JASON Curtis moved up another step on the kick boxing ladder after being crowned British light middleweight Champion.

Curtis, who is in charge of Kokoro Kickboxing club in Dale Street, Accrington, has held the English ISKA titles for the last three years but took it one step further in Derbyshire against Leicester fighter Danny Byrne.

Byrne has held the British crown for almost two years and has had more than 60 fights.

"I knew it would be a tough fight as people with that experience are always difficut," admitted Curtis of the seven round contest. "We had both seen each other fight before so we knew what to expect from each other. Danny is a couple of inches taller than me but I have power in my hands and my feet."

Curtis managed to take the first two rounds and stepped up the pace in the third round.

"The referee did step in twice and warned that he might stop the fight as I had attacked so many times without reply," said Curtis.

But the fight continued and, after slowing down in the fourth round, upped the pace again in the final three rounds.

"I felt I was the victor throughout but Danny's defence was excellent. At the end of the seven rounds, I held my hands up as soon as the bell sounded as I felt I was the winner.

"They announced me as the ISKA British champion and I am really proud and it is a great position to move onwards and upwards."

And he puts his winning habit down to former European champion Dale Wood.

"He has helped in training and has been invaluable in sparring over the last six weeks despite having to travel 100-mile tround trip each time."

Another kick boxer Ian Longson faced a tough comeback fight against Andy Wrag. Longson has 15 years experience as a kick boxer and had nine fights but he has been out of the ring for eight years.

"Ian gave a good account of himself in his first fight and almost stopped his opponent in the first round," said Curtis.

"It was an all-action three rounds and the fight was announced as a draw which Ian was really pleased with."

Jason Curtis is sponsored by Muchamp Machine Servies of Blackburn while Ian, by Royle Garage in Accrington.