Ringside Gamble

By S J Clarke

Khao Lak, Southern Thailand: A young Muay Thai boxer living in poverty must find the inner strength to fight if he wants to realise his dream of competing at the world-famous boxing arena, Lumpinee, in Bangkok.

Conflict arises in the form of treacherous friends, temptation and loneliness. His world is magical yet brutally realistic. Full of kindness, courage, pain and brave deeds. In the world of Muay Thai, things are rarely as they seem, and the final battle reveals an earth-shattering fairy-tale ending.

PRAISE FOR RINGSIDE GAMBLE:

"An exciting and realistic depiction of the underworld of Muay Thai and what it takes to be a Muay Thai fighter."

Aphidet Joy Chaithet, former Muay Thai Champion Thailand, National Coach Singapore and Head Trainer, BXG Boxing and Fitness

"S. J. Clarke's Ringside Gamble is a must-read, seamlessly blending myth, magic, and the cultural significance of Muay Thai boxing."

Dr Budi Miller, Actor, Artist, Teacher and Co-Artistic Director, Theatre of Others

"The story of childhood friends Nong and Sert will stay with you for a long time."

Diana Campillo, Owner, Rawai Muay Thai, Thailand

"A well-known line reminds us that the size of the fight in the dog is more relevant than the size of the dog in the fight, and there's plenty of fight in S. J. Clarke's Ringside Gamble. Here is a coming-of-age story of Muay Thai boxers that never stoops to being a mere coming-of-rage story. Like many of our fights, the hero's real battles here are those in his own uneasy heart."

Professor Darryl Whetter, author of the climate-crisis novel, Our Sands (from Penguin)

"...This gripping saga invites readers into the heart of stifling arenas and sacred temples, where the line between the natural and the mystical becomes hazy. Clarke expertly delves into the close-knit community supporting the solitary fighter in the ring, shedding light on the sacrifices and triumphs that pave the way to glory."

Adam Marple, Assistant Professor in Directing, American University Cairo

Photo Credit: Josef Hlavka, shortlisted for Sony World Photography Awards 2023