DOUBLE world Thai boxing champion Warren Brown has received a glowing tribute from his arch-rival's instructor.

Brown's own coach Pele Nathan thinks his star pupil is 'awesome' after successfully defending his two world titles in the space of three weeks.

And Neil Holden, coach to Mark Matthews, who was defeated by a unanimous judges' verdict by Brown on Sunday, said: "Warren is an excellent world champion, the best this country has had.

"Some Britons who have won world titles have quickly gone and joined other organisations but Warren defends his titles and gives fighters another go when they have been close."

Holden was also the promoter of Sunday's sold-out show at the excellent Monaco Ballroom venue in Hindley, near Wigan. He knows both fighters are good for business and would like to see a rematch between the two of them.

He said: "I thought it was very close for the first four rounds but Mark was tired for the fifth.

"But Mark had Warren in trouble and was giving it to him at times in the fight.

"It is 1-1 between them in fights now and I think a re-match would be interesting."

Brown has other ideas of who he would like to fight next. Full story, report, more picturtes interviews on page 60.Pictures: DAVE GILLESPIE