Liam Harrison (kickboxer)

Liam Harrison
Born 5 October 1985
Other names The Hitman
Nationality English
Height 1.72 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in)
Weight 63 kg (139 lb; 9.9 st)
Division Light Welterweight
Super Lightweight
Lightweight
Style Muay Thai
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of Leeds, England, UK
Team Bad Company Thai Boxing Gym (England)
Jitti Gym (Thailand)
Trainer Richard Smith
Kickboxing record
Total 94
Wins 74
By knockout 38
Losses 18
Draws 2
last updated on: 8 March 2014

Liam "The Hitman" Harrison (born 5 October 1985) is an English light welterweight Muay Thai kickboxer currently fighting out of the bad company thai boxing gym in leeds (when based in the UK) and trains at Jitti Gym in Bangkok (when fighting in Thailand).[1] He is a four time world champion in both kickboxing and Muay Thai, which includes holding the prestigious W.M.C. belt.

Career/Biography

Brought up in his hometown of Leeds, Liam first started training in Muay Thai aged 13, when he joined the Bad Company gym in Harehills – a tough neighbourhood in the north-east of the city. At the Bad Company gym he trained under the tutelage of Richard Smith (still his current trainer) who was a former British, Commonwealth and European kickboxing champion. Liam was large for his age and made his amateur debut aged 14, winning in a no head contact fight. He made his pro debut not much later, just shy of his fifteenth birthday, defeating Martin Shivnan via knockout after around 30 seconds. Success on his pro debut lead to a number of victories on the local scene culminating in a bout for the S.I.M.T.A. Northern Area title, which he promptly won against opponent Abdul Arif, again by first round knockout.[2][3]

Between 2000 and 2004 Liam established himself as the top fighter in the United Kingdom in his weight class, having moved up from featherweight (52 kg/114.4 lbs) to light welterweight (63.5 kg/139.7 lbs]) and having beaten domestic and international competition including the likes of Ait Said Aberderahman, Preechapon Por Nuongubon, Satoruvasikoba and had fought as far afield as Japan. At the end of 2004, Liam travelled to Italy where he was supposed to face reigning champion Massimo Rizzoli for his W.A.K.O. low-kick kickboxing world title, although an injury suffered by Rizzoli meant that Liam would face the W.A.K.O. European champion Emannuel Di Profetis instead. Despite the late change of opponent and fighting in a rule set different from Muay Thai, Liam won the match by technical knockout to become world champion aged just 19 years old.

Victory in Italy was quickly followed by success at home when Liam defeated the Dutch based kickboxer Mohamed Ajuou to claim the European version of the S.I.M.T.A. belt (Liam had won a regional title back in 2000). As a world champion the competition got tougher but Liam kept winning, defeating European level fighters in Abdoulaye M'baye and Benzouaoua Hakim as well as fighting in Japan where he defeated Hiromasa Masuda in a rematch from 2003 and was still undefeated going into 2005. He made his Thai debut in August of that year, losing a split decision to Witthayanoi Sitkuanem at the famous Rajadamnern Stadium in what was the first defeat of his pro career. Liam suffered his second consecutive loss a few months later on his return to England, losing to another Thai in Duwao Kongudom who was a highly rated Omnoi Stadium champion, in a match in Wolverhampton.[4]

Despite suffering two defeats including losing his Thai debut, Liam was unperturbed by the experience and headed back to Thailand at the end of 2005. He won his first title on Thai soil by defeating a much bigger Russian opponent to claim the Patong Stadium belt at 68 kg (149.6 kg). Having gained his first victory in Thailand, Liam strung together five victories in the country throughout 2006 which included winning another world title – this time the W.P.M.F. light welterweight belt against reigning champion Masa Hiroshima - as well as retaining his Patong stadium title. He also rematched Witthayanoi Sitkuanem but was once again unsuccessful. That year Liam also received recognition from outside of the Muay Thai and kickboxing world, winning the "Leeds Sports Federation Sportsman of the Year" award.

Throughout 2007 Liam fought primarily in Thailand, basing himself at the Jitti Gym in Bangkok. He fought a number of bouts at the major stadiums including at the world renowned Lumpinee Stadium, managing to successful defend his W.P.M.F. world title two times that year. He also made brief forays back to the United Kingdom, facing W.M.C. world champion Numphon PK Sterio two times that year. Liam lost the first match between the pair, but won the second in Manchester in November via a fourth round KO, picking up his biggest victory up to that point as well as winning the W.M.C. lightweight world title – arguably Muay Thai's most prestigious honour. He was also named as the Muay Siam magazine's top foreign fighter of the year.[5]

In 2008 Liam fought a number of bouts at Bad Company promoted shows in his home town of Leeds, defeating the likes of Benabdeljelil Mehdi and Masaru Ito. He also retained his W.M.C. lightweight world title by stopping Sarmsamut Kiatchongkao in June of that year. The following year Liam would face extremely stiff competition as he faced the likes of Saenchai Sor Kingstar and Anuwat Kaewsamrit. Liam did well against Saenchai but came up short against arguably the world's pound for pound best fighter in Muay Thai, losing a decision in their matchup in London. He then headed to Jamaica to face another legend in Anuwat, being defeated via TKO to the "Hands of Siam" and losing his W.M.C. world title in what was a first ever stoppage loss for Liam.

The Hitman would gain revenge against Anuwat Kaewsamrit in March 2010, defeating him by unanimous decision over five rounds in their rematch in Manchester. Although Anuwat was not as dominant a force as he had been a few years previously, he was still a strong fighter and Liam's best victory up to date. He would also have the chance to enhance his name by entering the inaugural Thai Fight competition, a knock out event involving sixteen of the world's best Muay Thai fighters at 67 kg/147.4 lbs with a first place prize of 2,000,000 Baht (around $62,000).[6] Despite being one of the smaller fighters at the tournament (Liam usually fought around 63 kg/138.6 kg) he went into the event with some confidence, and so it proved as he outworked the Iranian Behzan Rafighdoust in his first match forcing him to quit in the second round. Going into the quarter finals Liam then knocked out Soishiro Miyakoshi with a barrage of vicious elbows. This victory was bittersweet however, as Liam was disqualified from the tournament for coming in over the weight – something he insisted was the result of a sickness he caught prior to the match.

In 2011 Liam had two rematches against opponents who had defeated him in the past. He came up short in both of them losing to arguably the world's best Muay Thai fighter in Saenchai Sor Kingstar in a match where he proved he could hang with the best, and suffering a second defeat to Petaswin Seatranferry‏ who had defeated him at an event in Glasgow the previous year.

On 31 March 2012 he beat Andrei Kulebin by TKO in round 3 using his trademark leg kicks. Kulebin was considered by many to be lb for lb one of the strongest fighters outside Thailand and holds a string of World Titles, but Harrison was too strong and made short work of him.

He was expected to face Kaoponlek at Thai Boxe Mania 2012 in Torino, Italy on 24 November 2012[7] but pulled out due to injury.

Harrison lost to Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym for the third time at Muay Thai Warriors in Macau on 9 December 2012, losing a clear-cut unanimous decision.[8][9]

Harrison lost to Mosab Amrani by first round KO due a liver punch at Glory 5: London on 23 March 2013.[10][11][12][13][14]

He competed in the Glory 8: Tokyo - 2013 65kg Slam in Tokyo, Japan on 3 May 2013.[15] He lost to Masaaki Noiri via TKO due to a cut in round two in the quarter-finals.[16][17][18]

He lost to Sagetdao Petpayathai by decision in the semi-finals of the four-man 68 kg tournament at MAX Muay Thai 3 in Zhengzhou, China on 10 August 2013.[19][20][21][22]

He stopped a four-fight losing streak with a unanimous decision victory over Dylan Salvador at The Main Event 2013 in Manchester, England on 2 November 2013.[23][24]

He was set to fight Damien Alamos at Yokkao 8 in Bolton, England on 8 March 2014[25][26] but Alamos withdrew from the fight, claiming to have a hand injury, and was replaced by Houcine Bennoui.[27] He defeated Bennoui on points in a five-round -65 kg Muay Thai bout.[28][29]

He is expected to fight Greg Wootton at The Main Event in Bolton on 7 June 2014.[30]

Titles/Awards

Titles[31]

Awards[32]

Kickboxing record

Kickboxing Record

Legend:       Win       Loss       Draw/No contest       Notes

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Liam Harrison (DOB, Gym, stats etc)". www.mymuaythai.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  2. ↑ "Cameras are shy but Liam is still (Details on early career)". www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  3. ↑ "LIAM HARRISON - The UK's Number 1 Thai Boxer (Details on early career & titles)". www.fightersmag.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  4. ↑ "Duwao Kongudom at Bad Company (Details on Duwao Kongudom)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  5. ↑ "Fighter Of The Month - Liam Harrison (Mentions MuaySiam honour)". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  6. ↑ "ISUZU Thai fight 2010 -preview - 2.000.000 Bahts Muaythai tournament". www.olivier-angelini.org. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  7. ↑ Fight To Watch In November: Part 1
  8. ↑ Fights To Watch In December: Part 1
  9. ↑ Muay Thai Warriors Macau: Saenchai beats Liam Harrison for third time
  10. ↑ Tyrone Spong vs. Remy Bonjasky on 16 Feb. in London
  11. ↑ GLORY 5 London: Bonjasky vs. Spong Event Pushed Back Until March
  12. ↑ GLORY 5 London Live Results
  13. ↑ Results and Recap: Glory 5
  14. ↑ GLORY 8 Tokyo: 65kg Tournament Field Complete, More Fights Added
  15. ↑ GLORY 8 Tokyo 65kg Tournament Matches Announced
  16. ↑ GLORY 8 Tokyo Live Results
  17. ↑ GLORY 8 Tokyo Results and Review: Yuta Kubo Proves Why He is the Number One Japanese Fighter in the World
  18. ↑ Glory 8 Results: Yuta Kubo wins featherweight tournament
  19. ↑ Buakaw, Liam Harrison, Sagetdao Headline MAX Muay Thai China
  20. ↑ MAX Muay Thai Announces 10 August Event Headlined by Buakaw
  21. ↑ MAX Muay Thai in China: Buakaw Victorious
  22. ↑ Max Muay Thai China Full Fights & Result run-down
  23. ↑ Fight card set for The Main Event 2013, Liam Harrison vs. Dylan Salvador headlines
  24. ↑ The Main Event 2013 Results
  25. ↑ Yokkao Announces Muay Thai Mania England 2014
  26. ↑ http://samurailife.net/waterloo-ii-liam-harrison-p4p-elite-vs-damien-alamos-lumpinee-stadium-champ-huge-2014-euro-muay-thai-fight/ Samurai Life: WATERLOO II: Liam "Hitman" Harrison vs. Damien Alamos!
  27. ↑ Houcine Bennoui replaces Damien Alamos who is "injured" for Yokkao 8!
  28. ↑ Weekend Results: Yokkao 8 Rocks the UK
  29. ↑ Yokkao 8 breaks into England with an Action Packed Success!
  30. ↑ The Main Event on 7 June Brings Harrison vs. Wooten
  31. ↑ "Liam Harrison - 61.5-63kg (Shows most of Liam's titles)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  32. ↑ "Liam Harrison - 61.5-63kg (Shows most of Liam's awards)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  33. ↑ "Leeds Sports Federation Sports Awards 2007/2008". oliver.narcheatan.over-blog.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  34. ↑ "Liam Harrison - Muay Thai is Life (No of fights, wins, kos - prior to Justin Greskiewicz fight 2011-07-23)". www.muaythaiislife.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  35. ↑ "Interview Liam " The Hitman " Harrison 07-09-2010 (No of fights/wins/draws/losses)". oliver.narcheatan.over-blog.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  36. ↑ "Warriors Cup XII Results and Recap". www.muaythaiislife.com. Retrieved 2011-07-24.
  37. ↑ "MMHK 4/4 to 4/10: Mike Zambidis Wins in Russia, Gegard Mousasi's Future and More (Scroll down to bottom for result)". www.headkicklegend.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  38. ↑ "Duel At The Dome - Liam Harrison Vs Saenchai Sor Sinbi 2 - The Re-Match !! (Preview)". www.olivier-angelini.org. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  39. ↑ "Rd 5 Harrison Sanchai 2". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  40. ↑ "SUPER SHOWDOWN 11 - Results -Explosive fight between Harrison and Petchasawin! (Results)". www.olivier-angelini.org. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  41. ↑ "Supershowdown 19 February 2011 (Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  42. ↑ "Liam Harrison vs Soishiro Miyakoshi (details on result and Liam's disqualification)". www.mymuaythai.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  43. ↑ "Round 2 of Isuzu Thai Fight 16-Man Tournament – October 23rd (Results)". www.muaythaiislife.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  44. ↑ "Liam Harrison Leeds vs. Petaswin of Thailand May 2010". www.ronniegreentv.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  45. ↑ "Revenge is sweet: Liam harrison VS Anuwat Rematch". www.sherdog.net. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  46. ↑ "MSA Show 27 March (Review & results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  47. ↑ "Msa Muay Thai Premier League - 7th November DeVere Whites Hotel, Bolton (Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  48. ↑ "M S A Reebok Sky Sports (Preview, event details etc)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  49. ↑ "12 September 2009 - For The Glory Of - Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool (Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  50. ↑ "Liam Harrison v Anuawat Kaewsamrit - CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2 - Montego Bay Jamaica 26 June 2009". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  51. ↑ "Anuwat Kaewsamrit vs Liam Harrison_Part3/3". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  52. ↑ "A big weekend at Bad Company! (Results from Lumpinee)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  53. ↑ "Muaythai Legends Results Fairfield Halls London 7th February 2009". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  54. ↑ "7 February 2009 - Muay Thai Legends - Liam Harrison v Sanchai and Andy Howson v Damian Trainor! (Review & results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  55. ↑ "ISKA Championship Muaythai (Results)". www.iska.org.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  56. ↑ "18 October - Leeds Town Hall (Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  57. ↑ "WMC Leeds England vs Thailand Leeds town Hall, 14th June 2008 (Results)". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  58. ↑ "Bad Company show Leeds UK - 14 June (Results)". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  59. ↑ "Liam Harrison vs Soishiro Miyakoshi (Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  60. ↑ "Liam Harrison wins WMC world title". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  61. ↑ "Master Skens Super Show 25th November (Preview, dates etc)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  62. ↑ "Power of Scotland -- 28th November 2009 (Results)". www.powerofscotland.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  63. ↑ "Power of Scotland 3(Preview & Results)". www.glasgowthaiboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  64. ↑ "Kamikaze lost his fight at Lumpinee. Interview with Ahmed Saadi (Mentions Harrison title fight)". fightaca.mass.hc.ru. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  65. ↑ "Bad Company Fighters At Ratchadamnoen". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  66. ↑ "MUAY THAI ACTION FROM THAILAND (Review & Results)". unlimitedfightnews.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  67. ↑ "Liam Harrison vs Masod Patongmuaythai (Rounds 3 & 4)". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  68. ↑ "18 February 2007 - Master Skens Show George Carnall Sports Centre, Urmston (Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  69. ↑ "Master Skens Feb 07 Show (Event details etc)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  70. ↑ "Liam Harrison fight at Ratchadamnoen sunday 6 August". www.badcompany.co.ukhttp://www.badcompany.co.uk/article.asp?newsid=209. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  71. ↑ "Busy Weekend for Bad Company! (Mentions Ronnie fight - name misspelt)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  72. ↑ "17 June 2006 - Bad Company Show at Leeds Town Hall (Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  73. ↑ "Liam Harrison vs Mickael Lallemand‏". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  74. ↑ "The further adventures of Liam Harrison (2005-06 Thailand Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  75. ↑ "The further adventures of Liam Harrison (2005-06 Thailand Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  76. ↑ "The Hitman Fights For World Title 10th February (Preview & Results)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  77. ↑ "The further adventures of Liam Harrison (2005-06 Thailand Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  78. ↑ "Well done to our fighters in Thailand (Mentions Klaynoi fight)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  79. ↑ "The further adventures of Liam Harrison (2005-06 Thailand Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  80. ↑ "20 November 2005 - Wolverhampton Civic Hall Featuring Liam Harrison v Duwao Kongudom, Andy Howson, Jordan Watson, Kevin Harper and Reece Crooke (Preview of Duwao fight)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  81. ↑ "Another Thai Trainer At Bad Company (Mentions Liam-Duwao fight)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  82. ↑ "Liam Harrison in Thailand (Mentions Sitkuanem fight)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  83. ↑ "Liam Harrison in Thailand (Mentions Masuda rematch)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  84. ↑ "Leeds Town Hall 26 June 2005 at Leeds Town Hall (Results)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  85. ↑ "Liam Harrison vs Benzouaoua Hakim (Round 5)". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  86. ↑ "23 April 2005 - Pain & Glory at the NEC, Birmingham. Featuring Liam Harrison from Bad Company. RESULTS". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  87. ↑ "27 February - Master Skens Show George Carnall Sports Centre (Details on European title fight)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  88. ↑ "Liam Harrison wins world title Naples Dec 4th". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  89. ↑ "LIAM HARRISON CAMPIONE DEL MONDO (In Italian - world title fight in Naples)". www.ilguerriero.it. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  90. ↑ "Liam Harrison wins World Title Naples 3 December". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
  91. ↑ "Bad Company Show, Royal Armouries Part 2, 10 October 2004". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  92. ↑ "TEAM BAD COMPANY V TEAM DEKKERs!!! verslag en foto's (Dutch language - results & photos)". www.mixfight.nl. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  93. ↑ "LIAM HARRISON WINS IN JAPAN!!!!!". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  94. ↑ "Liam Harrisons Fight In Japan". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  95. ↑ "England v Russia - SUNDAY 6 June 2004 Liam Harrison v Russian fighter. Jordan Watson v Ryan Collins. RESULTS.". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  96. ↑ "England Vs Russia (Results etc)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  97. ↑ "Sat 24 April 2004 - NEC Supershow Pain & Glory - RESULTS". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  98. ↑ "Liam Harrison vs Matthew Johnson (Rounds 4 - 5)‏". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  99. ↑ "Master Sken Show (Event details)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  100. ↑ "Master Sken's Show - Results (Scroll down)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  101. ↑ "England V Thailand Master Skens ... (Results)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  102. ↑ "Liam Harrison V Hiromasa Masuda". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  103. ↑ "Results from Ali Jacko's show". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  104. ↑ "England V Thailand..results?". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  105. ↑ "SCHEDULES FOR 2004 (Scroll down - mentions Yogendra fight & shows location)". www.nerulali.plus.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  106. ↑ "The Bad Company Thai Boxing Website - Review of the Year 2008 (Scroll down to 2003 Review - mentions Yogendra fight)". www.badcompany.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  107. ↑ "Next K-star Show (Preview - date details etc)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  108. ↑ "Nongkee Pahuyuth Show (Results - actually Dean White Show)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  109. ↑ "2x Rachadamnern Champion In Action Once Again (Preview of event)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  110. ↑ "Results Fights Leeds". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  111. ↑ "28 April - Leeds Town Hall (Preview of event - location etc)". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  112. ↑ "Bad Company Fight Night, Town Hall, Leeds 29th April". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  113. ↑ "Dean White's Show 15th July 2001 Painthorpe Cricket Club, Wakefield, England". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  114. ↑ "Bad Company Fight Night, Town Hall, Leeds 7th April". www.muaythaionline.org. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  115. ↑ "LIAM HARRISON - The UK's Number 1 Thai Boxer (Profile - mentions Abdul fight - date estimate based on Liam's age)". www.fightersmag.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  116. ↑ "LIAM HARRISON - The UK's Number 1 Thai Boxer (Profile - mentions Shivnan fight - date estimate based on Liam's age)". www.fightersmag.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-07-08.

External links