Jeron Gunness enjoyed a memorable full rules Muay Thai debut after winning the USMTA dual-state amateur title in a Bad Blood event in Phoenix, Arizona, last weekend.

Gunness, of the Bermuda Muay Thai Association, defeated home-town favourite Max Arredondo, of Danny Brandt Muay Thai, in the co-main event at the Empire State Centre.

Fighting for the first time without shin guards or headgear, the 27-year-old had to dig deep to emerge triumphant in the five-round bout, scoring a split-decision victory.

Chuck Morgan, the BAMA president, said the win was all the more impressive considering Gunness was fighting at the highest level of amateur Muay Thai and in Arredondo’s backyard. “Jeron showed great heart and deserved to come away with the win,” said Morgan, who travelled to Phoenix to support Gunness.

“Winning a title in a close fight against a home-town favourite is a great accomplishment.”

Morgan hailed Gunness’s heart and said the fighter’s tactics were spot on.

“Jeron controlled distance well and was decisive with his boxing,” Morgan added.

“He landed heavy kicks and used his ring experience to continuously manoeuvre away from danger.

“This is the beginning of big steps that BAMA is taking towards putting Bermuda on the international map for Muay Thai.”

Gunness, who now has 11 bouts under his belt — including four overseas — spent two weeks training with top professionals and amateurs at Alliance Muay Thai in Las Vegas to prepare for his bout.

The Bermudian, who trained under Kru Sean Concepcion in Vegas, plans to take a break from competing as he studies for his next certification in exercise therapy.