When England’s Marlon “Mr Magic” Gray-Deacon stepped through the ropes at the Pan Pacific Masters Games in 2024, he wasn’t just fighting for a medal — he was fighting for history. Two days later, battered, bruised, and carrying injuries from an incredibly active year, he walked away with both a Pan Pacific gold medal and the Masters Boxing International World Title, forever cementing himself as one of the inaugural MBI World Champions.

​

Marlon’s boxing journey began long before Masters competition. Having boxed as an amateur, he transitioned to the Masters ranks at 39 years of age, motivated by a deep desire to keep competing. “Masters boxing gives opportunities for boxers to compete at novice or elite levels, with fighters your own age and experience,” he explains. He lives the life of a true athlete: healthy eating, structured training, and a relentless schedule that balances boxing with football, singing, and a full work life. Training sessions happen both before and after work, underscoring his belief that dedication is the main ingredient for success.

​

Despite being older, Marlon insists he still trains like he’s 21. “If anything, I train more,” he says. The biggest adjustment has been recovery — with tournaments often stacked back-to-back, his body has had to endure camps that start almost immediately after one fight ends. Yet this intensity hasn’t slowed him down. He’s competed across the world — England, Germany, the USA, and Australia — collecting experiences, friendships, and titles along the way.

​

• Las Vegas Masters Champion (x2)

• New Jersey Masters Champion

• Boston Masters Champion

• Dorset Masters Champion

• Pan Pacific Masters Games Gold Medallist

• Masters Boxing International World Champion

• Rude Dog International Champion

• San Diego Masters Champion

• Chicago Golden Gloves competitor

• UK’s No.1 Masters boxer at 65kg

• Oceania’s No.1 Masters boxer at 65kg

​

Ask Marlon about his most memorable fight, and he will point to his clash with Xing Loh of New Zealand. The stakes were enormous: the MBI World Title and the Pan Pacific gold medal. But Marlon’s body was failing him. Carrying multiple injuries and facing the grind of two fights in two days, he doubted whether he could get through it. Yet, when the bell rang, “Mr Magic” found something deep within himself. He dug in, fought through the pain, and emerged victorious. It was a moment that not only defined his career but also epitomised the heart of Masters Boxing.

​

For Marlon, Masters Boxing is about far more than belts. He speaks often about the camaraderie — the friendships forged in the gym, before bouts, and after wars in the ring. “The majority of people I’ve fought, we’ve spoken before the bout nice and friendly, gone to war, then chatted and had a drink together after,” he says. Through Masters Boxing, Marlon has built an international family. From Rick Rocha and the Masters crew in the USA, to his UK teammates like Pete Lines, Ross, Dave, Paula, and Chris, to countless others across the globe — he has turned competition into connection.

​

Marlon’s success comes down to mindset. He believes he can beat anyone — not from ego, but from his preparation. He’s the fighter who wakes at 3 a.m. to sprint, who never misses a session, who does all the extras. “I worked hard to get to the top,” he says. “And I have to work even harder to stay there.” This discipline carries into life outside the ring. He doesn’t drink alcohol, avoids nightlife, and treats recovery pizza like a victory ritual. After every fight, whether in the USA or Australia, he’s known to get straight back to work and then straight back to the gym. Boxing, for him, isn’t a hobby — it’s a way of life.

Marlon’s walkout song is “Juicy” by Notorious B.I.G, featuring the lyric “Mr Magic Marley Marl.” It’s from this line that his iconic ring name was born. For fans and fellow fighters alike, “Mr Magic” couldn’t be more fitting — his style, his charisma, and his relentless will make every fight something special.

​

Looking ahead, Marlon is chasing even more milestones. In the immediate future, he has his sights set on the Champion of Champions belt in New Jersey, followed by his World Title defence in Australia at the MBI World Titles 2025 on the Gold Coast. From my perspective as organiser, it is always a pleasure to have Marlon at our events. He brings professionalism, energy, and a level of excellence that lifts the entire tournament. Fighters, officials, and supporters know they are witnessing something rare when he steps into the ring. That is why I can say without hesitation: I’m really looking forward to his World Title defence in October. It will be one of the standout moments of the championships.

​

Marlon “Mr Magic” Gray-Deacon represents everything Masters Boxing International stands for: skill, respect, camaraderie, and resilience. His journey proves that age is no barrier, that discipline builds greatness, and that boxing can be a lifelong passion. From England to Oceania and beyond, Marlon is more than a champion — he is an ambassador for the sport. Pound for pound, he may well be the finest Masters boxer in the world today.