Powerful Kicks Dominate This Week’s Sports Monday

Good evening, Belizeans at home and abroad. This week, we highlight athletes that are kicking legs, face and footballs on this exciting edition of Sports Monday. Let’s kick things off with mixed martial arts. Belize City was on fire Saturday night as PROFC 20 delivered high-octane action at the Lord Ashcroft Centre, with local fighters stepping up on a stacked fight card. The spotlight belonged to young Belizean phenom Jalen Perez, the self-styled Belizean prodigy, who stole the show in the main event. Perez defeated Guatemalan Sergio Vicente by armbar submission, improving his professional record to two-and-Oh and cementing his status as one of Belize’s rising MMA stars.

 

Shane Williams

“I saw when you were giving him those leg kicks, it seemed to bother him. What did you notice from the leg kicks?”

 

Jalen Perez, MMA Pro

“I seen him giving me big facial reactions, wincing, giving me the obvious tell that he couldn’t take them very well. If you can’t take them, I’ll give them to you. And that set, that helped me set up the rest of my game plan, had him biting on my faints and I was able to implement my game plan.”

 

Shane Williams

“What’s next for you?”

 

Jalen Perez

“I’ll keep representing Belize always. If it’s outside going to take somebody’s belt to put Belize on a map, that’s what we’re gonna do. But I’ll keep representing Belize and I’ll show everybody that this is the new sport. This is the new mainstream sport and there’s so much untapped talent in mixed martial arts in Belize.”

 

The night also featured gritty performances across the card. Even though he was too worn out to stand after his second professional bout, young Belizean Dominic Beaino stayed perfect, winning by unanimous decision over Guatemalan Emilio Chacon to move his professional record to two and Oh. In the amateur fights on the early card, Belizean fighter Josue Gonzalez went the distance, earning a unanimous decision after three rounds in a hard-fought battle against his Mexican opponent Emilio Cortes. Erick Lopez needed little time, closing the show early with a first-round guillotine submission over Belizean fighter Danny Martinez. And fans were treated to a thriller as two brave Mexican warriors Michel Cortez and Miroslava Cavich took as many shots as they gave in what organizers dubbed the “Fight of the Night,” showcasing heart, endurance, and technical skill. In the end, Cortez picked up a unanimous decision win over Cavich, twenty-nine to twenty-eight on each judge’s scorecard. From dominant submissions to all-out wars, PROFC 21 proved once again that Belize’s MMA scene is growing fast and the future looks explosive. Pro FC 21 is scheduled for March 28^th in San Ignacio.

 

In the beautiful game, the future of women’s football was on full display Saturday at the Berger Field, as Royal Fusion and Elite FC went head-to-head in the Belize District Under-Fifteen Girls Championship. It was a tense opening half, with both teams trading chances and strong defensive play keeping the scoreboard blank. After twenty minutes of football, it was nil-nil and the championship was still wide open to grab. But Royal Fusion wasted no time after the break. Crystal Rowley ignited the crowd in the twenty-first minute, breaking the deadlock with a well-taken goal that gave Fusion the early edge. Just two minutes later, momentum swung hard. Jocelyn Zuniga doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute, putting Royal Fusion firmly in control and Elite FC on their back foot. But Elite FC refused to fold. In the thirtieth minute, Aisha Reyes pulled one back, sparking hopes of a comeback and setting up a dramatic finish. The final minutes and stoppage time saw Elite FC throw everything forward, pressing relentlessly for the equalizer. But Royal Fusion’s defense stood tall, shutting the door when it mattered most. At the final whistle, Royal Fusion are the opening season Belize District Under-15 Girls Champions, a statement win for a young team with a very bright future. Individual awards went to Elite FC’s Deanna Moss for best Goal Keeper and LiAudra Graham for best defender. Royal FC’s Shaquai Reynold was this year’s best midfielder, Amina Burgess had the most goals and Crystal Rowley was named finals game MVP. Congratulations also to Elite FC for finishing second in their first time participating in the U-15 tournament.

 

Well, that’s all we have for you this week folks. Be sure to tune in next week for more highlights from the different disciplines. Until them, I’m Shane Williams reminding you that friendly competition unites and balling is life so, keep balling Belize.