After his recent performance on the prestigious Muay Thai grand prix promotion where he fought and beat the former UK no 3, Joshua Crowther has climbed the rankings.

He now takes his place, rightfully earning him the number three slot, which delighted the Keighley fighter.

He said: "This is a big achievement and I'm very proud of myself, especially under the circumstances of running a gym and having no proper coach to guide and prepare me though training.”

Crowther who has been relying upon his training partners and friends to train him, and he said: "This is currently the way for myself, Kickboxing isn't a huge sport in the Keighley area and although I travel from time to time to train, there is still a business and income to be made as the sport doesn't pay the bills.

“Fortunately, I have some good lads at the gym who can help me train and prepare, even though not optimal, there is always a way if you want it bad enough.

“There was no real Kickboxing scene when I first started in Keighley, but now through persistence and dedication, we are becoming a reputable gym on the circuit.”

For now, Crowther is putting his focus back into the business, and continuing to build and grow KeighleKickbox, where he claims: "I'm trying to build champions inside and outside of the ring.

“The majority of people who train here aren't aspiring to be championship level fighters, they are just looking for an outlet that builds them up physically and mentally whilst also supplying them with a community feel.”