James Deakin stepped into uncharted territory and stepped out with gold around his neck, leading an Isaan Gym sweep that saw four victories from five bouts at Saturday’s Sandee Fight Series in Barnsley’s Metrodome.

The 10-year-old from Royton became the new -46kg international champion after pulling away in the final two rounds of his first-ever international contest against an Italian opponent. Deakin’s barn-burner set the tone for the Oldham camp, which also saw 17-year-old Danny Ferris claim the 70kg European crown by reversing a slow start and dominating rounds four and five against a Belgian rival.

Brayden Watson, 18, completed the European title haul for Isaan, dismantling another Belgian fighter via unanimous decision to secure the 68kg strap in only his third pro-am title appearance. Alex Greenough and JJ Taylor rounded out the five-fighter contingent from the Denton-based stable, with Greenough adding a win and Taylor suffering the night’s lone defeat.

Head coach Ste Donnelly watched his pupils sweep three belts and praised Watson’s breakout showing. “Win, lose or draw I was very proud of my boxers. But Brayden was sensational on Saturday. It’s the best I’ve seen him. He’s doing all the things we practice in the gymnasium, which is great to see. We are doing something right at Isaan in Oldham. It’s no fluke we have a continuous production line of producing quality Muay Thai boxers.” Promoter Pete Spensley hailed the event as “our best show to date and we are only just getting started.”

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