Brighton kick boxer Jim Caldecourt has won the world championship, despite being banned from using his most powerful punch.
The 32-year-old was told he could not use his famous spinning back fist just hours before the world light-middleweight title fight against champion Franc Derose at the Corn Exchange on Saturday night.
But Caldecourt proved he was just as dangerous without the spinning back fist, twice flooring the French world champion with a powerful blow to body, then with a punch to the head, before going onto claim the title on points after 12 rounds.
As Caldecourt turned to face a sell-out crowd, who had been chanting 'Jimmy' throughout the the final round, Derose lifted his opponent's arms, and gracefully accepted defeat.
Minutes later Caldecourt was officially announced the winner, and lifted his young son in triumph as the crowd rushed to the ringside to greet the new champion.
Caldecourt, who trains at Chris Kent's Kicks, in Lewes Road, Brighton, is now the fourth Brighton man to hold a world kickboxing title after Mark Waters, Nick Clark and Garnet John.
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