Brooklyn Park Man Becomes Professional Kickboxer
A Brooklyn Park man is on a quest to win his first professional kickboxing belt. Troy “Trouble” Jones trains at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy in Brooklyn Center.
“I like the competitiveness and the contact,” he said.
The Park Center Graduate has already won more than 10 amateur titles, including a gold medal at the International Federation of Muay Thai Royal World Cup in 2015.
“I envisioned myself being on that stage since the first day I stepped in this gym,” said Jones.
Jones turned professional in January, switching from Muay Thai to kickboxing.
“In kickboxing, you can’t use elbows and in Muay Thai you can use elbows, that’s pretty much the main difference,” Jones explained.
While both sports are similar, Jones says Muay Thai helped to shape his soul.
“Buddhism is entrenched into Muay Thai. It kind of allowed me to become a better person. More mellow and care about certain things, I don’t care about like, materialistic kinds of things.”
Now, Jones has his eyes on the World Boxing Counseling belt.
Helping Kids Outside the Ring
“In boxing, that’s one of the most prestigious belts and I want to have that around my waist,” said a beaming Jones.
Jones is also taking his fight skills outside the ring. He helps young people to build self esteem and protect themselves against bullying. He teaches Muay Thai at an after-school program at Hazel Park Preparatory in East St. Paul.
“I just enforced to them to stand up for themselves, if there’s no other option. Don’t let someone dictate how you feel about yourself, or anyone around you,” said Jones.
Jones say with determination and heart, anyone can be a champion.
“You don’t have to be stuck in a situation you were born into. You can work hard enough, sacrifice enough, you can reach any level you want,” said Jones.
Troy “Trouble” Jones makes his kickboxing debut in Los Angeles on March 31 at 8 p-m. You can catch all the action on UFC fight pass.
