A local kickboxing athlete is training hard for a prestigious Muay Thai belt in Mexico next month. Despite being only 24-years-old, Cody Jerome is currently Canada’s World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai super-welterweight champion.

However, Jerome wishes to achieve more in the future.

“I want to be a world champion,” says Jerome, explaining that while being Canada’s WBC muay Thai champion is a big accomplishment, he aims for an even bigger achievement. “I want to be known as one of the best to do it from this country.”

Cody did not begin training with becoming a champion in mind. He chose kickboxing to get in shape, but he loved the challenge of the sport and found his passion.

Darcy Jerome, Cody’s father, recalls the moment Cody started training.

“When we went into the gym and he said, ‘dad, I want to try fighting,’” said Darcy. “You know, I thought that that’s great. Let’s do it, get in there and do that. Did I think it was going to turn into what it is now? No, I didn’t. And I don’t think he did either.”

Jerome’s looking forward to fighting for the World Muay Thai Council’s (WMC) intercontinental title against Jose Ruelas in Mexico on March 13, 2020. However, the athlete is confident for a win.

“I haven’t been in the ring in eight months,” said Cody, excited for the opportunity to fight for a prestigious title like the WMC. However, after everything has been said and done, Cody hopes to leave a legacy of his own.

“You know, when I’ve done this sport, I want people to remember my name. I want to leave a legacy and I want to bring this sport to a new level here in North America, I don’t think kickboxing gets the audience it deserves.”

Cody will fight as a co-main event on Triumphant 10’s WMC title defense by Triumphant Combat Sports, a promotion based on the United States.