Team England came to Holland needing a big win to stand any chance of progressing to the next phase of the M-1 Challenge. 5-0 or 4-1 looked a big ask- especially as they were without their heavyweight Rob Broughton and newly retired lightweight Ian Butlin.

Even if they managed to pull off an unlikely clean sweep- England had to hope that other results went their way.

 

5-0

 

Team England go through to meet Russian Legion in the semi finals.

Here’s how events unfolded

 

Scott Hewitt v Jose Roque

 

The Team England coaches made a bold decision when they selected the inexperienced Scott Hewitt for the lead off leg. Their faith was repaid with interest as the new boy put in a gutsy performance.

The first round belonged to Roque. He spent long periods controlling Scott from the side but showed little ambition. Roque switched to attack mode in the final minute. He stood off and started dropping bombs to the head. These were big shots and the referee looked ready to call it off. Hewitt’s head came to rest on the bottom rope. The pause for repositioning bought him some recovery time and he saw out the round.

The second round proved that Scott Hewitt has skill as well as heart. He spotted the arm bar opportunity and finished the fight.

 

ENGLAND 1 SPAIN 0

 

Simon Phillips v Jonathan Leon

 

Leon looked frisky early on but, after getting out of a couple of tight spots, Phillips began to take control. The end came by way of rear naked choke

 

ENGLAND 2 SPAIN 0

 

Matt Thorpe v Rafael Rodriguez

The momentum was now with England. Matt Thorpe oozed confidence on his way to the ring. He went on to control his fight from start to spectacular finish via triangle choke. On this evidence- Matt Thorpe will be a match for anyone at middleweight. Total domination.


 

ENGLAND 3 SPAIN 0


Tom Blackledge v Enoc Solbes
 

How can you possible follow that?

DING…BANG…ZZZZZZZ.

Tom Blackledge’s shin connects with the Spaniard’s head. The lights go out.

KO- nine seconds into round one.

 

ENGLAND 4 SPAIN 0

David Keeley v Paco Estevez

 

Two big lads (250 lbs plus). Throughout the first, Estevez was keen to take the fight to the ground.

The English clean sweep was under threat at the start of the second. Estevez landed a huge right hand. Keeley was badly shaken, but he weathered the storm. The red light began flashing. Paco was out of gas. The takedown attempts became more ragged. He looked anxiously to his corner each time he hauled his hefty frame back off the deck. Keeley bided his time. Paco played his final card. One last despairing shot. Bust. The exhausted Estevez was beached on the mat. The ref waved it off.

ENGLAND 5 SPAIN 0

FRANCE 2 JAPAN 3

With 10 wins and a 2-1 match record, Team England win Group A of the M-1 Challenge 2009 and advance to the semi finals.

M-1 Challenge Extra at hurtbusiness blog

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