WKN & Boxing – A 30-Year Legacy
This historic photo, taken in Lithuania during the the Biggers Better event and the WKN European Championship – stands as clear evidence of the 30-year-long relationship between WKN and professional boxing.
The promoter of this show was Egis Klimas & Rokas .
For three decades, WKN has been the only kickboxing federation in the world to maintain such strong and close ties with the boxing industry. The presence of some of the most influential figures in boxing and kickboxing history further reinforces this undeniable connection:
Boxing Legends
🥊 Steve Smoger (USA) – Considered one of the greatest boxing referees of all time, Smoger officiated over 200 world title fights. Known for his experience, fairness, and ability to let fighters fully express themselves in the ring, he was widely respected in the boxing community. (RIP)
🥊 Don Turner (USA) – A legendary trainer, Turner was behind some of the greatest heavyweight champions, including Evander Holyfield. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was recognized as one of the top trainers in the world, shaping the careers of numerous elite boxers.
🥊 Don Elbaum (USA) – An iconic American boxing promoter and matchmaker, Elbaum has organized over 1,000 professional boxing events. His influence has spanned decades, contributing to the careers of countless fighters.
🥊 Jean-Christophe Courrèges (France) – One of the most important boxing promoters in Europe during the 1990s. He worked with Eurosport since 1991 and was responsible for some of the highest-rated boxing broadcasts on French television, particularly on TF1 in the 1980s and 1990s.
🥊 Egis Klimas (Lithuania USA ) – One of the most successful boxing managers in the world today, Klimas has guided the careers of some of the biggest names in boxing, including Vasiliy Lomachenko, Oleksandr Usyk, and Sergey Kovalev.
Kickboxing & Combat Sports Leaders
🥊 Stéphane Cabrera (France) – WKN World President, playing a key role in uniting the worlds of kickboxing and professional boxing. Under his leadership, WKN has remained closely linked to boxing for over 30 years.
🥊 Osman Yigin (Turkey) – A kickboxing legend, Yigin is a 20-time world champion in kickboxing & Muay Thai and a WKN director, ensuring the federation’s strong global presence.
🥊 Emil Irimia (Romania) – WKN & IBA Official, actively involved in the organization of major international events.
🥊 Rokas (Lithuania) – Co-promoter of Biggers Better Lithuania, playing a key role in event management and development.
A Historic Event Broadcasted Worldwide
This Biggers Better event, featuring a WKN European Title bout, was broadcast LIVE on Eurosport, bringing world-class combat sports to a global audience.
For three decades, WKN has been deeply connected to the world of professional boxing, working alongside the sport’s greatest figures and solidifying its status as the only kickboxing federation with such close ties to boxing.
WKN & Boxing – A History Built Together.