THE Harleston/Loddon Inferno team, and supporters, travelled to Risby near Bury for Combat Kickboxing Academy’s ICO light continuous East Anglian Gala Event, which had a total of 180 fighters from the complete novice through to the experienced fighter, battling it out for “British Title” bouts.

First up was John Riches, 17, who was fighting Dan Elgar, age 24, from Freestyle Combat Association in Hastings, after a very even first round, John listened to his cornerman Ian Hardy well and came out to take the second round easily demonstrating sharp and accurate boxing and kicking combinations.

In the the third round John took the fight to his opponent and pushed forward with determination even though he was exhausted.

The result was a well-deserved win for John Riches.

Second up was Reece Evans, 17, who was fighting Kennie Young, age 23, from McKenzie Kickboxing. Kennie had a two-fight experience over Reece, although this did not deter the confidence of Inferno’s young fighter.

Reece exceeded both coaches’ expectations and displayed an excellent standard of kickboxing. Reece put together complicated turning and head-kick combinations that undoubtedly impressed the judges. This exceptional display by a first-time fighter resulted in Reece convincingly winning every round and another proud win for the Inferno team.

All the hard work and additional training paid off for Inferno’s first two fighters, both lads and coach are former students of Hobbart High School, Loddon.

Head coach Kerry Norfolk (formerly Howman) said both lads were in great shape and ready to fight their opponents, Kerry was very impressed with the commitment that both lads had shown to their training.

Reece and John only started training in January and have made enormous progress in a very short space of time.

The club is very excited for the return visit of guest instructors Jon Thaxton, pro boxer, Dave Munro (Three Lions, Great Yarmouth), Gary Briggs, world champion and their new guest instructor Darren Summers, former European title holder, visited on Tuesday.

Anyone interested in joining the Inferno clubs should call Kerry Norfolk on 07772 801373 or email kerry.norfolk@hotmail.co.uk