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Cyrus Washington
Born (1983-10-28) October 28, 1983 (age 41)
Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
Other namesBlack Dynamite
Height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight84 kg (185 lb; 13 st 3 lb)
StyleTaekwondo, Muay Thai, Lethwei
TeamPhuket Top Team
Tiger Muay Thai
Rank3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo[1]
Kickboxing record
Total109
Wins80
By knockout50
Losses25
Draws4
Other information
WebsiteOfficial website

Cyrus Washington (born October 28, 1983) is an American kickboxer, Taekwondo, Muay Thai and Lethwei fighter. He is former WKA, WMF, WKBF and PK-1 Muay Thai World Champion, as well as former WBC Muaythai USA Champion, WMC and Lumpinee Stadium title contender.[2][3] In 2012, he competed in the Emmy nominated Thailand VS Challenger TV Series.[4] Washington received worldwide attention for being one of the first successful foreigners to compete in Lethwei in Myanmar.[5][6]

Early life

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Washington started training Japanese Kendo at a young age and boxed as an amateur. At 10 years old, he got enrolled in Taekwondo, under WTF Taekwondo, and trained consistently until becoming an elite competitor in the state in Michigan. In 7th grade, when his teacher asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. Washington replied: “A kickboxer”.[7]

Career

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Muaythai

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On February 22, 2010, Washington scored a 1st-round knockout against rising Muaythai star Harlee Por.Pramuk winning the Pk-1 Championship Belt at Patong Boxing Stadium in Phuket, Thailand.[8]

On December 29, 2010, as he was moving up in the ranks, Washington faced 5-times World Muay thai Champion Jomhod Kiatadisak in Phuket, Thailand.[9] Washington went full 5-rounds with the Muay thai legend losing the fight on points to a close decision.[10]

On 6 April 2011, Washington faced Cosmo Alexandre in a Super Fight bout for Battle in the Desert II in Primm, Nevada organized by the Lion Fight Promotions.[11] Alexandre won the fight by decision.[12]

On September 10, 2011, Washington was scheduled to face Dave Zuniga in Winnipeg, Canada for the IKF Intercontinental Middleweight Championship. However, due legal issues and pending charges, Washington was refused entry into Canada the Thursday prior to the event.[13]

On April 28, 2012, Washington faced Ky Hollenbeck at the Legends Muay Thai Championship in San Francisco, California.[14] Hollenbeck won on with a vicious spinning elbow knockout in round one to take the WMC Intercontinental Middleweight (-72.58 kg/160 lb) belt.[15]

On 21 December 2019, Washington faced Thai Fight Champion Tengnueng Sitjaesairoong and lost by on points.[16]

As of 2013, Washington was ranked #5 Middleweight in the world by Muaythai Authority.[17]

Enfusion

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In 2010, Washington participate in the first Enfusion Reality TV show called Test of the Champions,[18] a professional kickboxing show produced by It's Showtime in the Koh Samui, Thailand.[19]

WBC Title

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On 22 October 2011, Washington faced Stephen Richards at Bangkok Fight Night 11 in Atlanta, Georgia with the WBC Muay Thai National Super Middleweight title on the line. The fight was declared a majority draw and no one walked away with the title.[20]

On 7 September 2013, Washington faced Marcus Fisher the Warriors Cup XVIII event in New Jersey, USA[21] for the WBC Middleweight National Title.[22][3] Washington was declared the winner by unanimous decision and claimed the WBC Super Middleweight US National Title.[23][24]

On 14 June 2014, Washington faced Brett Hlavacek and lost the title via unanimous Decision.[25]

WKA Championship

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On 13 December 2013, Washington faced James Martinez, who represented the United States at The Contender Asia. The fight took place on Take-On Productions in New York with the WKA Welterweight World Championship on the line.[26] Washington claimed the title after knocking out Martinez via spinning back kick to the stomach in the second round.[27]

The Challenger Muay Thai

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In 2012, Washington competed in the Thailand based reality television series Thailand VS Challenger broadcast on AXN Network in Asia.[28] The show was nominated for the International Emmy Award for Best Non-Scripted Entertainment.[4] The show was a follow-up to Stephan Fox's The Contender Asia.[29]

Freedom Muaythai

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On July 6, 2022, Washington faced Hungarian Muaythai Champion Joni Mate in the main event at Freedom 6 in Yonkers, New York. Washington won by TKO in the first round to capture the Freedom World Light Heavyweight title.[30]

Lethwei

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Lethwei Debut

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On 26 September 2010, Washington made his Lethwei debut facing Saw Nga Man who was the Openweight champion at the time.[31] During the fight, Washington landed a powerful elbow on Saw Nga Man. The Burmese then avoided engagement trying to protect his swollen eye from more damage. With no stoppage, the fight ended in a draw according to Traditional rules Lethwei.[32]

"Headbutts? Yeah it's dangerous, but I think all ways of fights are dangerous" said Washington.[33]

Tun Tun Min trilogy

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A few months before their first fight where Tun Tun Min had beaten Saw Nga Man for the openweight title. Their first meeting was on December 7, 2014 at the inaugural Air KBZ sponsored Aung Lan Championship. In a stunning upset Washington knocked out Tun Tun Min in round three in spectacular fashion.[34][35] Even after using his time-out Tun Tun Min could no longer continue. Because the bout was considered an exhibition match,[36] the openweight title was not at stake.

The rematch took place 4 months later on April 11, 2015 at Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium in Yangon. Cyrus was once again able to knock out Tun Tun Min with a spinning technique. Unlike in their first fight Tun Tun Min was able to recover during his timeout and eventually knock Cyrus down in the 5th round prompting the corner to throw in the towel. Cyrus later explained that there was some confusion about the rules. He tried to call for a timeout, but according to the official rules you cannot use one in the last round and resulted in the towel being thrown.[37]

On December 20, 2015, Tun Tun Min faced Cyrus Washington at the second Air KBZ Aung Lan Championship, for their third and final fight.[38] The fight ended quickly and Tun Tun Min struck Cyrus on the eye socket. After taking his timeout Cyrus made clear that he did not want to continue, and the match was stopped declaring Tun Tun Min the victor after just 71 seconds.[39] After the fight many fans were displeased with how the fight concluded and threw bottles and other items into the ring.[40]

Facing Too Too

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After facing going 1-1 versus Tun Tun Min, Washington campaigned to fight more Burmese Lethwei Champions and he was set to face Lethwei Champion Too Too in July 2015.[31][35]

On 26 July 2015, Washington faced Too Too inside the Thein Pyu Stadium in Yangon under traditional Lethwei rules. Before the fight both men had agreed to a potentiel extension of the fight in case the fight went into a draw.[41] The match went for seven rounds rather than the sport's typical five. The fight ended in a draw, but both fighters said did not want to fight for this long again.[34] Cyrus was set to face Tun Tun Min in December for a third and deciding grudge match.[42]

Challenging Leduc

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Washington and Dave Leduc being the only two fighter to have stopped knockout artist Tun Tun Min, during Leduc's rise in Lethwei, fans often entertained the idea of a match between the two foreigners.[43] In 2017, Washington officially challenged Leduc, who agreed to a challenge under traditional Lethwei rules.[44][45]

On August 20, 2017, Washington faced Leduc inside the Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, at the occasion of Myanmar Lethwei World Championship.[46] With over 100 fights to his record, Washington was the more experienced fighter of the two with Leduc having only 22 fights.[47] Thought Leduc dominated by applying pressure, drawing blood, and backing his opponent down, the fight was declared a draw under traditional Lethwei rules marking Leduc's fourth title defense in eight months.[48]

On 7 November 2020, Washington challenged Dave Leduc for the second and final time to determine who is the best foreign Lethwei fighter.[49][50] The fight was held at the Outlaw Saloon in Cheyenne, Wyoming under traditional Lethwei rules inside a cage and Leduc won the fight by TKO.[51][52][53]

Personal life

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On 22 July 2018, Washington was involved in a shooting while working security at a Houston nightclub. He suffered gun shot wounds to his lower abdomen and the bullet exited his leg.[54] Washington now lives in Houston, Texas with his children.[citation needed]

Championships and accomplishments

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Lethwei record

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Professional Lethwei record
1 wins (1 KOs), 3 losses, 3 draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2020-11-07 Loss Canada Dave Leduc Sparta Wyoming IV Outlaw Saloon, Cheyenne, Wyoming TKO 4 2:40
For the Openweight Lethwei Golden Belt & Sparta Lethwei World Championship
2017-08-20 Draw Canada Dave Leduc 2017 Myanmar Lethwei World Championship Yangon, Myanmar Draw 5 3:00
For the Openweight Lethwei Golden Belt & Openweight Myanmar Lethwei World Championship Title
2015-12-20 Loss Myanmar Tun Tun Min 2015 Air KBZ Aung Lan Championship Yangon, Myanmar TKO 1
2015-07-26 Draw Myanmar Too Too Monsoon Fight Yangon, Myanmar Draw 7 3:00
2015-04-11 Loss Myanmar Tun Tun Min Thingyan Fight 2015 Yangon, Myanmar TKO 5
2014-12-07 Win Myanmar Tun Tun Min 2014 Air KBZ Aung Lan Championship Yangon, Myanmar KO (spinning heel kick) 3
2010-09-26 Draw Myanmar Saw Nga Man International Lethwei Challenge Fights Yangon, Myanmar Draw 5 3:00
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Muay Thai record

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Professional Muay Thai record
80 wins (50 (T)KOs, 25 loss, 1 draw
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2024-02-02 Win United States Jesset Campos Mitten Muay Thai Clinton Township, Michigan TKO 2
2022-09-17 Loss France Adrien Rubis Freedomfighter: Freedom 7 New York City, New York Decision (split) 5 3:00
Lost the Freedom Light Heavyweight World Championship
2022-07-06 Win Hungary Joni Mate Freedomfighter: Freedom 6 Yonkers, New York TKO 1
Wins the Freedom Light Heavyweight World Championship[30]
2019-12-21 Loss Thailand Tengnueng Sitjaesairoong THAI FIGHT: Thai Fest in Patong Phuket, Thailand Decision 3
For the 2019 THAI FIGHT 81kg Superfight belt[56]
2015-10-11 Win United States Ngoohaopetch Sor.Jor.Surapoj Max Muay Thai Bangkok, Thailand KO 2
2014-07-19 Win United States JR Hines Take On Productions New York, United States TKO 1
2014-06-14 Loss United States Brett Hlavacek Warriors Cup XVII San Francisco, California Decision 5
Lost WBC Muay Thai National Super Middleweight Championship
2013-12-13 Win United States James Martinez Take-On Productions New York, United States KO (spinning back kick) 2
Wins WKA Welterweight World Championship
2013-11-03 Loss China Yi Long 2013 in Wu Lin Feng Las Vegas, USA Decision 3
2013-09-07 Win United States Marcus Fisher Warriors Cup XVIII San Francisco, California, United States Decision 5
Wins WBC Muay Thai National Super Middleweight Championship
2013-04-06 Win Serbia Strahinja Ivanovic Warriors cup XV San Francisco, California Decision 5
2013-07-28 Win United States JR Hines Take On XXI New York, United States KO (spinning back kick) 1
Wins 2015 USMTA National Champion
2012-04-28 Loss United States Ky Hollenbeck Legends Muay Thai Championship San Francisco, California, United States KO 1
For the WMC Intercontinental Middleweight Championship
2011-12-23 Loss Netherlands Nieky Holzken Klaar Om Te Bossen 3 Paramaribo, Suriname TKO (Cut) 2
2011-10-22 Draw United States Stephen Richards Bangkok Fight Night 11 Atlanta, Georgia Draw 5
For the WBC US National Championship[57]
2011-07-23 Loss Thailand Kaoklai Kaennorsing Thailand Versus Challenger Series 2011 Bangkok, Thailand TKO 3
2011-06-23 Win China Hong Guang Wu Lin Feng 2011 - USA vs China Zhengzhou, China KO (spinning heel kick) 1 [58]
2011-05-14 Loss Brazil Cosmo Alexandre Lion Fight: Battle in the Desert II Primm, Nevada Decision 5
2011-04-05 Win Thailand Thahan Chai Patong Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand TKO 1 [59]
2011-03-28 Win Thailand Densakaw Patong Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO 1
2010-12-29 Loss Thailand Jomhod Kiatadisak Bangla Stadium[10] Phuket, Thailand Decision 5
2010-09-21 Win Thailand Chalermchai Patong Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO (spinning back kick) 3
2010-07-01 Win Thailand Chaiyo Thalangyanyeung Patong Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO 3
2010-05-05 Win Thailand Yodtawan Bangla Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO 1
2010-02-22 Win Thailand Harlee Por. Pramuk Patong Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO (spinning back kick) 2
Wins the PK-1 Championship Belt[60]
2009-07-23 Win Thailand Thaharneak Patong Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO 1
2009-06-21 Win Thailand Banyat Patong Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO 3
2009-05-04 Win Thailand Komsorn Patong Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO (spinning back kick) 2
2008-10-17 Win Thailand Anurak Patong Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO 1 [61]
2008-02-16 Win Thailand Chung Noi Suwit Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO (spinning back kick) 1
2008-01-12 Win Thailand Tonphet Patong Boxing Stadium Phuket, Thailand KO 1
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Top Ranking Muay Thai Champ Cyrus Washington AKA 'Black Dynamite' Interview". YouTube. 31 July 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Tiger Muay Thai Fighter Cyrus Washington featured in Muay Siam Magazine". Tiger Muay Thai. 12 May 2010.
  3. ^ a b "WARRIORS CUP SERIES 18SET FOR 7 SEPTEMBER USA". WBC Muaythai. 26 July 2013.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ a b "The Emmys In Brief: The Challenger Muaythai…next time?". IFMA. 20 November 2012.
  5. ^ AFP (30 December 2015). "Foreigners drawn to Myanmar's bone-crunching kickboxing". CTV News.
  6. ^ James Goyder (2 September 2015). "An American Has Become a Major Lethwei Star in Myanmar". VICE.
  7. ^ "Meet our Muay Thai head instructor Cyrus Washington". Facebook. 13 November 2016.
  8. ^ Executioner (8 February 2011). "BIMA CHICAGO: CYRUS WASHINGTON MUAY THAI SEMINAR". Chicago MMA.
  9. ^ Executioner (8 February 2012). "Cyrus Washington – The most underrated man we know". FightSports Asia.
  10. ^ a b "Cyrus Washington (Tiger Muay Thai) VS Johmhod 5 X World Muay Thai Champion". Tiger Muay Thai. 20 June 2012.
  11. ^ "Cosmo Alexander vs Cyrus Washington - Battle in the Desert II". MuaythaiTV. 13 April 2011.[permanent dead link]
  12. ^ "Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 2" event recap". Muaythai Authority. Archived from the original on 2011-05-19. Retrieved 2011-05-16.
  13. ^ "Past Pro Champions". IKF. Retrieved 4 October 2020.[permanent dead link]
  14. ^ "Ky Hollenbeck vs. Cyrus Washington set for Legends Muay Thai Championship". Muaythai Authority. 5 April 2012. Archived from the original on 21 March 2015.
  15. ^ "Results and Recap: Legends Muay Thai Championship". Muaythai Authority. 5 April 2012. Archived from the original on 21 March 2015.
  16. ^ "Saenchai KO's Tophik Abdullaev at Thai Fight Patong". Fightmag. 22 December 2019.[permanent dead link]
  17. ^ "Updated Middleweight Rankings 10/10/2013". Muaythai Authority. 10 October 2013.
  18. ^ "2010 – TEST OF THE CHAMPIONS". Enfusion. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  19. ^ "Cyrus Washington". Enfusion. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  20. ^ "Cyrus Washington talks about his draw with Stephen Richards". Muaythai Authority. 27 October 2011.
  21. ^ "Marcus Fisher vs. Cyrus Washington set for the Warriors Cup XVIII". Muaythai Authority. 25 October 2013.
  22. ^ "Thai combat attracting plenty of attention on east coast of America". Bangkok Post. 11 August 2013.
  23. ^ "IBRAHIM BEATS WATTHANAYA IN USA". WBC Muaythai. 13 September 2013.[permanent dead link]
  24. ^ "NJSACB Official Weights, Results, Suspensions and Staff". MuayThaimes. 9 September 2013.
  25. ^ "WBC Title Portraits on Canvas at Warriors Cup XX". MuayThaimes. 20 June 2014.
  26. ^ "While Expanding to California, Lion Fight XIX Bolsters the Foxwoods Show with Jeri Sitzes". Muaythaimes. 16 November 2014.
  27. ^ "Cyrus Washington aka Blackdynamite dec 13 rd2". YouTube. 29 December 2013.
  28. ^ "Tiger Muay Thai and MMA alumnis Cyrus Washington gets set to star on reality show Challenger Asia". Tiger Muay Thai. 11 September 2011.
  29. ^ "MUAY THAI DOCUMENTARIES AND TV SHOWS – THE DIRECTORY". Under The Ropes. 8 July 2014.
  30. ^ a b "Cyrus "Black Dynamite" Washington secures Freedom gold". MyMMANews.com. 9 July 2022.
  31. ^ a b Kyaw Zin Hlaing (24 April 2015). "Washington to kick back". Myanmar Times.[permanent dead link]
  32. ^ "Tiger Muay Thai's Cyrus Washington wins "bare knuckle" fight in Myanmar then gives back belt!". Tiger Muay Thai. 30 September 2010.
  33. ^ "Foreigners drawn to Myanmar's bone-crunching kickboxing". Taipei Times. 26 December 2015.
  34. ^ a b Kyaw Zin Hlaing (16 July 2016). "Too Too faces American in monsoon dust up". Myanmar Times.
  35. ^ a b Kyaw Zin Hlaing (15 December 2015). "Lethwei Champion to face USA fighter for the third time". Myanmar Times.
  36. ^ Hlaing, Kyaw Zin (6 January 2016). "Golden belt finally up for grabs". Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on 9 July 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  37. ^ Hlaing, Kyaw Zin (24 April 2015). "Washington to kick back". Myanmar Times.[permanent dead link]
  38. ^ Hlaing, Kyaw Zin (15 December 2015). "Lethwei Champion to face USA fighter for the third time". Myanmar Times.[permanent dead link]
  39. ^ Kyaw Zin Hlaing (19 January 2016). "Bring on the world". Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on 9 July 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  40. ^ Hlaing, Kyaw Zin (22 December 2015). "A Tun Tun Minute". Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on 1 December 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  41. ^ Cynthia Choo (1 November 2015). "Traditional boxing packs a punch". The Straits Times.
  42. ^ Kyaw Zin Hlaing (28 July 2015). "Dynamite fight has extra long fuse". Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on 10 October 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  43. ^ Eaton, Matt (15 May 2017). "Bare essentials: Canadian raises profile of Burmese combat sport". Asia Times.
  44. ^ Smith, Pierre (16 August 2017). "LETHWEI Champ Leduc To Defend". The Muay Thai Guy. Archived from the original on 14 March 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  45. ^ Eaton, Matt (3 May 2017). "Dave Leduc Vs Cyrus Washington set for epic showdown". The Fight Nation. Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  46. ^ "(Japanese)対戦カード発表！！ミャンマー vs. 世界！８・20『第2回ラウェイ・ワールド・チャンピオンシップ』". The Weekly Fight. 7 August 2017.
  47. ^ Sifu Patrick Marcil (24 August 2016). "L'ascension de Dave "The Nomad" Leduc". Gatineau Martial Arts.
  48. ^ Smith, Pierre (26 August 2017). "NOMAD Leduc Retains Lethwei Belt". The Muay Thai Guy. Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  49. ^ Steven Rae (3 March 2020). "Cyrus Washington: Dave Leduc rematch would be 'biggest Lethwei debut' for ONE Championship". The Bodylock MMA.
  50. ^ Jeff Swartz (6 October 2020). "BREAKING: DAVE LEDUC VS CYRUS WASHINGTON 2 OFFICIAL FOR NOVEMBER 7TH IN THE US". Overtime Heroics Lethwei.
  51. ^ Lynn Thit (9 November 2020). "Dave Leduc beats Cyrus Washington in Lethwei fight in USA". mdn.gov.mm.
  52. ^ Andy Whitelaw (6 October 2020). "King of Lethwei Dave Leduc confirms Cyrus Washington rematch in America". B.J. Penn.
  53. ^ Steven Rae (6 October 2020). "DAVE LEDUC VS. CYRUS WASHINGTON REMATCH TO TAKE PLACE ON U.S SOIL". The Scrap.
  54. ^ Mark Schroeder (3 November 2020). "Dave Leduc vs. Cyrus Washington: The Rematch". The Fight Site.
  55. ^ "Penthouse Magazine runs article on Tiger Muay Thai's Cyrus Washington". Tiger Muay Thai. 12 October 2010.
  56. ^ "เต็งหนึ่ง ศิษย์เจ๊สายรุ้ง – ไทย VS ไซรัส วอชิงตัน – สหรัฐอเมริกา" (in Thai). THAI FIGHT OFFICIAL. 2019-12-23. Retrieved 2020-01-06.
  57. ^ "Fight Night 11 Main Event (Cyrus Washington vs. Stephen Richards)". YouTube. 14 January 2012.
  58. ^ "Phuket Top Team, Cyrus Washington K-1 knockout in China against 'Superstar'". YouTube. 23 July 2011.
  59. ^ "Cyrus wins 1st round TKO". YouTube. 20 July 2012.
  60. ^ "Cyrus Washington (Tiger Muay Thai) wins the PK-1 Championship Belt". Tiger Muay Thai. 20 June 2021.
  61. ^ "Cyrus defends Muay Thai Title w/2nd round KO; Fahpratan wins by KO". Tiger Muay Thai. 17 October 2008.
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