TWO up-and-coming young Thai boxers from Bury’s Unit One Gym are setting their sights on a big 2014 after claiming impressive wins on major shows to end this year.

Tom Austin won a five-round unanimous decision over Hassan Karami Finn at the Last Man Standing show at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, while Lukasz Plaszczymaka needed just 47 seconds to stop his foe at the Saturday Showdown event in Liverpool.

For Austin, 20, the win was his first in the professional ring coming after a frustrating run of three contentious draws and a defeat to start his promising career.

The former County Upper School student said: “It felt really good to get the win – it was a big relief after a couple of draws in a row.

“I knew I was winning every round. I was dominating at range, keeping my distance, keeping him at bay and picking my shots.

“I’d worked on being constantly aggressive and going forward, which was the key.

“He was a tough opponent and whenever I got close he’d clinch and tie me up, but I knew I was winning.”

Austin, who fought at 74kg after starting his career at 72kg, hopes to be back in the ring in late February or early March - and, with his first win under his belt, is planning a run to a title.

“My aim is just to get a title shot,” he explained. “Go for area titles first and then up from there. I also want to fight in Thailand and I’m going to Phuket to train in the new year.

“I’d like to say I appreciate all the support and help I’ve had from everyone at Unit One – that’s been fantastic.”

Fellow Unit One fighter Plaszczymaka was equally impressive in Liverpool, halting his opponent in under a minute in a 75kg fight.

Rich Gent, co-owner of Unit One, said: “His opponent came out strong and landed a solid inside low kick but quickly crumbled under fire as Lukasz unloaded with a barrage of shots, forcing him to turn away and take a count – he chose not to continue at 47 seconds into the first round.”

The powerful Plaszczymaka is fighting again this weekend on the Nak Muay Series 1 show in Pitsea, Essex.

He faces Team Tieu’s Nick Carter at 75kg, while Unit One youngsters Hannah Turner and Travis Beaton will also be in action on the same card.

For more information about Thai Boxing, vist www.unit1gym.com.