Kickboxing has re-entered the blended martial arts scene.
PKA Worldwide, the pioneer of the unique American-style kickboxing league within the Seventies-90s, has relaunched the league underneath CEO Joe Corley.
And now it has its first fighter.
Julio Cesar Carlos, a six-time Taekwondo world champion and Queens native, turned the primary fighter to ink a contract with the brand new PKA Worldwide on Tuesday.
“It’s an honor to be chosen for this chance,” Carlos mentioned in an announcement. “I’m going to show to everybody that PKA Worldwide made the correct selection. Joe Corley and his group know expertise. As soon as they noticed me doing what I do within the ring, they knew that I used to be on one other stage. This can be a privilege, but it surely’s additionally precisely the place I belong.”
The 31-year-old Carlos just lately fought at Madison Sq. Backyard, impressing PKA Worldwide executives earlier than collaborating in an open tryout for the league.
After dominating Taekwondo since he was 4 years outdated, Carlos was prepared for a brand new chapter.
“I’ve dominated the light-weight division for years, however there got here a second throughout the pandemic the place my coach and I noticed that we’ve finished all the things we might in Taekwondo,” Carlos mentioned. “We have been in search of the following problem and kickboxing got here knocking on my door. Now I’m able to show myself towards the very best and present everybody what I’m able to carrying out.”
Initially launched in 1974, PKA Worldwide was broadcast on ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN and Showtime.
The league, and Corley, who was a kickboxer himself, have lengthy been credited for setting the inspiration for the rise in blended martial arts’ recognition within the nation. Particularly, Corley launched Americanized kickboxing, which permits fighters to strike opponents above the waist.
Corley and the league’s legacy can nonetheless be felt amid the UFC’s rising affect.
“Julio Cesar Carlos is world class each inside and outdoors the ring and is the epitome of what PKA Worldwide is all about,” Corley mentioned in an announcement. “We're thrilled to make him our first signing as we make out grand reentry into the fight sports activities area. I used to be blown away watching him compete and impressed by the work he’s put in to succeed in this stage. Most significantly, we all know that followers are going to like the motion he brings to the PKA hanging cage.”
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