- Andy Desa (left) in action. Photo: Andy Desa
Andy Desa is a man with grand plans for Lincoln.
The 38-year-old took the silver medal at the Kickboxing World Championships in Alicante last month, earning himself the nickname “The Silver Centurion”.
Desa, who has 160 titles to his name in a career spanning 30 years, was eventually beaten by Italian Rino Magno in a closely-fought final, and was delighted with his showing.
The former world champion was initially doubtful that he would compete in the championships at all after sustaining a serious knee injury. He was quick to praise his sponsors – Golden Emu Oil – for helping him overcome the setback.
Over 40 nations competed, and Desa heaped praise on the standard on show at the Championships.
He eventually lost in the final to Italian Rino Magno, after a hard-fought semi-final.
Andy’s exploits in Alicante have earned him the nickname ‘Silver Centurion’, which is a nod to his own fighting style; centurion freestyle.
That success and innovation has not gone unnoticed, and the International Sport Kickboxing Association has offered Desa a coaching role.
And he has grand plans for Lincoln, which he hopes to make the hub of kickboxing in England.
Lofty ambitions, indeed.
