Thai-mendous!

BOXING CLEVER . . . young Thai-boxer Joe Tomlin shows off his belts.

AT just 14-years-old, Joe Tomlin has already won 15 Thai-boxing titles.

The maestro, from Derker, collected his latest gong against Oliver Morton in Whitworth to add to his long list of achievements, which includes a world title and two European belts.

Now he aims to make it 16 with the British crown when he takes on JP Gallagher in Barnsley on July 2.

Dad Danny said: “Joe loves Muay Thai and is well known and liked in the sport. He has fought all over the country and is very well supported.

“His mum and I are so proud of him, and he always puts 100-per-cent into his Thai boxing.”

Joe took up the sport six years ago after first trying karate, and only recently moved to the new gym complex at Higginshaw Amateur Rugby League Club, where he is trained by Dave Taylor.

In that time, the Waterhead Academy student has travelled the globe, winning a world title in Bangkok, aged just 10.

After Barnsley, his next aim is to represent England at the World Championships in March 2012 when he will be 15.

Rules prohibit youngsters from turning out for national competition until they are 15, and it is Joe’s dream to continue in the sport for many years to come.

Danny added: “It’s harder to get into than boxing, because it’s not funded as well, but Joe wants to become a coach eventually and make a living out of it.”