Jack Purdy 1-0-0 is an English professional K1 fighter and is ranked 5th in the world by the IKF. A professional competitor since 2020. His first step on the professional circuit was with Contenders and is set to take his second with the Norwich based organisation on April 2nd.
I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Jack. And also to congratulate you on your recent fight announcement for the Contenders32 card. I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your scheduled return to action?
“No worries mate, it’s my pleasure. Thank you. Everything has been going good, got some top sparing with other pros around the local area which has helped improve my game.”
April 2nd you will be taking on Toby Priestley, a competitor mirroring your professional record of 1-1-0. What’s your take on your upcoming opponent, have you done anything in the way of research on Toby in recent weeks?
“Toby seems like a tough fella, there isn’t much really to say. He’s a boxer with 10-0 on the White Collar level but I’ve boxed in the ABA which not many people know so his biggest asset won’t cause a problem. His professional debut in K1, no disrespect to anyone involved in the fight but it wasn’t a fight, his opponent took a dive so, I’ve not been able to see his k1 skills in action. 2nd of April we’ll see what he’s got fighting a real k1 opponent because this ain’t boxing.”
The wait is almost over, Contenders return to the capital for what’s scheduled to be one of the most action-packed nights on the UK MMA scene. When you got the call to take your 2nd step on your professional journey for the Norwich based organisation, how did it feel knowing you’d be part of the stacked card at the Crystal Palace national sports centre?
“The fact I’m on a card in the capital is great. There are 3 places I wanna fight as a professional and that’s London, my home town of Ipswich and America so being able to tick London off early is always a good thing. The card is stacked!! With people like “The Polish Bear” Przemyslaw Mysiala, Steven Hill and Stefano Catacoli, which is exciting.”
I’ve spoken to many athletes such as yourself who have taken their respective paths of contact sport into proverbial the lion’s den. It’s becoming more and more common, especially in the UK of late, for organisations including a wide variety of contact sports on their cards. What is your take on exhibiting your skills in the cage environment?
“It’s a great environment. I’ve fought in a cage more times than a ring in the last few years so I’m used to it. I know between the pros I’ve probably had the least amount of fights but if we combine all records I’ve had the most. I’ve had 97 kickboxing fights, 12 boxing fights and 14 K1 fights so I’m used to all environments and I’m just excited to show everyone that I’m only 22, I’m still getting better and still have a lot of improvements to go.”
Currently one of the standout K1 practitioners with Contenders, athletes looking to compete on future cards will be casting their eye on you for a future possible match up. Are there any athletes in particular on the Kickboxing scene you’d relish the thought of going face to face on future events?
“To be honest, not right now, but if people are watching and are thinking to themselves that they want this smoke, come get some. My main focus is getting to Glory or ONE Championship and whoever wants to be a stepping stone can.”
The Contenders team have pulled out all the stops to make their return to the capital one fight fans are not likely to soon forget. Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“As I mentioned earlier “The Polish Bear”, that guy is a monster. Steven Hill is always fun to watch, the build-up to his last fight was jokes and I’m excited to see his ground game in person. I’ve heard so much about it. And Stefano, we’ve been on the same card a few times and he always brings his A-game.”
Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance and anybody you’d like to give a shout-out to?
“for people who are attending don’t go to the bar during this fight. If you ain’t watched me fight before I only look for KO wins from the first bell, expect a knockout. shout-out to everyone who buys tickets to come to The show Live or buys the PPV thanks to my coaches Bin Tyler, Ben Parr, Matty Carter and Joe Symonds and my Sponsor Whip Street Motors. Shout-out to my manager Mogul Management. And finally my parents, for paying for my gym fees when I was a kid. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be living my dream.”
I attended Contenders’ first trip to that capital at the Crystal Palace national sports centre back in October 2021. It was one of the most phenomenal Cards I have ever seen. Take it from me, if you are in the area make sure not to miss their second visit filled from top to bottom with pure unadulterated organised violence at Contenders32, you might just miss something special. Book your place below.
Buy Tickets For Contenders 32 here
Image by Brett King
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