By James Bovington
Two 13-year-old Thai boxers from Bad Company gym in Bramley are celebrating world championship wins for their weight classes.
The duo secured victories on the recent Hitman show, held at Testbed in Hunslet.
For both Cole Chapman, from Bramley, and Keevah Render, from Cross Gates, winning the International Combat Organisation’s European title belts at 34kg and 46kg respectively was the culmination of a highly successful year made possible by hours of intense training.
“Cole had been ill all week and had to pull himself together to put on a winning performance in front of 400 or so people,” said dad Nick.
“It went very well. Cole got the win on points over a courageous and determined opponent from Max Henderson from Liverpool. The fight lasted the full five 90 second rounds.
“There are quite a few sanctioning bodies in Thai boxing so this year he’s won four titles including a WMO British belt and a gold in the GB Muay Thai open competition. He went to Verona in June as part of Team England for the WBC championships and picked up a bronze medal fighting against some of the best Thai boxers his age in the world.”
“Keevah qualified for the ICO belt fight having won a gold in Verona where like Cole she was part of Team England,” said mum Jade.
“Her bout on the Hunslet show went well and she was happy with how she showcased the skills she spends hours learning at Bad Company. Keevah used the first round to judge her opponent’s style and as the five rounds progressed she got stronger.”
Keevah’ s ended the year undefeated and has also this year picked up golds in the GB Muay Thai open in March and the Intercontinental Sandee championship in April, as well as securing gold in Verona.
Jade added: “We’re all very proud of her commitment and enthusiasm and the icing on the cask has been this win on Hitman. She’ll be defending this title and hopefully challenging for the ICO world title.”
Both children are keen to represent England again in 2026 at the WBC world championships to be held in the Thai capital Bangkok in June. Cole’s ambition is to improve on his bronze and bring a gold medal back to Leeds.
Nick added: “He’s also delighted to have been asked to appear on the Hitman Legends show in Manchester on 28th February.
“This will be his fourth Hitman as he made his debut on their show at the O2 in London this summer. The Manchester show is themed as Legends and will feature well known veteran fighters who started out at Bad Company and who are now internationally known professional fighters such as Liam Harrison and Jordan Watson.”
Enthusiastic South Leeds eight-year-old Peyton Silverblade also made his debut on Hitman Leeds and got the win in a five round contest each 60 seconds and at 28kg over Karanveer Singh who had travelled from Coventry.
Peyton apparently “lives for his coaching at Bad Company.” In total a dozen fighters from Bad Company won their bouts.
Coach Richard Smith said: “At this level the competitors are protected in the ring with padded body vests, shin guards and head guards.
“They’re not allowed to use their elbows and there’s no striking to the head. That comes much later. Peyton made a great start and congratulations to Cole and Keevah who work so hard. They’ve accumulated so many belts that they don’t know which is which and hopefully they’ll win more in Thailand next summer.”
Hitman Leeds organiser and five-time super bantamweight world champion Thai boxer Andy Howson represented Bad Company throughout his career. “We’re grateful to all who purchased a ticket and came to support these elite athletes. Hitman Leeds was a sellout with a fantastic atmosphere as everyone enjoyed 28 exciting, exhilarating fights. All out drama. Just what Hitman Fight League delivers. The show to be part of.”
All UK Thai boxing is self-funded. To offer sponsorship to Cole, call Nick on 07703 607144 or e-mail nickchapman1@live.com. For Keevah contact her parents at Srender1@hotmail.co.uk.
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