Rigters lost by a lot on points after hitting the jaw of Russian Nasipov with a well-aimed knee kick earlier in the evening. That was a knockout. Rigters had the same intentions with Laïdouni, but it all went wrong. No matter how he moved, no matter how he boxed, the Parisian was not impressed. In fact, it was Rigters of all people who broke down after he took a direct left in the second round.

The referee gave him eight seconds to recover. Rigters really needed that to come back to his senses. In the all-decisive third round he tried everything, but the surprise was over. Laïdouni simply stayed upright, except for a punch from Rigters.

‘Day of my grandmother’s death’

“I couldn’t lose today,” Laïdouni said. “It is the anniversary of my grandmother’s death. So I was committed to making this something memorable. So I couldn’t lose.”

There is a good chance that Rigters will still be able to participate in Rotterdam Ahoy on December 13. Glory also always hands out wildcards for its kickboxing galas.

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