Bishop Auckland based Fire Cobra Thai Boxing club continued it's success by winning 3 World Titles at the Amateur Kickboxing Association (AKA) event held on Saturday 2 June at Cockerton Club, Darlington.

Sam Bainbridge, from Willington, current Welterweight European title holder, stepped up to challenge a formidable opponent, Lee Green, Higher Level Gym Manchester, for the World title. Both the European and World title belts were on the line for the main event of the evening. Lee was the undefeated Welterweight World title holder, having never been forced to fight past the first round in his previous bouts. Sam used his tactics to hunt Lee down, chasing him around the ring to gain himself a marginal lead after the first round. He refused to give Lee space to compose himself during the next round and managed to extend his lead. By the third round, his tactics were proving unbeatable as he continued to outclass Lee with his power and speed. Sam stormed ahead and the fight was stopped after round three for him to take the Welterweight World and European titles.

Gerrit Van Dyke defended his Heavyweight World title against Paul Enion, Leigh Kickboxing Studio. The two giants battled against each other, each delivering powerful kicks and punches. Gerrit proved to be the stronger competitor as he led throughout the bout to outclass Paul and win at the end of the third round.

Rob Newton, current Featherweight European title holder, competed against Chris Heath, Warrington Kickboxing Studio, for the vacant Featherweight World title. Chris had previously held the World title but had lost it to a Darlington competitor at a previous AKA event. This was a close contest as Rob and Chris were fairly evenly matched throughout the first few rounds. Rob's heart and spirit shined through as his utter determination meant that he managed to use his skill to pull away from Chris in the forth round to win the bout and take the Featherweight World title.

Darren Langthorne challenged Ashley Glennon, Higher Level Gym Manchester, for the Middleweight Commonwealth title and the vacant British title. This was a good contest with both competitors giving it their all. During the third round, Ashley caught Darren with a right hook which he was unable to recover from giving Ashley both the Commonwealth and British titles.

There were several other Fire Cobra fighters taking part in the supporting bouts. Susan Shand, from Weardale, bravely stepped in to the ring against Mandy Stainthorpe, Hanuman Gym, Darlington, who currently holds the Featherweight British title. This was Sue's first time in the ring. She displayed a fantastic show of skill and determination to keep the experienced Mandy at bay. The fight was due to go four rounds but was controversially stopped due to a refereeing error at the end of the third round. Sue won the bout but was unable to claim the title due to the error.

First time competitor, Graham Wilmers was stronger and quicker than his opponent, Paul Gillan, K-Star Birmingham, and outclassed him in the first round. TJ Bowron battled through the three rounds against Howard Smith, K-Star, and despite nearly giving way to Howard half way through the third round, TJ gathered his last bit of energy to score enough points to win the bout. Paul Wood put up a good three round fight against Dan Adhock, K-Star, but Dan just managed to ease ahead on points. Ben Dale unfortunately lost to James Barlow, K-Star.

Fire Cobra Thai Boxing Club is holding a 6 week novice course on Tuesday evenings 6pm - 7pm commencing 26th June 2006. Call Glen on 07711870806 for details.

Anyone interested in training in Thai Boxing should call Paul Pearson on 07787830107 or Sam Bainbridge on 07747061094.