£1,000.00 K-65 KICKBOXING GRANDPRIX 19 SEPTEMBER 1999

This ring report was originally published on the Warrington Kickboxing Studio Site. Many thanks to Neil for letting us publish it here.

On the 19th September 1999 in front of an excited and packed audience Neil Holden in association with the International Kickboxing Organisation staged the I.K.O. 'K-65' Grandprix. 'K' means Kilo's, '-' means less than, and '65' is the weight limit. Therefore 'K-65'.

Based on the very successful Japaneese Kickboxing format, a Grandprix is where eight Champion Kickboxers fight in an elimination contest over three stages. The fighters initially compete in a quarter final over ( 3x2 mins). The four winners progress and fight in semi-finals ( 3x2 mins ), and the two winners progress onto the final ( 5x2 mins ), with the winner winning a substantial amount of money. In this particular case the promoter, Neil Holden, was putting forward a purse of £ 1'000.00 for the winner. A purse that no British fighter at 65 Kilo's or under, has ever won for one nights competition.
The show opened with the now very popular MC., known as 'Evil Lee', introducing to the audience the eight fighters who had taken up the challenge. (Several Champions who were approached turned down the opportunity, despite the fact that being a Champion in a weight division is supposed to mean that you are willing to fight anyone in your weight class). Then upon receiving four envelopes from one of the Sponsors, (who had pre-arranged the matches the hour before, without anyone knowing who was matched with who), the MC made the announcement of which fighter would be matched with who, and in which group.

BOUT 1. QUARTER FINALS. ( 1.)

David Parkinson -Euro Champion (M.Chana /Preston), VS Wayne McCoy - English Champion (Ste Papp/Nottingham)

Rnd 1 : Parkinson came out with a solid right low kick. McCoy backed away, countering with a swift front kick of his own. As Parkinson charged forward, McCoy began to counter with very strong 1-2 punch combinations. Both fighters moved in close and went into the clinch, exchanging side knees before the referee called to separate. Parkinson fired off a double round kick, McCoy countered with 1-2 punch right body kick, then L. front kick & R. flying punch. To the packed crowd it was obvious that the class of fighters in the ring was exceptional!

Rnd 2. : Both fighters simultaneously connected with round kicks. The crowd roared in appreciation at hearing the shins clash. Parkinson charging forward unleashed his hands looking for the K.O.! McCoy however slipped the shots, countering with his own hand work which tagged Parkinson perfectly! As he dropped to the canvass the referee took up the count, which Parkinson beat by making it to his feet by the call of 7 / 8 . The contest resumed. McCoy & Parkinson dropped into clinch, exchanging 16 knees between them. The two fighters seperated. Both were moving around the outside of the ring as McCoy again launched his 1-2 Punch, this time the shot connected and K.O.'d the gallant Parkinson. The first upset of the show, as an 'English' Champion defeats a 'European' Champion.


BOUT 2. QUARTER FINALS. ( 2.)

Mark Gusso - English Champion ( N.Holden /Warrington) VS Nick Misich - Euro Champion (P.Williams/Chester).

Rnd 1 : Misich, a renown forward fighter did just that, immediately charging forward with strong hands and leg kicks. Gusso was well suited for this opponent as his style is that of a fast counter fighter. The initial exchanges were even, however towards the end of the round Misich started to connect with punishing leg kicks, that were doing serious damaged even when blocked fully on the shin!

Rnd 2 : There was no hanging around, as Misich Charged forward. The pace was intense. The start of the round was all level again, kick for kick, punch for punch. Then Gusso took some heavy leg kicks full on the thigh, several must have connected without any shin block. Gusso tried to counter with a combination. He threw a front kick to the face followed by a R.body kick cleanly hitting the target but doing no damage as Misich set to work on finishing his opponent early. Misich threw a L.body kick that the whole of Wigan must have heard crack on Gusso's ribs. Gusso returned with a R.round kick as hard as he could. His foot smashed against Misichs tight guard and his ankle wrapped against Misichs elbow. Upon putting his foot down his leg simply gave way. At this his trainer retired him from the contest and Misich was now through to the Semi-Finals to face McCoy.


BOUT 3. QUARTER FINALS. ( 3.)

Mark Matthews - Area Champion ( N.Holden /Warrington ) VS Morris Reilly - World Champion ( P. Nathan /Sale ).

Matthews was not intimidated by his opponents credentials after already beating a World Champion in his last fight, and was well up for the contest. Both fighters entered to loud cheers, smoke machines, flashing lights and lasers, to whip the crowd into a frenzy. So far every bout had started extremely fast, but with Reilly being such a class act, everyone was wondering how this would start. In fact the bout started very slow. Clean single shots were exchanged as the fighters showed immediate respect for one another. Thai/Kickboxing is can be a true art form, and it was now being demonstrated to this level. Matthews landed a double stepping jab, then a hard R.hand. Reilly tucked up into his very tight defence, taking the shots on his guard. Matthews tried again to penetrate with a Roll, L. hook R.punch. Reilly quickly countered with a solid R.leg kick. In reply to that, Matthews set to work on Reillys leg, with two good, deep shin kicks connecting. Reilly countered with a round kick to Matthews body, Matthews caught the kick with his arm and Reilly immediately punished him with a right punch, that jolted Matthews head before the two fighters broke. Now the fighters were exchanging sharp front kicks, stabbing at each other like they were using spears to test each other out. Reilly threw L. body kick which was blocked, and Matthews finished the round with a good right hand.

Rnd 2 : Reilly now marched forward using his sharp front kick and body kick. Matthews began to counter fight. Moving away from the attack, before hitting back hard. He connected with a front snap kick that lifted Reilly and knocked him half way across the ring, he then quickly followed up, hitting him with a L.body kick R.punch Combination. Reilly returned with a R.body punch that was so hard it winded the people watching at ringside! He then fired off a Left and Right round kick to the body. Matthews connected with a combination. R.punch, L.bodyhook R.bodykick. Reilly dropped backwards, Matthews continued through with the combination, throwing an 'Axe Kick' ( Andy Hug K-1 Style ), before clinching. However the clinch was immediately broken by the more experienced fighter as Reilly pushed Matthews onto the ropes. Matthews, relentless, clinched again and this time landed 3 knees. As the fighters seperated Matthews faked with a roll and fired a hard L.hook which knocked Reilly sideways and backwards several steps. Reilly finished the round throwing R.bodykick which Matthews caught under his arms just as the bell sounded.

Rnd 3 : Matthews opened up with a R.low kick L.front Kick combination sending Reilly backwards against the ropes. Reilly tried to come forwards but was met with a R.punch then a deep L.low kick to his back leg. Again Reilly tried to come forward unloading several punches from all angles, but Matthews simply used a clinch defence and turned his opponent into the ropes before hitting him with knee strikes. As the two fighters broke, Reilly fired off his sharp fast front kick, which was parried, and he was dropped with a low kick. Reilly then rose from the canvas only to be met by a L.low kick R. high kick combination. Charging at Reilly, Matthews again used his legs with the front kick the chosen weapon. Reilly replied with strong boxing combinations to which Matthews Clinched and then fired in his knees. As they seperated Matthews threw L.High kick, Reilly returned a high kick of his own and the crowd erupted. Matthews dipped down, before throwing L.Hook, R.High Kick. Then following this with a front kick, R. punch hitting the target. Reilly went back to his boxing, throwing several punches but was met with another high kick.. Showing his class, Reilly simply leaned backwards and out of range before resuming his attack, but as he did so, Matthews had carried on the momentum of the high Kick and followed it through with a Spinning Hook kick which connected! As his leg wrapped around Reilly, Matthews lost his balance and Reilly again tried to K.O. Matthews with his boxing. Matthews tucked, dipped and covered for several moments whilst under this barrarge before finding his rhythm and slipping in a L.Hook, R. Low Kick of his own Just as the bell sounded.

The first fight to go the distance, and the second upset of the show as all three judges scored a unanimous win for Matthews.


BOUT 4. QUARTER FINALS.(4.)

Keiren Keddle - British Champion ( A.Keddle/Kent ) VS Steve Houston - Scottish Champion ( J.Craig/Scotland ).

Rnd 1 : Houston came out like a hurricane immediately searching for the big K.O. with shots thrown from every angle. Keddle, showing the defensive skills that have made him a double Champion, tucked up tight like a turtle in its solid shell. Not fazed at all by this onslaught he waited for a break to come. Only after a minute, (which is a long time in a ring), did the pace slow enough before Keddle could throw techniques of his own. Now Keddle began to work his long jab, scoring with several at long range from the dangerous Houston. Keddle jabbed again, this time Houston was quick to parry, and jabbed back a solid shot of his own that jolted keddle back several steps. Houston rushed forward again, until Keddle rocked him with a long left hook R.low kick. combination.

Rnd 2 : Keddle now put in the work, pushing forward pressuring Houston and pulling himself back into the fight. Houston countered Keddle's long left jab again with his own boxing, and again rocked the durable Keddle. Houston rushed forward boxing, but Keddle was clever and used the Clinch defence, turning him into the corner as Houston bombed from all angles. Then Keddle fired off a cracking L.uppercut, R.punch combination that lifted Houston and then dropped him to the canvas. He was unable to beat the count and Keddle was through to the Semi-final to meet Matthews.


BOUT 5. SEMI FINALS ( 1 ).

Wayne McCoy-English Champ ( Ste Papp - Nottingham ) VS Nick Misich-Euro Champ. ( P.Williams - Chester ).

Rnd 1. : McCoy moved around the outside of the ring jabbing lightly, before firing off hard 1-2 punch combinations. Strong front kicks were exchanged, then Misich charged forward only to be countered by McCoy's round kick. Misich went to the body with punches. McCoy Clinched, scoring with his knees as he had Misich locked up in his grip. Misich looked very strong, but McCoy's techniques were smooth as he twice scored with 1-2 punch R.round kick combinations, everytime catching the judges eyes.

Rnd 2. : Continued as round one, with McCoy looking like he had a winning game plan. Then Misich countered with a big right hand that hit McCoy square on the button. McCoy continued the round head hunting, but to each shot thrown McCoy would use his tall body to lean away, taking the shots on his high forward guard, then countering with fast scoring kicks on the outside. When Misich did make it in close McCoy would score with the long Knee. McCoy finished the round with a R.body kick, R.high kick combination to the delight of the crowd.

Rnd 3 : This was an exact replay of the previous round. McCoy leaning out of range of the big punch. Scoring with 1-2-kick and locking Misich up when close with a clinch defence. Misich, now behind by two rounds desperately need the K.O. and this was making him more predictable as he rushed forward always with boxing. McCoy was now growing in confidence and instead of using fast light techniques to score, started to plant himself and throw hard hooks and heavy kicks. This now worked to Misichs advantage as his opponents shots slowed. Misich now connected with some good shots to the chin of McCoy at the end of the round, but he took them well and took the fight. Winner McCoy, with the third upset of the show. He would now progress to the £ 1'000.00 final.


BOUT 6. SEMI FINALS ( 2 ).

Mark Matthews - Area Champion ( N.Holden/Warrington ) VS K.Keddle - British Champion ( A.Keddle - Kent ).

Rnd 1. : Keddle opened the fight with his long Jab. Matthews concentrating on his knees. Then as Matthews threw a L.uppercut R.punch combination his foot gave way and he fell to the canvass. He immediately jumped to his feet but it was clearly obvious he was carrying some injuries from the previous bout. However upon rising Matthews hit Keddle with a R.low kick, roll L.hook combination. Keddle moved around the outside. Again using his long reach, but as he came forward onto Matthews, Matthews tucked up tight, went into clinch and fired in the knee. As Keddle fell back Matthews rocked his head with a good R.punch. Keddle though simply shook it off with out any problems, as one of his strong points is his durability. Then Keddle clinched Matthews. But clinch-work is one of Matthews's strong points, as Keddle was to find out, as Matthews got to work with his knee. Driving in the knees, before breaking, boxing and then returning to Knee. This he did non-stop for thirty seconds and with this he took the round.

Rnd 2. : Keddle came out strong with his hands, but as he moved in close, Matthews griped him like a vice and again utilised his exceptional knees. Back on the outside, and Keddle connected with a good R.punch flush on the chin of his adversary. Matthews now cautiously pushing forward, waited for Keddle to jab, so he could counter with his own punches. The opportunity to counter Keddle came. Matthews fired off. 1-2 punch, L.Body hook, R.Punch. Following straight on from this, Matthews clinched and kneed hard. To every knee the crowd cheered. Keddle made the mistake of trying to box his way out of Matthews clinch with big Hooks and Uppercuts, as the knees continued to sink in. Keddle did eventually break away, but only after a good 20 seconds of taking knees to the arms and body. Now both fighters exchanged boxing, Matthews rolled and connected with a L.Hook L. Body kick combination as the round ended.

Rnd 3 : A right high kick from Keddle wrapped across the high guard of Matthews. He retaliated with a L.body kick as he moved in to knee Keddle. Keddle pushed Matthews off, and was now backing him up for the first time in the fight. Strong Boxing was thrown as he moved forward. Matthews grabbed Keddle, turned him against the ropes and then fired two shin kicks across his body, both connecting fully. Keddle continued undeterred to pressure Matthews. Long Jab. Long Jab. Long Jab- Big Right punch that luckily for Matthews glanced off the top of his head. Matthews rolled in an attempt to counter, throwing a L.hook but Keddle was there first with a strong hook of his own, jolting Matthews backwards momentarily. Keddle was now really coming on strong. A combination from Matthews. R. punch, roll, L.hook-R.high kick, which sent Keddle across the Ring. Matthews moved in to finish his opponent with another combination. R. Knee, R.High Kick, to which Keddle countered with a perfectly timed low kick, dropping Matthews to the canvass with a sweep. Keddle's entourage, and in fact the whole venue erupted with cheers for this was a war. Keddle went in with big bombs jolting Matthews head back. Matthews returned with a R.Body kick, then grabbed, finishing the round with Knees.

The decision was announced. Winner Matthews and the fourth upset of the show.


BOUT 7 : GRAND PRIX FINAL - £ 1'000.00 Winners prize money!

Mark Matthews - Area Champ. ( N.Holden/Warrington ) VS Wayne McCoy-English Champ. ( S.Papp/Nottingham ).

Rnd 1: The final started very cautiously. Both fighters were obviously sore from the previous bouts and were masking likely injuries from on another. Hands were all that were thrown in the first minute of the opening round. Heavy shots from McCoy to do damage, with faster, light shots from Matthews to tally up the points on work rate. Both fighters were slightly out of range from each other. Then Matthews started to bring his good footwork into play. Scoring with Double Stepping jab, R.Punch, then moving out of range of McCoys reach. Matthews was picking up a points lead when McCoy landed a good heavy shot and jolted Matthews head, bringing it all level once more. The last 20 seconds saw the temperature rise as both fighters moved up a gear with kicks being brought into play just as the bell sounded.

Rnd 2: McCoy Started well. Jabbing on the outside, mixing with a few left inside low kicks then a Right hand. Matthews was quick to move out of range then settled to start the work of his own. Jabbing, Matthews was now moving around on the outside of the ring constantly faking with dipping motions from his shoulders and legs before hitting. Then Matthews scored with a solid left side kick to the body of McCoy. The fighters continued circling each other. Matthews scored again, hitting McCoy with a front kick and as the round ended both fighters suddenly exchanged several shots which finished the round even for both fighters. Rnd 3 : Matthews immediately went to work again on the outside with speed jabbing. Then came his combinations. He connecting with a 1-2 punch L.Front Kick which backed up McCoy. McCoy threw a L.inside low kick followed by a heavy Right Hand. Matthews dropped back from the punch countering as he did this with a good low kick to McCoys thigh. Then a big right hand from Matthews. McCoy slipped the shot and simultaneously threw a cracking Body kick. Matthews caught the kick under his arm, but took the full shot from McCoys shin on his ribs. Both fighters dropped into the clinch and locked up. After a few knees were exchanged the referee seperated the fighters, to which Matthews turned to his corner holding his ribs. Upon complaining to his corner that his ribs were broken, his trainer retired him from the contest and McCoy, An English Champion Won the first I.K.O. £ 1'000.00 Grandprix at 65 Kilo's.