Melbourne-born fighter Toli Koutsimanis continued his successful start to his professional kickboxing career with another victory last month, finishing the fight inside the distance for the second time in as many bouts.

Fighting in the light heavyweight 95kg kickboxing category, the 32-year-old Koutsimanis stopped Queenslander Rhyss Crossfield, despite conceding a significant height and reach advantage to his 6′ 4″ opponent.

Before the start of the April bout, Koutsimanis entered the ring at the Westend Market Hotel in Sunshine to the Cretan Pentozali, in commemoration of his grandmother’s birthplace (Chania).

Koutsimanis commenced the fight aggressively, and hurt his opponent with a powerful low kick, setting the tone for the rest of the fight. He maintained his ascendancy over the tall Queenslander for the duration of the fight with a barrage of powerful low kicks to his opponent’s legs, and several rigid punches to his opponent’s face.

His opponent finally wilted at 1 minute 30 seconds in the second round after receiving an overhand right, left hook combination to the face, at which point Crossfield’s corner threw in the towel.

Koutsimanis now has his sights set on a Victorian light heavyweight title fight which is scheduled to take place here in Melbourne on 29 July at the Westend Market Hotel.

Talking to Neos Kosmos about his expectations for the fight, he said: “Like my last two fights, opponents have come all out at me trying to knock me out; I expect that this one would be similar, however I prepare to go the distance with every fight, and adjust on the night, try and stick to what works well and take advice from my experienced corner where possible to aim in achieving a solid performance and outcome.

“I would like to thank all of my family, friends, sponsors and supporters for their ongoing support.
“A special thanks goes out to my trainers John Scida and Joe Demicoli of Team Ultimate in St Albans, and close friends Tom Goulos and Paul Mihtatidis for their unconditional support and guidance.”

Anyone wishing to follow Toli’s kickboxing career can do so by visiting his Instagram page at www.instagram.com/tolikoutsimanis