START OF A JOURNEY
Darryl Verdonk’s kickboxing journey began at just 8
years old, training alongside his younger brother,
Calvin. The two shared the ring for their first fight
within a year, but after that, their paths diverged.
While Calvin shifted his focus to football, Darryl
pressed on, hungry for success. By age 9, he clinched
his first major victory, winning the Dutch Title in the
-30 kg category.
Darryl’s rise was swift. At 16, he skipped the N-class,
moving straight to the C-class. By 18, he was in the
B-class, and at 21, he turned A-class. His
professional debut was nothing short of spectacular,
winning by knockout in the first round. Consistent
victories followed, leading to his crowning
achievement in 2022 when he claimed the Enfusion
World Title in the -70 kg division. Now, in 2024,
Darryl continues his journey in K-1, competing at the
sport’s highest level.

SHAPING FUTURES
After graduating from university in 2022, Darryl set
out to share his kickboxing expertise with others. He
began as a youth trainer, mentoring the next
generation of athletes, and soon expanded into
personal training, where he works daily to help
individuals reach their fitness goals. Whether
coaching aspiring fighters or guiding clients toward a
healthier lifestyle, Darryl is committed to helping
people become the best version of themselves. He
also extends his passion through kickboxing clinics,
offering his knowledge to gyms and companies,
inspiring others both in and outside the ring.

EYES ON THE HORIZON
With his contract signed with K-1, Darryl embarks on
a new chapter, determined to showcase his skills on
one of the sport’s biggest stages. His ultimate goal: to
reach the top of K-1 and claim the highly desired
World Champion title in the -70 kg division.
Beyond the ring, Darryl is equally passionate about
giving back to society, especially the youth. He strives
to be a role model, teaching them that with self-belief
and dedication, anything is possible. Whether fighting
or mentoring, Darryl’s vision for the future is clear—
making a lasting impact both inside and outside the
ring.
