South Shields fighter Nathan McCarthy still done his hometown proud despite not lifting world title belt
The 24-year-old took to the ring to face Frenchman Ari Quitusisa for the vacant IKF World Title Belt in what was an electrifying night of both K1 and full-contact style of the martial art.
The 12-round headline bout held at Temple Park Centre on Saturday night had the crowd on their feet and lifting the roof as they willed the fighter on.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt was a tough battle for Nathan, who already has a number of titles to his name including the WKA European, ICO British and WKU World Champion and is a student at Kuei-Ling Kickboxing Club in Maxwell Street, South Shields
At one point it was feared the Frenchman had him beaten when the referee started the countdown after Nathan hit the mat half-way through the rounds, but with the support of the crowd, he got back to his feet and powered his way through the final rounds.
But in the end it wasn’t to be as Quitusisa was handed the IKF World Title belt following the judges decision.