Fans savour top night of fight action

Its latest event, Pantheon VI - Proelium, proved why it has just been signed up to be one of only four feeder shows to the UK’s biggest ever fight event in May 2016 at Wembley Arena - Super Fight Series. The night went without a hitch, and many of the country’s leading gyms commented on how impressed they were with the professionalism of the show and the incredible Sussex Coast College Hastings venue. The Fighting Tigers fight team was equally impressive. First up was cadet Elliott Hallworth, who took on the experienced Anthony Edwards in only his third fight. The young Tiger took it to Edwards - who is no.1 in the cadet rankings and no.3 in the adult listings - from the off, but experience eventually prevailed and the decision went to the fighter from the world famous Storm Gym in Luton by just one point. Lloyd Knight faced fellow débutant Mat Field, from Lions Thai in Watford. Field started strongly and sent Lloyd to the canvas, but the heart of the Tiger shone through as he knocked his opponent down twice en route to a TKO victory. White collar boxing was next to the fray. Coming off an impressive victory in Rochester a few weeks beforehand, Wayne Smith took on Ross Stevens, from Assassins Gym, in a rematch from April. Sadly for Smith, the result went to a decision once more and Stevens got the victory. His team-mate Glenn Hitchman was up next and despite having only taken up the sport six months ago, extended his unbeaten record to four matches with another stoppage win after his opponent took three counts of eight. Martin Eglington won his debut K1 bout in Wales four weeks previously with a first minute knockout and was keen to prove that it was no fluke. After dominating his very strong opponent, Jon Scripps, from Ray Rays Gym in Milton Keynes, the young Tiger earned his second KO in as many fights in round two. Fighting Tigers head coach Phil Eaton believes Eglington is a champion in the making. The main event saw Fighting Tigers’ three-times K1 champion Jamie McGuigan look to add another English K1 title to his collection against Glenn Stock, from Hakuda Gym in Burnley. McGuigan forced an eight count on his opponent in round one, and continued to dominate in rounds two and three. He was dishing out more punishment in round four until Stock rallied with two knockdowns in quick succession. McGuigan came back with sheer heart and determination, and the result was a draw. Both men were treated like winners from an amazing crowd, who came out in their droves for an incredible night of full contact fight action. The next event is Pantheon - Genesis on Saturday January 31. For more information, contact the Fighting Tigers Gym on 07739 390911.