Newark's Bailey Sugden to defend ISKA Professional World K-1 title on FightMax bill at Meres Leisure Centre, Grantham

World champion Bailey Sugden is set for the defence of his title this weekend.

He is back in the ring on Saturday at the Meres Leisure Centre, Grantham, for the defence of his ISKA K-1 Pro World Title on the next FIGHTMAXSFL show.

The Newark fighter ­— known as the British Bulldog ­— is facing ISKA European freestyle rules champion Pedro Ruiz.

Bailey, who trains at Suggy’s Gym, said: “It’s been a hard 12 weeks’ training camp but I am glad that bit is over. And now I am looking forward to putting on a show this Saturday night.

“I can’t wait to put a show on in front of all the Newarkers at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre.

“Yeah, my challenger is 6ft and very experienced. But I am hungry for so much more and can’t wait to get back in there and show why I am defending world champ.

“I will not be beaten on Saturday night. Expect an explosive and great fight.”

The bout comes almost a year since he secured the world title at the same venue, beating France’s Ibrahim Madi via a unanimous decision.

Since then, he has endured a frustrating 12 months with opponents pulling out of bouts and injury issues.

But now he is back and ready to make a statement.

The show, promoted under the FightMax banner, will also see Suggy’s Gym’s Chace Griffin take on Spain’s Marcos Cruz for the vacant ISKA European title at 57kg under K-1 rules.

Bailey’s coach, mentor and father, Dean Sugden, said: “On Saturday night we see seven competitive and explosive amateur fights all under the popular K-1 rules format.

“We have fighters from Nottingham, Derby Leicester, Sheffield, Blackpool, Lincoln, Grimsby and Essex, plus international fighters from Spain and Switzerland when we go into main part of card for five of the very best professional K-1 match ups.

“Four titles are on line, grudge match-ups, rubber stamp fights and a European title and a world title defence ­— all just ten minutes down the road.

“We have from our very own Chace Griffin fighting for vacant European title and Bailey defending his ISKA Professional World K-1 title.

“Grantham Meres is a great venue and always provides an incredible atmosphere.”

Tables are now sold out but tiered and balcony seats are still available from Suggy’s Gym on Castlegate.