Riddell crowned WAKO European champion

TALLAGHT’S Josh Riddell scooped a gold and silver medal at last weekend’s WAKO European Junior and Older Cadet Championships in Budva, Montenegro.

Having topped the podium at the Hungarian Kickboxing World Cup in Budapest back in September, the Ljays club competitor was in confident mood heading to Montenegro where he was crowned European -63kg Kick Light champion and also emerged runner-up in the light contact division.

In the former, Riddell ignited his campaign with a first-round stoppage of Jan Kreps from the Czech Republic in the Last 16.

Providing his next challenge was Erik Martirosyan from Armenia in what was a tough fight that saw the Dubliner win out 3-0 to set up a semi final clash with Marin Sevic from Croatia.

And again he served up another convincing display, winning each round strong to progress to the decider on a 3-0 score line.

Standing in his way of gold was Poland’s Oskar CiepLuch, but in what was gripping technical fight, Riddell landed some big combinations to again emerge victorious 3-0 and secure the European title.

Receiving a bye into the quarter finals of the light contact division, Riddell faced Kreps and again served up a great performance that featured some fine technical combinations to earn a 3-0 win.

In the last four of the event, he took on Sevic and enjoyed an equally convincing triumph, winning each round to secure his place in the final against Alexandros Plaskasovitis.

In what was a pulsating encounter that saw the lead change hands right up until the closing few seconds, Riddell eventually had to settle for silver after being edged out by his Greek opponent 2-1.