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Local fighter returns to Hawaii to defend title

By Jason Tang - bio | email

HONOLULU (KHNL) - The fight is called "Return of the King" as Big Island native KJ Noons returns to Hawaii to defend his elite XC World Lightweight title.

Well first of all, this isn't going to be an easy fight for KJ Noons. His opponent is an experienced fighter in both the pride fighting championships and in the UFC.

Yves Edwards is the man looking to take the belt from Noons. He brings with him a record of 34 wins in 48 fights. In contrast, Noons is 5-1.

However, don't count KJ out, he admits he's probably the underdog in this fight, but he's been in Edwards shoes, and he's prepared for for whatever Edwards will bring.

Fighting for the title, you're very motivated and you want to win, but defending the title, I feel like I've been there and I know what it takes to win the title, so I train a hundred times harder. If he can outright beat, I mean beat me round to round he deserves the belt because I just don't see it happening," said Noons.

Noons and Edwards are also friends, but they both say there will be no holding back when they step into the ring.

The fight takes place this Saturday at the Blaisdell Arena. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. with the first fight taking place at 3:00.

It will also be broadcast live on Showtime.