Despite two changes in opponent just days before the fight, Chad ‘2 Slick’ Sugden put on a show-stopping performance in Gran Canaria on Saturday 11 January 2014 in the K-1 World Max Quarter Final event, beating Spain’s Jorge Falcon in spectacular fashion with a first round knock out.

Chad’s original opponent in the Super Fight, Spain’s David Calvo, pulled out with an alleged injury in the week leading up to the event. Muay Thai champion Aitor Alonso, who was also scheduled to be on the card, stepped up to face the ISKA Pro World Champion Chad, only to pull out himself on the morning of the weigh in after sustaining an injury in training the previous day.

Faced with the prospect of jumping up in weight against a much taller and heavier opponent in Falcon, who had also been due to fight on the main card, the Suggy’s Gym camp was unfazed and Chad was even more motivated to add another victory to his professional record.

On the night, the Nottingham fighter went straight to work in calculating but devastating style, landing some ferocious right hand lead combinations which sent Falcon to the canvas and technically destroying the Spaniard, who is known for his own knock out power.

Chad demonstrated his unrivalled elusive skills before returning fast with a flurry of heavy hooks to Falcon’s body and head to leave him down again just two minutes, 21 seconds into the first round. This time Falcon did not beat the count, the Japanese referee waived it off and Chad was declared the winner by way of a big KO.

The accolades soon followed, with Chad described as ‘a young Muhammad Ali of K1’ and event promoter Javier Rolo commenting: “His movement, speed and strong punches, together with his unique fighting style, will take him to the very top.”

Over thirty of Chad’s dedicated followers made the trip from the UK to Gran Canaria to cheer on their local hero and he was quick to thank both them and his sponsors for their unfailing support.

“I felt so strong in there and wanted to hurt my opponent,” he added. “I’m really am looking forward to the next one. I’m here, I earned it and now I’m going to own it!”

Suggy’s Gym head coach Dean Sugden said: “We trained very differently for this fight, determined to set the pace and destroy our opponent.

“We continue to learn and push ourselves to get better and better every time we get in the ring, working with some of the best in the business, from strength and conditioning coaches to nutritionists and mind coaches. Engaging with experts of this calibre benefits not only Chad but all of the fighters and clients who train with us.

“Chad has built an incredible career on his ‘2 Slick’ fighting style. Now we’ve added a new level of destruction, which is going to make him the most formidable fighter on the planet. A serious statement perhaps, but we’re in a serious business and Chad’s performances in Gran Canaria and in his fight last month in Gateshead showed a fighting style which will instil fear among his future opponents.”