NEXT CHAMP Challenger Series
A kickboxer lands a high kick on his opponent in the NEXT CHAMP ring
Louisville, Kentucky

Kentuckiana’s Premier Kickboxing Promotion

Sanctioned kickboxing, matched even and fought hard. This is where the region’s next champion is made.

Get Tickets Upcoming Events
Next Event NEXT CHAMP 15 — Sun, Nov 22 · The Jeffersonian Tickets from $40 →

Next Event

November 22 2026 · Sunday

NEXT CHAMP 15

Venue: The Jeffersonian, Jeffersontown, KY Doors: 4:00 PM Fights: 4:30–8:30 PM ISKA — International Sport Kickboxing Association logoSanctioned by: ISKA & the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission
Ella Steers vs Ella Sirl Real Fighters Gym · Louisville, KY vs Counterstrike · Eastlake, OH
Pierce Wells vs Ron Larkin Real Fighters Gym · Louisville, KY vs Punisher Muay Thai · Salt Lake City, UT
Get Tickets Event Details

Full card to be announced. Card subject to change.

Who We Are

Led by Eric Haycraft, who has worn every hat possible in the sport — from fighter to coach to matchmaker and advisor for many of the biggest shows in the world.

Now putting that experience to work to build a legitimate amateur league.

15
Events & counting
36yrs
Coaching behind the matchmaking
ISKA + KBWC
Sanctioned cards
Two kickboxers trade kicks in the NEXT CHAMP ring — a head kick lands as a body kick comes back, with the crowd behind them

From the Ring

Kicks landing and hands raised — recent action from NEXT CHAMP events. Select any photo to view it full-size.

Fighters & Coaches — Now Matching

We are matching bouts for upcoming cards. If you’re a fighter or coach looking for a fair, well-run show, get in touch.

Contact the Matchmaker

Upcoming Events

Every NEXT CHAMP card is sanctioned by the ISKA and the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission and held in the Louisville area. Here is what’s next.

November 22 2026 · Sunday

NEXT CHAMP 15

Venue: The Jeffersonian Location: Jeffersontown, KY Doors: 4:00 PM Fights: 4:30–8:30 PM ISKA — International Sport Kickboxing Association logoSanctioned by: ISKA & the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission

The fifteenth NEXT CHAMP card closes out the year at The Jeffersonian in Jeffersontown. Two Real Fighters Gym athletes headline the announced bouts, taking on visitors from Ohio and Utah.

Ella Steers vs Ella Sirl Real Fighters Gym · Louisville, KY vs Counterstrike · Eastlake, OH
Pierce Wells vs Ron Larkin Real Fighters Gym · Louisville, KY vs Punisher Muay Thai · Salt Lake City, UT
Get Tickets

Full card to be announced. Card subject to change.

More 2027 dates to be announced. Fighters and coaches interested in upcoming cards: eric@realfightersgym.com.

Rankings

Coming Soon

Official NEXT CHAMP rankings are on the way. We’re putting the finishing touches on the system that will track the top amateur kickboxers across our weight classes.

See Upcoming Events

Tickets

NEXT CHAMP 15 — Sunday, November 22, 2026 at The Jeffersonian, Jeffersontown, KY. Doors 4:00 PM, fights 4:30–8:30 PM.

General Admission

$40

Full night of fights from the general admission floor. First come, first served seating.

Buy Tickets

Ringside

$55

Reserved seating at ringside — close enough to hear every strike land.

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VIP Table (Seats 6)

$535

A private table for six at the best seats in the house, with food and bar service drink tickets included. Sold per table.

Buy Tickets

All NEXT CHAMP 15 tickets are sold through SimpleTix — choose your seats and check out there. Questions: eric@realfightersgym.com

Buy Tickets on SimpleTix
November 22 2026 · Sunday

NEXT CHAMP 15

Venue: The Jeffersonian, Jeffersontown, KY Doors: 4:00 PM Fights: 4:30–8:30 PM ISKA — International Sport Kickboxing Association logoSanctioned by: ISKA & the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission

Full card to be announced. Card subject to change.