Professional Muay Thai fighter Chris Mauceri is stepping back between the ropes on on Saturday, Aug. 17 versus Stephen Oppong for Lion Fight 58. The fight is taking place at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket Conn. Mauceri is weighing in at 147 pounds for this welterweight bout.
Mauceri is part owner of Stockade Muay Thai in Uptown Kingston with his manager JJ Russo. They both teach weekly Muay Thai instruction at Stockade. Mauceri is heading into his 12th Lion Fight with a record of 7-4 and an overall record of 21-12. Mauceri is a former two-time amateur champion and has been training with his camp for the fight since the beginning of summer.
“First time in awhile, I have had a full training camp,” said Mauceri. “I will be in good shape and ready to go.”
Mauceri is still confident despite coming off a pair of losses. He is focused strictly on Oppong, a strong fighter and a former World Kickboxing Federation champion. Oppong has a Lion Fight record of 7-5. “Nothing I haven’t seen before,” Mauceri said.
Mauceri has seen all types of fighters. In his last two fights, he went the full distance proving he has the fortitude to last in battle.
Mauceri’s professional fighting path is unique because he started out in gymnastics at an early age with aspirations for the Olympics. However, due to multiple injuries he turned his attention to mixed martial arts. Gymnastics has helped make him a more athletic and complete fighter, improving his balance and flexibility. Russo, who has managed Mauceri throughout his nine-year career, has seen his client’s growth as a fighter.
“He’s in great shape and super sharp,” said Russo.
Mauceri’s professional career has taken him all over the world From Japan to Ireland. He has fought on some of the biggest stages MMA has to offer against some of the best fighters in the world. Yet there is no place quite like Stockade Muay Thai for him, it is seemingly part of what motivates him.
“I love what I do, I love coaching, I love to set a good example for my guys. Beats having a real job,” Mauceri said.
“Chris is an excellent coach,” Russo said. “He considers the students’ mental and physical ability when applying training methods. So the students, learn best from him.”
Tickets for Lion Fight 58 are available for $55 at Stockade Muay Thai on Wall Street in Uptown Kingston.
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