Halstead Thai boxer William Hedger showed he is a name to look out for in the future as he took on the challenge of stepping into the ring at short notice against a four-time World and five-time European champion.

Hedger represented Halstead Thai Boxing club (Daj Chai Gym) when he took on George Griffiths from the world-renowned Assassins Muay Thai gym in Melton Mowbry.

Griffiths had been scheduled to be fight an opponent from Turkey but due to visa difficulties, that bout fell through with two days to go, however, the Halstead man bravely accepted the massive challenge.

Hedger used his height and range to his advantage as he kept Griffiths at bay and had him dazed from powerful right-hand blows a number of times.

As the fight wore on, it was fairly even, but as it entered the fourth round, the fact that Hedger had taken the fight at short notice began to show.

Without the ability to build his stamina for a five-round fight, Griffith’s advantage started to become more evident.

Towards the end of the fourth round, Hedger was taking a lot of shots and his coach made the decision to stop the fight.

Although Hedger did not win, he certainly gave the World Champion a run for his money.