A THAI boxer from the North-East fought his way to the top of the world at an international tournament recently.

Newton Aycliffe father-of-one Reece McAllister has been crowned Top King World Champion after winning the world’s biggest Muay Thai boxing competition.

The 23-year-old took the title at a gruelling competition held in Hong Kong after dedicating his life to the sport and its intense training regime.

With only two days to acclimatise to his surroundings, as well as the eight hour time difference, Reece represented England in the tournament, held at the end of July.

The competition saw 16 of the world's best fighters vie for the ultimate title, with Mr McAllister soaring to the top after knocking out his first two opponents – favourites from France and Poland – in the first round.

A tense final saw Mr McAllister awarded the title after his Russian opponent forfeited the fight.

Delighted with his win, the driven athlete said: "As a fighter, I have to make a lot of sacrifices but my ultimate goal is to become a legend within the sport."

Introduced to Muay Thai by his father when he was a toddler, Mr McAllister began training in the house and went on to fight his first bout at the age of nine.

The dedicated fighter trains six days a week and spends his free time with his fiancée and young daughter.

When asked what advice he would give to someone wanting to start Thai boxing, he said: "If you give 100 per cent commitment, it is a great sport and suitable for any type of person.

“It can be helpful for many different things such as weight loss, self defence, and confidence building."

Mr McAllister is now looking for sponsors to help him progress further in his career.