A KICKBOXER from Haydon Bridge has made a remarkable comeback by winning a title fight.

Joe Welch defeated Josh Thomas of Stockton at Dunston Activity Centre in Gateshead on Sunday to lift the Stand Up and Fight K1 middleweight northern championship belt.

The victory was an emotional one for the 21-year-old, who walked away from kickboxing three years ago, despite showing much promise as a teenager.

But after encouragement from his father, Mick Welch, and coach, Barry Norman, Joe has stepped back into the ring to great effect.

Joe dedicated the title win to his friend and former training partner Jack Bell, of Corbridge, who died in March of this year aged 26.

“I knew he would win,” said Mick. “He’s a tough lad and he can look after himself.

“He got back into it this year and has shown a lot of enthusiasm and dedication in training.

“It was a good performance on Sunday, very confident, and we’re over the moon for Joe to win such a prestigious title.

“It was emotional, because he wanted to win for his friend Jack, and I think that really did spur him on.”

Joe won his title against a tough opponent despite badly bruising his hand in training before the bout.

Mick, himself a former kickboxer, said he was pleased to see his son back involved with the sport.

“He started at the age of 11 and always had the ability,” explained Mick.

“Sometimes you can drift away from things, but he’s back at it now and focused on achieving again.”

Barry Norman coached Mick in his younger days, and now presides over Joe’s training.

He said: “The thing about Joe is that he’s strong and he has the heart for it. With kickboxing, you have to hone the technique and he’s always been able to do that.

“He’s a great lad and it’s great to see him involved. He’s had three years away, but has quickly picked it up again.”

The former Haydon Bridge High School pupil previously attended training camps with Mr Norman in Thailand.

He works on his fitness and development at the Sor Thanikul gym in Newcastle.

Originating in Thailand, kickboxing is a combat sport. It uses both kicking and punching, and can be practised for both self defence and general fitness.

Joe is not the only local kickboxer excelling at the discipline. Prudhoe teenager Owen Richardson earned his black belt in kickboxing earlier this year.