Saturday night, June 18, saw Kalamunda Kickboxing and Martial Arts Centre add yet another state title belt to a growing trophy cabinet. Hundreds of eager fans packed the Craigie Leisure Centre in Whitfords to watch Kalamunda local Michael Costello, trained by Josh Johnson, Murray McKechnie and Matt Sansalone, go toe-to-toe with rival David Andrews as they met head-on in a five round Full Thai Rules clash to determine who would take home the title.

The opening rounds of the fight looked like things could go either way, with both athletes trading impressive kick and punch combinations and when Andrews opened up a nasty looking cut on Costello's forehead with a snappy elbow it looked like things might swing in his favour. Costello barely seemed to notice he was bleeding though and quickly rallied, tying his opponent up in the grapple and delivering a rapid succession of what must have been some pretty painful knees to the midsection.

In the end, despite a valiant effort and hugely entertaining performance from both men, it was Costello's superior conditioning and lightning fast striking that secured him a well-earned victory. Win, lose or draw every member of the audience can agree it was a hugely entertaining bout and both fighters are a credit to themselves and their respective trainers.