Local fighters compete in World Championships

Five members of Castleford Academy-based Phantoms Kickboxing Club qualified for the England team to fight in the World Championships in Italy.
Phantoms members Bethany Crawford, Jack Thompson, Sam Cockerham, Jay Ward and Bailey Willis represented England in the Unified World Championships in Italy.Phantoms members Bethany Crawford, Jack Thompson, Sam Cockerham, Jay Ward and Bailey Willis represented England in the Unified World Championships in Italy.
Phantoms members Bethany Crawford, Jack Thompson, Sam Cockerham, Jay Ward and Bailey Willis represented England in the Unified World Championships in Italy.

More than 4,000 fighters from countries throughout the world took part. With over 37,000 support staff, parents and spectators also in attendance, it was one of the biggest martial arts event of the year.

The five Phantoms members - Bethany Crawford, Jack Thompson, Sam Cockerham, Jay Ward and Bailey Willis - experienced their first World Championships. They looked the part in all the England training sessions and in their World Championships events.

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They all held their own in their fights against tough international opponents and were unlucky in the final decisions.

All the fighters did their club and country proud. Thirteen year old Bailey Willis had a week he will never forget. He won two bronze medals in his sections and made the top three rankings in the world.

It was an amazing experience for the Phantoms fighters. They will have learned a lot and will be working hard to represent their country again next year. A big thank went to Camax for sponsoring the team’s training gear for the championships.

For more information about Phantoms Kickboxing club contact chief Instructor Craig Stokes (6th dan black belt) on 07900912769.