Flores attributed his success to his hometown Ventura.
Ventura rings in the cheer with a stellar victory by local fighter and city’s pride – Zachary Flores. Fighting under the Ventura-based Pu’u Muay Thai Academy.
Flores has rightfully claimed his National Muay Thai Championship Title in the 165 lbs. weight division at the prestigious US Muay Thai Open Fall National Tournament 2023.
The event took place from December 1st through December 3rd at the acclaimed Embassy Suites
by Hilton in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Guiding him into glory was Kru Edward Gonzalez, the Chief Instructor of Pu’u
Muay Thai Ventura.
Displaying extraordinary valor and skill, Flores battled the hardest seed in
the bracket over three grueling days and against stiff competition in a sport defined by weight classes.
Speaking of his struggles and triumphs, Flores attributed his success to his hometown, “When it came to fighting, I wasn’t aware of many fighters from Ventura, and I always wanted to stay put. So, I worked hard to ensure Ventura had another fighter representing the city. I am that guy, and I’m committed to represent Pu’u Muay Thai and the City of Ventura for as long as I can fight. I am living proof that Ventura can produce fighters as good as any other larger city.”
The journey wasn’t without its trials. His second-round opponent had the luxury of a “buy” in the first round, leading to Flores being knocked down in the second round. However, Flores turned the tables by knocking down his adversary with knee strikes in the third round, securing a crucial victory.
Flores demonstrated his mettle once more in the final bout, facing another competitor with a
“buy”.
In reflection, Kru Edward Gonzalez proudly commented on Zach’s performance, “Zach stuck to
the game plan, demonstrating positivity and belief that helped overcome any challenge. Given
that he had the hardest road in his bracket, where all his opponents got a buy and were fresh,
his gold is a real testament of his willpower.”
