Adopted Manxie Aaron Cook claimed victory at taekwondo’s Pan-American Open over the weekend.
The Isle of Man fighter defeated Costa Rican Javier Quesada 12-3 to claim -80kg gold.
He impressed in comfortable victories over athletes from Mexico and Canada in the opening rounds before a dominant 14-5 defeat of world number two TJ Curray (USA) in the semi-finals.
Cook told his 23,000 followers on Facebook: ‘I was also blessed to be awarded best fighter. Thanks for all your support.’
Former world number one Cook slipped to sixth in the global standings earlier this month after a disappointing World Championship campaign in July.
However, his ranking points total of 122.91 was still well within the world’s top 32, the requirement he needed to secure a personal invite to the inaugural World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series in Manchester.
The December event will award winners 80 ranking points and form a crucial part of qualification for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Cook’s next fight is the Costa Rican Open in two weeks.