Hilditch makes his mark after late change of opponent

Kieron Hilditch (right) with his trainer Steve Donnelly

Oldham Thai boxing prospect Kieron Hilditch shrugged off the disappointment of a late change of opponent before putting in a sterling performance in Yorkshire.

Lees-based Hilditch (19), who fights out of the locally-based Isaan Gym, was originally set to compete in his first international bout against a Dutch opponent at the Ossett Town Hall.

However, transport complications for the Dutch camp meant that bout was cancelled at the last minute, so Hilditch was pitched in with the experienced Callum Maguire from the Dean Whites Gym. 

It proved to be an excellent contest, with both scoring heavy leg kicks and producing strong boxing

The bout was scored a draw.

Hilditch's trainer Steve Donnelly said: "I was very proud of Kieron as a change of an opponent at the last minute can sometimes play mind games with a fighter.

"Howver, Kieron got on with the job and put on a good performance, gaining some valuable experience."

Hilditch's next fight will be his first C-class contest in Birkenhead on Saturday, March 25, at the Stand And Bang showcase.