Nottingham’s Chad ‘2 Slick’ Sugden made a triumphant return to the global stage on Friday 3 April, defeating Turkey’s Atakan Arslan in Dubai on the world’s biggest kickboxing promotion, where the best of the best from all combat sports compete.

The 20 year-old from Suggy’s Gym dominated his strong and highly rated opponent to take a unanimous victory in the three round contest on the card of the GLORY Superfight Series 20.

Arriving in Dubai three days ahead of the event, it was obvious to the UK camp that all the top fighters had been watching Chad’s career with real interest. The big question in everyone’s mind was whether the Suggy’s Gym fighter would be at his best after 10 months of inactivity.

“The answer quickly became clear,” said head coach Dean Sugden. “His timing was inch perfect as he made a very capable Atakan look very ordinary.”

Pushing forward constantly, Chad dominated the match up with fast strong punches while mixing it up with the correct balance of kicks and punches which floored his opponent several times. Living up to his fighting style, he made Atakan miss and made him pay, emerging the unanimous winner at the end of the three rounds.

Asked about his performance after the fight, Chad said: “I did what I said I was going to do. I wanted to prove to everyone that my fighting style can be adapted to the opponent I face, ensuring I always get the win. I got the tactics right and I was ‘2 Slick’ for him!”

Commentators Stephen Quadros and Mauro Ranallo were united in their praise for the Nottingham fighter. “His boxing skills were those of a high level professional boxer,” said Quadros. “He was excellent, displaying a very mature performance. Arslan had no answer – he was outboxed, outkicked and outworked.”

“Coming from Stephen Quadros, who has commentated on some of the biggest boxing shows in the world, this was a massive compliment,” said Dean.“After his performance in Dubai, the accolades and interest in Chad have been nothing short of phenomenal and he now wants to remain active under the GLORY World Series events and other leading promotions.”

The winner of Friday’s match up was being offered the chance to appear on GLORY 21 in San Diego on Friday 8 May against GLORY ranked Number 6 fighter Raymond Daniels. “Although it’s an exciting and lucrative opportunity, Chad already has a commitment to face Michael Wakeling on The Main Event in Birmingham on Saturday 23 May,” said Dean.

“Ranked Number 1 at 75kg, Michael has lost only once in 29 pro fights and he’s in his prime. Although we love Michael’s aggressive fighting style, I believe Chad can beat anyone and next month in Birmingham he will prove that he is the King of The Ring.

“It’s going to be epic, a massive fight and a rare opportunity to see Chad fighting on home soil. Local fight fans turned out in force for me back in 2007 when I fought Lex Easdon and now we want everyone to do it again in support of our town’s most successful K-1 kickboxer ever. We’re about to make history and we want everybody to be there!”

Tickets for The Main Event at The Barclaycard Arena, priced £35 for seating and £75 for the front two rows Gold Ringside, are on sale now with transport for local fans available on request. For details and bookings, visit Suggy’s Gym or call 01636 605708.