News
Belfast's Jay Snoddon wins the hearts of German fight fans
November 20, 2023
WATCH THE FULL FIGHT - on the link below at the bottom of the page: Jay Snoddon, from Northern Ireland, won the hearts of more than 1,500 German bikers at a packed arena in Erkner, just outside Germany's capital, Berlin. On Saturday, November 11th, 2023, he successfully defended his WKN K1 World Title, leaving an unforgettable mark. It was a remarkable display of skill and determination as Jay fought fiercely, captivating the sold-out Bikers event audience and securing both victory and admiration.
It is a testament to the transformative power of our combat sport as two individuals engage in battle, only to reconcile and form enduring friendships through their shared experience.
On the line was the WKN K1 Pro/Am Featherweight World Title.
A last minute opponent change due to Richard Homer being struck down with COVID meant Jay was preparing for a totally different fight with Abdullah Al-Rajab. But, his goal remained the same, hear those words “And still…” and bring the belt back to Belfast.
Abdullah Al-Rajab from the Chimosa Gym, Berlin, came out in round 1 with nothing to lose and landed a couple of high round house kicks right from the first bell which caused some damage to Snoddon’s left cheekbone. However, Jay wasn’t to be fazed, composed himself, and came out focused in round 2. Things began to click and he settled into his renowned relentless pace which started to wear down Al-Rajab. The German crowd adored Snoddon’s style and from round 3 on began to chant and cheer for him, almost unheard of for a fighter competing away from home. This inspired Snoddon even further as he began to take Al-Rajab into deep waters in round 4, having great success with the low leg kick and knee. Al-Rajab also had a point deduction in this round for holding the leg after multiple warnings from the referee throughout the fight. This left the challenger a dejected figure in the corner as the crowd chanting for Snoddon as the fifth and final round began. With a massive smile on his face, Snoddon went to work in the last two minutes and dominated Al-Rajab with his boxing, low kick and causing real damage with clinical knee strikes. The challenger looked unsteady in the final seconds of the fight and Snoddon urged on by the ecstatic crowd unleashed a whirlwind of shots rocking Al-Rajab onto the ropes. However, he was saved by the final bell but Snoddon climbed jubilantly onto the ropes with his hands in the air to a rapturous ovation from the Berlin crowd. Following a unanimous decision, ProKick’s Jay Snoddon heard those glorious words “And still WKN K1 Featherweight World Champion…” and has his hand raised high in victory with 1,500 new German fans chanting for their new favourite, affectionately dubbed "the Irish Harry Potter."
Billy Murray: I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Abdullah and his team from Chimosa Gym, who fearlessly accepted the challenge of this fight on short notice. Their unwavering respect and honor, demonstrated before, during, and after the match, truly exemplify the beauty inherent in our sport. It is a testament to the transformative power of combat as two individuals engage in battle, only to reconcile and form enduring friendships through their shared experience.
From a successful weekend in Germany, Billy Murray's ProKick team refuses to slow down. This upcoming weekend, Dan Braniff, Grace Goody, and Gary Lynch will proudly represent ProKick in Holland.
But fret not, loyal fight fans back home! Prepare for an action-packed day of LIVE fights at ProKick HQ on Sunday, December 10th. Witness 20 enthusiastic rookies step into the ring, embarking on their fighting journey. The highlight of the show will be the intense WKN K1 Irish title fight featuring Dan Braniff. Join us as we strive to end 2023 with a new champion!
WATCH THE FULL FIGHT
