Abdallah becomes World Kickboxing Association Cruiserweight champion

AMMAN — Jordan has a new world champion after professional kickboxer Amer Abdallah knocked out Britain’s Daniel Hughes to win the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Cruiserweight World Title in Lockport, New York, according to a statement from the Jordan Olympic Committee News Service.

Abdallah needed just 1.19 minutes into the second round to claim his title in front of a “home” crowd, with the Jordanian now in the New York State city which was hosting its first ever world title fight.

He was supported by thousands of local fans as well as Jordanians who travelled across the country to support.

“I’m proud, excited, happy, grateful, humbled, accomplished — you name it and I feel it,” he said. “I dedicate this title to HM King Abdullah II. It was a great moment when I saw Jordan’s flag high at the hall, and an honour to win in front of my family and friends.

The former amateur national champion Abdallah, 38, improved to 17-0 as a professional with a lethal array of leg kicks that sent the WKA British cruiserweight champ down to a knee in the first half of the first round of their scheduled 10-round world title bout.

Hughes withstood that onslaught and went to his corner for instructions from his life-long trainer, his father Christopher.

But the end was near, as Abdallah, as focused as ever, sent a variety of blows the Englishman’s way, connecting with solid, booming leg kicks to the body, then sent him down for good with a solid left leg to the midsection.

Abdallah, said he appreciates all the support he’s received from family and friends.

“My parents flew in from Jordan and my brother flew in from Dubai, and I had family here from San Francisco and Florida, friends, Dewey Cooper and Baby Joe Mesi, Jim Andrello, Kevin VanNostrand, were here — I’m surrounded by the best. We’re loyal. We’re the family,” Abdallah said.

Abdallah said he would defend his world title this November against an opponent who will be determined by the WKA. Retirement, he stated emphatically, is out of the question at this time.

“It’s up to the WKA to tell me who I’m going to fight,” Abdallah said. “I can no longer pick and choose. It’s up to the sanctioning body to determine who the number one contender is.”

In the meantime, Abdallah, who has switched recently to Las Vegas and trains at the Mayweather Gym, said he plans to stay in his hometown of Lockport for a few more weeks to celebrate his world title with family and friends.

He is expected to travel to Jordan for a visit during Ramadan where he will receive a hero’s welcome.