Fight night is talk of martial arts world - Shields Gazette

EFC (Extreme Full Contact) is now in its sixth year, and is attracting competitors from across the UK all keen to step into the ring to compete for a range of titles.

The event was started by Steve East, from Kuei-Ling Martial Arts in South Shields, and Paul Grieves, from Spartan Fighting Arts Academy, in Sunderland, as a way of bringing “prestige” to the sport.

Since then, interest in the events has grown and, every year, fighters compete in front of sell-out crowds. This year, the event will be staged at the Nissan Sports and Social Club in Washington Road, Sunderland, on October 20, after requests from Wearside fans.

And organisers hope the event will once again be a hit with sporting fans.

Mr East said: “There had been a reluctance to move fighting events away from social clubs as people didn’t think big venues would sell out.

“But we have proven they can as, year on year, the EFC events get bigger and better.

“And we are attracting not only fighters, but spectators from across the UK. The event is also gaining a lot of recognition and we have also had our shows featured on Sky TV.”

EFC has been held at Temple Park Centre in South Shields, in the past, and organisers have already booked a date for next year to return there.

Mr Grieves said: “Myself and Steve had been organising smaller shows, and decided to combine our expertise to look at putting on a bigger and more prestigious event drawing in bigger crowds and headline fighters.”

The night will feature more than 20 fights including fighters Gary Bell and Geoff Brown who will battle for the North East Professional Title.

Former World champion Andy Burton will also be making a comeback to take on Micky Worswick in a full contact bout.

Fighters from South Shields, Sunderland, Blyth, Scotland, Blackburn and Middlesbrough are among those confirmed to take part.

The event is being sponsored by Armageddon Fit Training Academy in Southwick.

Owner of the academy Stuart Roper, who will also be fighting on the night, said: “I have taken part in the EFC’s in Temple Park before, and I have taken part in a lot of shows around the country, and these events are by far the biggest and best shows in the country.

“It’s the way they’re set up and run which makes them successful.”

Corporate and VIP ringside tables are still available.

Tickets on the night are available by contacting Paul on 07971 467989, Steve on 07946 389945 or Bodyzone in Sunderland on 567 5155.

Information can also be found by visiting www.facebook.com/#!/efckickboxing.northeast

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