Nieky Holzken A Natural To Break Out From GLORY
Nieky Holzken A Natural To Break Out From GLORY
GLORY champion Nieky Holzken has the tools to be a breakout star in the world of kickboxing.
By Raphael Garcia
GLORY kickboxing continues to strengthen its position as one of the main promotions for fans of the sport.
Within the organization, there are a number of fighters that are poised to break through as faces to watch. One of those men is Nieky “The Natural” Holzken, and his position as the welterweight champion comes at the perfect time to attract major attention.
With nearly 16 years in the sport, the 32-year old Holzken is an interesting competitor. His kickboxing record of 88-11-1 represents a wealth of knowledge. He even competed as a professional boxer, where he earned a record of 9-0, including his most recent win in January.
Yet it is his abilities in kickboxing that give him the most potential to become a fan favorite.
He’s won five professional championships. He earned the GLORY championship back in 2015 when he defeated Raymond Daniels for the vacant belt. He defeated Daniels via TKO a second time to cement his place as champion.
For those looking to find out what makes Holzken special, they need only watch his 2013 fight against Joseph Valtellini to win the 2013 GLORY welterweight tournament. The bout was voted the Fight of the Year by both Bloody Elbow and Liver Kick. It may have been only three rounds long, but the back and forth action—topped off by Holzen’s crushing right hook that stopped Valtellini in the third round—make this fight a must-see.
Since winning the belt, Holzken has defended the title once. At GLORY 29 Holzken will defend his title against 61-6 Yoann Kongolo. Holzken has successfully finished six of his nine opponents within the GLORY ring, and there’s a good chance this fight will end in brutal fashion as well.
GLORY kickboxing continues to strengthen its position as one of the main promotions for fans of the sport.
Within the organization, there are a number of fighters that are poised to break through as faces to watch. One of those men is Nieky “The Natural” Holzken, and his position as the welterweight champion comes at the perfect time to attract major attention.
With nearly 16 years in the sport, the 32-year old Holzken is an interesting competitor. His kickboxing record of 88-11-1 represents a wealth of knowledge. He even competed as a professional boxer, where he earned a record of 9-0, including his most recent win in January.
Yet it is his abilities in kickboxing that give him the most potential to become a fan favorite.
He’s won five professional championships. He earned the GLORY championship back in 2015 when he defeated Raymond Daniels for the vacant belt. He defeated Daniels via TKO a second time to cement his place as champion.
For those looking to find out what makes Holzken special, they need only watch his 2013 fight against Joseph Valtellini to win the 2013 GLORY welterweight tournament. The bout was voted the Fight of the Year by both Bloody Elbow and Liver Kick. It may have been only three rounds long, but the back and forth action—topped off by Holzen’s crushing right hook that stopped Valtellini in the third round—make this fight a must-see.
Since winning the belt, Holzken has defended the title once. At GLORY 29 Holzken will defend his title against 61-6 Yoann Kongolo. Holzken has successfully finished six of his nine opponents within the GLORY ring, and there’s a good chance this fight will end in brutal fashion as well.