DANNY RUSHTON is the best of British!

The 27-year-old Leigh martial arts instructor, in only his second fight as a professional, has been crowned the nation's heavyweight champion in one of the country's most controversial sports.

He has won the Japanese 'Rings Rules' British Heavyweight Championship.

The sport is a mix of boxing and kick boxing, karate and wrestling. It received press exposure just a few months ago when some martial arts organisations expressed their concerns about it.

It was, in some press reports, even referred to as 'human cock fighting'. However, Danny is adamant the sport is governed by a variety of rules and is less dangerous than other sports.

He fought his first professional fight in March but was given a yellow card for allegedly hitting his American opponent's head, although he claimed it was the top of the chest he had punched. Although he dominated the fight, the foul meant he lost the contest.

But his fighting prowess impressed the sport's organisers so much he was invited to try for the British Heavyweight Championship in only his second professional contest.

And the 15-stone fighter faced opponent Joe Akano in the ring at Milton Keynes.

The fight followed slightly different rules to his last encounter. During the 10-minute bout the contestants wore open palmed gloves and were allowed to aim blows at their rival's head.

Danny has been kick boxing for 14 years and is now training hard seven days a week for the bout at the Coliseum gym he runs in Gas Street, Leigh, with his partner Danny Wallace.

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