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Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Thrilled to Meet Towering Kickboxing Giantess “Very Tall!”

Manny Pacquiao excited to meet Tall Woman Katarina Kavaleva Giantess Towering In an exciting moment for combat sports fans, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao recently met the towering Belarusian kickboxer Katarina…

In an exciting moment for combat sports fans, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao recently met the towering Belarusian kickboxer Katarina Kavaleva, and it was clear that the two were thrilled to connect.

Manny Pacquiao excited to meet Tall Woman Katarina Kavaleva

During their meeting, Pacquiao greeted Kavaleva with an enthusiastic wave, clearly excited to meet the towering world kickboxing champion. The two shared a light-hearted moment when Kavaleva took a selfie with the Filipino boxing legend, and in turn, Pacquiao asked to snap a photo on his phone. Throughout the encounter, Manny Pacquiao was beaming, his happiness unmistakable as he spent time with the giantess of the kickboxing world.

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Katarina Kavaleva stands at an impressive 6’5″ and weighs around 220 pounds, is well-known for her strength and success in the kickboxing ring. Last year, she gained attention for her viral video lifting UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili with ease. She is a fitness model and a former heavyweight kickboxing champion.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao, a Filipino icon, is nearly a full foot shorter and almost 100 lbs smaller. He is celebrated for his record-breaking achievements in the boxing world, having claimed world titles in eight different weight classes. His legendary career and personality have made him one of the most beloved figures in sports history. In retirement, he has kept busy competing in various exhibition matches including a bout in RIZIN.

The meeting sparked a flurry of excitement among fans who were thrilled to see these two athletes meet.

K-1’s Carlos Kikuta Blasts ONE Championship: Is Chatri Sityodtong Mismanaging Millions?

The simmering tensions between Japan’s resurgent K-1 and Singapore-based ONE Championship have boiled over, with K-1 leader Carlos Kikuta…

The simmering tensions between Japan’s resurgent K-1 and Singapore-based ONE Championship have boiled over, with K-1 leader Carlos Kikuta taking direct aim at ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong’s management. In a scathing statement, Kikuta raised questions about ONE’s financial practices and its sustainability.

K-1 Slams ONE Championship and Chatri Sityodtong

“Let’s be serious,” Kikuta said in a statement translated from Japanese regarding ONE Championship and Chatri Sityodtong, “ONE has raised more than $500 million in total from GIC, Temasek Holdings, Heliconia Capital, Mission Holdings, Sequoia Capital’s Indian and US funds, and Vulcan Capital, an investment company owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, among others, and raised another $50 million from the Qatar Investment Authority in October of this year. In other words, it has used up the more than 750 million yen it has raised so far and raised another 60 million yen. So, does ONE have a good manager or not?”

Kikuta’s remarks come as K-1 continues its rebirth under his administration, capitalizing on its storied history in Japan. Meanwhile, ONE Championship has been creating great quality events in Thailand and Tokyo. The two organizations are staring each other down with wins and losses on both sides.

ONE Championship vs. K-1 World GP

Chatri Sityodtong has positioned itself as Asia’s answer to the UFC but has faced scrutiny over its finances. The organization has raised over half a billion dollars in investment capital from high-profile entities, which was what Carlos Kikuta is citing. Various reports suggest that ONE has suffered significant losses. However, these statements have been largely rejected as false by ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Nevertheless, ONE recently booked the highly anticipated Takeru Segawa vs. Rodtang Jitmuangnon in Tokyo for March, right in K-1’s backyard. This is one of the biggest fights of the generation, the best of kickboxing facing the best of Muay Thai. Additionally, many K-1 fighters have left the organization to compete in ONE Championship.

Carlos Kikuta with a word of advice for Chatri Sityodtong. pic.twitter.com/4qFTtFVxwu

— Beyond Kickboxing (@Beyond_Kick) September 28, 2023

Carlos Kikuta

Carlos Kikuta took over as K-1 producer in July 2023 and has extensive experience in the combat sports world, including stints with GLORY the UFC, and K-1 in its early 2000s heyday. K-1’s strategy includes a significant international expansion in 2024. The promotion aims to hold nationwide tournaments in countries like Brazil, the Netherlands, the USA, and China, culminating in a year-end championship in Tokyo.

The rivalry between these two organizations may signal a broader shift in the combat sports landscape. For fans and fighters alike, the stakes have never been higher. Both companies are seeking to dominate the striking sports market with Japan on the line.

The Return of Jamal Ben Saddik: Moroccan Kickboxing Star Set for February 2025 Comeback

One of the most celebrated heavyweights in kickboxing, Jamal Ben Saddik (36-9, 29 KO), is poised to make his…

One of the most celebrated heavyweights in kickboxing, Jamal Ben Saddik (36-9, 29 KO), is poised to make his long-awaited return to the ring. After more than two years of absence, the Belgian-Moroccan fighter is scheduled to compete again in February 2025.

Jamal Ben Saddik’s Next Fight

At 34 years old, Jamal Ben Saddik remains a towering figure in the sport, both literally and figuratively. Nicknamed “The Goliath” for his impressive 2.05-meter (6-foot-9) frame and 119 kg (263 lbs) weight, Ben Saddik is known for his powerful striking.

A Career of Highs and Lows

Jamal Ben Saddik’s career has been marked by significant achievements and controversies. A two-time Glory Heavyweight Championship challenger, he claimed the Glory Heavyweight Grand Prix title in 2018, solidifying his status as one of the elite fighters in the division. His rivalry with all-time great Rico Verhoeven is regarded as one of the most iconic in GLORY history.

Between 2015 and 2021, he was consistently ranked among the top ten heavyweights. But his career was interrupted by doping violations, leading to multiple suspensions and his removal from rankings.

In 2018, he overcame a personal battle with cancer. Yet, his challenges extended beyond the sport. In 2024, Ben Saddik faced legal troubles, including charges of kidnapping and assault linked to a drug smuggling dispute. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison and fined 40,000 euros for money laundering.

Suspension and Redemption

Ben Saddik’s most recent suspension, a 10-month ban by GLORY Kickboxing after testing positive for a banned substance, kept him sidelined until January 2025. Despite these setbacks, he remains an enduring figure in the sport, with a loyal fan base.

Ben Saddik’s return in February 2025 is highly anticipated by fans and observers.

Takeru vs. Rodtang at Saitama Super Arena Has Been Announced for ONE 172

ONE Championship has officially announced ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, set to take place on March 23, 2025, at…

ONE Championship has officially announced ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, set to take place on March 23, 2025, at the iconic Saitama Super Arena. The long-awaited matchup Takeru vs. Rodtang is finally, the dream showdown has been booked.

Takeru vs. Rodtang

The main event will feature Japan’s top-ranked flyweight kickboxing contender Takeru Segawa taking on Thailand’s Rodtang Jitmuangnon, the former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion and current top-ranked contender. This highly anticipated five-round super-fight pits two of the sport’s best strikers against each other. It is a matchup of world champions between Kickboxing and Muay Thai.

In the co-main event in addition to Takeru vs. Rodtang, Brazilian MMA legend Adriano Moraes, the former flyweight king, will rematch Japan’s Yuya Wakamatsu for the vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship. Moraes and Wakamatsu are ranked #1 and #2 in the division, making this a battle for supremacy.

Additional fights for ONE 172 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon

The Iron Man” Rodtang Jitmuangnon is a decorated Muay Thai star with an impressive career record of 270 wins. He is known for his aggressive style and durability. Most recently, he is coming off a dominant win in ONE Championship Muay Thai. He remains one of the most popular figures in combat sports.

Takeru Segawa

Takeru Segawa is a Japanese kickboxing phenom and the first three-weight K-1 champion. Renowned for his calculated aggression and technical versatility, Takeru recently joined ONE Championship and continues to showcase his elite striking skills. He is coming off of a knockout win in ONE. A superstar in Japan due to his collecting so many titles in K-1 and his rivalry against Tenshin Nasukawa.

Takeru vs. Rodtang at Saitama Super Arena Has Been Announced for ONE 172

Exclusive | Robelis Despaigne Is Seeking Super Heavyweight Gold in Karate Combat “I’m here for my belt.”

The Olympics, the UFC, and now Karate Combat get to experience Robelis Despaigne. Starting his journey in taekwondo at…

The Olympics, the UFC, and now Karate Combat get to experience Robelis Despaigne. Starting his journey in taekwondo at just nine years old, Despaigne dedicated 15 years to Cuba’s national team. His career highlight came at the 2012 London Olympics, where he secured a bronze medal in the +80 kg category.

Robelis Despaigne

Despite his Olympic success, Robelis Despaigne grew disillusioned with the state of sports in Cuba and pivoted to mixed martial arts in 2019. Seeking greater opportunities, he relocated to Orlando, Florida, in 2022. It didn’t take long for the heavyweight to make waves in MMA—he won his first five professional bouts via first-round knockouts, establishing himself as a rising star.

The UFC took notice, signing him in December 2023. Robelis Despaigne’s promotional debut at UFC 299 on March 9, 2024, was nothing short of spectacular: an 18-second knockout of Josh Parisian earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. However, his UFC tenure proved brief. Subsequent losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in May 2024 and Austen Lane in October 2024 led to his release.

Undeterred, Despaigne quickly transitioned to Karate Combat, signing with the promotion in November 2024. Karate Combat appears to be a natural fit for the former Olympic medalist as he embarks on the next chapter of his career. In an exclusive interview with Robelis Despaigne, we discuss his career and Karate Combat. He will be making his debut on Thursday, December 19 at Karate Combat 51, live on YouTube at 6pm ET.

Robelis Despaigne Interview

What initially drew you to Taekwondo, and how did it shape your early life in Cuba?

I really love practicing taekwondo because I like martial arts movies.

Winning an Olympic bronze medal is an incredible achievement. What do you remember most about that experience in London 2012?

It was something unforgettable, very dreamed of and very worked on. I remember feeling it as the greatest dream of every athlete.

After such a long and successful Taekwondo career, what motivated you to transition to MMA, and how challenging was it to adapt to the new discipline?

It was quite a challenge to adapt, especially because of the floor work, but I really like it and I’m willing to work hard to become the biggest heavyweight in the world.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your UFC stint, both in victories and in defeats?

I learned that all the work is little compared to how hard an MMA fighter must work and I am willing to work even harder and achieve my return to UFC.

How did the UFC experience prepare you for the next phase of your combat sports career in Karate Combat?

I think having had the privilege of being in the UFC, which is such a big company, prepares you for any scenario. I’m ready for a great show. I thank Karate Combat for this opportunity and I’m here for my belt.

Karate Combat has a unique rule set and presentation. How have you adjusted your training to fit this style?

I love this style of fighting. I am very excited to be here at Karate Combat. I always followed these events and said I would like to fight here. God’s plan is perfect and I am going all out for my first KO in Karate Combat.

What are your goals in Karate Combat, both short-term and long-term?

To be the Super Heavyweight Champion.

As someone who has competed in multiple disciplines, what advice would you give to young martial artists looking to transition between sports?

Don’t be afraid of change, in the end it’s a fight all the same. And the challenge is fun.

Cuban athletes often face unique challenges when competing internationally. What has your experience been, and what message would you share with aspiring Cuban athletes?

I hope you enjoy the process and continue working hard to raise the name of Cuba.

Let’s build the perfect fighter. In your mind who has the best kicks? The Best Punches? Best Speed? And the best power?

The best kicks: Robelis Despaigne
The Best Punches: Alex Pereira.
Best Speed: Ryan Garcia.
The best power: Francis Ngannou.

Exclusive | Tessa De Kom: “A Girl Can Kick Your Ass” – The Rise of Kickboxing’s Next Big Star

Tessa De Kom has already carved out a name for herself as one of the most promising kickboxers in…

Tessa De Kom has already carved out a name for herself as one of the most promising kickboxers in the world. The Dutch fighter, who holds both the Enfusion Women’s Strawweight and RISE Women’s Flyweight titles, is preparing for a showdown at RISE 184 in Tokyo on December 15, 2024, where she will defend her Flyweight title against the dangerous knockout striker Arina Kobayashi.

Tessa De Kom vs. Arina Kobayashi

For Tessa De Kom, this fight is of years of hard work and dedication. “I think this is my biggest fight so far, so I’m really looking forward to it. And yeah, it’s a really good opponent—she’s very strong, aggressive. It’s going to be a very tough and hard fight,” De Kom says. However, despite the tough challenge ahead, she’s never felt more confident in her abilities. “I trained really, really hard for it, but I’ve never felt so good about a fight before. So, yeah, I think I will be at my best,” she adds.

The preparations for this title defense have been intense. Tessa De Kom’s training camp may have been shorter than usual, but she’s made every session count. “It’s a short preparation, but I think, because of the preparation before, it doesn’t matter. The ideal schedule is a training camp of six to eight weeks, I think. But yeah, when there’s a chance like this, I can’t say no—I have to go.”

“A Girl Can Kick Your Ass”

In a sport dominated by men, Tessa De Kom explains her attitude. “Well, don’t be scared that they’ll look at you differently or say, ‘Yeah, you’re a girl; you punch like a girl.’ Just say, ‘Yeah, I punch like a girl, and a girl can kick your ass!’ Every girl can do that. If you want to go to kickboxing, you should really do it. You’ll feel great about yourself.”

And her confidence isn’t just limited to her words—she’s also put in the work to back them up. Her professional record stands at an impressive 14-3, capturing both the Enfusion Women’s Strawweight and RISE Women’s Flyweight titles along the way. In fact, when asked about her recent success, Tessa De Kom notes, “I feel really good. But, there are always some points that need to be better, so we need to work on that. But overall, I feel happy that everything went so well. Yeah, I think it was like a dream.”

But it’s not all about the fight. De Kom is balancing her demanding training schedule with her education, as she’s currently in finishing her final year of studying sports marketing and management at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. “Yeah, it’s a lot, but both are important. If I had to choose right now, I’d say the fight is more important to me. But I told that to my teacher yesterday, and he wasn’t so happy about it,” she admits with a laugh.

Sleeping with the Belt

The champion keeps her RISE title close, even if it means a bit of discomfort. “At first, I had it just next to me in my bed. Yeah, I slept with it. But then I realized the material was very cold, so when I’d turn around and feel it at night, I’d wake up. That wasn’t the best place for it. So, I put it in the gym where everyone can see it. I hope it motivates people. It also motivates me during training when it gets tough—I just push harder.”

Her next fight will be in Japan, a place that holds a special place in De Kom’s heart. “It was really good. The people were very nice and helped me with everything. It’s a shame I couldn’t stay longer, but this time I will, so I can see more of the country and visit different cities.” The trip is also a reminder of how far she’s come since her early days in kickboxing. “When I first heard about this opportunity, I felt like, ‘Huh? Did I hear that right?’ But yeah, it was really cool.”

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As for the future, De Kom is focused on defending her title and continuing to prove that she belongs at the top of the kickboxing world. “My game plan is to win, of course. But I don’t want to say too much about it. I will be more powerful, and I won’t back down,” she says, her confidence unwavering.

When her hand is raised in victory at RISE 184, it will be just another chapter in a story that is only getting started for Tessa De Kom.

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