Lee Sung-hyun wins WKN welterweight title against Johnny Smith in Belfast

Lee Sung-hyun of Korea secured World Kickboxing Network welterweight title against Johnny “Swift” Smith of Northern Ireland on Saturday November 27 at “Knockdown Lockdown” at Stormont Hotel in Belfast. The pair went head to head during five rounds of an all-round spectacular action producing fireworks.

As the final bell rang, one judge scored the fight in favor of representative of the country-host, while two other judges gave it to the guest from Korea, who consequently was awarded the victory by split decision.

With the win “The Korean Monster” Lee Sung-hyun updated his record to 56-9-1, 17 KOs and added a prestigious WKN belt to his collection, previously earning RISE middleweight and lightweight straps.

“Swift” Smith suffered the first defeat in his professional kickboxing career and dropped to 9-1, 6 KOs. Earlier he held WKN Intercontinental welterweight title and made a successful defense, as well as amateur world title belt.

Also on the night local Grace Goody squared off against Kubra Akdut of Germany in the contest with WKN European super bantamweight amateur title on the line. The scheduled for five rounds encounter ended in favor of the latter, who claimed the win via fourth-round retirement.

In addition, Northern Ireland’s Jay Snoddon lifted his second WKN belt across ten weeks. Holding WKN International featherweight belt earned at Fight Club mid September, the rising star secured WKN European featherweight amateur strap via fourth-round RTD against Ranieri Cingolani of Italy.

“Knockdown Lockdown” was promoted by former four-division world champion Billy Murray. The “made in Prokick” event marked the return of World Championship Kickboxing to Northern Ireland.

The list of special guests at the black-tie formal dinner show included WKN World President Stephane Cabrera, the first in history WKN World champion Cezary Podraza, former featherweight and lightweight Full Contact world champion Gary Hamilton.

Prokick: Knockdown Lockdown results

WKN World welterweight title, oriental rules
Lee Sung-hyun (Korea) def. Johnny Smith (Northern Ireland) by split decision

WKN European super bantamweight amateur title, oriental rules
Kubra Akdut (Germany) def. Grace Goody (Northern Ireland) by RTD (R4 at 2:00)

WKN European featherweight amateur title, oriental rules
Jay Snoddon (Northern Ireland) def. Ranieri Cingolani (Italy) by RTD (R4 at 2:00)

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Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.