EMILY BEARDEN RETAINS WORLD TITLE...

TakeOn Productions presented New York Showdown II on Saturday, December 12. An excellent Pro-Am event featuring an international card, the main event was for the WKA Muay Thai Bantamweight World Title.

Defending champion Emily Bearden of Five Points Academy and challenger Petra Van Doorn of Holland's Calmaro Gym fought a close match 3 years ago, with Bearden winning a split decision. Both women have been active against top-level competition in the interim, both always come in shape and ready to fight and this rematch was highly anticipated. The crowd was not disappointed as both competitors delivered. Despite training and fighting with a stress fracture in her spine Bearden grew stronger as the fight went on, while Van Doorn became more visibly frustrated. In the end, Emily Bearden decisively remained World Champion by judges decision.

The undercard featured Five Points Fighter Eddie Martinez against the very tough Arthur Sorsor of Connecticut's Finest Kickboxing. Sorsor came out strong and aggressive in round one, catching Martinez with some hard punches. But Eddie remained composed and patiently wore Sorsor down with a full arsenal of muay thai technique, culminating in a win by headkick KO in round four.

Two novice Five Point's fighters also competed in the event.

Giovanny Mercado stepped in against Khalid Zeidna of Sitan

Gym NY. Mercado effectively neutralized Zeidna's height and reach advantage with non-stop pressure and combination attacks. But Zeidna delivered a particularly punishing hook that opened a deep cut over Mercado's left eye, resulting in a win by medical stoppage for Zeidna.

Five Points fighter Passa Chattra squared off with Sashia Azeredo of Sitan Gym AZ. Chattra has incredible heart and aggression, never backing down and always moving forward, throwing non-stop and taking round one. A combination of excitement and inexperience caused her to fail to utilize her length and reach advantage, allowing the stockier, very strong Azeredo to wear her down and take the next two rounds for the decision. Very impressive performances from two up and coming Five Points fighters...we can expect them to follow the successful lead of our "A" Class fighters like Bearden and Martinez as they develop and mature in the ring.