A Mapplewell man is set to feature on what is thought to be the biggest kickboxing event ever held in the UK.
Adam Hadfield, 32, is due to take on American Richard Abraham in the welterweight division as part of the Glory 54 event at Birmingham's Genting Arena tomorrow. Hadfield said: "It's the biggest show in the world.
"Glory was here once five years ago but this is the second time it's been in Britain and the sport is even bigger now. I have been working really hard to get on a show like this and it's finally happened. It will definitely be a career highlight. There is no higher level."
Hadfield began karate training aged seven then represented England and attended the European Championships. His coach then moved into kickboxing and Adam followed him, winning English, British, Commonwealth and European titles in various forms of the sport.
He said: "It's a really good time to be involved in the sport. It's going through a big boom. It's the hardest fight sport on the planet in my opinion. There's only three rounds so we have to go at a lightning pace and there's no clinching or wrestling allowed, it's non-stop. There are some English guys, me included, who are starting to get on some really big shows.
"I am the only person from the South Yorkshire area to ever get anywhere near this level so hopefully my success can inspire some other Barnsley people and open a few doors for them."
Hadfield also runs the Fight Unit gym in Mapplewell, working as a personal trainer and putting on sessions in kickboxing, karate and boxing. He has lost just three of his 22 fights so far, winning 18, while opponent Abraham has won 13 and lost five.
"I have not seen much of him but he's ranked number 12 in the world. He's had a lot of fights at this level whereas it's my first one so it's a big step up for me. It will be a hard fight but I am confident and, if I win, I can start to get more fights soon after and work my way up the rankings. I want to be the world champion, there's no point being involved if you don't want to get to the very top."
