Bonar Bridge kickboxer takes top title
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A Sutherland kickboxer is celebrating after winning the WKC Scottish Heavyweight Championship.
James Urquhart, of Balblair, Bonar Bridge, credits a new trainer and a change of regime to his victory at the Moray Sports Centre, Elgin, on August 18.
Businessman Mr Urquhart (34), who owns composite product firm CFUK Concepts in Ardgay, took up kickboxing around five years ago.
But he said that in previous fights, he was carrying a lot of “bad weight” which was affecting his cardio and conditioning.
Around a year ago he started training with experienced MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter Jamie Macdonald of Inverness.
Mr Macdonald has been undefeated in more than 20 Brazilian jujitsu fights and seven MMA and boxing matches.
The partnership was ideal for Mr Urquhart as, at 6ft 7" tall and weighing 130kg, he finds it hard to find someone of a similar size to spar with.
“He has been brilliant in helping me take my fighting to the next level,” he said. “We have worked hard over the past 12 months improving my footwork and movement as well as my striking technique.
“He is a brilliant trainer and his classes are for anyone from zero experience to fighters in competition.”
Mr Urquhart also praises another trainer Jason Young, Inver, for helping him with his strength and conditioning. Mr Young is a four times World Highland Games champion.
He said: “On the lead up to the championships we focused a lot on explosive power as we knew we would be fighting taekwondo fighters as well as kickboxers and K1 fighters.
"The taekwondo style of fighting normally focuses on fast footwork and spinning kicks and is quite a difficult style to fight against as opponents are constantly bouncing around.
"On this occasion it was the right approach as we knocked out our opponent with a lead "hook/cross" combo when he moved in for a kick.
Mr Urquhart was selected to represent to compete in the heavyweight class at the WKC World Championship which takes place at Niagara Falls, New York, from November 2-8.
