A FORMER Verdin High School student has been crowned a Goldenbelt English Muay Thai champion.
Matthew Barton, from Rosemary Drive in Winsford, beat Leeds' Shane Farquharson in the 63.5kg super lightweight class at Wigan's DW Stadium.
Trained by Ric Barnhill, who runs Supergym Combat Sports Academy in Knutsford, the 26-year-old only had his first pro fight 18 months ago.
Winning each of his five previous fights, he earned a shot at the vacant English title against a more experienced opponent. He has now gone six fights, six wins.
"It's a great achievement in such a short time," said Barnhill.
"Matthew is a pleasure to train and is very dedicated. He will defend his English title on Northwich’s first professional Muay Thai and K1 event in August."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here