A YOUNG Wirral Thai-boxer is celebrating after securing a place on team GB.

Joe Ryan, from West Kirby will travel to Italy to take part in the Unified World Championship, with participants travelling from all over the world.

He gained a place on team GB juniors by winning the Intercontinental world title earlier this month.

Joe, 12 who attends St Anselm’s school has been Thai-boxing for six years and has won every one of his fights, last year he was crowned World Champion.

Dad, Karl Ryan said: “Winning the tournament not only meant Joe qualified to compete with team GB in October but means he can now go onto defend his World Champion title in July.

“We are running out of people as he has already fought and won everyone his age.”

Last year, Joe won the prestigious title of World Champion, a title he will be defending when he travels to Spain in July.

The 12-year-old trains at 2Brothers Muay Thai Gym in Birkenhead-run by his dad Karl.

Karl added: “As a parent it is amazing to see your child enjoy doing something, to see him excelling at it is brilliant.

“I coach Joe which makes watching his fights that little bit more nerve wrecking for me but he has so much confidence once he starts fighting- completely different to the quiet little boy he is normally.”

Throughout the last 14 months, Joe has fought and won 18 different opponents “Everyone has been really supportive of Joe’s success, his school keep up to date with his fights and other pupils have been donating money towards his flights and accommodation to Italy.” said Karl.

“We have been very fortunate Wet rooms in Birkenhead are sponsoring Joe, and Birkenhead powder coating are giving him money while he is there, everyone is really behind Joe which is great to see.”