Harry Hardwick from Rotherham is fighting for Team GB at a Thai boxing tournament in Poland.
Sparks will fly in the ring this weekend for a Rotherham electrician as he represents Great Britain in an international Thai boxing tournament.
Harry Hardwick will fight for Team GB at the Polish Open Cup, taking place in Turawa from 10-12 October.
Hardwick, who has self-funded his place in the tournament, is one of five fighters representing Great Britain, with a team prize at stake as well as individual medals.
The 23-year-old from Wickersely, who stands at 6ft 7in, will compete in the under-81kg category, and said representing his country "means everything" to him.
A youth tournament for 16 to 17-year-olds will also take place next week.
As this is an amateur competition, fighters will wear protective shin pads and head gear - whereas in professional bouts only gloves are worn.
'Black eyes, bust noses'
For Hardwick, the brutal side of the sport is something he has come to terms with.
"When I first started at 10, it was very intimidating," he said.
"I wear 10oz gloves but you get elbows to the head, knees to the head, leg kicks..."
His list of injuries is long and extensive.
"Black eyes, bust noses. I haven't been able to breathe through my nose for three years," he said.
"My toes crack. I've had hematomas all over my shins."
He admitted that it had at times got "too much" for his mother.
"She doesn't ever come to my fights because right from the start she said she doesn't want to see her 'young-'un' fight.
"She'd jump into the ring!"
Although the sport is violent, Hardwick admits his day job actually poses a greater threat.
"I do have to switch on my brain and focus as an electrician. I have to as it's very dangerous," he said.
"I've had a fair few jolts over the years and a few electric shocks.
"I'd rather take an elbow to the head than have an electric shock."
According to Trix March, Hardwick's long-term coach at the Sheffield Wicker Muay Thai Camp, being an electrician has actually been very helpful in his development.
"It's helped with his work ethic, working shifts builds resilience," she said.
"All those shocks have helped with his tolerance to pain," she joked.
Ms March prides herself on being a "second mother" to Harry and other fighters.
"He was a quiet, shy boy when he started and he definitely still needs a cuddle.
"When he switches it on though, he's awesome.
"He's going all the way. He'll be a great champion."
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Category: General Sports
