Waringstown’s 11-year-old kickboxing sensation has lifted yet another title after being crowned the International Kickboxing Champion.
Scott Watson is no stranger to the competitive kickboxing scene. Despite his youth he is already an eight times World Kickboxing Champion, three times WKU World Champion, five times WKO World Champion, seven times Northern Ireland Kickboxing Champion and two times ISKA all Ireland Kickboxing Champion.
On February 23, Scott – who trains under junior coach Garry Nelson and dad Brian Watson at Fight Club NI in Lurgan – travelled to Wigan in England to fight the current British Champion in the Budo Kombat league in five rounds of semi-pro full contact kickboxing.
Scott ‘The Pocket Rocket’ Watson won on unanimous decision and took the belt home to Northern Ireland.
Kickboxing from age six, the dedicated young fighter has had a series of successes, taking on competition from all over the world including in the United States of America, Canada, Russia, Armenia, Hungary, Germany, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Proud father and coach, Brian describes his bedroom at home as a “trophy chest of achievements”.
He said: “Scott is a very decorated young fighter; he has won multiple championships in kickboxing and boxing with a haul of titles medals and trophies.
“From 19 championship title belts to 113 medals plus all his belt grading certificates.
“Scott is a red belt in the kickboxing grading system. He is the highest level in our junior level, only two belt grades off his junior black belt.
“Last week Scott stepped up to travel to England to fight the best they have at his height, weight and age.”
And, he’s not stopping there. The budding sports enthusiast has also commenced training with Irish Amateur Boxing from Banbridge ABC under head coach Jason Makay.
True to form, just six months into training, he has already won the Co Louth Championships, the Antrim 12s Championships and the Ulster Novice Championships.
Added Brian: “This boy has a bright future ahead in kickboxing and boxing.
“Scott Watson is an inspiration to young people across all sports. He trains six times a week in both kickboxing and boxing.
“He trains in two different clubs multiple times a week plus on Saturday mornings. He’s out running 10k around Lurgan Park with his club mates.
“His dedication and commitment to training really is phenomenal. He always puts in the time and work to perfect his skills.
“As Scott’s parents we couldn’t be more proud of him. He really is a fantastic young man.
“His biggest and loudest supporter would be his younger sister, Jessica who you can clearly see cheering him on from the side!”
Scott relies on the generosity of sponsors to help him on his journey.
Any businesses keen to support Scott with a long term sponsorship should contact Brian via email at watson.kickboxing@hotmail.com.
