Fight fans get their kicks

By Mara
MUAY Thai fights were staged for the first time in the Yarra Valley and outer-east this month.
Six professional Thai-boxing and kick-boxing fights were held at the Lilydale Community Youth Club on 8 May alongside a spectacle of amateur fights.
Fight ‘n’ Fitness trainer Nick Lundh said Fight Night was a huge success, with the venue sold out.
“This was the first time that Muay Thai fights have ever been staged in the Yarra Valley,” he said. “They certainly created a lot of excitement within the crowd and as some could describe ‘it nearly brought the house down’.”
Amateur boxer Pat Connel, a 17-year-old from Chirnside Park, made his debut against 21-year-old Geoff Thompson from Hoppers Crossing.
“Pat fought a great fight winning everyone round to gain a unanimous points victory,” Lundh said.
Lilydale resident Jesse Blackford, the current Victorian Cruiser weight champion, easily won on points against Portland’s Gary Ryan, having nearly knocked him out in the second round.
In the professional bouts there were four victors from Fight ‘n’ Fitness.
Leon Johns defeated Jason Sutherland from Sityodtong Gym. Stav Iordanou won a close decision against Steve Darueniza from Sor.Naksoo Gym.
In the semi-main event, Colin Stedford defeated Robert Antekalcic from Sityodtong Gym, and the main event saw Chris Young defeat Nick Likane from Martial Mix Gym.