DARLINGTON Thai boxer Michael Dicks faces the biggest fight of his career tomorrow. The 24-year-old product of Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy takes on title-holder and world number one Andrei Kulebin in Bolton for the title of undisputed World Muay Thai champion, the sport’s official world championship.

Should he win, it will be a life-changing moment for a man virtually unknown in his home town but recognised as a sporting superstar in parts of the world where Thai boxing is almost a religion. For Dicks, the holder of several British, UK and inter-continental titles and ranked number two in the world by the World Muay Thai Council in the 65.5kg category, Saturday is the chance to put the record straight after being ‘cheated’out of a world title last November.

Dicks, his camp and many experts were convinced the Darlington man had beaten the vastly experienced ‘Superman’Sitjaipetch, from Thailand, but the judges disagreed and the World Muay Thai Council MAD (Muay Thai Against Drugs) title remained out of his grasp.

A year on and that bitter disappointment has been used by coach and manager Paul Hamilton to instil a steely resolve in Dicks not to suffer that feeling of despair again by winning the world title and taking Belarussian Kulebin’s number one slot.

“To say we felt cheated out of the MAD title is an understatement but that is history now and on Saturday Michael has the chance to win the official world championship –this is the big one,” said Hamilton, a former world number one himself, who now runs the Darlington academy.

“We have every respect for Kulebin as he is not only a great fighter, he is a genuine champion, as he requested this fight against Michael, his main challenger, rather than take easier bouts to ensure he keeps the title.

“We were delighted to accept the challenge, especially as Kulebin was prepared to come over here.

“It is the fight the whole of the Thai boxing world has been craving, as the two have contrasting yet equally exciting styles which should make for a great fight.

“It is an extremely highprofile event, with TV coverage, and should Michael win it will put him at the summit of the sport.”

Called the ‘Ricky Hatton of Thai boxing’ because his attacking style matches that of the popular boxer, Dicks will not change his tactics on Saturday, though Hamilton has recruited the services of world-renowned Thai coach Gai to introduce an element of surprise for Kulebin. With more than 100 fans making the trip across the Pennines to Bolton’s De Vere Whites Hotel, Dicks will have plenty of support in his bid for glory.

Should he win the title, Dicks could at last achieve the superstar status in his own town and country he already enjoys throughout the Thai boxing world.

Keith Taylor, Darlington & Stockton Times.

Friday 6th November 2009