Akufo ready (From Stourbridge News)

Akufo ready

Rowley Regis-based Simon Akufo is putting the finishing touches to his gruelling training routine as he prepares to represent England and challenge for the European IKF Welterweight Kickboxing championship belt.

He will take on the current champion John Paul Soames from Kilkenny.

The fight will take place in Kilkenny on Sunday November 5 over nine rounds.

Coach Kash the Flash' Gill, himself a four-time world kickboxing champion, said the Irish fighter had home advantage which would give him an edge.

He said: "Simon is the fittest I have seen and to go to Ireland and take the crown from the home boy is no easy task, so we need to knock Soames out in the later rounds."

Akufo said: "It's my big chance to put myself on the map and hopefully lead to greater things.

"I am the fittest and sharpest I have ever been. It's going to be fireworks in Ireland as this is the biggest fight of my career."

He trains with Kash on four days a week and with Paul Iceman' Collins on Friday at the Earls High School.

Akufo is currently looking for any potential sponsors and anyone interested can call Kash Gill on 07973 421690 or Simon on 07775 800906 for more details.