Kevin Tariq Osaro (born September 12, 1995) is a Nigerian-Dutch professional kickboxer, currently competing in the heavyweight division of Glory. He also competed for OSS Fighters. As of 1 November 2023, Osaro is ranked the #2 heavyweight in the world by Beyond Kickboxing.[1]
Career
Early career
Osaro was born in Zwolle, Netherlands and grew up in Amersfoort where he was a football player until his late teens when he discovered kickboxing training during injury recovery. He first fought out of SB Gym before moving to Mike's Gym in October 2021.[2]
At Enfusion 98 on October 3, 2020 Osaro lost to Martin Terpstra by unanimous decision. Osaro won Lazar Todev at next fight. He added significant victory to his record after defeating Cristian Ristea at OSS Fighters 07 in Constanța, Romania.
[3]
Osaro took part in Road to ONE: Utrecht, four fighter heavyweight tournament on 2022. He was scheduled to face Tarik Cherkaoui in semifinal.[4] Cherkaoui suffered an injury during the fight, awarding Osaro a technical knockout victory. In final bout of the tournament, Osaro met Badr Ferdaous and defeated him by unanimous decision.
Glory
Osaro faced fellow Glory debutant Rhys Brudenell at Glory 80 Studio on May 14, 2022. He won the fight by a third-round technical knockout.[5]
Osaro faced the former Enfusion Super Heavyweight champion Levi Rigters at Glory: Collision 4 on October 8, 2022. He lost the fight by unanimous decision, with all five judges scoring the bout 29–28 in favor of Rigters.[6]
Osaro faced Abderrahman Barkouch at Glory: Collision 4 on November 5, 2022. He won the fight by a third-round knockout.[7]
On April 29, 2023, Osaro took part in a four-man heavyweight tournament tournament at Glory 85, held to determine the contender who would face Antonio Plazibat for the interim Glory Heavyweight Championship. In addition, the winner would be guaranteed a spot in the December Glory Heavyweight Grand Prix.[8] Osaro overcame Jahfarr Wilnis by a second-round technical knockout, after knocking him dow four times. In the tournament final, Osaro knocked Murat Aygun out in the third round, with a combination of punches and knees.[9][10]