LESSEI, Luke

LESSEI, Luke. (Dubuque, IA-- ). A graduate of STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL, Lessei in August, 2017 held the Professional Kickboxing Federation 155-pound championship while also being the title holder at the Mauy Thai Boxing Association Tournament of Champions. Throughout his career at that time, he held eleven titles. (1)

In addition to his own competitions, Lessei taught classes at Dubuque Martial Arts Group operated by his father and mentored Muhamed DOGIC. (2)

In the 2005 IKF USA National Amateur Kickboxing Championship, Lessei won in the championship bout of the International Rules in the Featherweight division.

In 2018 Lessei claimed Pinnacle Combat's first amateur Muay Thai lightweight championship. (3)

After taking most of 2020 off because of the PANDEMIC, Lessei returned in 2021 to announce his professional Muay Thai debut on June 12 in Miami, Florida. He would be paid for his fight, flight and lodging, a major improvement over amateur status in which participants essentially paid for the opportunity to fight. (4)

By 2024 Lessei had earned the No. 5 ranking among featherweight by demonstrating his skills as a master technician known for dynamic and and unorthodox combinations and crafty-counter strikes. In ONE Championship, the top Muay Thai promotion in the world, Lessei opened in December, 2023 dropping a decision. In his second fight, he defeated his competitor by a split decision. (5) On July 5th he lost to his competitor in the last minute of the fight. (6)

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Source:

1. Steffens, Mike. "Lessei Eager to Defend Title Belt on Home Turf," Telegraph Herald, August 10, 2017, p. 1B

2. Online: http://www.ikfkickboxing.com/NAC05Results.htm

3. O'Neill, Tim. "Muay Thai Brings Heat to Pinnacle," Telegraph Herald, April 23, 2018, p. 1B

4. O'Neill, Tim, "Dubuque's Lessei Preps for Pro Debut," Telegraph Herald, May 30, 2021, p. 1B

5. "Lessei Back in Ring Tonight," Telegraph Herald, July 5, 2024, p. 1B

6. "Insane Round," Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o5IlGUTaHU