 "Sensation at Glory 96: both fighters claim victory, but the jury ensures a bizarre denouement")
The absolute main battle of Glory 96 ended in a bizarre denouement on Saturday evening. Both Tyjani Beztati and defending champion Chico Kwasi thought they had won the match. However, the jury thought differently.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the world of professional kickboxing, where two men can pummel each other senseless for five rounds only for someone in a suit to tell them, “Sorry, mate, no one’s won this one!” In the showdown of titans at Glory 96, we witnessed an epic clash between welterweight champion Chico Kwasi and lightweight champion Tyjani Beztati. The stakes were sky high, and you could almost hear the crowd’s collective gasp when they realized it was all ending in a stalemate. Oh yes, a draw—not a knockout, not a submission, but a lovely old-fashioned standstill! What a twist in this Floyd Mayweather meets Monty Python scenario!
This was no ordinary fight; Beztati had a chance to be a two-division champion. Imagine the Instagram posts! But alas, all we got was a vivid display of “who can land the prettiest punch” before the judges threw their scoring paddles into the ring like confetti at a third-rate wedding. So, who won? No one—and apparently everyone did too! Let’s crack open that champagne for another round of ‘who’s-the-best-but-not-really.’
Jury declares a draw
As the fifth round came crashing down, both fighters celebrated as if they’d just won the lottery—only to find out they’ve merely tied in Monopoly, and no one gets the money. The audience watched on, trying to make sense of the situation while the judges probably flipped a coin backstage. Maybe they were watching Netflix, binging on snacks instead of concentrating on the bout. And just like that, Kwasi retains the title but loses the chance to walk around like a peacock.
Super heavy
Amidst this circus, we must tip our hats to Beztati for fighting despite the heavy heart he carried after the recent loss of a dear friend. A true display of grit, though I suspect a few of us would have taken a holiday and nibbled on some chips instead. But that brings us to the rematch everyone’s buzzing about! Both fighters are itching to get back in the ring, like kids on Christmas Eve. Beztati’s planning a little holiday first—a snow-covered escape away from all this heartache—and then it’s back to the drawing board. Because, let’s face it, nobody wants to be known as the reigning champion who didn’t even beat their opponent without the help of a fluke.
Smiling home
Kwasi, amidst all this drama, just couldn’t resist throwing in his cheeky two cents. He claims he’s always the underdog, but I reckon he’s enjoying the limelight a tad more than he’s letting on. “I go home laughing and he doesn’t,” he quipped. Bold statement coming from a man who just had to share the spoils! One wonders if he managed to sneak in a few extra giggles while hugging the title belt that no one fought for!
Meanwhile, those not getting the love and laughs, Donegi Abena and Tarik Khbabez, are gearing up for what’s sure to be a no-love-lost battle during Collision 7 next month—because let’s face it, if you can get into the ring and not leave as friends, then you’re clearly doing it right!
And lest we forget Donovan Wisse, who not only defended his middleweight title but is now eyeing that glorious spot in history like a toddler eyeing cake before dinner. Someone tell me the secret to his success—was it a special diet or just a healthy dose of optimism?
As we await the next chapter in this captivating saga, let’s hope the rematch delivers the fireworks everyone’s buzzing about. And maybe—just maybe—this time, someone can bring home a clean victory instead of sending the fans home baffled and wondering about who the real champion is. In the world of Glory, it seems there’s just as much drama outside the ring as there is inside. Here’s to round two—may the best man actually win!
