In a combat sports market saturated with boxing and mixed martial arts promotions, one organization dares to challenge the status quo by placing kickboxing at the forefront.
TNT Sports & Action Entertainment Inc. is set to make its debut with “TNT 1: Tunay Na Tigas,” an inaugural live event scheduled for June 24 at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan City. This highly-anticipated event will showcase a lineup exclusively dedicated to kickboxing, featuring three amateur bouts in the preliminary fights and seven professional matches on the main card.
The brainchild of lifelong martial artists Miguel Consing and James Gutierrez, TNT Sports & Action Entertainment Inc. was established in 2021 with a vision to tap into the untapped potential of kickboxing.
During TNT’s first press conference held in Makati City on June 3, CEO Miguel Consing expressed his admiration for the high-level strikers in the Philippines.
“I’ve been observing many athletes for a long time now, and what truly stands out is their striking,” he said. “Our strikers haven’t had the opportunity to compete on a high-level platform. We want to showcase to the world what we have.”
James Gutierrez, the company’s public relations chief, shared the same sentiment as Consing, emphasizing that kickboxing as TNT’s exclusive offering sets them apart from other organizations.
“There are already fantastic organizations here, many of them focused on boxing and MMA. We give credit to those who have paved the way,” Gutierrez stated. “What we aim to build is a super highway. We want to make a splash. From casual fans to die-hard enthusiasts, we are excited to bring kickboxing to a broader audience.”
TNT’s debut event will feature a bantamweight headliner, pitting Arsenio Balisacan of Licab, Nueva Ecija against Ferdinand Aquino of Trece Martires, Cavite.
(C) TNT
Additionally, a featherweight co-main event will see Manuel De Los Reyes of Zamboanga City face off against Kervin Lampacan of La Trinidad, Benguet.
The card also boasts a highly-anticipated legend-versus-legend encounter between former URCC featherweight champion Reydon “Red” Romero and MMA veteran Rex De Lara, contested under kickboxing rules.
Other matchups include Ranulfo John Vallega Jr. vs. Mark Sadang (welterweight), Jaybie Ignacio vs. Robertson Abion (flyweight), Adrian Bulado vs. Daryl Mayormita (featherweight), and Gabriel Bajada vs. Jeffrey Bayron (flyweight).
The event will kick off with three amateur contests: Rafael Labordo vs. Lucian Choy (welterweight), Ronald Rey Abaño vs. Noel Karlo Rosario (featherweight), and Pons Henry Seneres vs. Ramil Rodriguez (catchweight).
All fights will adhere to K-1 rules, allowing for strikes such as punches, kicks, and knees. Each bout consists of three three-minute rounds, with an extension round implemented in case of a draw.
Tickets for the event are priced at ₱1,999 for VIP, ₱1,499 for ringside, ₱999 for floor seats, ₱699 for lower box, and ₱399 for upper box.
On the other hand, TNT’s maiden card will be streamed through the Vivamax Plus pay-per-view.
TNT Sports & Action Entertainment Inc. has no plans of slowing down after June 24, with a target of hosting 16 more events until 2026, including “TNT Fight Con” in 2025 and subsequent years.
“Fighting is something we are truly good at, and kickboxing is one of those we want to showcase. We want to start giving these fighters an opportunity. To be part of that is rewarding,” Gutierrez declared.
