THAI boxer Frederick Forrest, from Gainford, defied the odds to become European champion in only his sixth fight at the weekend.
The 28-year-old, who only took up the sport two years ago, caused a major upset when he recorded a hard-fought points victory over Belgian fighter David DeVille, a veteran of 65 bouts.
He was only asked to take on the fight in Scotland at the last minute after the original contender pulled out.
Forrest, who trains at the Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy in Albert Hill, now hopes to fight in Thailand, where the sport, which allows competitors to use their elbows and knees, is very popular
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