Your Leeds Muay Thai Boxing Championship
With Glen Crosthwaite and Mike Tobin, For the Glory
Your Leeds: Muay Thai Boxing Championship
Glen Crosthwaite, British Heavyweight Champion
“This is the first Muay Thai kickboxing event for us, and it’s the biggest in the UK ever. We’re expecting around 2,000 people, plus lots of celebrities, particularly from the sporting world - Gary McAllister, Leeds United players, Lee Sharp, Gary Speed - footballers love Thai boxing! It’s billed as Holland versus England: the top Dutch fighter is fighting our world champion. We also have three of our own British champions and two European fighters taking part. It’s the best of their crop fighting the best of ours.”
Mike Tobin, owner of Mike Tobin’s Gym in Armley
“I started Muay Thai kickboxing in 1985 and teaching it in 1991. I put on one show in the early 90s and it was very hard work as the sport wasn’t as big then as it is now. It’s now the fastest growing sport in Britain.
“A lot of people in this country are trying to promote Thai boxing in a big way - there are now shows at the MEN Arena. The biggest show I’ve done in the past was a little nightclub in Pudsey; an old church which holds about 300 people. But Glen spurred me on to make it bigger.
“At first I was against it - I’m not a big risk taker. But now it’s gone from nothing to one of the biggest shows that’s ever been staged in this country, particularly given the quality of the fighters. The main ones I’ll be looking out for are those who fight out of this gym - my students.
“Thai kickboxing allows the full use of boxing, plus kicking, knees and elbows. All that’s worn is a gum guard, shorts, and 10oz gloves - there is no padding on elbows or knees, and both are allowed to the head. It’s known as the ‘science of eight limbs’ in Thailand - it’s also the most devastating martial art in the world. It’s far more entertaining than watching boxing. The atmosphere on the night will be electric.
“As one of the fastest growing sports in Britain at the moment, Leeds is moving very fast. We’ve already got very good gyms in the city which are producing world champions. We take all ages at this gym - from five to 55. I teach everyone form road sweepers to doctors to engineers. Thai boxing is for anyone - particularly those who want to keep fit.
“I used to go to go the gym where I’d be stood next to guys in jeans, sandals and a vest walking five miles an hour on a treadmill. That’s not training. I’m stood next to him sweating like mad thinking ‘am I the idiot or him?’ When you come here, not only are you getting fit because you’ve got someone pushing you, but you’re also learning a martial art.
“It’s also a really good team thing. When Glen fights in London in May, we’ll easily take a hundred people down. Everyone gets behind the lads, which is a great thing for the local community.”
For the Glory will be hosting the Muay Thai Boxing Championship on 21 February at the John Charles Centre for Sport, South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove, LS11 5DJ, 0113 395 0000. For ticket information, visit http://www.fortheglorypromotions.com
Posted on Friday 5th February 2010
BJ
Sending you to Twitter, hold on... 
