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Coach Duran Boxing Journey: From Birmingham to Champions Gym

April 28, 2025 | Podcast

Welcome back to Inside CG — and today’s episode, we’re flipping the script. Coach Duran Boxing Journey, straight from Brum — that’s Birmingham for anyone scratching their head. And if you still don’t know, watch Peaky Blinders — you’ll catch on real quick. Duran’s story isn’t your typical “I found boxing and lived happily ever after” tale. This one’s got knife pulls, gun threats, racial bullying — and a whole lot of coming out on top.
Growing Up in Birmingham: A Fight Just to Stay Safe Birmingham’s a hard town — working class, full of grit, but also crime and trouble around every corner. Duran shares what it’s like to grow up somewhere you’ve got to fight just to stay afloat — literally. He’s had knives pulled on him, guns pointed at him — and somehow, through all of it, he found a way forward through boxing. Not to chase fame. Not for titles. But simply to build a better life.

Boxing: A Tool for Survival and Growth

Duran didn’t fall into boxing because it was glamorous. He started young — pushed by the need to defend himself, build confidence, and stand up to the kind of stuff most people only see in movies. But boxing didn’t just teach him how to throw a punch. It taught him discipline, self-awareness, humility, and courage. Boxing saved my life, simple as that,” Duran says.

From Fighter to Coach: The Real Reward

While Duran had his own fights, it’s coaching that’s become his passion. Seeing kids walk into the gym with no confidence, broken homes, anxiety — and watching them grow into strong, proud individuals — that’s the real win. It’s not about building fighters. It’s about building better people. That’s what makes Duran feel at home at Champions Gym — a place that’s more about community and character than chasing belts.

Flipping the Script

Midway through the podcast, the tables turn — and Duran grills Pamorn (founder of Champions Gym) about his own journey. Pamorn grew up crawling around Australia’s first authentic Muay Thai gym, founded by his parents in 1989. He didn’t fall in love with fight sports straight away — it took getting bullied in high school to push him to commit to training. What started as a way to not get beaten up turned into a lifelong pursuit of personal growth through Muay Thai, boxing, and now, business. Pamorn shares how he used the same fight mentality to build Champions Gym — bringing professionalism to a sport that used to be seen as rough, underground, and gangster.

Real Talk: The Dark Side of Fitness Culture

Duran and Pamorn don’t shy away from the ugly truths either. They dive deep into steroid abuse among teenagers, the rise of fitness fads, and the lack of real mentorship in the fitness industry today. Instead of chasing shortcuts, both coaches preach the same message:
Consistency. Skill-building. A real lifestyle.
Because shortcuts might look good today, but they cost you everything tomorrow.

Life Outside the Gym: Fishing, Family, and Staying Grounded

The episode isn’t all serious though. We hear about fishing adventures — from drone-fishing for sharks off West Aussie beaches to fish and chip wars between the UK and Australia. 🐟🍟 It’s clear that for both Duran and Pamorn, nature is therapy — a way to slow down, breathe, and recharge from the madness of daily life.

What’s Next?

When asked about the future, both guys are clear:
    • More growth.
    • More service.
    • More impact.
Whether it’s through coaching, mentoring, or just leading by example, the goal is simple: use fight sports to make people’s lives better. Not everyone’s chasing belts. But everyone needs strength, resilience, and community.

Final Word: Why You Need to Listen

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like life was stacked against them. For anyone looking for real talk, real stories, and real reasons to keep pushing. Boxing, Muay Thai, business, family, mental health — it all gets touched on. No gimmicks. No sugar-coating. Just real life. 🎧 Go give it a listen below!
Be sure to follow Pamorn Martdee & Coach Duran on Instagram You don’t have to be a fighter to train like one.
At Champions Gym, we help everyday people build strength, confidence, and community.
Come in, meet a coach, and experience it for yourself. Text “TELL ME MORE” to 0481 169 801

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