Bailey Sugden to defend his K-1 Pro World Title in March at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre

Newark’s Bailey Sugden will be back in the ring at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre on Saturday, March 11, when he defends his ISKA K-1 Pro World Title on the next FIGHTMAXSFL show.

The upcoming fight comes almost a year to the date when he first secured the title at the same venue, defeating France’s Ibrahim Madi via unanimous decision in a spectacular bout.

Bailey will be looking for this fight to set the tone for what promises to be a productive 2023.

Known for his exciting fighting style and explosive power, the fighter, known as the British Bulldog, will be looking to make a statement in his upcoming bout.

“After a disappointing 12 months of opponents pulling out on him, then getting injured and missing out on his dream of fighting in Japan on the card of the K-1 World Grand Prix, Bailey can’t wait to make a statement on this one,” said his manager and coach Dean Sugden.

“And what could be better than doing it just down the road from Newark, where his friends and fans can support him as he goes all out to do so?

“It will be a great start to 2023 for him and is certain to set the scene for the months ahead, with fight offers already in for April and September, not to mention our hope for a recall to fight in Japan later in the year.”

“I always love fighting in the UK but doing it so close to home, which means that everyone will be able to come and join us, is just the icing on the cake,” said Bailey.

“I can’t wait to get back out there. My training camp is well under way and I will be looking to spar again with the legendary Liam Harrison as part of my preparation for my first defence.

“We expect to have confirmation of my opponent very soon, although I hear he’ll be coming from Belgium.

“I know just how tough those guys are so we won’t have to go looking for each other ­— my fighting style hasn’t changed but this is the year of KOs and I’ll definitely be looking for the stoppage in this one.”

‘I always love fighting in the UK but doing it so close to home, which means that everyone will be able to come and join us, is just the icing on the cake’

The show will also see Suggy’s Gym’s Chace Griffin making his return to Grantham Meres, fighting Spain’s Marcos Cruz for the vacant ISKA European title at 57kg under K-1 rules.

Suggy’s Gym is encouraging Newarkers to make the trip down the A1 to support local fighters and see some amazing talent in action in what promises to be a jaw dropping show.

An international show of fighters on the night who will be coming from Holland, Spain, and Belgium to take on some of the UK’s finest, promising an incredibly strong undercard for the show.

“Full details of the night’s fights are currently being finalised but we already know that Reece Rowell will be taking on a Dutch GLORY fighter,” said Dean Sugden.

“Dean Pattinson’s opponent is almost certain to be from Holland as well and Sheffield’s Jordan Waring will be up against Spain’s Saman Vaziri.

“This all goes to show that the quality of the British guys on the card is so good that no one from the UK wants to take them on,” added Dean.

“Add to that the fact that some of the best K-1 gyms in the country will be stacking out the amateur card, spectators are going to be in for a great show.

“Powers Martial Arts in Sheffield, Spirit Dojo in Nottingham run by MMA/UFC legend Paul Semtex Daley, Pure Impact in Blackpool run with William Goldie-Galloway, Essex Kickboxing Academy, Barnsley’s Fight Unit, and Kettering’s Shire Kings will all be represented on the night.

“One thing is certain — we will definitely be bringing another first-class show to Grantham on the night and getting 2023 off to the best possible start for both the amateur and professional kickboxers alike.

“Tickets for the show are on sale now but they’re selling fast so make sure you call the ticket hotline without delay to get yours.”