Keighley kickboxer gets big victory after two-year hiatus

Victories by Josh Crowther and Maks Kacprzyk, however, came in different circumstances.

Josh, a local professional kickboxer and owner of Keighley Kickbox, which is based at Springfield Mills, off Oakworth Road in Keighley, added another victory to his record after a two-year hiatus from competing in the sport.

Josh Crowther, of Keighley Kickbox, won a bout after a two-year hiatus (Image: UGC)

Josh Crowther stepped up to fight UK No 3 Rob Zabitis at the prestigious Muay Thai Grand Prix.

His determined effort saw Josh secure a unanimous decision in a tough fought battle.

Crowther said: “Its been a long couple of years away with my focus been taken away on other things such as opening up my own gym.

“But now things are running smoothly there was no other option to but to get out there and prove that I’m one of the best kickboxers in the country, and that this is all achievable through coming from a small town like Keighley.

Crowther also has the task of managing and running his own gym, which is looking to influence and build the next generation of kickboxers in the Keighley area.

Maks, who is one of the kickboxers Josh trains, had his own success in a recent bout.

Maks Kacprzyk, of Keighley Kickox, won at the IKBO European Championships in Burnley (Image: UGC)

Maks, a Polish-born, Keighley-based fighter, picked up the vacant IBKO European Championship at Turf Moor in Burnley this past weekend.

He stopped his opponent in the third round via TKO using a number of low kicks.

Maks, who is known on the local circuit for his aggressive forward pressure style, takes his record to seven wins and two losses.

Josh says that Maks will be looking to show off his skillset on a international level as he will be representing Poland at the ISKA World Championships in Vienna in October.

Josh, who is also the head coach at Keighley Kickbox, said: “Maks is a Keighley kickboxing talent on the rise.

“Maks has been training alongside and under my tutelage for a number of years now, and it’s been great to see his personal development both in and outside of the ring.

“After the Worlds in October we believe Maks is more than ready to take the leap to professional, where the rule set favours his style and abilities massively.

“Maks has displayed championship qualities over the years, putting his heart and soul into training, and he has now proved worthy of a title against a very worthy adversary.”

For more information about kickboxing training and lessons visit Keighleykbox.com