Luke Whelan will debut in the ring at SENSHI 23 on September 7 in Varna. Whelan, better known by his fighting nickname “SKYWALKER,” is a seasoned Muay Thai and kickboxing athlete from England. At 33 years old, Luke has been training in martial arts for over 15 years, honing his skills and fighting spirit. His journey into combat sports was sparked by watching his younger brother, Jamie, fight for the first time, an experience that ignited his passion for the ring.
Whelan’s primary disciplines are Muay Thai and kickboxing, where he has built a formidable record with 57 wins, including eight knockouts, 14 losses, and two draws. His career highlights include four world titles, including being crowned the IKF World Champion, FIBA World Champion, and a two-time KGP World Champion. Despite his success in martial arts, he also works as a scaffolder, a profession that might surprise his fans.
In a short interview, especially for the sports media Gong.bg, the English fighter talked about his preparations before the SENSHI 23 fight gala. His opponent in the ring is the experienced Frenchman Gregoire Gottardi, and the fight between the two in the category up to 70 kg under the kickboxing rules of the SENSHI circuit will take place in just a few days.
Can you describe a typical training day for you before SENSHI 23?
One of my typical training days includes 5-10 km of running every morning; after that, I make a one-hour pad session and finish the training with ten rounds on the bag.
What is your favorite training exercise or drill?
My favorite exercises are pad work or sparring.
How do you balance physical training and mental preparation?
I already know I’m the best at what I do! It’s just getting my body ready for elite rounds of brutal combat.
Who is the most inspiring fighter for you?
Canelo Alvarez from Mexico is where I get my inspiration from.
What has been your most memorable fight so far, and why?
I was fighting against Zeben Dias from Spain in Dubai and beating him for my first world title.
How do you stay motivated during tough times?
I stayed motivated through the most challenging times always by remembering my mum raised me, my brother, and my sister as a single parent and made sure we had the world no matter what it took.
What are your goals for the future, both in and out of the ring?
To be the best fighter I could ever possibly be! I constantly challenge myself no matter who they put in front of me.
What advice you will give to aspiring fighters?
I’d give up-and-coming fighters this advice – find a good gym, always give 110 percent, always listen to your coaches, and dream big.
How are you feeling about your upcoming fight?
Confident and strong, no stone has been left unturned. I know I will beat Gregoire Gottardi over three rounds no matter what and come away the winner. Fans can expect three nonstop brutal rounds of kickboxing with speed, power, and a lot of pain.
What message do you have for your opponent?
I respect you as a fighter! I’ve trained my arse off for this moment, and I won’t stop from the first bell.
The 23rd edition of SENSHI is organized in cooperation with the KWU International Professional League and with the special support of Armeec Insurance Company, MAX Sport, Bulgaria Air, M Car Group—a BMW dealer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Service, and St. St. Constantine and Helena Holding.
The media partners of SENSHI 23 are Boec.BG and Boec.COM, Bulgaria ON AIR, MAX Sport, the American online combat sports television TrillerTV, Dir.bg, YouTube channel KOD Sport, Kwunion.com, Kyokushin Karate News, Fighto.News and Novinata.bg.
Photo: Personal archive
