Reyel Bowen, the Bermuda kickboxer, praised his opponent Cole Fetzner’s superior clinch after losing a split decision in the headline event at Fight Night XVII “Invincible” at Berkeley Institute on Saturday.

Bowen said he had no complaints with the judges’ decision and believed Fetzner, of the Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts, had enjoyed the better of the exchanges during the three-round bout.

“He was a very good fighter and very strong in the clinch,” said Bowen, of the Bermuda Sanshou Association.

“I was having trouble breaking his clinch throughout most of the fight.

“My technique to break the clinch wasn’t working and he was able to get in a lot of significant knees.

“I managed to catch him a few times with some kicks and looping right hands, but it just wasn’t enough to get the win.”

Bowen believed he had played to Fetzner’s strengths by not moving in and out of range quick enough and neglecting his jab at times.

“I should have used a lot more combinations, stuck my jab in a lot harder and moved in and out quicker, but I didn’t and therefore didn’t get the decision.

“[Fetzer] performed very well and I have to give him credit.”

Other Bermuda kickboxers taking on overseas opponents on Saturday were Anton Daniels and Deondre Morris, of the Bermuda Karate Institute, and Jeron Gunness, of Beyond Fitness.

All three thrilled the home crowd with impressive wins, with Morris claiming the Fight of the Night award after defeating Otero Smith.

For Daniels, who beat Jamie Boon, of Fifth Round Martial Arts and Fitness Academy in Ontario, the win was extra special as it was the first time he had stepped between the ropes for three years.

“I was really pleased with how it went and it was a big test for me,” Daniels said. “It was my first fight for three years and I wasn’t sure how well I was conditioned.

“I managed to throw [Boon] off his game by kicking him nice and hard whenever I saw him coming in.

“I knew he was trying to clinch me and get on my inside, so I kept my distance by using my boxing.”

Gunness took six weeks off work to train overseas to prepare for his bout against Josh Phady, of MAS Academy of Martial Arts, and was delighted his hard work had paid dividends.

“I took all of my vacation time and went overseas and just trained, trained and trained,” he said.

“Normally I train like a martial artist but this time I trained like an athlete, increasing my endurance and strength.

“He was a good opponent but I felt a bit stronger and faster and was able to overwhelm him with punches and kicks.”

In the other kickboxing bouts, Krista Dyer, of the Bermuda Sanshou Association, defeated Panzy Olander, of the Bermuda Karate Institute, and Zain Philpott, of the Bermuda Sanshou, triumphed over Jay Astwood, of the Bermuda Karate Institute.

In the earlier boxing bouts, it was an enjoyable night for Beyond Fitness, with three of their four boxers claiming wins over Controversy Boxing Gym.

Kevin DeSilva stopped Ezekiel Greenwood in the third round, Paulo Curi beat Richard Reno on split decision, while Shomari Warner defeated Ben Green. Chalking up a victory for Controversy was Robert Somner who outworked Jeff Regalario.