Şimşek retains Enfusion title after heroic fight against Bourass
On 2 May 2026, the Enfusion arena was ablaze for a title fight that exceeded all expectations. Champion Muhammed Şimşek successfully defended his title against tough and determined challenger Ayoub Bourass, after five intense rounds full of action, drama and sheer willpower.
Muhammed Şimşek
From the opening bell, Bourass made it clear that he had not come to the ring to wait and see. With high pressure and aggressive combinations, he immediately tried to unsettle Şimşek. However, the champion remained cool under pressure and patiently waited for his moment. That moment came late in the first round, when Şimşek hit Bourass heavily with a rock-hard right direct, giving him a first eight count.
Although visibly stricken, Bourass immediately showed his fighter’s mentality by continuing. He recovered somewhat in the second round and a tactical joust ensued in which both fighters looked for opportunities and kept each other on their toes.
From the third round onwards, Şimşek increasingly took control. With varied attacks – from tight combinations to knees and kicks – he forced Bourass on the defensive. However, the challenger remained dangerous on the counter-attack and did not give in for a moment.
Muhammed Şimşek
The fourth round proved decisive. Şimşek landed another hard punch that visibly staggered Bourass. The referee had to intervene with several eight counts. Despite heavy pressure and a flurry of attacks, Bourass managed to stand tall on character and fight out the round.
In the fifth and final round, both fighters gave everything they had left in them. Fatigue played a role, but the will to win was greater. Şimşek remained the dominant factor, while Bourass kept looking for an all-or-nothing moment that never fully came.
After five gruelling rounds, the fight went to the judges. The result was unanimous: Muhammed Şimşek retains his Enfusion title.
With this victory, Şimşek underlines his status as one of the absolute best in kickboxing. At the same time, Bourass wins respect with his unprecedented perseverance and fighting spirit.
Muhammed Şimşek
