SCOTLAND'S top Thai boxer will battle it out with the world champion at a fight in Glasgow's West End.

SCOTLAND'S top Thai boxer will battle it out with the world champion at a fight in Glasgow's West End.

Scotland Taking on the World will be held at Oran Mor on Byres Road on Sunday, September 14.

It will see undefeated Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, fighter James Doolan take on world champion Rung Kharnphan for the ISKA 64kg Muay Thai world title.

TV shows The Contender and Ultimate Fighter both followed Thai boxers.

They can use their hands, elbows, knees and feet to strike their opponent.

James, 29, who trains with Glasgow's Dinky Ninja Fight Team, said: "It's the first time a Scot has fought a tie for a world title. It's a big deal.

"I think it will be close. We've both got our strengths and weaknesses - he's more experienced but I'm more athletic. It should be explosive."

James, who is from Cowcaddens, is already a Scottish Thai boxing champion and has claimed the British Mixed Martial Arts Championship title three times. His opponent Rung is from Thailand but is now based in Hamilton.

The organiser of the event, Guy Ramsay from the Griphouse Gym at St George's Cross, said: "It's the first time a bona fide world title fight has been held in Glasgow so it's a coup for the city.

"It's a great night out - it's a combination of sport and enter- tainment.

It's a contest between highly trained athletes."

There will also be boxers from Ireland heading to Glasgow for the event.

Training for Thai Boxing events is a disciplined mix of boxing, wrestling, Thai boxing, and Brazilian jiu jitsu - a gruelling test of physical and mental strength designed to push each athlete to their limit.

For tickets, which cost £25, or more information call 07710 769490 or pop into Oran Mor.