Warrington Sports Personality of 2001 - Warren Brown (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington Sports Personality of 2001 - Warren Brown

10:02am Tuesday 19th September 2006 in Sport By Mike Parsons

WARREN Brown says that being crowned Warrington's most outstanding sports person in 2001 was the highlight of a year in which he successfully defended his two world titles three times, including once with a broken leg.

The 23-year-old Thai boxer became only the second person to win Warrington Sports Personality's main award twice.

He paid tribute to the six other sporting heroes and heroines who were short-listed for the prestigious award.

Warren said: "The quality of the contenders was frightening. They are all extremely successful sports men and women, so to be given the nod ahead of them is a massive achievement. I am delighted.

"Becoming a world champion is a huge honour. The highest compliment I can pay this awards ceremony is to say that becoming Warrington's Sports Personality of the Year means as much to me as winning my world titles."

Warren received a standing ovation at Friday's awards event and deservedly so.

He did the town proud in 2001, wiping the floor with an undefeated Belgian, an up-and-coming French ace and his Warrington arch-rival Mark Matthews.

He said: "I have had an amazing year. A lot of credit for this must go to my coach Pele Nathan, who is the best Thai boxing coach in the world.

"I must also thank Vinnie Shoreman, Gavin Sterritt, Kevin Harper and Frankie Hudders for the help and support they have given me throughout the year.

"I am also eternally grateful to everyone who voted for me and all the supporters who travel to see me fight."

Warren, who is currently in training for an international prestige bout against Belgian Leon Van Bilson, is setting his sights on becoming a household name in 2002.

He explained: "Channel 5 and Sky Sports are going to be showing some of my fights in the near future. The more publicity I can get, the better chance I have of attracting sponsors.

"Fighters in other countries have a big advantage over me because they are supported by good sponsors.

"They can dedicate all of their time and energy on improving their skills, fitness and strength, whereas I am forced to hold down a full time job and fit in training whenever I get the chance."