More than 500 fans enjoy knockout night's action

The Fighting Tigers Gym once again produced a night of unrivalled combat sports entertainment.
From left: Andy Chambers, Todd Williams, Luke Read, Jimmy Killick. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway PhotographyFrom left: Andy Chambers, Todd Williams, Luke Read, Jimmy Killick. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway Photography
From left: Andy Chambers, Todd Williams, Luke Read, Jimmy Killick. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway Photography

The latest instalment in the Pantheon Fight Series, 11 - Ares, took centre stage at Sussex Coast College Hastings on Saturday night.

More than 500 fight fans witnessed 15 full contact fights, including a pro K1 European title, an English K1 title, two Southern Area K1 titles, two Muay Thai bouts, four other K1 bouts, two IAB boxing bouts, two white collar boxing bouts and the return of MMA to Hastings.

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The main event was a pro European K1 cruiserweight title fight, which certainly lived up to expectations. George Smith, of the world famous Storm Gym in Luton, defeated Luis Morais, of the similarly renowned Vos Gym in Portugal, in a spectacular main event.

Merlin Gallery lands an accurate knee. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway PhotographyMerlin Gallery lands an accurate knee. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway Photography
Merlin Gallery lands an accurate knee. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway Photography

Also on the card were many local fighters from the home club and a few making their club debuts.

The show was opened by 17-year-old Benjamin Beal, who showcased real talent to defeat Ollie Cadlin, from Eastbourne’s 1st Generation gym, with a TKO stoppage.

Next up was 16-year-old Atul Brooker, who was making his debut against a 28-year-old man under white collar boxing rules. Brooker showed maturity beyond his years to take a split decision victory over Ashley Rogers, of Lions Thai in Watford.

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The Hastings crowd was then treated to Muay Thai and the Fighting Tigers Gym’s latest warrior, Sunna Gisladittor, showed real class to unanimously defeat China Bajersky, of Kenshiro in Brighton, over five rounds.

Sunna Gisladottir landing some heavy punches. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway PhotographySunna Gisladottir landing some heavy punches. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway Photography
Sunna Gisladottir landing some heavy punches. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway Photography

Steven Hill proved he is Hastings’ number one MMA fighter, in the view of Fighting Tigers, with a first round ground and pound stoppage against Denizhan Temelgun, of Supreme MMA from Enfield.

Hill lit up the crowd with a fantastic display of speed, power, ringcraft and technique against a more experienced opponent, setting him up perfectly for his next fight in Wales on Saturday December 3.

Straight after the interval there was an incredible fight which resulted in Fighting Tigers achieving their eighth title win this year.

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Todd Williams dominated his game opponent, Paul Lucas, from Guardian Academy in Milton Keynes, forcing him to take a pair of eight counts along the way. Williams became the IKF Southern Area K1 bantamweight champion - his second title this year in only his sixth fight.

Merlin Gallery lands an accurate knee. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway PhotographyMerlin Gallery lands an accurate knee. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway Photography
Merlin Gallery lands an accurate knee. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway Photography

Another debut for the Fighting Tigers saw Merlin Gallery take apart British kickboxing champion Gareth Evans over five rounds of Muay Thai with a classy display which gave the Tigers their sixth win of the night.

The Fighting Tigers’ corner teams on the night included Martial Arts Illustrated hall of famer Andy Chambers, European pro Muay Thai champion Luke Read, Graham Towse (who has coached many British boxing champions), and Bellator and UFC fighter Oli Thompson.

If you are interested in training with the Fighting Tigers Gym, visit www.fightingtigers.co.uk, call 07739 390911 or check out the club’s Facebook page.

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See our comprehensive sports coverage in the Observer every Friday.

Sunna Gisladottir landing some heavy punches. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway PhotographySunna Gisladottir landing some heavy punches. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway Photography
Sunna Gisladottir landing some heavy punches. Picture courtesy Jon Rothwell Snapaway Photography

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