Results from Argentina

Sorry about the delay fight fans, it has been a hectic 2 weeks for the Lincoln Fight Factory fight team, the gym has been booming, but now I have chance to give a brief report from Shawn Burton and Tom Scutt’s world title fights in La Rioja, Argentina. 

Unfortunately is was bad news for the Lincoln 2, both losing in what can only be described as 2 of the best fights seen in a long time.  Tom, who took the 12 round fight with  Alberto Medina from Buenos Aires at only 6 days notice away from the fight, on the morning we were actually due to fly to Amsterdam.  This was Tom’s first professional fight, before this he had never been passed 5 rounds, winning all 9 of his previous fights.

His opponent, Medina, had won 19 of 20 full contact fights and had lots of K-1 rules experience to go with it.  Undeterred by this, Scutt conducted himself greatly in the weeks build up to the fight, handling himself very well at any media conference he had to attend.  This was his first taste of the big time and he really did make the most of it.

“Although Tom didn’t get the result he wanted, what he did achieve goes way beyond what we will all see on his win/lose record,” said head coach Shawn Burton.

“We took to Argentina a fighter with determination, we brought home a man who is a credit, not only to the gym, but the sport of kickboxing.  To give up 2 weeks of work on 3 hours notice, leave behind friend and family and risk not fighting on our next show (27 April) when he was due to defend his English title takes a man.  That is stuff off legends,” added Burton.

The main event of the night featured Shawn and Ivan ‘El Terrible’ Alvarez, the legendary multi-world champion, who brought to the ring a record of 80 wins and only 5 losses.

Clearly the under dog, Shawn still jumped at the chance to fight another legend of the sport, he really did train like never before and this was clear to see in his performance.  Now, strictly working under the guidance of the fantastic trio – Adam Butler, Lee Swaby and Aaron Robinson, the Shawn that came into the ring was not the same one that his fought in recent times.

Shawn controlled the fight in the early rounds using fantastic footwork and ring craft to score with some slick boxing skills and finishing with strong body kicks.  The first 3 rounds all went to Shawn as he followed Butler’s instructions to the word.  The 4th round was pretty much the same pattern, Alvarez hunting down Burton, but unable to pin him down and land any telling shots, the Lincoln man was moving around the ring confidently until he was caught with two sickening body shots, the right hand cracking 2 ribs and the left landing on the liver.

Shawn rose at the count of 6 and was ready to go back to action but the ref waved it off deeming Shawn unable to continue, which in Shawn’s own words was the correct decision.

“I felt I was in control of the fight and I was moving very well.  I felt strong and sharp but I was caught with 2 very good shots in the 4th round and I was unable to recover.  I always say good fighters can hurt you, world class fighters stop you,” said Burton.

“We knew Ivan’s caliber when we took the fight and we worked to a game plan that was working, I am gutted with what happened, but I will take the positives from it and come back stronger when I fight in France against William Saidi in June,” Burton continued.

Well done lads from all at the Lincoln Fight Factory, you continue to step up to all challengers and make the club, sport and your city very proud.