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A kickboxing club in Margate have been celebrating after one of their teenagers became a British champion.
The Falcons Kickboxing Club’s Cleo Musslewhite, 13, saw off Wales’ Molly Marshall in Chippenham earlier this month to win a World Ring Sports Association (WRSA) title.
Musslewhite returned to the ring after an impressive first-round stoppage in her last contest, which had seen her win the WRSA Area title.
Her bout was scheduled to be over five 90-second rounds of full-contact action.
The bell sounded for the first round and Musslewhite flew across the ring at her opponent with a bombardment of kicks and punches. This continued until 1min7sec when the overwhelming flurry of strikes proved too much for Marshall, who was defeated in the first round.
Musslewhite was in action after club-mate Esmay Amini, 12, had been edged out in her second Gala show by Caitlin Charles.
With Amini’s fight matched over three 90-second rounds of full-contact action, round one started with both girls throwing continuous hand and leg combinations, neither giving an inch.
It was a similar story in rounds two and three and, although the decision didn’t go Amini’s way, she enjoyed the experience.
Up last for The Falcons was 23-year-old Lilly-Paige Anderson against home girl Ebony Beaven in her victorious return fight after four years out.
The contest was scheduled for three two-minute rounds of full-contact action - and that’s exactly what the crowd got.
As the fight went on Anderson showed outstanding combinations, winning by a unanimous decision.
“I’m extremely proud of my team,” said instructor Mark White.
“Each of them gave 110% - not only in the ring on the night, but in the days and weeks of training.
“Their total commitment and dedication is - without question - outstanding.
“It’s not easy for young ladies to put their lives on hold while they see friends going to parties and out for dinners.
“However, this is all their choice and it shows within the results they get.”