Assassins: Plan B for Iman, but brother Thai wins world title

The multiple world champion had been scheduled to clash with Fanda Diken at a big show at the O2 Arena in London, but the bout was cancelled when the Turkish fighter was refused a visa.

Instead Iman will have to wait until Saturday, November 12 when she takes on Lara Garcia at the Market Tavern.

But her dad and coach Mark, promoter of the Assassins Muay Thai show, has already made alternative arrangements just in case.

“This is happening a lot at the moment with Iman’s opponents pulling out, so I’ve got two ladies ready to fight just in case,” he explained.

“Lara’s a good fighter with more than 30 fights so she will test Iman.”

Last weekend two of the Assassins had a useful warm-up at Watford on a Roar Combat League show.

George Griffiths produced a great performance to beat Woking’s Joe Turner, a tough, well-schooled opponent from a good gym.

Another big test awaits George in Melton when he fights Spanish-based opponent Danny Brady.

Thai Barlow was also in action in Watford and came away with the Roar Combat League world title after an excellent bout with Lucky Mendola.

Both fighters showed fantastic Muay Thai skills, but the Melton fighter dominated the opening three rounds.

The Watford boxer pressed forward in the final two rounds, but Thai had done enough to be awarded the bout.

Also on the card at the Assassins’ final show of 2016 is Tyree ‘Black Pantha’ Stevens who goes up against an opponent from the Cardiff Eagles Gym, Oskar Slapa.

Tyree had been due to fight Slapa two months ago, but had to withdraw injured.

Mark added: “This is going to be a good battle with both lads trying to make a name for themselves in the senior ranks.”

* Tickets are on sale from any Assassins member, Nicko’s Fish Bar and the Assassins Muay Thai Facebook page.