A CARLISLE Muay Thai gym is 'so proud' of its three fighters who have all secured championship titles.
Dragon's Gym on Lorne Street now houses three champion fighters, including the British champ, with George Dixon, Matthew Wrightson, and Matty McLeish Jr. all winning belts at the Maxx Fight Show which was held at the Walker Dome, Newcastle on Saturday, October 7.
Thomas McGeachan was also in action in a non-title fight and came away with a draw after a hard fight with Teeside's Isaac Gorman.
Matty McLeish Jr., at just 18 years old, came into his British title bout against experienced Scott McCulloch off the back of an 11-fight unbeaten streak.
After an early flurry from his opponent, Matty dug in and ground down his foe to secure the national title surrounded by his fellow Carlisle fighters and dad, Matty McLeish Snr.
George Dixon was also in action as he took on Newcastle's Ben Wood, with this bout going down to the final bell and Carlisle fighter being crowned the English champion.
Matty Wrightson, fresh off winning the Patong Stadium Belt in Phuket, Thailand fought North East favourite Nathan Best and suffered an early scare when he was dropped in the first round.
Wrightson fought back from this setback to convince the judges to score the fight and draw and send the fight to a decisive final round, which he went on to win resulting in his Northwest Area title.
Reflecting on the success of the local fighters, Dragon's Gym's chief instructor Christian Percival said: "I am so proud of these lads and what they have achieved and the future looks bright for them all.
"The credit is also down to our excellent coaching team at the gym, who give up their time and efforts voluntarily, for which we are all extremely grateful."
Christian also praised the quartet for their conduct at the fight show in the North East and detailed the plaudits that the Carlisle gym had been receiving off the back of this.
He said: "We had some really nice comments from other gyms and fighters at both shows along with a few nice messages from some supporters."
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