Gut Check Championships – Electric 15-Card Event - July 23, 2022

Gut Check Promotions presented another electric event at the PAL Center in Hockessin, Delaware, on July 23, 2022. The strong card featured fifteen bouts, including two championship events.

A solid, energized crowd witnessed Jhalani Battle-Williams (23-9) win the 145-pound Gut Check Full Rule Muay Thai Title. He defeated Serpico Arriaga in a five-round majority decision.

In the co-main event - Jordan Wilson (14-1) defeated reigning 135-pound Gut Check Glory Title holder, Stephen 'Luke' Marshall, in a five-round unanimous decision.

Results of the thirteen undercard bouts were as follows:

Glory rules -

Brandon Gibbs defeated Fahad Zafar. First-round TKO at two minutes.

Sean Suvie defeated Joseph Huggins. Unanimous decision.

Danny Mahoney defeated Victor Vega Gomez. Unanimous decision. 

Scott Chieu defeated Sergio Melendez. Unanimous decision.

Isaac Pantano defeated Efrain Garcia. Unanimous decision.

Kevin Lovett defeated Dave Lucas. Unanimous decision. 

Muay Thai rules -

Nathan Maul defeated Tony Bermudez. Second-round TKO at 1:39.

Henry Smythe defeated Adam Chatrer. Unanimous decision. 

Kaden Toler defeated Jared Clayton. Unanimous decision.

Jared Dobkin defeated Kevin Nunez. Unanimous decision.

Dana Manzi defeated Lauren Rawle. Majority decision.

Patrick Brennan defeated Domenico Palagruto. Second-round TKO at 1:14.

Jake Strickler defeated Colin Hartey. Unanimous decision. 

Anyone who watched the thirty participants could see they shared common bonds of intensity, determination, and respect. The growing popularity of combat sports is not surprising to those who have been following their ascendancy in popular culture.

Interviews were conducted prior to the bouts:

Lauren Rawle

Insight – Tell us about your background.

LR - “I have been training for almost a year and a half.”

"Day 1, just learning how to walk. Have power and not just muscle it.”

Insight - What is a typical day of training like?

LR - “I train in the morning. I usually run for about four miles. Then, I'll train for an hour at the gym. Some days after that, I'll spar, or I'll stay and do more cardio. I try to get that all done in the morning, before work.”

Insight – How many fights have you had to date (prior to the one on July 23, 2022)?

LR - “Today is my fourth one.” (She entered the bout with Manzi with a 2-1 record.)

Insight – Where would you like to be a year from now, as compared to today?

LR - “I would like to keep fighting, as much as possible. It is kind of hard to get girls my size, but I am trying. But eventually, if I can become pro that would be really awesome. So, I'm just trying to get as much experience as I can.”

-----

Jake Strickler

Insight – Tell us about your background.

JS “Growing up, throughout high school, I was a three-sport (athlete), baseball, basketball, football. I didn't do any martial arts. I would box on my own, with the heavy bag. I loved the sport. I got to Penn State and was a freshman and I needed that next thing, and I got addicted to other martial arts. I did jujitsu. I did every single thing. I went to class and needed something else. Then, the pandemic hit. My senior year, I moved back home. That's when I linked up with Jordan Jones of Jorakay Muay Thai in Levittown, PA, my hometown, literally two minutes away from my house where I grew up. And I've been there from almost two years now. Over those two years he's (Jones) has taken my striking to a place where I just want to keep getting better at it. That is my passion, to be an elite striker. The best that I can be.

Insight – How did you know that Jones was the right trainer for you?

JS - He talked to me like a brother, and I could rely that he would be there every day. Literally, almost every single day for the last two years between 10:30 AM and 1 PM. We train hard. That's why I'm addicted to it; the constant pursuit of your potential and that is where I can get it.

Insight – What have you learned during the last two years?

JS “I know that on the other side of hard work is always what you want.”

Insight – Do you feel the determination is part of who you are and also the training you received?

JS - “At my core, I always need to think that I am the hardest worker in the room. If I don't think that, then I feel like I'm failing myself and I'm failing the people around me that spent time investing in me.

"He (Jones) has spent so much time investing in me.

"I like it is my duty to him (Jones) to the people I love, I care about, to make sure they know I'm not wasting my time doing this. I take that as a personal statement.”

Insight – What would you like to do the next sixth months to a year?

JS - Growing up, I had plans to be in the military or police or to be a lawyer. At every turn my life always brought me back to the gym. Everything good in my life came out of the hard work I put in at the gym. I'm a personal trainer, that is my job. I want to own my own gym and be an elite level striker.”

-----

'Luke' Marshall

Insight – How did you get involved in Muay Thai?

LM – “I've always been athletic. My dad was into sports. I've been skateboarding my whole life. I've watched a lot of Anime and I've seen all the fighting. So, I decided to pick up Muay Thai. I didn't seek out Muay Thai, it was just a gym close to my house. So, I started going and training.”

Insight – What is a typical day of training?

LM – “During fight camp, the first thing I do is run three or five miles, depending on the day and what I've done that week. Then, skip rope for twenty minutes, shadow box, hit pads for various amounts of time, and then spar and clinch. That will cover about three to four hours, depending upon how long each thing takes.”

Insight – What role has your trainer played in your development?

LM – “I really see the effect that Isaac Glendening had on me. He really started to pick out my strengths and try and enhance them, focus on my weaknesses and really try and improve upon them.

"He knows my style. He knows what I'm good at, what I'm bad at. He can focus our lesson and our training on those things.

"He does quite a lot behind the scenes, like researching opponents.

"He's definitely had a huge impact on my development, streamlining my development by coaching me very intelligently.”

Insight – What are you looking to accomplish in tonight's fight?

LM – “I'm looking to improve upon my last fight. I would like to know that I've done my best and be satisfied to go home.

"That does not have to mean that I won but that I've showed my best because some of these guys are really good. I don't expect to be beating every single person that I come by, but I want to at least try my hardest against every single person I come by.”

Insight – In terms of tonight being your first title defense – Is is harder to get to where you are or stay where you are at?

LM – “Probably, stay where you are at. You don't really have a choice. The target is on your back. Everybody is lined up to fight you.”

Insight – What is the future for you?

LM - “I'm in no rush. Honestly, I'm twenty-one. I've only been fighting for a year. I've been training for three years.

"Eventually, I would like to turn pro. But it is not something that I want to rush especially with how dangerous this sport is.

"If there is an opportunity to face someone who is really good and it is probably a risky fight for some big title or I could fight two more people in between there, I'm going to play the long game. Be smarter about it. Try not to just go in and kill myself.

"I would rather do this for a long time and not turn pro then go pro in two years and be injured. I do this because I like it. I don't do it because I want money, or I want the status. It's just for the love of it.”

-----

Jhalani Battle-Williams

Insight – Tell us about your background.

JBW – “I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. My mom's side of the family comes from Nigeria. My dad's side of the family comes from the Dominican Republic.”

Insight – How did you first get involved in Muay Thai?

JBW - “My mom put me in it when I was five years old. I had just lost my father. So, my mom wanted me to have some direction in my life.”

Insight – Describe a type day of training.

JBW – “I train twice a day. I get up in the morning. I run about two miles, depending on if I have a fight coming up, I'll run more. I'll come back and do shadow boxing, pad work, sparring, I go home, make sure I get some rest, hydrate, get some food in my system. I come back at 7 PM and do the same thing.”

Insight – Was there a certain point where you realized, I have to be better?

JBW – “Definitely. There was a certain point where I realized I had to be better, not only in approaching fights but even in training. It was at the point where even in training, I was too cocky. Nobody wanted to teach me. I was uncoachable.

"So, learning that has definitely shaped me into who I am today as a fighter. And taking a couple of losses has helped me as well.”

Insight – Tell us about your trainer.

JBW – “Rami Ibrihim is very tough, very hard-nosed, in your face, pushing you. He wants to find your breaking point and push you just a little bit past that to see how you react.”

Insight – How key has the mental aspect been to your development?

JBW – “Extremely. You are not going to get far in sports in general, especially a combat sport, if you are not mentally strong. If you are a mentally weak person, you are not going to do well here.

"Life is hard enough but when you get punched in the face it gets a lot harder.”

Insight – JBW intended to turn pro after the fight on July 23, 2022.

Thanks to Greg Pritchett, who is the owner and promoter of Gut Check Promotions, and to Helen Locura who is the matchmaker. Photos courtesy of Gut Check Promotions.

Philadelphia Flyers Add To Forward Depth: First Round NHL Draft Selection - Cutter Gauthier

Per the Philadelphia Flyers Media Relations Department: 

With the overall 5^th pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers select Cutter Gauthier from the US National Development Team Program.

First Round (5th Overall) – Cutter Gauthier, U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP_

Left Wing – 6-2, 189 lbs.

Born on January 19, 2004 in Skellefteå, Sweden

 • Recorded 65 points (34g-31) in 54 games for the USNTDP, his first full season with the team… He ranked second on the team with his 34 goals.

• He helped lead Team USA to a silver medal at this year’s IIHF U-18 World Championships recording nine points (3g-6a) in six games.

• Also played for the U.S. National U-17 team where he posted 20 goals and 37 points in 44 games

• Is committed to playing for the Boston College next season (2022-23).

• Was born in Sweden where his father, Sean Gauthier, was a goalie in the Swedish Elite League.

Philadelphia Flyers LW/C Cutter Gauthier

 

What does it feel like when you heard your name called?

It’s such a surreal moment. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of, growing up hearing my named called one day. I’m so happy that the Philadelphia Flyers are the one to do it. I’m extremely excited for the future and to see what it holds.

 

Cutter, did you have a pretty good inkling that the Flyers were heavily interested in you?

Yeah, I think so. I think I had a really good interview with them over the course of the combine and yesterday. It was nice talking with them and catching up. I thought we had a good bond in those meetings and I definitely thought they were interested in me, for sure.

 

[Inaudible question]

Yeah. It’s awesome. It’s bright orange, so it’s awesome. You definitely stand out and I love that. I’m extremely excited to be a part of this organization and see what the future holds.

 

With the U.S. National Team, you were playing on the wing and now you’ll be playing center. How would you describe the game playing center?

That is something I’ve developed over the past two years. Shooting versatile, where I can play left or right wing and center, if that being the case. I’ve displayed my message to the Philadelphia Flyers that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win, whether that’s on the wing or center. I’m willing to do whatever. I’m excited to be a center or left wing in the future.

 

Can you also talk about the physical side of the game?

That’s something I’ve developed over the past two years with the program. They’ve developed me into such a great player. That’s one of the things I’ve added to my game. I wasn’t really physical growing up. As big body as I am, it creates time and space for my teammates to make future plays. It’s a big help in my game today.

 

It’s a big crowd tonight from the US NTDP. What makes this crowd so special?

It’s super cool. I’ve heard such great things about Philadelphia Flyers. Talking with them, I felt I had such a good connection with them. I’m excited to see the near future, get out to development camp next week and have a great week.

 

Your mother’s from Reading. What does it mean to have such a connection to the state and area?

It’s been awesome. She’s had nothing but the best about the Philadelphia fanbase and all the fans out there. My aunt on my mom’s side of my family lives out there, so it’s pretty cool. They don’t have to move anywhere to watch me play hockey. It’s awesome. I’m super excited for it. It’s great.

 

What’s part of your game we don’t talk about much?

I think my compete. That’s something I’ve developed as well over the past two years. The dog and the bone mentality. You’re not going to go in the corner and beat me out to the net. I’m coming out of the corner with that puck. My compete, for sure.

 

When do you feel you’ll be ready to play pro?

I think one year in the NCAA, then I’ll be ready to play in the National Hockey League. Hopefully, help the Philadelphia Flyers win a Stanley Cup in the near future.

 

What did they say they were most excited about when you talked with them? Where do they want to see you grow?

I’m super excited to have the opportunity to be with them. They did not really display too much of that message. It was kind of a jack of all trades. We didn’t really know what was going on, but I’m super happy to be here. I’m so happy to be picked by the Philadelphia Flyers. We’ll see what happens in the future.

 

Was the draft rankings something you paid attention to? Was it exciting to see your stock go up as the weeks by and did you pay attention to it?

Yes and no. I see a couple things if they pop up on my Instagram. I don’t really go in-depth with all of that stuff. I like to work hard. It shows on the ice all the stuff I do behind the scenes that does not get shown. It’s nice to see all the hard work pay off as I’m rising up the boards.

 

You seem pretty excited right now. Was last night a restless night?

I’ve done everything I can to be where I am today. I’ve put in hard work over the past 18 years to get to where I am. I had great night of sleep last night. There’s nothing else I could’ve done. I was super happy with everything I did.

 

Is Cutter your given name?

Yes. My grandmother from Philly, over in Sweden, was cooking that night and she found it in a Swedish cookbook. I love my name. It’s great.

 

What did your dad mean to you growing up, having played pro hockey and what did he impart on you?

I think the mentality. It doesn’t matter where you are now. It matters what you’re going to do now to get to the next level in the future. He’s played at the highest level in the National Hockey League. I’ve seen what it takes to get there. He’s displayed that message on how hard work and all the little things pays off. I’m just trying to do everything I can to get to the next level.

 

Do you get back much to Sudbury, Ontario?

Ever since the pandemic, I haven’t been able to see my grandparents or any of my dad’s side of my family in 2 -3 years. I usually go up every summer and spend some time with them. I have a couple of family friends here from Sudbury. It’s good to see those people, especially after tonight. I try to get there as much as I can, but it has been tough with COVID.

 

What is it like to know you are a part of the same organization that your dad has a connection to?

It’s awesome. My dad played many years and he’s got many connections. It’s pretty cool to see that the Philadelphia Flyers are one of them. I’m super excited to be a part of this organization and to have a couple of strings attached to the team is pretty cool too.

 

What does it mean that for you and Logan Cooley to get drafted?

We’re good buddies. We have been teammates a lot. Over the past two years, him and I have been on the same line, second half of the season. We have built a pretty good bond over the past half of the season there and it showed on the ice. It’s pretty cool to see him go to the team he wanted. I’m happy to see that for him.

 

Why do you think your game can translate to center full time?

I think developing all the skills as a center or a wing to get to the next level. I think I’m the complete package. I have all the skills to be a center or left wing at the NHL level. I think it’s up to the team to make that decision in the near future.

 

Where’s your confidence come from?

I think just through all the hard work I put in. There’s nothing else I would’ve left one the table. I worked my butt off to get to where I am today and it’s all the little things to get here. I’m super excited for this moment and super confident as well.

 

John Tortorella really wants his forwards to play defense?

I think I’m the complete package as I’ve said earlier. I think the defensive side of the game is a big part of my game as well. Taking control of the defensive zone, whether playing the wing or being there for your defenseman. Helping your defenseman down low. I think it plays a big role in winning hockey. I don’t think you’re going to get to the next level if you’re lazy on defense.

 

Have they told you which position the prefer you at?

They didn’t really tell me, whether it was left wing, center or right wing, so I don’t really know yet. We will see in the near future.

 

[Inaudible question]

I think increasing the type of play to get to get to the next level. It’s the National Hockey League and it’s the fastest league in the world. If I can get used to the pace and play as soon as possible and develop those skills at Boston College, I’m really looking forward to it.

 

Any player you’re looking to meeting the most?

Kevin Hayes, actually. He went to Boston College. It’s pretty cool to see how his path kind of aligned with mine.

 

How exciting to join fellow Boston College alumni players?

It’s awesome. They went to Boston College and that’s where I’m headed. It’s pretty cool to see how Boston College has developed their players to get to the NHL and how well they do with their development and how they treat their players. It’s a testament to their character. I’m excited to be part of that family.

 

Any current NHL players you try to model your game after?

I try to model my game after Mark Scheifele and Pierre-Luc Dubois. Both big power forwards with lots of skill. Can control the pace of play at any time. I was actually fortunate enough to meet Mark Scheifele where I work out. He’s been a great leader and he’s been nothing but the best to me. It’s been cool to see him in the gym and how hard he works.

 

 

Philadelphia Flyers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chuck Fletcher

 

What was it about Cutter Gauthier that made you think he had to be a pick at number 5?

I think it’s a combination of things. Obviously, his size, strength, speed. Very athletic. His testing was off the charts. On the ice, he is physical. He scores goals. He has good hands. It’s really hard to find a player that can be a potential power forward in the National Hockey League. He has a lot of those attributes. We’ll see how he develops and he’s going to a good program at Boston College. Not sure if you had a chance to speak with him, but he has lots of energy and certainly lots of juice to him, both on and off the ice.

 

Do you guys see him as a center? I know he is going to play center at Boston College. Are you drafting him assuming he going to be a center in the NHL?

That’s certainly our hope. He can play both positions. We feel he plays well at center. I know Boston College intends to use him that way next year. We want the process to play out, but he was a young man that can play both positions.

 

Did the picks at 1 through 4 impact your decision?

We had him very high on our list. Cleary there were some top players that went before us and some very good players after us too. It’s a relatively flat draft. I think I’ve said that before. There are still some very good players getting drafted right now. We are really happy with Cutter. We like the position versatility. The fact about size, strength and skill, all those attributes. I think he has the chance to be a pretty good player.

 

How does Cutter’s skill set lend itself to the aspirations of the team? Playing harder?

He skates well. Again, he can hit. He works. He’s a big man that can control the puck down low in the offensive zone. He can hold on to the puck. He can hold off defenders with the size and strength. I think he allows you to play a possession type of game. Again, his size and physicality. He’s somebody that can play power play and penalty kill. He’s really used in all situations on the Under-18 team. There’s certainly a lot to work with there.

 

You said the expectation on when the can contribute depends on the players. He said he wants to get here. What are your thoughts on that now that you have you player?

He will be going to Boston College next year. We’ll go from there. There’s no rush for us. Again, he has some physical attributes. Maybe you could put him on the team and see what he can do, but I think he’s best served by climbing another step. Even though the Under-18 team play a lot of college programs, to play a full year of hockey collegiately, while you’re in college, you have to balance studies with hockey and working out. It’s a great opportunity for him to mature on and off the ice and hopefully compete for a World Junior spot next year.

 

Other than size and skill what are the other attributes?

I think he rose on most teams’ list. Two seasons ago, he played well too. I don’t know if I can answer that. Maybe Brent can answer that better. Watching him play, for me, he was a pretty good player all year. Maybe it took us a little bit of time to recognize that. I got to see him play some games at center and on the wing. He played well. He played well throughout the year. I’ll let Brent answer that tomorrow when you ask him that.

 

How important was it to get a guy with a high ceiling?

Yes, absolutely. It was an upside play. I think he’s a good player. Everybody has a backup game, I guess you’d call it. He certainly has upside. The way he shoots the shots the puck; the way he drives with the puck. Again size, strength. He brings so many attributes that every team could use more, including ours. He’s extremely athletic. His test results at the combine were impressive and he still feels he can get stronger. He’s a better judge of that than we are, but he works hard and pretty relentless kid. Pretty impressive the level of maturity he has showing now. It’s exciting seeing what he can do.

 

What elements of his game need to become more polished in order for him to become an effective NHL player?

Usually for young players, it’s just consistency. Again, I think he was pretty consistent for his age group. As you climb the ladder, best players bring it every night or at least have small drop off between game to game, at worst. Consistency will be one thing. Again, it’s just going to be doing it against bigger, faster, and stronger players. He can probably improve everything, but in his age group, he’s pretty top end.

 

You mentioned Mark Scheifele and Pierre-Luc Dubois as models of the game. Does Cutter share similar elements in his game?

Yeah, for sure. Even little parts of Jeff Carter, at times. They’re a little bit different players. Kind of those big centerman that can come through the middle of the ice with the puck. Again, if he ends up playing on the wing, he can hand the puck off the wing and drive the net. He’s just a big power forward. Some differences with Scheifele, but some similarities to Dubois, those types of players. It will be interesting to see where he can get to. His athleticism is off the charts, so it would be interesting to see if there’s even another level of speed, strength, and everything that he can attain at Boston College.

 

Was confidence something that stood out?

Yeah, confident. Energetic. Personable. He showed a lot of compassion for his teammates. He talked about his teammates in a really positive fashion. Confident, but yet I think the team orientation is really strong. He’s coming out of Arizona and climbing the ranks, through Michigan, and into the program. He’s had to move a bit. Make a lot of different clubs. To his credit, he’s found a way to continue to get better. I’m sure that does instill a little confidence in him.

 

What did you see when it came to his least talked about quality, “compete”?

Just strong work ethic. Willing to play physically. When he played on the Under-18 team and played against colleges, he didn’t back down physically. He was still making contact, taking contact. I agree. I think he’s a very competitive player and a very driven player.

 

Are you potentially looking to get a second-round pick?

Certainly, we’ll look at that if there are opportunities. We have a very early third round pick, so I think we’re pretty confident that someone we like and would possibly take in the second round would fall to that spot. I think we’re comfortable with where we’re picking, but you’re always looking for those opportunities.

 

Are you thinking about being involved in the trade market tomorrow?

Well, there’s been a lot of dialogue. I can tell you that. We’ll see. There’s potentially something that could happen tomorrow. I could also see things happening later on in the week, closer to the start of free agency.

 

Are you making an effort to take a shoot first guy early in the draft, like Tyson?

We certainly have been looking for forwards with offensive upsides. Again, a little bit different player, but they both have good size. Cutter’s probably a little better skater than Tyson at the same age, but they are both competitive, high hockey sense players. They can shoot the puck and are willing to work hard. I think we always want skill, but preferably if we can get skill in a little bigger package, that is a good thing too.