Teen has world at his feet
A PAISLEY martial arts sensation says it is “mad to think about” becoming a three- time world champion.
Alfie McIntyre picked up his third Muay Thai title in Thailand recently after taking on what he described as his “hardest” fights yet.
And the 14- year- old insists that, as he looks at all the medals and belts he has won since taking up the sport just over three years ago, he still wants to improve.
Alfie said: “The sport is all about the discipline. It has been good for my mental health as well.
“When I’m training, it helps take me to a different place and I always aim to be the best I can be and improve on my skills.
“Martial arts has always been my thing.”
On competing in Thailand, he added: “It was very hard. The heat basically took a lot out of me.
“In Thailand, they do hit a lot
harder. They are the best in the world at it, but it is all about being prepared.
“It is a different type of fighting.
“It is mad to think that I have
won three world championships now.”
Alfie’s dad Mark, 40, has been a huge support as his coach, with the pair travelling to various tournaments together.
Mark said: “It can be dead expensive to do but it is something that he loves.
“I don’t drive, so when we go down south for a competition we sometimes have to get four trains and two taxis to get where we are going.
“We have six sponsors for Alfie that help provide some equipment and gear for him.
“I am so proud of what he has done in a short space of time.
“He never wants to do anything other than train.”
Alfie has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD), but his dad says Muay Thai has helped him with this.
He trains at the Reaper Grappling gym, in Linwood, five times a week, for up to three hours at a time.
Having previously become WKA European Champion and MTB Junior Champion, Alfie says he has his eyes on reaching the very top of the sport.
He added: “If it wasn’t for my dad, I wouldn’t be doing this.
“He is my coach and he is always in my corner, physically and with support.
“My goal is to still focus on improving my skills and learn a lot more.”