Riverton will host its biggest kickboxing event in more than a decade this fall, with home favorite Leon Vasko headlining an 11-bout card at the city’s main indoor arena.
Organizers announced the event on Tuesday, promising a full night of men’s and women’s bouts and two title fights. The arena, which seats around 9,000 for combat sports, has not hosted a kickboxing card of this size in ten years.
The main event
Vasko, 29, who trains at a small gym in the old town, will face Rafael Ostrander for the vacant regional light heavyweight title. Vasko has won 24 of his 27 professional fights, 15 of them by knockout, and is best known for the fast high kicks that made his name.
Ostrander, a 31-year-old southpaw from a neighboring country, has a reputation for a patient, defensive style. The two have never met in the ring.
I’ve fought abroad for most of my career. Fighting for a belt in front of my own city is something I’ve wanted since I was a kid in that gym.
Leon Vasko, kickboxer
In the co-main event, Port Alden’s Selma Dragic defends her regional featherweight title against a challenger who will be confirmed next week.
Why now
The promoter behind the event says interest in kickboxing has grown quickly in the country, helped by online streams of smaller events and a rise in gym memberships among young people.
Five years ago we struggled to fill a sports hall. Now the young fighters have their own fans, and the crowds keep growing.
Irena Castell, promoter and organizer of the event
The card will also feature six fighters making their professional debuts, most of them from clubs in Riverton and Northvale.
Safety and tickets
Organizers said all fighters will undergo full medical checks before the event, and a ringside medical team will be present throughout the night, in line with the national federation’s rules.
Tickets go on sale next week, with prices starting at 25 euros, and the event will also be streamed live. The full running order, including the undercard, will be announced a month before fight night.
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