Tyrone Spong

Surinamese martial artist From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tyrone Spong

Tyrone Clinton Spong (born 3 September 1985) is a Surinamese-Dutch professional boxer and mixed martial artist and former kickboxer. As a boxer, he held the WBC and WBO Latino heavyweight titles in 2018. In kickboxing, he is the former WFCA cruiserweight champion, Glory 95kg Slam Champion and It's Showtime 95MAX World champion.

Quick Facts Born, Other names ...
Tyrone Spong
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BornTyrone Clinton Spong
(1985-09-03) 3 September 1985 (age 39)
Paramaribo, Suriname
Other namesKing of the Ring
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight228 lb (103 kg; 16 st 4 lb)
DivisionWelterweight
Middleweight
Light heavyweight
Cruiserweight (boxing)
Heavyweight
Reach74 in (188 cm)
StyleKickboxing
Boxing
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofBoca Raton, Florida, U.S.
TeamKill Cliff FC
Blackzilians (2011–2016)
Team Mr. Perfect (2009–2011)
Fighting Factory Carbin (2001–2009)
TrainerHenri Hooft
Ernesto Hoost
Lucien Carbin
Years active2001–2014 (Kickboxing)
2012–2013, 2021 (MMA)
2015–present (Boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total14
Wins14
By knockout13
Losses0
Kickboxing record
Total116
Wins107
By knockout73
Losses7
By knockout4
Draws1
No contests1
Mixed martial arts record
Total3
Wins2
By knockout1
By decision1
Losses1
By knockout1
Other information
Websitehttp://www.tyrone-spong.nl
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: 12 April 2014
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Early life

Tyrone Spong was born in Suriname. In 1990 at the age of five, he moved to the Netherlands with his family. Growing up in the Bijlmermeer neighborhood of Amsterdam, he was often involved in street fighting and began training in kickboxing at the age of thirteen, under the guidance of Lucien Carbin. After getting his "ass whooped" in his first day of training, he was motivated to improve. He had his first match at fifteen and won by first-round knockout.[1] Some of his early sparring partners included Alistair and Valentijn Overeem, and Gilbert Yvel.[2]

Kickboxing career

Summarize
Perspective

In 2003, his first year as a professional, Spong won 12 fights. In 2004, he fought Rafi Zouheir at the Battle of Zaandam, winning his first European Muay Thai Title (World Kickboxing Network). In 2004, Spong visited Japan to compete in Shootboxing, losing to Ryuji Goto via unanimous decision. His next fight, in April 2005, was against Belgian Mohammed Ouali for another European Title (WPKL). Spong won the fight by unanimous decision.

In December 2005, at the A-1 Combat Cup in Duisburg, Spong won his first tournament Championship after winning three consecutive fights by knockout.

In 2006, Spong had two significant victories, knockout wins over Muay Thai veteran Joerie Mes and, two weeks later, K-1 fighter Kaoklai Kaennorsing, from Thailand.

In 2007, Spong won the SLAMM world title up to 79 kg by defeating the Thai Yodchai Wor Petchpun via first-round TKO. In the following match, he defeated the Belarusian Dmitry Shakuta.

On 26 January 2008 Spong won the World Full Contact Association (WFCA) World Thaiboxing Cruiserweight Championship by defeating Aurelien Duarte. Following this, he won the KO World Series 2008 by defeating Nikos Sokolis via knockout in the first round, and defended his WFCA Muay Thai title by finishing Ondrej Hutnik with a left liver punch in the second round. On 26 April 2008 Spong faced Azem Maksutaj at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Amsterdam, winning by knockout in the second round. He then defeated Gary Turner via TKO in the first round. On 29 November 2008 he became the inaugural It's Showtime 95MAX World champion after beating Zabit Samedov by unanimous decision.

On 28 March 2009 Spong participated in the first K-1 Heavyweight (−100 kg) Title tournament, held in Yokohama, Japan. He was beaten in the semifinals by Gokhan Saki, who won by KO in the extra round.[3]

Spong met Nathan Corbett at Champions of Champions II on 27 June 2009, in what was widely considered a battle between the two best Muay Thai fighters in the world at their weight class, for the W.M.C. world title −93 kg. The fight was close, with Spong knocking Corbett down in the second round, and ended with a controversial decision. In the third round, Corbett knocked Spong out with a right hook causing the referee to stop the fight. However, due to the referee's misleading hand signals, Corbett rushed back in and knock Spong down once more, not sure that the fight had been stopped. After considerable confusion, the fight was declared a no contest.

After defeating the Worlds heavyweight champion, Kyotaro, on 5 December 2009, Spong fought Jerome Le Banner in April 2010. Similarly to the Corbett fight, Spong broke his right hand in the first round and was knocked down. Despite coming back strongly, he lost by decision. At the end of the year, he qualified for the K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 Final, defeating veteran Ray Sefo in an elimination match, only to lose to eventual winner Alistair Overeem at the quarter final stage in what was a more competitive fight than most had predicted, as Overeem was much the bigger fighter. At the start of 2011, Spong had to vacate the It's Showtime 95MAX world title due to a number of issues, such as not having had a title defense in the allocated two years and his management stating that he had moved up in weight to fight as a heavyweight.[4]

Spong knocked out Igor Mihaljevic with a left knee in the first round at It's Showtime 2011 Lyon on 14 May 2011. He defeated Loren Javier Jorge by unanimous decision at It's Showtime Madrid 2011 on 18 June 2011.

Spong faced Melvin Manhoef at It's Showtime 2012 in Leeuwarden on 28 January 2012 and won by unanimous decision. He faced the legendary Dutchman Peter Aerts at an It's Showtime event in Brussels, Belgium, on 30 June 2012 and won by knockout in the third round.

Spong fought Remy Bonjasky at Glory 5: London in London, England, on 23 March 2013.[5][6][7][8] Spong won via one-punch KO with a right hook in the second round.[9][10][11]

Spong returned to 95 kg to fight in the Glory 9: New York - 2013 95kg Slam in New York City, New York, United States on 22 June 2013.[12][13] He had a scare in the quarter-finals when he was dropped by Michael Duut soon after the bout started, although it was not counted by the referee. Just moments after returning to his feet, Spong landed a crushing right hand on Duut, knocking Duut out and ensuring Spong's passage to the semifinals against Filip Verlinden.[14] The Verlinden match was a technical battle, with Spong outpointing the Belgian and taking a unanimous decision. A match with Danyo Ilunga awaited him in the final but it ended in a controversial and anticlimactic fashion. As the fight began, both fighters met in the center of the ring and Spong unloaded a flurry of punches. As Ilunga covered up and prepared to counter, referee Mufadel Elghazaoui jumped in and stopped the fight, giving Spong the TKO win at just sixteen seconds of the first round.[15][16][17] Although, it was later revealed that there was a "no standing eight count" rule in effect at the event as per the New York State Athletic Commission's regulations, the stoppage was still deemed premature by much of the kickboxing community.[18][19]

In a long-awaited rematch, Spong fought Corbett again at Glory 11: Chicago - Heavyweight World Championship Tournament in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States on 12 October 2013. Spong dropped Corbett twice with left hooks and won by second-round TKO .[20][21][22][23][24]

Spong fought in the Glory 15: Istanbul - Light Heavyweight World Championship Tournament in Istanbul, Turkey on 12 April 2014, competing for the inaugural Glory Light Heavyweight Championship. After defeating Saulo Cavalari via unanimous decision in the semifinals, he then faced Gökhan Saki in a highly anticipated rematch in the final. Midway through the opening round, Spong threw a kick to Saki's left leg. Saki checked the kick, causing Spong's lower right leg to fracture immediately and end the fight via TKO.[25][26][27]

Spong underwent surgery to repair his broken leg and returned to training in October 2014.[28] On 14 April 2016 he announced that he had retired from kickboxing and was looking forward to new challenges.

Mixed martial arts career

Summarize
Perspective

World Series of Fighting

Spong made his highly anticipated MMA debut against Travis Bartlett at World Series of Fighting 1 on 3 November 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the light heavyweight (205 lb) division. For his MMA debut he trained with the Blackzilians for over a year with such fighters as K-1 World Grand Prix winner and former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem and former UFC light heavyweight champions Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort.[29] Spong knocked out Bartlett at 3:15 of the first round with a straight right.

Spong faced Angel DeAnda at World Series of Fighting 4 on 10 August 2013 in the main event.[30] Spong won via unanimous decision.

Eagle Fighting Championship

Spong was scheduled to face Bigfoot Silva on 28 January 2022 at EFC 44.[31] However, Silva pulled out of the bout and was replaced by Sergei Kharitonov.[32] Spong lost the fight by technical knockout in the second round.[33]

Karate Combat

Spong was seen and interviewed at Karate Combat 52 in Miami and expressed interest in fighting for the promotion, stating that he thinks Karate Combat 'is the future'. He told the interviewer the promotion is 'fan-friendly' and 'perfect for his style of fighting'.

During the broadcast of Karate Combat 53, it was announced that Spong will fight for the Karate Combat Heavyweight Championship against the reigning champion Sam Alvey at Karate Combat 54 in Dubai on May 2, 2025.[34]

Boxing career

Spong decided to begin a career in professional boxing at age 29. His first boxing match was on 6 March 2015, beating Gabor Farkas by KO in the first round. Spong defeated Juan Carlos Salas by KO in Round 1 at Brave Warriors in Action PPV event on 27 May 2017 in Mexico.[35] On 7 October 2017 Spong won the WBC Latino Heavyweight Championship.

Spong vs. Silgado

On 31 August 2018 Spong defeated Santander Silago via KO in the first round.[36]

Spong vs. Perea

In his next fight, Spong defeated Ytalo Perea via split decision. The scorecards read 97–93, 96–94 and 94–96 in favor of Spong.[37]

Spong vs. Minda

His following bout came against Jeyson Minda. Spong ended the bout early via a second-round KO.[38]

Spong was due to face Oleksandr Usyk on 12 October 2019 but the bout was called off after Spong tested positive for the banned substance clomifene.[39] However, his third sample, which was tested by VADA, came back negative.[40]

Titles

Kickboxing

Awards

  • 2013 Kickboxingplanet.com Kickboxer of the year[41]
  • 2013 Liver Kick.com Fighter of the Year[42]

Boxing

Personal life

Spong has four children.[43] He is an avid animal enthusiast, as is evidenced by the majority of his tattoos. He is the owner of several pit bull terriers, which he bred himself.[44] Spong has trained in the United States with Floyd Mayweather Sr.[45] He has also been decorated with the Honorary Order of the Yellow Star the highest order of Suriname by President Dési Bouterse.[46]

Professional boxing record

More information 14 fights, 14 wins ...
14 fights 14 wins 0 losses
By knockout 13 0
By decision 1 0
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More information No., Result ...
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
14 Win 14–0 Jeyson Minda TKO 2 (10), 1:42 31 Aug 2019 Gimnasio Polifuncional, Merida, Mexico
13 Win 13–0 Ytalo Perea SD 10 21 Dec 2018 Anthony Nesty Sporthal, Paramaribo, Suriname Retained WBC Latino and WBO Latino heavyweight titles
12 Win 12–0 Santander Silgado KO 1 (10), 1:14 31 Aug 2018 Convention Center, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. Retained WBC Latino and WBO Latino heavyweight titles
11 Win 11–0 Carlos Nascimento KO 5 (10), 1:53 24 Feb 2018 Domo Unidad Deportiva del F.U.T.V., Merida, Mexico Retained WBC Latino heavyweight title;
Won vacant WBO Latino heavyweight title
10 Win 10–0 Sergio Ramirez KO 1 (8), 2:54 7 Oct 2017 Domo Unidad Deportiva del F.U.T.V., Merida, Mexico Won WBC Latino heavyweight title
9 Win 9–0 Juan Carlos Salas KO 1 (6), 1:44 27 May 2017 Polyforum Zam Ná, Mérida, Mexico
8 Win 8–0 Jose Felix TKO 1 (8), 1:34 18 Apr 2017 Casa de los Clubes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
7 Win 7–0 Carlos Rodriguez TKO 1 (8), 1:06 31 Mar 2017 Coliseo Pepe Mayen, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
6 Win 6–0 Hugo Leon KO 3 (6), 0:36 4 Sep 2016 Club Deportivo Ferrocarrilero, Aguascalientes City, Mexico
5 Win 5–0 Tracey Johnson TKO 2 (6), 1:41 6 Aug 2016 Doubletree Miamimart Hotel, Miami, Florida, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Lucas Queen KO 1 (4), 1:04 1 Apr 2016 War Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 David Gogishvili TKO 2 (4), 1:05 5 Mar 2016 Colosseum Sport Hall, Grozny, Russia
2 Win 2–0 Emre Altintas TKO 1 (4), 1:54 21 Mar 2015 Unihalle Wuppertal, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
1 Win 1–0 Gabor Farkas KO 1 (4), 1:14 6 Mar 2015 Bruno Gehrke Halle, Berlin, Germany
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Kickboxing record

More information Date, Result ...
Professional Kickboxing record
107 Wins (73 (T)KO's, 34 decisions), 7 Losses (4 (T)KO's, 3 decisions), 1 Draw, 1 No Contest
Date Result OpponentEventLocation MethodRoundTime
2014-04-12LossTurkey Gökhan SakiGlory 15: Istanbul – Light Heavyweight World Championship Tournament, FinalIstanbul, TurkeyTKO (leg injury)11:39
For the Glory Light Heavyweight Championship and the Glory Light Heavyweight World Championship Tournament.
2014-04-12WinBrazil Saulo CavalariGlory 15: Istanbul – Light Heavyweight World Championship Tournament, Semi FinalsIstanbul, TurkeyDecision (unanimous)33:00
2013-10-12WinAustralia Nathan CorbettGlory 11: ChicagoHoffman Estates, Illinois, USATKO (left hook)21:10
2013-06-22WinGermany Danyo IlungaGlory 9: New York – 95 kg Slam Tournament, FinalsNew York City, New York, USATKO (punches)10:16
Wins the Glory 95kg Slam Tournament.
2013-06-22WinBelgium Filip VerlindenGlory 9: New York – 95 kg Slam Tournament, Semi FinalsNew York City, New York, USADecision (unanimous)33:00
2013-06-22WinNetherlands Michael DuutGlory 9: New York – 95 kg Slam Tournament, Quarter FinalsNew York City, New York, USAKO (right hook)10:31
2013-03-23WinNetherlands Remy BonjaskyGlory 5: LondonLondon, EnglandKO (right hook)22:02
2012-06-30WinNetherlands Peter AertsMusic Hall & BFN Group present: It's Showtime 57 & 58Brussels, BelgiumKO (punch)32:10
2012-01-28WinNetherlands Melvin ManhoefIt's Showtime 2012 in LeeuwardenAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision (unanimous)33:00
2011-06-18WinSpain Loren Javier JorgeIt's Showtime Madrid 2011Madrid, SpainDecision (unanimous)33:00
2011-05-14WinCroatia Igor MihaljevicIt's Showtime 2011 LyonLyon, FranceKO (left knee)12:01
2010-12-11LossNetherlands Alistair OvereemK-1 World GP 2010 Final, Quarter FinalTokyo, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:00
2010-10-02WinNew Zealand Ray SefoK-1 World GP 2010 Seoul Final 16Seoul, Republic of KoreaDecision (unanimous)33:00
Qualifies for K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 Final.
2010-04-03LossFrance Jerome Le BannerK-1 World Grand Prix 2010 in YokohamaYokohama, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:00
2009-12-05WinJapan Keijiro MaedaK-1 World Grand Prix 2009 FinalYokohama, JapanDecision (unanimous)33:00
2009-06-27NCAustralia Nathan CorbettChampions of Champions IIMontego Bay, JamaicaNo contest30:55
2009-05-16WinHungary Attila KaracsIt's Showtime 2009 AmsterdamAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision (split)33:00
2009-03-28LossTurkey Gökhan SakiK-1 World GP 2009 in YokohamaYokohama, JapanKO (right hook)41:58
2009-01-24WinMorocco Samir BenazzouzBeast of the EastZutphen, NetherlandsTKO (corner stoppage)32:23
2008-11-29WinAzerbaijan Zabit SamedovIt's Showtime 2008 EindhovenEindhoven, NetherlandsDecision (unanimous)53:00
Wins It's Showtime 95MAX World title.
2008-10-05WinEngland Gary TurnerK.O. Events "Tough Is Not Enough"Rotterdam, NetherlandsTKO (doctor stoppage)11:05
2008-04-26WinAlbania Azem MaksutajK-1 World GP 2008 in AmsterdamAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (knee strike)20:45
2008-03-15WinCzech Republic Ondrej HutnikIt's Showtime 75MAX Trophy 2008, World Title Fight's-Hertogenbosch, NetherlandsKO (Left liver punch)22:32
Retains title of (W.F.C.A.) World Thaiboxing Cruiserweight championship.
2008-02-09WinGreece Nikos SokolisKO World Series 2008 in AucklandAuckland, New ZealandKO (left liver punch)12:25
Wins KO World Series 2008 in Auckland Cruiserweight world title.
2008-02-09WinEngland Chad WalkerKO World Series 2008 in AucklandAuckland, New ZealandKO (overhand right)11:08
2008-01-26WinSenegal Aurelien DuarteBeast of the EastZutphen, NetherlandsDecision (unanimous)33:00
Wins vacant title of (W.F.C.A.) World Thaiboxing Cruiserweight (−86.18kg) title.
2007-12-24WinDenmark Rasmus ZoeylnerReturn of the King 2Paramaribo, SurinameKO (strikes)2N/A
2007-10-27WinCroatia Emil ZorajOne Night in BangkokAntwerp, BelgiumTKO (doctor stoppage)41:02
2007-08-26WinIran Human NikmaslakReturn of the King 1Paramaribo, SurinameKO (knee strike)12:31
2007-06-02WinBelarus Dmitry ShakutaGentleman Fight Night IVTilburg, NetherlandsDecision53:00
2007-05-06WinThailand Yodchai Wor PetchpunSLAMM "Nederland vs Thailand III"Haarlem, NetherlandsTKO (referee stoppage)12:38
Wins the vacant title of SLAMM World 79kg title.
2007-03-25LossEgypt Amir ZeyadaRings Gala, VechtsenbanenUtrecht, NetherlandsTKO (referee stoppage/punches)31:49
2006-11-12WinNetherlands Joerie MesPride & Honor Ahoy 2006Rotterdam, NetherlandsTKO (knee)51:12
2006-10-01WinThailand Kaoklai KaennorsingSLAMM "Nederland vs Thailand II"Almere, NetherlandsKO (right punch)11:55
2006-06-18WinNetherlands Sem Braan2H2H The Road To TokyoAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (left hook)31:40
2006-06-03WinNetherlands Henry AkdenizGentleman Fight Night 3Tilburg, NetherlandsTKO (doctor stoppage)33:00
2006-05-06WinFrance Farid M'LaikaGala de KickboxingGeneva, SwitzerlandDecision (unanimous)52:00
2006-04-29WinSouth Korea Cho In JunMARS World Fighting GPSeoul, KoreaKO (strikes)12:07
2005-12-03WinTurkey Senol KiziltasA-1 Combat LeagueDuisburg, GermanyTKO (knee)2N/A
Wins A-1 Combat League World title.
2005-12-03WinTurkey Senol CetinA-1 Combat LeagueDuisburg, GermanyTKO (corner stoppage)1N/A
2005-12-03WinUkraine Rene LitchkoA-1 Combat LeagueDuisburg, GermanyKO (right hook)10:45
2005-10-09WinNetherlands Vincent VielvoyeRotterdam RumbleRotterdam, NetherlandsDecision53:00
2005-05-08WinMorocco Youness El MhassaniMuay Thai GalaAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision53:00
2005-04-09WinMorocco Mohammed OualiMuay Thai Champions League XIVNetherlandsDecision53:00
Wins title of W.P.K.L. European Middleweight (−72.5kg) championship.
2004-12-23WinCuraçao Renato HassetThe Night of LegendParamaribo, SurinameKO (strikes)4N/A
2004-11-14WinEngland Richard WestonMuay Thai/Mixed Fight Gala, Sporthal StedenwijkAlmere, NetherlandsKO (strikes)1N/A
2004-10-17WinMorocco Rafi ZoufeirBattle in Zaandam IIZaandam, NetherlandsTKO (low kicks)3N/A
Wins title of W.K.N. Thaiboxing European Middleweight (−76.2kg) championship.
2004-04-18LossJapan Ryuji GotoShoot boxing: Infinity-S Vol.2Tokyo, JapanDecision33:00
2004-03-21WinMoroccoHamid El CaidProfighters Gala in AlmereAlmere, NetherlandsDecision53:00
2004-02-22WinNetherlands William Diender2H2HRotterdam, NetherlandsDecision (majority)53:00
2003-11-12DrawMoroccoYouness El MhassaniVeni, Vidi, Vici IIVeenendaal, NetherlandsDraw53:00
2003-11-02WinBelgium Xavier GatezImmortalityAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (strikes)2N/A
2003-10-13WinNetherlands Rocky Grandjean2H2H in AhoyNetherlandsTKO (doctor stoppage)2N/A
2003-07-04WinCuraçao Gregory CostinaBaas SportsWillemstad, CuraçaoTKO (low kicks)4N/A
2003-05-18WinNetherlands Melvin RozenbladKillerdome IIIAmsterdam, NetherlandsDecision53:00
Makes His A-class debut.
2003-04-19WinNetherlands Henry AkdenizBeast of The EastZutphen, NetherlandsTKO (corner stoppage)13:00
2003-04-13WinNetherlandsJan van DenderenEast Side IIIGorinchem, NetherlandsDecision52:00
2003-02-02WinNetherlands Harry LodewijksKillerdome IIAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (strikes)1N/A
2003-01-11WinMoroccoTarik SlimaniDudok ArenaHilversum, NetherlandsN/AN/AN/A
2002-10-27WinNetherlands Ray StaringBeast of The EastArnhem, NetherlandsDecision52:00
2002-05-19LossEgyptAmir ZeyadaItai-Te Promotions, Thaiboksgala Predators IIIAmsterdam, NetherlandsKO (slam)40:47
2002-03-08WinNetherlandsDave van der PloegBeast of The EastZutphen, NetherlandsDecision52:00
2002-03-03WinGermanyOlli KochLoasana Promotions, The PalaceGroningen, NetherlandsKO (strikes)1N/A
2001-09-22WinNetherlandsWerner StoelChampions Gym Gala in HanenhofGeleen, NetherlandsDecision52:00
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes
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Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
3 matches 2 wins 1 loss
By knockout 1 1
By decision 1 0
More information Res., Record ...
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 2–1 Sergei Kharitonov TKO (punches) Eagle FC 44 28 January 2022 2 2:55 Miami, Florida, United States Heavyweight debut.
Win 2–0 Angel DeAnda Decision (unanimous) WSOF 4 10 August 2013 3 5:00 Ontario, California, United States
Win 1–0 Travis Bartlett KO (punch) WSOF 1 3 November 2012 1 3:15 Paradise, Nevada, United States Light Heavyweight debut.
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