Female World Title Kickboxing Bout Called Off as Fighter Misses Weight
A highly anticipated female WKA world title kickboxing fight between Lilimae Marson and Tigerlily Cope was called off after Marson failed to make weight. The event was scheduled to take place at Jackhammer UK on 12th July.
The cancellation came after Marson weighed in at 62.5kg—well above the 60kg limit. It was the first time in her career that she had missed weight.
The promoter of the event Chris Bladon and Mason’s coach Lee Whitfield of Bai Lang Kickboxing Academy both publicly shared an official statement of the event.
Whitfield stated, “She looked sharp, fit, and confident. At no stage did she raise concerns about making weight,” adding that she had appeared on track throughout fight week after returning from her first holiday abroad.
SHOP: The Kickboxer Collection
The weigh-in environment turned confrontational when Cope and her mother, who also acts as her coach, began shouting at Marson. “Just because Lilimae has turned 18 and is now legally an adult doesn’t justify another adult shouting at her publicly,” Whitfield noted in defense of his athlete.
Due to the escalating situation, Marson’s mother made the decision to withdraw her from the weigh-in venue in order to protect her daughter’s well-being. Whitfield clarified that this was not a withdrawal from the fight itself but a response to the intensity of the moment. “This was not a withdrawal from the fight, but a decision made for her wellbeing in that moment,” he wrote.
Marson’s team had offered to attempt a second weigh-in following a water cut and expressed willingness to proceed without a title on the line. However, the bout did not go ahead. Moreover, Chris Bladon, the promoter of the event even expressed his thoughts in a video and was visibly distraught.
Bladon said “If you’re fighting for a world title this should mean everything to you!”
Coach Lee Whitfield published a full statement on Facebook explaining the events and expressing disappointment, while also reiterating the importance of professionalism and athlete safety.
However, the rest of the event was a great success with many people suggesting it was one of the best kickboxing events they had been to.
Recent posts
