He won the Asia Pacific Thai Boxing title.

Competing in Dubai earlier this month in the lightweight (63kilograms) division, Reef, 26, said he was thrilled.

He said it had been a tough fight and that there had been a controversy at the end.

``The guy I was fighting was South African and he and his trainer didn't understand the scoring system,'' he said.

``In Thai boxing, it's the knees and the kicks that give you the highest score and the punches are the lower scores they thought the opposite.

``I won but they've asked for a re-match, so I will be heading back over there on May 30 to defend my title.''

Reef said he was happy to fight again.

``Fighting in front of the crowd was amazing and there were a few Aussies cheering me on.

``I'm looking forward to going back again.''

Reef, who owns a personal training business Cheyne Reaction PT now holds two Thai boxing titles.

He won his first this year in Manly at the Australian East Coast Championships.

Reef first started Thai boxing at the Bulldog Gym in Castle Hill in 2003.

``I got into it for fitness and to lose weight. After the first year I'd lost 15 kilograms and I started sparring. I was bitten by the fight bug and it went from there.''

Reef said his first few competitive fights were mentally and physically tough but he has improved over the years.

``Losing has only helped me become a better fighter. I love the sport. I like the thrill of it and I love the feeling of having your arm raised at the end of the fight and earning the respect of your opponent.''