KICKBOXING: Devaney wins European honours by 5 Round TKO !

The name Devaney held fear for opponents of old on the hurling fields of the 1960s and so it was for the Englishman who faced the famed Tipperary kickboxer called Liam Devaney in Birmingham last weekend. 

The Thurles Martial Arts Academy graduate is a rising star representing his country on the international stage. As the well coached Liam Devaney keeps racking up the wins, his name is on everyone's lips in the kickboxing world. The Thurles K-1 Kickboxing and Muay Thai fighter made the trek across the water to Birmingham for the fight of his life against well respected opponent Mitch Stephenson.

Devaney has been creating quite the stir over the last twelve months and the wins have been stacking up all year. Liam won the - 88kg ISKA Professional Irish K-1 Kickboxing title in Cork back in February putting in a fantastic performance in the process thereby earning the right to represent Ireland last weekend in Birmingham.  On Saturday last, he took to the ring for the European ICO K-1 Title in Birmingham where he took on the highly rated Mitch Stephenson, who had been on his own run of wins against the best in the UK recently. 

There were big expectations for both in the ring for this fight. Both were on very successful winning streaks over the last two years. The fight was fast paced from the start with strong exchanges from both Devaney and Stevenson. Soon into the bout though, Stevenson realised he faced a whirlwind of movement and class from the Irish fighter. 

Rounds 1 and 2 were closely contested with each fighter a bit cagey and just settling in. Then the Borrisoleigh/Templemore man - who trains out of the long established Thurles Martial Arts Academy (Stradavoher) under the tutelage of head coach Pat-John McCoole, assistant coach Liam Ryan and Sam Devaney (his training partner and an active and accomplished professional Muay Thai and K-1 fighter himself) - began to shine. Liam pushed the intensity levels to overdrive and landed a barrage of heavy punches to force the referee to step in and give Stevenson a standing 8 count. The Englishman knew he was in a fight. 

 Stevenson sharpened up as the Northampton fighter knew he had to find another gear to stay competitive. Entering the final round the fight was close, with both fighters still looking dangerous and effective. Round 5 was the big one and 40 seconds into the round Liam Devaney knocked Stevenson with a high kick resulting in the second count of the fight. Unbelievably the UK fighter once more showed his durability and got back to his feet in time to continue. However, the 'Thurles Titan' was relentless and stepped up the pressure once again, landing a series of clean punches, kicks and knees until 2.30 seconds into the final round he landed a heavy right overhand knocking Stevenson for the 3rd time.  That looked like curtains but the drama went on.

Amazingly Stevenson got back up. Those there gasped at his desire to win but the Irishman was just hitting top gear. Within a couple of seconds of the restart the referee was forced to step in for the 4th and final time. Saving Stevenson he waved off the fight and awarded Liam Devaney the -85kg European K-1 Title by 5th round technical Knock Out much to the joy of the Thurles contingent that had made the trek for the tussle. 

A memorable win and another notch on the ring corner for a rising star.