The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

It was approximately a year ago when DC Pratt made a successful Muay Thai debut. Now, he will return to the same promotional card seeking his first win of the year.

Pratt is scheduled to face Clint Blizzard on the under-card of “Bangkok Fight Night All-Stars” at the Centre Stage Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 4.

While he stopped short of making a prediction for the fight, Pratt said he was confident heading into the 160 weight class bout.

“Last year it went to a split decision, so I want a definitive win in the rematch,” he said. “I won’t offer a prediction but I definitely expect to win. I’m going with intentions of making my mark, so I want a stoppage.”

After taking up the sport in 2009, Pratt made what he called a successful debut at Bangkok Fight Night Atlanta Grand Prix in October 2012, with the decision over Blizzard.

“I know I am a much better fighter than I was a year ago,” he said.

“That being said I expect him to come into this fight better than he was as well.”

Despite standing five inches shorter than Blizzard, Pratt said it was important in his fight strategy to be the aggressor in the bout from its outset.

“On the last day of training we found out that he was actually 6’ 1” and I was preparing to fight someone my height at about 5’10” so there were some minor adjustments, but I have a long reach so his height wasn’t able to be much of a factor.”

It will be Pratt’s first bout since his loss in July at the opening round of the 2013 IKF World Classic Amateur/Muy Thai-Kickboxing Championships in Orlando, Florida.

“I learned a lot from that. Well I realised how important it is to have my head in the game. Too much was going on around that time with me moving, trying to secure money for the trip, planning the art show and not having my usual coach in my corner. I still have other things on my plate, but I realise how much I have to keep my focus on fighting and can’t let anything overshadow it.”

Despite the loss, Pratt said it gave him renewed focus for his next opportunity.

“I just have to return to getting back into it mentally, being more aggressive and leaving it all in the ring. The last fight I was trying to work on pacing myself, but I’m just going to keep my feet on the gas pedal and go 100 per cent the whole fight,” he said.

“Moving forward, my training has returned to the usual working with my coach who got me started so he can continue to critique my technique and strategy. Following this fight I’ll be actively looking for tournaments and fights out of state.”