Report Card: Vernon “Tiger” White 

This past Friday night, Vernon “Tiger” White suffered one of the quickest losses that I can remember seeing him have.

But while the end came quickly for White, it’s no disgrace for him because it was at the hands of the fighter that won the K-1 tournament last Friday night – Remy Bonjaski who is being called the next “Mr. Perfect”, Ernesto Hoost. A huge compliment.  

For those of you who really don’t know much about K-1 kickboxing and are more into cage or MMA fighting, then “Tiger” White is a name that you recognize as a fighter that has heart, skill and tenacity. 

White gave a great entrance as he danced his way to the ring and got on the ropes and bounced up and down - the crowd was into it.

But his opponent wasn’t there to dance for the crowd,  he was there to win the tournament. And White was just someone who was in his way.

Bonjaski, an early favorite at 3-1, had a much longer reach than White.

That did not faze White, instead, he came out launching a right hand. White stuffs Bonjaski and connects with a couple of punches. Unfortunately, it just seemed to piss of Bonjaski who came back with a VENGANCE as he delivered a tremendous round house kick to White’s mid-section as White tried to deliver a spinning back kick.  White goes down. You can see the pain on White’s face as he gets up.  I thought he would stay down after that kick, but he got back up obviously hurt and in pain. White has that warrior’s heart. They go at it again -  Bonjaski launches with a right round house kick, White tries to move away but with Bonjaski’s long leg reach, he clips White right above the right eye and sends him down to the ground.  White was unable to recuperate before the 10 count and was out. I wonder why the doctor or ref didn’t step in and call a two-minute timeout to check White’s cut…er…eye like they did Sapp. 

But I digress…

I’ve heard it since Friday, from all over the place, that White does not belong in K-1. That he just doesn’t have the stand-up skills for that kind of event.

Well, I beg to differ. White’s the type of guy who starts off a little slow, but given the chance to improve, does. White knows now what to expect. He knows where his shortcomings are. Please remember that MMA guys going into stand-up only events and visa versa, take time to adjust and with a little persistence and effort, can become a force.  I think with a little more experience in K-1, White has the skills to become a real force.

Till next time,

Al

(8/17/03)