Italian job for the Warrior Graham James looking to retain his WKA world title
James ‘the Warrior’ Graham is out to make it back-toback world titles in Italy.
The talented eight- year- old, from Woodgreen Court in Wishaw, shocked competitors from more than 100 countries last year when he picked up the -23kg WKA title.
Now the Orchard Primary pupil will head back to Carrara in Italy in a bid to add to his ever-growing trophy collection.
James will head across next week to the showcase tournament and will compete in three categories – light contact, full contact and boxing.
James’ dad, also called James, believes the Warrior has what it takes to pull off another result.
He said: “After James won last year I just couldn’t put it into words.
“We went over there just to get some experience and wanted James to see what kind of tournament he could work towards and how he would cope.
“Then when he came away with gold it was unbelievable.
“Now this year it will be even harder because James knows what he’s capable of but there are so many tough countries fighting there and you never know who will turn up on the day.
“Last year, James was only in the one category but he started boxing earlier this year just to try and work on his sharpness.
“He’s training six days a week but absolutely loves it. He’d probably train seven days if he could!
“The boxing is another chance for him to try out something different and he’s been training with Shire Boxing Club in the YMCA.
“I think they want him to chuck the kickboxing and focus on boxing!”
James Sr revealed the chance for back-to-back titles for his son was also put in jeopardy when the first tournament, set to be held in southern Spain, was cancelled with less than week’s notice.
However, the return to Italy is something which will favour the Warrior, who trains with former kickboxing world champion turned pro boxer Scott Allan.
The youngster trains with Allan at Rival’s Gym in Wishaw and James’ dad believes he is looking better than ever.
He said: “James has been really sharp recently and we were all ready to head out to Spain but then they announced there was a problem with allowing kids and adults to fight in separate competitions at the same venue.
“So it looked like it would get called off but when they said it was back in Italy, James was delighted – he keeps saying it’s his favourite place to compete.
“No wonder after last year!”