BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Federation’s first ever Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) professional fighter and Heavyweight title holder of the Caribbean Kickboxing Grappling Shou Federation’s Caribbean (CKGSFC), Tija Stanley, is expected to compete this week in an event slated to take place in Venezuela.
Stanley, told the publication that he has been engaged in this discipline for three years but has been fighting for two years.
He stated that he was invited to fight in Venezuela after he was seen in England earlier this year in two successful fights.
Stanley noted that the fight is scheduled for November 16 at the World Trade Center in Venezuela and he4 would be pitted against Hervick Martinez of that country.
The CKGSFC Heavyweight Champion stated that over the past three months he has been preparing for the fight at the Life Fitness Centre in Bird Rock and had been on weight reduction exercises in order to enter the ring as a lightweight.
Stanley also expressed the confidence that he would come out victorious at the event and noted that at this stage he feels strong and fit and on target to achieve what he is going there to do.
He added that everyone on his support staff is playing their roles well by ensuring that he is prepared both physically and mentally.
Enervit Fighters, he said, were assisting him in preparation for this fight and they have taken on some of his financial responsibilities. And as the Federation’s first professional mixed martial fighter, he is seeking a sponsor and also the government’s support.
He also indicated that one of his biggest challenges is the lack of fighting opportunities because the Caribbean does not have an extensive wave of fighters. This, he added, stagnates a fighter but there are lots of opportunities outside the Caribbean.
Stanley declared that he would be auditioning for a MMA school that is seeking to recruit him.
He also expressed his wishes to see the sport developed in St. Kitts and Nevis to teach discipline to the Federation’s youth and hopes to develop a boxing programme in his homeland with the aim producing quality boxers at the Olympics level.
He dreams of creating more exposure for the sport and wants to know how one goes about getting government’s support.
Stanley is expected to leave St. Kitts for Venezuela on Wednesday (Nov. 14) and is scheduled to return on November 19.
