Thai boxer to take seat among greats (From The Northern Echo)

Thai boxer to take seat among greats

8:00am Wednesday 21st September 2011 in News By Daniel Howlett, Reporter (Darlington)

A THAI boxer from the North- East will join the likes of Bruce Lee and Steven Seagal in receiving the highest martial arts honour available.

Paul Hamilton, who owns and runs Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy, will be inducted into the Combat Hall of Fame at a ceremony on November 26.

His name will be listed alongside some of the greatest martial artists of all time, including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Tatsuo Suzuki, the man responsible for bringing Wado Ryu karate to the UK.

Hollywood tough guy Steven Seagal was to be inducted alongside Mr Hamilton, but scheduling problems mean he will not be able to accept the honour until next year.

Mr Hamilton, who is the president of the United Kingdom Muaythai Federation, will be the first ever Thai boxer to be inducted at such a high level into the hall of fame.

“I didn’t ask for this and haven’t really had time to think about it, but clearly it is a great honour.

“I think a lot of it has to do with the work the UKMF has done to bring Thai boxing gyms from around the country into line.

“We have introduced more regulations and made sure things are done properly. I think it is because of this that we are now being recognised by the martial arts community and this induction proves that.”

The former world champion is one of two people who will be given the special inductee status at the ceremony which will take place at Aston Villa Football Club’s conference suite in Birmingham.

The founder of the Combat Hall of Fame, Paul Clifton, said: “This is the highest honour we can give to somebody and it is only available to those who have given their life to the sport with at least 25 years involvement.

“I have known Paul for a lot of years and he is a dedicated man who is deserving of this honour.

“The only people who will ever receive this award have had to put in a lifetime of hard work. It is the martial arts world’s lifetime achievement award.”

Mr Hamilton added: “I think it’s great for Darlington and the North-East. I have been pushing Thai boxing in this region for 27 years and now finally the sport is getting the recognition it deserves.”