There comes a moment in every fighter’s career when the decision is no longer theirs to make. For Liam Harrison, that moment arrived with the quiet certainty that comes from a body that’s absorbed two decades worth of punishment finally demanding its due.
The 39-year-old British legend announced his retirement this week, bringing to a close a career that transformed him from a 13-year-old kid at Leeds’ Bad Company Gym into arguably Britain’s greatest Muay Thai fighter. Eight titles, 120 professional fights, 52 knockouts, and a left hook that became feared from Bangkok to Bolton.
“This decision has been back and forth for a while, but now it’s been made for me,” Harrison announced on his Instagram account.
“As hard as it is, I’m content and proud of everything I achieved.”
The finality carries weight because Harrison has tried retirement before. Last September, after Seksan Or Kwanmuang stopped him at ONE 168, he left his gloves in ONE Championship’s Circle. By March, he was back, capturing the WBC Diamond Belt against Isaac Araya. The competitive fire refused to accept what age suggested.
His journey began under Richard Smith at Bad Company Gym, a relationship that defined both their lives. By 19, Harrison had claimed his first world title. His signature weapons became legend — that devastating left hook, crippling low kicks, and aggressive forward style that turned every bout into warfare.
He fought everywhere: Japan, Thailand, Jamaica, Italy, across Europe. More than 30 fights in Thailand alone, including victories over legitimate Thai champions Muangthai PK Saenchai, Anuwat Kaewsamrit, and Malaipet Sasiprapa — achievements that border on impossible for Western fighters.
“Richard Smith, mentor, coach, father figure, and friend — I’ll forever be grateful for the life you helped me create,” Harrison said.
The ONE Championship chapter arrived in 2018 when Harrison was already on his career’s back nine, yet he still authored memorable moments. His 2022 title challenge against Nong-O Gaiyanghadao ended with catastrophic knee damage — torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus. He fought through rehabilitation, returned, retired, came back, and now finally acknowledges enough is enough.
His fiance Kate bore witness to the toll combat sports exact on practitioners. And for that he is forever grateful.
“You will never have to spend those nights anymore after surgeries and when I couldn’t walk carrying me to bed and the toilet and the shower,” Harrison said.
Retirement doesn’t mean disappearance. Bad Company Gym thrives in Leeds, Hitman Fight League showcases the next generation of Muay Thai fighters, and his training platform shares accumulated knowledge globally.
“My next goal is coaching, seminars worldwide, and then crossing over to boxing,” Harrison said.
To fans who filled arenas and bought pay-per-views, Harrison offered direct appreciation.
“You gave me something more meaningful than any world title—your hearts and you will be etched in mine forever,” he said.
Liam Harrison retires having proved that a kid from Leeds could master an ancient Thai art and compete with the absolute best. The gloves stay down this time.
