SUFFOLK's multiple world kickboxing champion Marlon Hunt believes his young son could soon be following in his footsteps.Marshall Hunt may only be seven years-old, but it already looks like he has inherited his father's skills in the ring after he claimed the Junior Under-25kg British Light Continuous Council (BLCC) English title in Telford recently.

Stuart Watson

SUFFOLK's multiple world kickboxing champion Marlon Hunt believes his young son could soon be following in his footsteps.

Marshall Hunt may only be seven years-old, but it already looks like he has inherited his father's skills in the ring after he claimed the Junior Under-25kg British Light Continuous Council (BLCC) English title in Telford recently.

Having earnt a fourth place UK ranking at the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) in February, Marshall Hunt was selected by BLCC president Neil Kelly to contest this title.

Going into the fight the Suffolk youngster was a firm underdog against the UK's No.1 ranked fighter in his age group, Ace Kickboxing Gym's Mohammed Umar.

Umar may have already been selected for the World Championships at the Czech Republic in August this year, but Marshall Hunt worked hard with his father to prepare for the contest.

Proud father Marlon Hunt said: “Marshall worked very hard, training two times a week at my Red Phoenix Kickboxing Academy in Great Finborough, while he was personally trained two times a day before and after school by myself.

“He showed me the true fighting spirit of a champion during our training sessions as we went through a similar workout as what I would do preparing for a fight.

“The sessions included various padwork, exercises, cardio, boxing and kickboxing skills and when it came closer to the fight we found out as much as we could about our opponent and worked a game plan out to beat him.”

Over the five rounds, which lasted one and half minutes each, Marshall Hunt's foot and hand speed proved too much for his opponent to handle.

Marlon Hunt added: “I was very proud of Marshall and my other son Tyreece who helped me out in the corner. He listened to our advice and looked comfortable in the ring and really enjoyed it.

“I believe in fully supporting your students 100% and travelling with them anywhere to get credible and worthy competition, but also safety for kids is paramount and that is why I support the BLCC.

“There are so many competitions going on where the kids have not got the right safety equipment or are just being taught to punch or kick as hard as they can. That is not what it is about and you won't see me at those competitions. Marshall used controlled punches and kicks and I think we will have another world champion in a few years time.”

For a full range of training, from general fitness to world class competitive tuition, please contact the Red Phoenix Academy's Chief Instructor Marlon Hunt on marlon-hunt@hotmail.co.uk or visit: www.redphoenixacademy.moonfruit.com.