Committing to anything outside of the mainstream makes it one of the most difficult decisions to make. One must contend with an overall lack of local resources, along with the supposition that the chances of being financially successful will be slim. For most, the security of steady income coupled with the availability of a chosen craft is tantamount with success. Still, there are those few that forgo this logical equation in search of something more real: a passion. Ognjen Topic is once such individual.
The American is a top shelf professional Muay Thai technician that currently competes in his homeland and abroad, including the mecca of the discipline: Thailand. Topic's fighting spirit first revealed itself at 14 years old. Speaking from Thailand, where the American was finalizing his preparations for his next fight, Topic recalled "getting the fight bug" when he was in the sixth or seventh grade. The American added that he enjoyed the challenge that boxing presented and asked his parents if he could join a boxing club. However, "when I was a kid," Topic explained, "I had a couple of concussions so [my parents] didn't want me taking any shots in the head." After some negotiating, the young, aspiring fighter and his parents agreed that Tae Kwan Do would be a safer choice.
Topic showed natural talent and by age 18, he had achieved the level of black belt in the discipline. Despite this great accomplishment, Topic came to terms with the fact that "Tae Kwan Do was just not for me." Fortunately for the restless youth, Topic came across Muay Thai fights while watching ESPN which piqued his interest. Topic recollected, "I had never seen Muay Thai fights before and I just fell in love with Muay Thai." He had difficulty locating a nearby school, but located North Jersey Muay Thai and has been there "ever since."
His natural athletic talent helped Topic take to Muay Thai, assisting with quick growth with the discipline. Looking to further challenge himself and propagate as a fighter, the American decided to train in Thailand where Muay Thai is practically the national sport. "The first time I came [to Thailand] I was 22 years old and I had a fight so I stayed for one month," Topic explained. "The second and third times I also had fights; I stayed a month each time. I realized that I had to be serious so I quit my [graphic design] job to pursue fighting full-time and I've been in Thailand for almost seven months now." In leaving graphic design, Topic clarified, "I loved my job and that was my career, but I had to quit because it was just too much to juggle. I had to work 9 to 5 and then go to the gym and train from 5 to 9 so I started hating fight training camps. Things are easier now as I can focus on just training."
With the distractions out of the way, Topic has adjusted to life as a Muay Thai fighter in Thailand. His current routine in the country is conducive to reaching the next level of prizefighting. Topic described his "experience is better because you're constantly working on the same thing twice a day and focused on just getting better. When you're training for a fight here, you even train on Sundays; there are no days off." Topic added, "My trainers [in America] are experienced and knowledgeable but here, I'm working with current [Muay Thai] champions, so the level of knowledge is just unbelievable. My technique has skyrocketed since I've been here this long; the sparring is a very high level."
Once Topic competes in a few days, he will be heading back to the United States to fight for the Lion Fighting Promotion in November. It is an opportunity for the American to pick up a solid paycheck and showcase his much improved skills to the American audience. This is something that does not escape Topic, as he explained, "Everyone can expect an exciting fight as I've really up my skill level. I also want to thank all of the fans and followers as I really do appreciate everything. Also, thanks to North Jersey Muay Thai and Eminent Gym here in Thailand for their support."
Sergio L. Martinez
www.convictedartist.com
photo by Iconic19
