Royal footman takes fight title

David got up from this knock-down and went on to win the fight

A footman to the Queen has become British wrestling champion after beating his main rival in a cage fight.

David Hintz, 24, from Oxford, who is known in the ring as David Deville, took the crown from Jon "The Don" Ritchie on Monday in Thurrock, Essex.

Promoter Sanjay Bagga told the BBC he had taken the title belt to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday to show it off.

A royal source said the palace was very supportive of Mr Hintz's wrestling and was pleased to hear of his success.

Mr Bagga said Mr Hintz had beaten a formidable opponent to become LDN British Heavyweight Champion.

"Jon Ritchie is 46, he's a two-time champion," he said. "Before this, he was undefeated for 97 fights, but David took him on in a 35-minute cage match and won.

"Ritchie took a lot of beating, but he gave as good as he got. He brings an entourage with him whenever he fights and they were cheering throughout.

"David eventually won by climbing over the top of the cage. His mum was in the front row and she was crying with joy."

The match took place in front of a sell-out crowd, with former Big Brother contestant and part-time wrestling referee Luke Marsden officiating.

Speaking after his victory, Mr Hintz declared it "a dream come true".

The palace and the people working and living there have always supported me David Hintz Wrestler and Royal footman

"After working so hard over the last eight years, training every day, it makes it all worthwhile," he said.

"It was an honour beating a champion like Jon Ritchie who is a man that everyone respects and admires.

"In my opinion, he is the greatest wrestler in Britain and I'm sure this is only the start of a tremendous feud between us."

Royal 'wrestling fans'

Mr Hintz has worked at Buckingham Palace for three years. His role is to provide any assistance the Queen needs during mealtimes, and on ceremonial occasions, such as Trooping the Colour, he rides on the carriages ready to protect her.

"The palace and the people working and living there have always supported me and I can't wait to give them all the good news and show them the belt," he said.

David Hintz - aka David Deville - has been wrestling for eight years

His promoter said it took real dedication to juggle his day job and wrestling career.

"It's not like professional boxing where they have a match once a year - he can be fighting three or four times a week.

"The good thing is that the Queen has always been a British wrestling fan. When British wrestling used to be on television the Royal Family used to go and watch.

"And the palace has been really supportive of David. When he first told me what he did for a living, I was a bit nervous, I wasn't sure they'd approve, but they've been great.

"He's showing the belt off at the palace right now, taking pictures with it."