Garon Wilkinson, the president of the Bermuda Sanshou Association (BSA), hailed the performances of their fighters who took to the ring at Teachers Rugby Fight Night XVI: Relentless at the weekend.

The BSA was represented by Kaelin Cox, Jason Lowe, Adam Chevis, Shannon Ford, Khalid Pitcher, Talia Iris and Jermal Woolridge at the annual event.

Cox, Lowe, Chevis, who competed in boxing bouts, Pitcher and Woolridge, both kickboxers, were all victorious.

Iris lost a split decision to Shelby Marchand, of the Fifth Round Martial Arts and Training Academy in Ontario, while Shannon Ford lost his boxing bout to Corey Boyce, of the Bermuda Karate Institute, via a third-round stoppage.

Wilkinson said he was proud his stable of fighters for displaying skill and courage between the ropes.

“I think the calibre of fights were excellent,” Wilkinson said. “I was very pleased with the results of the Bermuda Sanshou Association athletes as well as those who went out and put on a good show.

“At the end of the day, I’m happy with our wins but I’m more concerned with the level of performances of our athletes.”

Woolridge, who topped the bill, put on an entertaining show for the sellout crowd against Joey Brozovich, of the MAS Academy of Martial Arts Training, with a unanimous-points victory.

Brozovich, who is deaf, showed plenty of courage but was unable to cope with Woolridge’s extra know-how and was repeatedly taken down by his more experienced opponent. Wilkinson is hoping that bouts will be held on the Island more regularly.

“These competitions are very important for us here, obviously it gives us the opportunity to compete at a very high level with no travel costs,” Wilkinson said.

“We travel sometimes as much as four times a year to far destinations, so it’s great to be able to fight on home soil and still have quality opposition. It also helps to popularise our sport. Kickboxing was nonexistent here until the BSA began putting on our FightFest events back in 2006.

“Some of our fighters have built a loyal fanbase and it’s great to hear how the fans have followed their progress.

“It makes it all worth it in the end because we have spent a lot of time and money to get to the level we are at today.”

Part of the proceeds from Fight Night was donated to the Dante Noel-Simmons Education Fund.