£1'000.00 WINNER TAKES ALL THAI-KICKBOXING SUPER CHAMPIONSHIP!

This report was written and supplied by Neil Holden

MARK 'THE DIAMOND' MATTHEWS vs LEE COX

Monaco Ballroom, Wigan 03-12-2000

On the 3rd December 2000, Neil Holden promoted a Super-Championship Bout between Mark 'THE DIAMOND' Matthews and LEE COX. This was a Super-Championship for two unique reasons.

Firstly there was not one, but two Championship Titles Belts on the line, and secondly because there was a Staggering £1'000.00 purse for the winner ( Which is more than many Thai-Kickboxers receive for a World Title Bout! ).

Introduction Taken From the Events Programme :

Lee Cox , the former 3 x Champion has in recent years been competing at Middleweight, after totally dominating the Welterweight division. Such was his reneown reputation at this weight that many Welterweight Champions would not share the ring with him, especially after he K.O.'d Steve Trimble for the British Title, breaking his Jaw and putting him into retirement. For this reason Cox is known as a Tyson-Style K.O. King!

However the new kid on the block ( featured several times exclusively in 'Fighters Magazine' ), is Mark Matthews, known to many by his ring name 'THE DIAMOND'. Currently he is the North-West Champion and is recent fights he has beaten some of Britains very Best. He will be looking to continue this form tonight, after 12 weeks of intense training, strict dieting and many rounds of hard sparring with 'World Champion' EVAL DENTON!

Cox is the 3 x Champion back at the weight where he conquered all! THE DIAMOND is the Northwest Champion who is there to meet his challenge!

This looks to be one hell of an exciting match, DON'T BLINK!

Fight Report :

The MC Lawrence Allen introduces Cox to the Ring, who enters to loud cheers from his many supporting fans who have travelled from Blackburn to support their fighter. Then the lights dim, and Mark 'THE DIAMOND' Matthews is then called to the ring. He enters the ring to the great cheering crowd and then performs the Japanese Style, crossed arm bow, to all four corners of the ring.

Both fighters are called to the centre of the ring by the Judge ( John Blackledge ) who reiterates the WAKO-Pro Rules to the fighters, instructing them to obey his commands at all times. Cox looks awesome and intimidating with his muscular physique and many tattoos. The Diamond looks well prepared, ripped to the bone with not an ounce of fat on him. The referee starts the Super-Championship Bout.



Round 1.

A Jab from Cox, is replied to with a Leg Kick from Matthews. A second leg kick from Matthews, swiftly followed by a full Shin Kick striking Cox to the Head. Such was the strength thrown behind this Kick, that it even took Matthews to the floor he threw it with such power. A stunned Cox, quickly came to his senses, and as Matthews was beginning to get to his feet Cox attempted to Kick his opponent in the head whilst he was still on the floor- luckily only just stopped by the referee! Cox was angry at almost being K.O.'d in the opening seconds of the round and had acted on adrenaline. The Referee told Cox that he would stand for no breaking of the Strict Safety rules and regulations, and gave him a warning.

Matthews did not complain and was not fazed by Cox at all; he just got to his feet and squared up to his adversary. The Referee resumed the bout. Matthews faked a kick, then followed this with a R. Punch-L. Bodykick Combination, sending Cox against the ropes. Both fighters exchanged powerful Low-kicks. As Matthews Stalked his opponent, Cox put in two more Leg-Kicks, but was pushed back against the ropes. Matthews let go with a lightening combination 1-2 Punch-L.Hook R.High Kick. Immediately followed with another High Shin Kick and then a R. Punch. Cox was in trouble, but remained cool under pressure, replying with a short R.Uppercut before Jabbing his way out of the corner. The Diamond, chasing Cox, then connected with another R. High Kick, sending Cox reeling against the ropes. He immediately followed up on this with a strong R. Straight Punch to the body that had the ringside spectators wincing in their seats at such a powerful shot. Cox, showing his vast experience from several years on the circuit, clinched Matthews low around the waist closing the striking range between them to nothing, in an effort to stop the onslaught.

As this, temporarily, stopped the action, the Referee separated the fighters and instructed them to continue. A Japanese 'K-1' Style 'AXE' Kick from the Diamond followed by a Straight R. Hand again had Cox backed up. Cox now initiated an attack with his Boxing Skills but as soon as he fired his Left Jab he was countered with a Shin Kick to his exposed ribs.

A solid leg Kick from Cox. The Diamond did not even seem to notice as he attacked Cox with a R. Body Punch, Skip L. Knee combination. Cox who was starting to ship some heavy shots, attempted to K.O. Matthews with one of his awesome Boxing combinations, but Matthews tucked his chin tight behind his High Guard, and not one shot connected. More excellent punches from Cox, but to no avail, as the Diamond Slammed in a R. Knee and Clinched his opponent. Both fighters now set about each other with Knee strikes to each other's body. Cox was the first to end this duel when he changed tactics and locked Matthews around the waist, so that neither fighter could attack, and stopped the action.

The Referee separated the fighters, and Matthews let his hands go with a combination R.Punch-L.Hook-R.Uppercut, then followed by a R.Punch to the body and a R.Body Kick. Cox, who was leaning back against the ropes, returned fire with a solid R.Punch. The shot hit Matthews cleanly on the Jaw, but Cox's power could do nothing to slow his opponent. Cox was quick to get out of the corner following his R.Punch and now tried to pressure Matthews again with his hands. A long Jab from Cox, but Matthews was immediately on him, punishing him again with a Shin-Kick to his ribs, before he clinched Cox and put in a Knee. As the bell tolled, the crowd erupted with cheers for their gladiators.

Round 2.

A Jab from the Diamond, a front kick from Cox as these two warriors began to feel each other out. Matthews then threw a powerful Bodykick. Cox, caught the kick and parried it perfectly leaving Matthews off balance. Cox went for the K.O. with a good combination of Punches. The Diamond, taking the shots on his arms returned with his own R.Punch. As Cox covered from the shot, Matthews grabbed his opponent putting in a strong knee, and both fighters dropped into the clinch. Several Side-Knees were exchanged before the two separated.

A lightening combination, L-Hook-R.High Kick, sent Cox reeling against the ropes. Cox settled himself, and managed to Jab his way out of the corner. Now in the centre of the ring, Matthews attempted a Leg Kick but slipped to the floor. Cox tried to punish him with a Head Kick and Punching combination. Nothing was getting through Matthews's defence and it seemed that Cox just could not hurt him. Matthews attempted to clinch Cox, who immediately backed away. Matthews then blasted in a Solid leg Kick. Cox fired off a 1-2 Punch combination. Matthews, amazingly, parried away both shots and delivered a perfect Knee to the chest of Cox! Cox was in serious trouble and clinched Matthews around the waist to stop the attack. Before the referee could call the boxer to break, Cox tripped Matthews to the floor. Landing on top of Matthews, Cox then lifted his head back several inches, and then unbelievably he Head Butted Matthews!

Referee, John Blackledge, was horrified and immediately disqualified Lee for breaking the WAKO-Pro rules a second time, and in such an unacceptable manner! Cox then attempted to complain that it was accidental?

At this Matthews took the microphone and addressed the shocked crowd, " Excuse me everybody, I would like to say that I want a rematch. Lee tripped me to the floor and then butted me in the second round. It was not an accident, it was purposely done, he looked me in the eye when he did it, and if he wants to fight me again - NO PROBLEM!" At this the crowd cheered the new Double Champion.

Matthews was awarded by the guest of honour, EVAL DENTON, the Northwest and the English WAKO-Pro Light-Welterweight Championship Belts, along with the cheque for the winner, a staggering £ 1'000. 00!