RING RETURN FOR COCHRAN

Jan 23 2007 Paisley Daily Express

THAI boxing powerhouse Lloyd Cochran is to make his long awaited return to the ring in early March.

The 24 year-old hitman has agreed to take part in the prestigious 8-1 tournament at Braehead Arena, which will feature the hottest martial arts talent around.

Lloyd, who lives in Johnstone, is keen to get back into the ring after he suffered a heartbreaking defeat during his last bout in October.

Cochran faced English opponent Tim Thomas at the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew with the IKSA World Light Middleweight belt on the line.

But the defending champion won the bout on a points decision, leaving Cochran gutted that he had changed his usual plan of attack.

An illness in the lead-up to the fight struck down the police special constable, and he missed two weeks of training.

He said: “There’s not a lot you can do when you get ill, but I don’t want to make any excuses.

“Missing that training was a problem and my trainer and I were worried that if I went full pelt, as I usually do, I might tire before the end.

“But looking back, I should just have done what I do best and things might have been different.

“It was not my best performance. I have watched it back on video and every time I do, I get mad at myself for not fighting in my usual style.

Coach and event promoter John O’Brien said: “Lloyd was beaten in his world title bout by the narrowest of points decisions.

“But the local hero returns to the ring on March 4, in Braehead Arena, where he has been invited to compete in the prestigious 8-1 tournament.

“This event will be contested by some of the finest Thai boxing fighters from all parts of the world.

“Unfazed by this, Lloyd will be continuing to test himself against the very best of the world’s full contact Muay Thai boxers when he will be one of the star attractions in front of a 3,000 crowd at Braehead.”

Lloyd added: “I never stop training, and I will be ready the next time I have a chance at the World Title.”

Lloyd’s opponent will be announced nearer the time.

For information about tickets call John O’Brien on 07748 071 581.