James BovingtonA teenager from Moortown who made his debut on the recent Combat Challenge MMA show in Bradford has been praised for having ‘the heart, determination and outstanding courage which show genuine potential in the sport.’
Eighteen-year-old Archie Heath didn’t get the win over the older, more experienced Abdul Bhai but held his own to ensure the bout went the full distance.
“I’d like to have got the win but I’m more than happy with my debut bout,” explained warehouse operative Archie. “I’ve been training at IMA in Seacroft for eighteen months and it was time to get in the cage and prove I’ve got some potential. I’ve been training hard and I felt confident that I could hold my own which I did. He threw everything at me, but I know I rocked him with at least one powerful head kick. The fight lasted the full three rounds, nine minutes in total, and I’ve proved I belong in that cage.”
“We’re delighted with Archie’s debut bout,” said IMA coach Ryley Middleton. “Archie showed the qualities a fighter needs in addition to technical skill and that’s heart, determination and most of all courage. We saw everything we needed to see to know Archie has powerful potential.”
As for Archie, “I’ve always loved watching MMA. Now I’m a fighter. This is all I want to do. I’d encourage any young person to give it a go and maybe surprise yourself.”
If interested in training at IMA or potentially sponsoring Archie contact IMA via Instagram @ima.leeds or text Ryley Middleton on 07949 396935.
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