Chad Sugden

Chad '2slick' Sugden (born 27 April 1994) is an English kickboxer and current ISKA World and Intercontinental Champion at 72.5 kg.^[1] Chad has previously fought for Glory, with a decisive win at Glory 5: London and is currently signed to a professional contract with K-1 Global.

Amateur career

Chad began his fighting career at the age of 5, alongside his younger brother Regis (4yrs),^[2] under the guidance of his father and WKA Light Middleweight World Champion Dean Sugden.^[3] During his time as an amateur Chad collected an impressive array of accolades and gained notable media coverage as a kickboxer and boxer, often referred to as "the best in the world"^[4] and even earning a place at the WOF Asian Intercontinental games after a personal invite from the President of the Philippines.^[5]

In April 2008 Chad travelled to Bangkok, Thailand to compete in the International Martial Arts Games where he won a Gold medal "in clinical fashion"^[6] solidifying his nickname "2Slick".^[7]

Chad Sugden won the IKF Junior Amateur FCR Lightweight World Title on November 29, 2009 in Rochester, Kent, England when he defeated Charlie Ward by unanimous decision, 45-50, 47-48, 46-50. When Sugden turned 18 in 2012, it moved him to an adult fighter and his "JUNIOR" (8-17) title was retired.

Chad Sugden won the IKF Junior Amateur FCR Welterweight World Title on October 16, 2010 in Kelham, England when he defeated David Lenson (USA) Staten Island, New York USA, 18-2 by unanimous decision. 50-44, 49-45, 49-45. When Sugden turned 18 in 2012, it moved him to an adult fighter and his "JUNIOR" (8-17) title was retired.

Chad enjoyed great success as an amateur with a record of 100W-5L-0D, including a notable victory, at the age of 16, over the previously unbeaten, London based, Salah Khalifa ^[8] under K-1 rules. Khalifa's caliber as an opponent and world class fighter is verified by his Sept 2014 match up with the great Yodsanklai.^[9]

Pro career

On 31 March 2012, at just 17 years old, Chad made his professional debut on the first "Main Event" and has since fought on Enfusion, Glory and more recently in Super Fights at the K-1 World Max Final 16 in Majorca,^[10] the K-1 World Max Final 8 in Gran Canaria^[11] and the K-1 World Max Final 4 in Azerbaijan.^[12]

Chad is the first UK fighter signed up to a long term contract with K-1 Global^[13] and as well as being the youngest ever holder of the ISKA Professional World Title,^[14] in 2013 Peter Aerts presented Chad with the ISKA Pro K-1 fighter of the year above many seasoned professionals.

One of the highlights of Chad's career so far is his victory in the Fight Sport 8 Man Grand Prix in Warrington, England, where he beat Solomon Wickstead, Peter Tiarks and Kerrith Bella in one night to be crowned the UK K-1 Grand Prix 2012 8 Man Tournament Champion at 70 kg.^[15]

Titles

Pro:

• ISKA Oriental Rules World Champion defeated Paolo Fiorio Italy (current) 72.3 kg^[16][17]
• ISKA K-1 Intercontinental Champion defeated Costel Panicius Romania (current) 72.3 kg^[18]
• UK K-1 Grand Prix 2012 8 Man Tournament Champion 70 kg max^[19][20][21]

Amateur:

• Golden Belt World Champion
• 2 x IKF World Champion ^[22]
• 3 x EFK titles (Commonwealth, European and World Champion)
• ISKA National and British Full Contact Kickboxing Champion
• 2 x WKA British Kickboxing Champion
• BLCC British Champion

Professional record

References