Renfrewshire Muay Thai talent Lee MacKay revealed that it “hasn’t sunk in yet” that he is champion of Europe.
The Johnstone fighter, who had previously bagged the Celtic title, is still in disbelief that he has the belt around his waist, adding: “not many people get to say that”.
MacKay faced Swedish-born, Erik Hehir is Swedish, who now fights out of Ireland, at the On-X in Linwood.
But it wasn't just an experienced opponent he had to over come in his title bid, after he hurt his hand in the build up to the bout.
MacKay revealed that his trusted coach, Lloyd Cochran, who is a former world champion, helped him deal with the challenge.
He said: “About four weeks before the fight I broke my knuckle in my power hand, which meant I could barely use it. When I was training, I couldn't practise with it and did not use it at all.
“Lloyd gave me a plan on how to use it on fight night because I hadn’t used it at all to allow it a chance to be okay for the fight.
“I owe it all to him for the plan because he has made me not only a smarter fighter but a person too due to his training. I personally think he is the best in the business.”
The Muay Thai standout originally got into the sport because he wanted to train for the army and needed to burn calories.
However, when he found his love for the sport, he ditched the plan for the army and put his focus of fighting.
He became the first Scot to win the Celtic title back in March, something he said was an “honour”.
However, he never savoured the championship feeling for long as his thought quickly turned to the European title.
He added: “It is weird because when I won the Celtic title, I didn’t feel like a Celtic Champion. It was just me turning my focus to the European Title and training for that.
“I am going to try and enjoy this one though as not many people can say that they are European Champions at anything.”
MacKay is now looking to take the next step in his career to become the best in the world, with the belt to show for it.
Although the decision is down to his coach as to when that is going to happen. He added: “I am just now focusing on beating whoever is next, if that is the world championship fight, I will be ready.
“The decision at the end of the day is down to Lloyd as to when he thinks I am ready. It might be a few fights before I have a shot at the title, or it might be the next one, at the end of the day he will make the call.”
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area. Available on both Android and Apple. Download here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
