A Muay Thai boxer from Croxley Green has dedicated her two most recent world titles to her late grandad who was tragically killed.
Ellie Harber, 14, of Rickmansworth School, retained her ISKA Muay Thai World Title and added another K1 boxing world title to her haul at the Neptune Stadium in Cork, Ireland.
The competition began on Wednesday (October 16) with the rounds and culminated with the finals on Saturday. There were three rings and three mat areas all in operation, so the venue had a buzz of excitement as competitors from across the world fought for the right to be a world champion.
After her fight, Ellie said she knew her grandad would be looking down on her smiling.
Ellie’s grandad, Allan Isichei, an ex-Waps rugby player, was murdered in Southall in August. A man has been arrested for Allan’s murder.
Ellie said: “I am so pleased to retain my ISKA Muay Thai World Title and add a K1 world title to my existing four world, two European, six Domestic Titles over the last two years.
“I love the sport, and love to train hard, so being able to achieve these results is great. I find it humbling as my journey is supported by so many great people along the way, especially my coaches, Colin Lewis, training partner Emilia and my family.
“This win is especially important to me as recently I tragically lost my grandad to a senseless crime and know that he is looking on me smiling in achieving these wins. He is usually ringside cheering me on and I know he was doing that in my heart.”
With over 500 competitors at the World Championships Ellie faced tough competition as she competed in the K1 under 55kg category for 14 and 15 years, delivering a Technical Knock Out (TKO) in the semi-finals versus a tough competitor from Malta, and she had a ‘bloody battle’ in the final with an established Belgian fighter.
The Belgian won the first round which spurred Ellie into action and she came back to take the next two rounds to take the title.
The England team had a great competition after topping the leader board with 53 gold, 41 silver and 23 bronzes.
Lions Watford had in total four of their fighters competing at the event; Jude Smith aged 15 years, Emilia Azarova, aged 12, Lacey Masterson, aged 12 and Ellie.
Each of the fighters’ won medals, with Lacey taking a silver and Jude a gold in Muay Thai. Emilia continued her winning streak and added a World Title in Muay Thai in the under 13 years category. It was a great week’s work for the Lions, as well for the England team.
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