IT is an awesome thought that Warren Brown is still only 20 years old.

The Warrington Thai boxing star powered his way to a European title shot after defeating a handy former French champion in a Parr Hall eliminator on Sunday.

His skill, speed and strength belied a fighter of his age and you can only imagine the potential impact Brown could have on the Thai boxing scene when his body fully matures.

Brown, of Warrington's Muay Thai Gym, knocked the stuffing out of Said Bensimhed with a knee and clinch throwing onslaught backed up with a succession of wicked kicks to the head.

Brown's actions were so devastatingly fast that Bensimhed, an experienced hand of 57 professional fights, just never saw the shots coming.

But Bensimhed showed why he had held the French champion's title for six years by not falling to the canvas under the considerable pressure.

Afterwards a delighted Brown said: "I took my time at first because we did not know too much about him.

"I built it up and caught him with a couple of good shots but he didn't go down. He had a good chin."

There was no question though of Brown not being given the decision by the judges.

Coach Dave Jackson said: "He's awesome isn't he? Warren fought as well as we expected against a man who defended his French champion's title 18 times."

The large crowd was packed with punters who know that Brown has special talents.

They rose off their seats and cheered every kick and punch that Brown landed on his way to taking his record to 27 fights, 26 wins and just one defeat.

On the undercard, Warrington Muay Thai's Hayley Moss found success in her first fight, getting the judges' decision over Bolton's more experienced Tracey Kilburn.

Clubmate Carla Mertagh did not have the same fortune and lost on points to Bolton's Vicky Roberts.

Ricky Richardson of Warrington EMTS stopped Michael Badger in round two while David Buckley drew in his bout.

Robin Swainbank, of Warrington Kick Boxing Studio, was given a tough fight by Birmingham's Neil Edwards before getting the nod off the judges.

Anthony Pervis, of Warrington Muay Thai, narrowly lost to Preston's David Parkinson.

Warren Brown

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