Pauls body double

MUSCLE man Paul George is celebrating a double double after successfully defending both his titles at the World Universe Championships in Italy.

The Eccles bodybuilder became the World Masters and World Middleweight Champion for the second year running, making it five world titles in the last three years. Now the 41-year-old, who planned to retire after his latest triumph, has been offered the chance to turn professional after two companies agreed to sponsor him.

“I had decided to retire after this because there was nowhere else to go,” he said. “I’m the best amateur in the world and I have achieved everything there is to achieve. I was looking forward to a rest but the opportunity to turn professional is just too good to turn down.”

But Paul, who runs the Olympic Gym on Liverpool Road, knows the step up will involve a lot of hard work.

“It’s such a big jump,” he added. “It’s like going from playing in the park to Old Trafford but I know I’ve got the ability and capability to do it, if I didn’t I wouldn’t bother.”

The 5ft 3ins strong man will compete in the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association’s Mr Universe next October. If he wins, he will go into the Masters Olympia, the sport’s ultimate challenge for over-40s.

Paul is seeking vehicle sponsorship to help him travel to competitions.