Powell River’s Michael “The Messenger” Hill is headlining a fight against Joel Powell in Aggression Fighting Championship (AFC)18: Mayhem. Hill is counting on having more than just his coach in his corner during the fight.
After his victory over Josh Kitchen at AFC 15, mixed martial arts fighter Hill was granted his wish to have a fight closer to home so his family and friends could come out to support him. With five fights under his belt Hill remains undefeated in the AFC.
“It’s pretty exciting news,” said the 25-year-old welterweight fighter. “I haven’t been this happy at a fight camp in a long time.”
Hill has been in hard training for the last six weeks preparing for the bout. “All the hard conditioning is done,” he said. “Now I’ve just got to make weight for the fight.”
Hill needs to drop his weight about 10 pounds to 170 pounds to compete as a welterweight.
“When you want something bad enough it’s not hard to do it at all,” he said. “A lot of dedication and hard work goes into preparing for each battle. I’ve never been more focused in my life.”
Hill will take on Hamilton, Ontario’s Powell who is ranked number eight in Canadian mixed martial arts.
Powell has a background in wrestling and competed in the 2000 world championships on the Canadian national wrestling team.
“He’s a guy not many people in Canada want to fight,” Hill said. “A lot of guys have been turning down going up against him. He’s one call from the [Ultimate Fighting Championship] as well.”
The winner of this bout will have a title shot against Ryan Ford, who is currently ranked number four in Canada.
“It’s the best feeling when at the end of the fight your hand gets raised,” Hill said, “and it’s going to be even better with friends and family around.”
AFC 18: Mayhem fighters will go toe to toe at 7 pm on Sunday, May 19, at Bear Mountain Arena, 1767 Island Highway, in Victoria. Tickets can be purchased online or at the arena box office on the day of the fight. For more information, readers can call 1.250.220.7777.
