BRUSSELS, Belgium (Aug. 17, 2012) – It has been three years since heavyweight kickboxing legend Remy Bonjasky (75-14, 40 KO’s) entered the ring.
But on Saturday, October 6, 2012 his hiatus will come to an end and ‘The Flying Gentleman’ will climb between the ropes and square off with one of the sport’s brightest rising stars, Brazilian standout Anderson ‘Braddock’ Silva (32-7, 22 KO’s).
The bout headlines ‘GLORY 2 Brussels’ at Vorst National Arena, the biggest kickboxing event in Brussels history.
Superstars Gokhan Saki (76-15, 53 KO’s) of Breda, Netherlands; Nieky Holzken (77-10, 33 KO’s) of Breda as well as rising stars Filip Verlinden (38-6,17 KO’s) of Berlaar, Belgium and Andy Ristie (34-2, 26 KO’s) of Surinam, are all slated for action and will face opponents to be announced soon.
Tickets for GLORY 2 Brussels, priced from € 50, go on sale on Monday, August 20 online at www.Sherpa.be andwww.SeeTickets.nl as well as at retailers Primera Stores, Aiki Budo Sport and Nikko Sports.
“We are thrilled to bring world-class GLORY kickboxing action to fight fans in the city of Brussels and to welcome Remy Bonjasky back to the ring where he has accomplished so many incredible feats,” said Marcus Luer, Managing Director of GLORY Sports International.
“I think that his thirst for competition and the strength of the heavyweight division that GLORY has assembled is what ultimately tempted Remy to come out of retirement. Over his period of recluse he has watched others, like his opponent Anderson Silva, ascend in the rankings and grab the spotlight.
“It’s clear that he wants to remind the competition of his elite skill level and attempt to once again rule the division.”
Bonjasky was forced onto the sidelines in 2009 after a nagging eye injury affected his fighting and training. He focused his efforts on his students and academy near Amsterdam, but continued to keep a close eye on the heavyweight scene.
Over the past three years, his eye regained perfect health and Bonjasky took his gloves off the shelf. “I’ve been eager for a while now to re-enter the ring and do what I love again,” said Bonjasky, who recently signed an exclusive, multi-fight contract with GLORY.
“Everything is in place – my health, the support of my team and a place in the world’s top kickboxing league. GLORY has put together a roster of the best heavyweights on the planet – the timing for my return and making another run at becoming a world champion is perfect.”
The 36-year-old, 1.93 m (6-foot-4), 108 kilogram (240 pound) Bonjasky is one of the most dynamic athletes in the sport’s history and has thrilled fans all over the globe with his signature flying kicks and knee strikes. He has faced and defeated nearly every major rival of his time, including Alistair ‘The Demolition Man’ Overeem, Badr Hari, Jerome LeBanner, Melvin Manhoef, Stefan Leko and Gokhan Saki.
The 25-year-old, 1.92 m (6-foot-3 ½), 105 kilogram (230 pound) Silva is a native of Brazil who relocated to Amsterdam to train amongst some of the finest heavyweight kickboxers, including iconic champion Peter Aerts. Silva’s performances this year have marked him as one to watch and he is a very stiff challenge for Bonjasky’s return to the ring.
“This fight with Remy is a dream come true for me,” said Silva. “Remy was one of the great world champions I looked up to when I was younger. To now have the opportunity to stand opposite him in the GLORY ring and show the world what I’m made of and how far I’ve come in this sport is an honor. I will be at my best when we fight – and I will win.”
Doors will open at 16:30 local time and the undercard fights will commence with MMA rules bouts at 17:00. The main card will begin at 19:00 local time.
