South Shields kickboxer adds new belt to growing collection

Nathan McCarthy has showcased his talents in the ring in bouts throughout Europe and as far away as America.

The 24-year-old only narrowly missed out on claiming the World Kickboxing Association belt, in 2016, when he crossed the Atlantic to take on seasoned fighter Amer Abdullah.

But the setback failed to stop Nathan from taking on more bouts as he quickly got back in the ring claiming victory over a number of his opponents.

Last month, his winning streak continued as he floored competitor James Watling in the eighth round, with an upper cut, to claim the World Kickboxing Organisation Cruiser Weight Title when the pair came head to head at NE6 suite in Newcastle.

The latest win has spurred on coach Steve East in his continued quest to secure a re-match for Nathan against Abdullah in South Shields in November.

Mr East who runs Kuei-Ling Kickboxing Club in Maxwell Street, South Shields, said: “We have been trying to get a re-match for Nathan against Abdullah for months now.

“I already have Temple Park Centre booked for November 10 for the fight but as yet we have yet to have the other side confirm.

“Abdullah hasn’t fought since winning the title and he needs to defend it.

“Nathan was robbed of the title in America and we want the opportunity to put that right.

“We know Nathan is world class based on the fights he has had and the number of world titles he has won - but the WKA is the big one and Nathan is world class. He deserves that title.”

Since his defeat in 2016 Nathan has fought in four major fights winning them all.

Mr East added: “We don’t want Abdullah stripped of the title, we want him to come to South Shields to defend it. But that is down to him and his team to decide.”

Nathan has been a student at Kuei-Ling Kickboxing Club since the age of seven. Over that time he has won a number of belts including the WK European, ICO British, WK British, WUMA English and WKU World Champion.

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.