Newark’s Bailey Sugden will be back in the ring at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre on Saturday 11 March when he defends his ISKA K-1 Pro World Title on the next FIGHTMAXSFL show, almost a year to the date when he first secured the title at the same venue.
“After a disappointing 12 months of opponents pulling out on him, then getting injured and missing out on his dream of fighting in Japan on the card of the K-1 World Grand Prix, Bailey can’t wait to make a statement on this one,” said his manager and coach Dean Sugden.
“And what could be better than doing it just down the road from Newark, where his friends and fans can support him as he goes all out to do so? It will be a great start to 2023 for him and is certain to set the scene for the months ahead, with fight offers already in for April and September, not to mention our hope for a recall to fight in Japan later in the year.”
“I always love fighting in the UK but to be doing it so close to home, which means that everyone will be able to come and join us, is just the icing on the cake,” said Bailey. “I can’t wait to get back out there, my training camp is well under way and I will be looking to spar again with the legendary Liam Harrison as part of my preparation for my first defence.
“We expect to have confirmation of my opponent very soon although I hear he’ll be coming from Belgium. I know just how tough those guys are so we won’t have to go looking for each other – my fighting style hasn’t changed but this is the year of KOs and I’ll definitely be looking for the stoppage in this one.”
The show will also see Suggy’s Gym’s Chace Griffin making his return to Grantham Meres LC, fighting Spain’s Marcos Cruz for the vacant ISKA European Title at 57kg under K-1 rules.
And with other fighters on the night coming from Holland, Spain and Belgium to take on some of the UK’s finest, the undercard for the show is likely to be the strongest ever.
“Full details of the night’s fights are currently being finalised but we already know that Reece Rowell will be taking on a Dutch GLORY fighter, Dean Pattinson’s opponent is almost certain to be from Holland too and Sheffield’s Jordan Waring will be up against Spain’s Saman Vaziri, which all goes to show that the quality of the British guys on the card is such that no-one from the UK wants to take them on,” added Dean.
“Add to that the fact that some of the best K-1 gyms in the country will be stacking out the amateur card, with Powers Martial Arts in Sheffield, Spirit Dojo in Nottingham run by MMA/UFC legend Paul Semtex Daley, Pure Impact in Blackpool run with William Goldie-Galloway, Essex Kickboxing Academy, Barnsley’s Fight Unit and Kettering’s Shire Kings all represented on the night, and one thing is certain – we’ll definitely be bringing another first class show to Grantham on the night and getting 2023 off to the best possible start for the amateur and professional kickboxers alike!
“Tickets for the show are on sale now but they’re selling fast so make sure you call the ticket hotline on 07816 840920 without delay to get yours. There are only 12 VIP tables of 10 with food, priced £750 available, five of which are already sold; tables of 10, without food and behind the Gold tables, are £600; and Tiered seats are £40 each.”
Featured image by Gary Orgles, Rooster and Monkey Productions – Fight poster by Brain Cup Media
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