Teenage boxer set for tilt at world championship (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Teenage boxer set for tilt at world championship

8:00pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Andy Walker, Chief Reporter (Darlington)

A PROMISING young fighter is preparing to test his mettle against the best the world has to offer.

Thai boxer Ellis Corrie, from Darlington, will travel to Turkey next week for the IFMA world championships.

The 15-year-old, who has been boxing for more than seven years, trains five times a week at Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy.

His coach Paul Hamilton says the Longfield School student is one of the most promising fighters the North-East has produced in a long time, describing him as a “potential superstar”.

Currently an amateur, Ellis hopes to make a career from Thai boxing and his mother, Joanne Allen, is hopeful that it will be picked as a future Olympic sport.

Ellis, who fights in the 66kg welterweight category, travels to Turkey on Tuesday (March 12) and is aiming to come home with a world title to his name.

He has previously fought in Turkey, against opponents from around Europe, but this will be his first time facing those from further afield.

Ms Allen said: “I think he is nervous and excited all at once.

“His goal has always been to be world champion – it’s in his heart, he absolutely loves it.”