Teenage Thai boxer Zander Needham picked up another English title on in Birmingham last weekend.

The 13-year-old from Horwich won the AFSO English title at 35kg on a unanimous points decision against his local opponent Riley, from Weoley Castle Gym.

Zander trains at HKS Thaiboxing, which is run by Steve Reilly and his team of instructors, and is inspired by former HKS multiple champions, especially Antony Turnbull who held eight titles at Area, English, British and Commonwealth levels.

The Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil hopes to equal and then beat his achievements and is already amssing a haul of titles.

He trains in the adult class on Monday although he is only 13, and in the junior classes on Tuesday and Thursday, and the recent class for teenagers on Friday with another HKS champion, Jimmy Heaton.

Zander loves the sport and puts a lot into his training and is reaping the results in the competitions he’s entered.

Dad Billy said: “He lives for Thai boxing and loves training at HKS Thai boxing four or five times a week.”

At the same event, Zander’s stable-mate and friend, Ollie Berry, finished second in the under-45kg section.