And the 'New British Lightweight Champion' .....Rob 'Raging Bull' Hingston

Story courtesy of Bill Richards..

CITY fighter Rob Hingston had to call on all his reserves before producing a champion's performance and outpointing rival Richard Hines to win the International Kickboxing Federation British lightweight title in Essex.

Taurus Gym's Hingston was a unanimous winner on all three judges cards at the end of 10 relentless rounds at the famous Circus Tavern in Purfleet.

Hingston, who has won both the South West and English lightweight crowns, admitted winning the British title was the biggest achievement of his kickboxing career.

But the 30-year-old Hingston conceded it had been touch and go until the last two rounds as to who would prevail in the hunt for the vacant title.

But he added: "I'm coming back to Plymouth with the title because at the end it came down to who wanted it more – and it was me."


Hingston paid tribute to his trainer and mentor at the Mutley Plain-based Taurus club, the owner Jimmy Hamilton.

"I'm absolutely over the moon to win a British title at long last," said Hingston, from Bere Alston.

"It's been a long time coming, but the wait was worth it.

"I don't know who was more chuffed – me or Jimmy. He was going crazy when my hand was raised.

"I'm not taking anything away from Richard, he was a cagey and tough opponent and it was a tough fight.

"It makes past disappointments slightly more bearable now.

"It came down to stamina and the will to win.

"With him (Hines) being the local favourite and me the underdog, beating him in his own backyard makes all the training and roadwork worthwhile.

"I had the fight even going up to say the seventh or eighth round, with me nicking a round and then Richard doing the same.

"After that, I knew he was tiring, so I just dug deep, kept to the plan Jimmy and me had come up with and I'm now British champion and that's brilliant."

Hamilton was equally thrilled and like his star student, admitted Hines was a worthy title opponent, but paid credit to Hingston's determination and iron will.

The pair, last year, had been left disappointed and upset after Hingston's bid to win the WAKO Pro British lightweight title ended in a controversial defeat to Cornishman Mike Nudd

"It was a real battle out there and although we'd come prepared with a short and long gameplan, Rob really had to dig deep at the end," said Hamilton.

"From the outset, the fight went as we thought it would, with Richard fighting from distance and Rob holding the centre of the ring.

"But, just when Rob looked to be getting ahead, Richard would come back with another good round.

"Up until round eight, I had the fight even, and Rob's desire and hunger for the title saw him through, as both lads were out on their feet.

"Rob's was a truly champion's performance. He wanted it more on the night and I'm really proud of him."