PAST IKF NEWS
This Page Includes Past IKF News for

NOVEMBER, 2003

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

SUNDAY, November 30th, 2003, AT 4:30 PM, PT

More Website Visits From Around The World...
Possibly Due To
2004 IKF Worldwide Expansion Plans

IKF Headquarters, USA

Although the IKF website receives visits from a lot of people around the world, we have noticed a sizable increase of visits from outside North America (USA, Canada & Mexico). One of those increases (possibly due to the current war) have been from USA Military & USA Government domains outside USA. Although our visitor numbers from North America continue to grow we have seen a large increase outside North America. Visitors from these countries have almost doubled since October 1st.

These countries include,

• Netherlands, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Mexico, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Brazil, Switzerland, Sweden, China, Singapore, Estonia, New Zealand, Israel, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Croatia, Norway, Spain, Romania, Ireland, Austria, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Thailand, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, Russian Federation, Malaysia, Peru, Hong Kong, South Africa, Slovak Republic, Turkey, Indonesia, Yugoslavia, Cyprus, Philippines, Belize, Syria, Costa Rica, South Korea, Latvia, Nepal, Bulgaria, Georgia, Slovenia, Malta, Bahrain, Lithuania, Morocco, India, Uruguay, Dominican Republic, Lebanon, Venezuela, Taiwan, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Macedonia, Niue, Uganda, Iran, Luxembourg, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cayman Islands, Armenia, Former USSR, Seychelles, Qatar, Colombia, Tonga, Egypt, Bermuda, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan.

Some of this increase may be because of some of the responses IKF Headquarters has sent out to inquiries from these regions about becoming IKF Country Representatives starting in 2004. In 2004 there will be a lot of changes made in IKF Representation and growth throughout Europe and Asia and even the South Pacific. These changes are due to our need of closer and more personal representation with our IKF Associates in these regions. The planned IKF Worldwide expansion for 2004 will be a big plus for the soon to be announced IKF Continental Amateur Tournaments for Asia, Europe and the South Pacific. All of these tournaments will be organized much like the current IKF North American Amateur Tournament system. Once completed, the Continental Tournaments will be qualifiers to the IKF World Amateur Tournament to be announced soon.

Those interested in being an IKF Representative in countries outside the USA please contact the IKF Headquarters as soon as possible to be considered for appointments that will be made in January. For an application please Click Here.

Kevin Engel





Ray Thompson





Stephen Thompson

It was one thing to watch this fight, and yet even more exciting as my good friend Brooks Mason and I called it at ringside for the IKF TV Show. I will say this, "I am so glad we got this one on film!"

Greenville, South Carolina, USA
From the moment MC Sky Drysdale (Right) entered the ring and started his pre-fight pitch, everyone inside the Palmetto Expo Center had come to realize... "This was IT!" This was the moment so many had waited for. So many had been talking about it around the nation, many stating their opinions in person while others put their thoughts and predictions into words on the Kickboxing Message Board. There were the Thompson/Wonderboy fans placing previous stats into their predictions of a Thompson win due to his knockout record, to the Engel/Hitman fans explaining how martial arts training is not necessary to win a kickboxing title, which he has proved in the past. The reality is, BOTH were correct.

Sky Drysdale couldn't have said it any better as he opened the bout with "We've talked the Talk, now it's time to 'Walk the Walk'. The battles are over, and the war is about to begin... Are you Ready..." Which was answered with nearly 2000 fans screaming back.

Before the fight, I spoke to each judge that would score this bout and informed them that although this was an Amateur World Title, it would probably be the Most important World Title bout in IKF History. Why? For the reasons of the history the IKF has with both camps. We don't know them just as gyms that have fighters who have participated in IKF Sanctioned events. We know both trainers as IKF Promoters and officials too. Not just an event here and there, but Finney and Thompson have promoted not only a lot of IKF Sanctioned events but some of the most memorable and most important as well. Adding to their promotional efforts, both trainers have produced multiple IKF Champions in their gyms too. Simply put, to the IKF, "There will be no loser here, only two great warriors giving their all, for us all." And they did. To understand some of that history, lets look back at it...

The Finney Camp out of St Louis Missouri has made IKF Champions with very little traditional or general martial arts training... MANY OF THEM! Engel was just one of an impressive and distinguished group of IKF Champions coming out of their gym. Names like Mayfield, Bozada, The McNamara Twins, Mason, Ingram, Anic, Repa and of course, Finney himself. All IKF National Champions and some multi time IKF National Champions. Finney has proved his training system works, martial arts or not, the Finney Camp has produced winners.

Although the list of Champions may not be as long in the Thompson camp, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson has won more kickboxing titles than nearly the entire Finney Camp combined. At last count before this bout, he had won a total of 15. Five of them were IKF Titles and the remainder were from organizations such as IASKA, KICK, ISKA, USNMA, WPKA, USAKBF and PKC. He had already been crowned a World Champion in two different organizations. One by defeating a very worthy opponent, the other, by just defeating an opponent who had little to offer... However, on this night, the winner would know their opponent was without a doubt, "The REAL Deal!"

As I mentioned both Jesse Finney (Right) and Ray Thompson (Left) are IKF Promoters and IKF Officials. Not that we see a lot of favored judging, but if any outsiders were wondering or thinking it, it was clear to everyone that there would be no "Good ol boy" favorites here because we admire both of these trainers for their accomplishments in the sport. We also have great admiration for the fighters and their camps in their continued support of the IKF Organization. We would not be meeting either of these trainers for the first time, we know them both very well.

With that being said, it's time to take a look back at the fighters themselves. The two warriors that were no doubt, THE BEST TWO FIGHTERS to be selected for this title. Both had defeated the top contender in the weight class, Bill Jardine (Right) who went on to claim the IKF North American Light Cruiserweight Title on this same night against another top contender. The two had combined for over 50 wins and both had tremendous winning records, but more so, BOTH were CLASS ACTS!

We first met Kevin at the 2001 IKF National Tournament where he fought in the Light Cruiserweight (179.1 lbs to 186 lbs) division. He entered the National Tournament that year with a record of 3 wins, 2 loses and 2 wins by KO. In his opening round bout he defeated Mike Wood of Douglasville, Georgia by KO at 1:52 of round 1. In his second fight of the day he defeated an opponent Thompson would later face twice and defeat himself, John Scanlon of Chicago, Illinois. At the 2001 Nationals Engel defeated Scanlon by TKO at 1:40 of round 1 to advance to the final. In the title bout the next day, Engel had met his limit and it would be his endurance that would keep him from winning the IKF gold this year as Mark Feakes of Akron, Ohio defeated him by TKO at 1:05 of round 2. When you look at Feakes record of 12-7-1 as compared to Engel's, which by the finals was 5-2 with 4 knockouts, he really had nothing to hang his head about. Regardless, he would need to wait till the following year to win his first IKF Gold.

It was at the 2002 IKF USA Nationals where Kevin would impress us all. He dropped down to the Super Middleweight (165.1 lbs to 172 lbs.) division and felt stronger and had better endurance. In round 1 on Saturday he sliced through Christopher Terry of Phoenix, Arizona like a hot knife through butter as he won by TKO at 1:34 of round 1 to advance him to the final. In the final he faced a very strong Shannon Hudson of Lyman, South Carolina who stood with him all 3 rounds but lost by unanimous decision 29-28, 30-27 & 30-27.

Kevin made it to center stage again at the 2003 IKF/TKO USA National Amateur Tournament. Being the defending Champion he was to have a bye in his division. However his opponent, Dion Piamento of Roseville, California no showed at weigh-ins. After talking with fighters in other weightclasses, Bill Jardine of Mondovi, Wisconsin, USA and Jeremy Hodges of Beloit, Wisconsin, USA welcomed Kevin to their weightclass, a re-entrance into the Light Cruiserweight division. Since there were no defending Champions in the division, the seeding went by record and Engel had the number one seed. Weighed much less due to the weightclass change, he ended up facing Bill Jardine in the final and in a "VERY" close bout, Kevin pulled out the win by unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 30-27 to win his second IKF USA National Title in a row.

Kevin "The Hitman" Engel entered the ring Saturday night (Right) with a record of 26 wins, 3 loses and 10 wins by Knockout. At 6'3, 181 lbs. Kevin came to the ring ripped and confident with a swagger of a true World Title Contender and of course, with his famous Engel smile. He had won his last "23" bouts in a row since losing at the 2001 IKF National Tournament and he had expectations of making this his 24th.

Stephen Thompson was first introduced to the IKF in May of 2000 when he fought on the Spring Showdown 2000 at Fort Gordon's Gym 1 in Augusta, Georgia. In the bout Thompson defeated Keith Esskuchen of Cherry Point, North Carolina due to the disqualification of Esskuchen because of his failure to meet the minimum kick requirement of eight kicks per round. The bout was head sanctioned by the PKC and co-sanctioned by the IKF so the PKC had authority over the bout rules. The bout disqualification rule for missing kicks was a PKC Rule, not an IKF rule.

We next saw Thompson in June of 2000 when he fought at the Hot Summer Fights 2000 event at the Lowndes County Civic Center in Valdosta, Georgia. On this event he defeated J.R. Barnard of Hinesville, Georgia by TKO in round three.

There was no South East Regional that year so Thompson and others from the South East went directly to the Nationals. At the 2000 IKF USA National Amateur Tournament Thompson was the only fighter to have a full bout reversal done by the Nationals officials review staff. In his opening bout against Mike Mason (Of the Finney Camp), Mason had won by split decision with 2 judges giving him the win at, 29-28, 29-28 and 1 judge giving it to Thompson 30-27. However, an expected protest of the bout (Expected due to the crowd reaction) brought the bout under protest review. After the review, all 4 new judges gave the bout to eventual Champion, Stephen Thompson, 30-27 and Thompson advanced to the final. In the final the 17 year old Thompson faced and defeated 30 year old Peyton Russell by unanimous decision, 30-23, 30-24, 30-24. Russell and Thompson became very close friends after this bout and have remand so ever since.

Thompson remained active from here on with the IKF and on any other events he could get fights on. Traveling anywhere he and his father Ray were slowly becoming not only recognizable around the North American Kickboxing scene but they were also becoming a major name in the circuit. At the 2001 IKF USA National Amateur Tournament Thompson again won the IKF Gold. This time he defeated Vilavahn Seukpanya by TKO at 14 seconds into the first round. It was the only strike thrown in the bout and set a new record for quickest win by KO/TKO at the National Tournament. Why didn't Seukpanya continue? Because the kick broke his arm!

At the 2002 IKF USA Nationals he defeated a common opponent of Engel's, John Scanlon of Chicago, Illinois. Like Engel, Thompson put him away in one round but did it a minute faster at the 44 seconds mark.

In 2003, Thompson and his father/trainer Ray, choose not to compete in the 2003 IKF/TKO USA Nationals because there were a lot of people complaining on the Kickboxing Message Board. that he should step down and give others a chance. So he did and instead entered two other tournaments this year. He entered the KICK North American Tournament and the IAKSA World Tournament, and won them both with ease.

Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson entered the ring on Saturday night with a record of 32 wins and not one loss. He has accomplished more at 20 years old than many kickboxers will in a lifetime, but he has accomplished more. Along with his "15" kickboxing titles he is also a 4th degree black belt in Kempo karate, a 2nd degree black belt in Upstate Karate's Kickboxing Program and a black belt in JuJitsu. In all of his 20 years of age he has been training in martial arts for 17 of them! Thompson, unlike Engel, credits his kickboxing success to Martial Arts training!

Sky Drysdale





Jesse Finney





Kevin Engel

ROUND 1
Both fighters came out with their front hand high and touched gloves in the center of the ring. It was clear that despite all the message board chatter and smack talkin, these two had great respect for each other and both knew this was to be the most important fight of their career... at least up to now. Engel threw the first kick, a left rear leg round kick that missed when Thompson stepped back. Thompson shot his own left leg round kick that bounced off of Engel's gloves as Engel fired a non landing jab back. The two exchanged a few shots and went to the ropes with Thompson leaning on them. Engel backed away to give him room, the two touched high gloves again to re-start their action. Many thought, as did Brooks and I as we commentated, that this would be a "Legs by Thompson, hands by Engel." bout. In round one, this proved true. Thompson shooting out head kicks and Engel firing back his hands. Between the two of them, few power shots landed. Then a bit past the half way mark of the round Thompson threw and landed a spinning hook kick to Engel's head. Engel adjusted his head gear and acted as if it wasn't anything to hurt him, and it wasn't. However it made him realize, Thompson can get his feet to his head with ease. As the round wore down, Thompson surprised us all as he landed left and right hands on Engels head and followed them up with round kicks to the body. Usually known for being a fast starter, as round one ended we were surprised we didn't see the expected power punching of Engel, but it was clear Thompson had landed more and countered better. All three judges gave round 1 to Thompson, 10-9.

ROUND 2
As round 2 started, again, both stuck their gloves high and the air to start the round. Thompson waisted little time after stepping back from the touch as he fired a left leg round kick to Engel's head that landed hard on his right forearm. What impressed us from the start was Thompson's movement. This had to frustrate Engel because everything he threw, Thompson seemed to slip away from it, to the side of it or slide out of it. Thompson's movement was a lot like a point fighter playing tag. It was clear he had no game plan that called for staying put and trying to bang it out with Engel as many have before. This was probably his best strategy of the fight, along with his hands... When Thompson wanted to score he shot in with a quick jab followed by his rear hand (Which ever that turned out to be from whatever stance he was in at the moment) and quickly got back and out of Engel's reach before Engel knew he was there. While Thompson got his kicks in quickly, Engel had to rush to get his in. However, these were not Kevin Engel kicks. They had little on them and seemed to be thrown just to get his count in. Brooks and I were a bit surprised he wasn't driving them in as we have seen in the past but maybe Thompson had already taken him out of his game plan so much, he was already thinking "catch up". Then out of no where, an attack that started when Thompson landed a right leg round kick to Engel's head, Thompson followed it up with about 12 unanswered punches with nearly all of them landing on Engel's head. Finally referee Danny Stell stepped in and gave Engel an 8 count. As Stell was counting Engel walked to his own corner, head down, leaning on the ropes. It was clear he was totally surprised at Thompson's reach, speed and power. As the 8 count ended, the bell sounded. If there was ever a moment to use the term "Saved by the bell", this was it! All 3 judges again gave the round to Thompson. Judge Ronnie Copeland scored it 10-8 Thompson, Judge Mike Carlson scored it 10-9 Thompson and judge Randy Pogue scored if 10-8 Thompson.

ROUND 3
Again, the two show their respects, gloves high and touch to start the round. Engel would start the press but it would be Thompson that would fire and land a good solid left leg round kick to Engel's head. As Engel would try to set in on his punches, Thompson would move left and right and attack him from different angels. There was one kick in the opening moments of this round that both Brooks and I thought, and even Kevin told me later, that landed so perfect you could feel the pain from across the ring. Although the kick didn't drop Engel, it certainly made him weak in the knees. Heck, it would have made ANYONE weak in the knees. It was a left leg round kick that landed square into the right side of Engel's body. We could see the pain on his face and all I was thinking was "I can't believe he's still standing!" But then again, these were "World Title Contenders" and it would take more than that to drop a warrior like Kevin Engel!
After the kick, it was clear Engel lost some of the snap in his punches... Again, anyone would after the shot! Like a lion sensing a weak pray, Thompson sensed Engel was not as sharp as he was before the kick. He took advantage of it charging in with a fake jab and landed a strong right hand on Engel's head

IKF Arizona, USA: IKF Promoters and fight trainers Clement & Rhonda Vierra can relax now until next year as they finished their final event of the year at the Rodeo Nights Night Club in Phoenix, Arizona, USA this last Tuesday night. Although the crowd was small, the action was big.

The Main event will be the quest for the vacant IKF IR Amateur Southwest Light Heavyweight Title between Naeem Munir Vs. Eric McMullen. This was a good match up... At least for Munir. Munir put McMullen down two times. On the 2nd time going down McMullen hit the back of his head on the canvas so hard that you could see he was out when he got up and then the bell rang and saved him. But when he came out for the 3rd round he was still out on his feet, so Munir jump on him with punch combo's till the referee jump in and stopped the fight at 1:35 of the 3rd round giving Munir the title.

Here's a rundown on the remainder of the nights action:

1. Boxing
   Abelardo Hurtado Vs. Alvaro Salinas. Hurtado won by Decision.
   
   
2. Boxing
   Chase Hosey Vs. 2003 IKF National Champion Clifford Larson.
   It was a hard hitting boxing match. You could see that Larson had a hard time with just punching, Hosey stayed on him and was landing hard right hands to win a Decision.
   
   
3. Exhibition Kickboxing
   Todd Whitmoyer Vs. Arturo Otega.
   Although an exhibition, it was fast paced action. You could see the added weight on Whitmoyer slowed him down. If it would have counted, Ortega looked to be the better fighter on this night.
   
   
4. Boxing
   Alyssa De Fazio Three time IKF National Champion Vs. 2003 IKF National Champion Rochelle Williams.
   De Fazio (Junior Division Fighter) gave up 23 pounds and 2 1/2 years to Williams, (Also a Junior Division Fighter), but you could not tell. De Fazio was all over Williams. When Williams tried to come forward with her punches De Fazio stepped to the side and hit her with combo's. The punch out put was 5 to 1. De Fazio showed why she is a Two time Sliver Gloves Boxing Champion. Fan's said it was the fight of the night and De Fazio looked like a Pro.
   
   
5. Kickboxing
   Oscar Montano Vs. Rick Tybor
   It was all Montano, on this night as we saw the 2002 IKF National Champion fighting like he did in the IKF National Tournament. Montano won by KO in the 2nd Round. In Montano's last two fights he did not do so well, losing both by KO. He needed a Big Win and this was it!
   
   

For more info please contact Mr. Clement or Mrs. Rhonda Vierra at
HARDKNOCKSGYM@aol.com

• MENS WEIGHT CLASSES
  1. Bantamweight: 125 lbs. & Below
  2. Featherweight: 125.1 lbs. to 135 lbs.
  3. Lightweight: 135.1 lbs. to 145 lbs.
  4. Welterweight: 145.1 lbs. to 155 lbs.
  5. Middleweight: 155.1 lbs to 165 lbs.
  6. Super Middleweight: 165.1 lbs to 175 lbs.
  7. Light Cruiserweight: 175.1 lbs to 185 lbs.
  8. Cruiserweight: 185.1 lbs to 195 lbs.
  9. Heavyweight: 195.1 lbs to 215 lbs.
  10. Super Heavyweight: 215.1 lbs. & UP.

• WOMENS WEIGHT CLASSES
  1. Straw-weight: 115 lbs And Below
  2. Flyweight: 115.1 lbs. - 120 lbs.
  3. Bantamweight: 120.1 lbs. - 125 lbs
  4. Featherweight: 125.1 lbs. to 130 lbs.
  5. Lightweight: 130.1 lbs. to 135 lbs.
  6. Light Welterweight: 135.1 lbs. to 142 lbs.
  7. Welterweight: 142.1 lbs. to 149 lbs.
  8. Super Welterweight: 149.1 lbs. to 159 lbs.
  9. Middleweight: 159.1 lbs. - 170 lbs.
  10. Woman's Heavyweight: 170.1 lbs. & UP.

Clement

IKF Arizona, USA
IKF Promoters and fight trainers Clement (L) & Rhonda Vierra (Below Left) are all set for tonights IKF Kickboxing event at the Rodeo Nights Night Club in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The Main event will be the quest for the vacant IKF Amateur Southwest Light Heavyweight Title between Naeem Munir Vs. Eric McMullen.

The nights event will feature several exhibition kickboxing and boxing bouts. The kickboxing exhibitions will be between Todd Whitmoyer and Arturo Ortega. One of the boxing exhibitions will feature multi time IKF National Junior Amateur Champion Alyssa De Fazio Vs. Rochelle Williams.

Other exhibitions will include, Chase Hosey Vs. Clifford Larson and Abelardo Hurtado Vs. Alvaro Salinas.

For more info please contact Mr. Clement or Mrs. Rhonda Vierra at
HARDKNOCKSGYM@aol.com

Rhonda

As last night came to a close I tried to determine what kind of headline I would use to write this article. Sure there were the many headlines that may have described any of the 2003 North American title bouts. There were even more possible headlines to describe the nights IKF World Title Main event. However, as I walked the floors of the Palmetto Expo Center as the ring crew was putting away the last pieces of the fight ring, I realized something even more powerful... What can be accomplished when great people work together. "Class Acts!"

I cannot say enough about Ray Thompson's Upstate Karate Team! Words alone cannot describe the teamwork of them all. From the person with the smallest job all the way to the responsibilities of Master Ray Thompson himself, his promotional team of Iron Spirit Promotions put on an event that was nothing short of impressive and indeed "Class Acts!"

IKF TV Crew headed up by Tim Bachman and his team from Remote Control Productions. (Tim of course along with Clayton Gibson, Kevin Smith, Peda Samuel, Scott Bachman and Elliot Long Jr.) These guys have been with us since day 1 of the IKF TV Program and are surly here to stay! Not only do these guys do the most professional job in the business but they do so with personality and professionalism which makes them all of course, "Class Acts!"

I cannot say enough about the officials of tonights event that provided every bout with some of the best officiating I have ever seen at an event. Referees Danny Stell and Gary Brown kept the fighters safe while the judges scored the bouts with the best judgement they could provide. Sure, there might have been some questions on some of the scores, but this is why they call them judges, and they all (Lee Branham, Dan Stell, Peyton Russell, Ronnie Copeland, Tony Gouge, Randy Pogue, Mark Selbee and Mike Carlson) scored what they saw to the best of their ability. In the end, we were given 8 new IKF North American Champions and a new IKF World Champion. Their efforts can only be described one way, "Class Acts!"

I cannot say enough about all the fighters involved who traveled to the event at their own expense to "Walk The Walk" and become 2003 IKF North American Champions. I am not speaking of just those who won, but also how those who lost took their loss with poise and pride, that they were part of something great. That for on that night, they battled to be the best in North America. Some walked out of the ring with IKF Title belts, while they all walked out of the ring as "Class Acts!"

And finally, I'd like to remind everyone that all of us involved in the IKF have been blessed with the most trusted, honest and sincere man in the sport of kickboxing. He is my friend, my associate and my co-host with the IKF Kickboxing TV Show. We have shared more good times than we deserve, and I can only hope for more of them. He is also a champion trainer and a man that served and protected our country as a United States Marine. He is all these things but he is more... He is Brooks Mason, and he is "Class Acts!"

OK, you may think I'm overdoing it, but for the nearly 2,000 who were in attendance last night, they know I'm not making any of this up. Even they saw what the sport of kickboxing can be if everyone works together as a team and provides the right stage, the right circumstances, the right moment for those in our sport to shine as the stars they deserve to be and walk proudly as participants in a sport that deserves far more recognition than it has received in the past 5 years. This is a sport that is far more exciting than ANY boxing you will ever see and a ton of others as well. The stars of our sport (Which include all kickboxers and trainers) deserve a stage like Ray Thompson's Team provided them last night and I can only hope that every promoter will take note to make their next event more than a big room with a boxing ring in the middle surrounded by chairs, but a true stage to present these stars to the world in a way that those in attendance, like last night, will never forget for the rest of their lives.

This was KICKBOXING ladies and gentleman! Kickboxing the way the IKF World Team wants it! Plenty of great fighters, great trainers, big hits, great officials, a dynamic stage, TV, Titles and a packed house! This is the way kickboxing deserves to be! If you were not in attendance in Greenville South Carolina last night, you missed something great! I don't think I've been this excited since the IKF National Amateur Tournament! In fact, I'm rambling so much, maybe it's time I just shut-up and get you all to the nights results so you can judge for yourself!

IKF Amateur MEN'S Cruiserweight Division
In the first of 2 prelim bouts yesterday morning, Adrian Turpin of Anderson, South Carolina, USA (10-8/1, 187, 6', 35) defeated Telly Strayhorn of Cove City, North Carolina, USA (0-2/0, 186, 5'8", 25) by unanimous decision.

IKF Amateur MEN'S Super Heavyweight
In the other morning prelim bout Michael Dean of Momence, Illinois, USA (1-1/0, 310, 6'2", 33) and Thomas Casey of Greer, South Carolina, USA (0-1-1/0, 245, 6'2", 36) did some hittin on the road before they did their hitting in the ring. When the two were pulling into the venue parking lot they crashed into each other with their cars. Neither was hurt but they were both a little shook up. By fight time, Dean seemed to use his size to his advantage as he defeated Casey by unanimous decision 29-28 on all 3 judges cards.

IKF Amateur MEN'S Super Heavyweight
In the nights opening bout, Michael Dean of Momence, Illinois, USA (2-1/1, 310, 6'2", 33, Rob Zbilski) met up with and defeated Kevin Corron of High Point, North Carolina, USA (1-1-1/1, 250, 6'2", 17, Ronnie Copeland.) by TKO at end of 3rd round.

IKF Amateur MEN'S Heavyweight
In the second bout of the night, Charles Baines of Temperanceville, Virginia, USA (12-1/3, 210, 5'10", 31, Craig Smith) defeated a strong and tough Spencer Tart of Archdale, North Carolina, USA (8-3/4, 203, 5'10", 45, Ron Chewning) by majority decision, 47-47, 48-46, 48-46.

IKF Amateur WOMEN'S Lightweight
The first of 2 woman's bouts of the night saw Stephanie Kernan of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA (9-3/1, 131, 5'6", 27, Michael Lind) defeat Bergit Corron of High Point, North Carolina, USA (1-0/0, 132, 5'6", 42, Ronnie Copeland.) at break of round 1 & 2.

IKF Amateur MEN'S Lightweight
At the 2003 IKF/TKO USA Nationals, some thought Zack George of Watonga, Oklahoma, USA (6-1/3, 136, 5'6", 19, Scott Mincey) had a questionable win for his title against Robert Elledge. Well, Elledge opted to fight on a local card in California Friday night before this event I'm sure he now wished he was here. His fighter no showed leaving him without a fight. Probably good for him because a very different Zack George showed up last night in South Carolina as George looked like his winning multi time World Champion trainer Scott Mincey as he picked apart Chad Morgan of Providence, North Carolina, USA (0-1/0, 135, 5'7", 18, Ronnie Copeland) in way to winning the 2003 IKF North American title by TKO at 1:29 of round 1, by 3 knockdown rule. Look out Robert, George is a changed fighter... And you two are sure to meet again down the line!

IKF Amateur MEN'S Middleweight Division
Clint Martin of Augusta, Georgia, USA (2-2/1, 160, 6'2", 22, Mark Grubel) finished 4th place at this years IKF/TKO USA National Amateur tournament. However, he, like George came to this event as a different fighter as he won the title by defeating Michael Harris of Trinity North Carolina, USA (5-6-1/1, 159, 5'11", 24, Ronnie Copeland) by unanimous decision, 50-45, 49-45, 49-45.

IKF Amateur WOMEN'S Light Middleweight
This was one of those bouts you were just glad you were not a judge on. Terrie Hicks of Augusta, Georgia, USA (8-5/4, 159, 5'7", 38, Mike Carlson) was the 2003 IKF/TKO USA National Super Welterweight Champion while her opponent, Jenna Droluck of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA (8-1/1, 159, 6', 25, Randy Pogue) was the 2003 IKF/TKO USA National Middleweight Champion. This bout was a coin toss to many but according to our three judges, the win went to Jenna by split decision, 49-46, 46-49 & 47-49. What a great bout by two great woman's champions. A bout we may see again soon.

IKF Amateur MEN'S Cruiserweight Division
After being deprived last year of the 2002 IKF North American title, Bill Jadine of Mondovi, Wisconsin, USA (11-3/1, 194, 6'3", 25, Michael Lind) had no such plans this year. However we can assure you he forgot just how tough Adrian Turpin of Anderson, South Carolina, USA (10-8/1, 184, 6', 35, Ben Turpin) was. Although the scores don't show it, this was a great bout that saw plenty of action by both but in the end, there had to be a winner and it was Jardine by unanimous decision, 49-47, 50-45, 49-46.

IKF Amateur MEN'S Welterweight
All of the IKF North American Title bouts were scheduled for 5 rounds. However, try telling that to Shannon Hudson of Greer, South Carolina, USA (19-9/8, 150, 5'8", 24, Kevin Hudson) and Marcelo Bezon of Wavonda, Illinois, USA (7-1/0, 150, 5'8", 30, Shihan Gangi). These two ended 5 with a majority draw which forced a 6th round. This still wasn't enough as this round ended in a split decision draw. Finally in the 7th round, or second sudden death round, Bezon took the win and the title. This was the first ever north American tournament overtime victory and the longest bout to date in IKF Amateur history! More on this bout in a special article next week.

The MAIN EVENT
IKF Amateur FCR Light Cruiserweight WORLD TITLE
There will be a special feature article about this bout later this week but for now, lets just say that this bout was EVERYTHING it lived up to be! Plenty of action from two of the worlds best Class Act fighters! In the end, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson of Simpsonville, South Carolina, USA (33-0/18, 184, 6', 20, Ray Thompson) defeated Kevin "Hitman" Engel (26-4/10, 181, 6'2", 22, Jesse Finney) by unanimous decision to win the IKF Amateur World Title!

• Judge Ronnie Copeland of North Carolina scored it 50-42.
• Judge Randy Pogue of Pennsylvania scored it 50-42.
• Judge Mike Carlson of Georgia scored it 49-45.

Engel took a standing 8 count in round 2 from a multiple punch flurry by Thompson. In round 3 Engel took 2 standing 8 counts and missed his kicks. A spinning side that Thompson landed in Engel's stomach put Engel down for what looked to be the end, but Engel rose to his feet and continued on. In the feature article later this week, we will focus on the true warrior spirit these two fighters fought on with to the end. Wait for the feature article this coming week on how this great bout played out by these two GREAT Champions!

For additional info, please contact Mr. Ray Thompson at Upstate Karate, Gloria Thompson or Becki Halloran at (864) 967-3930, Cell (864) 505-4237, e-mail: tetsushin2@aol.com

Stephen Thompson

Danny Steele

This last weekend, Canadian Promoters Mike Miles and Keith Crawford hosted an event entitled, 'Battle at the Base'. The nights main event featured Calgary's Trevor 'T.N.T.' Smandych ( Right, Former IKF Amateur Intercontinental Light Welterweight Muay Thai Champion and former IKF Amateur North American Welterweight Full Contact Champion.) who was to face the hardest test and fight for his life yet. He was to fight his kickboxing idol, 2 Time IKF World Champion, American Danny Steele (Left).

Steele's flight ticket to Canada was purchased well in advance of the event and he had signed a fight contract (held by the Calgary Boxing & Wrestling Commission) and had assured the promoters that he would be coming to the event after missing several of his flights, in the days before the event. According to the Promoters, they have taped messages from Steele promising that he has never screwed anyone over and that he would be flying in the day of the event for the fight. On the day of the event, the promoters had an assistant sitting at the airport waiting for him to arrive from 12:Noon until after the event itself had started but Steele never stepped off a plane in Calgary.

When it was finally realized that he was not going to attend, the bout was cancelled. The audience was informed of the bout cancellation during the intermission between the first and second half of the event. The Calgary SUN reports that Steele missed his (Thursday and re-booked Friday) flights and on the night before the event claimed he had a shoulder injury. Then what was discovered is he admitted to being 8 pounds over the fighting weight, and that was why he never caught his flights. The promoter told him to catch the plane and the fight would still happen, though not for the title in the contracted division. Steele agreed and promised to show up the next day (the day of the event). "I have never screwed anyone before. I promise I will be there to fight," said Steele.

We here at the IKF have been informed that promoter Mike Miles is planning to pursue Steele legally for breaking a binding contract. "Danny Steele... you knew know what was expected of you", said a very disappointed Trevor Smandych. "I'm so disappointed. I've wanted to fight this guy forever. All my training has been for this match", continued Smandych. What is next for Smandych? "I am now turning my attention to the 2004 C-MAX 8 man tournament", said a very distraught Smandych.

Trevor Smandych

IKF South Carolina, USA: It happens a week from tonight on November 15th, 2003 at the Palmetto Expo Center in Greenville, South Carolina, USA. IKF Promoter, Ray Thompson and his staff says that "All Systems are Go" for the second Annual IKF North American Tournament.

HOTEL
The La Quinta Inn, located at 65 West Orchard Park Drive in Greenville, South Carolina, 29615 will be the location for the rules meeting, pre-fight Dr's check up and weigh ins.

WEIGH-INS & RULES MEETING
The fighters check in, weigh-ins and Dr. check ups are between 5:30 - 7:PM on Friday the 14th. The Fighter rules meeting starts at 7:00 PM: ALL FIGHTERS (including world title participants) and CORNERMEN MUST BE PRESENT AT THESE MEETINGS! The weigh-in for the world title fight will be on Saturday the 15th at 11:AM. (Location to be announced on Friday night at the Rules Meeting).

CORNER/FIGHTER EVENT PASSES - BADGES
Each fight camp (not each fighter) will be issued three "corner" badges to enter the event at a cost of $5.00 each. Trainers are required to purchase their badges at the MANDATORY Friday night rules meeting. Each fighter will also receive a "fighter" badge which is covered by your registration fee.

FIGHTER PASSES & PHOTOS
Fighters/trainers e-mail or over night your pictures to the IKF NOW so as to not add any delays to our meetings. If we have to take your picture at registration, the fee is $10.

SATURDAY PRELIM BOUTS
The fighters for the Saturday morning elimination bouts (you probably have a good idea who they are) will be announced at the Friday night rules meetings. Only these fighters and trainers will be required to meet at the Expo Center (shuttle provided) for your elimination bout. The fighters/trainers are required to be at the Expo Center by 8:AM. Contact the hotel clerk for shuttle assistance. The first bout will start at 9:30 AM. Here are the prelim bouts as of press time today, in no particular order:

• MEN'S Cruiserweight Division:
  • Adrian Turpin of Anderson, South Carolina, USA (9-8/1, 187, 6', 35) Vs Telly Strayhorn of Cove City, North Carolina, USA (0-1/0, 186, 5'8", 25). The winner will fight 2nd PlaceIKF USA Nationals finisher Bill Jardine of Mondovi, Wisconsin, USA (10-3/1, 184, 6'3", 25).
    
    
• MEN'S Super Heavyweight
  • We heard word there was going to be 1 more fighter in this division, but not now since all deadlines have come and gone which leaves 3 fighters in this division. The prelim bout will feature Thomas Casey of Greer, South Carolina, USA (0-0-1/0, 245, 6'2", 36) vs Michael Dean of Momence, Illinois, USA (0-1/0, 310, 6'2", 33). the winner will move on to the Championship bout against Kevin Corron of High Point, North Carolina, USA (1-0-1/1, 250, 6'2", 17).
    
    

As for the single bracket Championship Bouts, here's the match-ups:

• WOMEN'S Lightweight
  • Stephanie Kernan of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA (8-3/1, 129, 5'6", 27) Vs Brigit Corron of High Point, North Carolina, USA (1-0/0, 132, 5'6", 42).
    
    
• WOMEN'S Light Middleweight
  • This will be one of the best bouts of the night! 2003 IKF/TKO USA National Super Welterweight ChampionTerrie Hicks of Augusta, Georgia, USA (8-4/4, 154, 5'7", 38) Vs 2003 IKF/TKO USA National Middleweight Champion Jenna Droluk of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA (7-1/1, 163, 6', 25).
    • Pamela Baines of Temperanceville, Virginia, USA (9-1/3, 140, 5'3", 41) had registered in the Woman's Welterweight division. However no other fighters registered in the division. Because of this, the IKF has had a request on the Woman's fighters page for some time now for her to inform us if she could move to another weight division so she could have a fight. As of press time she has never contacted the IKF so it is our opinion that she does not plan to attend the event.
      
      
• MEN'S Lightweight
  • Zack George of Watonga, Oklahoma, USA (5-1/3, 135, 5'6", 19) Vs Chad Morgan of Providence, North Carolina, USA (0-0/0, 137, 5'7", 18).
    
    
• MEN'S Welterweight
  • Marcelo Bezon of Wavonda, Illinois, USA (6-1/0, 147, 5'8", 30) Vs Shannon Hudson of Greer, South Carolina, USA (18-8/8, 152, 5'8", 24)
    
    
• MEN'S Middleweight Division:
  • Daniel Corron of High Point, North Carolina, USA (2-2/1, 160, 19) just pulled out of the event today due to an injured back. This leaves only 2 fighters in the bracket where Michael Harris of Trinity North Carolina, USA (5-4-1/1, 160, 5'11", 24) will face 4th place IKF USA Nationals finisher Clint Martin of Augusta, Georgia, USA (1-2/1, 159, 6'2", 22) for the title.
    
    
• MEN'S Heavyweight
  • Charles Baines of Temperanceville, Virginia, USA (11-1/3, 205, 5'10", 31) vs Spencer Tart of Archdale, North Carolina, USA (8-2/4, 210, 5'10", 45).
    
    

The IKF is still awaiting Fight Videos for Fighter approval from Spencer Tart and Thomas Casey. These videos need to be received here at the IKF no later than Tuesday, November 11th. They need to be sent EXPRESS MAIL to: IKF, 9385 Old State Highway, Newcastle, CA, 95658.

The
MAIN EVENT
of the night of course will feature two well established IKF Champions.
Kevin "Hitman" Engle
(Right, 22-3/10, 172, 6'2", 22, 2002 & 2003 IKF National Champion) and
Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson
(Left, 32-0/18, 184, 6', 20, 2000, 2001 & 2002 IKF National and 2002 IKF North American Champion) will face off for the vacant IKF Amateur FCR Light Cruiserweight
WORLD TITLE!

This should be a GREAT FIGHT between two GREAT fighters. BOTH who are Champions in the ring as well as out of the ring.

TICKETS
ALL Ticket prices are general admission and they are $17.50. Adults and children ticket prices are the same price.

This event will be filmed for the IKF TV Program. There will be fight T-shirts and hooded sweat shirts for sale at the hotel and the Expo Center. They are also on sale now if you happen to live in the Greenville area. You can also order them by calling (864) 967-3930. The T-shirt price is $20, and the hooded sweat shirt $36 (add $2 for 2X). These T-Shirts and sweatshirts are being sold by the event promoter, not the IKF. Call promoter Ray Thompson for size availability, they are going FAST!!! Good luck on your travels to this historic event and good luck to all the fighters that come to "Walk the Walk" at the "IKF North American Kickboxing Championships - Fall Brawl III " and "Wonderboy Vs Hitman IKF Amateur Light Cruiserweight World Title" fight. Lets "Bring it ON!"

For additional info, please contact Mr. Ray Thompson at Upstate Karate, Gloria Thompson or Becki Halloran at (864) 967-3930, Cell (864) 505-4237, e-mail: tetsushin2@aol.com

IKF Rocklin, California, USA
"The first Live IKF Full Contact Kickboxing event is set and ready to bring "fury" to the City of Rocklin" says Johnny Davis (Right) of A.K. Promotions, a company dedicated to promoting and teaching the sport of Kickboxing.

Friday, November 14th, at 8:PM, (doors open at 7:PM) the Rocklin Sunset Center will be transformed into a "Las Vegas Style" arena for a night of exciting Kickboxing action as some of the best fighters in California clash at center stage! Its this stage that will separate the contenders from the champions and the weak from the strong. With only one man between them and hundreds of screaming fans those at center stage will be the sole deciding factor of the other's fate. It will be a night of historical proportion and one of Feet and Fist of Fury(FFF) !

The Fight Card: Two time IKF National Champ, 2002 IKF North American and IKF California lightweight champion Robert 'Slim Shady" Elledge (Right) of Roseville will take on the tough and aggressive, Navy Seal candidate Mike Bolig of Napa, California. Bolig and Elledge are no strangers in the ring as they faced off several months ago in Fairfield, California in a "Boxing Brawl." Bolig was not satisfied with the close decision by Elledge and is eager to show the young champion he has what it takes to walk the walk in the main event of the evening!

Mike "Machine Gun" Marinoble (Left) of Roseville, California is the IKF California Heavyweight Kickboxing Champ (above the waist kicks) and fights out of IKF World Kickboxing champion Dave "Mad Man" Marinoble's gym in Roseville, California. Mike will take on a determined Hector Gutteriez of Santa Rosa, California. Word has it that the 209 lbs Gutteriez plans to bring it hard because of Marinoble's novice experience and first attempt at the International Rule style which includes kicks to the legs.

In another semi-main event, Dion Pimento of Roseville, California will test his skills against one of the best middleweights the State of California has to offer, Floyd Savoy of San Francisco, California. Floyd is coming off a recent victory over Derek Burnsed of Roseville who had to drop out of this event due to some old injuries that needed more time to heal. Some are predicting the Savoy/Pimento bout to be one of the best of the evening!

A fight that may be one of the night's big surprises and will test both men - 150 lbs. Johndell David of Concord, California has an impressive record of 8-1 and will have his feet and hands full with a man who has knocked out every opponent in all of his eight fights except the two who defeated him. Dareo Guzman of Las Vegas, Nevada will go for another knockout in this International Rules (leg kicks) Kickboxing match!

In the only woman's bout of the evening, Molly Pelton of Newcastle, California will do battle with Casey Nolan of San Luis Obispo, California. Additionally, the "FFF" card will have more exciting bouts such as:

1. Light Heavyweight Randy Hickman of Rancho Cordova, California vs Luke Riddering of San Luis Obispo, California.
   
   
2. Jeff Kastorff vs Marcus McCurly of Turlock, California.
   
   
3. Juan Carlos Vega of Dixon, California vs Ozzy Rodriquez of Modesto, California.
   
   
4. Tawn Saephon of Roseville, California, vs Noel Rodriquez of Modesto, California.
   
   
5. Robert Bates of Roseville, California vs Rick Cheek of Santa Rosa, California.
   
   
6. Victor Rodriguez of Modesto, California Vs TBA.
   
   
7. and Mike Komich of Rancho Cordova, California Vs TBA.
   • (card subject to change)

Marshall

Marketing
Moreover, Davis teamed up with Rocklin based cable company Starstream Communications to assist with marketing the event. Starstream Communications covers approx. five cities in Placer County, California. Thirty second commercials have been running consistently on major networks like TNT, ESPN 2, MTV and USA. When Davis was asked for comments about the cable company, he kept it simple and to the point "Starstream is a first class company…hands down !"

Newspapers ads., articles , posters and thousands of handbills have been passed out for this event in hopes of it being a huge success. Davis adds, "It's hard for me to promote in small venues as the Sunset Center with a limited capacity. I've been involved promoting an assortment of larger events for many years . Therefore, I'm constantly reminding myself to tone it down. With five shows planned for next year, perhaps bigger venues will make themselves available after the success of this show. Additionally, I'm really just thankful to be a part of this wonderful community and appreciate everyone's support."

Starstream Communications will show a delayed broadcast of the FFF event in the format of the IKF Kickboxing TV Program already shown in nine Southeastern States on the Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS) Network. Local talk show host Jeff Evans will be joined by world class trainer Gene Fields (Right) to do commentary on the fights. Mr. Fields is best known as trainer of 2003 North American K-1 champion Carter "The Beast" Williams who recently competed in a Pay Per View event in Japan.

Synopsis for the evening
The NYPD Pizza staff of Rocklin, California will host a concession of beverage, pizza, popcorn and more
Former editor and now columnist with the Placer Herald newspaper Brenda Meadows of Rocklin, California will "kickoff" the event with her rendition of the National Anthem. Brenda sang in the '60s with the group that toured with the Kinks, Sonny and Cher and the Beach Boys. She has sang The National Anthem at the State Capitol and other Veterans events across the United States.
Paul Marshall, (Left) disc jockey for popular rock radio station KRXQ 98 ROCK of Sacramento will be the Michael Buffer (famous lets get ready to rumble announcer) of the evening as he brings the fighters to the ring for battle.
Rocklin resident and the IKF's official photographer Glen Berg and his company, Glenn Berg Photography will be on hand to capture the action of the fights.
McCurry's Kung Fu and Karate School of Rocklin will demonstrate their brand of martial arts.
Marinoble's Kickboxing and Martial Arts school of Roseville, California will also demonstrate.

Fields

IKF/TKO USA National Amateur Tournament
FINAL VIDEOS

We apologize to those who have been waiting for the 2003 IKF/TKO USA National Finals Videos. The process of packaging the tapes has taken longer than expected. Currently we are going back and forth as to determine how this will be done. They may all be sold as a full set of all 50+ Title bouts, but there is also discussion as to selling them in rule styles, weight classes, age groups etc. etc.

Finally, some of the bouts have been voiced with commentary for the IKF TV Program, while some have not. As it stands, the bouts look to be released "Without" commentary but how they will be packaged won't be determined for several weeks due to the work by our production company on the weekly IKF TV Program. We hope to know within the next 2-4 weeks how the programs will be packaged and sold and we will post the information here on the News Page. Thank you for your patients.

MORE NEWS OF 11-1-03

IKF
Point Kickboxing©
Advance Registration Now Open For
December 6th Event!

• WHO
  • Art of Kickboxing (A.K.) Promotions Presents...
    
    
• WHAT
  • IKF Point Kickboxing© Grand! II,
    The First Step Out of the Gym!
    Semi-Contact, Continuous Fighting, Point Tournament, Cash Awards, Trophies, Teams, 4th Place Award!
    
    
• WHEN
  • Saturday, December 6th, 2003
    
    
• WHERE
  • Lord's Gym, 702 Atlantic Street, Roseville, CA.
    
    
• TIMES
  • Registration starts at 8:AM, (Officials and Tourney Meeting 10:00 AM *All Must Attend)
  • Elimination starts at 11:00 AM
    
    
• TO JOIN - REGISTER
  • Register by clicking HERE!
  • Advance Entry Fee received before November 30th, 2003: $25.00.
  • Entry Fee after November 30th and at the door is $35.00
  • Mail Entry Forms payable toJohnny Davis or:
    • Art of Kickboxing (A.K.) Promotions, 2230 Sunset Blvd. Stite 330, #142, Rocklin, CA, 95765.
      
      
• MORE INFO
  • (916) 780-7483.
    
    

A Great Event To Stay In Shape, Spar Diverse Styles and Increase Timing!
Spectators Fee $5, Under 4 years old FREE.
Contact Strictly enforced!
No Knockouts!

PAST IKF NEWS CLICK HERE!

HOME - NEWS - EVENTS - RANKINGS - SANCTIONING INFO - JOINING IKF - RULES & REGULATIONS - MERCHANDISE - ISCF MMA