British title action tops a packed Homeshow in Newcastle

The Homeshow, promoted by Tony “The Bossman” Cunningham, returned to Newcastle’s Walker Activity Dome on 7 March for a packed evening of international K1 kickboxing.

With more than 25 bouts and over 1,800 spectators in attendance, there was a real sense of anticipation around the venue. Fighters from across Europe joined a strong domestic line-up, including several athletes who have represented Kickboxing GB at European and World Championships.

I was particularly looking forward to the headline contest, which saw Levi Thompson face Ireland’s Billy Dolan Geary for the vacant Kickboxing GB Pro K1 British under-68kg title. Before that, however, there was plenty of action to keep the crowd entertained.

A stage worthy of the fighters

The Walker Dome provided an excellent setting. From the entrance music to the accompanying video footage, the production gave each fighter their moment in the spotlight and helped build the atmosphere throughout the evening.

Notorious TV was there to film the action, providing further exposure for the athletes. I would also like to recognise Tony Anderton of Beyond Distribution, supplier of Century martial arts wear and the event’s main fightwear sponsor. The fighters looked professional as they stepped into the ring.

The card featured both male and female competitors, with emerging talent sharing the bill with experienced fighters. With so many contests, it is impossible to mention everyone, but several performances stood out for me.

Dalton John earns a unanimous decision

Dalton John, representing the Welsh Kickboxing Organisation, faced Shana Ashmar of Contender Academy, Middlesbrough, in a semi-professional K1 contest over three two-minute rounds.

This was an entertaining fight from start to finish, with both athletes producing impressive techniques and keeping the crowd engaged throughout. Dalton’s performance earned him a unanimous decision after three competitive rounds.

Jordan Dixon retains his British title

Millennium Martial Arts’ Jordan Dixon defended his Kickboxing GB Semi-Pro K1 British title against Izack Watson of Legions Muay Thai.

Scheduled for five two-minute rounds, the contest saw Jordan apply pressure from the opening bell. His relentless work and varied combinations brought the fight to an early conclusion, securing a second-round TKO victory to loud applause from the home crowd.

Joe Johnson takes the under-76kg title

Joe Johnson of Millennium Martial Arts met Jack Bullock of Northern Kings for the Kickboxing GB Pro K1 British under-76kg title, in a contest scheduled for five three-minute rounds.

For me, this was one of the standout fights of the evening. Both men arrived ready to compete, and neither was willing to give ground. Their exchanges kept spectators on the edge of their seats throughout a fiercely contested bout.

At the conclusion, Joe Johnson was declared the winner and crowned British champion.

Levi Thompson closes the show in style

The final bout saw Millennium Martial Arts’ Levi Thompson take on Billy Dolan Geary of Dublin Combat Academy for the vacant Kickboxing GB Pro K1 British under-68kg title.

Levi received a tremendous reception as he made his entrance and looked determined to give the crowd a performance to remember.

Although scheduled for five three-minute rounds, the contest ended in the first. Levi took control from the opening bell, delivering a sustained series of powerful combinations to secure a first-round TKO and the British title.

It was an emphatic finish to an evening that featured some of the best K1 action I have seen in years.

Recognition for the team behind the show

Alongside the fighters and their coaches, the officials and event team deserve recognition for their contribution to the evening.

My thanks go to Phil “We Can Hear You” Whetten and all the judges and referees, who worked hard throughout a substantial fight card. Managing an event of this size is no small task, and their professionalism helped ensure the evening ran smoothly.

Tony Cunningham and his team delivered a well-run show with a lively atmosphere, memorable performances and British title action. From where I was sitting, the crowd had plenty to cheer about—and the fighters gave them every reason to do so.