LOCAL lad Fin Mitchell will be looking to bring home the Light-Cruiserweight (85kg) K1 ISKA World Title belt this weekend.

The Gilwern kickboxer will be travelling to Rhodes and going toe to toe with Mexican fighter Vangelis “The Gorilla” Tzorzis at the Rodos Palace Hotel on Easter Sunday.

The fighter told the Chronicle he stumbled into kickboxing by accident and never planned to be Welsh Champion or European champion, let alone a possible World Champion.

His journey to the top of his chosen sport began eight years ago, when Fin, who was wearing his personal trainer’s hat, arrived at a new client’s house to put him through his paces.

The client’s name was Phil Williams, and as Fin explained, “As far as I knew, he was a barrister who wanted to tone up and lose some weight. I put him through this paces, and after the session had finished, he said, ‘Come next door, I’ve got something to show you.’”

That something was a custom-made boxing ring, and Phil, who was a kickboxer himself, invited Finn to try out on the pads.

Phil obviously saw something in the youngster and, after telling him, “We can make something of you,” took him on as a new prospect, and the game was on.

“I loved kickboxing straight away!” Explained Fin, who works for Its Covered Marquees.

Sixteen wins, one loss, and one draw later and the feeling is obviously mutual.

Fin, who fights out of the Heavy Hitters gym explains, “I’ve always been into fitness, and kickboxing is simply great for that.

“It also helps that I’m kind of addicted to getting into the ring, hearing the fans shout your name, and erupting when you perform well.”

He added, “There’s no ifs or buts, after Sunday I’m bringing home the world title to Welsh soil, so I can defend the belt on home turf next time!”

Fin, who is travelling to Greece with his wife and one-year-old son would like to thank Lodge Dental and BL Roofing and Building for their continued sponsorship.