WHO will be the first Kickbox Kids champion?
This Saturday, June 21 sees Melvin Manhoef's new Kickbox Kids Championship event takes place at Zonnehuis
in Amsterdam North.
Featuring up to 30 fights with youngsters ranging from eight to 15, the highlight is an eight-boy, K-1 style
elimination tournament for the best 14 and 15-year-olds from Holland and Belgium at 52kg.
All eight of the young fighters are already very experienced for their age and technical, so a high standard
will be on display in the ring to go with a big fight atmosphere including laser show, individual entrance music
and live rhyming from a famous Dutch rapper.
Sponsored by ABN Amro, the four quarter final winners advance to the next round later this year.
The overall champion will receive a bank account for 2,500 euros to spend on something responsible,
plus the inaugural KKC title and their foot in the door towards becoming a professional fighter.
Manhoef is excited about the show after demolishing Kazushi Sakuraba to advance in the DREAM middleweight
tournament and is delighted to provide a platform to help ambitious young fighters achieve their goals.
The 32-year-old, who enjoys being a role model to youngsters after turning his own life around through martial
arts, said: "I want to motivate the kids so that they don't make the same mistakes that I made.
"Everything I do and in the gym is very enjoyable, but what I get the most satisfaction out of is being
busy with kids.
"I want to encourage them that with hard work, discipline and respect they can achieve their goals
in and out of the ring and KKC is an example of that."
Fighters taking part are representing some of the most famous gym in Holland, including Mike's Gym where
Manhoef trains, Vos and Golden Glory.
KKC is also supported by top fighters including former K-1 Max champion Albert Kraus (pictured above) and
four-time K-1 champion Ernesto Hoost (below).
Doors open at 3pm, with first bell an hour later. Admission is 12 euros with an advance ticket and 15 euros
at the venue.
