Nick approached me wanting to make a 'ring' comeback. His trianer, world reknown Dana Goodson past away on the 28 dec 2000. Nick, like many of Dana's fighters never competed again.

After a long lay off, about 6 years of inactivity, coupled by over eating, he went from fighting weight 72 kg/158lbs, to an overweight and unhealthy over 90kg/198lbs.

Nick had to focus on his goal and become disciplined in skill aquisition, nutrtion, and achieving a high level of fitness. We knew that his first fight back, would, most probably be, against an opponent who was currently active.

As a trainer, it was my responsibility to make sure he was properly prepared.

We started training mid to late 2006. 'Cleaning' up his diet he lost a lot of weight slowly and gradually. I had to make sure, while losing weight, he had enough energy for working on new skills and for fitness work. Training became more intense as his training progressed.

As the end of 2007 was approaching, Nick was ready to focus on a kickboxing bout. We were offered a fight on Joe Nader's 'POWERPLAY PROMOTIONS" fight night. Finding an opponent became a problem as a few had to pull out due to injuries. So we agreed to fight modified Muay Thai rules (knees are allowed but no elbows allowed). These were uncharted waters for Nick. In the past he had fought standard kickboxing only. 

On Friday night November 11, 2007 Nick Raptis fought Ashton Cartwright from Sydney, NSW. He earned a hard fought victory, winning by unanimous decision.

Nick weighed in at 71.9kg for that fight, the weight limit was set at 72kg/158lbs. He was fit, strong and lean. He had lost the weight gradually, eating only 'clean' meals of high nutritional value.

Stay tuned for more:

before and after weight loss photos, plus fight photos to come.