It was non-stop action from start to finish on Saturday 5 October when FIGHTMAX SUPERSTAR FIGHT LEAGUE brought some of the UK’s top kickboxing professionals and amateurs together at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre for the newly-formed partnership’s first show, NEXT GENERATION.
“We had our challenges but, in spite of everything thrown at us, everyone agreed that the evening was an outstanding success,” said Suggy’s Gym head coach and co-promoter Dean Sugden.
“We couldn’t have done what we did without the help of a great team or the support and professionalism of all the coaches and fighters. And special thanks must go to some true soldiers who were prepared to get in the ring and do battle with as little as an hour’s notice to make sure everyone got their chance to perform.”
One of the highlights of the night saw Nathan Riddle from Powers Martial Arts in Sheffield and Loz James from All Powers in Manchester go head to head in a featured fight on the Main Card. After a tremendous battle, the honours went to Nathan when he stopped his opponent by TKO in the third and final round.
Other standouts were the quick finish by Ben Longstaff, who defeated Kane Birring by a first round TKO, and a second round KO by Suggy’s Gym’s Chace Griffin against the run of play in his match up with the more experienced Ben Fahey.
“Also on the bill, three more Suggy’s Gym kickboxers did themselves and their fans proud,” added Dean. “The show started with a bang when Molly Barnwell put on an incredible and much improved performance to take a unanimous points win over a tough and game late opponent in Casey Chapman.
“There was a first round TKO for Alex Bratton who showed that even as a Super Heavyweight you can still be athletic. And Sam Hyde was unlucky in his clash with Barnsley’s Sam Shambley, a great fight while it lasted going back and forth until the Barnsley amateur landed some tremendous punches to end it by another first round TKO.”
“With KOs and TKOs, early stoppages and late cuts, the show had it all and the fans loved every minute.
“Now we’re looking ahead to 2020 when the FIGHTMAX SUPERSTAR FIGHT LEAGUE partnership will be expanding its promotion with its next event, at the famous Circus Tavern in Purfleet, Essex. The date’s firmly in the diary – Saturday 25 April – and both Steve Kerridge and I are already talking to coaches and fighters who want to get involved in another first class evening of professional and amateur kickboxing.”
Pictures by Gary Orgles Photography – for more photos from the night, contact Gary direct by email (gary@gophotography.co.uk) or call/text 07812 338646.
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