A lakecity kickboxer, Ryan Hatt, didn’t disappoint in his debut kickboxing bout on Friday, June 13, in Tumbler Ridge.
Hatt, 31, defeated Tumbler Ridge’s Jacob Moore in a three-round, 165-pound welterweight fight — one of many on Fivestar Fight League’s Rumble on the Ridge Two — an event sanctioned by the BC Athletic Commission.
After training for four years under Marcel Rochefort, Paul Rosborough and Tyler Bate, Hatt got his chance to put his skills to the test during the card.
“It was a pretty good fight,” Hatt said. “But it was very nerve racking. The first round I was pretty nervous, but it was awesome. It felt great to win and the crowd was really good. The cheers and everything were nice.”
Rochefort said the bout had a fast pace from start to finish.
“Ryan had cleaner boxing and continuously landed cleaner, more telling shots,” Rochefort said, adding round one was close, but Hatt’s kicks gave him the round.
“Round two was fairly even seeing Jacob press forward more. Ryan stayed composed and returned to his low kicks again and again.”
That pressure continued in the third round to, ultimately, secure Hatt the decision.
“He was ready to go but the bell saved him as Ryan was relentless to the legs,” Rochefort said.
Hatt added he’d like to thank his trainers, and Rosborough and Bate, who were in his corner for the fight.
“Also, my wife, Nicole Hatt, for coming and for all the support,” he said.