Alan Pond continue to defy age as he battle on in Unleashed Fight Night

How was it growing up as a child in your place? 
My parents split up when I was 4yrs old, (I still remember the night my dad left) so I was raised by my mum, with an older brother & two older sisters. I only got to see my dad on Sundays. He would take us out to play or watch football, BBQs at Kings Park, fishing, camping on school holidays etc.

How did you get into martial arts? Tell us your martial arts journey.
I returned to Perth aged 16yrs in late 1986. I started training in Boxing & Buk Sing Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu at the local Midland PCYC, under the guidance of my Sifu Tony Murace.

I was living in a country town Northam, about 100km away & would get lifts or hitch hike 2 or 3 times a week to & from training. I really enjoyed the early days of training very much. I was like a sponge & was always seeking knowledge & new techniques. I got my drivers license & a car at 17yrs. Eventually I moved closer to the gym coz training was a high priority for me. I thought I’d caught the bug, but now realize it’s a curse.

I started competing in Amateur Boxing fights aged 19yrs. I lost my first 2 fights on points & had a hard time dealing with it. (Coz I’m a sore loser) So I concentrated more on Kung Fu & tried to turn myself into a lethal weapon. After a couple of years I returned to competitive Boxing. I trained my body & mind as hard as I possibly could, took any fights I could & pushed myself to be the best I could be. Around this time I decided to make martial arts my life & wound up living at the PCYC as the caretaker. I trained morning & night, pushing myself as hard as I knew how.

In 1999 I returned to competition in Kickboxing (K1 rules) Oriental Rules & Muay Thai fights. I won WMC WA State Muay Thai title, IKBF AUS Kickboxing title, IKBF AUS K1 Rules title, IMTF AUS Muay Thai title, IKBF Australasian Kickboxing title, ISKA South Pacific Oriental Rules title, IFMA Worlds Bronze Medal & Kings Cup Bronze Medal in Muay Thai.

I’m very fortunate to have travelled to most states of Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand, Philippines, & Malaysia both as a coach & as a competitor. Win lose or draw I always come prepared for war. I’ve been humbled & learnt many valuable life lessons from these cultural experiences. Martial Arts has taught me to value my fellow man, to respect & work with competitors and to appreciate the individual challenges we all make to keep the fighting arts alive.

In 2000 I fought for the ISKA World Light Middleweight Muay Thai title at 72.5kg. I lost this bout via KO in round 3. This loss is still probably the biggest highlight of my competitive career. I hope that I may get another opportunity to fight for a World title.

In 2010 I started sanctioning my promotions with ISKA through the National Representative Mr Rob Murdoch. We have formed a good working relationship and have worked hard to establish ISKA WA as a government recognized body in this state. I now approve & oversee other promotions, also make title applications for worthy contenders. I teach & train officials in seminars that include hands on training & qualify them to officiate both amateur & professional contests. 

What motivates you to fight at age 47? What keeps you going?
I’m going through Family Court & a Legal property battle with my ex wife. (this was during end of 2017). This is very frustrating & has made me very hurt, frustrated & angry inside. I decided to focus my energy into fighting to keep my sanity. It’s what I love & what I am. A fighter. I’m so glad I made this choice. It’s helping me stay strong & focused. I can’t wait for more action in the ring. 

Fighters presentation at B-MAEX welcoming dinner

You were very focus even though you went through a lot. How did you set your mind to do so? Do you meditate? Are you a spiritual person? 

In that B-MAEX fight what was your initial strategy vs Rizal? Did it change when you were battling to get back to fitness ? How many percent were you during the fight? Did you fully recovered? What went through your mind during the fight?
My initial plan for Mohd Rizal  was to walk forward & pressure him, but being unwell, I ended up using my skills. After the welcome dinner, a good sleep & rest I think I was about 70% better. By the time I got into the ring on Sunday night I was about 80% better. I knew I would have to give 100% in the ring but was smart enough to conserve my physical energy & used my brains instead. 

Tell us how did you celebrated the victory?
Singing Unwell with the crowd was my celebration. I also had a couple of quiet drinks with other fighters at the at the Resorts’ Countdown Party. 

You are embarking on a journey to revamp your gym with the change of name, share with us your aspirations for Pondy’s Gym.
I’m changing my gyms name from MMA UFC to Pondys Gym. I hope that my name & reputation will bring more clients to Martial Arts & Fitness classes that I teach.