Ryder Williams, Coleman Ray, and Devin Jimenez. [Photo courtesy of Guadalupe Medrano]

Two local fighters are returning to Okeechobee with championships after competing at the 2023 International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) Kickboxing Championship in Atlanta on Aug 6.

Ryder Williams fought in the 90-95 pound junior division, winning all three of his rounds unanimously and earning the 2023 IKF Novice World Classic championship.

Devin Jimenez fought in the 153-159 pound middle men’s division. Devin won his first match unanimously which advanced him to the championship. Jimenez won in the championship unanimously, earning the 2023 IKF Men’s Novice World Classic Championship trophy.

The pair were representing Ray’s Combat Kickboxing in Okeechobee. Last year, Ray’s Combat had another fighter earn a championship. Eli Harvey won a IKF championship in Orlando.

Ray’s Combat owner Coleman Ray made the trip out to Atlanta to support and coach his students. Coleman is currently battling stage 4 colon cancer since January and his effort to support his students in the championship while in the midst of his own fight meant the world to them.

There’s a GoFundMe to support Ray in his battle with cancer. The news of his diagnosis early in 2023 was a painful revelation after the tragic loss of his wife to cancer in 2021.

Through that personal loss Ray still managed to be there for his students to help guide them through the international competition in Atlanta.