BLACK widow spiders are among the most dangerous creatures in the world - but two York kick-boxers put paid to Black Widow foes and on hostile terrain to boot.

Legions Club duo Danny Harrison-Little and Ian Houillebecq stepped into the lair of the Black Widow Club’s Last Man Standing bill in Birmingham and left hoisting aloft championship belts.

Harrison-Little, who is in his first year as a full-time professional kick-boxer, overcame the odds to land a Commonwealth crown, while club-mate Houillebecq defied adversity not once, not twice, but three times to return to York with a hefty cheque and a special Last Man Standing belt.

Said Legions coach Dave Phillips, who accompanied the two fighters to the Birmingham show: “The guy who organised the show said they were hoping to party, but we certainly went and spoiled the party.

“It was a top show where Danny and Ian put on superb displays against home favourites to come away with their belts.”

Harrison-Little, who earlier in the year spent time honing his craft in Thailand - the spiritual home of kick-boxing - was scheduled to fight for the ISKA Commonwealth title at 65 kilogrammes.

He discovered his original opponent had withdrawn through injury. But he accepted a move up in weight to 67kg against Black Widow favourite Muhammed Zahir.

Shaking off his only defeat so far in ten previous outings since joining the Legions club, Harrison-Little quickly took command sending his opponent to a count of eight in the second round.

By the end of five rounds Harrison-Little had totally dominated with his superior technique and choice blows from elbows and knees to take the points verdict and the Commonwealth belt, despite an injury to his right hand sustained in the opening round.

“I had seen Ian win his first two bouts so I was determined to do the business and it was just great to get back on the winning track,” said the new Commonwealth title-holder.

By the time of Harrison-Little’s onquest, Houillebecq, who had originally travelled as reserve fighter, had negotiated a quarter-final and a semi-final in the eight-fighter Last Man Standing format.

The Legions man stopped UK-rated number nine Ross George (Knowsley Academy) in the second round - his opponent later revealing he had never before been stopped in 50 contests.

Houillebecq, back in action for the first time in a year, outpointed UK number seven Paul Barbor (Double K Gym) to secure a place in the final against Black Widow home foe Nikkish Khan.

He repeated his first foray with another second-round stoppage to win the Last Man Standing belt and shatter a hoodoo of not previously beating any southpaw rivals. All three of the fighters he vanquished in Birmingham were southpaws.

“It was brilliant to be back and beating two UK-rated opponents means I have moved into the national rankings,” he added.

Houillebecq, now eighth-ranked in the UK, will headline the next Legions show - The Night of the Legions - at York Railway Institute club in Queen Street on June 13.

Added Phillips: “Danny will have to get over his hand injury so Ian will top the bill.

“To see them get a belt each was testament to their work in the gym and the support they have had from the trainers Al Chambers, Liam Harrison, James France and Steve Meleady helped by sponsors Say Scaffolding and Contech UK.”

Tickets for the June 13 show can be obtained by phoning Phillips on 07946 477001 or by visiting the club’s www.legionsclub.co.uk website.