Walker title defense set with LF69 lineup changes
Lion Fight 69 – Friday, August 27 – Boston, USA
7 p.m. ET USA / 11 p.m. UTC-GMT
LAS VEGAS – Fighting in front of his home-town fans, Steve “Put ’Em To Sleep” Walker will now be defending his proudly worn LION FIGHT North American Super Cruiserweight belt against Warren “Destroyer” Thompson.
The main event change was required after Walker’s original opponent for the World Super Cruiserweight title, Lyndon Knowles, backed out of the bout. Although numerous fighters were interested in taking the spot, travel restrictions due to the pandemic hampered those plans, but Thompson valiantly came forward to seize the opportunity at Lion Fight 69 at the House of Blues in Boston, USA, and airing live worldwide exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.
The Atlanta, Georgia, USA, competitor was already scheduled for the LF69 card having earned his spot in the final of the Lion Fight North American Heavyweight Title Tournament. Thompson and Walker will now square-off at the Super Cruiserweight limit of 210 lbs.
“While it was very disappointing to have a fighter back out of a World title bout, we are extremely grateful and excited about having Warren Thompson rise to the occasion,” said Lion Fight CEO Scott Kent.
“I know Warren is a very tough foe for anyone and he’s going to give Steve a battle. Credit also goes to Steve and his team for accepting the bout and for Steve staying focused as we went through a long list of possible replacements.
“It is always a pleasure working with fighters, coaches and teams who understand the entire process of putting on an event and knowing that the fans in attendance and those watching on UFC Fight Pass around the world deserve a great show.”
Walker (9-0) boasts an unorthodox yet highly devastating skillset that has paved the way to wins over Chris Bradford, Kristaps Zile, and Robert Morrow. He set the internet ablaze at LF64 in March when he scored a spectacular tornado head-kick knockout just 48 seconds into the first round against Brian Collette at LF64 back in March. The stunning finish instantly garnered global notoriety with Walker’s KO appearing on sports website throughout the world.
Thompson (11-8), who hails from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, edged out Cody East in a back-and-forth slugfest also at LF64, earning Thompson a spot in the Heavyweight Title Tournament final.
Thompson was set to face Joe Stripling in the final. Stripling was offered a replacement opponent, but he opted not to compete at LF69.
The scheduled North American Super Featherweight bout between Michael “Iron Boy” Triana (6-1) and Brendan Raftery (6-2) will now occupy the co-main event spot for LF69. The main card will stay with six bouts as a scheduled heavyweight prelim between Josh Thompson and Jorge Vega has been promoted to the UFC Fight Pass broadcast.
Lion Fight 68 and 69 round the company’s “3 Shows in 28 Days” summer tour. Lion Fight 67 in Sicily, Italy, saw Enrico Carrara defend his World Light Heavyweight title with a second-round TKO over Patrik Vidakovics, and Jakub Benko register an Upset of the Year candidate as he dethroned World Cruiserweight champion Chip Moraza-Pollard.
Lion Fight 68 takes place this Sunday – August 22 – in Glasgow, Scotland with four titles on the line:
*Amy Pirnie defends her World Super Flyweight title against Lara Fernandez
*Jake Peacock and Federico Alfaro contend for the inaugural European Super Welterweight title
*Jorina Baars defends her World Welterweight title against Claire Clements
*Craig Coakley faces Mo Abdurahman for the inaugural European Super Lightweight title
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ABOUT LION FIGHT:
Founded in 2010 by Owner/Chief Executive Officer Scott Kent, Lion Fight is recognized as a worldwide leader in Muay Thai events. Now in its 10th year of operation, Lion Fight has showcased elite-level fighters in over 60 events staged in seven countries worldwide, including iconic events at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, and the Indigo at O2 Arena in London, England. Already a worldwide leader in Muay Thai, Lion Fight is dedicated to growing the sport and is driving that cause with the creation of its Road to Lion Fight events, featuring up-and-coming talent vying for their opportunity to earn a Lion Fight contract.
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