Lion Fight 28: Cedric Manhoef Steps in to Face Jo Nattawut
Jo Nattawut
By Press Release
Lion Fight Promotions announced today that renowned striker Cedric Manhoef will step in to face reigning super welterweight champion “Smokin” Jo Nattawut for the title at Lion Fight 28.
Manhoef (51-2-1) replaces Kem Sitsongpeenong in the championship bout which will co-headline the event slated for Friday, February 26th at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. In the night’s other title fight, Ognjen Topic puts his Lion Fight lightweight belt on the line against Dutch star Sergio Wielzen.
“We are very excited to add a fighter of Cedric Manhoef’s elite caliber to the event, especially since he was so eager to take on a champion like Jo Nattawut,” said Scott Kent, CEO & President of Lion Fight.
“This is going to be a thrilling showdown for the title between two of the very best in the world of Muay Thai fighting.”
Originally from Suriname and now living in Holland, the challenger developed his talents under the tutelage of his uncle, former K-1/Dream standout and current Bellator fighter Melvin Manhoef.
Manhoef enjoyed an outstanding 2015 campaign. In October, he captured the World Fighting League 70kg Tournament with victories over Edson Fortes and Massaro Glunder in the one-night event. Two months later, Manhoef was successful once again in a one-night tournament, this time winning the 72.5kg crown at the Mix Fight 19 Gala with verdicts over Lirim Ahmeti and Faston Vukshinaj.
Nattawut (55-5-2) is originally from Thailand but now fights out of Atlanta, Georgia. He captured the Lion Fight title at LF22 by earning a clear-cut unanimous decision win over Salah Khalifa. Nattawut then followed that up with a third-round TKO finish of Charlie Peters at LF24.
Tickets for Lion Fight 28 went on sale Friday, January 8th at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.foxwoods.com/lion-fight-28, or by calling 800-200-2882 or by visiting the Foxwoods Box Offices.
Lion Fight 28 will air live on AXS TV Fights beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The broadcast features expert commentator “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich.
