BOURNEMOUTH’S Denise Castle has received global recognition after being named most inspirational female athlete of the year at the World Boxing Council’s prestigious annual conference in Bangkok.

Castle, a leading Muaythai competitor, made history by becoming the first non-professional boxer to receive the award from the WBC at a star-studded event last week.

The reigning WBC Muaythai champion took centre stage alongside some of the world’s best-known boxing figures including Vitali Klitschko, Ricky Hatton and Nigel Benn.

Castle’s latest gong completed a memorable 12 months which saw her win the WBC title, the S1 world crown and the award for best technique at the King’s Cup in Thailand.

And following her history-making achievements in Muaythai, Castle is set to get the opportunity to showcase her skills in boxing after her team confirmed that the WBC was planning to make her a title contender, pending the grant of her boxing licence.

That would represent a rapid rise for Castle, who only entered the sport at the age of 30.

Her transition to Muaythai came after a successful stint in distance running which saw her achieve elite starts in both the London and New York marathons.

Castle could compete in the atomweight division with her first professional boxing appearance pencilled in for March.