Former world champ enters fighting hall of fame

WORLD champion Muay Thai fighter Anne Quinlan: officially a living legend!

FORMER world champion Muay Thai fighter Anne Quinlan can now add “living legend” to her list of titles after being awarded the prestigious honour by an international martial arts body.

Anne, from Royton, was declared a “living legend” by the Worldwide Martial Arts Council in their recent award ceremony, in recognition of her exemplary service to the martial arts.

Anne was the first British female Muay Thai champion and won several European and Worldwide titles before hanging up her gloves and switching careers to become a youth worker over 20 years ago.

The 52 year old, who now works at Mahdlo, said: “I was over the moon when I was told. I’d actually nominated someone else I know for the prize, so it was a real shock when I won. To be called a living legend is a fantastic title — what more is there to say?”

Anne has been travelling to Thailand to train and compete in the martial art since she was 16, when women weren’t permitted to fight under official rules, and said she often had to train in all-male camps in the country.

Throughout her career she helped pave the way for female fighters in the martial art and succeeded in raising its profile in Britain.

Despite retiring in 1995, following her last fight in Las Vegas, Anne still trains regularly and is always ready to help youngsters who show an interest in the sport

Anne, who is also a karate black belt, said: “I love being a youth worker, it is really rewarding.

“If any of the young people I work with want to learn more about Muay Thai, I’m more than happy to help.”

Fellow martial art specialist Stephen Donnelly was also honoured by the WMAC, gaining an award for “Outstanding contributions to martial arts for disability work”.

Stephen (37), from Blackley, coaches Muay Thai Boxing to young people with learning difficulties at Sholver Youth Centre.

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