POPPY Maslen is a champion at the tender age of ten after an area title at an event in Bristol.

The youngster, from Team CKA (Chippenham Kickboxing Academy) defeated Dakota Broad, from Bristol’s Highlander club to lift the 28kg Pro-Am area title.

Stepping up to five one-minute rounds for the first time, Maslen was up against an opponent with whom she had drawn in one of her two previous fights.

Coached by Annabelle Shoob, she showed the benefits of training up to five nights a week as she defeated her rival on her own turf.

Dominating the contest, Maslen clinched the belt with a clinical performance, the Chippenham club’s Kev Shoob saying: “For a ten-year-old to step in that ring and fight the way she did and put up a battle like that, in front of a crowd of 800 people was amazing.’’

Two other club kickboxers took part on the bill, 22-year-old Alex Davis challenging for the Pro Commonwealth title over ten two- minute rounds.

He just came up short against Dean Kelly, from DKA Kickboxing while twelve-year-old club fighter Megan was also defeated, by Esme Taylor, from the Highlander club.

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