The Australasian Misfits team has taken a significant blow ahead of CJI 2 as Levi Jones Leary has been forced to withdraw from the competition due to injury. The news comes as a major disappointment for fans who were eager to see the standout performer from the inaugural CJI return to action.
Lucas Cannard speaking on behalf of the team confirmed the unfortunate development during a recent interview. “It’s really gutting news. Levi’s going to have to pull out. I think he got injured and he’s going to have to take some time off,” Cannard revealed. The loss of Jones Leary represents a considerable setback for the Australian team given his impressive performance at the first CJI event where he reached the finals of what many considered the most competitive division in grappling history.
However the team has quickly moved to secure a replacement announcing that Kenta Iwamoto will step in to fill the crucial 77kg spot. Cannard expressed optimism about the substitution explaining the strategic shift it would bring to their lineup. “We’ve essentially got the opposite. So where Levi was heavy on guard play Kenta is going to be all wrestling and passing,” he noted.
The Japanese grappler brings a different skill set to the team with his wrestling-heavy approach contrasting sharply with Jones Leary’s guard-focused game. Cannard who has previous experience competing alongside Iwamoto in team competitions praised his work ethic and competitive spirit. “I’ve been in a team with him before in ADCC and his work ethic is so impressive man. He’s going to go he’s going to put it on everyone.”
Despite the disappointment of losing such a key team member the Australasian Misfits remain confident in their ability to compete at the highest level. The team which also features Declan Moody and Bal Tibari alongside Cannard was previously described by CJI organizers as potentially the strongest Misfits team entering the competition.
Iwamoto’s inclusion maintains the international flavor of the squad keeping the “Asia” in Australasian Misfits. His wrestling credentials and aggressive passing style should provide a different dynamic that could prove equally effective in the team format. The change also demonstrates the depth of talent available in the Asia-Pacific region with quality athletes ready to step up when opportunities arise.
The injury to Jones Leary serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on elite grapplers and the unpredictable nature of combat sports. While his absence will undoubtedly be felt the Australasian Misfits appear determined to carry forward without him with Cannard stating they would “carry the flag for him” in his absence.
CJI 2 approaches on August 30th and 31st all eyes will be on how this roster change affects the team’s dynamics and championship aspirations. With $1 million on the line for the winning team every substitution carries significant weight in what promises to be an intensely competitive tournament.
