KICKS, punches and clinches will light up Liverpool tomorrow night, as two of Jersey’s starring Muay Thai athletes will be competing on the highly anticipated FFN 4 card.
The event, named The Fortitudo Fight Night 4, is scheduled to take place at Fusion Nightclub in Liverpool, first fight starting from 1pm.
The main event is the ISKA International Title matchup between Englishman Luke Kaufman and Swede Vinterskog.
From Jersey’s perspective, Jacques Stead and Elysia Parmesan are set to fly the flag and represent Blood Fitness on the big stage, both bringing their own threats and unique styles to the ring.
FFN 4 will set the stage for an exciting comeback, as Stead returns to the ring for the first time in 2026.
The Islander decided to take a break from competition after becoming a father earlier this year, but do not be fooled – Stead is as sharp and ready as ever.
Stead has always been a tricky customer, with his unorthodox style making him hard to read once the bell rings.
That element of unpredictability, paired with his dangerous feints and kicks, make him a nightmare for any opponent.
Now with near on a year of training and development under his belt, it will be exciting to see just how much he has developed. Expect fireworks.
However, getting back into the win column will be easier said than done, as Rupen Vyas from Assassin’s Gym will be standing across from him in the 65kg B-class bout.
With a tendency to come forward and apply pressure with knees and elbows while also remaining technical, Vyas presents a huge threat.
However, Stead brings a similar approach to the table, so it is all stacking up to be a razor-close, entertaining match-up.
“It feels good getting back into the ring,” said Stead. “I’ve been training all the way through and this is a really good match-up for me against a decent opponent.
“I think this match is like any other really, as I’ve had B-class fights before, so I’m just going to go in there, see what he’s made of and make adjustments as I go.
“Mikey (Blood) and I have been working on techniques to counter the forward pressure, so we’re ready for it.
“I’m looking to get the win and end the year on a high. I’ve had some time off, but I want to get ready for an active 2027.”
Whatever the challenge, whoever the opponent, Parmesan has overcome every obstacle so far to establish herself as one of the Island’s leading talents.
Just ask coach and former pro Michael Blood, who has seen her “put the work in” and feels she has the ability to “go far in the sport”.
She may have high potential and an unbeaten record, but Parmesan will be keen to back that up and prove she belongs at the top level in her 52kg bout against Emma Harrison, who will be representing JCs Gym.
The Caesarean brings immense composure and a strong technical base to the ring – you could say she is somewhat a jack of all trades, which puts her in good stead to face a wide variety of opponents.
But Harrison will prove to be a tough test. From previous fights, it seems that she is more of a boxer with an aggressive style.
Parmesan looks more than ready however, especially with the support of her training partner Kimberley Noel – a WBC English titlist and nationally ranked fighter.
“Training’s gone very well,” Parmesan said confidently. “I’ve stuck to the usual combination of strength training and Muay Thai work, while also partnering up with Kim (Noel) for extra sessions.
“I don’t really know too much about my opponent to be honest, but in the one clip I have seen, she looks like more of a boxer.
“ So, I’ve been working a lot on my clinch and point scoring with my kicks to counter that, but who knows what she will bring on the night.
“I have no idea what will come out on the night, but I just want to bring one of two wins home for Team Blood.”
