Champion fighter aims to inspire next generation

Artur Saladiak has won world titles in martial arts disciplines Lethwei and Muay Thai

World champion martial arts fighter Artur Saladiak hopes to inspire the next generation in the sport by taking up coaching.

Somerset-based Saladiak, originally from Poland, is a three-time world champion, winning titles in Lethwei and Muay Thai in 2018 and 2023.

The 33-year-old is planning one more fight later this year before retiring, after which he hopes to move behind the ring and coach.

"That's my next step, to pass on this knowledge and my experience and to inspire the younger generation to come to this sport," he told BBC Radio Somerset.

"Because of my experience and what I achieved, and how the sport built my character, I know that can help a lot of people.

"The best thing this sport gave to me is self-discipline, which I learned in the gym and I'm putting into my normal life. Where something is hard, I'm not stopping."

Saladiak, who lives in Taunton and works as a forklift driver, has fought 33 official fights with many more away from that all over the world.

Lethwei is a martial arts discipline that originated in Myanmar where fighters are bareknuckle and allowed to use their fists as well as elbows, knees, heads and legs.

"A lot of people on my level they don't need to work. They can train, go to sleep, and train again," Saladiak said.

"Me, unfortunately I need to work and wherever I go, I work with my chin very high up because I'm very proud of what I have achieved and who I am."

Saladiak added: "I was dreaming of being the best, I was always thinking that I would be special and thanks to this sport I managed to do it."