KIDDERMINSTER kickboxer Drew Neal defeated the defending world champion to win the Belgium WAKO (World Associations of Kickboxing Organisations) World Cup event.
The 27-year-old got the better of Croatian Zvonka Gribble 13-6 in a one-sided two round bout, to seal the tournament in the under-84 kilogram section, which featured some of the best fighters from Europe, Canada and the USA.
Victory over one of WAKO's leading stars signalled that Drew, who teaches the martial art in Kidderminster, is getting back to his best after recovering from an knee injury which kept him out of competition for 18 months.
"I've met Zvonka twice before and expected a challenge. It was a bit easier than I thought because he's a very tough customer," said Neal.
"It has taken me a long time to get fit and even now the knee is not completely right but I am feeling in good shape."
Now the physical trainer turns his attentions to regaining the WAKO world title in the Portugese city of Faro at the end of November.
Neal won the tournament in 2003 in Paris and is in confident mood after defeating the current holder.
"Before the tournament in Belgium my aim was to go to the world championships and do as well as I can but beating the world champion has given me a lift.
"I have the passion and desire to win the tournament and now I am hopeful I can go a long way in it."
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