Isle of Wight kickboxer Dominic Marsh has secured his place at the prestigious 2027 European Games in Istanbul following a technical knockout (TKO) victory in North Macedonia.
The Panther Kickboxing star earned qualification for one of Europe’s biggest multi-sport events with an impressive performance at the WAKO European Kickboxing Championships in Skopje.
Competing in the Full Contact division, having stepped up a weight category for the tournament, Marsh defeated the host nation’s champion by TKO in the 2nd round, securing a memorable victory on his opponent’s home soil and taking another major step forward in his international career.
Marsh went on to reach the quarter-finals of the championships, where he faced the No.1 seed and reigning world champion from Ukraine. However, his tournament came to an end after he lost the quarter-final bout on points to his Ukrainian opponent.
The European Games will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from 16th to 27th June 2027, bringing together leading athletes from across the continent to compete in a wide range of sports.
Organised under the authority of the European Olympic Committees, the Games provide a major international platform for kickboxing, whose governing body, WAKO, has received full recognition from the International Olympic Committee.
For Marsh, who both trains and coaches at Panther Kickboxing on the Isle of Wight, qualification represents the reward for years of dedication, intensive training and competition at international level.
Already a British champion and Great Britain international, he has competed at major tournaments across Europe and beyond, establishing himself among the country’s leading kickboxers.
His latest achievement is also a significant moment for Panther Kickboxing, demonstrating how an Island club can develop athletes capable of competing against Europe’s elite.
Panther Kickboxing has expressed pride in Marsh’s performances at the championships and the opportunities that have come from reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament.
A spokesperson for Panther Kickboxing said:
“To see Dominic qualify for the European Games is an incredible achievement, not only for him personally but for Panther Kickboxing and the Isle of Wight.
“Competing against Europe’s best athletes is difficult enough, but defeating the host nation’s champion at a European Championship makes this result even more special.
“Dominic has dedicated years of his life to this sport, balancing training, coaching and work commitments while continuing to represent Great Britain internationally.
“With kickboxing now recognised by the International Olympic Committee and included in the European Games, this is a fantastic opportunity for Dominic to showcase his talent on one of Europe’s biggest sporting stages.
“We are immensely proud of what he has achieved and hope the whole Island will get behind him as he prepares for Istanbul 2027.”
Following his quarter-final exit, Marsh will now turn his attention to preparing for next summer’s Games, continuing his training and international competition programme ahead of the biggest opportunity of his career.
