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One Brit, One Punch
By Mark Pickering | May 21, 2007
The traits instilled in a family’s latest lineage often energise the youth of today into wondering about the vocation of their ancestors.
For Brad Pickett it was palpable.
With his ancestors including an uncle who boxed in the navy and a bare-knuckle prizefighter the London native was destined to lace up his gloves.
Pickett, 28, took up the sweet science with humble intentions. In search of fitness the young Englishman entered the squared circle and looked a natural.
Inside three months he made his pro debut and demonstrated knockout power, steamrolling through his first set of opponents to earn his now infamous moniker, one punch.
After a friend proposed a switch to mixed martial arts Brad was intrigued and bid farewell to the noble art to enrol at the local mixed martial arts gym.
London’s Elite Fighting Gym, founded by Cage Rage co-promoter Dave O’ Donnell in 1997, become the scene of his exertions, honing his skills ahead of making his professional debut in 2004.
Today ‘One Punch’ stands as a two-time former Cage Rage Featherweight Champion and one of Britain’s most decorated combatants.
His performances in Cage Rage against the likes of PRIDE veteran Hiroyuki Abe earned him worldwide recognition and a host of bouts abroad including a triumphant first appearance in BodogFight this year.
Now he’s set to feature in K-1’s hotly anticipated first foray into the American mixed martial arts scene on Saturday June 2nd at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
“I was over the moon to hear about the chance to compete in K1â€, said Pickett.
The 145-pound standout, who sports a 10-3 record, will compete on a star-studded card alongside the legendary duo of Royce Gracie and Kazushi Sakuraba who will renew acquaintances in an eagerly awaited rematch of their classic bout in PRIDE.
While competing alongside the stars who helped pioneer the sport is sufficient motivation in itself the popular Londoner has the added incentive of being the first ever Brit to grace the Hero’s circuit. The KO artist has returned to the world-renowned American Top Team to prepare for the biggest bout of his career.
“To me, ATT is one of the best camps in the world – full of great talent from my weight class. I also have a lot of good friends there and they can help me in all areas of my gameâ€.
The Cage Rage veteran can expect a baptism of fire after being matched against K-1 mainstay Hideo Tokoro.
Japanese submission specialist Tokoro is a seasoned veteran who’s stepped toe to toe with some of the sports finest fighters and more often than not emerged victorious.
But, ever the competitor, Brad is undaunted by the prospect of facing one of K-1 Hero’s most acclaimed fighters.
“It will definitely be my toughest challenge to date but I believe I would put up a good fight against anyone in the world in my weight class.â€
“Tokoro is a first class, very exciting fighter, and I’m very much looking forward to having a scrap with him. Hopefully it will be a very good fightâ€.
Showman Pickett, who’ll be sporting his trademark string vest, cut-off jeans and trilby hat has an additional target to victory on June 2nd.
“It will be an enjoyable and exciting bout. Hopefully, he’ll want to stand and trade with me because that would make it a more exciting fight for the crowd to watchâ€.
The fight fraternity can be assured that within fifteen minutes of his elaborate ring entrance the Englishman will have indelibly introduced and preserved the Pickett name to the legions of fans watching around the world.
Topics: HERO's, K-1, Mark Pickering, Media, MMA, UK | 1 Comment » | Permalink | Trackback |
Stoked to see this fight along with JZ