A TEENAGE kickboxer from the North-East is preparing for a world title fight.

Zach Glendinning, 16, from Lanchester, County Durham, is taking on French fighter Anthony Duchene at Stanley Civic Hall on October 10.

Zach has been kickboxing for six years and already won British, Commonwealth and European honours by defeating opponents from Ireland, France, Germany, Morroco and Belgium.

He trains with former world champion Wes Fagan at the North-East Kickboxing Academy in Burnopfield.

Mr Fagan said: “Zach is at the peak of his kickboxing career at the moment he has taken on all comers from all over the world.

“He has had to dig deep at times, his character has been tested on a number of occasions, but he has come through and is now facing Anthony Dechene who again is the real deal and as hard as they come.

“This is for the IKF World Title and nobody deserves these honours more than Zach.”

Zach is on a strict diet and trains twice a day with one rest day a week.

Mr Fagan said: “He is so dedicated and a pleasure to train.

“This could be a fairytale ending for his junior career if he was to pull it off.

“People in the area should support and get behind Zach as he could bring the world title to a small town called Stanley.”

Tickets are now on sale for the event, which includes several other fights as well, and cost £25. They can be booked by calling 0799-938-3740.

Doors open 3pm with the first fight at 3.30pm.