A SUCCESSFUL weekend for kickboxing brothers from Prudhoe has resulted in an English title.

Callum Beeckmans (13) won a title fight at the weekend to be crowned World Kickboxing Association Ringsport champion at 48kg, which he followed up with gold in the Tyne and Wear Open alongside fellow gold medallist brother Owen (10).

The pair, both members of Crawcrook-based Aiki Kickboxing, won five fights on the bounce to win the regional title, Callum triumphing in the 50kg weight division and Owen in 40kg.

The highlight of the weekend came when Callum won two ring fights for the Ringsport accolade, impressing with solid performances at the Rotherham Leisure Centre event.

There was late panic as he was weighing in at more than the 48kg weight restriction just one day before the fight, but a day spent in the sauna and the swimming pool took his weight down to 48.4kg - just under the limit of 48.5!

His father Mark said: “We were worried whether he would get under the weight, and Callum thought he was over on the day. That would have been devastating as the event had the best names fighting, from far afield.

“It was a grand day of fighting and there were some tough fights, and Callum even got a bust nose.

“He kept it together really well and I’m absolutely buzzing for him now that it’s all wound down, and he has done the club proud.”

Callum’s progress in the sport has attracted a sponsorship deal with Ryton-based builder Kevin Stokoe, but more so the opportunity to train with England ahead of his world championships appearance.

Both Callum and Owen were coached by another star kickboxer from Prudhoe, with Owen Richardson standing in their corners at the Tyne and Wear Open and sharing his expertise.

And the brothers pulled it off with some further excellent fighting, both returning to the Tyne Valley with the gold medals.

The win for Owen was particularly impressive as it marked a return to action after a confidence crisis saw him drop out of the sport.

Mark said: “It was my little lad’s first fight for a year because he lost all his confidence. But we kept him in training and he went to the event and enjoyed it, and we couldn’t fault him or his brother. They were both brilliant on the day and it couldn’t have gone any better, especially Owen who was absolutely tremendous.”

david.coulter@hexham-courant.co.uk