A HEARTBREAKING points defeat in Holland will prove an unlikely platform for success if Radcliffe Thai boxing star Jussy Lowe has her way.

The 25-year old went down by the narrowest of margins against unbeaten Dutch opponent Illonka Elmont (20) in Amsterdam last Sunday.

But Jussy, who holds three prestigious titles, has drawn a great deal of confidence from the performance and is hoping a rematch can be set up either later this year or in 2001.

"Hopefully that will be for a European title," she said. "Horwich Leisure Centre is a possible venue."

Jussy came through the five two-minute rounds unscathed against a rival who was now won nine out of nine.

She said: "Illonka is a full-time Thai boxer and I went to challenge her after less than three weeks' training and without knowing too much about her. It was very close and I think the fact that the bout took place in her country helped her."

And she added: "I learned a lot about her in the fight. I think the result could be different in the rematch. I will have more time to train and fighting in front of 'home' supporters will also make a difference for me."

The Radcliffe battler, who also works as a doorlady at a Bolton nightclub, now has a record of 12 fights and seven wins.

Her impressive list of credentials includes the British ladies' Thai boxing title at both flyweight and bantamweight and the Commonwealth flyweight crown.

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