Student wins British title

The 18-year-old North West Regional College student won his bout last weekend against his opponent Adam North at the Solihul Sports Arena, Birmingham.

Dean claimed the World Kickboxing Association belt in the minus 70kgs category. The new British champion said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won this belt. I have put in a lot of hard work in training. I have achieved my aim of winning significant titles and I want keep on winning titles.”

The student is also the current Northern Ireland champion at this level. He has successfully defended this title for three consecutive years and adds the British title to his list of accolades.

The teenager began his kickboxing career seven years ago under the guidance of Bradley Kickboxing in Pennyburn. He left there after a couple of years and now trains with mentor Gary Kelly at Foreglen near Dungiven.

Dean’s interest in kickboxing stemmed from being bullied. “I began kickboxing in 2005. I started doing it for two reasons.

“Firstly, because I was getting bullied on the streets and I was also overweight as a teenager and went into kickboxing to improve my fitness and lose weight.”

Dean has set his sights on being a world champion but admits there is a long way to go before he achieves his ultimate aim.

“I am dedicated to my training. I want to be world champion one day. There is a long way to go before I can contend the world title. First up is to defend my British title then just keep working hard in the hope that I can be a world champion.”

Ferry has to defend his British title next year against Adam North again. If he successfully defends his title for three years he is eligible to fight for the European title. After Europe comes the World title.