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Blackledge returns to the ring
Wigan fighter Tom Blackledge was made to sweat – quite literally – before making a successful return to the ring!
The 29-year-old, of Swinley, flew out to Japan to revive his mixed-martial arts career after an 18-month spell out through injury.
He won his contest in the first round to help Team England to a 4-1 victory over the host nation.
But the trip was not without its problems, with Blackledge having to lose three stone leading up to the fight to compete at light-heavyweight.
And after touching down in Japan, he spent a torturous day in the sauna to ensure he was 14st 10lb for the weigh-in.
He revealed: "I'd lost a lot of weight before I flew out but when I got there, I was worried I wouldn't make the weight.
"We got there at 5am on the day of the weigh-in, so I literally spent a few hours in a sauna to sweat the water out. The last few hours were torture. I couldn't drink, and by the time of the weigh-in I was gasping!" The punishing build-up proved worthwhile as Blackledge beat his opponent, Tatsuya Mizuno, three minutes into the first round of the M1 Challenge with a choke.
"It was the first time I'd been to Japan and it was a good experience," continued Blackledge.
"I always wanted to right there because it's a big show – it was broadcast live.
"They didn't exactly make it easy for us, they were good fighters, but we had five fighters against their's and we managed to win 4-1.
"That was a bonus for me really, the big thing for me was just getting back into the ring and getting the win.
"It's been 18 months since I last fought. I had a few injuries and I've had a chance to get over those. I've still a few niggles but generally I feel good."
Blackledge, whose professional record stands at 10 wins in 16 bouts, is now set to fight in another M1 event in Kansas, USA, next month.
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Weather for Wigan
Friday 10 February 2012
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