Matt Skelton is an English

England

England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...

 boxer

Boxing

Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...

 who changed sports from kickboxing

Kickboxing

Kickboxing refers to a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate, Muay Thai and western boxing....

. He is a former English, British, Commonwealth and European Heavyweight champion. He has also held the lightly regarded WBU "World" Heavyweight title.

Biography

Skelton did not become a professional boxer until fairly late in life, his first fight being at the age of 35. Prior to this he had been a professional kickboxer

Kickboxing

Kickboxing refers to a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate, Muay Thai and western boxing....

.

Kickboxing

Skelton has a kickboxing/muay thai record of 63-8/57. He won an International Kickboxing Federation

International Kickboxing Federation

The International Kickboxing Federation is a kickboxing sanctioning body. The IKF World Headquarters in the USA oversees IKF World Operations with the rest of the IKF World Team.-Styles:...

 IKF World Title when he stopped Jeff Ford (USA) at 1:51 of the second round in Northampton, England on 26 November 2000.

In his first defense of the IKF World Title on 18 November 2001, in Northampton, England, he defeated Peter Varga

Peter Varga

Péter Varga is a Hungarian former super heavyweight kickboxer.- Titles and accomplishments:* 2003 King Of The Ring Europe Grand Prix champion* 2002 K-1 World Grand Prix Preliminary Italy runner up* W.P.K.C. Kickboxing World champion...

 (Hungary) by TKO

Knockout

A knockout is a fight-ending, winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, Karate and others sports involving striking...

 at 53 seconds of round 3.

Skelton, in a K-1

K-1

K-1 is a defunct world-wide kickboxing promotion based in Tokyo, Japan founded by Kazuyoshi Ishii, a formerKyokushin karate practitioner. K-1 combines stand up techniques from Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Savate, San Shou, kickboxing, western-style boxing, and other martial arts...

 primary tournament K-1 WORLD GP 2001 in Melbourne in Australia, 16 June 2001, knocked out Paris Vasilikos (Greece) at 2:05 of the first round in the quarter final match. And he also beat Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald (kickboxer)

Michael "The Black Sniper" McDonald is a retired Canadian Heavyweight kickboxer. He is the former three time K-1 World Grand Prix in Las Vegas tournament champion.-Early life:Michael McDonald was born in Birmingham, England...

 (Canada) by third round decision (3-0) in the semi-final match. He was beaten, however, by Ernesto Hoost

Ernesto Hoost

Ernesto Fritz "Mr. Perfect" Hoost is a Dutch former kickboxer and four-time K-1 World Champion. He made his debut in 1993 at the K-1 World Grand Prix 1993, where he came just one win short of the world title...

 of the Netherlands by a third round decision (2-0) in the tournament final^{http://www.so-net.ne.jp/feg/k-1gp/b01_0616.htm}.

Skelton's record in K-1 is ten wins and seven losses.

During his time as kickboxer and muay thai fighter, Skelton trained with the well known Eagles Gym under the highly regarded and respected Nigel Howlett.

Professional wrestling

Skelton has competed in one shoot-style pro-wrestling bout - a loss to Kazuo Yamazaki

Kazuo Yamazaki

Kazuo Yamazaki is a former Japanese professional wrestler, who is known for his work in New Japan Pro Wrestling and UWF International.-New Japan Pro Wrestling :...

 for Akira Maeda

Akira Maeda

is a retired Japanese professional wrestler, also known as Kwik-kik-Lee for his time on the British Wrestling show World of Sport. He helped develop the shoot-style of professional wrestling during the late 1980s....

's Universal Wrestling Federation

Universal Wrestling Federation (Japan)

The original Japanese-based Universal Wrestling Federation was a Japanese professional wrestling promotion from 1984 to 1986, formed by wrestlers who had left New Japan Pro Wrestling. It was a pioneer in the shoot-style of pro-wrestling, which emphasized realistic moves. It was revived as the...

 on 10 January 1989 at Budokan Hall, Tokyo

Tokyo

, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...

, Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

.

Mixed martial arts

Matt Skleton has had one Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts

Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...

 fight. On 3 November 2001, at a Pride FC event named PRIDE 17

PRIDE 17

Pride 17: Championship Chaos was a mixed martial arts event held by the Pride Fighting Championships. It took place at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan on November 3, 2001. This event also saw the crowning of the first Pride FC Heavyweight and Middleweight champions.-Results: Renzo Gracie vs. ...

, he lost via choke to wrestler Tom Erikson

Tom Erikson

Tom Erikson is an American wrestling coach and former mixed martial artist. Erikson is an assistant wrestling coach at Purdue University, where he has been coaching since 1997. He has also had fights in K-1 under K-1 kickboxing rules...

 at 1:11 of the first round.

Boxing

As a professional boxer, he was initially dismissed by purists as an unrefined slugger lacking the required skill to achieve at the very top, but his powerful style has proved extremely successful under the tutelage of renowned trainer Frank Maloney

Frank Maloney

Frank Maloney is a boxing manager and promoter and United Kingdom Independence Party politician. He is most famous for managing Lennox Lewis to the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship of the World.-Early life:...

.

He turned pro aged 35 in September 2002 with a two round KO of Gifford Shillingford. From this point he was moved along quickly, in 2003 scoring stoppages of respected veterans Jacklord Jacobs, Antoine Palatis, and ex-British champ Michael Holden

Michael Holden

Major General Michael James Holden is a fictional character from the Lifetime television series Army Wives, portrayed by Brian McNamara.- Personal life :Michael has been married to Claudia Joy Holden for 20 years...

, among others.

In 2004, he took his first serious step up, at 11-0 taking on ex-British and Commonwealth champion Julius Francis

Julius Francis

Julius Francis is a former British Heavyweight champion boxer - who participated in many noteworthy boxing matches in the 1990s and 2000s. In 2007 he also participated in a mixed martial arts bout....

, who he outpointed over 10 rounds. He won the British and Commonwealth titles in his next fight, stopping Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott is a professional heavyweight boxer from Reading, Berkshire, England. Sprott briefly held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, and was a European heavyweight title contender...

 in 12 rounds, and defending the titles against the durable Keith Long, who he stopped in 11.

In 2005, Skelton won the lowly regarded WBU belt with a 6th round knockout of Fabio Moli. Skelton soon vacated the belt, and began to enjoy a higher profile when his promoter Frank Warren

Frank Warren (promoter)

Frank Darren Warren is an English boxing manager and promoter.-Early life and early career:The son of a bookmaker, Warren trained as a solicitor's clerk with J Tickle & Co on Southampton Row in London....

 took all his fighters to ITV

ITV

ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...

 for exposure on terrestrial free-to-air

Free-to-air

Free-to-air describes television and radio services broadcast in clear form, allowing any person with the appropriate receiving equipment to receive the signal and view or listen to the content without requiring a subscription or one-off fee...

 television.

Skelton was due to defend his British title against his main rival Danny Williams

Danny Williams (boxer)

Daniel "Danny" Williams is an English professional heavyweight boxer.-Amateur:As an amateur boxing out of the famous Lynn AC boxing gym in SE London, Williams learned his trade quickly, often sparring with the likes of clubmates Henry Akinwande and Derek Angol...

 in July 2005, but Williams pulled out at the last minute citing a case of the flu, a decision that prompted scorn from Williams' promoter Frank Warren

Frank Warren (promoter)

Frank Darren Warren is an English boxing manager and promoter.-Early life and early career:The son of a bookmaker, Warren trained as a solicitor's clerk with J Tickle & Co on Southampton Row in London....

. Skelton stopped late sub Mark Krence in 7 rounds, and scored a 1st round knockout of John McDermott to finish the year, whereupon he vacated his British title, having defended it three times.

In February 2006, Skelton finally fought Williams, and lost on split decision handing him his first pro defeat.

In July 2006, he regained his Commonwealth title by easily outboxing Williams.

Skelton was due to defend his title against Audley Harrison

Audley Harrison

Audley Harrison is a British professional boxer from Harlesden, England who fights in the heavyweight division. At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney he became the first British fighter to win an Olympic gold medal in the superheavyweight division. He stands and usually weighs around .Harrison turned...

 in December 2006, but the fight didn't take place.

Instead, the fight against Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott is a professional heavyweight boxer from Reading, Berkshire, England. Sprott briefly held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, and was a European heavyweight title contender...

 for the second time was rescheduled for 14 July 2007, in which Skelton defended his title in a 12 round battle.

Matt Skelton faced WBA

World Boxing Association

The World Boxing Association is a boxing organization that sanctions official matches, and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level. It was previously known as the National Boxing Association before changing its name in 1962...

 Heavyweight Champion Ruslan Chagaev

Ruslan Chagaev

Ruslan Chagaev born October 19, 1978 in Andijan, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union) is an Uzbekistani former WBA heavyweight boxing champion of Tatar ethnicity...

 on 19 January 2008 in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is the capital city of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and centre of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region.Düsseldorf is an important international business and financial centre and renowned for its fashion and trade fairs. Located centrally within the European Megalopolis, the...

. Skelton fought bravely, but the superior boxing skills of his opponent were too much, and he succumbed to a unanimous points decision after 12 rounds.

Skelton fought Paolo Vidoz

Paolo Vidoz

Paolo Vidoz is a boxer from Italy, who won the Olympic bronze medal, twice won the bronze medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships: 1997 and 1999 and also won a silver medal at the European Championships....

 for the vacant European Heavyweight Title on 19 December 2008. Vidoz, exhausted, stopped fighting in round nine, but his corner refused to throw the towel. Skelton, recognizing this fact, refused to knock out the tormented Vidoz and even asked for the referee to quit the match.

Skelton chose to defend the Commonwealth title rather than the European title against undefeated brawler Martin Rogan

Martin Rogan

Martin Rogan , is a heavyweight boxer and former Commonwealth heavyweight title holder. -Boxing career:...

, who had been completely unknown before upsetting Audley Harrison in his previous fight. On 28 February 2009, Rogan scored another upset by defeating Skelton by TKO11.

On 19 September 2009, Skelton challenged for the so-called EU title (not the European title) against undefeated Italian southpaw Francesco Pianeta

Francesco Pianeta

Francesco Pianeta is an German Heavyweight boxer who has got Italian ancestry. He is current WBC World Youth heavyweight champion.-Background:...

. Skelton lost the fight after failing to come out for the 9th due to a hand injury suffered earlier in the fight. In January 2010, he lost to Bulgarian top prospect Kubrat Pulev

Kubrat Pulev

Kubrat Venkov Pulev is a Bulgarian professional heavyweight boxer best known to medal repeatedly at international tournaments as an amateur, winning the gold medal in the super heavyweight division at the 2008 European Championships.-Heavyweight with 201lbs/ 91kg limit:At the 2001 world...

.

In July 2010, Skelton ended his run of defeats when he knocked out journeyman Lee Swaby

Lee Swaby

Lee Swaby is a professional heavyweight boxer from Lincoln, Lincolnshire.-Professional career:Swaby began his sporting career as a kickboxer aged 14. He trained at the 'Still Kickboxing Gym' in Lincoln city. Swaby's trainer invited him to attend a trial to join the fighters class. This trial...

 in round 5. Later in the year he competed in the Prizefighter series

Prizefighter series

The Prizefighter series is a knock out boxing tournament created by boxing promoter Barry Hearn and aired on Sky Sports. The format has an initial eight fighters, who compete in four quarter-finals of 3 x 3 minute rounds followed by two semi-finals and one final all on the same night...

 where he outpointed novice Ali Adams and Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson

Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...

 conqueror Kevin McBride

Kevin McBride

Kevin Martin McBride is an Irish boxer, who competed for his native country at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.McBride debuted in December 1992, with a victory against Gary Charlton...

 before a split decision loss to Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott is a professional heavyweight boxer from Reading, Berkshire, England. Sprott briefly held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, and was a European heavyweight title contender...

, Sprott avenging his losses to Skelton in their two previous encounters.

Professional boxing record

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="8"|25 Wins (20 knockouts, 5 decisions), 6 Losses, 0 Draws
|-
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Res.
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Record
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Opponnent
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Type
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Rd., Time
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Date
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Location
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Notes
|-align=center
|Lose
|25-6
|align=left|  Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott is a professional heavyweight boxer from Reading, Berkshire, England. Sprott briefly held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, and was a European heavyweight title contender...

|SD
|3
|2010-10-09
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|-align=center
|Win
|25-5
|align=left| Kevin McBride

Kevin McBride

Kevin Martin McBride is an Irish boxer, who competed for his native country at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.McBride debuted in December 1992, with a victory against Gary Charlton...

|UD
|3
|2010-10-09
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|-align=center
|Win
|24-5
|align=left|  Ali Adams
|UD
|3
|2010-10-09
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|-align=center
|Win
|23-5
|align=left|  Lee Swaby

Lee Swaby

Lee Swaby is a professional heavyweight boxer from Lincoln, Lincolnshire.-Professional career:Swaby began his sporting career as a kickboxer aged 14. He trained at the 'Still Kickboxing Gym' in Lincoln city. Swaby's trainer invited him to attend a trial to join the fighters class. This trial...

|TKO
|5
1:00
|2010-07-09
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|22-5
|align=left|  Kubrat Pulev

Kubrat Pulev

Kubrat Venkov Pulev is a Bulgarian professional heavyweight boxer best known to medal repeatedly at international tournaments as an amateur, winning the gold medal in the super heavyweight division at the 2008 European Championships.-Heavyweight with 201lbs/ 91kg limit:At the 2001 world...

|KO
|4
2:14
|2010-01-30
|align=left|  Jahnsportforum, Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|22-4
|align=left|  Francesco Pianeta

Francesco Pianeta

Francesco Pianeta is an German Heavyweight boxer who has got Italian ancestry. He is current WBC World Youth heavyweight champion.-Background:...

|RTD
|8
3:00
|2009-09-19
|align=left|  Jahnsportforum, Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|22-3
|align=left|  Martin Rogan

Martin Rogan

Martin Rogan , is a heavyweight boxer and former Commonwealth heavyweight title holder. -Boxing career:...

|TKO
|11
1:21
|2009-02-28
|align=left|  National Indoor Arena

National Indoor Arena

The National Indoor Arena is a large indoor arena and is owned by the NEC Group. It is situated in central Birmingham, England and was opened in 1991, as the largest indoor arena at the time in the UK...

, Birmingham, West Midlands, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|22-2
|align=left|  Paolo Vidoz

Paolo Vidoz

Paolo Vidoz is a boxer from Italy, who won the Olympic bronze medal, twice won the bronze medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships: 1997 and 1999 and also won a silver medal at the European Championships....

|RTD
|9
3:00
|2008-12-19
|align=left|  PalaLido, Milan, Lombardia, Italy
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|21-2
|align=left|  Ruslan Chagaev

Ruslan Chagaev

Ruslan Chagaev born October 19, 1978 in Andijan, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union) is an Uzbekistani former WBA heavyweight boxing champion of Tatar ethnicity...

|UD
|12
|2008-01-19
|align=left|  Burg-Waechter Castello, Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|21-1
|align=left|  Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott is a professional heavyweight boxer from Reading, Berkshire, England. Sprott briefly held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, and was a European heavyweight title contender...

|MD
|12
|2007-07-14
|align=left|  O2 Arena

The O2 arena (London)

The O2 Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in the centre of The O2, a large entertainment complex on the Greenwich peninsula in London, England.With a capacity of up to 20,000 depending on the event, it is second largest...

, Greenwich, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|20-1
|align=left|  Danny Williams

Danny Williams (boxer)

Daniel "Danny" Williams is an English professional heavyweight boxer.-Amateur:As an amateur boxing out of the famous Lynn AC boxing gym in SE London, Williams learned his trade quickly, often sparring with the likes of clubmates Henry Akinwande and Derek Angol...

|UD
|12
|2006-07-08
|align=left|  Millennium Stadium

Millennium Stadium

The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage...

, Cardiff, Wales
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|19-1
|align=left|  Suren Kalachyan
|KO
|4
0:38
|2006-04-01
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|18-1
|align=left|  Danny Williams

Danny Williams (boxer)

Daniel "Danny" Williams is an English professional heavyweight boxer.-Amateur:As an amateur boxing out of the famous Lynn AC boxing gym in SE London, Williams learned his trade quickly, often sparring with the likes of clubmates Henry Akinwande and Derek Angol...

|SD
|12
|2006-02-25
|align=left|  ExCel Arena, Dockland, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|18-0
|align=left|  John McDermott

John McDermott (boxer)

John McDermott is an English heavyweight boxer from Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex, England. He is a two-time challenger for the British heavyweight title and former English title holder....

|TKO
|1
1:19
|2005-12-10
|align=left|  ExCel Arena, Dockland, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|17-0
|align=left|  Mark Krence
|TKO
|7
3:00
|2005-07-16
|align=left|  Bolton Arena

Bolton Arena

The Bolton Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena, located at Middlebrook on the boundary between Horwich and Lostock in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester, England....

, Bolton, Greater Manchester, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|16-0
|align=left|  Fabio Eduardo Moli
|TKO
|6
2:14
|2005-02-25
|align=left|  Conference Centre, Wembley, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|15-0
|align=left|  Keith Long
|TKO
|11
2:45
|2004-11-19
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|14-0
|align=left|  Bob Mirovic

Bob Mirovic

Bob "The Big Bear" Mirovic is an Australian boxer. Standing at 6 ft 5 in and with a reach of 80 inches, he started boxing at the age of 22 in 1987. He has fought a number of famous fighters, including Nikolai Valuev, Joe Bugner, and Frans Botha.He currently resides in Wyongah, New South...

|TKO
|4
|2004-06-05
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|13-0
|align=left|  Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott

Michael Sprott is a professional heavyweight boxer from Reading, Berkshire, England. Sprott briefly held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, and was a European heavyweight title contender...

|KO
|12
|2004-04-24
|align=left|  Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading, Berkshire, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|12-0
|align=left|  Julius Francis

Julius Francis

Julius Francis is a former British Heavyweight champion boxer - who participated in many noteworthy boxing matches in the 1990s and 2000s. In 2007 he also participated in a mixed martial arts bout....

|Points
|10
|2004-02-07
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|11-0
|align=left|  Patriche Costel
|KO
|1
|2003-11-15
|align=left|  Oberfrankenhalle, Bayreuth, Bayern, Germany
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|10-0
|align=left|  Ratko Draskovic
|TKO
|3
|2003-10-25
|align=left|  Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|9-0
|align=left|  Costi Marin
|TKO
|1
|2003-10-11
|align=left|  Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|8-0
|align=left|  Mike Holden
|TKO
|6
0:32
|2003-09-18
|align=left|  Goresbrook Leisure Centre, Dagenham, Essex, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|7-0
|align=left|  Antoine Palatis
|TKO
|4
|2003-07-17
|align=left|  Goresbrook Leisure Centre, Dagenham, Essex, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|6-0
|align=left|  Dave Clarke
|TKO
|1
|2003-05-15
|align=left|  Marriott Hotel, Mayfair, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|5-0
|align=left|  Alexey Varakin
|KO
|2
|2003-04-08
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|4-0
|align=left|  Jacklord Jacobs

Jacklord Jacobs

Jacklord Bolaj Jacobs is a boxer from Nigeria, competing in the heavyweight division. As an amateur he represented Nigeria at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain...

|TKO
|4
|2003-02-18
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|3-0
|align=left|  Neil Kirkwood
|TKO
|1
|2002-12-08
|align=left|  York Hall

York Hall

The York Hall is a health and leisure centre and one of Britain's best known boxing venues.The venue is situated on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, London, England. The hall, opened in 1929 with a capacity of 1,200, stages boxing as well as providing a gymnasium and swimming pool.The hall is owned...

, Bethnal Green, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|2-0
|align=left|  Alvin Miller
|TKO
|1
|2002-10-27
|align=left|  Elephant & Castle Centre, Southwark, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|1-0
|align=left|  Gifford Shillingford
|KO
|2
|2002-09-22
|align=left|  Elephant & Castle Centre, Southwark, London, England
|align=left|
|-align=center

Professional kickboxing record

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="8"|63 Wins (57 knockouts, 0 submission, 6 decisions), 8 Losses, 0 Draws
|-
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Res.
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Record
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Opponnent
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Type
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Rd., Time
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Date
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Location
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Notes
|-align=center
|Win
|63-8
|align=left|  George Arias

George Arias

----George Alberto Arias is a former baseball player in Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball.-Career:...

|Decision

Decision

A decision is the selection between possible actions.A choice is the selection between two or more objects.The term decision may refer to:* Judgment , as the outcome of a legal case...

|3
|2002-08-10
|align=left|
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|62-8
|align=left|  Peter Varga

Peter Varga

Péter Varga is a Hungarian former super heavyweight kickboxer.- Titles and accomplishments:* 2003 King Of The Ring Europe Grand Prix champion* 2002 K-1 World Grand Prix Preliminary Italy runner up* W.P.K.C. Kickboxing World champion...

|TKO

Knockout

A knockout is a fight-ending, winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, Karate and others sports involving striking...

|3
0:53
|2001-11-18
|align=left|  Northampton, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|61-8
|align=left|  Lloyd Van Dams

Lloyd van Dams

Lloyd "The Tornado" van Dams is a Dutch–Surinamese super heavyweight kickboxer. He is a former Dutch, European and World Muay Thai champion. In 2006 Lloyd opened his own gym, Fight Club Van Dams in Utrecht, Netherlands...

|Decision
|1
|2001-08-08
|align=left|  Marine Messe, Fukuoka, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|61-7
|align=left|  Ernesto Hoost

Ernesto Hoost

Ernesto Fritz "Mr. Perfect" Hoost is a Dutch former kickboxer and four-time K-1 World Champion. He made his debut in 1993 at the K-1 World Grand Prix 1993, where he came just one win short of the world title...

|Decision
|3
|2001-06-16
|align=left|  Vodafone Arena, Melbourne, Australia
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|61-6
|align=left|  Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald (kickboxer)

Michael "The Black Sniper" McDonald is a retired Canadian Heavyweight kickboxer. He is the former three time K-1 World Grand Prix in Las Vegas tournament champion.-Early life:Michael McDonald was born in Birmingham, England...

|Decision
|3
|2001-06-16
|align=left|  Vodafone Arena, Melbourne, Australia
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|60-6
|align=left|  Paris Vasilikos
|KO

Ko

Ko or KO may refer to:* Ko , a Tamil action movie directed by K.V. Anand released in April 2011* Ko , the romanization of the Japanese kana こ and コ* Ko Mountain, the second highest peak in Sikhote-Alin*Ko, Lamphun, Thailand...

|2
1:51
|2001-06-16
|align=left|  Vodafone Arena, Melbourne, Australia
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|59-6
|align=left|  Jeff Ford
|KO

Ko

Ko or KO may refer to:* Ko , a Tamil action movie directed by K.V. Anand released in April 2011* Ko , the romanization of the Japanese kana こ and コ* Ko Mountain, the second highest peak in Sikhote-Alin*Ko, Lamphun, Thailand...

|2
1:51
|2000-11-26
|align=left|  Northampton, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|58-6
|align=left|  Francisco Filho

Francisco Filho (martial artist)

Francisco "Chiquinho" Filho is a Brazilian former Kyokushin Karateka and kickboxer. He is one of the few karate-ka to have successfully completed the 100 man kumite more than once....

|KO

Ko

Ko or KO may refer to:* Ko , a Tamil action movie directed by K.V. Anand released in April 2011* Ko , the romanization of the Japanese kana こ and コ* Ko Mountain, the second highest peak in Sikhote-Alin*Ko, Lamphun, Thailand...

|2
2:36
|2000-08-20
|align=left|  Yokohama Arena

Yokohama Arena

is an indoor sporting arena located in Yokohama, Japan. The capacity of the arena is 17,000 and was opened in 1989. The arena was modeled after US sports venue Madison Square Garden in New York City. It is a five minute walk from the closest subway station, Shin-Yokohama Station on the JR/Yokohama...

, Yokohama, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|58-5
|align=left|  Alexey Ignashov

Alexey Ignashov

Alexey "The Red Scorpion" Ignashov is a Belarusian Super Heavyweight kickboxer. He is a four-time Muay Thai World champion, K-1 World GP 2003 in Paris and K-1 World GP 2001 in Nagoya tournament champion...

|Decision
|3
|2000-08-20
|align=left|  Yokohama Arena

Yokohama Arena

is an indoor sporting arena located in Yokohama, Japan. The capacity of the arena is 17,000 and was opened in 1989. The arena was modeled after US sports venue Madison Square Garden in New York City. It is a five minute walk from the closest subway station, Shin-Yokohama Station on the JR/Yokohama...

, Yokohama, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|57-5
|align=left| Ricky Nicklson
|KO

Ko

Ko or KO may refer to:* Ko , a Tamil action movie directed by K.V. Anand released in April 2011* Ko , the romanization of the Japanese kana こ and コ* Ko Mountain, the second highest peak in Sikhote-Alin*Ko, Lamphun, Thailand...

|3
1:10
|2000-04-16
|align=left|  Aston Villa Leisure Center

Aston Events Centre

The Aston Events Centre is an indoor sports and event venue, located in Birmingham, England.Formerly called Aston Villa Leisure Centre, the venue is situated adjacent to Villa Park football stadium, home of Aston Villa F.C...

, Birmingham, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|56-5
|align=left| Mark Russell

Mark Russell

Mark Russell is an American political satirist/comedian. He also sings and plays the piano.-Biography:...

|Decision
|3
|2000-04-16
|align=left|  Aston Villa Leisure Center

Aston Events Centre

The Aston Events Centre is an indoor sports and event venue, located in Birmingham, England.Formerly called Aston Villa Leisure Centre, the venue is situated adjacent to Villa Park football stadium, home of Aston Villa F.C...

, Birmingham, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|55-5
|align=left| Gary Turner

Gary Turner

Gary "Two Horns" Turner is an English professional kickboxer and mixed martial artist who fought in the Cage Rage and K-1 promotions. Turner was the K-1 UK Grand Prix champion in 2003 and 2004...

|Decision
|3
|2000-04-16
|align=left|  Aston Villa Leisure Center

Aston Events Centre

The Aston Events Centre is an indoor sports and event venue, located in Birmingham, England.Formerly called Aston Villa Leisure Centre, the venue is situated adjacent to Villa Park football stadium, home of Aston Villa F.C...

, Birmingham, England
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|54-5
|align=left|  Jérôme Le Banner

Jérôme Le Banner

Jérôme "Geronimo" Le Banner , is a French kickboxer and K-1 superstar, famous for his aggressive fighting style and knockout power....

|KO

Ko

Ko or KO may refer to:* Ko , a Tamil action movie directed by K.V. Anand released in April 2011* Ko , the romanization of the Japanese kana こ and コ* Ko Mountain, the second highest peak in Sikhote-Alin*Ko, Lamphun, Thailand...

|1
1:59
|1999-08-05
|align=left|  Osaka Dome

Osaka Dome

Osaka Dome is a baseball stadium located in Osaka, Japan. Beginning in 1997, the stadium was the home field of the Kintetsu Buffaloes. In 2005, the stadium became one of the homes of the Orix Buffaloes, a result of the merger between the Orix Blue Wave and Kintetsu Buffaloes. Prior to the Osaka...

, Osaka, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|54-4
|align=left|  Loyd Van Dams
|Decision

Decision

A decision is the selection between possible actions.A choice is the selection between two or more objects.The term decision may refer to:* Judgment , as the outcome of a legal case...

|3
|1999-06-20
|align=left|  Osaka Dome

Osaka Dome

Osaka Dome is a baseball stadium located in Osaka, Japan. Beginning in 1997, the stadium was the home field of the Kintetsu Buffaloes. In 2005, the stadium became one of the homes of the Orix Buffaloes, a result of the merger between the Orix Blue Wave and Kintetsu Buffaloes. Prior to the Osaka...

, Osaka, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|54-3
|align=left|  Jan Nortje

Jan Nortje

Johannes "Jan" Nortje is a South African kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and undefeated pro boxer who has fought for Strikeforce, DREAM, K-1, PRIDE Fighting Championship, and New Japan Pro Wrestling....

|Decision

Decision

A decision is the selection between possible actions.A choice is the selection between two or more objects.The term decision may refer to:* Judgment , as the outcome of a legal case...

|3
|1999-06-20
|align=left|  Osaka Dome

Osaka Dome

Osaka Dome is a baseball stadium located in Osaka, Japan. Beginning in 1997, the stadium was the home field of the Kintetsu Buffaloes. In 2005, the stadium became one of the homes of the Orix Buffaloes, a result of the merger between the Orix Blue Wave and Kintetsu Buffaloes. Prior to the Osaka...

, Osaka, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|53-3
|align=left|  Peter Aerts

Peter Aerts

Peter "The Dutch Lumberjack" Aerts is a Dutch super heavyweight kickboxer. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix and Muay Thai World Champion. Aerts is best known for his powerful strikes and high kicks.- Biography :...

|KO

Ko

Ko or KO may refer to:* Ko , a Tamil action movie directed by K.V. Anand released in April 2011* Ko , the romanization of the Japanese kana こ and コ* Ko Mountain, the second highest peak in Sikhote-Alin*Ko, Lamphun, Thailand...

|4
3:00
|1999-04-25
|align=left|  Yokohama Arena

Yokohama Arena

is an indoor sporting arena located in Yokohama, Japan. The capacity of the arena is 17,000 and was opened in 1989. The arena was modeled after US sports venue Madison Square Garden in New York City. It is a five minute walk from the closest subway station, Shin-Yokohama Station on the JR/Yokohama...

, Yokohama, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Lose
|53-2
|align=left|  Sam Greco

Sam Greco

Sam "Slam 'em" Greco is a retired Australian super heavyweight kickboxer, heavyweight mixed martial artist and professional wrestler of Italian descent, who fought in Kyokushin karate, professional kickboxing, and K-1 tournaments....

|Decision
|5
|1998-09-27
|align=left|  Osaka Dome

Osaka Dome

Osaka Dome is a baseball stadium located in Osaka, Japan. Beginning in 1997, the stadium was the home field of the Kintetsu Buffaloes. In 2005, the stadium became one of the homes of the Orix Buffaloes, a result of the merger between the Orix Blue Wave and Kintetsu Buffaloes. Prior to the Osaka...

, Osaka, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|53-1
|align=left|  Masaaki Satake

Masaaki Satake

is a Japanese former super heavyweight karateka, kickboxer and mixed martial artist. He was one of the pioneering heavyweight fighters in K-1, after being a member of Kazuyoshi Ishii's Seido-Kaikan school and organization.-Biography and career:...

|TKO

Knockout

A knockout is a fight-ending, winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, Karate and others sports involving striking...

|1
2:06
|1998-07-18
|align=left|  Nagoya Dome

Nagoya Dome

Nagoya Dome , constructed in 1997, is a baseball field, located in the city of Nagoya, Japan. The dome has the capacity to seat up to 38,414 people . It is an example of a geodesic dome....

, Nagoya, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|52-1
|align=left|  Ray Sefo

Ray Sefo

"Sugar" Ray Sefo is a New Zealand kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist. He is five time Muay Thai World champion and eight time K-1 World Grand Prix Finals tournament participant, currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada and training with Xtreme Couture.He holds notable wins in the K-1 over...

|TKO

Knockout

A knockout is a fight-ending, winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, Karate and others sports involving striking...

|2
3:00
|1998-05-24
|align=left|  Marine Messe, Fukuoka, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center
|Win
|51-1
|align=left|  Jan Nortje

Jan Nortje

Johannes "Jan" Nortje is a South African kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and undefeated pro boxer who has fought for Strikeforce, DREAM, K-1, PRIDE Fighting Championship, and New Japan Pro Wrestling....

|TKO

Knockout

A knockout is a fight-ending, winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, Karate and others sports involving striking...

|3
0:47
|1998-04-09
|align=left|  Yokohama Arena

Yokohama Arena

is an indoor sporting arena located in Yokohama, Japan. The capacity of the arena is 17,000 and was opened in 1989. The arena was modeled after US sports venue Madison Square Garden in New York City. It is a five minute walk from the closest subway station, Shin-Yokohama Station on the JR/Yokohama...

, Yokohama, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center

Professional MMA record

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="8"|0 Wins (0 knockouts, 0 submission, 0 decisions), 1 Losses, 0 Draws
|-
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Res.
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Record
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Opponnent
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Type
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Rd., Time
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Date
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Location
|align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Notes
|-align=center
|Lose
|0-1
|align=left|  Tom Erikson

Tom Erikson

Tom Erikson is an American wrestling coach and former mixed martial artist. Erikson is an assistant wrestling coach at Purdue University, where he has been coaching since 1997. He has also had fights in K-1 under K-1 kickboxing rules...

|Submission

|1
1:51
|2001-11-03
|align=left|  Tokyo Dome

Tokyo Dome

Tokyo Dome is a 55,000-seat baseball stadium located in Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, Japan.The stadium opened for business on March 17, 1988. It was built on the site of the Velodrome which was next door to the site of the predecessor ballpark, Kōrakuen Stadium...

, Tokyo, Japan
|align=left|
|-align=center

Career

• Kickboxing
  • IAMTF World championship Super Heavyweight winner
  • IKF-PRO World Super Heavyweight Champion
  • WKO Muay Thai World Super Heavyweight Champion
  • IKO World Heavyweight Champion
  • 2000 K-1 UK Battle of Britain winner
  • 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix in Melbourne runner up
• Boxing
  • British Heavyweight champion
  • Commonwealth (British Empire) Heavyweight champion

External links

• Profile at K-1
  K-1
  K-1 is a defunct world-wide kickboxing promotion based in Tokyo, Japan founded by Kazuyoshi Ishii, a formerKyokushin karate practitioner. K-1 combines stand up techniques from Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Savate, San Shou, kickboxing, western-style boxing, and other martial arts...
  
  
• International Kickboxing Federation Official Site