Joe Thais up another title

BIG ACHIEVER... teenager Joe Tomlin, from Derker, parades his Thai boxing belts.

THAI BOXING: LOCAL youngster Joe Tomlin has won the World Ring Sport Association (WRSA) British Thai Boxing crown, adding to his ever-growing list of achievements.

Joe (14), from Derker, defeated JP Gallagher at the Barnsley Metrodome on July 2 to claim his 16th Thai boxing title.

The competition saw young British Thai boxers take on their Scottish counterparts and Joe will defend his title in Glasgow in November.

After narrowly missing out at the Junior British Championships in Birmingham in May, mum Holly said Joe set his sights on winning the competition in July.

“He was so determined to win as he hardly ever loses,” she said.

Joe’s achievements have seen him travel the globe and include a world title in Bangkok, aged only 10, and two European titles.

Joe took up the sport six years ago and is trained by Dave Taylor at Higginshaw Thai Boxing, where Holly helps with administration.

Two other juniors from the club, Alex Riley and Jade Bradbury, also competed in Barnsley, with Jade following up her victory at the recent British Championships with another win, while Alex missed out by one point.

Joe trains three nights a week, with extra fitness and running sessions in the build-up to fights.

Holly added: “He’s very academic too. We’re so proud and couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Joe’s achievements in Thai boxing earned him an international award from the Federation of Schools Sports Association (FOSSA) earlier this year.

He is now aiming to represent England at the World Championships in March 2012.

The national competition has an age minimum of 15, which Joe will celebrate in October, and Higginshaw Thai Boxing is helping him raise the funds he needs to participate.