South Tyneside kickboxer jets off to U.S for chance at world title

A kickboxer from South Tyneside is taking his talent stateside for the chance to clinch a world title.
Kickboxer Nathan McCarthy is to compete for a world title in New YorkKickboxer Nathan McCarthy is to compete for a world title in New York
Kickboxer Nathan McCarthy is to compete for a world title in New York

Nathan McCarthy is already the current ICO British Champion, WKA European Champion and WKU World Champion.

On Saturday he hopes his hard work and skills in the ring will pay off when he takes on 39-year-old American Amer Abdullah.

Kickboxer Nathan McCarthy is to compete for a world title in New YorkKickboxer Nathan McCarthy is to compete for a world title in New York
Kickboxer Nathan McCarthy is to compete for a world title in New York
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The 23-year-old, a member of the Kuei-Ling Kickboxing Club in South Shields, leaves the UK today to make the journey to New York where he will compete at the Kenan Arena in the Tale of the Tape contest and the chance to clinch the WKA World Champion belt.

Nathan who has been training in his sport since the age of 15, said: “I’ve competed in different countries but never outside of Europe. It’s not very often a chance to go to America to fight so this is quite a big deal.

“This is the biggest thing to happen to me in my career - it’s just massive.

“Everyone at the club is over the moon and really excited for me - but that’s the club, we are like one big family.

Kickboxer Nathan McCarthy is to compete for a world title in New YorkKickboxer Nathan McCarthy is to compete for a world title in New York
Kickboxer Nathan McCarthy is to compete for a world title in New York
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“I know it is going to be a tough fight. I’ve been doing this long enough now to know you never get an easy street.”

Nathan was put forward for the bout after being spotted by a promoter. He was contacted eight weeks ago and within two weeks the fight was confirmed.

For the past four weeks he has been in the gym continuing with his training under the watchful eye of the club’s coaches.

Nathan will be joined on his trip by coaches Steve East and Steve Moffatt.

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Mr East said: “Nathan really deserves this opportunity. The progress he has made has been unbelieveable and he is ready for this.

“He has a tough fight ahead of him but he’s ready. To be spotted and asked to go over, it’s brilliant for the club but it’s also brilliant for South Tyneside and the North East.

“We are a town which is big into football and boxing, but the marital arts groups are doing fantastic too and are helping to put South Tyneside on the map.”

Nathan is being sponsored on his trip by North East Refurbishments Ltd, Gary Tuck Workshops, Hanson Wealth, Paul Davis Aerials and Carmeleon Concepts.

Kuei-Ling Kickboxing Club is based at 40 Maxwell Street, South Shields.

For more information on the club and sessions for both adults and children visit 07946 389 945.