Big-hitting Chris Knowles saw off the European champion in an all-action bout in Hong Kong.

The 28-year-old Thai boxer scored a unanimous points victory over Azerbaijani Hafiz Bahseliyev, the 2008 European Pro Kickboxing Champion, in the opening round of the big-money Planet Battle event.

Knowles, who runs the Minotaurs Thai boxing gym in Back Lane, Burnt Oak, said: "Everything fell into place and I was able to dominate the fight. All my training paid off as I dropped him three times, and scored heavily with knees to the head which won the fight for me."

The 16-man elimination contest pitched the best of the world's super heavyweights in a winner-takes-all tournament.

His success means that Knowles is one of eight fighters who will return to Hong Kong in November.

He added: "I'm being exposed to some of the legends of the sport here, and making an impression at this sort of event could shape the rest of my career. I've got at least one more fight in the meantime, so there won't be any let up until I get through the next round."

Knowles is an IFMA World Championship gold and silver medallist, English, British and European Champion at his weight, and recently broke into the prestigious K1 fight circuit.

Minotaurs runs junior, beginner, intermediate and advanced Muay Thai classes throughout the week, with Muay Thai and new Ju-Jitsu and MMA sessions at the weekend. Knowles also runs a thriving daytime programme with one-to-one sessions available at all levels, from basic skills to fight preparation.

For more details on classes call 07732 999085 or 0208 952 1121.