Shane topples rival to claim a top Thai title
DOMINIC SMITHERS STUART PIKE
ATALENTED young Thai boxer’s hard graft paid dividends as he claimed a British title.
Shane Carter, from Huncoat, was crowned the British champion for his age and weight in a hard won fight, in Manchester.
The 12-year-old pupil at Huncoat Primary School was competing in the 37.5kg weight class.
Since taking up the sport at age eight, Shane has gone on to impress his coach, leading to him landing the prized championship bout in Old Trafford.
James Clayton, who trains Shane at the JC’s Muay Thai Boxing gym in Accrington, said it was a “great” performance.
He said: “He started slowly, as he’s a very nervous boy - when he came to the gym he didn’t know his left hand from his right.
“But he has really progressed and has trained three times a week. It’s kept him fit and healthy. He was very disciplined to keep his weight down and he dieted for the fight. He did very well.”
James explained that while there is no head contact allowed in junior bouts, it’s still a very physically demanding sport.
He said: “They wear body armour and shin pads. There’s a lot of kicking, clinch work and throwing. It’s a hard sport they’ve taken up but they train hard and are in the gym three or four times a week.”
Shane’s mum Maggie Thompson said nerves almost got the better of her while watching her son’s big fight.
She said: “I was really nervous watching him, I was almost sick, but when they held his arm up I was so happy for him, it was fantastic.
“He was a bit shocked because he has had a few fights recently where he’s done really well but not managed to win, so I don’t think he was expecting it, really. I think Shane was just so happy that he managed to do it. He cried after it, he was so happy.”
Shane took his training extremely seriously and was in the gym all week putting in his final preparations for the bout.
Maggie added: “He put so much work in.
“In the week leading up to it he trained five times, because he was also trying to get down to the right weight.
“His coach says that he is a lot better at the 37kg weight, he’s a lot quicker and moves better.”
Shane has another competition this weekend in Manchester, against the best boxers in his class from across the north of England.
FESTIVE FAIR
WOODLANDS Home for Older People in Clayton-le-Moors will hold a Christmas fair later this month.
The Warwick Avenue home will host the event on Sunday, November 26 from 1pm to 3pm.
There will be a variety of stalls, along with a tombola, face painting, Father Christmas, a cafe and a raffle.