IKF PAST NEWS
This Page Includes Past IKF News for

JUNE 2002



HOME - NEWS - EVENTS - RANKINGS - SANCTIONING - JOINING - RULES & REGULATIONS - ISCF

SUNDAY, June 30th, 2002, AT 11:10 AM, PT

GREAT NEWS FOR
Fighters and Trainers
At This Years
2002 IKF USA
NATIONAL FINALS!

It's always Great to hear GREAT NEWS and we have some for all you Trainers and Fighters going to this years 2002 IKF USA NATIONAL FINALS! To begin with, Fighters, you will not be required to pay ANY TICKET FEES for ANY of the 3 sessions of fights (Saturday, Sunday and Sunday Night). You will be given a FREE Ticket for the Sunday Night Event and as always, will be allowed to attend the Sunday Finals event even if your not in the finals.

This news is a great relief to the IKF as well who had previously been told that they would need to pay a Comp Ticket Fee if they let anyone in for free for the Sunday night event. The comp fee was $10. (Which is what the IKF was asking all fighters not in the Sunday night final event to pay) Obviously the IKF couldn't pay for everyone so they had to charge those attending. However, that has just been changed. "We didn't want any fighters to pay for anything more once there except for their own personal expenses." Said IKF President Steve Fossum. "These fighters pay enough as it is to simply GET to the Finals, let alone be expected to shell out more dollars just to see another event."

But there's more Great news! As far as Trainers go, the IKF is please to announce Great News for them as well. This was going to be the first time the IKF was going to charge for a Trainers Laminated Photo ID Badge. The Laminated Photo ID Badge was going to be $20. There was several reasons for this;

1. For easier door secrurity passes for each trainer's entree.
2. For the "Comp Ticket" fee thing again.
3. The expense of the materials for the passes (About $5)
4. Pay the staff to make the passes for each trainer at registration.
5. And finally, to turn away those just asking for a pass just to get in for free.

However now we are happy to announce, we don't have to pay the comp ticket fee for trainers on Sunday Night either so the Laminated Photo ID Badges that were going to be $20, are now Only $5. This will still assist in the need for better door security and the cost of making the Laminated Photo ID Badges as well. However, there are still certain rules for the attaining of these passes;

1. All Cornerman/Trainer who pays their $5 registration fee at registration on Friday night "AND" attends the Cornerman/Trainers rules meeting will receive a Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge directly after the rules meeting. This badge will allow these Cornerman/Trainers backstage and ringside during the event. "ONLY" individuals with one of these Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badges or a Laminated Fighter, Staff, Security or Officials Badge will be allowed into these areas. However, we will not be giving out colored wristbands now.
   
   
2. ALL registered Cornerman/Trainers will be allowed to attend all "3" sessions for FREE for General Seating.
   
   
3. Every year we have a "Fighters Rules Meeting". At this meeting we discuss Cornerman/Trainers rules as well. So far, every year we've had an incident at ringside during the event with a Cornerman/Trainer who was NOT at this meeting. NO Cornerman/Trainer will receive their Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge unless they are present in this meeting. Simply put, if your not an Officially Licensed and Registered IKF Cornerman/Trainer, you cannot be in the corner. If we do not see your Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge you will be asked to leave Ringside. Non Registered/Licensed Trainers not attending the MANDATORY rules meeting and not paying for their badge will be required to purchase their own event ticket yet still will not be allowed in a corner or in the locker room area.
   
   
4. Your Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge is not just a cheap paper. It is a full color IKF USA Nationals Event Card about 4" x 5" with your name, picture and signature on it. laminated with a necklace (Chain or string). It will NOT be available to just anyone. It will be a great memory of this event for you as well. For this reason, please do not ask to buy one for a friend or someone who knows nothing of working a fighters corner.
   
   
5. As a courtesy, All "Regional Promoters who are also Cornerman/Trainers will receive their Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge for free.
6. Since there are only 3 cornerman/trainer allowed at ringside during a bout a Maximum of 3 Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge per fighter and no more than 5 Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge will be sold per club/gym.
   
   
7. NOTE: Any cornerman/trainers caught lending their passes out to ANYONE will have their passes immediately destroyed and those using the pass and the trainer will be escorted from the session with no refund of pass or fees and will need to purchase a ticket for re-entree. For this reason, sorry but please do not sell, give away or lend your pass to any family, relatives or friends. Thank You.
   
   

See you at the National Finals!

This Sunday night, June 30th, IKF England Promoter Goff Bates will host IKF Junior amateur Kickboxing in England. Back on April 29th of 2001, Bates promoted the first ever IKF Junior Amateur world Title in Newcastle, England. In the bout, Craig Richardson of England defeated Bruno Susano from Portugal by unanimous decision, 68-63, 69-64 and 69-64 in a GREAT 7 Round "Toe To Toe" THRILLER!

Details of this Sunday's event can be attained by contacting Mr. Goff Bates at 012072 80 427 or through IKF Europe by phone at 44 174 473 9043 or by e-mail at Europe@IKFKickboxing.com

Duane Ludwig

He had never promoted before and was new to the area but that didn't stop David Smith of the Eagle Academy from fulfilling his passion for the Sport of Kickboxing. Last weekend, Smith and his Team hosted the FIRST EVER IKF North Mountain Regional in Casper Wyoming. His regional included fighters from Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Western North Dakota and Western South Dakota. At least that was all that was suppose to be in his regional. If Smith would have known sooner that IKF Promoter Sven Bean was going to pull out of Hosting the Central Mountain Regional, he would have easily doubled his registration. However, none of us found out until only a few weeks prior to his event date and there was no time to mass market the states of Utah & Colorado. However, he still registered fighters from there.

Smith did everything he could to promote kickboxing in the town of Casper Wyoming and although his crowd was small, according to IKF Event Representative and Referee Danny Stell, (rIGHT) he's off to a great start. "Mr. Smith was a first time promoter and he took on the 2002 IKF North Mountain Regional putting his neck out doing all he could to promote the show." said Stell. With only 24 fighters for 3 rules divisions in the men, women and junior divisions, it was hard to match up actual "Tournament" bouts. In all, there were only 3 actual "Tournament" bouts but Stell and Smith were able to match up 3 other bouts as well.

One thing that Smith added to his regional was a Trophy for each and every fighter, even those who didn't have a fight. EVERYONE received a trophy. Unlike the last 3 years, Ringside Inc. choose not to donate medals as part of their sponsorship this year as 9/11 forced them to make some cutbacks. This meant all the Regional Participants went away with no awards or certificates. However, all National Finals participants will be getting several things at Friday Nights Registration, including participation certificates. The Champions, like last year will still receive Champions Jackets, Autograph Gloves and of course, the IKF National Champions Title Belt (As shown on 2001 National Champion Peyton Russell of Minnesota at right)

This years belts will have an added expense since this is the 10 year anniversary of the IKF. This years belts are made of White Leather instead of Black. White is a more expensive leather but it stands out more in a picture. (As proved by 1999 IKF National Champion Duane Ludwig's belt collection at left who won his "White" IKF Title on another event, not the 1999 Nationals.)

"David had tropies for the best Junior Girls and Boys Fighters along with Best Adult Fighters." said Stell. "Now that he has a better idea of what to expect in promoting, he's looking forward to working with the IKF on a combined Pro and Amateur event for November of this year." Here's the event results below.

Danny Stell



Peyton Russell

• TOURNAMENT BOUTS
  
  
  1. Men's IR Heavyweight
     Bill Ballou defeated Bruce Williams by Split decision, 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29.
     
     
  2. Woman's IR Middleweight
     Sarah Whitney defeated Crystal Beagle by TKO in round 1.
     
     
  3. Junior Boys IR Junior Flyweight
     MJ Solis defeated Bryse Holyouk by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28 and 29-28.
     
     

• WALKOVERS
  
  
  • Junior Girls International Rules
    1. Light Heavyweight: Bianca Salis
    2. Light Cruiserweeight: Shannon Wood
    3. Bantamweight: Shantel Chapple
       
       
  • Junior Boys International Rules
    1. Bantanweight: Kody Hansen
    2. Cruiserweight: Nic Houser
    3. Super Atomweight: Ethan Beckton
       
       
  • Women's International Rules
    1. Strawweight: Christie Yandell
    2. Light Middleweight: Gretchen Small
       
       
  • Women's MuayThai Rules
    1. Atomweight: Alisanne Casey
    2. Super Lightweight: Jessica Griffiths
       
       
  • Men's International Rules
    1. Bantamweight: Paul Wood
    2. Lightwight: Albert Nolan
    3. Light Middleweight: Chris Archuleta
    4. Super Middleweight: Mark Korzeniowski
    5. Light Cruiserweight: P. J. Reilly
       
       
  • Men's MuayThai Rules
    1. Middleweight: Chris Smith
    2. Light Heavyweight: Eusebio Sams
       
       

Last night June 25 at the Rodeo Nights in Phoenix Arizona, USA, IKF Light Middleweight FCR World Champion Anthony Bartanalli (Left after win with trainers Rhonda and Clement Vierra and close-up at Right) won a 12 round decision for the Arizona State Super Middleweight Boxing Title.

By round 9 Bartanalli had Charles Davis hanging on as Bartanalli continued to hit him from one side of the ring to the other. When the bell rang at the end of the fight, Davis fall to the canvas. Bartanalli looked very good in the bout.

Like many other IKF known kickboxers ( Rick Roufus, Juan Torres, Greg Kirkpatrick, Eric Regan and a host of Female Kickboxers ) Bartanalli uses boxing to inhance his ring skills for kickboxing and in the end, has made him a great kick - BOXER.

Congratulations
CHAMP!

Medical Community Identifies Lower Jaw Impacts As
#1 Cause For Sport Concussions
CLICK HERE
TO READ MORE...

With only 5 days left until the registration deadline of July 1st for this years 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Championships, many fighters have been waiting until the last minute and now are scrambling to get their registration papers and fees in. Some didn't realize that they still must fill out their required Nationals Registration form and send it in after their regional. "We've had several fighters calling and e-mailing in asking if they were already registered for the finals by going to their regional? The answer is no." says IKF President Steve Fossum. Regardless of their outcome at a regional event, fighters still need to register for the National Finals. Fighters names will not be posted on the Finalists pages until this coming weekend so if your wondering who's going, it's far too early to look. "Like every year, it will take several days to get all the fighters listed on the pages." says Rick Donaldson of the IKF Web News Department. "It's a lot of typing and a lot of organizing." So if your waiting to see who your matched up with before you register, you may find yourself paying one of the Registration Late Fees. Hopefully this won't happen to you.

• If Received here after July 1st, a $25 Late Fee will be assessed to you.
• If your registration is received after July 5th, 2002 you will be charged a $30 Late Fee.
• If your registration is received after July 10th, 2002 will be charged a $35 Late Fee "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all.
• If your registration form is received After July 15th, 2002 will be charged a $40 Late Fee, again, "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all.

In case your confused as to what form to fill out and what fee to pay, here's a simply explanation for everyone...

• For Past Champions to defend their title they need to register with the form found HERE.
• For fighters who had a seeding fight at a regional event, their registration form can be found HERE.
• For a fighter that registered for a Regional Tournament but did not get matched for a fight, their registration form can be found HERE.
• For fighters who did not have a regional in their area and want to attend the National Finals, their form can be found HERE.
• If you missed the Regional Event in your area and want to know if you can still register for the National Finals go to our Question Answer page to find out how by clicking HERE.

Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badges
And Trainers Event Registration Fee

We've had some questions about "WHY" we are charging for Coaches and Trainers passes. We can give you several reasons why this was added for this year.

1. At last years National Finals, some teams asked for as many as 8 cornerman/Trainers passes. A look through the crowd showed many of these individuals never worked a corner over the weekend. This is the first reason, because we only want TRAINERS to be allowed the Cornerman/Trainers privileges. since each pass will have the Registered Individuals picture on it, it will avoid use by anyone else if the pass is lost, stolen or loaned to someone else.
   
   
2. Privileges? Yes, there are Privileges. Any Cornerman/Trainer who pays their $20 registration fee at registration on Friday night "AND" attends the Cornerman/Trainers rules meeting will receive a Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge. This badge will allow these Cornerman/Trainers backstage and ringside during the event. "ONLY" individuals with one of these Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badges or a Laminated Fighter, Staff, Security or Officials Badge will be allowed into these areas. Each registered cornerman/trainer and fighter will receive 3 wristbands at the MANDATORY rules meeting. (One for Saturday, 1 for Sunday and 1 for Sunday Night - Different colors and designs for each session)
   
   
3. ALL registered Cornerman/Trainers will be allowed to attend all "3" sessions for FREE. Like every year, everyone will be allowed to attend both daytime sessions. However this year we will add a special Sunday Night Session with a selected group of fighters. Only 20-30 fighters will fight on this night. All other Cornerman/Trainers can enter the event for a general admission seat for Free.
   
   
4. If you look at successful amateur organizations, "ALL" of them require their coaches to be licensed and registered. some of them charging as much as $75 per event. This registration will allow us here at the IKF to license you as an IKF Cornerman/Trainer and place you in a special listing in our data base. This is a "TRAINERS ONLY" list and will be used for mailing out material of your interest such as event lists, training tips and other things.
   
   
5. Every year we have a "Fighters Rules Meeting". At this meeting we discuss Cornerman/Trainers rules as well. So far, every year we've had an incident at ringside during the event with a Cornerman/Trainer who was NOT at this meeting. NO Cornerman/Trainer will receive their Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge unless they are present in this meeting. This is not to mention the family and friends who crowd many of the corners. Simply put, if your not an Officially Licensed and Registered IKF Cornerman/Trainer, you cannot be in the corner. If we do not see your Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge you will be asked to leave Ringside. Non Registered/Licensed Trainers not attending the MANDATORY rules meeting and not paying for their badge will be required to purchase their own event ticket yet still will not be allowed in a corner or in the locker room area.
   
   
6. Your Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge is not just a cheap paper. This will be an official IKF Cornerman/Trainers License and will NOT be available to just anyone. For this reason, please do not ask to buy one for a friend or someone who knows nothing of working a fighters corner.
   
   
7. The Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge will be approximately 4" X 5", full color, with your name, signature and picture on it with a necklace. It will be your Official Worldwide IKF Cornerman/Trainers License for 1 calendar year.
   
   
8. As a courtesy, All "Regional Promoters who are also Cornerman/Trainers will receive their Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge for free.
   
   
9. Since there are only 3 cornerman/trainer allowed at ringside during a bout a Maximum of 3 Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge per fighter and no more than 5 Laminated Photo Cornerman/Trainers ID Badge will be sold per club/gym.
   
   
10. NOTE: Any cornerman/trainers caught lending their passes out to ANYONE will have their passes immediately destroyed and those using the pass and the trainer will be escorted from the session with no refund of pass or fees and will need to purchase a ticket for re-entree. For this reason, sorry but please do not sell, give away or lend your pass to any fighters family, relatives or friends. Thank You.

• From our understanding, The Host Hotel, The Radisson Has Been SOLD OUT! The ADDITIONAL HOTELS Are;
  • The Clarion, (319) 324-1921, Approximately 1 Block From RiverCenter: $69.00 + Tax (7% sales tax & 5% lodging tax). Always ask for the IKF Kickboxing Rate when booking your rooms.
  • Holiday Inn Davenport, (563) 391-1230,Approximately 4.2 miles (7 minutes) from RiverCenter: $69.00 + Tax (7% sales tax & 5% lodging tax). Always ask for the IKF Kickboxing Rate when booking your rooms.
  • The Lodge in Bettendorf Iowa (563) 359-7141,Approximately 5.7 miles (10 minutes) from RiverCenter but WOW! What a place!!!: $79.00 + Tax (7% sales tax & 5% lodging tax ) Always ask for the IKF Kickboxing Rate when booking your rooms. .

TICKETS
For Finals Ticket info, please see this page HERE!
Tickets for the National Finals will be available sometime during the week of July 1st through
TicketMaster at www.ticketmaster.com

IKF North Central Regional Promoter Rob Zbilski (Left) is all set with his Team Z associates to host this weekends IKF North Central Regional Tournament. The event will be held at Jimmy Z's Ringside Fitness in Lake Zurich, (Chicago) Illinois, USA and will include fighters from Northern Illinois (Alton North), Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana in Full Contact Rules Only, "American style kickboxing, above the waist kicks, Men, Women and *Juniors (*ages 8 – 17)

As of today Zbilski has over 50 amateur kickboxers registered for the event. Some of them include first time fighters like Josh Mather (Left, 160lbs, 23) and Matt Barber (Right, 135lbs, 21) who both come from Superior Kickboxing with coach Jerome Owens in Cedar Rapids Iowa. This is just an example of two fighters who have never been in the ring in a competitive bout that are willing to "Walk The Walk" against anyone at the regional level and hopefully the National Level. Makes you wonder about all those fighters with big long records who won't be there... Makes you also wonder who they fought to get their US Titles... The guy across the street maybe? At least Mather and Barber will find out how they rank in the North Central USA and if they continue their walk to the National Finals, who knows, we may see one as a National Champion... A "REAL" National Champion...

The official weigh-ins as well as the competition itself will be held at Jimmy Z's Ringside Fitness 410 East Main Street, Lake Zurich, Illinois, (847) 550-8333. Those who have registered for this event are competing for the top regional seed in their weightclass for the IKF USA National Amateur Tournament on August 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the RiverCenter in Quad Cities Iowa. If there are more than 8 competitors in a weight class they will hold the first preliminary bouts tonight, June 21st at Jimmy's Ringside Fitness. All preliminary bouts will begin Saturday, June 22nd at 11:00 AM sharp at Jimmy Z's Ringside Fitness. Fighters have been asked to arrive by 10:00 AM for the day's line-up and rules meeting. All finals competitions will begin Saturday evening, June 22nd at 7:00 PM.

This will be Zbilski's 3rd year for hosting the North Central Regional tournament. For more info on this event please contact Mr. Rob Zbilski at (847) 458-8333 or by e-mail by clicking: teamz@3di.net

K-1
Produces
KNOCKOUT
Video!

The K-1 USA Group has produced a Dynamic Action Packed video of the most dramatic and hardest-hitting knock-outs ever delivered on the K-1 Tournament circuit with punches, kicks, and knee strikes. Brace yourself for the action you are about to witness! For more info, contact K-1 at newsletter@k-1usa.net

This is a reminder that the National Finals Registration Deadline is July 1st for this years Finals Event. As most should know by now, this years IKF USA National Amateur Championships will be August 2nd, 3rd and 4th in Davenport Iowa, USA! If you have already competed at one of the IKF USA National Amateur Tournament Regional Events, you are "NOT" automatically registered for the National Finals. To Register for the National Finals, go to this form HERE!

• If you did not have a regional in your area and wish to attend the National Finals by direct walkover, please register at this page HERE.
  
  
• If you missed the Regional Event in your area and want to know if you can still register for the National Finals go to our Question Answer page to find out how by clicking HERE.
  
  
• If you were a 2001 National Champion and are attending the National Finals to defend your title, go to this page to register HERE.
  
  
• If you registered for a Regional Event and you didn't have an opponent you will receive a $15 credit towards your National Finals Registration AND be seeded higher than other fighters that did not attend or register for a Regional Seeding Tournament at all. To register for the National Finals it will cost you $25 instead of $40.00. To register CLICK HERE! Make sure you include a note as to why you are only paying $25 instead of $40.00 or you will be charged the difference at the National Finals Weigh-in.

DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE(S): Any fighter who's Registration form is RECEIVED (Not Postmarked) here at the IKF Headquarters AFTER JULY 1st, 2002 will be charged additional Late Fees. All Late Fees must be paid along with your registration. If not, you will be charged this fee when you weigh-in on Friday, August 2nd. These Late Fees are as follows;

• If Received here after July 1st, a $25 Late Fee will be assessed to you.
• If your registration is received after July 5th, 2002 you will be charged a $30 Late Fee.
• If your registration is received after July 10th, 2002 will be charged a $35 Late Fee "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all.
• If your registration form is received After July 15th, 2002 will be charged a $40 Late Fee, again, "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all.

Coach & Trainers Pass.
Since there are so many people who try to sneak into these events, this will be the first year that we will need to charge for cornerman/trainers passes. The other reason for this is to police each fighters corner. Only registered cornermen are allowed into each fighters corner. The cost of each cornerman/trainers registration and pass is $20.00. Cornermen and Trainers will register on Friday during the hours of 12 noon and 7 PM at the RiverCenter Arena. (Right) These Official IKF Cornerman/Trainer Passes will have the cornerman/trainer's name, signed name and picture on a very nice 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Tournament Card and are laminated with a necklace.

• ONLY cornerman/trainers who attend the MANDATORY rules meeting will receive their event passes. All cornerman/trainers will sign and print their name on their cornerman/trainers passes and show a picture I.D. to attain their pass.
  
  
• In addition to the cornerman/trainers full signed and printed name, each cornerman/trainers will have their picture taken upon registration for their pass and the PICTURE will be pasted on their pass to avoid use by anyone else if the pass is lost, stolen or loaned to someone else.
  
  
• Each registered cornerman/trainer and fighter will receive 3 wristbands at the MANDATORY rules meeting. (One for Saturday, 1 for Sunday and 1 for Sunday Night - Different colors and designs for each session)
  
  
• For door security reasons, Trainers not attending the MANDATORY rules meeting will be required to purchase their own event ticket.
  
  
• Each pass will allow the cornerman/trainer free admission into the trainers section on the Special Sunday Night Event.
  
  
• Since there are only 3 cornerman/trainer allowed at ringside during a bout a Maximum of 3 Cornermen/Trainers wristbands per fighter and no more than 5 wristbands will be sold per club/gym.
  
  
• Cornerman/trainer who have fighters fighting on the Special Sunday Night Event will not be required any additional fees.
  
  
• NOTE: Any cornerman/trainers caught lending their passes out to ANYONE will have their passes immediately destroyed and those using the pass and the trainer will be escorted from the session with no refund of pass or fees and will need to purchase a ticket for re-entree. For this reason, sorry but please do not sell, give away or lend your pass to any fighters family, relatives or friends. Thank You.

We urge everyone to book their hotel rooms as soon as possible also. The Host Hotel, Radisson Quad Cities Plaza from what we understand today is sold out, however, it wouldn't hurt to call to verify this. This hotel is connected to the RiverCenter by a skywalk. For reservations call: (563) 322-2200. 111 East 2nd Street, Davenport, Iowa, 52801. Rooms here were locked in at $69 per night + Taxes (7% sales tax & 5% lodging tax). Room Total: $77.28. Make sure you ask for the IKF Kickboxing Rate when booking your rooms. The regular room rate is $89.00 plus all the taxes. Our code word is KICK. For more info go to, www.radisson.com/davenportia.

• ADDITIONAL HOTELS:
  • The Clarion, (319) 324-1921, Approximately 1 Block From RiverCenter: $69.00 + Tax (7% sales tax & 5% lodging tax). Always ask for the IKF Kickboxing Rate when booking your rooms.
  • Holiday Inn Davenport, (563) 391-1230,Approximately 4.2 miles (7 minutes) from RiverCenter: $69.00 + Tax (7% sales tax & 5% lodging tax). Always ask for the IKF Kickboxing Rate when booking your rooms.
  • The Lodge in Bettendorf Iowa (563) 359-7141,Approximately 5.7 miles (10 minutes) from RiverCenter but WOW! What a place!!!: $79.00 + Tax (7% sales tax & 5% lodging tax ) Always ask for the IKF Kickboxing Rate when booking your rooms. .

Tickets for the National Finals will be available July 1st through TicketMaster at www.ticketmaster.com

Jason Strout

Ad Cetera Sports, IKF Wisconsin, USA: Ad Cetera Sports hosted yet another exciting event at the Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA this last weekend. This event, entitled, The "Blitz Power Mints Heavyweight Gladiators Professional Kickboxing Series" featured both Pro and Amateur bouts. The main focus for us here at the IKF was the quest for the vacant IKF Amateur MTR North American Light Middleweight Title.

This bout featured Duke Roufus Gym's Jason "Knock 'em Out" Strout (Left) and Mark Durant (Right) of Winnipeg, Canada's famed Sik-Tai Muaythai Centre.

In the end, Strout defeated Durant of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada by TKO at 42 seconds of the second round to claim the vacant title.

Here's how the rest of the action went on the night...

Mark Durant

IKF
AMATEUR BOUTS

• MuayThai Rules
  1. Light Middleweights: Bob Howden defeated Domingo Zuniga (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) by unanimous decision. Zuniga took a standing eight count in the second round.
     
     
  2. Super Lightweights: Casey Garza (Burlingham, Wisconsin, USA) defeated Rocky Zuniga (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) by unanimous decision.
     
     
  3. Tony Randazo (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) defeated Alessio Ziel ( New Holstein, Wisconsin, USA) by unanimous decision. Alession Ziel was knocked down in the second round.
     
     
  4. Jason Strout (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) defeated Mark Durant (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) by TKO at 42 seconds of round two earning the IKF North American Light Middleweight Title.
     
     

PRO BOUTS - HEAVY / SUPER HEAVYWEIGHTS

• K-1 Rules
  1. Dave Carini (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) defeated Harold Johnson (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) by disqualification at 1:39 of the first round. Johnson repeatedly refused to follow the referee's commands.
     
     
  2. David Roberts (Memphis, Tennessee, USA) defeated Steve Witt (Kansas City, Missouri, USA) by Knockout at 1:00 of the first round.
     
     
  3. Rob Smith (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) defeated John LeBlanc (Chicago, Illinois, USA) by unanimous decision.
     
     
  4. Lance Cartwright (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) defeated Simon Diouf (Chicago, Illinois, USA) by split decision.
     
     
  5. Kelly Leo (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) defeated Brad Fowler (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) by Knockout at 54 seconds of the first round.
     
     
  6. Horace Craft (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) defeated Mark Miller (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA) by knockout at 1:08 of round three.
     
     

For more information or tickets, please call Scott Joffe at (414) 319-1151 or visit

www.DukeRoufusGym.com

.

Ray Thompson


James Corbett

Of the 23 Championship Bouts that were fought at the IKF South East Regional Event, 10 were selected for the evening show which also included some ISCF Mixed Martial Arts Action. The evening event was live on Aggression TV Internet Radio Program.

The broadcast plays in the free RealAudio player. It does not work in Windows Media Player. Also, the broadcast will just stream to your computer and immediately start playing without the need to download the whole broadcast first. Most people should have this program already installed on their computer. If not, you can visit the following direct link to get it by clicking HERE!

Although IKF President Steve Fossum was originally scheduled to do event commentary with Johnny Walls on the night, there were more important duties that took him away from this position for the night. So instead, a quick decision was made to put IKF Promoter and Champion Trainer Ray Thompson (Left) in to do commentary for the first half of the program while ISCF Promoter Matthew Waller (Right) took over the second half of the program.

Both Thompson and Waller filled in great considering being put on the spot with no preparation for the job. Neither Thompson or Waller had ever done commentating before so it was a learning experience for both. Thompson, being first at the mic, only had about 2 minutes to get ready to go on air. Usually, the IKF has Johnny Davis (Right) and Fossum doing most event commentary. However along with being the event Representative with IKF South East Representative Elizabeth Carlson, Fossum was also needed to be the event MC for the night. Davis was unable to make the trip to Valdosta since he is in the process of moving and we weren't sure how necessary it was to have him at the event. Now that we know how exciting Internet Broadcasting can be, we plan to send Davis to the next one. However, once Thompson got relaxed and settled into the role, he seemed to have a good time at it as well. With all the other jobs Fossum handles at events maybe a Thompson/Davis combination will be heard in the future...

Keep in mind that this was the first time we ever tried such a broadcast for an IKF event. With the way things turned out, we expect to be doing more of this type of live broadcasting in the future.

Special thanks to Aggression TV's President Johnny Walls and IKF South East Regional Promoter James Corbett (Left) for making all this happen!

Matthew Waller



Johnny Davis

NYKK Gym (New York Kickboxing & Kung Fu) in Midtown will have an open house on Saturday, June 29, 2002. They will be offering free classes and a number of demonstrations. There will also be special membership packages offered on that day "ONLY".

• Schedule of Events
  • 11 AM: FREE fitness kickboxing class.
  • 12:20: Demonstration of San Shou techniques.
  • 1 PM: Sparring demonstration by members of NYKK competition team.
  • 2 PM: Demonstration of grappling techniques.
  • 3 PM: FREE San Shou kickboxing class

NYKK Midtown Gym offers New York's finest instruction in Fitness Kickboxing, San Shou (Chinese Kickboxing), Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), Western Boxing, "Street Smart" Self Defense and Submission Grappling. Their modern, state of the art facilities has all the equipment one needs to get in the best shape of your life and develop all your fighting skills.

They have Flexible Schedules so finding a class suited to your life-style is never a problem. For more information contact us at NYKK Gym, Midtown, 336 W 37th Street, 5th floor, NY NY, 10018. Phone number: (212) 239- 8619 or visit

www.NYKKGym.com

IKF South East Regional Promoter James Corbett (Right) has set his place in IKF History for now with a new record for most Registered Amateur Fighters at an IKF Regional Tournament event and Most Regional Bouts as well. Corbett's South East Regional Tournament Registered 92 Fighters in all 3 main rule styles and the featured 39 Regional Tournament Bouts. The event took place last Saturday, June 15th at the Lowndes County Civic Center/Fairgrounds in Valdosta Georgia.

Although the regional included Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and Eastern Tennessee, not 1 fighter showed up to fight from the entire state of Florida leaving many at the event thinking "No Florida Amateurs were willing to Walk The Walk..."

Regardless, there were plenty of Amateur Kickboxers present willing to prove their skills to their peers as they fought for top seeding at the IKF USA National Amateur Championships in August. Adding to Corbett's record was a record number of listeners on the www.AggressionTV website. Of the 23 Championship Bouts, 10 were selected for the evening show which also included some ISCF Mixed Martial Arts Action. According to Corbett, Aggression TV's proprietor Johnny Walls told him the broadcast meter showed the listener range to be between 1,800 and up to 2,200+ throughout the event which was broadcast live via Aggression TV's Internet Radio Program.

Here's the event results...

• Adult Women's FCR
  • Atomweight - 117 Lbs & Below
    1. Brenda Harrison defeated
    2. Jan Adams by split decision, 30-27, 28-29 and 30-27.
  • Super Lightweight - 132.1 Lbs. - 137 Lbs.
    1. Susan Wood defeated
    2. Billie Jo Griewisch in the final by Majority Decision who defeated
    3. Kathy Hagler in the prelim by split decision, 29-28, 29-28 and 27-30.
• Adult Men FCR
  • Featherweight - 124.1 Lbs. - 128 Lbs.
    1. Dallas Crowe defeated
    2. Jason Beck by Head Kick TKO at :15 seconds of round 3.
  • Super Lightweight - 132.1 Lbs. - 137 Lbs.
    1. Justin Pickett defeated
    2. Byron Webb by DQ (Missing Equipment at start of bout.)
  • Light Welterweight - 137.1 Lbs. - 142 Lbs.
    1. Jason Kuhn defeated
    2. Reginald Kitchens by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 and 30-27.
  • Welterweight - 142.1 Lbs. - 147 Lbs.
    1. Walter Barber defeated
    2. Jeff Williams by TKO at 1:16 of round 1.
  • Super Welterweight - 147.1 Lbs - 153 Lbs.
    1. Walter Mccall defeated
    2. Mike Crocker by unanimous decision, 30-26, 30-26 and 30-27.
  • Light Middleweight - 153.1 Lbs. - 159 Lbs.
    1. Shaun Gay defeated
    2. Eric Taylor by TKO at 1:56 of round 2 when Taylor's corner threw in the towel.
  • Middleweight - 159.1 Lbs. - 165 Lbs
    1. Rod Llaneza defeated
    2. Todd Moon by TKO at 42 seconds of round 2 with a great body shot who defeated
    3. Randall Carr by KO at 1:58 of round 1.
  • Super Middleweight - 165.1 Lbs. - 172 Lbs.
    1. Shannon Hudson defeated
    2. John Ganner by unanimous decision 30-28, 29-28 and 29-28 who defeated
    3. Joel Weldon by TKO at 1:12 of round 3 in the prelim.
    4. Ryan Robertson who had lost to Hudson in the prelim had advanced when
    5. Mike Wood couldn't continue due to injury he suffered when he defeated
    6. Stevie Dement by unanimous decision, 29-28, 30-27 and 29-28.
    7. Josh Williams weighed in the night before but was a no show at the event losing by default.
  • Light Cruiserweight - 179.1 Lbs. - 186 Lbs
    1. David Bales defeated
    2. Joe Jobes by TKO at the end of round 2.
  • Cruiserweight - 186.1 Lbs. - 195 Lbs.
    1. Adrian Turpin defeated
    2. Andy Foster by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27
  • Heavyweight - 195.1 Lbs. - 215 Lbs.
    1. David Jackson defeated
    2. Steve Parker by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27 and 30-27.
    3. Chris Vega had lost to Jackson in round 1 by TKO at 1:31 of the first round.
    4. Kyle Brown lost to Parker by TKO at 1:27 of round 2.
• Adult Men's IR
  • Super Lightweight
    1. Curt Mickle defeated
    2. Joe Laughlin Jr. by knockout at 1:31 of round 2.
• Adult Men MTR
  • Super Lightweight
    1. Dustin Bensing defeated
    2. Kiranty Kroneji by unanimous decision 30-26, 30-26 and 30-27. This bout was stopped at 1:34 of round 3 due to an un intentional injury to Bensing (Dislocated Knee) and it went to the scorecards.
  • Super Welterweight - 147.1 Lbs - 153 Lbs.
    1. Nihad Husic defeated
    2. Ron Young by unanimous decision 29-28, 30-28 and 30-28.
  • Light Middleweight - 153.1 Lbs. - 159 Lbs.
    1. Phillip Botha defeated
    2. Jin Kim by split decision 30-28, 28-30 and 29-28 who defeated
    3. Gary Spencer by TKO at 1:48 of round 1
    4. Frank Maryska was defeated by Botha in round 1 by TKO at the end of round 2
    5. Aaron Avitan was defeated by Jin Kim by TKO at 1:07 of round 1
  • Middleweight - 159.1 Lbs. - 165 Lbs.
    1. Adam Gil defeated
    2. Michael Bengochea by unanimous decision 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.
  • Light Heavyweight - 172.1 Lbs. - 179 Lbs.
    1. Daniel Ancheta defeated
    2. Michael Israel by unanimous decision 30-27, 29-27 and 30-26.
  • Light Cruiserweight - 179.1 Lbs. - 186 Lbs
    1. Larry Briggs defeated
    2. Michael Weldon by TKO at 1:31 of round 1 who had earlier defeated
    3. Bryan Shea by TKO at :25 seconds into round 1.
  • Cruiserweight - 186.1 Lbs. - 195 Lbs.
    1. Yahosuah Yohuda defeated
    2. Tyrone Goodwin by TKO at the break of round 2 and 3.
  • Heavyweight - 195.1 Lbs. - 215 Lbs.
    1. Marshall Berger defeated
    2. Able Barbour by unanimous decision 30-28, 30-27 and 30-27 who defeated
    3. Joel Fuernsinn by "Extra Round" decision. It was a split decision draw after 3 rounds so they fought an extra round.
  • Super Heavyweight - 215.1 Lbs. And Above
    1. Brad Baker defeated
    2. David Beach by TKO at 1:35 of round 1 who had earlier defeated
    3. Richard Cox by TKO at 1:30 of round 1.

Some of the Walkover fighters elected to match up with bouts of compatible competitors after the daytime event and here are those results... - The referee for these bouts was Mr. Russell Lane. -

1. Penny Degraw defeated Tiffany Owen by unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27 and 30-27.
2. Terrie Hicks defeated Andrea Zalas by unanimous decision 29-28, 30-27 and 30-27.
3. Jesse Hendrix defeated Kieran Garcia by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28 and 29-28.
4. Andre Camarena defeated Christopher Garcia by TKO at end of round 1.
5. John Groves defeated Jeremy Powell.
6. Jeremy Garcia defeated Jose Altamirano by split decision 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28.
7. John Geiger defeated Jeremy Powell by split decision 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28.
8. Steve Hall defeated Zachary Myers by TKO at 1:48 of round 1 when Myers corner threw in the towel.

• Walkover Winners
  • Junior Girls FCR
    • Junior Lightweight - 65.1-70 Lbs: Alecia Nicole Crocker
    • Atomweight - 105.1-110 Lbs: Amanda Rawl
    • Light Welterweight - 140.1-145 Lbs: Andrea Zales
  • Junior Boys FCR
    • Junior Atomweight: Nathan McCall
    • Junior Bantamweight - 55.1-60 Lbs: Jesse Hendrix
    • Junior Featherweight - 60.1-65 Lbs: Kieran Garcia
    • Junior Light Cruiserweight - 85.1-90 Lbs: Christopher Garcia
    • Junior Cruiserweight: Jose' Altamirano
    • Junior Cruiserweight: Andre' Camarena
    • Light Atomweight - 100.1-105 Lbs: Nicolas Finley
    • Flyweight - 115.1-120 Lbs: Jeremy Garcia
    • Featherweight - 125.1-130 Lbs: Jeremy Powell
    • Lightweight - 130.1-135 Lbs: Jeremy Duncan
    • Super Lightweight - 135.1-140 Lbs: Billy Heslop
    • Super Lightweight - 135.1-140 Lbs: John Geiger
    • Welterweight - 145.1-150 Lbs. Timothy Hendrix
    • Super Middleweight - 165.1-172 Lbs: Fadey Abdul-Jabar
    • Super Middleweight - 165.1-172 Lbs:John Groves
    • Light Cruiserweight - 179.1-186 Lbs: Zachary Myers
    • Cruiserweight - 186.1-195 Lbs: Michael Wade
  • Junior Boys IR
    • Flyweight: Bradley Aldrich
    • Super Middleweight - 165.1-172 Lbs: Steve Hall
    • Light Cruiserweight: Damien Frost
  • Adult Women FCR
    • Bantamweight - 120.1 Lbs. - 124 Lbs: Tiffany Owen
    • Lightweight: 130 Summer Miller
    • Super Welterweight - 147.1 Lbs - 153 Lbs. Terrie Hicks
  • Adult Women IR
    • Featherweight - 124.1 Lbs. - 128 Lbs: Penny Degraw
  • Adult Women MTR
    • Middleweight - 159.1 Lbs. - 165 Lbs. Sara Golshani
  • Adult Men's FCR
    • Light Heavyweight - 172.1 Lbs. - 179 Lbs. Stephen Thompson
    • Super Heavyweight - 215.1 Lbs. & Up: Dalero Berkley
  • Adult Men's MTR
    • Super Lightweight - 132.1 Lbs. - 137 Lbs. Kiranty Kroneji
    • Light Welterweight - 137.1 Lbs. - 142 Lbs. Tom Crowley

• Registered No Shows...
  • FCR Light Welterweight - 137.1 Lbs. - 142 Lbs. Dusty Mccall
  • FCR Light Middleweight - 153.1 Lbs. - 159 Lbs. Nick Panausis Jr.
  • MTR Light Heavyweight - 172.1 Lbs. - 179 Lbs. Glen Spencer
  • Light Heavyweight - 172.1 Lbs. - 179 Lbs: Ryan Smith
  • MTR: Super Heavyweight - 215.1 Lbs. & Up: Jack Nilsson

The referee for the Full Contact Rules Bouts was Mr. Dan Stell. The Referee for the International Rules and MuayThai Bouts was Mr. Gary Brown. Bout Judges included Sean Wohl, Lane Collyer, Ron Giterie and several others. We thank them all for their assistance. For more info on this event please contact Mr. James Corbett (229) 245-8622 or by e-mail at jscorbett@datasys.net

James Corbett

Pedro Fernandez



Miguel Reyes



Raul Ramero



Raúl Romero

With over 20 million people, Mexico City Mexico should be a hot ticket for kickboxing. With all the great Pro Boxers coming out of the country one would expect the same for the sport of kickboxing. However, this hasn't been true... At least not yet.

The sports growth there has been scared as well as held back by an organization and it's leader who only had himself in mind when it came to success for the sport. With a well known reputation of corrupt actions this organizations leader was the only one gaining any ground in Mexico's Kickboxing scene, and the ground he attained has been in his own pocket book.

Mexico kickboxers like IKF Pro MuayThai Rules Mexico Super Heavyweight Champion Pedro Fernandez (Left) and IKF Pro International Rules Super Welterweight Mexico Champion Miguel Reyes (Left) of Tijuana Mexico, IKF Pro MuayThai Rules Middleweight Mexico Champion Adolfo Lozano (Right) of Puerta Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico and top Pro MuayThai Rules Super Heavyweight fighter Raul Ramero of Mexico City (Below Left) all use to fight for this organization. All had to pay their dues and a little more just to get booked for bouts in Mexico.

Over the last few years with the assistance of IKF Mexico Representative Douglas Dickey, all 3 of them have been fortunate enough to be offered opportunities to fight outside of Mexico on IKF Sanctioned events. However, when they did so, all were shamed in Mexico's only magazine for the sport which is also published by the same overpowering organization that "use to" rule in Mexico.

Unlike how the IKF operates, this Mexico organization wanted to keep all the Mexico fighters, promoters and trainers in Mexico. He didn't want any of them to leave Mexico to fight and when they did, he celebrated when they lost by writing such claims in e-mails and in his magazine as "See what happens when you don't fight for me." However like in many places around the World,

"The Game Has Changed"
In Mexico!

Mexico has been cast aside for a long time now as far as worldwide exposure for the sport of kickboxing. Although well known for its many top boxers, very few know of the many talented kickboxers that are in the country. It's a country where no other top kickboxing sanctioning body will venture to, to sanction events any more because of problems they faced there in the past. The IKF isn't short of any of these same problems but instead of turning their back on the Country, the IKF has continued to improve conditions for the fighters, trainers and promoters with each event.

With the growth of the IKF in Mexico, the sports future looks very bright for all involved. All the corruption of the lone Mexico organization is soon to be a thing of the past as many in the country are eager to follow the IKF's established rules, regulations and requirements for everyone. The Teamwork concept in the IKF is what has brought kickboxing to yet another level all around the world today and in Mexico, it will be no different. So far the trainers and fighters the IKF has worked with are all proud to be a true part of the IKF World Wide Team instead of just a pawn in someone elses game.

It may take some time, but at least there's light at the end of the tunnel now instead of false hopes and promises others have given them over the years. Over the last year the IKF has sanctioned bouts in Puerta Vallarta, Jalisco, Tijuana, Tecate and now Mexico City Mexico. Last Thursday was the the first of many IKF Sanctioned events in Mexico's largest city, Mexico City. It was a great kick-off to a bright future for the sport there.

IKF Promoter Raúl Romero (Left) has several reasons to be excited after his IKF Sanctioned Mexico City event last Thursday Night, June 13th. Not only did he have a successful event with great bouts but he can also be pleased his fighter accomplished the goal he set out to do, which was dethrone the current IKF Pro International Rules Mexico Lightweight Champion Jose Guardado (Below Left, 12-1/9) of of Ensenada Baja California Mexico. However, the outcome came at a price for the new Champion, Carlos Gutierrez (Below Right) of Ciudad De Mexico Retador, Mexico.

In the opening round, the two went toe to toe making the decision for who won a hard one to make. All 3 judges though (Reyes of Tijuana, Mexico, Cuellar of Aguascalientes St., Mexico and Fernandez, also of Tijuana Mexico) had Gutierrez up 10-9 on all their cards. Our independent cards are like the commentators cards in a televised fight, not the "Official" Judges scores. Our independent score cards at ringside scored the round 10-10.

Round 2 was a bit closer to the other judges than us at ringside. Judge Cuellar and Reyes scored it even at 10-10 while Judge Fernandez gave it to the Champion 10-9 like we did.

In round 3, Guardado took a strong punch that staggered him a he didn't go down. referee Ubillado Vega (Right) stepped in to give him an 8 count though. When the judges cards came in both judge Cuellar and Fernandez scored it 10-8 for Gutierrez while Reyes scored it like we did 10-9 Gutierrez since we didn't think the standing 8 was a big factor in the round.

Adolfo Lozano

In round 4, Gutierrz seemed to pick up the pace being excited about giving the Champ a standing 8 count in the previous round. In round 4 Gutierrz started scoring more while the Champ Guardado threw less. In the end, all of us but judge Cuellar gave the round to Gutierrz. Judge Cuellar scored the round even at 10-10.

Round 5 seemed to favor the Champion Guardado to us. Although neither fighter was landing big points, Guardado was the one who pushed the fight. At the end of round 5 though, all 3 judges gave the round to the Challenger Gutierrez while we gave it to the Champion, Guardado. But keep in mind, our independent cards do not count in the scoring.

Going into the 6th round, 2 of the 3 judges had Gutierrez winning all 5 rounds. Judge Cuellar had Gutierrez leading 50-47, judge Reyes had Gutierrez leading 50-45 while judge Fernandez had it a little closer at 49-45. Our independent scoring at ringside had both fighters even at 48-48 after the 5 rounds with 2 remaining for the International Rules Mexico National Title.

As round 6 started, both fighters seemed a bit wild and it was here that caused the stoppage of the bout. At the 1:19 mark of the 6th round, the two fighters butted heads causing a large cut above Gutierrez' eye. Upon recommendation of the ringside physician, the bout was stopped and was required to go to the judges cards. Since the 6th round was more than half way over, the judges were instructed to score the 6th round. Two of the 3 judges (Reyes and Cuellar) gave the round to Gutierrez while judge Fernandez gave it to the Champion Guardado. we didn't score the final round on our independent card. In the end the title switched hands over to the Challenger and now New IKF Pro International Rules Mexico Lightweight Champion Carlos Gutierrez who improved his Pro fight record to 10 wins with 2 loses.

Due to the way the bout ended, Gutierrez will be required to rematch Guardado before defending the title or before getting a shot at a higher title. This was Guardado's first defense of the title and also his first loss in the ring after going 12-0 with 9 KO/TKO's. He won the title back in March of 2001 against David Serrano of Tijuana, Mexico (13-4-5 with 7 ko's/tko's). It was 7 rounds of non stop action and in the end, the more active Guardado took the unanimous decision victory over Serrano, 68-65, 69-64 and 70-63 to become the first ever IKF Pro Mexico National Champion.

Here's how the other bouts of the night came out

1. IKF AMATEUR MuayThai Rules
   Oscar Mendoza (53kg, 1-0/0) of Mexico City, Mexico
   defeated Emiliano Garcia (51kg, 0-1/0) of Mexico City, Mexico by unanimous decision, 29-25, 30-25 and 29-25.
   
   
2. IKF AMATEUR MuayThai Rules
   Erick Mejia (63kg, 4-0/1) of Mexico City, Mexico
   defeated Marco Pizarro (63kg, 6-1/0) also of Mexico City, Mexico by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 and 30-28.
   
   
3. IKF AMATEUR MuayThai Rules
   Enrique Medina (68kg, 7-2/1) of Mexico City, Mexico
   defeated Benjamin Dominguez (70kg, 0-1/0) of Mexico City, Mexico by Majority Decision, 29-28, 30-27 and 30-30.
   
   
4. IKF AMATEUR MuayThai Rules
   Emanuel De la luz (67kg, 1-0/0) of Mexico City, Mexico
   defeated Roberto Gil ( 65kg, 0-1/0) of Mexico City, Mexico by Split Decision, 30-27, 30-27 and 28-30.
   
   
5. IKF AMATEUR MuayThai Rules
   Ricardo Carmona (71kg, 1-0/0) of Mexico city, Mexico
   defeated Armando Almanza (71kg, 0-1/0) of Mexico City, Mexico by TKO at 1:23 of round 1.
   
   
6. IKF PRO MuayThai Rules - 4 Rounds
   Carlos Mendoza (125 lbs, 1-0/0) of Tijuana, Mexico
   defeated Francisco Ramos (120 lbs, 7-2/1) of Mexico City, Mexico by split decision, 39-38, 37-39 and 38-37. The final round of this bout was the BEST round of the entire night! It was a WAR!
   
   
7. IKF PRO MuayThai Rules - 4 Rounds
   Alfredo Morales (147 lbs, 5-1/2) of Mexico City, Mexico
   defeated Victor Galban (142 lbs, 15-2/0) by Knockout at 33 seconds into the 2nd round. Galban took a standing 8 count in round 1 and after it he didn't have much left. This could have easily been over in round 1.
   
   
8. IKF PRO International Rules - 4 Rounds
   Edwin Aguilar (182.5, 30-1/16)
   defeated Antonio Torres (180.5 lbs, 15-2/5) by TKO in the 2nd round.
   
   

For more info on this event, please contact Mr. Raul Romero by e-mail at mexicankickfighter@hotmail.com

Raúl Romero's

This will be IKF Promoter Raúl Romero's (Left) first IKF event. Romero is also an IKF fighter as well so he knows the sport well. His Main event will feature the IKF Pro International Rules Mexico Lightweight Title Defense against Mexico Champion Jose Guardado (Right, 12-0/9) of of Ensenada Baja California Mexico against challenger Carlos Gutierrez of Ciudad De Mexico Retador, Mexico.

Guardado won his title back in March of 2001 against David Serrano of Tijuana, Mexico (13-4-5 with 7 ko's/tko's). It was 7 rounds of non stop action and in the end, the more active Guardado took the unanimous decision victory over Serrano, 68-65, 69-64 and 70-63 to become the first ever IKF Pro Mexico National Champion. Guardado last fought on March 9th, of this year in Tijuana Mexico when he defeated Jose Luis Rodrigues of Tecate Mexico with a spinning hook kick to Rodrigues' head at 1:16 of round 5 that put an end to the bout.

Other IKF Pro bouts on the night will include Francisco Calvo vs Jorge Bejar and Francisco Ramos vs Carlos E. Mendoza. The amateur undercard will include the bouts of Armando Almanza vs Cesar Montalvo, Roberto Gil vs Emanuel De la luz, Enrique Medina vs Benjamin Dominguez, Erick Mejia vs Marco Pizarro, and Emiliano Ramirez vs Oscar Mendoza

Top Pro Mexico fighter Edwin Aguilar was scheduled to fight Heath Harris of California but Harris pulled off the card last week for unknown reasons and as of press time, no replacement had been made. For more info on this event, please contact Mr. Raul Romero by e-mail at mexicankickfighter@hotmail.com

Inf. y venta de boletos Bodybuilding Center Gym 5 399 64 96, 5 399 47 89. CALZADA DE LA VIGA 667, CP 08220 MEXICO D.F, COL. SAN FRANCISCO.

Jose Guardado

James Corbett

IKF South East Regional Promoter James Corbett (Left) is all set for his first IKF Regional Tournament this Saturday June 15th at the Lowndes County Civic Center/Fairgrounds in Valdosta Georgia.

As of today Corbett has over 85 amateur kickboxers registered for the event. Event weigh-ins will take place Friday night and the prelim bouts will begin Saturday morning. Those who advance to the finals will compete in the night-time portion of the event for the top regional seeding for the IKF USA National Amateur Tournament on August 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the RiverCenter in Quad Cities Iowa.

The South East Regional includes fighters from all 3 main IKF Rule styles from the states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and Eastern Tennessee. The Finals portion of the event will be broadcast via Internet radio starting at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.

Fight fans will be able to "tune-in" to the evening finals via the World Wide Web. 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.)

For more info on this event please contact Mr. James Corbett (229) 245-8622 or by e-mail at jscorbett@datasys.net

Jason Strout






Brad Fowler (L)



Ben Dauck

Ad Cetera Sports: Ad Cetera Sports presents the Blitz Power Mints Heavyweight Gladiators Professional Kickboxing Series on Saturday, June 15, 2002 in the Rave Ballroom, 2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (414) 342-7283. A total of ten bouts are planned for the nights action which will include the quest for the IKF Amateur MTR North American Light Middleweight Championship between Duke Roufus Gym's Jason "Knock 'em Out" Strout (Left) and Mark Durant (Right) of Winnipeg, Canada's famed Sik-Tai Muaythai Centre.

Back in February of this year Strout made his first bid at this vacant title against number 3 IKF Ranked MTR Light Middleweight Joe Zychoka of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (After this bout, Zychoka moved down to Super Welterweight where he is now ranked #1) on the K-1 Qualifier Event. In the end the bout was scored a majority draw, 47-47 even, 48-46 Strout and 47-47 even. On the same night, Durant met up with #2 IKF Ranked MuayThai Middleweight Harvey Grasse of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. As in Strout's bout, these two also fought to a draw but it was a split decision draw, 29-29 even, 29-28 Durant and 29-28 Grasse.

Since Zychoka moved down in weight another opponent was needed for Strout. Enter Mark Durant. Durant is currently ranked #3 in the Amateur MTR Middleweight division. Strout and Durant last met in October of 2000 in Green Bay, WI (Non IKF Event) where Strout won a split decision war. Since then the two have been on a collision course that sets up a much anticipated, heated, grudge rematch.

Durant feels he won the last meeting between the two and is eager to show Strout what he is made of. Strout, who is just as eager to prove to Durant once-and-for-all who the better fighter is, commented, "As my coach, Duke Roufus, would say 'I'm comin' out two guns a blazin', kickin' butt, takin' names and stealing girlfriends. It's gonna' be ka boom, ka bapp time.' I'm takin' Mark Durant to the Knock 'em Out Strout Hotel!"

As far as the rest of the card, action will be fast and furious. The Main Event bout will feature 1999 IKF USA National Amateur Cruiserweight Champion"Bad" Brad Fowler (Left kicking) of Milwaukee's Duke Roufus Gym against Kelly Leo "The Lion" (Right) of Atlanta GA. Fowler brings an extensive Amateur background in Muaythai as he attempts to duplicate that success in the Pro ranks. Leo last fought in February on the Milwaukee K-1 Qualifier losing in the first round to Andre Walker by unanimous decision, 30-27 on all 3 judges cards. Leo, on the other hand, is well versed in Karate and full contact rules (Above the waist) Kickboxing, and is a former Georgia State Boxing Champion. The contrast in styles should make for a great match.

In other action, Milwaukee Kickboxer Horace "The Real Deal" Craft, fighting out of the Box Off Gym in Cudahy, WI takes on Iron City Gym's Mark "The Shark" Miller (Right) of Pittsburgh, PA in the other featured bout of the evening. Craft, a popular fixture on the local fight seen, won a hard fought, unanimous decision over Shawn Crays of Memphis, TN, February 9, 2002 on the K-1 Milwaukee Qualifier. Craft is looking forward to his featured bout against the experienced Miller. "I welcome this match against Miller in my hometown, in front of my fans. I know I am the superior fighter. This bout will, once again, show the fans that Horace Craft is the real deal!"

Others appearing on the undercard include...

Milwaukeeans "Devastating" Dave Carini (in his Pro debut) Rob Smith, 2001 IKF USA National Amateur MTR Light Heavyweight Champion Ben Dauck (Left) Jason Wetzel and 2000 IKF USA National Amateur IR Super Lightweight Champion and 2001 IKF USA National Amateur MTR Light Welterweight Champion Casey Garza (Right) of Burlington, WI.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The first Kickboxing bout starts at 7:00 p.m. The Pro Card starts at 8:00 p.m. A total of ten bouts are planned. A limited amount of $50.00 VIP Gold Circle Ringside, $30.00 Ringside Reserved and $20.00 Balcony Reserved tickets are available. Tickets may be reserved by phone or purchased in advance at the Duke Roufus Gym, 111 W. Virginia St., Milwaukee, (414) 319-1151 or purchased at the door. VISA, Master Card and checks are accepted. The Rave Ballroom Box Office, 2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 342-7283, also has a limited amount of $30.00 Ringside Reserved tickets available.

The Official Post Fight Party will be held at Pitch's Miss Katie's Diner, 1900 W. Clybourn, (414) 344-0044. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of Miss Katie's Free Parking & Shuttle to and from the event and their popular late night menu. This is a great chance for fans to meet the stars of Heavyweight Gladiators.

Mark Durant




Kelly Leo


Mark Miller


Casey Garza

The Official Weigh-In & Fan Appreciation Party on Friday, June 14th will be at Bar Milwaukee, (1044 Old World Third St., Milwaukee, www.dukeroufusgym.com (414) 765-0652,) beginning at 8:00 p.m. They will also host the official Heavyweight Gladiators Post Fight Dance Party.

The event is sponsored by Blitz Power Mints, Shepherd Express, Bar Milwaukee, Teamsters Local 200 & 344, Pitch's Miss Katie's Diner, Fairtex Gear.com, Amelia's on Layton, Sunbusters, Rosie's on Water, Dr. Phil Repetti/Jordan Chiropractic, Bell Ambulance, The Eastsider, Atty. Martin Stein and Hampton Dental Clinic.

In an unprecedented move, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson (Shown kicking below left in training - The official Wonderboy logo at right) is returning to the Azalea City to kickbox. Thompson has chosen to participate in the IKF's South East Regional to be held in Valdosta, Georgia, on June 15th at the Lowndes Civic Center/Fairgrounds. He is forsaking the direct "Walkover" right that he earned at last year's IKF USA National Amateur Tournament as the Full Contact Rules Light Heavyweight United States Amateur Champion so that he can compete in the South East Regional tournament.

Wonderboy is 19 years of age, hailing from Simpsonville, South Carolina, and sports a perfect 20-0 record in full contact rules kickboxing. He has kicked his way to 4 different National titles, a North American title, and two Amateur World titles (non IKF Titles). He first visited Valdosta when he competed in the 1999 Hot Summer Fights. He returned in 2000 to defeat J. R. Barnard of Hinesville, Georgia, for the Professional Karate Commission's National Championship. Last June, he defeated Valdosta native Demetrius Jones who quit the fight in the second round due to a shoulder injury.

A video of Stephen knocking out an opponent by kick is located HERE. (It may take a few minutes for this video to load.)

He has had an active year since his trip to Valdosta. He defeated his opponent, mentioned above, at the 2001 IKF National Tournament in Kansas City, Kansas, with a round kick resulting in a broken arm 14 seconds into the first round of his national championship match. At Winter Wars 2002 in Augusta, Georgia, he defeated Rueben Lopez in the second round. Lopez also quit due to a shoulder injury. It was hoped that Lopez and Jones would enter the IKF South East Regional in Valdosta in an attempt to vindicate their loses. Both were invited but failed to reply to those invitations.

Thompson is from a legacy of a martial arts family. His father and trainer, Ray Thompson, was a prominent kickboxer in the 1980's and a favorite of the people of France where he was known as the "Master of Disaster." The senior Thompson owns and operates Upstate Karate in Simpsonville, South Carolina and has an active membership of over 600 students. For more information on the IKF South East Regional click HERE! For more on Valdosta Martial Arts Center, see www.valdostamac.com

Lane Collyer





Kevin Hudson


Kent Hensley

IKF Promoter and Champion Kickboxer Lane Collyer (Left) is all set to host more exciting IKF Pro and Amateur Kickboxing action along with exciting ISCF mixed martial arts action this Saturday night, June 8th At Earthlink Live, 1374 West Peachtree Street in Atlanta Georgia USA. Collyer will don one of his many hats, as he promotes one of the biggest Martial Arts shows the South has ever seen. Collyer will pattern his show after the Las Vegas Blockbusters that have gained such notoriety Worldwide. The show will feature two amateur ISCF bouts, then will go "prime time" with four pro ISCF matches, and four pro IKF kickboxing bouts.

Seeing the need for Large Professional Events in the Southeast, Collyer recently passed the IKF South East Regional to his friend, fellow Georgia promoter, James Corbett (Right) of Valdosta, Georgia. "I wanted to see James become a successful promoter and this is a win-win situation for both of us. I have been very busy promoting my own shows, at the same time pumping-up James' Regional. I knew that this would help bring him a 'great show', and free me up to put on my own large pro shows," said Collyer.

Collyer started promoting with another sanctioning body, but quickly reversed that trend and sanctioned with the IKF on only his second show. "My first few shows were great shows! But I fell flat on my face. However, the last three have been major successes."

The nights Main Event will feature the quest for the vacant IKF Pro Full Contact Rules East Coast Super Heavyweight Title Bout between IKF #4 ranked Ronnie Copeland (Right) of High Point, North Carolina, USA ( PKB: 20-3/17, AMKB: 10-3-1/2, PBX: 7-1/6, 6'4", 220) and Mike Sheppard (10-0 with all but 1 win coming by KO/TKO) of the Dawg House Gym in West Virginia, trained by Leon Ramsey (Trainer of FCR Super Heavyweight fighter contender George Randolf)

Although he's been away from the ring for awhile Copeland is no stranger to winning. Having first started fighting in 1991 he won his first and only amateur title in 1993. An amateur North Carolina heavyweight title. He turned pro at age 20 and in 1994 he won another organizations World Heavyweight Title. This was followed by a fight in 1995 where he faced Sergio Baterelli in Sau Paolo, Brazil for another Super Heavyweight World Title where he was stopped late in the 7th round due to a cut on the bridge of his nose. Before the stoppage he was leading on points. In 1997 he won the a Pro U.S. Heavyweight Title and in 1998 he fought on the U.S. kickboxing team to France. His last kickboxing bout was in November of 98 against Roosevelt Moss. In the bout Copeland knocked him out in the 2nd round with a left hook. He later signed with Henry Grooms in Tampa Florida where we here at the IKF first met him when he was fighting his second boxing.

"Sheppard has been training very hard with George Randolph (two-time K-1 veteran), and he hits like a Mack truck," says his trainer, Ramsey. On the other hand, Copeland is known for his aggressive kicking ability. Collyer adds, "This fight is a classic hands versus feet matchup, and both of these big guys can knockout anyone with a mere jab."

Other bouts will include a high profile, IKF Pro Pro Full Contact Rules Cruiserweight matchup between one of the most exciting Full Contact Rules fighters we've seen and IKF world title contender Mike Nevitt of Sycamore, Illinois, USA, (Right, PKB: 20-0/10, AMKB: 27-2/16). Nevitt known as a 'workhorse' in the sport, will soon fight for the IKF Pro Pro Full Contact Rules Cruiserweight World title. He will face off against local fighter Gary Reed of Savannah, Georgia, USA, ( PKB: 0-1/0, AMKB: 22-2/18, PBX: 2-0/1, AMBX: 2-1/1). Reed is best remembered for his devastating knockout of Main Event fighter, Ronnie Copeland, as amateurs, but upon turning pro, ran into IKF Pro Full Contact Rules U.S. Heavyweight Champion Kevin Hudson (Left) Hudson won the slugfest via knockout. While Nevitt's shot at his IKF World Title is set in stone for later this year on November 30th in Loves Park Illinois USA against England's James Watling, Reed hopes to shake things up a bit with a strong showing of his own.

Through years of martial arts and boxing training, Reed too has an exciting style as well. He has developed a style of kickboxing that is truly a compliment to the sport. Noted for both his knockout punches and his strong, quick and powerful kicks. As an amateur, Reed's matches were always action-packed and filled with excitement. After a very successful amateur career, he decided to turn pro. Over the next several years, however, the opportunity for full contact fighters to enter the ring was very difficult to find. Fortunately with the IKF's knowledge of entertainment value and love of the sport, Full Contact Rules kickboxing is on the brink of rediscovery.

Reed's deep rooted desire is to be a key player in bringing the full contact style of kickboxing back into the public's eye as being exceptionally entertaining and as a true spectator sport. Among the titles that Reed has won in other organizations are, Georgia State Heavyweight, North Carolina State Heavyweight, Florida State Heavyweight, Southeast U.S. Cruiserweight and a U.S. Cruiserweight. Some of the fighters that he has faced in his career are current IKF Pro U.S. Heavyweight Champion Kevin Hudson along with top Super Heavyweight contender Ronnie Copeland, Josh Collins, Mark Spaziana, Dean Cochran, and Al King.

The final IKF Pro Pro Full Contact Rules bout will be in the IKF Pro Full Contact Rules Heavyweight division between Darren Walters of Lubbock, Texas versus Mark Selbee of L.A. Boxing in Atlanta Georgia.

James Corbett



Ronnie Copeland



Mike Nevitt

But lets don't forget the other styles as well. Head instructor of Louisville Muay Thai of Kentucky, Eric "The Hammer" Haycraft (3-3/0) will face-off against 2001 IKF National Amateur Muay Thai Middleweight Champion, Jeff Perry (a student of IKF World Champion Khunpon) to determine one of the best Muay Thai Middleweight fighters in the Southeast.

As mentioned, the event will also feature some exciting ISCF MMA Action. These bouts will include Pro ISCF welterweight Scott Johnson of Reality Sports versus Shawn "The Executioner" Porter of Spartanburg Martial Arts. Pro ISCF heavyweights George Allen of Eagle Combat versus Stu Hesslemeyer of Reality Sports. Pro ISCF heavyweights Kevin Brooks of Eagle Combat versus Kent "The Norseman" Hensley (Left) of Palmer Kickboxing. There was also suppose to be a bout between ISCF Pro Middleweights Mitsuaki Uchida and Shannon Barry however it was not confirmed in the promoters press release today.

For more info, please contact Mr. Lane Collyer by e-mail at: Lanecoll@aol.com. Event tickets are available at all Ticketmaster Outlets.

James Corbett

IKF Kickboxing will be broadcast via Internet radio for the first time next Saturday evening, June 15th, at 7:00 PM. Fight fans will be able to "tune-in" to the evening finals of the IKF South East Regional via the World Wide Web. This broadcast will be courtesy of AggressionTV.com website.

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 began attending events live and streaming the live audio play by play over the Internet for fans to listen in. The most recent AggressionRadio.com broadcast for WEF XII saw nearly 2000 people listen to the live audio broadcast.

James Corbett IKF South East Regional Promoter, James Corbett (Left) says, "I am excited about Johnny's coverage of our event. I hope that IKF Fans will make this broadcast break all records for Johnny. In the past, his fans have been tuning into only mixed martial arts action. We will have some mixed martial arts/no holds barred fights at this event, but kickboxing of selected IKF South East Region Finals will compose the majority of the action at the evening event."

Steve Fossum

Steve Fossum, IKF World President, (Right) says in regards to AggressionTV.com and the IKF South East Regional, "As we've always said, this is just the start of many great things for the sport of kickboxing through the IKF World Team. Our future goal is to do this with all IKF events and the next step being live internet video to compliment our upcoming Cable TV Programming. Johnny and James have brought a new "Kick" to IKF Kickboxing and it's a Knockout!"

The families of the IKF South East Regional competitors from Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and parts of Alabama, as well as IKF Kickboxing Fans WORLDWIDE, who are not able to attend the event in Valdosta on June 15th will be able to tune in on AggressionTV.com.

Mixed Martial Arts fans who regularly follow AggressionRadio.com will be introduced to IKF Kickboxing and still enjoy listening in on some mixed martial arts action. The evening show should begin broadcast about 7:PM, EST. Updates regarding the broadcast will be posted here on the IKF news page. For more information on the IKF South East Regional click HERE or visit the Valdosta Martial Arts Center website at www.valdostamac.com. Interested individuals can also go to Waller's Georgia Fight Forum by clicking HERE.

Jeremy Harminson,

Last year IKF Promoter Ryan Blackorby made an important step as a kickboxing promoter. Approached just three month in advance about becoming part of the Classic Sports Festival, Blackorby jumped at the chance.
Despite limited time to prepare and a small amount of advertising, Blackorby's riverfront bouts sold 527 tickets. "I plan on building on last year," said Blackorby who owns and operates the Peoria Athletic Club. "I don't do this for the money - you're not going to get rich in kickboxing and martial arts-but because I love the sport and I want to promote it locally. Being a part of the festival, we got great support from the park district and the media. We got so much publicity which is important for the sports that aren't among the big four."

Anticipating more interest this year, Blackorby has moved the event - now called the RE/MAX Kickboxing Invitational - indoors to the Riverplex where 500 chair seats and 400 bleachers await fans. Jeremy Harminson, (Left) who trains out of Peoria Athletic Club, will face Kwame Stephens (Right) out of Salt Lake City for the International Kcikboxing Federation's Pro United States MuayThai Rules Middleweight (160-165 pounds) championship. It will be the first professional title fight held in Peoria. Harminson commutes 2 and a 1/2 hours each way from Lerna, near Charleston, to train in Peoria twice a week.

Kwame Stephens

Manual graduate and Bradley student Eric Stein, the Illinois amateur welterweight (147-153) champion, also will compete on the card of 10 kickboxing fights, one mixed martial arts bout and one boxing exhibition. The mixed martial arts match which allows techniques from kickboxing, wrestling and jiu jitsu, will be local fighter Bryan Melin's pro debut. He will face Ron Wilson of Davenport, Iowa trained by five-time Ultimate Fighting Championship winner Pat Miletich of Bettendorf, IA.

Next Saturday's fights are among 25 events now part of the third annual Classic Sports Festival. Last year the Classic Sports Festival drew 10,000 participants and nearly 40,000 spectators. What a great opportunity to promote the sport of kickboxing!

For more info on this event, please contact IKF Promoter Ryan Blackorby at (309) 672-3090 or by e-mail by clicking HERE or go to his ad site by clicking HERE!

The IKF organization would like to welcome it's newest IKF Approved and Endorsed Club to our IKF Gyms List. Known as the Muay Thai Institute Of Kunponli, the new club is owned by Craig "Psycho" Lamanna (Left - Owner and head trainer of the Muay Thai Institute)

Lamanna has spent the last 17 years studying the martial arts. Coming from a background of wing chun kuen and majulah kali in New York, he was first introduced to Muay Thai in 1984. From 1985 to 1994, he trained extensively in Thai boxing, traveling to Singapore and Thailand to work with top trainers. During this time, he also achieved a first-degree black belt in the Okinawan arts. In 1994, he trained at Fairtex in Arizona with elite trainers like Sakasem Kathawong, Gunyao, and Boonkerd. He was certified as a Thai boxing instructor by Sakasem. When the Arizona camp closed, he returned to Thailand several times to train at many different camps. He also trained with Krutouaj in Patteya, and visited Thailand with Saeksun Janjira. In 1998, he opened his own school. Starting with a space of 400 square feet and four heavy bags, a year later, the gym grew to 5300 square feet, a full regulation boxing ring, full Olympic weight center, and aerobics area. Three years later, it has expanded to roughly 19,000 square feet. Membership at the gym has grown as well, to nearly 600 members.

At age 42, Master Trainer, Sakasem "Sem" Kanthawong, (Left) still has the lithe and sinewy body of a fighter. Only now, the former Muay Thai champion spends his days training and teaching at the Muay Thai Institute Of Kunponli. His is intense, quick, and possesses a sharp wit. Yet he has a kind and gentle demeanor that one would not expect from a fighter who competed in 200 fights without ever being knocked out. But unlike many Thai fighters, he is largely self-taught, and did not even begin training until he was ten years old. At age 16, while fighting in Chaingmai, he had his first manager. When he was 18, Phillip Wong, owner of Fairtex, who had fighter camps in Bangkok and Arizona, discovered him. Wong asked Sakasem to train at his camp in Bangkok. Sem's dream came true when at Fairtex he began training with "Api daj" Sith-Hiran, the fighter he had seen on television eight years earlier. Sakasem lived at Fairtex in Bangkok from age 18 until he was 36. He trained, fought, and served as Phillip Wong's driver. His record at Lumpini Stadium was 55-15, with 35 TKOs. In 1994, after 18 years at Fairtex Bangkok, Wong asked Sakasem to relocate to Chandler, Arizona to teach at the Fairtex camp. He found the Arizona camp to have a very different type of student compared to the camp in Bangkok. In Chandler, the majority of students were Americans who came for exercise and to get into shape, not to become professional fighters.

After a year and a half, the Arizona camp closed and Sakasem returned to Thailand for a short period of time. In 1998, he came back to the United States to work at a Muay Thai gym in Indianapolis, where his impact on the students was measurable. His impact on his students will now be felt at the Muay Thai Institute Of Kunponli where he works as the Master Trainer.

Owner Craig Lamanna is a former Fairtex student of Sakasem's. The goal of Lamanna and Sakasem is to have the gym become internationally known. They have established a fly-in camp, so students from all over the world can come to live and train as if they were in Thailand. Fighters and students would stay a week, a month, or longer. For those interested in training camps the Gym will be hosting a No Holds Barred 3 Day Seminar from September 13th to September 15th, The camp will combine both MuayThai and Grappling skills. Featured instructors will be Sakasem, Walter Michalowski, Alex Steibling, Sumransak Kridram and Bas Rutten. For more info on this camp please call (801) 474-3136.

The Muay Thai Institute Of Kunponli contains all that you will need to Muay Thai Institute Of Kunponli enjoy a full workout routine. The Thai training area has a full size ring, pole bags, hanging heavy bags, double ended bags and upper-cut bags. The weight room includes a complete weight training facilities well as cardio equipment. The 2100 square foot aerobics room features specially designed padded floor that is easy on your joints. The club has a full service Pro-shop with an exclusive AirMonkey line of Thai, Aerobic and Athletic wear. They have every thing you need for Muay Thai Training from Boxing gloves to Heavy bags. They also carry a full line Valeo™ weight lifting equipment. Espresso coffee bar, juice bar and a full range of supplements are also available.

What may surprise many of you though is where the is located, which is why we left it's location for last. The club is located at 650 E Wilmington Ave, (2180 S) in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Recently a well known name to the IKF moved to Utah himself to train at the new facility in preparation of his upcoming IKF Title bout. On June 8th at the RiverPlex in Peoria Illinois, former IKF MTR Light Cruiserweight U.S. Champion Kwame Stephens (Left, originally from Chicago, Illinois, USA) will meet up with Jerame Harminson (Left) of Lerna, Illinois, USA at the RE/MAX Kickboxing Invitational for the vacant IKF Pro MuayThai Rules United States Middleweight Title.

Stephens (PRO: 24-4/21 - 2 no contests Rulings. AM: 10-1/6) won his IKF U.S. Title on April 4th, 1998 by Majority decision over Kevin McMullen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, 48-46, 46-46 & 48-47. Stephens went on to a shot at the IKF Light Cruiserweight World title on July 10th, 1998 against Kurt Podany. However he lost by TKO at 1:41 of the 4th round when he injured his foot and couldn't continue. He later voluntarily vacated his U.S. title on 12-22-99 to move down in weight.

Stephens & Harminson currently share the number 1 ranking and the winner of this bout will determine who will be the only #1 ranked fighter in the Pro MuayThai Rules Middleweight Division. Harminson (18-1-1/14, AM BX: 13-3) last impressed us here at the IKF with a sound beating of Dave Zuniga of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on the February IKF/K-1 North America Qualifier event. Harminson knocked Zuniga out at the 26 second mark of the second round. For more info on this event please see the IKF Upcoming Events page or contact IKF Promoter Ryan Blackorby at (309) 672-3090 or by e-mail by clicking HERE

For more info on the Muay Thai Institute Of Kunponli, please contact them by phone at (801) 474-3136 or visit their website at

www.ThaiBoxUtah.com

PAST IKF NEWS - CLICK HERE!

HOME - NEWS - UPCOMING EVENTS - RANKINGS - SANCTIONING INFO - JOINING THE IKF - RULES 7 REGULATIONS - MERCHANDISE - ISCF