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 KOTB 8: Porrada (Preview)
It’s been a busy week for the King of the Beach promotion, setting an attendance record at KOTB 7, as well as hosting it’s inaugural “Challenger Series” card on Wednesday. Things keep moving on, though, as a couple new title challengers will emerge and KOTB’s first ever title defense will happen on Saturday night at Hayashi’s Lounge.
KOTB has also joined “BUZZ” after rigging up some old computer parts and a 56k modem we found in our Rio offices. Technology!
“Merciless” Mick McManus (1-0, 1-0) Tito “The Warrior” Griffin (1-2, 0-0)
Opening the main card will be a wonderful matchup of “max” heavyweights, when Scottish boxer Mick McManus takes on Canadian Tito Griffin. McManus looks to repeat the success of his debut at KOTB 5, where he KO’d 300lb’er Blob Sapp in a “bite down on your mouthpiece” slugfest. Griffin brings a similar sprawl-and-brawl style and a chiseled physique, but may have the more well-rounded game if he so chooses to pursue it. Don’t blink, as anything can happen when two talented boxers of this size meet.
Third Round “YOLO” Romero (5-0, 0-0) v Bruno "Pitão" Santoyo (3-2, 1-0)
Next up, KOTB is proud to be able to provide an intriguing re-match between light-heavyweight contenders Third Round Romero and Bruno Santoyo. These two competitors originally fought in the semi-finals of a London-based QFC tournament, one in which the Cuban Romero went on to win quite easily with a dramatic superman punch. Fortaleza’s Santoyo will look for redemption and to go 2-0 for the promotion by getting this fight to the ground as soon as possible. With contract talks stalling for contender Ronaldo Lima, the winner of this match will likely be looking to jump the line into a title shot.
Thiago “The Axe” Machado (2-0, 2-0) v Akira “Pearly Shells” Mahalo (2-1, 1-0)
Another number-one contender will emerge from our next match, but this time in the featherweight division. Sao Paulo’s Thiago Machado looks to be the first fighter in the weight class to get three wins for the promotion when he takes on Hawaiian boxer Akira Mahalo. Machado has used his vaunted jiu-jitsu game to much success, getting two performance bonuses with his two victories. Mahalo, on the other hand, used laser-precise boxing in his only victory for the promotion. The strategy is pretty straightforward for both competitors, so this fight will come down to who can impose their will first.
Jin “Devil” Kazama (5-0, 0-0) v PJ McDermott (1-1, 1-1)
Our co-main event will see a fighter looking to rebound from a title loss against a fighter looking to make a strong first impression in the “big leagues.” Talented American wrestle-boxer PJ McDermott had his moments in his first bid at the title, but the loss and series of cuts have taken a bit out of his psyche, with talks of retirement. With his career hanging in the balance, a win here may hopefully rejuvenate his mojo. Across the cage will be South Korean grappler Jin Kazama, who comes in riding high off of five straight QFC submissions to start his career. The winner here looks to remain a contender in the ultra competitive welterweight division.
Parker “The Terrorizer” Allen (2-0, 1-0) v Murphy “Shamrock” MacManus (2-0, 1-0)
Our main event should be nothing short of insanity, as Parker Allen looks to be the first KOTB fighter to defend a title when he takes on Irishman, Murphy MacManus. MacManus has been on the sidelines for a while now after his beatdown of countryman Mike Paddy at KOTB 2, so we should see an improved, hungry and dangerous opponent. Allen, on the other hand, went through a war in his first title fight, but showed top-shelf striking defense and devastating punches in a remarkable performance at KOTB 4. Both fighters like to exchange in the pocket - and in the clinch - with punches and occasional leg kicks, so this is a tough one to call. Things are getting interesting here at the beach, so make sure to tune in.
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