Sukhy Shoria of the TS Kickboxing Club became the new ISKA welterweight European champion on Saturday night. Shoria gained a 10-round unanimous points decision over the former champ Simon Akufo from Birmingham at the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre. Thi

Sukhy Shoria of the TS Kickboxing Club became the new ISKA welterweight European champion on Saturday night.

Shoria gained a 10-round unanimous points decision over the former champ Simon Akufo from Birmingham at the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.

This fight saw a great display of kickboxing from both fighters but the strength and hunger of Shoria began to tell from as early as round four.

Shoria kept the pressure on Akufo from the early rounds scoring well with his jab and lead leg kicks. And he forced Akufo to take an eight count early in the fight.

Akufo held on during the later rounds and at the end of a thrilling 10 rounds, the capacity crowd was on its feet as Shoria was presented with the European title.

Another home fighter, Andy Pollard, made the second successful defence of his British title with an impressive seven-round points win over Ronnie Hogan.

Pollard was back to his old aggressive self from the opening bell landing some good body punches on the inside and nice lead leg front kicks when at distance.

Hogan came back with some nice work of his own during the fight, particularly with his right cross, but Pollard was much the busier fighter throughout.

Round seven saw Pollard come out hard and fast to make sure of the win. Airport Taxis of Welwyn Garden City sponsored this British title fight.

Stacey Parker retained her English title after her fight ended in a draw.

Parker's opponent Zoe Mason definitely came to fight and came forward the whole five rounds.

Parker used excellent movement and timing of her kicks to keep Mason out and worked well when inside, but Mason still marched forwards and began to throw her own lead leg front kick and round kick well.

The judges could not split the two fighters and the fight was a declared a draw.

Co-promoter Steve Granger had a tough and exciting fight against Rob Stevens from Birmingham.

The first three rounds were even with both fighters landing some hard shots.

Granger's defence was good as Stevens opened up with a barrage of techniques in the third round which was mostly blocked. Stevens had a big final round as Granger began to tire slightly and at the end of the five rounds, the decision went his way.

Martin Cox stopped his opponent in the first round of their super-heavyweight contest with a thundering left hook which sent his opponent to the canvas and left the referee with no option.

Philip Francis and Robbie Bent both had their first fights and had the crowd on their feet to receive standing ovations.

Francis had a non-stop all-action three round contest which was arguably fight of the night. He won on points after three hard rounds.

The 44-year-old Bent stopped his opponent with 10 seconds remaining of the last round.

James Penny lost a close decision over three rounds. Penny came on strong in the third round but it was not enough as the decision went to his opponent from Colchester.

Trevor Spencer from the local club said: "We would like to thank all the sponsors and spectators for their continued support of these events, as they continue to go from strength to strength."

Anyone wanting further information on future events or kickboxing classes, call 07940 715717 or 07973 655011.