Newbrook has world title prize in his sights

DAVE Newbrook is gunning for European title-holder Pedro Felipe before he lines up a world title shot.

Felipe holds the low-kick light-welterweight European belt and beat Newbrook in a controversial split decision in Spain last June.

Now Newbrook believes Felipe is ducking him.

'He wants me to go back out there and we are trying to get him to come here,' said the Chester fighter.

'Felipe refuses to come and we are trying to get finance in place to make it happen.

'He's playing politics really because he doesn't want to come over here where the fight will be judged equally. He would rather fight over there where everything is weighted in his favour.

'But, ultimately, if I have to go out there to beat him I will.'

After Felipe, Newbrook will look to arrange a shot at the full Thai world title having made a successful foray into the discipline on Sunday.

The city centre resident was originally supposed to fight British champion Ray de Burgh at the Northgate Arena, but he injured his knee so Commonwealth Thai champion Brett Eally of Coventry stepped in at short notice.

Cheered on by a sizeable Northgate crowd, Newbrook aimed a succession of kicks at Eally's legs and scored a first-round technical knockout.

'I was expecting a harder fight from him - after all, he is a champion,' said Newbrook. 'I knew he was more of a boxer than a kicker, although until he came into the ring I didn't know he was a southpaw!

'I'm used to fighting a few

weight classes above my size but this was a move back down and he couldn't handle the strength.'

Also fighting was Chester's John Henry McNamara, who fought Wrexham's Mark Evans and won on points.

Another home hero, Danny Parker, was disappointed to draw with Manchester's Dave Thorncroft, while Ashley Goodwin will look for a re-match after being beaten on points.

Paul Finney, of Vicars Cross, Adam Johnson from Hand-bridge and Chester-based Polish fighter Conrad Kosciolek all claimed victories in their bouts.

* Dave Newbrook is offering kickboxing classes for sport or fitness in the Chester and Ellesmere Port areas six days a week. For details of your nearest class call 01244 320620.