THAI boxing prospect George Rowand is tackling a sponsored triathlon in order to help his dream of competing in October’s Thai Boxing World Championships in Italy.
The August 20 triathlon – a 1km swim, 5km run and 20km cycle – is sure to be a challenge, but the 12-year-old is determined to reach his £2,500 fund-raising target.
George, who has trained at Redditch-based Thaitans Martial Arts Academy for six years, said: “I train six times a week. Thai boxing is my life and I really want to fight professionaly when I’m older.
“My dream is to compete in the 2024 Olympics. Thank you for anything you can donate.”
George has an amazing fight record for his age, with 29 wins out of 35 fights. He has fought three international opponents from Belgium, Spain and Holland – who flew over to compete against him – winning two contests and drawing the other.
George, who now wants to return the favour and compete abroad, is ranked the second best junior in the UK for his age and weight – a standing that was not easy to achieve.
George’s mother Becci said: “He is a very dedicated young man, even missing out on family time to train with an overall goal of one day competing in the Olympics.
“He never backs down from a challenge and this will be his biggest to date. This will open doors for George and provide him with a larger platform on which to compete.
“We have had some amazing donations from friends and family and his school are helping with a cake sale. We are also staging a supermarket bag pack at Morrisons in Redditch on September 16.”
In his latest fight in Barnsley, George enjoyed great success against a tough Scottish opponent who was at least a year older and taller.
He had a tough two rounds but listened well to his corner and dug deep to secure victory, much to the delight of his training team Kev Dorman and Sophie Hutchins.
Earlier this summer, George retained his European 41kg title on Aaron Jones’ Epic Awakening series show in Crewe.
To help George meet his fund-raising target, visit www.gofundme.com/georgeitaliandream.
