The 17-year-old won gold at the WBC European Championships in Italy earlier this month.
It’s been a big year for Newport hotshot Arthur Latham in the world of Thai kickboxing.
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He emerged with victory in his C-Class debut, after securing an unanimous decision in five rounds against Harvey Nicholls in Coventry in May.
That was followed by his first gold medal at the recent WBC European Championships in Sardinia, Italy, in the 16-17 (-66.678kg) category.
At just 17, the sky is the limit for Latham, who trains out of Reaper Muay Thai in Shrewsbury, and he hopes that his latest success can serve as a platform for future success at the World Championships in 2027.
“It was amazing. I’ve been to the World Championships twice and I’ve just missed out on a medal both times,” Latham reflected.
“So winning gold at the Europeans meant a lot. It’s been a big year for me. I’ve had five fights and I’ve won four of them.
“Winning this European Championship has given me a boost for next year. It was a big accomplishment and a big dream of mine to win a tournament like that.
“Next year, I’d like to fight early in the New Year and maybe start fighting professionally at some point in 2027.
“The the World Championships are also on. I’d love to be able to go out and win gold at that as well, that would be amazing.”
Latham overcame a scrappy contest to win his opening fight against Frenchman Sofiane Farooq, before beating Italian Ismail El Moutaouakil.
He then maintained his composure to secure victory over Portuguese fighter Lucas Ribeiro in the final.
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On the tournament, Latham added: “Just me and my dad went out and it was really good. I fought some really good opponents from places that I wouldn’t usually get a chance to face.
“I’m really proud that I was able to do it and to be able to represent my country as well.”
Latham started his journey with Reaper Muay Thai just after lockdown: first in Telford, before following the club to Shrewsbury.
There was initially no intention to go into the world of fighting, but Latham quickly discovered that he had a knack for the sport, which has since become an obsession, and his dreams for the future.
“My dad knew my coach Steve Broom and I just wanted to get fitter and stronger initially,” he revealed.
“I didn’t have any intention to start fighting at first, but slowly it just started to take over and then I started to fight.
“The club have always been good to me, which is why I’ve never left. In the future, I’d love to get myself world titles and fight out in Thailand on the big shows.”