The New ISKA European Champion

Introducing:
The New ISKA European Champion…

…Chao Phraya’s very own Leigh Edlin!!

ISKA European Champion Leigh Edlin with his Chao Phraya Team of: Ajarn Parnpetch, Kru Yai Shaun Boland, Darren McFaul, Andy Thomson & Isaac Edlin.

This has been a very long journey for Lincoln’s most successful Thai Boxer, Leigh Edlin. Becoming the new European Champion is no easy feat, in fact it has taken over 4 month’s to organise and 4 months of training hard 6 days a week. He has travelled around the country to train with world champion fighters and trainers to ensure that he was in absolute top condition for the challenge.

Yogendra Parekh and Black Widow Martial Arts organised the Last Man Standing Event back in January of this year, creating a superb night of Muay Thai Boxing at the New Bingley Hall – Hockley in Birmingham on Saturday 13th April 2013.

Leigh’s dedication to Traditional Muay Thai is immense; juggling running the Chao Phraya Academy in Lincoln, a full-time job, a family, loosing his father in recent weeks as well as training for the European Title. Only confirms Leigh’s absolute passion for this sport and driving the ‘Art of eight limbs’ within the UK.

Leigh weighed in on the Friday at bang on 69kg before the fight and in his own words said “I’m in the best condition I have been before any fight”. As Leigh was introduced on Fight Night, it certainly showed… In peak condition as he entered the ring, he looked focused and confident.

With his highly regarded corner team of: Shaun Boland (club founder), Andy Thomson (renowned trainer from Thailand), Parnpetch Rirom (international Muay Thai legend) & Darren McFaul (performance specialist) you could tell straight away, this was going to be an epic battle… a battle where Edlin needed to be on top form and he certainly was. Controlling every round, not giving the Italian a second to think or even compose himself.

Leigh openly admits, his opponent Michele Botezatu took some of his best shots. Punches, kicks, knees and elbows that would have put many a fighter down and all credit to him for that. Being a very Traditional Muay Thai Fighter, gives you up most respect for your opponents and even though Leigh won every round on points, he was far from unscathed from the fight and needed stitches to repair cuts to his face after the fight.

Reflecting from the fight on Saturday night, takes a few days to sink in. That a fighter representing the Chao Phraya Academy in Lincoln has taken his sport to one of the very highest levels and succeeded. It’s only the battle scars and the European Title Belt that now remind us of this great feat Leigh has accomplished.

Whats next for Leigh Edlin… He now gets the time to spend with his family and friends that he has missed but Leigh is looking forward to working with his students at the Chao Phraya Academy. Pushing them to their physical limits; hoping to either improve fitness, confidence or maybe produce another Champion!

Then on the horizon, time and day job allowing, Leigh will be able to defend his Champion Status, with a high possibility of it being abroad. Then next, perhaps a shot at a World Title!!

Venue: The New Bingley Hall, Hockley in Brimingham.

LEIGH’S INFAMOUS ENTRANCE…

FIGHT PHOTOS

Leigh being crowned the New ISKA European Champion!

THE FIGHT VIDEOS

Leigh Posted on Facebook straight after the fight:
“I would just like to say that I am astounded by the support that I have been given tonight. After having had one of the toughest years I can remember, with some real tough problems at work and then losing my dad recently, this is the boost I need. I can’t thank you all enough and I genuinely mean that. I have some VERY special friends 🙂 “

With well over 100 supporters from Lincoln and the Chao Phraya Academy, traveling to Birmingham to support Leigh’s fight!

Promoter: Black Widow Martial Arts
Images by: Trevor Gibbs Photography & Karl Kennedy
Videos by: Gareth Howells