[4] During his time as an amateur Sugden collected an impressive array of accolades and gained notable media coverage as a kickboxer and boxer, often referred to as "the best in the world"[5] and even earning a place at the WOF Asian Intercontinental games after a personal invite from the President of the Philippines.
[6] In April 2008 Sugden travelled to Bangkok, Thailand to compete in the International Martial Arts Games where he won a Gold medal "in clinical fashion"[7] solidifying his nickname "2Slick".
[8] Sugden won the IKF Junior Amateur FCR Lightweight World Title on 29 November 2009 in Rochester, Kent, England when he defeated Charlie Ward by unanimous decision, 45-50, 47-48, 46-50.
Sugden enjoyed great success as an amateur with a record of 100W-5L-0D, including a notable victory, at the age of 16, over the previously unbeaten, London based, Salah Khalifa[9] under K-1 rules.
One of the highlights of Sugden's career so far is his victory in the Fight Sport 8 Man Grand Prix in Warrington, England, where he beat Solomon Wickstead, Peter Tiarks and Kerrith Bella in one night to be crowned the UK K-1 Grand Prix 2012 8 Man Tournament Champion at 70 kg.