For Freddy Cheung, fighting was an escape from the worries and craziness of everyday life. “When I put on my gloves, I feel like nothing else in the world matters.” He has been fighting professionally in the Muay Thai style since 2009. Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand where it is legal to use your hands, feet, knees and elbows to hurt your opponent. Translated it means” the art of eight limbs.” His fighting style has been described as aggressive and forward fighting, “the type of fighter who stands in the center of the ring making sure every shot thrown is one that could end the fight.” This dedication and precision was instilled in him at a very early age, growing up in New York City.
As a New York native of Chinese-Italian descent, Freddy values his upbringing in Sunset Park, Brooklyn as one-of-a-kind. “I love that growing up in New York City gives you a mentality and outlook on life unlike any other place in the world.” He was somewhat nudged into the direction of professional fighting after an altercation that occurred while in high school. “I went to Brooklyn Tech for high school and during my senior year, while coming home from swim practice, I was approached by four kids for my cell phone. I fought back and knocked one out, and from there I decided it was time to learn how to fight for real.”
Like any fighting professional, there are ups and downs to your career. One of Freddy Cheung’s most memorable fights was winning a championship title in front of a packed crowd at Madison Square Garden. “The feeling was unreal.” On the other hand, there is always a chance of being severely injured. In one of Cheung’s less successful bouts, he was punched in the ear with a wet glove which resulted in a ruptured eardrum. “I instantly went deaf in the ear and couldn’t orient myself from the vertigo.” Freddy fights out of “King of Queens” in Rego Park, with a record of 8-4.
Besides Muay Thai, Freddy Cheung’s other hobbies and interests involve eating himself out of his normal weight class (weight class 155lbs – normal weight 200lbs) and training his girlfriend in powerlifting. “I love to lift and help others get some of the passion I have for Muay Thai and lifting as well.” Although fashion isn’t always a main event for Freddy, he does have a point of view when it comes to personal style. “I appreciate the style of the 1920’s era of clothing. I would love to dress like that all the time even though I’m usually more casual.”
CADET honors Freddy Cheung for his passion, persistence, and dedication as a professional athlete.
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