Title takers double up
Top youngsters bring back golds
Two promising young ki c kboxers took two titles each at an international competition in England.
Jay Buddie and James ‘the Warrior’ Graham travelled to the WKO (World Kickboxing Organisation) Ringsports English Open at the Metrodome Leisure Complex in Barnsley at the weekend.
And the promising pair took the English competitordominated competition by force.
Eight-year-old James won his two titles despite also having to battle illness before the weekend event.
His dad James explained: “James was off school on the Friday ill as he had a really nasty cold and sickness bug.
“I said we didn’t have to go down but he was so determined to make it.
“Despite his illness he still won his two events at a canter.
”He’s going superstar.”
James, who won the 26kg light contact kickboxing and 25kg boxing titles, is set to travel to the Scottish Open in Perth this weekend, as long as to be a he has sufficiently recovered from his illness.
At the end of last year James made it back-to-back world titles in Italy after picking up the under 23kg WKA title
12-year-old St Thomas pupil Jay won gold in the 32kg boxing category and in the 32kg light contact kickboxing category.
He also picked up a silver in the 35kg full contact event, despite having to move up a category as there was no opposition in his 32kg weight division.
His proud mum Lisa said: “He held his own and provided a tough fight and strong competition for his opponent.
“He actually only lost to a split decision.
“He is now looking forward to more fights and tournaments this year.
“That includes travelling back to Barnsley later in the year for the WKO European and British tournaments.”