K-1 Signs British Kickboxing Star Chad ‘2 Slick’ Sugden
K-1 Global is proud to announce the signing of British standout Chad “2 Slick” Sugden, with the young fighter making an impressive addition to K-1’s already deep talent pool. Sugden signs with K-1 at the age of 19, making him one of the youngest competitors that K-1 has ever seen, and the first fighter from the UK to sign a longterm deal with the promotion.
Under the terms of the contract with K-1, Sugden moves onto the global stage with a Super Fight on the undercard of the K-1 Max Final 16 on Saturday 14 September, at the Palma Arena on the Spanish island of Mallorca. From there he is scheduled to compete for the organization again in 2013 and will take part in some of K-1’s major events throughout 2014 as well.
Fighting out of Suggy’s Gym in Newark, he is undefeated as a professional with nine victories to his name. As an amateur Sugden racked up over 100 victories and won numerous amateur titles before making his professional debut in 2012. Since then Sugden has won an ISKA World title at Middleweight with no signs of slowing down.
“Signing with K-1 is a dream come true for me,” said Sugden. “It’s the ambition of every Kickboxer and Thai Boxer to become part of their stable and to be leading the way for the UK is a huge honor.
“Since I started training at the age of five and fighting at the age of seven, all I’ve ever wanted to do is to fight and beat the best, to mix it up with all the top names in the world, and now that dream is about to become a reality.
“In the 16 months since I turned pro, I’ve gone from one achievement to another but this has to be the ultimate and the biggest opportunity I could wish for. Now I can’t wait for Spain in September, to get into the ring at the Palma Arena and start showing audiences worldwide what I do best, what I’ve been showing British audiences throughout my amateur and professional career.”
Dean Sugden, Head Coach of Suggy’s Gym, added; “Despite his youth, Chad has shown that without doubt he is ready for the world stage, taking on opponents with considerably more experience in the professional arena and beating them convincingly.
“This contract with K-1 confirms the confidence that, as his coach and manager, I share not only with his many dedicated fans but with everyone who has seen him in action in the ring. Physically, technically and mentally, he has everything he needs to succeed, to become the legend he so rightly deserves to be. Now he is part of the phenomenon that is K-1, at the start of his journey – but what an incredible start!”
Ned Kuruc, K-1’s Director of Regional Development & Fighter Acquisition, commented; “K-1 is thrilled to have a young talent like Chad aboard. We believe that he will be a great representative for the UK and that he has a very bright future in the sport.”
