Russian takes kick-boxing world title

A world title fight for the professional kick-boxing 72.5 kg weight category was held on October 4th in Lipetsk near Moscow. Russian Dmitry Likhodumov beat Eugene Valerio from Great Britain with a technical knockout in the fifth world. Valerio had held the title since 1998.

The contest was to consist of 12 two-minute rounds. However, by the second round it was clear that the bout was never going to go the distance. Having found his opponent's weak spot, Likhodumov pounded Valerio with a series of accurate blows that left him defending desperately.

The British champion was obviously not expecting this turn of events and his choice of tactics proved to be unsuccessful. In the fifth round Dmitry achieved a technical knockout with a fierce kick.

Eugene Valerio had fought twenty professional bouts in his career, while Likhodumov had featured in half that number. During the press conference that followed, Valerio pointed to the Russian's considerable skill. According to him, Likhodumov is very strong and highly professional.