Craig Fitzsimmons' mother and father were once told that he had little chance of survival. At just a few weeks old he was baptised and given the Last Rites. But 19 years on the born fighter has defied the odds to become a Thai boxing champion and instructor. And he plans to be around for some time yet. Angelina Aspinall went to meet him . . . YOU get the impression that Craig Fitzsimmons is wise beyond his years. He displays a quiet self-confidence and maturity that is uncommon among 19 year olds.

But then Craig has been out-of-the-ordinary since the day he was born. And the 'bag of sugar' baby has come a long way since he weighed into the world at just 1lb 12 oz.

Born 13 weeks prematurely, he spent the first weeks of his life fighting for survival in an incubator. Doctors did not give him much chance of survival so he was baptised and given the Last Rites.

But the tiny Craig displayed a tremendous fighting spirit and astounded everyone when he pulled through.

This week the Bolton Thai boxing champion received a top award in the 3,000-year-old martial art and sport from his instructor, mentor and idol, Sandy Holt.

Sandy presented him with a pair of ceremonial white shorts which symbolise Craig's own status within Thai-boxing.

The quietly spoken teenager, who said he never got into fights at school, has earned the honour through a combination of long service, qualifications and experience.

He is thought to be the youngest person ever to receive the white shorts which are one of the highest tributes possible in Thai boxing. The presentation recognises his expertise in competition, demonstrations and as a fully-qualified instructor.

Craig, winner of the North West Super Featherweight Thai Boxing Title in 1996 said he was delighted.

And so he should be. The road to success has not been a smooth one.

At the age of 14 he severed a tendon in his hand in an accident at school. He was told he would never fight again. The wound was so bad it needed micro-surgery. His proud mother Marie said: "Yet again he proved everyone wrong."

Craig recalls how upset he was: "Fighting was the most important thing in my life at the time."

He wasn't able to use his hand properly for about a year and he still gets the occasional twinge from it.

Displaying characteristic resilience he bounced back from the injury. But it did mark a turning point for him.

He said: "Since then I've concentrated more on my teaching. I take my teaching very seriously. I have to. If anyone gets hurt it's in my hands."

He talked about his teaching with a seriousness and knowledge that belied his youth. And he stressed the importance of safety in training youngsters.

He teaches three out of the four weekly children's sessions at the club. It's his favourite part of the job.

"Children put more effort into it," he explained."They're more determined."

He should know.

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