Surinamese kickboxing legend Donovan Wisse is once again poised to make history. During Glory 100, the biggest kickboxing event ever held in Rotterdam Ahoy, the 28-year-old middleweight champion will defend his Glory world title for the seventh time against the tough Michael Boapeah. This is a chance for Wisse to break Alex Pereira's record for most middleweight title defenses.
A Career of Unstoppable Growth
Born in Paramaribo on Feb. 21, 1997, Wisse began boxing and kickboxing at the age of nine under the guidance of his father. His move to kickboxing took him to the Simson Gym, where he trained for nine years under Angelo Simson. He later founded Team Wisse with coach Jervin Watson. In the Netherlands, preparation takes place at Kickboxing Fearless under Dave Davis. With a professional record of 22 wins (10 via knockout) and only one loss, Wisse has worked his way up to the absolute top of the kickboxing world. Since winning the Glory middleweight title in 2021 against Yousri Belgaroui, he is undefeated and has convincingly defeated opponents such as Juri De Sousa, Serkan Ozcaglayan and Sergej Braun. Wisse's fighting style is a combination of technical precision, powerful kicks and an iron will. This makes him a nightmare for opponents. Combat Press and Beyond Kickboxing rank him as the number one middleweight kickboxer in the world, and he is in the top 10 pound-for-pound fighters. For Suriname, Wisse is a symbol of pride, a fighter who wears our Sranan fraga with pride.
Glory 100: A Historic Evening
Glory 100, which takes place on June 14, 2025 in Rotterdam Ahoy, promises to be a spectacle with four world title fights and four heavyweight tournaments. Wisse's fight against Michael Boapeah is a long-awaited rematch. Boapeah, a formidable opponent with a record of 21-4-1 (9 KOs), will go all out to break Wisse's unbeaten streak since 2018. But Wisse, who trains with unparalleled discipline, is determined to retain his title and surpass Pereira's record.
"This is for Suriname," Wisse said in a recent interview. "I am fighting not only for myself, but for my country, my people and my family. Boapeah is strong, but I am ready to show why I am the best." For many Surinamese, Wisse is a role model who embodies perseverance, strength but also composure under pressure.
What's at stake?
A win would mark Wisse's seventh title defense, an unprecedented achievement in the Glory middleweight division. It also opens the door to new challenges. Wisse has previously hinted at a move to the light heavyweight division to win a second title, or even a future in MMA with the UFC as a goal.
Wisse's success inspires young fighters in Paramaribo and beyond to pursue their dreams, just as he did. From one-color boy training at Simson Gym to his own team and the world top.
A Message to Suriname
Donovan Wisse is more than a champion; he is an ambassador of Surinamese strength and determination. As he prepares to step into the ring, he carries with him the hope of a nation. BIG up Donavan Wisse Sranan ab' ju baka!
