IFL 5: Sold Out!
David Christopher, the founder and CEO of Fit TV Network, further solidifies the success of Influencer Fight League as he returns IFL for its 5th event, titled “Battle Games”. Nobody could have anticipated how incredible IFL 5: Battle Games would turn out. Held at SAS Movie Studio this last February 18th, IFL 5 was an action packed display of athleticism and entertainment that did not disappoint. The venue was absolutely packed, with people still scrambling to get tickets at the door before the event inevitably sold out. Every moment inside was one filled with an electric energy, the crowd invested in every fight that entered the ring.
We first saw the opening card step in with Julian “Juju” Ramos vs Andres Parra. A quick beginning and even quicker end, as Parra’s lack of defense caused enough concern for the ref to call the fight, giving Ramos the first win of the night.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
Next, we had the aptly named Battle for Clout. With clear showmanship from both competitors, Mason Thap and iiiWunder, the crowd was buzzing. iiiWunder began the match with a clear advantage in his reach but had his defenses broken down by the grit and agility of Thap, being knocked down within the first round. This lead to the unanimous decision of Thap being declared the winner, and earning the mutually sought after “clout” of the match.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
Ending the opening card, friends and competitors, Luis “Wicho” Segura vs KC “Fantastic” LA stepped into the ring, leaving all pleasantries at the door. Having been longtime sparring partners, LA and Segura were clearly well acquainted with each other’s fighting styles. In what is sure to be an ongoing friendly rivalry, the fight ended in Segura’s victory.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
The start of the Main Card, Michael Mims made his way to the blue corner with Anthony Kibbz going to the red. The Battle of the Heavyweights was a back and forth exchange of blows, as the energy between the fighters ebbed and flowed. Clearly making the decision a difficult one for the judges, Mims walked away victorious by split decision.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
Following that exciting display, Christian “Chrissy Pooh” Wardy vs Kevin “Icy Keevin” were a whirlwind of a fight. Wardy, well known on social media as being “untouchable” by those trying to hit him, lived up to his reputation. His quick speed and agility landed him a victory by TKO.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
Beginning with a roll into the ring and a backflip, Sulli Odell came in as if ready for a gymnastics meet, heading to the blue corner, with The Jaras being in the red. Seemingly still confused about the type of match they were participating in, Odell and Jaras seemed to be attempting to wrestle more than box, with one of the competitors eventually hip tossing the other. The two spirited fighters ended the match in a draw.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
Then we had the only woman’s division fight of the evening, the Battle of the Blondes. Fitness influencer, Lindsay Flanders walked over to the blue corner dressed in split blue and pink boxing shorts. Musical artist, Alaena, walked out to her new single “Stupid Boy”, heading into the red corner. Flanders came in strong with powerful blows, assumably with the goal of knocking her opponent out early. Alaena utilized her reach, keeping herself out of range for Flanders’s eventual haymakers. Despite Flanders’ consistent power, Alaena came out as the victor, raising her gloves up in success and pride.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
After our woman left the ring, the Battle of The Coaches began with Rico Gainzz stepping into the blue corner and Vincent “The Razor” Ruiz stepping into the red. A pairing that had the crowd electric as the opposing gyms filled the venue. The coaches themselves were clearly prepared and ready to fight. However, in a sudden turn of events, the fight was cut short as Gainzz was met with a vicious series of attacks by Ruiz. In the end, Ruiz’s hand was raised high in a victory by TKO.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
Next up, the unique and first of its kind, IFL’s "Battle Games" Tag Team boxing match. Originally thought of two years ago by IFL’s CEO, this tag team match immediately had the crowd on their feet. We had Team Knockout, consisting of Gemini Jonny and Lee Bolden, vs Team Fight, consisting of OJ Rose and Josue Rodriguez. Sadly, this unique tag team match was cut short due to an injury on Team Knockout, as Lee was unable to tag back in after Jonny had fought both opponents. Prior to this too soon ending, the crowd was fully enthralled by the ambitious display of teamwork and athleticism. Due to the Team Knockout’s inability to continue with the match, Rose and Rodriguez were declared the winners and the first ever "Battle Games" Champions.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
The final match of the night, the highly anticipated and house packing main event, Albert Ochoa vs Marcus Portillo in the ICB North American Super Welterweight Championship. Portillo entered the ring wearing the Mexican Flag, walking over to the blue corner. Ochoa followed, taking his place at the red. The initial sign of how this nothing short of entertaining fight would go was the show of classic disrespect as Portillo broke away without touching gloves with Ochoa. The fighters were immediately explosive, as Portillo treated Ochoa as if they were brawling in the street rather than boxing in a ring. Ochoa remained composed, taking multiple illegal blows to the back of the head, causing Portillo to face multiple penalties and two warnings from the ref. While admittedly rowdy and a bit wild, Portillo showed a lot of heart and kept fighting throughout the entire match, but ultimately he was out boxed by Ochoa, making Ochoa IFL’s first title holding boxer and earning himself two coveted belts, both ICB’s and IFL's.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
This phenomenal evening of events also included the amazing musical performances of RnB artist, KyleGee and rock band, Alibis. It was truly the biggest and most explosive event of the IFL series thus far. With fans lined up over a mile to get in, IFL 5 has set a new standard, guaranteeing IFL 6 to be even bigger and better. Hopefully you get your tickets before they sellout.
(Photos by Curtis @icaptureviolence)
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Written by Nikki Hru