Thai champ meets star Dizzee at torch ceremony

Andrew Lofthouse with Dizzee Rascal

A CHAMPION Thai boxer rubbed shoulders with international rap star Dizzee Rascal after being chosen as an Olympic ambassador.

And Andrew Lofthouse cheekily asked the hit artist for a sparring session, when they spoke at a recent 2012 Olympic Torch campaign in London.

The inspirational Oldham teenager was one of 10 chosen to help in the search for torchbearers.

Former Pride in Oldham winner Andrew (19) of Fitton Hill, said: “Dizzee Rascal was a really nice guy and he told me he was really into his Thai boxing.

“So I said when he is ever in Manchester we should have a spar.”

Andrew, who is a former world champion Muay Thai kickboxer, is the prime carer for his mum, who is battling a series of illnesses, and his aunt who has epilepsy.

Nominated by grandmaster Kevin Lloyd, of Siam Camp, the martial arts centre, and Graham Beaumont, from Oldham New Deal for Communities — Coca-Cola judged Andrew to be perfect to inspire young people in the run-in to the Games.

Andrew took up Muay Thai 10 years ago at Siam Camp, which is based in Fitton Hill, after being bullied at school.

At the age of 16, the same age he became a full-time carer for his mum — for which he received a Pride in Oldham Award in the Special Achievement category — he became one of the youngest Thai boxing instructors.

The humble fighter is now chairman of charity Young Bank, which volunteers in the community and mentors other young people. He also volunteers with StreetGames, a charity which develops sport in disadvantaged communities..

The self-employed cavity-wall insulator said: “It’s a fabulous honour to be selected.

“I do enjoy volunteering in the community and training other young people.”

If you know of a young person who deserves to be nominated as a Future Flame Olympic torchbearer, go online at www.cokezone.co.uk