The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

IT came down to the judges’ decision in sudden death for Muy Thai fighter DC Pratt, before he was eliminated in his 2013 fighting debut.

Pratt lost by decision in the opening round of the 2013 IKF World Classic Amateur/Muy Thai-Kickboxing Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Following the fight, he expressed his regret through a social media post.

“Wish I could have a more positive update on the tournament, but I didn’t advance,” he said. “I fought my fight, it was a draw which went to a sudden death fourth round which the judges awarded to my opponent.”

Over 360 fighters registered to fight at the event over four divisions, including Adult Men, Adult Women, Junior Boy and and Junior Girl fighters.

“Regardless of my opinion of how the fourth round went, or that of the doctor, the referee, the judge, and my opponent’s coach, who thought I stole the fourth round, I came up short and it’s on me to do better next time,” he said.

Prior to the fight, Pratt noted that his concern was not about the field of more experienced fighters, but more about making his registered weight class at 153 pounds. He lost 15 pounds prior to the bout to get down to 151 pounds.

“I want to thank everyone that supported me. I want to give a special thank you to my coaches and training partners who helped prepare me and a very special thank you to those who sponsored me because I wouldn’t have been able to have the opportunity of competing,” he said. “I’m sorry if I let anyone down, but things happen in the fight business and it’s the risk I took for leaving it up to the judges. This is all a learning experience. And again, thanks everyone for the support. There will be a next time.”

While it was Pratt’s first fight for the year, with a strict training regimen, he said he was prepared and focused on having a good showing at the tournament.

In October last year, Pratt opened the Bangkok Fight Night Atlanta Grand Prix event in Atlanta, Georgia, with a split decision over Clint Blizzard in the 160-pound weight class in his Muay Thai debut.

One of the major MMA promotions in the state, Bangkok Fight Night features both professional and amateur MMA and Muay Thai bouts on its 11-fight card.