Kickboxing constable wins UK title

Kickboxing constable wins UK title

Michelle had just 30 minutes to decide whether or not to fight

A police probationer has won a UK kickboxing championship - after being given just 24 hours to prepare.

Michelle King, who is currently serving her two-year probationary period with Dorset police, took the British title in the under-55kg (8st 9lb) kickboxing championships.

Michelle received a telephone call on the night before the championship and was given just half-an-hour to decide whether or not she was prepared to fight in Watford.

Michelle, 31, who is based in Sherbourne, explained: "I was so taken aback. The current champion had to withdraw at the last minute and I was next on the list as you have to have won a succession of organised fights throughout the country before you are eligible to go for the title."

Michelle, who has been doing kickboxing and Tai-Jutsu for four years, is now due to pick up her black belt soon after she passes out from her probationary period in October.

She now hopes to win a place in the kickboxing world championships in Manchester in January 2004.

She said: "The next big step in my kickboxing career is to go back next year and defend my title - and at least I've got a bit more time to prepare for it."