Darren began training Thai Boxing in 1984 under Master Sken with Sandy Holt at the highly successful Bolton Thai Boxing Club. He began teaching after about a year's training and was a very active instructor there in the hay day of the Bolton Gym when they had people such as Phil Nurse, Bobby Beckles, Trevor Hine, Ste Reilly, John Taylor, Craig Howlin, Brian Power, Ste Sharples, all of whom were at one time or another at least British and some European champions. Darren retired from competition in 1991 after an unsuccessful attempt at the British Title, losing against Chris Allen (who went on to become World Champion). Darren has also shared the ring with Eval Denton and Peter Cooke who both also went on to become world champions.

Since opening up as a full time gym Darren has produced over 30 individual Thai Boxing Champions, the most notable being two time world Muay Thai champion Andy Thrasher who also went on to knock out the then ranked #1 Lumpinie champion to win the 2011 Toyota Marathon Cup in Thailand.

Pro Boxer Scott Quigg is also one of Darren's protégé, switching code from Muay Thai at a young age to sample Amateur boxing, before turning pro - Scott has continued to work closely with Darren and has recently won the Lonsdale British Super bantamweight title from the very experienced Jason Booth. Scott is tipped for the very top in boxing and arguably this wouldn't have happened without the initial guidance from Darren and his introduction to the sport of Muay Thai at a young age.

Darren has spent a great deal of time researching the Rules and Scoring criteria for Muay Thai and is at the forefront of the campaign for correct scoring critea to be adopted for all UK shows. He has had several articles printed on the subject. He is also a highly regarded, sought out Referee and Judge. GFC can actually provide a full team of referees, judges and commentators to anyone wanting them.

He also now assists the pro boxing team at the Collyhurst and Moston Boxing gym and is in the process of obtaining his pro boxing seconds licence.

Darren is also part of the Board of the UKMF, is responsible for junior rules and is on the adult rules committee.

Fully insured and CRB Checked 

Contact Darren directly

Mobile: 07939 27 7002

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