It follows the success of the latest fight night at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels on Saturday.

Ross Millar, from Selkirk, and Mark Linton, from Peebles, were the only local fighters on show during the fight card.

While Ross won the final fight of the night, Mark scored a deserved draw.

And now Toby is challenging anyone else who thinks they have the bottle to step into the ring to come forward.

“It was fantastic night,” he said. “The excitement of watching it all and the mix of people that were there was just great.

“I’m a bit upset there wasn’t more local people fighting on it but next year that’s going to change. We’re going to get a proper stable of fighters that will be able to fight in Gala.

“The interest always increases after these shows and it’s whether people can stick out the hard work.” Muay Thai is also known as the Science of the Eight Limbs and allows competitors to use their knees, elbows, feet and fists as weapons.

Toby said: “Size does not matter, it’s all about the time you put in and your ability. Martial arts are designed for smaller opponents to combat bigger opponents and it’s the maximum amount of damage using the minimum amount of energy. There was a couple of knock downs tonight but these guys are alright and they will probably be fighting again in a couple of weeks. It looks brutal and it looks hard but fighters’ safety is paramount.” Nevertheless, he added: “There’s a lot of discipline involved in it. Ross hasn’t had a drink since New Year and he’s trained six days a week.” Toby teachers Muay Thai classes for beginners at Galashiels Academy every Wednesday between 6.30pm and 7.30pm and Balmoral Primary School on Friday nights from 6pm to 7pm.

Reflecting on his victory, Ross said: “It was a really tough fight, he was a tough, tough boy. I was hitting him with some hard, hard shots and he was shaking them off. I’m going to hurt tomorrow but I feel great right now. I just live for it.” Mark added: “It takes a lot of preparation but it’s worth it.”