Rico Verhoeven remains the best kickboxer in the world. ‘The King of Kickboxing’ from Halsteren won the world title fight against Levi Rigters on Saturday evening in the Arnhem GelreDome. More than 20,000 spectators saw the 35-year-old Brabander being selected as the winner by the jury after five rounds.
Rico Verhoeven has been world champion for more than ten years. In June 2014, he captured the world title and subsequently defeated all eleven challengers who wanted to take over the championship belt. Compatriot Levi Rigters was number twelve on Saturday evening during the Glory Collision 7 event in the GelreDome.
King against the prince
The fight was announced as the king (Rico Verhoeven) versus the prince (Levi Rigters), as they are known in the kickboxing world. Earlier this year, both fighters faced each other during the Glory Heavyweight Grand Prix. Rigters knocked Verhoeven to the ground, but he recovered and eventually won the match and the tournament.
Verhoeven to the ground
The fighters were evenly matched in the first three rounds. Punches and kicks were exchanged back and forth. Verhoeven had to recover once when he got a knee just below the belt. At the end of the third round, Rigters delivered a striking blow and Verhoeven was on the ground. Shortly afterwards the bell rang and he had a chance to catch his breath.
Jury decision
In the fourth round, Verhoeven showed character and a sharp corner caused Rigters to fall to his knees. A fifth round came and both fighters did everything they could to win. The jury ultimately selected Rico Verhoeven as the winner. Immediately afterwards, the Brabander showed respect for his opponent, who appeared in the ring while his father passed away last week.