KICKBOXER Mason Decaro turns 17 this month and will travel across England on two consecutive early April weekends as he aims to bring back a national title to The Combat Academy Barnsley where the Thurnscoe teenager has trained for five years.

He is due to fight for the British ISKA title at 59kg against Dom Bury over five two-minute rounds in Sleaford.

The following Saturday in Newcastle, he will return to his regular 60kg to take on a Scottish opponent Leo Hutton who is already an intercontinental champion.

Mason said: “These will be the toughest fights of my career but I’m ready.

“I’ve competed on countless shows as I’ve climbed up through the weight divisions.

“I’ve represented TCA at international competitions in Germany and Turkey, but my proudest moment was in Brisbane last autumn (in the World Championships).

“I won two golds in different kickboxing styles at my 60kg weight plus a bronze at the higher 63kg weight and in which my teammate Guyvin Dawkins got the gold.

“I was also delighted in 2025 to achieve my first black belt dan.”

Mason is from a kickboxing family.

His dad Garry is also on the TCA fight team, while his mum Genaya and younger sister have done kickboxing training.

He said: “I love everything about this sport.

“Head kicks can be brutal, but I love the thrill of combat as does any opponent.

“I’m nervous before a bout but they can give a boost and heighten the excitement as you walk to the ring knowing that you’re ready to prove that you’re mentally and physically the tougher fighter.

“It takes courage, guts even, but I’m proud that people see me prove just exactly what I’m made of.”

Mason studies sports and physiotherapy at Dearne Valley College.

He joked: “I recently got a distinction in a physio exam and I know I’ll be good at massages, another way of inflicting pain.”