ACCRINGTON'S Jason Curtis was crowned IKF Northern Area Professional Kick-Boxing Champion last weekend.
Curtis, who works at Hyndburn Sports Centre and has his own Ninjitsu club there, took on Dean Robinson in Barnsley.
Both fighters have a high knock-out ratio and the bout started at a fast pace.
"Dean had the fastest and most powerful kicks of anyone I have ever fought before," said English champion Curtis. "I have fought the Thai Boxing World Champion and European champions so it is saying something."
Curtis was able to counter Robinson and, at the end of the first round, a combination left his opponent on the canvas but the bell saved him.
Robinson threw everything at Curtis in the second round but the Accrington fighter managed to once more knock him to the canvas.
"He was unable to carry on and I feel this was my best performance to date," said Curtis, who has been involved in martial arts for more than 15 years but competitive kick boxing for only five years.
"It is a different association to what I have fought before and I am really pleased to win so conclusively."
Curtis was hoping at a shot at a WKA world title in Germany last month but the bout was cancelled and, because he thought he was challenging for this, he missed out on the chance to collect another English title. He still aims to go for more titles before the end of the year.
