Recently established Bishop Auckland Thai Boxing Club Fire Cobra' began the year with what can only be described as a baptism of fire. The formerly named Hanuman Thai Boxing club sent six competitors to take part in the first amateur kickboxing association's (AKA) event of the year, held in Leigh, near Wigan.

Fire Cobra came away from the event with no less than 3 new title belts consisting of Heavyweight World Champion, Lightweight European Champion and English Counties Champion.

The first competition for Fire Cobra was Willington lad TJ Bowron, aged 15, challenging for the English School Boy's title, against opponent Dale Turton of the event hosting team Leigh Kickboxing. This fight was a rematch following TJ's defeat in November 2006 at Darlington where TJ was defeated on his home soil. TJ used his height advantage throughout the three round fight and punished Dale Turton with front push kicks to be crowned champion.

Next up was Ben Dale of Bishop Auckland who was competing for the 4th time in the AKA series against David Silva. Ben stamped his authority in the first round by using good clinch and knee technique wearing his opponent down and eventually forcing a win by means of TKO in the second round, his 4th win of the series.

Paul Wood was third to fight against Sean Wilson. Paul immediately outclassed Sean with overwhelming punches and kicks, winning by TKO in round one.

First time competitor Jasbian Singh (Jazz), rose to the challenge when presented with the opportunity to go three rounds with an English Champion Aaeron Kingsley from the Higher Level Martial Art Club. Jazz fought well but was eventually defeated by the more experienced Aaeron.

Darren Langthorn, British middleweight champion, Sedgefield, was next to fight against a previous opponent Ashley Glennon. Unfortunately despite a promising start, Darren was unable to continue past round one due to a devastating foot injury.

Robbie Newton (England) verses Hassan Yildiz (Turkey) This bout was the long awaited rematch following their last meeting on Turkish soil in December 2006, where Rob lost his intercontinental title to the formidable Hassan. Round one consisted of devastating low and mid kick exchanges from both fighters leaving nothing between the two. The following rounds saw Hassan counter Rob's signature clinch and knee technique forcing Rob to resort to raw power and force the Turkish opponent back with well timed low kicks. After four gruelling rounds and a final two point lead, Rob was presented with the Lightweight European and Intercontinental Title, returning this belt to England.

The final bout for Fire Cobra and Holland can only be described as The Clash of the Titans'. Matt Castle (130kg), of Pele's Gym, Altringham, was to defend his World Heavyweight title against Fire Cobra's Dutch born Garret Van Dike (118kg). The two fighters gave their all throughout all 4 rounds with huge exchanges of jabs and bone crushing low kicks. The more experienced Castle tried to control Garret's train stopping jab by clinching and closing down the space between the two giants but Garret battled through to achieve a fantastic victory. Garret was presented with the World Heavyweight title which caped off a night of amazing success for Fire Cobra. Fire Cobra now hold four AKA titles and are no doubt a force to be reckoned with.

Anyone wishing to train with the Fire Cobra gym, should contact Paul Pearson on 07787830107 for class times etc.

Picture attached shows Top row, Garret Van Dike, Rob Newton, Paul Wood Bottom row, TJ Bowron with trainers Paul Pearson and Sam Bainbridge