Young Fighters of TEAM VERHEYE Show Character at LEGEND JAPAN – August 31, 2025
On Saturday, August 31, the young fighters of Team Verheye had the opportunity to test themselves against international opponents at LEGEND JAPAN. It was an event that was not just about winning or losing, but about gaining experience, showing character, and growing as fighters. A day filled with battles, emotion, and unforgettable learning moments.
Branco Verheye Opens the Day with Courage
Branco Verheye was the first of the team to step into the ring. He fought two rounds of two minutes against a very determined opponent. Despite the pressure and nerves of performing on a big stage, Branco kept his composure. He displayed good combinations and solid technique but ultimately fell just short. The judges awarded the win to his opponent on points. A narrow loss, but a strong performance from a young fighter who clearly has potential.
Vince Stokkerman Shows Fighting Spirit
Next up was Vince Stokkerman. He entered the ring with great energy and determination. He took the initiative, fought aggressively, and gave it everything he had. His opponent, however, was well-prepared and managed to edge out the win at crucial moments. Vince also lost on points, but his fighting spirit and effort made the whole team proud.
Diablo Scheffers Battles a Tough Opponent
Diablo Scheffers then entered the ring with fire in his eyes. He faced a technically skilled and tough opponent but didn’t let that intimidate him. With relentless pressure and strong combinations, Diablo fought hard to turn the tide in his favor. It was a fierce and intense bout, and although he didn’t come out on top, he showed significant growth and resilience in the ring.
Leander Michiels Finishes Strong with a Dominant Win
The last youth fighter of Team Verheye was Leander, and he closed the day in style. From the first bell, he set the pace with fast combinations, sharp kicks, and a high tempo. His opponent had no time to breathe and struggled to respond. Leander maintained control throughout both rounds and demonstrated that he is ready for the next level. A well-deserved and decisive victory that made the team and supporters proud.
Proud of the Team
Although not all results went our way, our young fighters showed exactly what Team Verheye stands for: determination, respect, discipline, and team spirit. They gained valuable experience against international competition—and that is just as important as winning.
Each fighter showed heart, learned from their match, and took important steps in their development. Sometimes luck wasn’t on our side, but that’s part of the sport. What truly matters is the effort, the courage to step into the ring, and the will to keep improving.