Rising to the Throne: Dru Brodin claims State Title belt in Battle of the Border bout

JUNEE fighter Dru Brodin has been crowned Victoria’s newest amateur Light Heavyweight Muay Thai Champion after a thrilling five-round victory at Battle on the Border 8 in Albury.

In a spectacular showdown under the bright lights of the Albury Entertainment Centre on Saturday, September 6, Brodin stepped into his first-ever five-round fight — and he didn’t disappoint

The bout was fought under full Thai rules and headlined the night as the main event, drawing a passionate crowd for one of the premier fixtures on the amateur fight calendar.

Both fighters also agreed to remove their elbow pads, raising the intensity even further.

Representing Temple Fight Gym in Wagga — formerly Adapt Muay Thai and MMA — Brodin entered the ring under the guidance of head coach Rick Judd, also a proud Junee native.

His opponent, Beau Nichols from Goulburn Valley Martial Arts, had faced him once before in Brodin’s debut, but both men showed just how far they had come since that first meeting.

Judd, who has been developing fighters for six years, said the first round looked “effortless”, with Nichols landing a slick sweep and Brodin countering with well-timed shots.

Brodin (left) pictured post-fight with head coach Rick Judd | Photo: Supplied

The second was a tense back-and-forth, before Brodin ramped up the pressure in the third and began to reap the rewards of his earlier setups.

By the fourth, Judd said both men showcased remarkable endurance, pushing the pace with neither slowing, while the fifth round was an all-out battle befitting a state title.

“Round five saw both guys put it all on the line in what was an incredible show of their skills and a deserving title bout for both fighters,” he said.

In the end, Brodin’s composure and ability to execute his corner’s instructions proved decisive, securing him a unanimous decision victory and the MASA state title.

Brodin was crowned Victoria’s newest amateur MASA Light Heavyweight Muay Thai Champion | Photo: Supplied

Judd praised his fighter’s maturity under pressure, and said the bout showcased the growth of both men since their first meeting, where Brodin also had his hand raised.

“Dru showed experience not just in the ring — his focus and self-awareness listening to his corner between rounds was impressive,” Judd said.

“Both fighters’ growth since their first bout has been enormous. They came out showing their experience and composure.”

It was also a landmark night for Temple Fight Gym, making its first appearance under its new banner after rebranding in July.

Brodin’s victory cements the gym’s growing reputation as a rising force on the regional Muay Thai scene, and establishes him as a formidable contender both at home and afar.