Aaron Cook Claims Emphatic Victory over World Champion Steven Lopez

Britain’s Aaron Cook claimed the biggest scalp of his life with a spectacular knockout of American Steven Lopez, the five-time world champion and double Olympic champion, to win the inaugural Taekwondo Pro Tour event in Mexico City.

Cook, who narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal when he finished fourth in Beijing last summer, had never beaten Lopez before and was overcome with emotion after sending the sport’s most decorated fighter crashing to the floor with brilliant headshot in the final round.

The win also earned the Manchester-based Cook, who is one of the 'Telegraph Ten to Watch for 2012'. his biggest ever pay-day with a first prize of £18,000.

The 18-year-old made his breakthrough onto the senior circuit at the Dutch Open Championships in 2007 where he took bronze after losing to Torann Mazeroi. Replays went on to show that the result should have gone in Cook's favour after two head shots went unawarded.

Since his debut competition, Cook has won a further three bronze medals, one silver and two gold.

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/taekwondo/6574923/Aaron-Cook-claims-emphatic-victory-over-world-champion-Steven-Lopez.html

Taken from WTF website.