Suffolk fighter Joe Le Maire has moved one step closer to competing on one of the world's biggest promotions after a stunning knockout victory in his latest bout.
The 26-year-old Muay Thai talent was invited to take part in a four-man tournament on the Hitman Fight League, with the winner earning the chance to compete on ONE Championship's Friday Night Fights in Thailand.
Bury's Le Maire, ranked third in the UK at bantamweight (53.5kg) duly travelled to Manchester for the tournament semi-finals last month, squaring off with Michael Boatwright on the main card of the spectacular show.
Boatwright attempted to utilise his weight and height advantages against Le Maire - the naturally smaller fighter- but tired quickly after the first round.
In the second, Le Maire found the opening he needed and landed two quickfire left hooks on the jaw of Boatwright, sending him crashing to the floor.
The referee immediately stopped the fight, leaving Le Maire to celebrate with his corner team - head coach Rich Gent and WKU world champion Hannah Turner.
Gent said: "We knew he would leave a gap open and told Joe to wait for it." He added: "The sweep landed by Joe was a sign that the fight was about to change."
The highlight reel win means Le Maire is one more victory away from fighting on ONE, the biggest fight promotion in Asia and among the world's top shows.
He will face former training partner Fergus Smith in the tournament final in March.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here