DAMIEN Hunt from Royston-based GMax Academy won a bronze medal at Cimac WAKO British Open Kickboxing Championships in Birmingham on Sunday.

Royston Crow: Damien Hunt scores with a front kickDamien Hunt scores with a front kick (Image: Archant)

The 24-year-old competed in the senior men’s Under 75kg division.

Hunt made the semi-finals where he faced face Nottingham fighter, Warren Bennett.

The two had met in the same tournament in 2012, with Hunt eventually winning the silver medal on a judge’s decision after tying for first place.

Hunt instantly took control of the centre of the ring, and hunted his opponent down.

Bennett picked his shots on the counter-attack, and although Hunt effectively neutralised Bennett’s kicks with some deft movement and parrying, he was caught by several punches to the head.

As the clock ran down, Hunt scored with an effective roundhouse kick to the head and his opponent was lucky to only just evade a rapid spinning kick.

At the final bell, Hunt narrowly missed out on a place in the final with the judges scoring 2:1 in favour of Bennett.

When asked how he felt about adding another medal at national level to his collection, Hunt said: “I’m lucky to have such a great coach and team mates.

“The support I get from them all makes me push to achieve more in the sport.

“Training with great people really makes it easier, because you enjoy every minute.”

GMax head coach Glen Stanway, added: “Damien fought really well in a tight contest against a very good opponent.

“He has only just recovered from a broken rib, but didn’t let it affect his performance. Damien is a very talented fighter and is getting better all the time.”

n GMax teaches Kung Fu and Kickboxing classes in Royston, for children and adults.

For further details visit the website www.gmax.me.uk or call Glen on 07563 755 199.