REDDITCH duo George Rowand and Ellie Pardy returned to the town as world champions following superb performances in England colours at the Thai Boxing Unified World Championships.
The pair are both members of Thaitans Martial Arts Academy and had to battle hard to even compete on the world stage in Italy in the first place.
Thirteen-year-old Ellie, who attends RSA Academy Arrow Vale, raised £1,900 through a series of fund-raising initiatives with the help of her mum Emma Clarke and step dad Robert Clarke, whilst 12-year-old George earned funding from Redditch-based logistics company Transmec UK to go alongside his sponsored triathlon and bag packing.
St Bede’s Catholic Middle School pupil George did not have anyone in his original category so had to move up by 6kg to fight a tough Dutch lad in his world final.
George’s dedication to training allowed him to dictate the pace of the fight and he scored well on the outside with kicks. He then closed his opponent down and ran away with the scoring in clinch and throws.
The performance ensured George returned home with two gold medals having won his own category and the much heavier one.
Ellie also fought a very determined Dutch opponent who was around 6-8 inches taller than her but again Ellie’s relentless training allowed her to push the pace really hard in this -38kg 13/14/15 encounter.
She scored well on the outside and totally dominated her opponent in the clinch to secure a hugely impressive victory against a girl who is rarely beaten.
In the fifth round it looked as though the fight was all over due to Ellie’s big knee clinches and devastating leg kicks, but the Dutch girl was tough and it took until the final bell, although Ellie was crowned a unanimous winner.
Ellie, who is ranked UK number one in her age and weight and has four UK Open Champion belts, two Sandee Open belts and two English title belts to her name, would like to thank Class Catering Services, Pardy’s Dairies and The Mayfly for their sponsorship.
Emma added: “We are incredibly proud of Ellie. We know how hard she trains and how hard it was to even make the trip happen, so for George and her to come home with gold medals for England is a brilliant feeling.”
George’s mum Becci Rowand said: “Both George and Ellie are not only a credit to Thaitans but a huge credit to Redditch.
“Thaitans now has Area, English, British, European and World champions to add to the list of success.
“Emma, Rob and myself would like to thank Kev Dorman and Sophie Hutchins for all their excellent coaching and guidance over the years and also Wayne Davis at WD Sports & Remedial Massage therapy for keeping them both in tip-top condition.”
George is a ranked UK fighter who holds British, Area, Celtic and two European titles. He has won 30 of his 36 fights and aims to fight in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
He added: “I’d like to thank Transmec UK, Thomas Brothers and all my wonderful family and friends for all their amazing support.”
