Abu Dhabi: Reigning World Champion Anke Van Gestel from Belgium defended her title in the 64kg by beating Niahm Kinehan from England after five hard fought rounds in the 48th edition of the Enfusion Kickboxing Championship held at Yas Beach.
In the Enfusion World title, Current World Champion Diogo Calado also defended his title against Aziz Kallah from Morocco.
Aziz, known as ‘AK47’, had won the €10.000 (Dh39,885) tournament on the Antwerp Fight Organisation Enfusion Live event and is also the current Reality Show champion. Normally, Aziz fights in the 70-72,5KG weight class, but had stepped up a weight class to fight for this Enfusion world title.
Daniel Sam from England, who gathered crowd support, was also able to beat Thomas Vanneste from Belgium in the heavyweight category.
In the -75kg weight category, local fighter Hamed Nabil had strong support from home fans, but the title was bagged by Endy Semeleer from The Netherlands, who won the contest without much of a sweat after the former surrendered in the first round.
Other winners included Hichan Achalhi (Morocco) in the heavyweight category, Mehdi Bouanane (France) in the 85kg category, Hamza Essalih (Morocco) in the 65kg category, Regilio Van den Ent (The Netherlands) in the 72.5kg category and Nabil Haryouli (Morocco) in the 67kg category.
Julie Kitchen, the retired fourteen times ladies’ world champion, and event promoter, said: “We are grateful for the success of our first outdoor match in Enfusion Live. Yas Beach was jam-packed with martial arts fans that were very ecstatic over each match. Everyone was enjoying the beach and the refreshments that was offered. Overall, it was a new experience for us.
“I wouldl like to thank our main sponsor Al Shiraa Stables as well as our secondary sponsors The Cartel, Beauty Spot, Nirvana Travel & Tourism, Travability, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel and Yas Beachfor their support.”
