Andrew Lofthouse (Evolve, Manchester) vs Matt Mckeown (Diamond Academy, Willenhall)

Our next fight is a domestic clash in the lightweight division featuring UK #5 Andrew Lofthouse vs local fighter Matt Mckeown, who currently occupies 6th spot in the rankings.

Lofthouse needs no introduction to the Muay Thai stage in the UK, having been very active in the past 18 months, during which time his popularity has soared. A former amateur World champion known for his unorthodox fighting methods, Lofthouse’s crowd-pleasing style has seen him take wins over some highly rated names including Brian Totty and Ross George.

After dropping a points decision to Keith Mclachlan on The Main Event in June, Lofthouse progressed to the semi finals of an 8-man tournament at a few day’s notice in September, before ending the year on a high with a knockout win over former World champion Anthony Ferguson in a fight of the night performance in November.

In the opposite corner on May 23rd will be Matt Mckeown from the Diamond Academy in Willenhall. Trained by triple World champion Dean James, Mckeown is a strong all-round fighter with an impressive record of 13 wins from 16 professional fights.

Capable of fighting on the outside, as demonstrated in his last fight where he took a wide points win over Supergym’s Mike Bateman, and equally comfortable utilising solid clinch-work and elbows, English champion Mckeown has all the tools to make an impression in the lightweight division. He, too, counts a win over Ross George on his CV and is looking for another top scalp here with a win in front of his hometown fans.

Something of a clash of fighting styles, with Lofthouse’s entertaining and unpredictable approach up against a more traditional, disciplined stylist in Mckeown. There can only be one winner…