Kickboxers go for gold in Paris

THREE teenagers from our region are hotly tipped to win gold after qualifying for the kickboxing world championships held at Disneyland Paris.

Leon Dunnet, 14, and brother Lloyd, 16, from Walsham le Willows, and Abigail Reid, 16, from Barningham, will compete with three others at the International Combat Organisation World Championships, from November 15 to 19, and are hotly tipped to win a medal.

And the kickboxing trio, who train at the Combat Kickboxing Academy (CKA) at the Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre, are to take part in a sponsored 20-mile, static cycle ride on August 31 in an attempt to raise the £1,600 needed for the trip.

Silver medallist Abigail said she was looking forward to bettering her performance, adding: “Now that I have had more experience under my belt, the categories are pretty strong but I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Leon, three-time British champion, has been training for eight years and has had more than 75 bouts.

He said: “I am very excited about this year’s world championships. I have worked really hard since the last time we went to the worlds in 2008, where I received a bronze”

Lloyd, who is twice English and three times British champion and area champion, added: “As I am a heavyweight I usually get matched up against adults in their 20s, which I overcome and use to my advantage.”

Peter Dunnet, coach and father to Leon and Lloyd, who for the first time has been asked to officiate the championships, is confident his kickboxers can bring back a medal.

He said: “I believe all six of our team are well within their skills to become world champions. Between the six going there, they have over 400 bouts between them so experience is not an issue.

“They all train very hard four times a week plus weekends, as well as once a month in Birmingham.”

He added: “I have been asked to officiate at the worlds so this is a personal achievement for myself and CKA but I cannot wait to see my fighters in action.”