KIDDERMINSTER kickboxing star Drew Neal is top of the world for a third time after winning gold at the WAKO World Championships in Dublin.

The 30-year-old was in excellent form in Ireland as he clinched the title in the under-89 kilogram weight category.

Neal defeated competitors from Ireland and Hungary before beating Alex Geixner, from Germany, in the final who is 11 years younger.

He then took a second medal as he captained Great Britain to bronze.

“I’ve trained harder than I have ever trained and every fight was closely contested but my fitness and experience saw me through,” said Neal.

There was more success for Neal’s Lighthouse Kickboxing School as student Jason Bowers, 42, won bronze in the men’s veterans 90kg plus section and only lost to the eventual winner of his category, a competitor from USA.

“You always dream of representing your country and at 42 I thought those days had passed me by,” said Bowers. “The whole experience was fantastic and one I’ll never forget. I now want to defend my British title in February.”

For a free taster session at Lighthouse and to train under world champions, call 01562 748007 or visit drewneal.co.uk