Valley Thai Boxing Club fighters bring home 15 gold medals for Team GB

Thursday, 13 November 2025 15:25

By David Murphy

A group of young athletes from Valley Thai Boxing Club in Rochdale have returned from Italy with 15 gold medals, after representing Team Great Britain at the WTKA World Championships.

Seven fighters from the local club travelled to the prestigious event, where they helped Team GB complete a clean sweep of 41 gold medals from 41 bouts, a historic achievement for British Muay Thai.

Among those returning as world champions are 14-year-old Keaton Taylor and his seven-year-old cousin, Teddy O’Brien. Both fighters secured gold in their respective categories, making their international debut as a family duo.

Keaton had already earned a bronze medal earlier in the year at the WMF World Championships in Thailand. His consistent dedication led to another call-up, this time competing alongside his younger cousin.

Teddy, one of the youngest competitors at the event, impressed spectators and judges with his technique, control, and maturity in the ring. Despite his age, he delivered a composed performance that earned him the top podium spot.

The pair’s success has shone a spotlight on the Valley Thai Boxing Club, which saw all seven of its representatives crowned world champions at the tournament. Between them, the squad returned with 15 gold medals across a range of age groups and weight divisions.

Their success forms part of a wider triumph for Team GB, who ended the championships undefeated across all categories. Coaches, families, and local supporters have praised the squad's determination and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

With youth engagement in Muay Thai on the rise, the club hopes the achievements of Keaton, Teddy and their teammates will inspire more young people across Rochdale and Greater Manchester to get involved in the sport.

Valley Thai Boxing Club continues to build its reputation as one of the UK’s top training grounds for young Muay Thai talent.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

United Utilities urges residents to protect pipes ahead of freezing weekend

Residents and businesses across Rochdale and Greater Manchester are being urged to protect their water pipes as temperatures are forecast to plunge this weekend, raising the risk of bursts and flooding.
Bolton Mountain Rescue Team pays tribute to long serving volunteer Geoff Seddon

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team has announced the death of veteran volunteer Geoff Seddon, saying the team is devastated following what it described as a short but brutal battle with cancer.
Three floors of iconic town centre building could be turned into flats

Three floors of an iconic building at the heart of Bury’s nightlife ‘strip’ could be turned into flats. Developers plan to renovate the upper levels of the former Silver Chambers at 8 to 12 Silver Street into nine apartments.
Community walking group 'Mayfield Movers' set to start in 2026 to promote active living

A new community walking initiative called Mayfield Movers is set to launch in 2026, with the goal of improving physical health, reducing isolation, and strengthening community ties across the borough.
My 5 years at Westminster were dominated by Brexit paralysis

After five years in Westminster, Liz McInnes is finding joy in getting stuck into her role as a local councillor.
2025 was the year Roch Valley Radio became your newsroom

When Rochdale Online closed its doors earlier this year, Roch Valley Radio stepped up to ensure the stories from the boroughs we serve didn’t go untold.
Hopwood Hall College Principal among North West recipients of OBE in King's Honours List

The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Hopwood Hall College has been named in the King’s New Year Honours List, recognising her long-standing contribution to education in Rochdale and across Greater Manchester.
Radcliffe commentator Clive Tyldesley honoured with OBE in New Year list

Veteran football broadcaster Clive Tyldesley, who grew up in Radcliffe, has been awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026.
Rochdale Lioness Keira Walsh awarded MBE in New Year Honours

Rochdale-born footballer Keira Walsh has been named in the King’s New Year Honours list, receiving an MBE for her services to the sport.
Bury mountain rescue volunteer honoured with MBE for five decades of service

A long serving mountain rescue volunteer from Bury has been recognised in the New Year Honours for more than fifty years of lifesaving work across Cumbria and the Lake District.
Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt awarded CBE in New Year Honours

The Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester has been recognised in the New Year Honours for his role in delivering major changes to public transport across the city region.
Senior GMP detective to receive King’s Policing Medal for disaster victim identification work

A senior Greater Manchester Police detective is to be recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours for his work supporting victims and bereaved families following major incidents and complex deaths.