Retired kickboxing icon Andy Souwer is set to relaunch his pro-am promotion, the World Kickboxing Series (WKS), with the goal of fostering global growth in the sport. Souwer has partnered with Jonathan Paul Ruiz, a striking coach based in Queens, New York, for this venture. WKS intends to support aspiring amateur and professional kickboxers by providing sponsorship opportunities and structured athletic development plans. The promotion previously organized events in 2023.
The World Kickboxing Series aims for expansion across all continents, including regions less traditionally prominent in kickboxing like the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. Each geographical area will feature a team captain, selected from the most respected names in kickboxing from that locale, to aid in talent development and representation. Currently announced team captains include Gabriel Varga (Canada), Duane Ludwig (United States), Andy Souwer (Europe), Regian Eersel (South America), Lerdsila (Asia), and Anissa Meksen (France).
The Dutch kickboxing legend hopes to establish a kickboxing structure similar to boxing, featuring national, regional, continental, and global levels of competition unified under the WKS banner.
WKS has scheduled three events for the first half of 2025. The inaugural event is a US Grand Prix taking place in Brooklyn, New York, USA, from March 28th to 30th. Notably, this event will host bouts for various levels, from children and novices up to professionals, and will be streamed free on their YouTube channel.
Winners from the US Grand Prix will earn the right to represent the United States in the WKS “Grand Finale,” planned for St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands at a date yet to be announced.
Additionally, WKS plans an event at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok on May 22nd, featuring WKS Asia Team Captain Lerdsila. The third event planned is the South American Grand Prix, scheduled for July 4th to 6th in Rio de Janeiro, presided over by WKS South America Team Captain Regian Eersel.
Murray Blackwood 
Gareth Pendleton