Todd Is A Future ‘Superstar’ Says Wilkinson
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Kallan Todd has been hailed as a “superstar in the making” by Garon Wilkinson, the Bermuda Sanshou Association [BSA] president, after winning two titles at the World Kickboxing and Karate [WKA] World Championships in Bali, Indonesia, last week.
Todd retained his K-1 junior title in the 95kg-plus division and won the K-1 adult title in the same weight class.
Both of the 16-year-old’s victories came against Iranian opponents, with Todd winning his first fight against Mehran Cheriki by a split decision before stopping Faramarz Abdi in the third round.
He also made his mixed martial arts debut, losing to Ryker Tepania, of New Zealand.
“Kallan was one of the superstars of the tournament,” Wilkinson told Bernews. “Lots of people came up to him [to congratulate him]. They can’t believe he’s only 16!
“Everyone believes he will be a pro in the next few years. We’re really proud of him.
“For a 16-year-old to travel to the other side of the world and do so well was impressive.”
Todd, in his final year as a junior competitor, won the Glory Rules and K-1 junior titles at the previous WKA World Championships in Prestatyn, Wales, in November last year.
The CedarBridge Academy student is a recipient of the National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme.
Also competing in Bali was Krista Dyer, who fought in the women’s 63kg division in the prestigious Emerge Fight Series – a semi-professional K-1 rules tournament.
The 35-year-old lost in the final against Ihipera Mackay, of New Zealand, via a unanimous decision; however, she did win the Low Kick Kickboxing title, beating Michelle Ihaka, of New Zealand, by a unanimous decision.
“Krista looked like she belonged [in the Emerge Fight Series],” Wilkinson said. “I’m keen to see her fight at that level again.
“It was her first fight without headgear, and she did extremely well.”
Wilkinson also fought at the championships in a Low Kick Kickboxing men’s open bout and Full Contact Karate match in the masters’ division.
He claimed the title in his kickboxing contest, winning by unanimous decision, but lost his karate bout.
Nolette Webb, the BSA team manager, also served as a Pan American certified kickboxing judge at the championships.
