On the evening of 4 October 2014, combat sports fans from Germany and the rest of Europe directed their attention to Mix Fight Gala 16, which took place in Fulda (Hesse). This was yet another event broadcasted live on FightBox HD and the first ever shown live from Germany. The kickboxing/MMA/boxing gala with international stars made a spectacular debut. The organizers, including promoter Sefer Göktepe, pulled a few tricks from their sleeves to attract spectators to Fulda, Germany. Dutchman Remy Bonjasky, the three-time K-1 World GP champion, appeared as a guest of honor. On top of that, the fights were world-class so no wonder the event was a success and the Essperantohalle in Fulda was sold out.
As predicted, the kickboxing tournament in the -72.5 kg category was won by Cedric Manhoef, who trains at Mikes Gym with Badr Hari. The up-and-coming fighter from the Netherlands beat Danijel Solaja in the semis (judges’ decision) and won the final by knocking out Frenchman Redouane Derras, who lost for the first time.
Other winners of kickboxing bouts included the Pique brothers. Multiple-time world champion Marco “Sniper” Pique outpointed Erkan Varol, while Sergio Pique knocked out Viktor Bogutzki. Juri Kehl, the biggest German star along with his brother Enriko, knocked out the excellent Russian Roman Mailov. Darryl Sichtman from the Netherlands won his fight in the same fashion. The Tatneft Cup winner from less than a month ago upset the local crowd. After all, Sergej Braun is from Fulda and the audience was hoping for his victory. Also, Chris Ngimbi beat Murad Ouchen on points.
The only boxing bout featured Dutchman Albert Kraus, well known in the world of martial arts. After appearing at a number of K-1 events such as MAX or GLORY, this time the fighter decided to try his luck in another sport and he did very well, defeating Japanese Miro Kyoka in the third round. It was the Dutchman’s fifth win in his fifth boxing fight and the fourth one by knockout. Albert is the first winner of the Japanese K-1 MAX tournament and a global kickboxing legend. On Saturday, he also showed impressive boxing skills.
Mix Fight Gala was without a doubt a great success. The event’s debut on FightBOX HD is also a milestone for our channel as we enter one of Europe’s best combat sports markets with an impact. The German market is tough but it is also very promising thanks to spectacular shows like Mix Fight Gala. Our channel will continue to be wherever the world’s biggest combat sports events happen.
Full card:
Kickboxing tournament semi-finals
72.5 kg: Redouane Derras (France) defeated Hunkar Kilic (Turkey) – KO, 2nd round
72.5 kg: Cedric Manhoef (the Netherlands) defeated Danijel Solaja (Germany) – decision
Kickboxing tournament final
72.5 kg: Cedric Manhoef (the Netherlands) defeated Redouane Derras (France) – KO, 1st round
Kickboxing fights
70 kg: Juri Kehl (Germany) defeated Roman Mailov (Ukraine) – KO
72.5 kg: Chris Ngimbi (DR Congo) defeated Murad Ouchen (Turkey) – decision
80 kg: Darryl Sichtman (Suriname) defeated Sergej Braun (Germany) – KO
72.5 kg: Marco Pique (Suriname) defeated Erkan Varol (Turkey) – decision
95 kg: Sergio Pique (Suriname) defeated Viktor Bogutzki (Germany) – KO
Boxing fights
72.5 kg: Albert Kraus (the Netherlands) defeated Miro Kyoka (Japan) – TKO, 3rd round
