ISKA K-1 Rules Professional world title win in Grantham is just the beginning for Newark's Bailey Sugden

Bailey Sugden has already set his sights on a second world title belt after defeating Ibrahim Madi to win the ISKA K-1 Rules Professional World Title on Friday night.

Competing on the FightMax Superstar Fight League show at Grantham Meres Leisure Complex, the Suggy’s Gym pro kickboxer did not disappoint as he claimed a unanimous decision win over his French opponent.

And with his next world title fight already lined up for later this year at the 02 Arena in London, The British Bulldog is determined to make sure he adds another belt to his collection in 2022.

“This camp has been amazing,” said Sugden, of Newark.

“We have made improvements, I’ve remained disciplined and I felt great in there.

“I’m the ISKA world champ at 63.5kg and already I’ve been offered another world title fight down at 02 Arena.

“This year I’m collecting belts and by end of 2022 I want to be fighting again on the biggest stage in the world.”

In the opening round, Madi tried to attack Sugden’s legs with fast low kicks but the Newark fighter responded with strong punches and kicks of his own.

With a minute to go in the round, Sugden floored his opponent with a flurry of punches and then piled on the pressure to force the first count.

With Madi unable to keep Sugden at bay as the end of round approached — and with only the ropes holding him up — the Newark fighter forced another count on the current ISKA European champion, who was then saved by the bell.

There was no let up for Madi in the second round as a perfectly timed head kick sent him to the canvas, forcing the third count in the fight.

But the Frenchman survived and caught Sugden with a spinning back fist.

Though the Newark fighter did well to remain unfazed as he walked straight through it.

Round three saw the Newark professional probing again as he hurt his opponent with combos and a variety of techniques; and although on one occasion one of his kicks upended Madi, no count was given.

In the fourth round, Madi came out and had a go but Sugden remained on top.

Coach and father Dean Sugden said he was proud of Bailey’s performance.

“With Bailey staying disciplined and focused throughout the fifth and final round and continuing to hurt his opponent, it was clear that Ibrahim was getting desperate, launching some big techniques, but Bailey made him miss and made him pay every time,” said Dean.

“There was only ever going to be one result after winning all five rounds and scoring so many knockdowns and counts against his more experienced opponent and, at 24 years old, he now has the world at his feet.”