HKA Fight night 8, Brand new venue, relocated to Horntye Sports complex,
First up and opening the show was Callum Helsdown and Antony Bailey, to a packed out audience for 500 these young lads have gone from strength to strength. They first met at a day show several months ago where Antony proved to be the stronger fighter. Callum knew he had to step it up this time around and boy did he……straight away looking very strong and composed. Before we knew it the fight was ours with a first round stoppage by a strong body shot followed up with 2 great had kicks. Next up for HKA was Dan Wright and Matthew Ringland. Both these lads know their way around a ring and gave the spectators quite a performance. Both worked incredibly hard throughout the fight, toe to toe all the way leaving the judges unable to separate them. This was Dan’s hardest and best performance to date, looking forward to the next battle! To close the first half was Ellis Nelson and Bradley Crust. Both boys matched with other opponents originally and after thinking their fight was never going to happen they took the match only 4 days before the show. For Ellis this was a big step, only starting full contact this year he is really showing great potential as a strong fighter. Both lads didn’t back down and gave everything they could, Ellis managing to skillfully block 90% of Brads punches with his face! Brad taking the win but still a great opportunity for Ellis to fight on our home show. Last up was Carrie Cooper in ICO British Title fight, 5 rounds of battle ground fun, My self and Carrie had worked on a game plan for this fight which after round 1 (if I’m honest) was completely useless, So we had to change our plan quickly, Hard to do but Carrie done this very well, I feel that Carrie was the aggressor and controlled the ring and pace of the fight, but struggled with the range and pinning her lady down to one spot! Antigoni Papapanou, A world-class fighter with a strong fight record was a very tough and game fighter who didn’t stop making Carrie work. This was bar far Carrie’s hardest fight, at the final bell Antigoni won the belt.
Hollie Farley from Falcons gym taking the international win on a split decision.
Rayan RavJani vs George Savage, Both very strong and talented lads, and tough battle they both wanted to win, But it was George taking the win at the end of 3 rounds.
Bradley Rice vs Aaron Frewen , both strong Irish lads threw down in a very tidy battle also going the distance, Brad getting the win.
Rachel stamp from FCA gym, just missing out on a win in a internation bout,
Michelle Biggs vs Leanne Monk, All I remember seeing is Leanne’s reaction when winning, (AMAZING) and this is why this sport is the best in the world, its like she just won 10 million pounds…. LOVE IT. Leanne winning ICO southern area Title.
Simon Medhurst (FCA), Simon winning another fight, I believe 3 of 3 now…..
Ben Robinson vs Ed Smith, I did watch this one but had the whole world trying to talk to me… It seemed Ed was in control, counter fighting as he does, to be fair didn’t get hit much, But Ben working, plowing forward, constant work and pushing all the time. Ben was crowned the new ICO 5 Nations Champion. This is one I very keen on watching back with my full attention, as I know a lot of people wanted to know my thoughts.
“I’m so proud of my team, some strong and tough challenges as always, Win, lose or draw they always give 110%, very skilled and respectful and they make my work at the gym a pleasure to do.”
Hastings Kickboxing train 6 days a week up on Ivy house lane, The Ridge, For more details on training with HKA please contact Carl Denne on 07949221946 or visit www.hastingskickboxing.co.uk
