World title double for Sleaford’s Milligan brothers in Spain

Mum Jade Wilbraham said: “As the boys' parents, myself and Robert couldn’t be any more proud of them if we tried.

“Both boys went out there and showed the world who they were and what they could do, but more importantly they carried themselves perfectly throughout the whole competition, showing true sportsmanship towards their opponents and refs.

“It was a very emotional but proud time watching them win their first world titles and seeing all their hard work and sacrifices pay off.

“We can’t wait to see what their futures bring them in kickboxing as there is more to come.”

The BCKA Heckington & Sleaford Kung Fu & Kickboxing Club duo were up against some of the best fighters in the world with over 15 countries entering the competition in Chiclana, Cádiz.

They started the week off weighing in and then on to training with their team on the beach in glorious sunshine.

Last Monday they attended the opening ceremony with Team England, walking out with over 200 fighters representing England.

Jay, 16, moved up weight and fought in the boys -55kg category where he went to war with a boy from England in the semi finals.

It was a tough fight but he won to reach the finals on Friday where he then fought another boy from England for three rounds and won a unanimous decision, landing him his first world title to go nicely alongside his English, British and Welsh title.

Nate, 12, fought in two -35kg categories and absolutely dominated his way through fighters from USA, Honduras and England, landing him in two finals on Friday.

Nate was extremely unlucky with refs in his points category and went to sudden death where they needed a two point gap and unfortunately lost, coming away with a silver.

Nate then fought his way through his continuous category, getting to the finals on Friday and then winning against a boy from England, securing gold and crowning him world champion to go with his English and British titles.

Mum Jade added: “Afterwards the boys treated themselves to ice cream and cakes after winning due to banning themselves from eating unhealthy food for many weeks leading up to the competition and sticking to a nutritional diet plan to help them achieve their goals to becoming world champions.

“Their dedication to their Kickboxing at 16 and 12 years old is inspirational and this is just the beginning for them.

“They already have next year's competitions lined up, where Jay will move on to full contact Kickboxing and K1.

“The boys want to qualify at ICO next year to enter their World Championships, but for now they will have a well earned week off training to rest and will just be helping their coach Paul Reed at their local club in Great Hale teaching the other students.

“The boys would like to say a huge thank you to their CKC coach Richard Wooton, who flew out to Spain with them and coached them throughout the week, sacrificing time with his own family to be there for his team and being the amazing role model he is to the kids who come through his door to train at CKC.

“They would also like to thank their sponsors and all the people who wished them good luck and congratulated them on their wins.”