A FORMER world kickboxing champion from Wrexham has spoken of his delight to see the Reds regain status in the Football League.
Russ Williams said he felt 'so proud' when Wrexham won the National League title, ending 15 years of hurt in the fifth tier of English Football.
Russ, who is a lifelong Wrexham fan, also praised the impact of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds since they took over the club in 2021.
The former undisputed champion now runs two gyms, one in Wrexham and one in Caerwys where he lives.
He won World Titles at Bantam, Super Bantam and Featherweight during his career and has since taught kickboxing across the world.
Russ said he was delighted to see Wrexham go up following their 3-1 win over Boreham Wood, he said: "I'm so grateful to Rob McEllhenney, Ryan Reynolds and Humphrey Ker for putting Wrexham and Wales on the world map.
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"What Rob in particular has done is make everyone proud to be from Wrexham/Wales and has made people proud of speaking the Welsh language.
"The only downside is I feel they should make the new Kop a 10,000 seater as 5,000 definitely won’t be enough next season!
"I was proud to represent Wales, carry the Welsh flag and have our anthem played whenever I competed or taught in a different country.
"What Rob, Ryan, and Humphrey are doing is putting it up another level."
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