IKF RINGSIDE NEWS

JULY 2002

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WEDNESDAY, July 31st 2002, AT 11:30 PM, PT

2002 IKF USA Nationals Pre Event News

AMATEUR FIGHTERS...
If Your In Town Don't Miss The Press Conference
Thursday Morning...
We Would Like To Put You On TV!

MORE NEWS OF 7-31-02

If Your A Fighter and Can't Make
"THE SHOW"
Please Let Us Know.

As in previous years of this event, there are always fighters who are forced to pull out only weeks if not days before the event for various reasons. Some had no choice when no one else entered their weightclass and or rule style. In most cases, fighters were able to move into different weight divisions and or rule styles, however in some cases, some were not.

Although some had no choice, others did but choose to drop out due to scheduling problems, work commitments and other reasons. Why would you not clear your schedule after registering to "Walk The Walk?" It just doesn't seem like they planned ahead which is a shame. Some fighters thought they could work late Friday night and show-up Saturday, or if in a 2 person bracket, show-up on just Sunday. Since the Friday night weigh-ins and rules meeting are mandatory for EVERYONE, this was an unacceptable option for obvious reasons. Finally we had those who were forced to drop out due to training injuries or injuries caused other ways. These are a great shame as well. The event of the year for nearly every USA Amateur fighter, and some can't go because they got hurt in training. The event that would change their lives now will never have a chance to do so...

What makes all of these even worse is what happens to the other amateur fighters in the divisions where fighters pull out this late in the game. With plane tickets bought, travel arrangements already made, a simple sorry, no matter how justified the excuse, just never seems to be enough... and it never will. Today alone we lost 3 adult men's fighters and 2 juniors. With 2 days until registration and weigh-ins, we're bound to see a few more drop away.

TELL US IF YOUR NOT COMING
What worries us most though are the fighters who can't make it or decide to pull out at the last minute, but don't take the time and respect to contact us and let us know they won't be here. When this happens, things get hectic. Some fighters may be left without fights while other brackets are forced to be reworked, thus the long delay for posting the first round of Saturday fights lasting late into Friday night. Even worse was an incident last year when Josh Kretschmann of Ripon, California went through weigh-ins, made weight, sat through the rules meeting and was thought by everyone, all set to "Walk The Walk" Saturday morning. However, when his first round opponent Jason Lovelace of Milwaukee, Wisconsin entered the ring Kretschmann was no where to be found... ANYWHERE. Lovelace won by forfeit but lost in round 2 to eventual Champion Narayan Stitt (Right) of Seaside, California who defeated Todd Whitmoyer of Phoenix, Arizona in the Final.

So if you can't make it, spare yourself the negative press later by please contacting us ahead of time, before Friday so if need be, we can re-arrange division brackets. You can call us at the Radisson Hotel at (563) 322-2200 and simply leave a message or you can e-mail us at MAIN@IKFKickboxing.com

Although today we lost more 3 adult men and 2 junior boys bringing our number of fighters is still above last year at 218. 11 more than last year. In 2002, we lost a total of 58 fighters before fight time Saturday morning. As of today, we've lost only 21 for the 2002 Nationals. One of the most tragic losses was of Light Middleweight Full Contact Rules Fighter Kenny Loehr (10-1/8) of St Louis, Missouri. On Sunday evening, July 14th, Kenny was in a serious car accident, that left him with a broken arm, requiring pins, and staples in his head. Not only will he not be participating at nationals this year but he has been told he will never be able to fight again. Our prayers go out to him and his recovery.

Than there is the case of our 3 Adult MuayThai Women who were forced to pull out of the event because no other women in the USA were willing to step in the ring and "Walk The Walk" with them. They are Straw-weight Kimberly Tomes of New York, NY (7-1/0), Flyweight Patty Chang of New York, NY and Lightweight Marlowe McCray of San Diego, California (7-3/2). All were ready to bring home the brass, but no one was willing meet them in the ring. For this reason, as far as were all concerned here, these 3 ladies "ARE" the best Women MuayThai fighters in the USA in their weightclasses!!! If there are any doubters that really think they could have took the brass home instead, we ask you, as they would... "Why didn't you have the guts to "Walk The Walk!?"

To see who else droppeddropped out and their reasons, just scroll to the bottom of each of the division pages. You can find the 3 divisions by clicking HERE. Finally each and every year there are fighters that drop out of this USA Championship event because they look on the fighters sheets and realize the person their matched up against appear to have won far too many times for them. Sometimes they try to switch to a different division but they keep forgetting, "This is a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Tournament... The contenders are "SUPPOSE" to be great. However, some have yet to experience greatness, but may do so at this event. Some of these fighters have never fought before but at least they have the guts to "Walk The Walk" against their peers in the sport. Speaking of fighters with no record, there were several who dared to "Walk The Walk" and took home the title in 2001 that never had fought before. They included;

1. Ashlyn Vlassich of Butler, Pennsylvania (15 years old, 5', 111, 0-0/0) trained by Jimmy Stewart took home the Junior Girls FCR Super Atomweight USA Title when she defeated Brittany Roberts of Cable, Wisconsin by TKO at 1:20 of round 1.
   
   
2. Cameron Monyelle of Beloit, Wisconsin (9 years old 4'3", 51, 0-0/0) trained by his father Craig Monyelle took home the Junior Boys FCR Junior Flyweight USA Title when he defeated Corey Neumann of Omaha, Nebraska by unanimous decision, 30-28, 30-27 & 30-26.
   
   
3. Kyle Cottier of Loves Park, Illinois (9 years old, 4'4", 58, 0-0/0) trained by Steve Fridh took home the Junior boys FCR Junior Bantamweight Title when he defeated Nicholas Gentry of Pacific, Missouri by split decision, 30-26, 28-27 & 27-28.
   
   
4. Jordan Moore of Pacific, Missouri (11 years old, 4'7", 74, 0-0/0) trained by Benny Voyles took home the Junior Boys FCR Junior Welterweight Title when he defeated past 2000 Champion Chad Monyelle of Beloit, Wisconsin by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 & 29-28.
   
   
5. Kole Campbell of Twin Falls, Idaho (12 years old, 5'2"", 96, 0-0/0) trained by Brian Higgins took home the USA IR Junior Heavyweight Title when he defeated Ryan Church of Omaha, Nebraska by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 & 30-26.
   
   
6. Rebecca Mahin of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (27, 5'4", 132, 0-0/0) trained by Duke Roufus took home the USA Woman's IR Lightweight Title when she defeated Penny DeGraw of Atlanta, Georgia by split decision, 29-28, 30-28 & 29-30.
   
   
7. Tara Opielouski of Norman, Oklahoma (22, 5'7", 135, 0-0/0) trained by Scott Mincey took home the USA Woman's FCR Super Lightweight Title after defeating both Kathy Hagler of Roswell, Georgia in round 1 by TKO at 1:08 into round 2 and Katie Ehrhardt of Buffalo Grove, Illinois in round 2 by unanimous decision, 29-28, 30-27 and 30-27. For her Championship bout, her opponent Jennifer Woodrome of Imperial, Missouri couldn't fight due to a neck/back pain so Opielouski won by forfeit. This bout established a rule for 2002 and beyond that will now allow the loser (Lois Theabald of Illinois) of the previous bout with the fighter who pulled out, Woodrome to advance to the final round instead.
   
   
8. Tariq M. Haniff of San Mateo, California (33, 5'5", 131, 0-0-0) trained by the Fairtex Camp took home the USA MuayThai Lightweight Title. Tariq's win didn't come easy either. His opponent was Greg Ardon of New York, NY with a record of 3-2-1/2 trained by Phil Nurse. At the end of their 3 rounds, the scores were 29-28 Ardon, 29-27 Haniff and 28 even. An extra round was fought and the split decision win went to Haniff, 10-9, 10-9 and 9-10. This was a GREAT East Vs WEST match-up!

As you can see, when this event starts, throw the record out the window... It doesn't matter who you've fought, how many times you've won or lost. All that matters now is that your ready to "Walk The Walk" as you look across the ring to your opponent and say...

Well everyone, sorry we didn't report in yesterday, there was a little thing called sleep we had to catch up on before presenting this opening story from IKF Homebase here at the Radisson Hotel in Davenport Iowa for this weekends 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Kickboxing Championships.

The trip took a bit longer than I wanted it to but after driving over 1,800 miles, here we are at the Radisson Hotel for this weekends 2002 USA Nationals. All that's missing is YOU, the fighters and your trainers, coaches, our event officials and fight fans. Bring It ON!

The trip took about 30 hours which included 5 or 6 stops for gas, a few stops for snacks and event supplies I needed to pick up along the way and a stop in Omaha Nebraska to have lunch with our good friend Brooks Mason.

I try to live by that saying "Don't ask of others what your not willing to do for yourself," which as some of you know, gets me in trouble sometimes when I don't delegate enough responsibilities to others willing to do so (Last years Nationals for example...) so as promised, I drove the marathon trip here once again knowing that maybe someday, someone else will be willing to do it instead so I can sit comfortably on a plane like the rest of our IKF Staff.

While the others are due to arrive Thursday and Friday, Johnny Davis arrived late last night by plane. Johnny of course was refreshed and ready to roll while I needed a little rest after unloading and carrying the 20 plus boxes to our IKF Radisson Office (Right & Below) filled with Championship Belts, IKF Souvenirs, T-Shirts, Gloves, Shin Pads, Computer Equipment and other event supplies. About 10 trips to the room later, our IKF Radisson Office quickly filled up.

Earlier today we met with the staff of the Radisson to review all expectations for the weekend. Included in the meeting was
Kathy Williams, Radisson Sales Manager
Debra, Radisson Controller
Becky, Radisson Reservations
Dave, Radisson Bell Captain
Shane, Radisson Banquet Manager
Dave, Radisson Chief Chef
Ken, Radisson Houskeeping
Linda, Radisson Sales
Susie, Radisson Director of Catering.
During the meeting we discussed the many issues in regards to bringing such an event to a great Hotel like the Radisson. Some of the issues that came up that I felt should be brought to your attention (If your coming to the Nationals) are;

• For those flying in, the Radisson will have 3, 10 passenger shuttles running to and from the airport every 15 minutes Friday. For other hotels, there are courtesy phones at the airport you can call however we suggest you call ahead of time to give them a heads up your coming in and that you will call them once you land. We say "Once you land" because you may be delayed along your flight plan.
• I hope none of you are planning to arrive by plane after 6 PM Friday night because if your late for your registration and weigh-in, DON'T get mad at the shuttle drivers. This was the main reason we moved the weigh-in window from 5-7 in previous years to 12 noon to 7 PM this year. Oh and please don't forget to tip your drivers please.
• Many we've spoke to are coming in on Thursday night to get a feel of things which we think is the best idea. The shuttles are available around the clock for travel to and from the airport. Again, there are phones at the airport for them and it will take them between 10- 15 and possibly 20 minutes to get there depending on the traffic. Keep in mind the airport is on the Illinois side of the river and we are on the Iowa side.
  
  
• We hope no one has a flight booked before 10 or 11 PM on Sunday night because if you make it to the finals and we select you to to be in the final night time session, your going to miss your flight. Unlike last year, we WILL NOT move fights around just to accommodate flight schedules. This, as noted, is a 3 day event so we hope you planned to be here for "3 DAYS" plus a return day.
  
  
• One thing that were all proud of is our perfect record of professionalism which includes ALL the fighters, trainers, officials, staff and families. What were referring to is unlike some amateur boxing events we've followed in the past, we've never had any incident where any participant or associate of this great event has damaged anything at any of the previous hotels. Lets please keep this record in place.
  
  
• I assured all of our participating hotels that if anyone was caught doing any vandalism or negative behavior they would be immediately pulled from the event, escorted from their hotel rooms, police action taken as well as all damages paid for by the individuals(s) on the spot if any. It's easy for us to make such an assurance because we feel all of you are professional, courteous and kind in your actions as participants and associates of this event. We know this because you choose to "Walk The Walk!"

RiverCenter

WOW!
What else can be said here. Those who were at last years event will surly be impressed with the "Step-UP" for this years event. No disrespect for the host hotel of 2001, the Holiday Inn Olathe. Their staff were "DYNAMIC" in our needs and the facility offered all we needed for last years event. However last year taught us we had to grow, and grow we did.

What will impress you enough will be the opening entree (Right) to the RiverCenter Glass, marble and rock are all you will see, and at night time, this place is even more impressive with all the lighting. But as if that's not enough, the lobby with it's massive hanging USA Flag (Left) to welcome this Great USA Championship event will set you in awe. The lobby alone is nearly the size of the entire venue for last year's event.

Still no impressed? Then step into the main event room (Right) Last years venue of just over 8,000 square feet in size is dwarfed by the size of the 36,000 square feet RiverCenter facility. In the picture I took today at the right, Johnny Davis is dwarfed himself by the size of the room. 180 feet wide by 180 feet deep. You could fit over 4 of last years rooms inside this one easily.

Even if your not in the Championship bout of your division and even if you won your title earlier in the day Sunday, you don't want to miss the Sunday evening session either. Since your ticket is free (Registered fighters, trainers and event staff) you might as well stay and enjoy the show. WHY? Because your part of the opening ceremony...

We plan to have all the fighters in a "Parade of Champions" to open the Sunday night Event. This will include all the daytime session Champions wearing their new Title Belts along with everyone else that "Walked The Walk!" You don't want to miss being in the picture of this parade everyone! To add to the opening, we'd like to ask ALL of you to bring a flag from your homestate for the opening Parade of Champions. It would be nice if each and every one of you brought your own flag to fly but we'll leave that up to you. ALSO, TEAMS, bring your school, gym or club flag to fly as well. This is a chance to really SHOW YOUR COLORS! We hope to see a lot of TEAMS in matching team uniforms as well. This always adds a special spark to such an event. Think of this as "Your Olympic Games". Dress the part for your team, your country and fly your flag and colors proudly. In addition, we plan to have all the daytime Champions not only introduced during the opening of the Sunday evening show but they will also help award the title belts to the night show champions as well along with other special guests of the event. So again... if by chance you lost on Saturday or Sunday, we ask you not to go home early. We want you to be a part of the Sunday Parade of Champions as well.

Why not do this at the beginning of the event on Saturday? Well, we expect a larger crowd on Sunday night and the Sunday night event will have more press at it. We'd like you all to be featured where you will attain the best exposure for yourself as a fighter who "Walked The Walk!"

Fossum

If you have a friend or family member or are just a fan of IKF Kickboxing, you won't have to wait until Monday, August 5th to find out how the fighters did over this coming weekends IKF USA National Amateur Championships. Thanks to modern technology once again our friend Mr. Johnny Walls, proprietor of the AggressionTV website, will Broadcast LIVE from the RiverCenter (Left).

Fight fans will be able to "tune-in" at 3 PM Saturday, august 2nd to hear about how the day of preliminary fights went and to catch some additional action towards the end of Saturdays session. The Broadcast on Saturday will last until about 5 or 6 PM. On Sunday, at the same 3 PM time, Walls will go live again from the RiverCenter and bring everyone up to date on the days action as well as a review of Saturdays action.

Finally, the Sunday evening session will be a full "Play by Play" broadcast that will feature 10 to 15 selected National Championship bouts. The Sunday evening event will begin around 8 PM. Walls will be joined throughout the day sessions by many stars of kickboxing which will include as many IKF Promoters as we can get to the microphone along with as many Trainers. Coaches and of course, special interviews with both Amateur and Pro fighters. Since this event attracts the "Who's Who" in Kickboxing, don't be surprised if you hear some big stars on Walls Broadcast.

Joining Walls on the Sunday night Play by Play will be former 2 time World Champion, Johnny Davis as well as IKF President Steve Fossum and a host of others assisting with Walls to call the nights action.

The IKF had hoped to come to terms with a Motor Coach Company not just as a means of traveling to and from this event but also, to Broadcast the Internet Radio program live from inside the Motor Coach parked ringside in the RiverCenter.

They also had plans to do TV Interviews from inside the Coach as well. However, nothing could be finalized in time for the trip back this year but don't be surprised if you see the Big IKF Motor Coach pull into your town soon.

Walls is an Internet broadcast pioneer whose credits include BloodyKnuckles.com and RealityHosting.com.

James Corbett

In 1999, Walls launched AggressionTV.com and began streaming entire Martial Arts Events over the Internet such as HOOKnSHOOT, World Extreme Fighting, and SuperBrawl. A year later he launched AggressionRadio.com and RealityHosting.com began attending events live and streaming the live audio play by play over the Internet for fans to listen in around the world. The most recent AggressionRadio.com broadcast for WEF XII saw nearly 2000 people listen to the live audio broadcast.

Walls was introduced to the IKF by IKF Georgia Promoter and Trainer James Corbett (Right). Corbett hosted this years IKF South East Regional Tournament which fielded the largest participation of all the regionals in America leading up to the National Finals. Unfortunately Corbett won't be able to attend the National Finals since he and his wife are expecting a baby. Corbett's event was well publicized here on the IKF pages and according to Walls, the event set some new listener records as over 2,300 listeners tuned in to hear the Live Broadcast of the Tournaments Saturday night Finals.

Steve Fossum, IKF World President, (Left) says in regards to the broadcast, "Johnny to us is a valued part of IKF Kickboxing and the IKF World TEAM! With his technology we'll be able to bring live updates of the 2002 USA National Finals to fight fans around the world. We'll be talking about a lot of things on the broadcasts, not just the Nationals. We'll discuss past Champions, events and the 10 year anniversary of the IKF. With that as a topic, we'll have plenty of conversation that will interest fans."

As mentioned, the families of the 2002 USA National Finals competitors will be able to tune in on AggressionTV.com. Mixed Martial Arts fans who regularly follow AggressionRadio.com will be introduced to IKF Kickboxing once again. Updates regarding the broadcast will be posted here on the IKF news page later in the week as well.

To tune into this broadcast simply go to www.AggressionTV website.

(We suggest prospected listeners go to this site before the event to assure they have the necessary items to download the broadcast.)

Making The Trip
"For The TEAM!"
By IKF President Steve Fossum

The time right now is about 10:25 PM and in about 3-4 hours from now, I will wake up from a quick power nap (of maybe 2 hours if I'm lucky) and start the long drive to the 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Kickboxing Championships by myself.

Last year I had the pleasure of IKF Photographer Glenn Berg accompany me on the trip. However this year, he had to stay back here at homebase for the week until he can catch a flight with other IKF staff members on Thursday evening to arrive in Davenport on Friday morning. For some reason, I couldn't find anyone too excited about driving with me from here in California to Davenport Iowa, so I'll have plenty of time to think about what awaits me upon arrival as well as many of you next weekend.

According to Yahoo Maps, the trip is 1,860 miles and estimated to take me 28 hours and 37 minutes before I knock on the front door of the Nationals Host hotel, The Radisson (Left) in Davenport, Iowa. However, for reasons I won't admit, I plan to make the trip a bit faster... Unless I run out of the Red Bull Johnny Davis and Frank Curtis stuffed into my icebox for the trip...

So your probably wondering "Why would he be driving all that way... Can't he afford a plane ticket?" Well, for those of you who have been around the IKF since the 2000 USA Nationals event will remember why I now make the sacrifice to drive to this event every year. My buddy Johnny Davis will interject here and say, "Now Steve, don't get into those negative issues... just let it go.." OK Johnny, as per your advice, I'll just hit the headlines. Our Official shipping sponsor, UPS (United Parcel Service) "LOST" all the National Championship belts for the 2000 Nationals Event... and we didn't get them back until about 3 weeks after the event. Oh there's a lot more to this story, but as Johnny suggested... I'll stop there.

There was nothing worse that year than seeing all those Champions walk away from the ring with a "BORROWED" IKF USA National Champions Belt knowing they had to give it back after a quick picture. All those Champions, young and old that fought their heart out that year and were sent home with just a promise that "We'll mail your belt to you..."

What a crock of an explanation I thought... Here these amateurs traveled all this way, fought hard and won the National Title and now had nothing to carry home, let alone raise high above their head when they met those waiting for them at the airport or at the front door. If not for Brooks Mason taking some of the pictures we took of the belts before they left IKF Headquarters (Above right) and making some large prints of them at the local copy shop, I'm sure all those fighters would have thought something like, "Oh great... They couldn't afford belts this year..." It took these Champions nearly a month before we could get their belts to them as we waited for UPS to find them.

"NEVER AGAIN!" I said. Never again will I not be able to see the joy on a Champions face as they carry their IKF Champions Belt proudly over their shoulder as they leave for home Monday morning. This event always costs us more than it will make as far as financial income. However, what we get in return is worth far more than the money we spend to make this event happen.

Nothing can replace the smile on a fighters face when their hand is raised in victory. Nothing can replace the look of the fighter who fought hard but came up short, but still stood proud in the ring knowing he or she "Walked The Walk" against the BEST Amateur Fighters in the Nation on this weekend.

I'd drive 3,000 miles to make sure these belts are there for those Champions on Sunday. I'll be tired, as always, but the adrenaline and excitement of everyone will energize myself and everyone there as if everyone's energy worked as one. On average over the last 3 USA Nationals Events, I get about 8 hours sleep from Thursday night to Sunday night. But the excitement of everyone there gives me more energy than I will experience throughout the year. It's the "Who's Who" of Amateur kickboxing in America. If I could afford their ticket, I love to bring IKF European Director Alby Bimpson and Jacqui here to see it. I'd bring Andre from Malaysia, Robert from Australia, Evgeny from Belarus, Alex from Japan, Oleg from Russia and a hosts of others. These guys have no idea what their missing. Someday they will be able to experience it and feel as excited as I do about it every year.

Next weekend we will all be surrounded by some of the greatest trainers in the world as well as some of the greatest fighters in the world. Their presence humbles me beyond all means. "THEY" are the Champions on this weekend. I will be proud just to work hard and make things happen. The many officials and staff that will be volunteering their time to help, what can be said of them other than "THANK YOU!!" Without them, this event couldn't happen.

OK, maybe I'm getting too emotional here, but if you've ever been to this event, you know what I'm talking about... This event will change your life in so many ways. The trainers who give their time, effort and knowledge to their fighters with no financial compensation in return. Their sacrifices they make is rewarded when their fighters proudly enter the ring of battle to "Walk The Walk!"

Everyone this weekend will be surrounded by some of the greatest fighters in the world as well who will have their focus and attention on their own fighters instead, helping them achieve their dreams of becoming a True Kickboxing Champion like them. Some of them include IKF Pro Champions like World Champions Mike LaBree and Dave Marinoble, as well as US Champions Jim Zbilski and Kevin Hudson. But don't forget the other Pro Champions like Richard Trammell, Phil Nurse, Troy Dorsey, Scott Mincey, Johnny Davis, C.B. Bunkholt, Mick Doyle, Ray Thompson, Clerance Thatch, Pat Miletich, Horace Craft and the list goes on and on. While in their presence, I am humbled greatly by what they have accomplished in their lives. Their work, dedication, determination and persistence to accomplish their goals cannot be measured in just words for their greatness is far too much to type here tonight.

Add to them, the many great amateur Champions who will surround us on this weekend. Many of them returning Champions like Michael Wade, John Felts, David Flurry, Alyssa DeFazio, Brittany Anic, Nicole Hess, Brook Locklear, Andrea Zales, Brent Hess, Katie Meehan, Suzanne Anderson, Jenn Repa, Jennifer Thyssen, Joseph Balkis, Robert Elledge, Casey Garza, Marc Mayfield, Anthony McGaughey, Sean Seagrave, Petyon Russell, Stephen Thompson, Ben Dauck, Adam Sylvia and Dan Erickson... Talk about a list of "CLASS!" If you plan to be there, wait till you meet these Champions. You'll see their Champions IN and OUT of the ring as well.

There will be some other things that will bond everyone together on this weekend. Sure, it's the 10 year anniversary of the IKF, but we won't focus too much on that because to me, there is still so much we need to accomplish for our sport. So I personally would rather hold off on that big celebration until we can ALL Celebrate something we've all worked long and hard for such as a big IKF Kickboxing TV Deal... Now THAT is something to celebrate!

I think something even bigger this year will be the remembering of what happened here in America only 2 days after last years National Championships. Yes, the terrorist attacks that shook the Nation. All of us went to the high of the National Finals to an emotion of shock. Those who lost over the weekend realized there were other things far greater than the sadness of losing a kickboxing match. Those emotions of disappointment and the planning of coming back to try again seemed so trivial that day... On September 11th, many will never get another chance to come back and try anything again and this is what true loss is all about. There's a reason we've been using an Eagle for the symbol of this years USA Nationals. It's now more than just a bird to all of us. It represents Strength, Leadership, Integrity, Perseverance and so much more now. For those who's lives changed forever on this day, we will hold a moment of silence for them at this years event in their honor...

Well, I guess I better close up shop here now since I'm the only one here on this Saturday night. It's time to go finish packing the IKF Chevy Tahoe, get a couple hours sleep and start my Journey. This will, as always be a Journey where we all find ourselves again. A Journey where we all gather together to see what our sport is all about. As Ol Duke use to say, "It's all about filling the spaces between the places, the grass roots of America." This Journey will humble us all who won't be fighting in it. It will show us how great Amateur Kickboxers are today and give us a chance to think about when we fought as they did and with the same desires. We will share stories, laughs as well as ideas and in the end, this weekend will truly change us all. We will be stronger both mentally and physically from having experienced it. We will be wiser and we will take this wisdom we gained from the others and move forward to make next year even better for those who will "Walk The Walk" again. As trainers we will learn new ideas, new techniques on how to advance our fighters skills. As fighters, we will learn from others by watching their every move and eventually making some of those exciting moves our own.

When were among our peers for these days, it's as if nothing else around the world matters other than what's happening in Davenport Iowa on August 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Leading up to this week, I've told quite a few people about this event as I do every year just like many of you. Their response? What's in Davenport Iowa??? And mine, like your answer is very direct and simple...

Now is the time to visit and, or call your local media and let them know that you will be traveling to and participating in the Largest Amateur Kickboxing Tournament in North America on next weekend! Let them know who, when and what the event is all about…the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat! For example, tell them of the quality of the IKF/IAA Championships belts, the autograph gloves (Left) and "Champion Jackets" (Right) from Ringside that each champion receives as well as the famous Jaw Joint Protectors "Brain Pad" from Wipss Products that each and every fighter will recieve at registration on Friday before the event.

Furthermore, let them know of your overall goals and aspirations! Who is your Martial Arts Idol? The media will only be as excited about the event as you are. It's your time to shine and let all of your friends, teachers and family members know that you are "going for the *Brass!" Be confident! Let them know if all goes as planned that you will bring the *BRASS home! Do a follow up call to the media on your return…with the *BRASS or not.

Invite the media to see our (your) site!

www.IKFKickboxing.com

Let them know that you're proud to be an IKF Kickboxer!

Finally, here's a deal for you! Bring an Ad. dated from July 20th through August 1st about you and a mention of the IKF and the web address and receive a special prize at the Nationals. See Johnny Davis and, or e-mail him at JD@IKFKickboxing.com if you have any questions.

Don't forget to wear the IKF Gear to the National! Who knows, If you are seen in the airport wearing the gear you may receive a free gift from someone on the IKF Staff ! Lets all have fun and be safe as you travel to and from The IKF Nationals. Its going to be a great weekend! BRING IT ON!

(*) The IKF Championship Belts have a solid BRASS Center Medallion in the middle. This has been the reason many say, "I won The BRASS!"

MORE NEWS OF 7-26-02

The Risk and The Challenges
For All Of Us So We Can
"Walk The Walk" Today.
By Steve Fossum

Joe Taylor

With nearly all the registrations in we can take a moment to evaluate who has registered to "Walk The Walk" and who has not for this years 2002 USA National Amateur Championships. As we all know by now, well over 200 fighters are currently registered for the event. As in previous years of the event, between now and event time, we're sure to lose some fighters due to various reasons such as injuries, family issues, work issues etc. etc. Although we registered over 240 fighters this year, this number was about 25 less than the 2002 Nationals Event.

However the number of "Registered" fighters is not as important as the number of "Fighters who enter the ring." For this number, we may break last years event total of 207 fighters. Yes, 207, which is a shock considering there were 265 registered last year. A shocking 58 fighters had to drop out, pull out or were forced to bow out of last years event for various reasons from personal issues to simply not having a matched opponent. If all continues to go well in the next week, we should be well above the old record of 207 fighters come fight time Saturday morning.

We believe this will happen since as of today (8 days from fight Saturday) we have 228 registered fighters confirmed to attend the finals with and of all the registered fighters only 14 have dropped out. This is a major difference from last year and something were very pleased to see. Of course the actual number of "Fighting" fighters won't be confirmed until the event weekend, but it appears this years event will clearly host more fighters than last year and establish a new National Tournament Record.

We remember the first IKF USA Nationals Tournament in 1999. When Joe Taylor (Left) of Ringside Inc approached us with the idea of such an event, our first response was like many, "Sure it would be great, but it would be too much work..." We were afraid as anyone would be at the risks involved with doing something no one has ever done before (Promoting a USA National Amateur Tournament for Kickboxing). Our obvious concerns were things like, if we did it, would anyone show up? Would we have enough fights? How much will it cost? Can we afford to do this... However the fact was, we couldn't afford NOT to do it if we were truly serious about building Amateur Kickboxing in America. As the saying goes, "If not us, WHO? If not now, WHEN?"

So instead of thinking about all the reasons why we couldn't do it, we started thinking of HOW we could do it. What would be the key? Why would fighters want to come to this event? How can we make it worth it for them? We started coming up with things like the Championship Belts, Joe Taylor added in other awards from Ringside and the ideas kept coming. Organization of the events was one of the main keys such as listing the fighters on the internet so everyone could see we were truly serious about this. This line of thinking was what we look back on as the very first effort to truly "Walk The Walk" and we've been doing it with hundreds of amateur fighters, trainers, coaches, officials and promoters ever since.

Speaking of promoters, lets admit something very important here. The Regional Promoters are the real people who make this event happen... The Teamwork of the regional directors involved that first year who included Jeff Mullen, Rob Zbilski, Duke Roufus, Mike & Elizabeth Carlson, Dan Rawlings, Doug Dickey, Caroline Mixon and Clement Vierra made organizing the event possible. They were the ones on the front lines recruiting fighters to participate. Without them, there would have been no National Championship Finals. Some of these regional directors (Dickey, Mixon & Vierra ) didn't register enough fighters to promote a regional event and were forced to cancel their events. But that didn't mean they didn't work at trying to recruit fighters. From their hard work, several fighters registered from their regions and went on to win IKF USA National Titles and would have never known of the tournament if not for their efforts. Those regional promoters who did register enough fighters to host a regional tournament were able to start something great for their region and for the sport of kickboxing.

Jeff Mullens hosted the first ever IKF Regional event in Memphis Tennessee on April 2nd and 3rd, 1999. He's hosted the South Central Regional ever since. This first "Tournament" style event for us was a big learning experience. From organizing fighters in all the different brackets to learning about web photography, we realized quickly we had a lot to learn and learn we did. Through each regional there was a feel that all involved were truly involved in something great, but none of us really knew it would grow into the Prestigious event that it is today.

As each regional tournament happened, we continued to learn more and more about the organization of the entire event. By the time we got to Harvey's Casino in Council Bluffs Iowa, for the first National Championship Finals, all Nationals Tournament host Mick Doyle had to do was welcome everyone there. Doyle had done all the ground work with organizing officials, the venue, rooms and other things and did a great job as Nationals Host those first two years. The first year we featured 89 amateur kickboxers from around the USA. Of them, 80 were men and only 9 were women. After only 43 bouts, the first ever 29 IKF USA National Amateur Kickboxing tournament Champions were awarded their IKF USA National Amateur Title Belts.

Each and every day here at the IKF we are inspired by many great quotes, stories and events. We feel everyone should have something that drives them to be the best at what they wish to do. We placed together many famous quotes, phrases and words that motivate us. These words were written by many different people, but it's the one at the end that we take our final strength in when it comes to taking RISKS. They read;

"A ship in the harbor is safe...but that's not what ships were made for. The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore... unlike the mediocre, intrepid spirits seek victory over those things that seem impossible... it is with an iron will that they embark on the most daring of all endeavors... to meet the shadowy future without fear and conquer the unknown. What we can easily see is only a small percentage of what is possible. Imagination is having the vision to see what is just below the surface; to picture that which is essential, but invisible to the eye. Which all Comes Down to... Do not follow where the path may lead...go instead where there is no path and leave a trail... And that has made all the difference for all of us here at the IKF."

The Challenges...
Each year, the challenges have always been made, "If you say your so great, and if you have such a great record, meet ME in a neutral ring and PROVE yourself at the USA Nationals." Such challenges have gone out to a lot of amateurs around the nation who have records like 20-0. The big question keeps coming up when such a record is announced is "Who did this guy fight to get to be 20-0?" Which is a valid question. Worse yet is when people read about a fighter with such a record that says they hold a National Title from some ABC organization or even higher, such as a World Amateur title and they have never traveled out of their own state let along their own region of the country (Ex: Southwest USA). Adding to the amateur problems in kickboxing are all the ABC organizations who make a lot of money selling titles to promoters who award titles left and right, yet they keep no record of what titles they awarded, who they awarded them to and as well, have no amateur rankings. Why would a promoter use such an organization that keeps track of nothing they sell, sanction or endorse? Well, we're sure they have their reasons but most of the time is because these other organizations don't have any requirements to fight for their titles. With no rankings, you can't regulate the top ranked fighters fighting for the titles so this makes their selection of opponents for their events and their fighters "Their Call" rather than the call of the Sanctioning Body.

The IKF is the ONLY kickboxing organization in the world that posts a legit amateur ranking system with all the fighters stats which include trainers and their contact info on the worldwide web. This contact info validates the fighter is a real fighter, rather than just a name to fill the rankings. The rankings validate who the fighters are and all about them as well as establishes who gets to fight for what title. Without a rankings system, we like the rest of the kickboxing world, would be just walking in the dark as to WHO "SHOULD" get the opportunities to fight for an IKF Title and IKF Title Belt. Opportunities that "SHOULD" be earned, not just offered to the closest opponent across town.

In their defenses, we know there are quality fighters who may have never left their hometown to win their titles. In fact, we've even seen it happen in the IKF. Heck, we can even admit worse things than that. When we first started the IKF, (1992 until about 1995) we too had national title bouts between fighting's from the same state (California). It took some time, but today were able to admit our errors in doing so because we did something the other organizations still haven't done. We listened to our critics, improved from our mistakes, focused on the "Greater Good" and did what the sport needed... Organize and Legitimize It!

Of course a lot of this in state selection for "National" Titles happened long before we launched our Internet site. Although the internet was the reason for our rapid growth, it also made us realize that everything we do was now known WORLDWIDE, so we better do it RIGHT! More and more people were watching our every move so we had to establish stronger rules and regulations to make the IKF Titles more and more credible for both amateur and pro fighters. Some of these regulations were easy to follow while with some, we're still struggling on with other areas of the world.

All these requirements brings us back to "Who's REALLY" the BEST" when it comes to all those kickboxing champions around America. The question of Records, titles etc. etc. seems to always come up when fighters are talked about, ESPECIALLY at the IKF USA Nationals now. Let's ignore the IKF letters for a moment because the truth is, this event is greater than just an organizations letters. This event is not about the IKF, It's about AMATEUR KICKBOXING, which is the FUTURE of our sport.

Around the USA there are fighters who have built impressive records fighting the same fighters over and over again or as they get more and more fights, instead of fighting fighters with their same ring experience, they fight fighters who are making their amateur debuts or less than 3 fights while they have as many as 5, 10 or even 20... The USA National Amateur Tournament is "THE" Amateur kickboxing event for America. It's not an invitation style event where only a few fighters are "Allowed" to attend. This event is open to "AMATEURS ONLY" and of them, ANYONE and EVERYONE that have the passion, drive, determination and desire to prove "THEY" are the BEST, "AND" are willing to Prove it in front of their peers and for all the world to read about here on the IKF News pages.

These are not those fighters who simply stand behind a record with a lot of wins, never daring to fight those who may be greater. No matter how much belt hardware hangs on their wall, even these fighters know, "If you don't go to the Nationals, you never fought the best!"

This must be said because winning this event is not the only achievement. The greatest achievement is that they registered, show up and entered the ring to "Walk The Walk" against an opponent they most likely know very little about. To look across the ring and say to their opponent, "Bring It ON!" A true test of their skill as well as their heart. For these fighters on this weekend will know that the greatest failure is not in losing at this event, it's in never going at all...

A great United States Marine Corps General by the name of David M. Shoup put this into a better perspective when he said these famous words...

"The galleries are full of critics. They play no ball. They fight no fights. They make no mistakes because they attempt nothing. Down in the arena are the doers. They make mistakes because they try many things. The man who makes no mistakes lacks boldness and the spirit of adventure. He is the one who never tries anything. He is the break on the wheel of progress. And yet it cannot be truly said he makes no mistakes, because his biggest mistake is the very fact that he tries nothing, does nothing, except criticize those who do things."

We'll see who are the best Amateur Kickboxers in America come August 2nd, 3rd and 4th in Davenport Iowa...Or better said... Those willing to "Walk The Walk... and Bring It ON!"

Radisson Hotel

WHO: The Honorable Mayor Charlie Brooke and General Manager of the Radisson Hotel Danny Holmes will welcome the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) and participants of the 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Kickboxing Championships to Davenport, IA, USA. Others slated to welcome The event to Davenport, but not yet confirmed are: Kaye Brethauer, Director of Sales for the RiverCenter Adler Theatre. Renown Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts Trainer Pat Militech, renown Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts Promoter Monte Cox and the area Chamber of Commerce.

WHAT: A Press Conference and Reception to welcome the 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Kickboxing Championships to the Quad Cities. The IKF is hosting the Largest Amateur Kickboxing Tournament in the United States and will present the event at the RiverCenter Adler Theatre (Right). This is the 4th year of the event and its size and popularity has increased to the point that many have labeled it the "Golden Gloves" of Kickboxing! Over 200 of the best Amateur Kickboxers from across the U.S. will be competing for 66 Championship belts! Hundreds of family members, friends and fans of IKF Kickboxing will be in attendance! The elimination bouts starts early Saturday morning around 9:15:9:15 AM,AM, August 3rd. The first CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS Session will begin at 9:15 AM Sunday morning lasting until 5:PM. For the special SUNDAY EVENING CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS Session, the doors will open at 7:30 PM and will feature 10-15 selected Championship Bouts for everyone to watch. Official weigh-ins will be held Friday, August 2nd from 12 noon until 7:PM. Tickets are available at TicketMaster.

• WHERE: The Press Conference and Reception will be held at the beautiful Radisson Hotel (Left) at 111, East Second Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801 In the East Moline Room.
  
  
• WHEN: The Press Conference / Reception will be August 1st and will start at start 11:AM Sharp! There will also be an IKF Kickboxing training session by some of the local kickboxers that will be competing in the event. (Starts at 10:30)
  
  
• COMMENTS: For more information and Press Credentials Contact Johnny Davis - IKF VP of Marketing at (916) 663-2467 (Office) or (916) 205-4762 (Cell).
  
  
• Contact Davenport's Radisson Hotel, Kathy Williams at (563) 322-2200. Contact Quad Cities CVB, Ralene Paschkov (309) 788-7800.

RiverCenter Adler Theatre

For ticket prices please click
HERE!

To See Who the Fighters are THAT WILL "Walk The WALK" Instead of Just "Talk The Talk...."
Click HERE!

This weekend in Atlantic City, N.J. USA 2 Time IKF USA National Amateur Champion (2000 and 2001) Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson fought on Pay Per View for an event featuring former IKF Cruiserweight World Champion (Holder of 11 World Titles in all) Don "The Dragon" Wilson, (See story below).

Thompson opponent was Eli "Bird" Thompson from Miami, Florida, USA. Eli is the son to former kickboxing great Herbie Thompson. Herbie dealt "The Dragon" one of his few defeats which might give you a little idea about Eli's background and that he comes from a line of champions. Both Eli and The Wonderboy entered the contest with perfect records which makes for some interesting stats. Both fighters were undefeated, both are 19 years old, both have the last name of Thompson, both are trained by there fathers which both fathers happen to be former kickboxers and the most important stat is that BOTH fighters came hungry and ready to "rock and roll".

The 1st round started off with The Wonderboy throwing his patented round kick which Eli was ready for and avoided with ease. Both fighters were a little tentative in the beginning but that didn't last long with Eli pressing the action and putting The Wonderboy on the defensive. Stephen would have none of that and started pressing back. Both fighters were trading kick and punch combinations that would make seasoned pros envious when suddenly The Wonderboy caught Eli with a right hook that staggered him. To Eli's credit he stayed on his feet and finished the round.

Round 2 started off with both fighters pouring on the heat with Eli trying to win back the favor of the judges after being staggered in the first round and The Wonderboy trying to capitalize on a wounded and groggy Eli. They were trading combinations when at 1 minute and 27 seconds into the round The Wonderboy forced his will on Eli and hit him with a hand and foot combination that Eli could not withstand. Eli fell into oblivion and the referee, (Legendary world kickboxing and boxing champion, James Waring) started the count which he did not have to finish for Eli's father as Herbie Thompson threw in the towel giving The Wonderboy his 22nd victory.

Many said that this first fight of the night would be the BEST fight of the night. We're not sure how the fight was actually rated but it did get the crowd into the action and set a tough pace for the "PROS" to follow. You see this was the ONLY amateur fight of the evening. The other fights were all pro bouts. Which makes for more interesting conversation - maybe some other time.

Thompson will now prepare to defend his IKF USA National Amateur title in 2 weeks at the 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Championships at the RiverCenter in Davenport Iowa this coming August 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

If your a Kickboxing Official and would like to assist in Judging, Refereeing, Timekeeping or Kick Counting at this years 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Championships at the RiverCenter in Davenport Iowa this coming August 2nd, 3rd and 4th, please contact us here at the IKF to let us know you can assist in making this yet another GREAT EVENT!

If your accepted as an IKF Official for the event you will be placed on this page HERE and will be given a Black IKF Officials Polo Style Shirt after the Officials meeting Friday night.

DOCTOR'S (MD) We need you as well! We ask you to contact us here at the IKF for scheduling, availability and assistance.

Promoters. If you have event officials and staff in the local area of this event, please contact them to ask for their assistance.

As every year, if you can help, we would be thankful for ALL your efforts. If so, please contact the IKF by e-mail at MAIN@IKFKickboxing.com. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at this years 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Championships!

Mike Nevitt

Mike Nevitt of Sycamore, Illinois USA has a Pro kickboxing record of 21-0/10 and an Amateur Kickboxing record of 27-2/16. Yesterday he was the number 1 ranked contender in the Pro Full Contact Rules Light Cruiserweight division. With that ranking, he was also the number 1 contender for the vacant IKF Pro FCR Light Cruiserweight World Title. Well... That was Yesterday... But first some history...Before the Story...

Several months back, Promoter Sky Drysdale of Illinois, USA presented the idea of promoting a big IKF World Title event in Loves Park, Illinois, USA entitled, "RUMBLE IN THE PARK". During this time, Drysdale brought up the possibilities of Nevitt fighting for the vacant IKF Pro FCR Light Cruiserweight World Title. Upon his request Nevitt's name was put up for approval with the IKF Title Board which came back with a quick approval because of his ranking (#1) and his overall fight record.

At this time, Drysdale contacted Nevitt with a fight offer that was fair and approved acceptable by the IKF as well. Nevitt agreed to the offer and the IKF posted the title, Nevitt's name and picture on the Upcoming Events page with an opponent To Be Announced. (Approx date of June 1st.)

Soon after, the IKF and Drysdale went to work to contact the *other top contender for the title bout which was #2 contender James "Pretty Boy" Watling (Right) of Morpeth, England.

James Watling

Waltling was approved by the IKF Title board within a couple of days and he and his trainer Steve Jessop agreed to the fight purse offer. A point to make here, Drysdale wanted to be fair to both fighters so he offered the same purse amount to both fighters. Keep in mind, Nevitt is not Drysdale's fighter, so he had no connected interest with either fighter other than being a "Dream Promoter" who just wanted to promote a good World Title Fight. (We say DREAM PROMOTER because unlike in Boxing, Kickboxing has very few promoters who promote events just to promote events. In Pro Boxing there are many promoters who promote events who don't have interest in any of the fighters on the event. In kickboxing, most fighters need a trainer who is also a promoter just to get a fight. )

After getting both fighters lined up, Drysdale went to work on the actual fight contract that was mailed to both fighters on June 10th, 2002 for the fight that was scheduled for November 30th, 2002. Drysdale was planning carefully and far ahead for what is to be a great event. He placed a deadline date for the contracts to be return (As required by the IKF) of Friday, July 19, 2002. James Watling's contract was back in Drysdale's hands within the week. His camp did as expected of ANY PRO FIGHT CAMP and handled their business professionally and quickly to help the promoter who was helping them for this fight. This is the way it should ALWAYS work for PRO EVENTS and even Amateur Fight Events. We PRAISE the Watling's camp for their professionalism.

However on the other side of the ring inNevitt's corner, there were problems. It was in these problems that force the IKF today to pull Nevitt from this bout until futher notice. The question remains now, will he be placed back in for the Title Shot or not?

To begin with, as noted, Nevitt's deadline was July 19th. He actually had approximately five (5) weeks to return his contract. However, July 19th passed without any word from Nevitt. As of 12 midnight, July 19th, as far as the IKF was concerned, Nevitt was refusing the fight and it was time to find a new opponent. There wasn't any question to the purse amount since he had already gave a verbal agreement to Drysdale. Regardless, Drysdale still wanted to keep Nevitt on the card so he phoned him first thing this morning and Nevitt told him, "I'm not sure I'm really happy with that contract. XXXX dollars is not a lot of money for a world title."

Drysdale asked him why he did not try to reach him earlier, if there were any concerns. Nevitt told him that he tried to call, but he could not reach him. However, the IKF and others have had no problem reaching Drysdale and neither did Watling's camp who is clear across the Atlantic Ocean in England. "Nevitt had FIVE (5) weeks to contact Drysdale and if they are serious about making that contact, he very well could have reached him." said IKF President Steve Fossum. "Here's a promoter doing his job as a Professional and another fighter doing his job in response and than we have Nevitt, who gets a very fair offer and sits on his fight contract for over 5 weeks and does nothing with it. To me, it shows he doesn't care much about this fight. That's fine with us, we'll just find someone who does care. This is something we cannot tolerate in our quest to improve the professional of kickboxing. There are fighters who would love to have this opportunity for this title shot for the purse offered and obviously Nevitt isn't one of them, so we will just move on to someone else."

Here is a duplicate copy of Drysdale's letter to Nevitt below which is in the IKF files since this was aWorld Title Bout.

June 10, 2002
Mr. Mike Nevitt
1700 N. North Park, 5P Chicago, IL 60614

Dear Mike,
Enclosed is your PRO contract for the IKF FCR Light CruiserWeight World Title, scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2002 at the Forest Hills Lodge in Loves Park, Illinois.

Please read this thoroughly. Both you and Todd Green need to initial the last line of Section 3, AS WELL AS sign and date the last page. Note: at the time I originally filled this out, you were living in Sycamore. Now that you are in the Chicago area, you WILL have a hotel room to stay Saturday night.

Please return this to me (completed) by Friday, July 19, 2002. Failure to do so voids this contract.

Thanks! It's going to be a good show! My new number is X(Deleted for this article)X. Please phone if you have any questions. Hope the vacation was great! Talk with you soon.
Sincerely,
Sky B. Drysdale

Adding to this, in their phone conversation earlier today Nevitt commented to Drysdale "I also wanted to talk to you about a percentage of the ticket sales" which although common in many fights, was never a considered part of their verbal agreement for this bout.

The reason this needed to be brought to the attention of you readers is the circumstances involved here. Here we had a "NEUTRAL" promoter who was willing to promote a TRUE WORLD TITLE FIGHT with 2 TOP CONTENDERS. Here we had 2 fighters that he had no financial or managing interest in. He's a Promoter who had no problem with flying a fighter here to the USA from Europe because the fighter was a TOP Contender as suggested for this title by the IKF.

We noted an (*) above in regards to the other top contender. The reason this was noted is because the other top contender Henry Nieves of Staten Island, New York, USA (33-6-2/17 - Pro & Am combined) wanted a purse of over $5,000 to fight Nevitt claiming he was a big draw in the New York area. However, Nieves must have overlooked the fact that this bout was not scheduled for the New York area. It was to be held in Illinois and no one even knows Nieves in Illinois. With this in mind, such a purse demand would not be financially feasible for the promoter.

To go into more detail about this very issue, please read our press about this on the IKF TITLE DEFENSES & CHALLENGES page by clicking HERE Although this is not a title defense, the press related to purses etc. will put everything into perspective here.

We called Nevitt's trainer Todd Green for a comment but he was not available. As of press time (2:00 PM Pacific Time) we had no return call from Green, but if we do get one and we get anything to add to this story, we will post it here on the News Page at the bottom of this article.

So where does this fight stand now? As of 2:05 Today, 14 hours and 5 minutes past Nevitt's deadline, the IKF has pulled Nevitt's from the bout and put forward 2 NEW potential challengers for Watling. "This fight will still happen on the November 30th date regardless of what Nevitt's has done." said Drysdale.

The first selection as a challenger for Watling is IKF North American Cruiserweight Champion Steve Witter. Witter (Right) will be the first selection due to his record and current North American title however since he's a Cruiserweight (186.1 lbs - 195 lbs. or 84.6 kg - 88.6 kg ), he may not be able to come down in weight to Light Cruisewrweight (179.1 lbs - 186 lbs. or 81.4K - 84.5K) to make the fight. Witter's last recorded weight was 190 lbs. If he cannot make the fight weight than the IKF will contact, #3 Ranked Light Cruiserweight Gary Reed of Savannah, Georgia, USA who could be considered for the shot next but will need approval from the IKF title board. We'll keep everyone posted as we know more.

Don "The Dragon" Wilson holds a record that could last for a long time in the sport of Kickboxing. He holds the record for the highest fighters purse ever paid to a Professional Kickboxer, $150,000.00. That was May 14th, 1999 in Lowell MA, USA and he was paid this fee to dismantle 3 Time World Champion Dick Kimber on his way to winning the vacant IKF Pro Full Contact Rules World Cruiserweight (186.1 lbs - 195 lbs. or 84.6 kg - 88.6 kg) Title. (After fight picture at right)

Last year Wilson retired his IKF World Title but not because he didn't want it or because he didn't "Want" to defend it. Wilson retired the title because he simply couldn't keep his weight up to defend it. So last year Wilson respectfully retired his IKF World Title on his own and moved down into the Light Heavyweight (172.1 lbs. - 179 lbs. or 78.2 kg - 81.3 kg) rankings where he feels much stronger and more comfortable.

Last night at age 47, The Dragon entered the ring again. Although the opponent was no big named fighter, Wilson continued his undefeated comeback since winning his IKF World Title back in 1999 with his 3rd victory in 3 tries (2 wins by KO/TKO and 1 by decision). Wilson faced off against unranked pro kickboxer Eddie Butcher of Baltimore, MA, USA. Fighting sluggish for the first 5 rounds, Wilson picked it up in round 6 and continued to build momentum until he landed an overhand right that put an end to Butcher.

In Wilson's other bout since his 1999 comeback he defeated Dewey Cooper at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wilson and Cooper went at it for ten rounds and in the end, Wilson won a close decision.

Prior to his IKF World Title win in May of 1999, Wilson's last fight was January 12, 1991 in Anaheim, CA, USA when he defeated Ghalib Carmichael in a 11 round decision.

Wilson fight career started in 1974 in Orlando, FL, USA. Some of the well known names he has defeated in his career include Maurice Smith, James Warring, Dennis Alexio, Bronko Cikatic and Mike Winkeljohn. His most controversial bout ended in a draw to Jean-Yves Theriault, a fight many at ringside thought Wilson won.

By the time Wilson hung up the gloves in 1991, he had won 11 World Titles, in 3 different weight classes under 6 different sanctioning organizations. He was world champion for 11 straight years, defeating 12 other world champions, 12 number-one contenders and 15 National champions on four continents. He thoroughly dominated kickboxing as the undisputed world champion, fighting anyone, under any rules, and he defeated the best champions in their own hometowns, while they were in their prime. As of today, his fight record stands at an impressive 72 Wins, 5 Losses, 2 Draws, 48 Knockouts, and 6 Kick-Knockouts.

In addition to his outstanding fight career, Wilson has starred in 32 movies and worked with many actors such as Chris Penn, Chuck Norris, Andrew Dice Clay and many more. His movies have always been in the top 5 rentals at the largest video rental chain in North America, Blockbuster Video. He's very well known in the world of Kickboxing but even more of a celebrity in the world of Martial Arts.

In all, Wilson has lived the dream of nearly every kickboxer. He's a multi time World Champion and Movie Star with a Wonderful Family and Business. However all these things don't make him a Champion in the book of life. What makes Wilson a Champion in the book of life is his charm, respect and humbleness for everyone he meets on any day in any place under any circumstance.

Wilson has become more than a Ring Champion, he's "THE" Definition of a Champion IN and OUT of the Ring and in the Art of LIFE!

Congratulations on yet ANOTHER Win Dragon!

To read more on Don Wilson,
CLICK HERE!

MMA Warriors Challenge XVII-Eagle Mountain Casino: Earlier this year, last years 2001 IKF USA National Amateur MTR Super Heavyweight Champion Carter "The Beast" Williams (Right) turned Pro to compete in one of the K-1 Qualifiers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. In that tournament he lost a questionable decision to eventual tournament champion Giuseppe DeNatale (Against Williams at Left) due to a K-1 rule that says "If a fighter is knocked down 2 times in 1 round, he automatically loses the bout." A strong leg kick - punch combination took Williams down for the first knockdown however the second was questionable since William's was knocked against the ropes and seemed more to slide down them but he never fell all the way down. Regardless, K-1 officials called it a knockdown and called Williams out for the night.

Last weekend Williams made a better finish of his bout at a MMA (Mixed Martial Arts - NHB) "CAGE FIGHTING" debut in the 108 degree heat outdoors in Porterville's Eagle Mt. Casino. In the Main event Williams (238 lbs) made the promotional organizations current Heavyweight Champion Gary Marshall (275 lbs) tap out at 4 minutes and 57 seconds into the first round by way of armbar. The win opened up a shot for Williams to fight for the organizations U.S. Title. Williams has definitely shown his endurance has gone up while his weight has gone down. Something that will help greatly in his next Super Heavyweight MuayThai Rules Bout...

Training with Williams has been Jeff Hougland (Left).Together they have both been IKF World Team members for some time now training out of Gene & Cat Fields Academy Kickboxing of Modesto's TEAM VOODOO.

At the same event, Hougland also made his MMA debut. His background consists mainly of MuayThai but has been searching for his niche for a long time and has finally found it. He holds a decent kickboxing record of 5-2-3, but has a calling for MMA. Hougland took out Rusty Simpson of Sonora from TEAM GROUND POUND in the first round of the scheduled 3 x 5 minute bout by way of rear naked choke.

Congratulations on the win for both fighters.....

A major part of any successful organization is Marketing. Marketing will make or break you. One great person once said "Some business won't advertise their location, what they sell and, or services they offer until their "GOING OUT OF BUSINESS!" The IKF has a lot of great things in store in the near future! We want all of you to help us continue our growth by wearing IKF Gear to the IKF Nationals this year. Wear your caps and Tee shirts! Last year's champions can wear their IKF/ Ringside "Champion" Windbreakers (red jackets).

As you come through the airports, stop at gas stations etc., your IKF Gear makes for great marketing for the event, for you as a trainer, a fighter, official, as well as, makes for great conversation! Also, being that the event is for three days, you can purchase IKF Gear at the IKF Nationals and wear it throughout the weekend and on your return home. In addition to wearing the gear, remember to say IKF Kickboxing as oppose to just Kickboxing. Name association is vital to our growth for TV and other forms of media. Our Growth is your growth as well. The more the general public begins to relate with one name for a particular product, (in this case Kickboxing) the better. Just look at any well known "Name Brand" products you buy yourself. Many times, a customer like yourself will ask for them and not necessarily want the brand they ask for, but the product itself. Such as instead of soda, some may say, get us a Coke. This is good for the CocaCola Company because most store clerks will direct the customer to the CocaCola Brand which in many cases the customer will buy... increasing CocaCola sales. So from this day forward, lets brand the sport of Kickboxing - SAY...IKF Kickboxing!

Finally, millions of people around the world love and enjoy the sport of Kickboxing! Be proud of what you do! Let the world know that you are proud to be a part of the IKF, the Largest kickboxing Sanctioning Body in the World for the sport of Kickboxing and the IKF Nationals, the Largest Amateur Kickboxing Tournament in the United States! Let them know that the sport you love deserves to be in the spotlight and in the mainstream of sports! Where will they read about "YOU?" www.IKFKickboxing.com of course. Let them know about the web site. This way, they can read about you as well. Besides, you never know who may take notice of you...a potential sponsor, TV producer or who knows.

So, Wear the Gear and wear it with pride!

MONDAY, July 1st, 2002, AT 11:50 PM, PT

Another Night Of
Finney's KICKBOXING!
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

IKF Promoter Jesse Finney and his Finney's Promotion Team are set to host yet another night of exciting amateur kickboxing action Tuesday night at Lucky's Nightclub On The Landing in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. As usual, the all amateur event will feature some of the best fighters from Finney's Kickboxing Team.

For more event info, please contact Mr. Jesse Finney at (314) 351-5226 or by e-mail at finneys@finneyskickboxing.com or see their website at...

www.FinneysKickboxing.com

MORE NEWS OF 7-1-02

Results & NEW RECORD From
IKF North Central FCR Regional Tournament
JUNE 22nd, 2002, Lake Zurich, (Chicago) Illinois, USA

IKF North Central Regional Promoter Rob Zbilski (Right) and his Team Z hosted another record setting Regional event a couple weekends back on Saturday, June 22nd in Lake Zurich, (Chicago) Illinois, USA. Zbilski tournament included fighters from Northern Illinois (Alton North), Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana in only 1 rule style, Full Contact, "American style kickboxing, with only above the waist kicks.

The record they all set was the most fighters at any Regional in the USA in "ONE SINGLE" rule style. His crew had 72 Registered Fighters in just Full Contact Rules. This is a new record as far as Regionals that promote only 1 rule style. Congratulations to all the North Central Participants who "Walked The Walk" on the June 22nd! Now the question is, who will Walk a little farther down the road to the IKF USA National Amateur Championship Tournament? For that answer... We wait and see...

Here are the "Tournament Fight" results of those registered fighters that actually had tournament Matches...

• Preliminary Bouts
  
  
  1. Men's Middleweight
     Elton Dinsdale defeated Ricardo Ortiz.
     
     
  2. Men's Middleweight
     Peyton Russell defeated Travis Buchholz.
     
     
  3. Men's Light Cruiserweight
     Scott Cristopher defeated Dan Ruzicka.
     
     
  4. Men's Heavyweight
     Mark Mortensen defeated Doug Saver by TKO round 2.
     
     
  
  
  
• Finals:
  1. Men's Light Heavyweight
     Johan Haglund defeated Josh Mather by TKO round 2.
     
     
  2. Woman's Lightweight
     Krista Savage defeated Lisa Huffman.
     
     
  3. Men's Light Middleweight
     Luke Larson defeated Neil Halmsted by split decision.
     
     
  4. Junior Boys Middleweight
     Chad Monqelle defeated Sameer Abdula Jr. by TKO round 1.
     
     
  5. Jr. Lightweight
     Paul Fosco defeated Kasper Harrisson.
     
     
  6. Junior Boys Jr. Atomweight
     Kieth Cyza defeated Cody Monyelle by TKO round 1.
  7. Woman's Atomweight: Rene Brodacz defeated Valerie Lossing.
     
     
  8. Junior Boys Jr. Light Middleweight
     Nick Anderson defeated Deon Craft.
     
     
  9. Woman's Middleweight
     Danielle Mall defeated Julie Keppler by majority decision.
     
     
  10. Woman's Welterweight
      Jennifer Thysson defeated Csilla Csejtel by majority decision.
      
      
  11. Junior Boys Junior Super Welterweight
      Jeffery Turner defeated Chris Melody by TKO round 1
      
      .
  12. Super Lightweight
      Joe Surack defeated Matt Barker by TKO round 1.
      
      
  13. Jr. Welterweight
      Mike Spelz defeated Jason Adams.
      
      
  14. Welterweight
      Sheldon Barnes defeated Justin Ulil.
      
      
  15. Super Lightweight
      Oden Cassie defeated Brittney Parsons.
      
      
  16. Men's Super Heavyweight
      Marcus Glen defeated A. J. King by TKO round 1.
      
      
  17. Men's Middleweight
      Peyton Russell defeated Elton Dinsdale by TKO round 1.
      
      
  18. Men's Heavyweight
      Mark Mortensen defeated Dave Hampton.
      
      

For more info on this event please contact Mr. Rob Zbilski at (847) 458-8333 or by e-mail by clicking: teamz@3di.net

PAST IKF NEWS - CLICK HERE!