Style Bender aims to set new record

Style Bender aims to set new record

Just two weeks after punching his way to an historic victory in the international Super 8 knock out tournament, combat sport phenom, Israel Adesanya is at it again, this time, returning to his kickboxing roots in the inaugural Trans Tasman Cruiserweight King in the Ring, at ASB Stadium in Auckland on Saturday night.
The reigning New Zealand King in the Ring, is a rampant favourite in the knock out tournament despite having just 14 days to readjust his radar to the kicking game, after a full 8 week boxing camp.
The Nigerian born, kiwi raised, 25 year old's task has been made more difficult by the addition of four of Australia's hottest kickboxing talents to the field.

KO artist Kim Loudon with 22 KO's from his 43 fights represents a real danger to anyone he connects with, as do the heavy hands of Sydney based fire-plug Simon Maait who also owns a 50 % KO ratio. Queensland's Kurtis Pegoraro's 31 victories from 39 fights and Aussie based British fighter, Mark Timms' reputation for running through opponents makes this an extremely tough tournament to navigate.

When you add in the quality of the kiwi contingent, IFMA world champion Zane Hopman, IKBF world light heavyweight Champion, Zak Fatamaka and multiple NZ champion, Pati Afoa, promoter Jason Suttie has cooked up an explosive brew for his first international 8 man.

"We searched across Australia for fighters willing to enter an 8 man with Israel in it, these where the only four with fighting spirit enough to accept.

"What more could you ask for, four Aussies drawing four kiwis from a hat, they are young hungry and talented I'm expecting fire works."

But Adesanya, known as the "Style Bender" for his ability to adapt to any style of combat competition, is adamant, it is his destiny is to take home the $15,000 winner's cheque and become the first man in Australasia to hold two international 8 man crowns in two different codes at one time.

"People say I'm cocky but I speak the truth, these other guys don't move like me, they don't hit like me, they don't even train like me.

"When I was boxing I was training three times a day, including one kickboxing session, I'm just going to adapt my boxing skills to the game.

"I just beat a five time NZ boxing champion and a former cruiserweight world title challenger who was also ranked in the top 10 for heavyweights, I think that puts me at an advantage not a disadvantage. I'll be ready make no mistake."

The remainder of the card is equally impressive featuring two current King in the Ring champions: Current Middle weight king and former Commonwealth champion, Blood Diamond, has returned from China to face Australian wonder kid, Francoise "Dirty" Sanchez in a trans-tasman Super fight, while two-time 62 kilo King in the Ring and World Champion Sone Vannathy will clash with nemesis Pumpini Ngaronoa in a trilogy rubber match under K-1 rules.

An enthralling night will be on offer featuring edge of your seat entertainment, thrills, kickboxing spills and the promise of history in the making.

EVENT DETAILS:

Name: King in the Ring Trans Tasman Cruiserweight

Date: Saturday April 11th 2015

Venue: ASB Stadium, Kohimarama, Auckland.

Time: Doors Open 6 pm, event begins 6.30 pm

TICKETS:

General Admission tickets available online at iticket.co.nz

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