I won the fight but the judges didn't see it my way. I've been back a few times for training and a bit of shopping too.
How long do you plan on staying in Thailand?
I'd like to stay as long as I can but I am limited due to family and work commitments. At this stage I'll be here for a couple of weeks. I'll hopefully be coming back again closer to the end of the year for some training.
What else do you have planned for the rest of the year?
Nothing set in stone at the moment but I am sure that will change very soon. The tournament starts 29 August, so I'm just concentrating on that at this stage.
You recently won the big eight-man at Battle Collossal.
Yes, well that went great. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome really. The first fight set me up for a perfect night. My second fight also went to plan and I was able to get though to the final without being banged up too bad. In the last fight I thought I had it in the bag from round one, but Yoshi is one tough guy. Yoshi recovered well and put up a good fight. I listened to my corner and won the last fight.
What did that win mean to you?
I was very stoked with the win. My gym got closed down during preparation and it made it a bit difficult to train. So, taking out that tournament was a pretty good effort considering our circumstances.
Where do you train now, and who with?
I like to mix things up a fair bit so I train at a few different places. Main place I train is 8 Weapons (Warwick Welding Warriors) in Bunbury with my coach and close friend Paul Foreman and The Red Baron. I also train in Perth with my manager Mr Phon Martdee at Phon's gym. I swing by Riddler's gym every now and then also.
We talked to Marco Tentori last issue and he said the best fight he ever had was against you, even though he lost. How would you rate that fight yourself?
Yeah, it was a good fight, although it was a bit heavier than I'd normally fight at. Marco's unorthodox style was a little tricky but I stuck with my game plan and racked up another win. It was definitely good fun. I'd rematch Marco. I'm sure it will most likely happen next year.
Would you guys like to rematch in the future?
Yeah, I'd rematch Marco. I'm sure it will most likely happen next year.
How and when did you get into Muay Thai and martial arts?
I first found out about Muay Thai back when I was around five - watching Van Damme on Kickboxer when my big brother decided that I was good target practice for his leg-kicks! I tried karate a few different times and did boxing for a few months when I was around 12. I started Muay Thai when I was 17. I was headed down a bad path and a friend and I decided to check it out. It was love at first sight [laughs].
When and why did you decide to start fighting?
I started fighting to give myself something positive to focus my energy on and pretty much keep me out of trouble. I didn't do too well early on in my career but I stuck with it. My new coach Paul Formean and Manager Phon Martdee have helped so much and are the main reason my performance has improved.
What fighters do you look up to and admire?
I have a lot of respect for The Riddler - smart fighter, great guy and someone who has helped me a lot in my career. Big Fan of World Champ ‘Boom Boom' - another really good bloke and someone who I look up too. Also, Chris White, Mitch Seth, Soren and there are heaps of guys I like to watch fight.
Are there any fighters you would love to face?
I just love fighting. Doesn't matter who it is. Maybe one day if I'm good enough I could get a crack at The Red Baron...
What's in stall for Jason Lea in the future?
I'm pretty keen to win this Thai Fight comp. Maybe a few more international fights and a few more belts before I hang up the gloves and take up the pads for good.
Anything you would like to say?
I want to thank Marvel Fitness, Phon, Paul and Vicky, Smithy, Leigh, Wayne, Denton, Trav, Brandan Lea and all the 8 Weapons crew. Murray Wharton from WarrickWelding. Also, the ADF and the COB. Last but not least, a big thanks to my mum! IK
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