Toughman Hawaii’s Next Generation season finale was held Saturday at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, and saw 38 youth kickboxers take part 19 fights — including five divisional titles.
In the main event, two highly decorated 17-year-old fighters — Adrian Lee of Mililani, O‘ahu and Eric ‘Frosty’ Cortez of Sacramento, Calif. — squared off in a five-round pankration fight.
Lee — a six-time world champion and returning Toughman Hawaii Next Generation Champion — pulled off a close victory by decision over Cortez — an IMMAF World silver medalist and student of the UFC’s Urijah Faber.
“The show was amazing,” promoter Walter Carvalho said. “All the kids deserve a huge round of applause as they gave it their all trying to become champions.”
Also on the main card, Maui’s Capone Sundberg won a six-round fight to capture the 90-pounds title over Puna’s Skyler Alvarado.
“This was an amazing fight between two of the best kids in the state,” Carvalho said.
Emeliano Rodriguez defeated Gemar Alvarado in a six-round battle to capture the 125 lb title — and return to San Jose, Calif. with a belt.
“What a battle this one was,” Carvalho said. “(Rodriguez) has the biggest heart I have ever seen.”
Puna’s Keyan Flores won the 145 lbs title, defeating San Jose’s AJ De Luna.
“(Flores) proved that at 16 years old he is the top 145 (pound) fighter in Hawaii,” Carvalho said. “He won the title over a very strong and tough opponent.”
Wai‘anae’s Savon Barnard and Hilo’s Uriah Elaban went at it for five rounds, with Barnard prevailing to take the 135 lbs. title.
“There’s a reason why (Barnard) has been at the top so long,” Carvalho said. “These two kids will meet again, you can bet on it.”
Special guests at the event included Senator Jerrad Keohokalole, Mayor Mitch Roth, BJ Penn, Urijah Faber, Falaniko Vitale, Yancy Medeiros, David Padilla, Riquo Abadilla, David Comer and Kristian Lei.
Outstanding Individual performance trophies went to Lionidas Mackienzy (Washington state), Dieter De La Cruz (San Jose, Calif.), Ezekiel Ponce (San Jose), Jhayse Gines (Hilo), Kyler Flores (Hilo), Mila Gambol (Hilo), Maximo Kyle (Las Vegas, Nev.), Kamila Adame (San Jose), Eliajah Jauquin (Hilo), Zaydon Young (Puna)
Best Fight of the Night was awarded to Capone Sundberg vs Skyler Alvarado — with Emeliano Rodrigues vs Gemar Alvarado being named the runner-up.
The Coach of the Year award went to Bryan Flores of Spirit of the White Robe Muay Thai — whose school was also awarded the Outstanding Team Performance award. Jhayse Gines and Janson Keanu, who train under Flores, received the Most Improved award.
Keeyan Flores and Capone Sundberg were co-awarded Fighter of the Year — and each received a backpack full of goodies from Hele Fitness, presented to them by Yancy Medeirios.
The next season of Toughman Hawaii Next Generation will begin in February of 2024.
Non-title fights
Lionidas Mackienzy defeated Mikah Grace to open up the show, fighting at 45 pounds.
“What a barn burner,” Carvalho said. “These two six-year-olds had the crowd up on their feet the whole three rounds.”
Dieter De La Cruz defeated Caleb Canida at 50 pounds.
Ezekiel Ponce over Princeton Barnard, 65 pounds.
Jovana Cortez over Xyahni Mackienzy, 60 pounds.
Jhayse Gines over Sandino Rodriguez, 90 pounds.
Kyler Flores over Alexander Avalos, 90 pounds.
Skyler Young over Chance Leong, 110 pounds.
Mila Gambol over Charlotte Kelly by TKO, 70 pounds.
Maximo Kyle over Blaze Perez, 75 pounds.
Damien Aki over Anthony Cardenas by split decision, 110 pounds.
Janson Keanu over Eliajah Fontes, 130 pounds.
Kamila Adame over Brauncy Prudencio by first round TKO, 115 pounds.
Anela Lee over Bethany Gebin, 110 pounds.
Eliajah Jauquin over Zaydon Young (extra rounds), 120 pounds.
Carvalho’s
“Cutman’s Corner”
“To all the kids the
participated in the event,” Carvalho said, “remember that there are no losers in Toughman Hawaii Next Generation — everybody wins.
“Believe in yourself, work hard and always be respectful. Discipline is key, learn only from the positive people that surround, you push the rest away. Never give up, because the next greatest thing for you in your life could be right around the corner.”
