No sooner had Marc De Bonte (87-11-1, 28 KO) won the GLORY Welterweight Championship on Saturday night at GLORY 16 DENVER he had already been challenged by Canadian contender ‘Bazooka’ Joe Valtellini (11-2-0, 10 KO).
“That was a great fight. Both guys put it on the line and it could have gone either way. I’d like to congratulate De Bonte and I can't wait for the opportunity to face him for the belt,” he told reporters as the result was announced.
“I'm ready, any time and any place. Whenever GLORY wants to give me the opportunity, it's my dream and nothing will stop me from winning that belt.”
Valtellini’s comments were relayed to De Bonte at the post-fight press conference. “Bring it on,” said the new champion, and today the match was made.
Bout agreements have been signed for De Bonte to defend the World Welterweight Championship against Valtellini on June 21.
The fight will take place on the LAST MAN STANDING pay-per-view card.
Also on that card is the World Heavyweight Championship fight between Rico Verhoeven (43-9-0, 10 KO) and Daniel Ghita (50-10-0, 39 KO).
“I’m crazy excited. I have been standing still for six months, my last fight was with Peter Aerts on December 21 so I am ready to go. Let’s get it on,” says Verhoeven.
Ghita is also looking forward to settling the rivalry between himself and Verhoeven. “I’m #1 in the rankings and I intend to prove that I am the best heavyweight in the world by taking the title on June 21st,” he said.
Heavyweight and Welterweight are not the only two titles, which will be on the line at LAST MAN STANDING. The event also hosts an eight-man Middleweight Championship Tournament.
Artem Levin (RUS), Joe Schilling (USA), Wayne Barrett (USA), Alex Pereira (BRA), Filip Verlinden (BEL), Bogdan Stoica (ROM), Simon Marcus (CAN), and Melvin Manhoef (NED) will clash in a one-night, winner-takes-all tournament to decide who takes the Middleweight belt.
“I’ve been in kickboxing for a long time, over two decades, and I can tell you there has never been a day like June 21,” says Cor Hemmers, GLORY matchmaker and Head of Talent Operations.
“It is the most stacked card in kickboxing history - GLORY 17 LOS ANGELES and LAST MAN STANDING will see three champions crowned, new contenders emerge and rankings impacted in every weight class.”
GLORY has partnered with all of the major PPV sports and event distributors to deliver GLORY: LAST MAN STANDING (SRP $34.95) to cable and satellite providers across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
Contact your local cable or satellite provider or go to gloryworldseries.com for more details on how to order.
GLORY: LAST MAN STANDING will immediately follow GLORY 17 LOS ANGELES, which airs at 8:00 pm ET on SPIKE TV.
For those who wish to attend GLORY 17 LOS ANGELES & GLORY: LAST MAN STANDING in person, tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and fabulousforum.com, Prices start at $30 and VIP packages, including Forum Club access, are available.
