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A little belter

Dave Lawrenson
27/ 3/2008

LITTLE Ryan Telford is the latest title holder at Oliver’s Gym after winning a Thai boxing belt just six months after taking up the sport.

The nine-year-old Salfordian joined big name Oliver’s Gym boxer Amir Khan into championship glory by beating Warrington Thai Boxing Club student Kofi Suel-Wong on points in an Independent Combat Sports Association title fight in Widnes.

Despite being two years younger than his opponent, Ryan won all five rounds to take his overall record to four wins from four fights.

And Ryan is being tipped to for a highly successful career in the sport by Ged Livesey – his head coach at the Salford Thai Boxing Club, which is based at Oliver’s Gym.

Livesey said: "Ryan boxed very well and thoroughly deserves his inter club title. He did everything that I told him to do.

"That is Ryan’s biggest strength. He listens to what you tell him and, as long as he continues to do that, he can go all the way in the sport.

"He has a lot of talent and he works hard in training.

"And if he keeps up the good work he could win a British title within 12 months.

"I have had other British title winners at the club in the past and Ryan is up there with them in terms of potential.

"He has a bright future ahead of him."

Any youngsters interested in learning Thai boxing should contact Ged on: 07960 214628.