May 14, 2019

The countdown has officially begun with YOKKAO 39 - 40 just three weeks away from showtime in Sydney, Australia on 25 May. Along with a who's who of top athletes in Australia, the event will be headlined by multi-time champion, Singdam, and Thai phenom, Superbank.

WBC European champion, Spencer will also make his return to Sydney, taking on 2-time WBC Victorian champion, Albert Xavier. The Australian-based Timorese fighter holds a record of 22 wins in 33 fights. Nicknamed the Timorese Assassin, Xavier is the first Timorese Muay Thai world champion.

We speak to him ahead of his fight against Spencer on YOKKAO 40:

YOKKAO (Y): Hi Albert, can you introduce yourself to Muay Thai fans outside Australia?

Albert Xavier (A): I'm 29 years old, coming from Noble Park south eastern suburbs of Melbourne. I'm a 2x WBC Victorian Super Lightweight Champion, IKBF Commonwealth Welterweight Champion, and a nominee for Sexiest Muay Thai Fighter (Australian Muay Thai Awards).

Y: When did you start training Muay Thai? Why or how did you get into the sport?

A: My friends sister started at a kickboxing gym and he really wanted to go check it out, he didn't want to go by himself so I went with him. I liked the fitness side to it but I heard about Thai boxing and wanted to learn real Muay Thai. My best friend Anthonie took to me to Laos Toohey, and I have been training with him since then.

Y: How would you describe your fighting style?

A: Entertaining. I try to use all weapons in Muay Thai and not taking a backward step.

Y: What do you think of your opponent, Spencer Brown?

A: He has strong hands and moves really well. It's going to be an exciting fight. At the end of day, it's just business - we will both come and put on a show.

Y: What do you want to say to him?

A: I come to win this fight.

Y: How is your training coming along for the coming fight? How have you been preparing yourself for this fight?

A: Training has been great been spending a lot of time with Kim Olsen. He is a skilful, seasoned veteran that has a wealth of knowledge. He has helped me a lot and is pushing me hard. My coach Laos Toohey is one of the best out there. We are working on some strategy for the fight.

Y: How do you feel about fighting on a YOKKAO event?

A: Fighting on Yokkao is huge. They have a massive presence in the Muay Thai world and put on great fights.

Y: Anything you want to say to your fans in Australia?

A: I can't wait to put on a show in Sydney for them.

Tickets for YOKKAO 39 - 40 are now on sale. We have partnered with the secure online ticketing services of Ticketebo for the provision of our tickets. Buy online today by clicking this link: https://www.ticketebo.com.au/srg-promotions/yokkao-39-40.html. Get yours now and support your local heroes.

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The countdown continues! T-3 weeks till #YOKKAO39 & #YOKKAO40 hits Sydney, Australia!