There was a large turnout for the appearance by a number of East Devon Muay Thai fighters competing in Exeter’s Chang Cup Fight Night.

The event was hosted at Club Rococo, Exeter, in association with the Muay Thai World Series.

The event was sponsored by local businesses; Otter Vale Motor Services, Curt Willis Motors, Gas Check South West, Selective Investments Financial Services and Tip Top Trees, and Chang Beer.

The Muay Thai World Series is the Thai Boxing equivalent of the Premier League in football, with many events being televised.

Honiton and Exeter’s FSC gym fielded a fight team of 14 competitors, ranging from novices to Area and National Chang Cup competitors.

An impressive feat, considering many of the top gyms came from all over England and Wales including London, Bristol and Cardiff. The atmosphere was electric and was the most anticipated combat sports event in Devon this year.

Kayleigh McGregor who trains regularly at the Honiton gym was engaged in a tough debut fight against tenacious Gabi from Eagle’s Gym, Cardiff with the bout being declared a draw.

Honiton’s Tom Dyte, who won his first fight earlier in the year, took on John Christmas who was making his debut in the colours of Combat Warriors, Portishead. Dyte bossed each round to win by a unanimous decision.

Shane Quick stepped up in class to face Emile from London’s prestigious Starsz Gym and this three-round contest was adjudged to be a draw.

That led to the man events of the meeting with Honiton’s Paul Quick taking on Scott Hamilton from Bristol for the Chang Super-Heavyweight Cup, fought over five two-minute rounds.

After a pulsating contest with no quarter given by either contestant it was the Bristol fighter who took the honours and lifted the prestigious Chang Cup.

There was agreement all round at the end of the event that it had been a spectacular night and demonstration of the technically challenging Muay Thai, hosted by FSC’s Sonny Perez.