Wharfer wins Muay Thai world medal

The 27-year-old Poplar Dock resident was part of the British team taking part in the sport's showpiece event in the Thai capital. She had mixed feelings about medalling in the 60kg division after losing in the semi-finals to eventual champion Valentina Shevchenko.

She said: "I was delighted to come back with a medal, although I was a bit disappointed it was only a bronze. I'd had a couple of good wins to get through to the semi-finals and was feeling pretty confident.

"But Valentina outclinched me and won on points. She's very experienced, having won six world titles at 57kg, but to lose in the semis was disappointing. But at least I got some consolation from doing well to get that far and picking up a medal."

Amanda, who when she's not fighting runs her own personal training business, is convinced the experience will stand her in good stead for future competitions, including a return to Bangkok next year.

She said: "It was pretty full on because each fight was only four two minute rounds. It was very quick compared to the pro style, which tends to start off slowly as fighters size each other up.

"To compete against some very good fighters in front of big crowds who know a lot about the sport was a great experience. I learned a lot and it's given me an appetite to go back and do it all again."

The championships were successful for the British team as a whole, with several other fighters picking up five medals, including Amanda's clubmate at the KO Gym in Bethnal Green, Anna Zuchelli, who won silver.

She said: "We had a great championships, with about half the team winning medals. Considering there were over 1,000 boxers taking part that's a pretty good achievement.

"There was a fantastic team spirit which really helped spur us all on. We all pulled together and supported each other and I think that made everyone perform better."

Amanda is determined to build on her successes this year and plans to challenge for the world title again next year, although she's looking forward to a decent break over Christmas first.

She said: "I'm going back into the gym after Christmas and I'll be working on the clinch a lot as that's one area I really need to improve. I'll also be looking to generally improve my speed and power, although that's what every Thai boxer aims to do.

"But I'm already looking forward to 2010, particularly the European Amateur Championships next May, and hopefully turning the silver and bronze into gold."

For more information on Amanda's training visit ajptlondon.co.uk.