Hamilton Advertiser

ULTIMATE WARRIOR

Brandon wins an incredible nine gold medals in Italy

- Andy Mcgilvray

Hamilton kickboxing champion Brandon Murray ‘fought like a warrior’ to take nine titles from the Unified World Championsh­ips in Italy.

It’s believed the nine world titles that Brandon (12) brought back from Italy is a world record

Brandon took kickboxing gold in light continuous mats at -40kg and -45kg; ICO light continuous ring at -40kg and -43kg; WKA light continuous ring at -40kg and -43kg; -40kg full contact in the ring (all 1214 years), and -40kg ABF -40kg boxing titles at 11-12 years and 12-14 years.

Mum Vicky (40) did well too, winning three golds in 18-35 years -55kg light contact in the ring, full contact in the ring and light contact on the mat, and a silver in the veteran category.

Brandon was entered in five kickboxing categories but insisted on competing in boxing and in kickboxing at a higher weight division.

Vicky said: “I won my first ever gold medal on my 40th birthday, in the ring, and my husband Brian was quite emotional about that.

“I’m delighted, it took me long enough but I’m buzzing.

“Brandon won two of his gold medals on the first day, then another two, but fell really ill and was really sick.

“We thought we would have to pull him out of the entire tournament but we gave him some medicine, he had a good sleep, woke up and felt better, then won another two golds.

“He fought amazingly, his two best fights, and that was in the boxing categories.

“Brandon won more golds on the Sunday, nine in total, and we think that is a world record.

“Although Brandon cleaned up he had some really tough opponents and had to fight like a warrior and tactically to beat them. We were a wee bit concerned about Brandon going in for all those categories and going up a weight but he said he had never been fitter and was ready for it.

“We told him if he felt tired or anything we would pull him out but he was absolutely fine.”

Vicky added: “I honestly don’t think it has sunk in – even when he wasn’t well he had won four golds by then.

“It’s a massive achievemen­t. As far as I know this has never been done before by a 12-year-old.

“He was out injured for three years and couldn’t compete and only came back in again a couple of years ago. I think he’s only starting to realise how good he is.

“I think someone must be looking down on us, because he was nearly out of the competitio­n entirely.”

Vicky would like to thank sponsors Unite Union, who helped with equipment and fees, and coach Scott Allan for private tuition.

 ??  ?? Family fortunes Brandon Murray and mum Vicky with their medals
Family fortunes Brandon Murray and mum Vicky with their medals

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom