On February.15 UFC veteran Paul Daley completed his highly anticipated return to K1 action with a sterling victory over seasoned British veteran Shaun ‘The Legend’ Lomas. The clinical dissection of his opponent was capped off as ‘Semtex’ claimed a TKO victory in the third round, at the sold out Contender Promotions show in Middlesbrough.
The British kickboxing promotion had sold out the show two weeks in advance, and achieved global attention with the heads of Russia’s Legend Fight Show in attendance, alongside coverage from the US. In addition, Contender Promotions fighter Dave Wright donated his fight commision, rasing £472 for mental health charity MIND.
MMA Plus caught up with Contender Promotions director Neil Peacock who commented on Daley’s performance:
“Paul Looked in great shape and we could see how much work he had put in for his Contender Promotions debut. He gave a calm performance, he seemed to measure Lomas up and then went to work finishing in “Semtex” style in the 3rd round.”
KO photo by Peter Creig
Daley’s striking prowess and love of kickboxing is well known, and for a number of years ‘Semtex’ hinted at his desire to achieve big things in the sport. With such an impressive victory over a respected competitor such as Lomas – noted for his accomplishments in kickboxing, as well as commendable efforts in MMA, Contender Promotions can see Daley achieving whatever he aims for.
“Shaun Lomas came to fight and was tough, Paul is going to be up their with the best, Contender Promotions K1 style rules suits his stand up style, and we think he can go all the way. He has already sparked massive attention round the globe aswell as in the UK by winning the Contender Promotions Championship.”
The well established name of ‘Semtex’ will have no shortage of action, and a host of kickboxing’s finest are gathering for a shot at the knockout specialist.
“Contender Promotions chief Garry Bell is very excited about Paul defending his Contender Promotions title sometime this year, as he has been inundated with kickboxers from around the globe wanting a shot at that gold, its going to be a busy year.”
continuing his assault of Europe’s K1 scene, Daley next faces Russia’s Alexander Stetsurenko on March.1, at Siam Warriors: Revolution on Leeside in Cork, Ireland.
Photo: Martyn Jones
