Brockton, Randolph fighters land Team USA Muay Thai spots

Three members of Trifecta Muay Thai in Quincy have been named to the WBC Muay Thai Team USA and are expected to represent the United States at the World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, in June.

Brockton’s Jerson Lopes and Randolph’s Joao Teixeira were selected from a pool of 400 athletes nationwide, according to a community announcement. They will be joined by Trifecta founder and head coach Kenny Quon, who was chosen to serve on the Team USA coaching staff.

The team is scheduled to compete against athletes from more than 140 countries at the championships, which are considered one of the sport’s premier international competitions.

Lopes and Teixeira train under Quon at Trifecta Muay Thai, which has been a staple in the South Shore martial arts community since 2007. The gym specializes in Muay Thai, Muay Boran and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

“Jerson has shown incredible heart and discipline,” Quon said in the announcement. “We aren't just going there to participate; Jerson has his eyes firmly set on bringing a gold medal back to Brockton.”

Teixeira's selection is a testament to his dedication to the sport, Quon said.

“Our goal is simple: bring the gold medal home to Randolph,” Quon said.

Muay Thai, known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is the national sport of Thailand and incorporates punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes. The sport received full recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 2021.