Two fighters from Hastings Kickboxing Academy (HKA) took part in Kombat Zone earlier this month both having what Head Coach Carl Denne says were ‘great fights’ offering his fighters ‘huge challenges’.

Callum Helsdown was first up and had what Carl says was ‘a very tough, hard fight’.

“To be honest it could have gone either way and either man would of been happy with that result,” says Carl.

“I had it as one round a piece and the second round a draw, others had Callum on top ‘just’. Callum weighed in at 57kg and his opponent came in at over 61kg. But no arguments at all! The better man won on the night.

“For me this was Callum’s hardest and best fight to-date, I’m very proud of his performance, as always I know he will be back in the gym ready for more hard work.  

“Callum’s opponent came up to us in the changing rooms, he was a really nice lad and said after the bout, ‘that’s the hardest fight I’ve ever had,’ which is significant as he’s had over 20 fights. Both very respectful and talented lads. I’m sure they will meet again.”

Next up was George French in his boxing debut.

Carl says: “In round one George was first class, he has adapted really well from kickboxing to boxing, setting the pace of the bout and landing some very strong shots.

“In round two George had gassed himself out, allowing his man to come back to even the score, with one round each as he went in to the third both men were working hard and wanting the win.

“George once again landed some incredible shots and kept digging away. A few times we thought we might have got the stoppage but every time George landed a good combo there wasn’t quite enough left in the tank to finish but at the final bell George took the win. 

“I’m very proud of both lads, we learn from every fight. The team grows stronger and stronger at the moment, as we now knuckle down and get ready for HKA Fight Night X now less than two weeks away,” says Carl.  

For more details On training with the team at HKA please visit. www.hastingskickboxing.co.uk 

Photos courtesy of Jon Snapaway Photography