An “elated” Thai boxer from Bury has been named the UK’s second highest ranked fighter.

Joshua Turbill beat Steven Long from Darlington at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton to move above his rival in the UK rankings on Saturday.

It was the second time that Turnbill had fought Long, having lost on a controversial split decision last year.

After Saturday’s encounter the 23-year-old said: “The fight was really tough and I was elated when the judges gave me the win.

“The first round I had the plan to work hard low kicks, which would hopefully slow him down in the later rounds.

“This worked a treat, as I landed some heavy kicks that hurt him and made him switch his stance to southpaw to protect his lead leg.

“The third round was a big round as I ended up throwing Steven over the top rope (accidentally) after I caught his kick. This seemed to affect Steven, and led to him fighting on the back foot for the rest of the bout.

“The last two rounds saw us both go toe-to-toe, exchanging punishing shots.”

Turnbill, who has been Thai boxing for seven years, trains at Spitfire gym in Heywood and got into the sport after watching a friend fight.

The former St Gabriel’s School pupil won the British WRSA title two years ago and has previously held the ISKA North West title at welterweight and super welterweight and the English titles in both.