May 8, 2015, San Diego, CA – Glory 21 took place at the Valley View Casino Center, the former home of the Los Angeles Clippers. Tonight’s heavyweight tournament is an All-American card, except for one Brit, Chi Lewis-Parry, who is looking to regain Glory for the Union Jack from those who celebrate Old Glory.
Tonight’s co-main event bout features American middleweight contenders Raymond Daniels taking on Justin Baesman; while tonight’s main event will have Russia’s Artem Levin take on Canadian Muay Thai Light Heavyweight Champion, Simon Marcus for the Glory Middleweight Championship.
Heavyweight Semi-Final Bouts
Xavier Vigney vs Maurice Jackson
Jackson starts with the kicking early on, but Vigeney looks to have hurt Jacking with his low kicks, causing the fighter out of the black corner to turtle up. Jackson misses with a huge haymaker, but Vigney lands a several big shots before Vigney turns his back, as the referee waves it off Jackson drops to the canvas and is knocked out.
Your winner in the very first round at 1:49 by knockout and advancing in tonight’s tournament, Xavier Vigney!
Chi Lewis-Parry (UK) vs. Demoreo Dennis (USA)
Dennis comes out with a straight right hand driving the undefeated 6’9″ Brit back still proving that America needs no king. Dennis and Lewis-Parry tie up a couple of times as each have been staggered followed by the giant landing a huge right hand, knocking the American out. Fee-Fie-Foe-Fum, the Englishman smelled the blood of an American.
You’re winner by knockout at 1:40 of the very first round, advancing to the finals of the heavyweight tournament and still undefeated, Chi Lewis-Parry!
Co-Main Event
Middleweight – Raymond Daniels vs Justin Baesman
Round one, they touch gloves and Daniels is already dancing, lands a 1-2 combination a spinning heel kick and then a jumping round house, which has angered Baesman allowing Daniels to land a huge spinning heel kick to the liver, which Baesman cannot answer the count.
Your winner of the co-main event and searching for his second knockout of the year in a row at 51 seconds of the very first round, Orange County, CA’s, Raymond Daniels!
Heavyweight Qualification Tournament Final
Xavier Vigney (USA) vs Chi Lewis-Parry (UK)
It’s the USA vs the UK in the tournament final as the fight opens with Big John McCarthy as the referee, Vigney attempts a head kick that Lewis-Parry did not appreciate, leading to a slugfest in the middle of the ring as the American smiles and shows he’s not afraid of a British Invasion in the American ring. The Englishmen is tying up as his ribs appear to be bruised, but no where near as red as Vigney’s right side. The pace has slowed but shots are coming heavy as Lewis-Parry knocks out Vigney’s mouth piece, he picks it up, puts it back in without rinsing it off. The round comes to an end with both men smiling.
This is the first fight on the main card to go to the second round and both men are still in the fight exchanging kicks and punches. Vigney has the Englishman hurt but it looks like he may have punched himself out. Lewis-Parry lands a late blow after the referee calls “break” and receives a warning. The Englishman looks out on his feet and takes a knee, glory has been restored on American soil! To quote Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten, “His ‘O’ had to go.”
Your winner by knockout at 1:50 of the second round and the Heavyweight tournament winner, Xavier Vigney!
Main Event for the Glory Middleweight Championship of the World
Artem Levin (Champion) vs Simon Marcus
A rematch two years in the making and there is still animosity between the two. Both fighters are using bullying tactics as they clinch and knee only to be broken to exchange some heavy hands. Levin is not the fighter he was two years ago as the Siberian is not scared to throw a heavy spinning back fist. To quote Teddy Atlas, “You make him miss, you make him pay,” as round one comes to an end.
Round two and they touch gloves, only Marcus attacks first with a side kick before an exchange of punches before landing a head kick on the champion. This round, the two fighters are showing each other a bit more respect. Levin looked to connect with an axe kick which allowed for another heavy exchange of punches. Levin grabs Marcus’ leg and sweeps him to the ground, a standard Muay Thai maneuver.
Heading into round three and this one looks almost even. The champion is working on the legs of the challenger. The referee stops the bout and takes a point way from the champion, but it wasn’t clear what the point deduction was for. Levin lands a flying knee but Marcus has tied up the champion several times.
Round four and we are officially in championship rounds. Levin is showing off this amazing foot work with two kicks to Marcus’ head. Marcus lands a head kick of his own that jerked the champion’s head back. With the point deduction this one could go either way. Marcus catches the champion leg and sweeps him to the ground as the round comes to a close.
Fifth and final round. This is for all the glory. Both fighters are being aggressive, but it is the Canadian who drives the Russian into the neutral corner. Levin almost knocked the challenger out of the ring as the crowd chants for the champion who eats a push kick to the face. Marcus flexes to show he’s not scared of the champion but as Levin attacks he ties up the champion. This fight ends with both men standing in the center of the ring.
The decision ends in a 47-47 to 46-46 majority draw allowing Artem Levin to retain his title.
