By James Bovington
Peyton Silverblade is delighted to have won both his debut Thai boxing fight on the Leeds Hitman show last November and his second contest on Hitman’s recent Manchester ‘Legends’ show.
According to parents James Silverblade and Helen Duckworth, “Peyton lives for his coaching at Bad Company gym in Bramley.”
In Manchester Peyton defeated Liverpool’s Harrison Parkinson over five one-minute rounds at 28kg having also defeated Coventry’s Karanveer Singh on the Leeds show.
Peyton, aged nine, and his family live in Hunslet.
“We’ve been coming over to Bramley for over a year now as Peyton has been training Muay Thai for 18 months,” said mother Helen.
“We’ve seen incredible development in him. His confidence and resilience have grown so much since he took up Muay Thai as its properly called.
“Peyton’s coach is champion Thai boxer Joe Craven who’s helped him learn discipline, respect, and the value of hard work.
“He looks up to Joe and all the Bad Company coaches and aspires to become a champion just like them.
“Peyton was so excited to be invited to fight on the Hitman Legends show.
“Although he felt the pressure of the extra training, the help and kind words from coaches Joe and Lisa helped him settle.”
Coach Richard Smith added: “Junior competitors are protected in fights with padded body vests, shin guards and head guards.
“They’re not allowed to use elbows and there’s no striking to the head. That comes much later. Peyton’s made a great start and is apparently in the running for a title fight opportunity on the next Leeds show.”
Hitman is organised by former world champion Leeds Thai boxer Andy Howson.
He said: “We’re grateful to everyone who came to support these elite athletes including Peyton and his friends from Bad Company.
Both the Leeds and Manchester shows sold out with over 2,000 at the two events enjoying 53 exhilarating bouts.
“We’re already planning the next Leeds show for later this year.”
If interested in training with Bad Company contact Richard Smith by text to 07885 270267 or e-mail rmsbadco@gmail.com.
The gym is based at Waterloo Way, Bramley, LS13 2EF.
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