Farshad Khatiri is a boxing and Muay Thai promoter, manager, coach, and former competitor. He was born in Iran where he was inspired by his uncle to study boxing as a child. Eventually, Farshad moved to Thailand, building a career in the birthplace of Muay Thai. He is the co-founder of Cyrus Gym in Thailand – a training hub for international fighters and rising stars.
Q & A
FightMatrix: Will you tell me about your upbringing and where you grew up?
Farshad Khatiri: I was born in Iran, in a community where discipline and respect were part of daily life. From a young age, I was fascinated by sports and competition. I remember as a boy, I’d watch old martial arts videos and dream about training like those fighters. That passion eventually brought me to Thailand – the home of Muay Thai – where I’ve lived and worked for several years, building a career in the very place that inspires me most.
FM: At what age and why did you start participating in combat sports?
FK: I started training in combat sports at the age of 7 or 8. My biggest inspiration was my uncle, who was a boxer. He often took me with him to the boxing gym, where I became fascinated by the discipline, the training atmosphere, and the challenge of the sport. What began as curiosity soon became a lifelong passion and career path.
FM: Was your family supportive with your career decision?
FK: Yes, my family was always enthusiastic and supportive from the very beginning. Their encouragement and belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. Without their support, I would not be where I am today.
FM: How has boxing and Muay Thai shaped your life in a positive way?
FK: These sports have been my greatest teachers. They’ve taught me patience, courage in facing challenges, and the humility to keep learning no matter how much I’ve achieved. They’ve also given me the privilege of mentoring fighters from all over the world – watching them grow not just as athletes but as strong, disciplined individuals.
FM: What professional boxer has taught you the most in terms of style and technique?
FK: Studying Vasyl Lomachenko has been eye-opening – his ability to control distance, use angles, and adapt mid-fight is remarkable. In Thailand, I’ve also learned from legendary Muay Thai fighters whose timing, balance, and creativity continue to shape my coaching style.
FM: Who do you consider to be the greatest Muay Thai practitioner of all time and why?
FK: Samart Payakaroon stands out as one of the greatest ever. His technical mastery, fight intelligence, and ability to succeed in both Muay Thai and boxing are truly rare. He’s proof that skill and intelligence can be just as powerful as strength and aggression.
FM: In terms of a street fight for self-defense, do you feel that boxing or Muay Thai is more effective, and why?
FK: For self-defense, Muay Thai is more versatile – it offers punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and clinch control. Boxing, however, is excellent for timing, accuracy, and movement. Ideally, combining both is the most effective.
FM: Besides your passion for sports, why did you want to become a promoter and manager? What challenges did you initially face?
FK: I wanted to become a promoter and manager to create opportunities for fighters to showcase their skills and elevate the sport internationally. The biggest challenges at the beginning were building trust, securing sponsorships, and navigating the business side of combat sports, which requires strong connections and credibility.
FM: Do you have sponsorship opportunities available?
FK: Yes, sponsorship opportunities are always available. We work with brands that want to be associated with elite-level fighters, international events, and high-quality sports promotion. Sponsors can contact me directly via email or social media, or through my company, Cyrus Team Co., Ltd., in Thailand.
FM: Is there anything else that you would like your fans and our readers to know about you?
FK: My mission goes beyond winning fights. I am committed to developing fighters as complete athletes and people, giving them the tools to succeed both in and out of the ring. My journey is about passion, discipline, and creating a lasting legacy in combat sports.
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.