Honey adds another belt to his collection after claiming the WMO Middleweight title

The former Shepparton Muay Thai fighter stepped into the ring for the main event of the Powerhouse Fight Series at Mackay Showgrounds on 16 August, facing England's Josh Hill in the World Muay Thai Organisation Middleweight Championship bout.

It was Honey’s second World Title bout of 2025 after claiming the International Sport Kickboxing Association K1 World Title in April.

But there was one member of Honey’s corner missing this time around; mother Michelle, who had passed away after a brave cancer battle last month.

“It’s been a very hard time,” Honey said.

“Having the fight in the background was a distraction from it all.

“Don’t get me wrong, there were times when I felt I wanted to cancel the fight.

“After I spoke to Mum about it before she passed, she said ‘you’ve worked so hard for this, and you have to do it’.

“After that talk, it was all the motivation I needed.”

With trunks reading ‘In loving memory of Michelle Honey’ and a supportive crew at his back, Honey got to work against Hill in a gripping five-round bout.

Both competitors landed their blows, but the fight went to the final bell and a judge's decision.

It was a unanimous points decision by the judges, the raised arm of Honey by the referee confirming his status as the WMO Middleweight Champion.

After an exhausting physical and emotional preparation, Honey's predominant feeling was one of relief.

“It worked out exactly how we thought it would,” Honey said.

“It was a technical fight; it was never going to be a brawl, as he’s a very technical fighter.

“I managed to get the upper hand on the night, which was good.

“It meant a lot, it was a pretty hard fight.

“There’s been a bit going on in my life, so I was stoked, it was a massive relief to get it done.”

Honey was appreciative of his sponsors and supporters, and will be back in training after his upcoming wedding in pursuit of another world title bout.

“I’ve hopefully got another world title fight in November,” he said.

“If that comes along, that could be three world title (fights), which is a massive year.

“That would be put me up among the top; all the hard work is paying off so I can’t complain.”