BROMSGROVE’s Connor Hopwood returned from the WKO World Kickboxing Championships in Barnsley as a gold and silver medalist.
The 17-year-old, who is a member of the Battle Hardened Fight Team in Aston Fields, came top of the pile in the under-18s K1 category to become world champion at the Metrodome Leisure Complex.
“To become world champion is something to be very proud of, but the biggest thrill was fighting in the final for the adults title,” he said.
“The experience I gained from that fight is beyond measure.”
Fighting against a seasoned kickboxer in the men’s 60kg K1 final, Hopwood gave his best ever performance to narrowly lose a split decision in what many described as the fight of the tournament.
“A gold and a silver medal from my first World Championships is something I’m incredibly proud of,” added Hopwood.
“We have a great team of fighters and I’m sure there’ll be a lot more bling coming back to Bromsgrove in the future.”
