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Fellow
IKF Fighters Meet in....
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MONDAY, November 28th, 2005, AT 11:50 PM, PT
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RESULTS FROM
Sky Drysdale's
Sky's The Limit Productions
Rumble
in the Park "The American Conflict"
The Lodge, Loves Park, Illinois, USA.
By IKF Representative
Rob Zbilski: Another Intense Night of IKF
Kickboxing presented by Sky Drysdale (Right) and his Sky's
The Limit Production. The Lodge in Loves Park Illinois was packed to
the gills with over 600 people in attendance, all there to bare witness to Bill
Jardine of Eau Clair, Wisconsin making his Professional Kickboxing debut and
also to see a packed under-card of Local fighters. As always Sky Drysdale
put on one heck of a show.
Here's the nights
results below.
For more info please contact Mr. Sky Drysdale by e-mail at SkyDryKing@aol.com
MORE
IKF NEWS OF 11-28-05
A
Shout Out To
Virginia
Earlier this month we sanctioned the Joe Lewis Classic in Virginia Beach Virginia. In the event write-up we mentioned the promotion of IKF Champion Steve Mann to the rank of Black Belt in the Joe Lewis Fighting System. We had planned to re-visit the highlights of the event but we've been so busy, we just never got back to it. So, let us take a few moments to give a few "Shout Outs" the the mighty Virginia crew.
To begin with, also earning Black Belt ranks that night under Joe Lewis were also IKF Promoters and Trainers Clark Walters and Chris Manuel. As many have read here, it's clear that Virginia is putting out some great associates of the sport of Kickboxing. Great Fighters, Trainers, Coaches, and now even Black Belts.
The last three years have brought around 100 fighters in what is the second largest tournament in North America, only second to the IKF Yearly North American Classic Tournament. This is an "Open Invitation" tournament like the IKF NAC. There is a fighter registration fee of $35.00. Already they have commitments from several new teams and registration e-mails from 15 fighters as of November 17th.
With the work of individuals such as Chris Manuel, Clark Walters, Jerry Beasley, Eddie Thomas, Nelson Lebron, Eric Easter, David Dise, The Hess Team and many more, the state of Virginia is flourishing with great associates of the sport who are constantly building and improving the sport of kickboxing. Great Job Virginia!
WEDNESDAY, November 23rd, 2005, AT 1:30 PM, PT
THIS
WEEKENDS
IKF ACTION!
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RUMBLE IN THE PARK
"THE NORTH AMERICAN CONFLICT"
November 26th - Loves Park, Illinois, USA
IKF Illinois, USA: This Saturday night, November 26th, Sky Drysdale's Sky's The Limit Productions will Presents 'RUMBLE IN THE PARK' - "THE NORTH AMERICAN CONFLICT" at the Forest Hills Lodge in Loves Park, Illinois, USA.
The Main Event will be a USA vs. CANADA clash! This will be a special non title bout as former 2005 IKF North American Light Heavyweight Champion, 2003 IKF North American Cruiserweight Champion and 2002 IKF USA National Champion 'Big' Bill Jardine of Mondovi, Wisconsin, USA (17-3/3, 180, 6'3") will make his Pro debut against IKF Pro Canadian Light Heavyweight Champion, Nick 'The Italian Stallion' Rondinelli of London, Ontario, Canada (16-4/8, 179, 5'9").
In
2002
Jardine defeated
Jason Ross of, Southaven, Mississippi, USA by unanimous decision 30-27
on all 3 judges cards to win the IKF USA
National Light Cruiserweight Title.
Later in 2002, Jardine lost his bid for the IKF North American Title to none other than Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson of Simpsonville, South Carolina, USA. After nearly 5 full rounds of great action by both, Thompson was just too much for Jardine who fought like a warrior. This night belonged to Thompson as referee Dan Stell stopped this one at 1:26 of the 4th round giving Thompson the title and Jardine his first loss.
At the 2003 IKF North American Championships in Greenville, South Carolina, USA, Jardine had an easier road to the title when he only had to face one opponent, but it was a 5 round WAR! Across the way was Adrian Turpin of Anderson, South Carolina, USA. In the end, although the scores didn't show it, this was a great bout that saw plenty of action by both. In the end Jardine took the win by unanimous decision, 49-47, 50-45, 49-46.
At this years 2005 IKF NAC in Orlando Florida, Jardine first defeated Jesse James of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada by TKO at :45 of round 2. In round 2 Jardine faced and defeated David Lowrey of St. Petersburg, Florida, USA by unanimous decision 30 27 on all 3 judges cards. In the final on Sunday he defeated Lonnie Bowen of Jacksonville, Florida, USA by TKO at :19 seconds of round 1 to win the North American Light Heavyweight title.
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Rondinelli
won his IKF Pro Canadian Light Heavyweight title
on June 26th, 2004 in Grande Portage, Minnesota, USA when he defeated Jeremy
Pearson of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada by split decision, 96-94, 96-93 &
94-96.
Rondinelli had a shot at the vacant IKF Light Cruiserweight World Title against Frankie Tropea of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada on June 25th, 2005 in Grand Portage, Minnesota, USA. However in a great bout, he came up short on his quest, losing by split decision 112-117, 113-115 and 116-112.
Nick has also won the PKA NorthEastern Heavyweight Kickboxing Title, WKA North American Light Heavyweight Kickboxing Title, WMTA World Heavyweight Muay Thai Title
Here is a look at the nights amateur undercard as of press time today, in no particular order:
The event doors open at 6:30 PM and the first bout is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM. Tickets start at $20 and are available at www.tix.com or 1-800-595-4849. For more info please contact Mr. Sky Drysdale by e-mail at SkyDryKing@aol.com
MORE NEWS OF
11-23-05
POSTED AT 2:30 PM, PT
THUNDERFOOT
RETIRES!
IKF Iowa, USA: It was announced today that IKF World Amateur Super Heavyweight Champion Trent "Thunderfoot" Thompkins has retired. Trent and his wife of 1 year, Kristen still live in Waterloo, Iowa. After graduating with top honors at University of Northern Iowa with a major in Business, he is now a part of the family business, R & M Metals, a metal demolitions and recycling company.
Trent retires with a fight record of 15 wins, no loses with 9 wins by KO/TKO. At 6'1", 217 lbs many thought Trent would be the next Dennis Alexio. What made Trent exciting was the power in his legs. He won several of his bouts with Kick KO's and more impressive, he won some with a spinning hook kick (right), which is a shocking move for such a big fighter, or more so, to be knocking guys out with it.
Knocking guys out is exactly what he did to win his Amateur
World Title. On August 23rd, 2003 in Waterloo Iowa, USA he defeated Rob
Macdonald of London, Ontario, Canada at 1:35 of the first round by a
roundhouse kick to Macdonald's
head.
Trent became a superstar in the IKF back at the 2001 IKF USA National Amateur Championships in
Olathe, Kansas, USA. His trainer Russ O'Connell (Left) brought him to the "Show"
where he first faced and defeated David Hampton of Calmet City, IL by
TKO at 28 seconds into the 2nd round to advance to the Final. In the final he
faced the 2000 Champion, John Lenamon, who he defeated by unanimous
decision, 29-28, 29-27 & 29-27 to win the FCR Super Heavyweight Title.
He became the IKF Amateur FCR Super Heavyweight North American Champion on May 11th, 2002 in Waterloo, Iowa, USA when he knocked out Ivan Varga of Kitchener, Ontario Canada at :40 seconds into round 1 with a spinning hook kick.
Although we're all a little depressed we won't be seeing a Dennis Alexio replacement in the ring, we wish Trent and Kristen the best in their future. But if you ever get the urge to kick anyone ever again Champ, make sure to save us some ringside seats.
On a related
note...
Trent's trainer, Russ O'Connell
has plenty more talent in his stable where Trent came from. He plans to
put that talent in the ring again in 2006 as he makes plans to get back into the
promotional game with an IKF Sanctioned
event in Waterloo, Iowa sometime in late January or early February. To reach
Russ you can call (319) 233-8975 or e-mail him at
Tkdoc07@aol.com
TUESDAY, November 22nd, 2005, AT 4:05 PM, PT
WOMAN FIGHTERS!
Regarding Pelvic Protectors
IKF Staff:
Back on Wednesday, November 9th we addressed all Woman Fighters reading here
about the issue of Woman's Pelvic Protectors. In that article we noted it was a
reminder that they were "Mandatory" for all Woman Kickboxers
fighting on IKF sanctioned events. We also
addressed the issue of Woman's sports Bras and that "At the very least, a
sports bra" was mandatory for breast protection. This became a hot topic of
discussion on the message board. It was because of this discussion that we
started discussing it with State Commissions and asking
"WHY is a
woman's pelvic protector mandatory?"
We asked for "Medical
documentation from some to prove such a device is helpful and proof of it's help
as a piece of safety equipment. in the end, we did not receive ANY such
documentation to support a woman's pelvic protector is helpful in preventing
woman's injuries.
Today we had a discussion with the California State Athletic/Boxing Commission. We now were told that according to their rules and regulations, female pelvic protectors are "NOT" required by them, only chest protection (sports bra) is. We also spoke with Mr. Marc Ratner of the Nevada State Athletic/Boxing Commission. Nevada's position on it is they "Encourage" them but they are "NOT" Mandatory as per State of Nevada rules and regulations. Due to these answers, our new "Official" ruling on this for IKF Kickboxing is;
"Female Pelvic Protectors are 'Encouraged' but are NOT Mandatory for amateur and professional female kickboxers fighting on IKF Sanctioned events."
Thank you ALL for your input on this topic.
Sincerely
IKF Kickboxing
POSTED AT 11:10 AM, PT
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RESULTS FROM THE
The
Standoff IV, "Bullseye"
November
18th, Bolingbrook Illinois, USA
IKF Illinois, USA by
IKF Representative Pete Peterson:
For the fourth time in 6 months, the trio of Ron Hill, James Hill, and
Brian Thompson did an outstanding job of promoting kickboxing in the
Chicago area!! The Standoff IV, - "Bullseye", brought Illinois martial
arts fans an enjoyable night of action with a mixture of IKF Kickboxing bouts and Jiu-jitsu and MMA
demonstrations.
For more information log on to www.standoffkickboxing.com or call (815) 730-3800 or at jhill@productionality.com
MORE
NEWS OF 11-22-05
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RESULTS FROM TEAM Z'S
TEAM
USA vs TEAM CANADA
November 18th - Crystal Lake, Illinois, USA
IKF Illinois, USA, By
Julie Frye, IKF Representative
It was an action packed night at the fights. WOW did these fighters come
and perform! Here are the nights results below.
This was a fight night to remember. Team Z would like to thank TEAM CANADA for making the trip to Crystal Lake, Illinois and look forward to seeing them again sometime in the future. Team Z has 5 fights already on the schedule for 2006.
For more info please contact Mr. Rob Zbilski at (847)
669-7833 or at info@teamzs.com
For more info go to www.teamzs.com
MORE
NEWS OF 11-22-05
Take
off the Boot?
Modifying American Kickboxing?
Note: The term American Kickboxing (AK) is used
throughout this article. Some choose to call it Full Contact Kickboxing or
Regular Kickboxing
either way this style of fighting does not incorporate
kicks to the legs. This is not an argument about leg kicks validity
although references will be made to leg kicks in this article. The premise of
the article is about wearing boots or not in American Kickboxing rule style.
Special To The IKF: Has the time come for American Kickboxing to make some adjustments in order to better compete on the international stage of fighting sports entertainment? Maybe so, especially with the recent and successful influx of other hybrid martial arts forms.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Muay Thai (MT) and International Rules (IR) have grown tremendously over the years. These stripped-down fighters, armed only with 8-10oz gloves, show little mercy as they beat and break down their opponents like gladiators of old. One may see it as an increased thirst for violence in our society, while others may view it as a greater challenge to the competitors to go at it almost bare boned and perhaps making victory more glorifying. Regardless of which stance you take, the truth remains concrete when it deals with the business of the fight game. These aforementioned forms of martial arts are bringing in the big dollars regardless of whether it says something about our society or not; for the businessman, it's about giving the fight fans what they want.
American Kickboxing has languished in popularity since its crescendo in the 1980's when the Professional Kickboxing/Karate Associations (PKA) had an enormous presence on ESPN. Millions of fans tuned in weekly to witness some the most exciting full contact kickboxing bouts ever shown on American TV. A lot can be said about the dynamics of watching the booted and gloved, non leg kick fighters scrap their way through up to twelve grueling rounds. Most would agree, that there were some exciting matches with an assortment of kicks to the head and body combined with mediocre boxing skills. Yes, there were knockouts, blood and more, but somewhere in the heat of battle, something may have been missing?
Some will argue, that boots (safety kicks) and no leg kicks took away from the essence of what fighting was all about. But there are still thousands of fighters around the world who prefer not to be kicked in the legs and still consider what they do as rewarding as others. Moreover, there are millions of fans worldwide that still prefer AK rules over watching someone kick the legs of their opponent. Others could argue too that AK rules would keep the fighters standing longer for battle as a design of the sport and is more similar to the age-old sport of boxing.
Back in the 1960's many who competed in Full Contact Karate did not wear any or very little protection. It was only later that companies came out with what was in their opinion safety gear to better protect the fighters. However, we should remember that the design of this gear was not as much for the full contact Kickboxer as we know today, but more for the tournament style fighting that was starting to blossom at that time and has since become a weekend attraction for millions around the world.
It was a good business move for the creators of this equipment because truthfully, there is a great need for it still today in semi contact tournament settings. Most of us who do not make a living at martial arts and only do it for recreational means, don't want to deal with the bruises and possibly broken bones that comes with pursuing the fight game as a career. However, those now fighting for and/or that have dreams of a career in this business, will need to know that certain risk will follow. Kicking with bare feet will have definite consequences from broken feet for the fighter to perhaps more injuries like toes striking vulnerable areas like the eyes; but these hazards exist even today in the full contact sports previously mentioned.
We recognize that safety must always be a part of the fight game. However, in today's climate, we need to move to the beat of what society yearns for, whether it is degrading our societal values or not, one will make their own conclusions. However, from the point of business and for the "longevity" of the sport, its time to re-evaluate American Kickboxing in order to move it forward and keep up with the pack.
When thousands of spectators cram into arenas around the world for other hybrid martial arts like MMA and MT, etc. to see what they call ultimate fighting, its time to revise the exciting sport of American Kickboxing to meet the cravings of those purchasing tickets.
Let's make something clear, this is not an argument on whether leg kicks shorten the lifespan of fighters etc., that battle of words has already been fought. Instead, it's a debate about choice and more options boots or no boots. The key word is option, this means the choice will remain for fighters to wear the boots as well. The Match Maker would need to clarify this choice before a fight is confirmed.
Whether modified AK should be another division will be left to sanctioning bodies. However, regarding some of the issues that might arise like whether a fighter should wear shorts verses trousers could be left to the sanctioning bodies, commissions, etc. However, the trousers would further distinguish between the styles.
In closing, in this writer's opinion, it's time for the option
to surface to take the boots off in American Kickboxing. If boots make American
Kickboxing look amateurish compared to other full contact fighting
sports, it should be done for the sake of millions of fight fans. Additionally,
this option would be a good one for thousands of fighters who may favor other
styles because of the boots.
The time has come to re-examine our direction
for American Kickboxing and expand options to increase its marketability.
American Kickboxing is an exciting fighting style but if modifying it by taking
off the boots will quench the thirst of fight fans and fighters, then SHOULD
that option be given?
Post your thoughts about this topic on the Message Board by clicking HERE.
MORE
NEWS OF 11-22-05
Schilt
Unstoppable At
K-1 World GP '05 Final
FRIDAY, November 18th, 2005, AT 11:10 AM, PT
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TEAM Z'S
Ready To
ROCK AGAIN!
IKF Illinois, USA:
Tonight, November 18th,
Z's Martial Arts Academy will once
again host another night of IKF Pro &
Amateur Kickboxing at the Crystal Lake, Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake,
Illinois, USA. In a non title bout, IKF
Pro World Champion Tommy Bach will take on Fernando Luevano.
Bach is coming off a draw decision against Title Challenger Bobby
Campbell in their meeting a couple of months back. The two are set for a
mandatory rematch for Bach's IKF
World title sometime in early 2006.
Also headlining the card will be a bout between Said Hatim against Mark Streator.
For more info please contact Mr. Rob Zbilski at (847)
669-7833 or at info@teamzs.com
For more info go to www.teamzs.com
ALSO
TONIGHT
Don't miss
The
Standoff IV - "Bullseye"
At the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Bolingbrook, Illinois, USA
See the press Release Below that was posted on November 15th.
MORE
NEWS OF 11-18-05
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RESULTS FROM THE
MIDWEST
FIGHT FEST
November 12th, St Louis, Missouri,
USA
IKF & ISCF St. Louis, Missouri, USA: As the 2005 year comes to close, Shamrock Promotions has once again given fight fans another great year of fights.
This past Saturday night Shamrock Promotions brought a night of excitement to South Broadway Athletic Club. The Midwest Fight Fest hosted 4 boxing, 1 kickboxing, and 6 NHB fights All were packed full of action. As the competition gets harder so does the ability to find fighters. Shamrock Promotions brought fighters from North Carolina, New York, Chicago, Memphis, Virginia, Kansas, and Chicago. All of these fighters had nothing but great things to say about the event. This night was full of action and surprises.
During one of the intermissions President and CEO
Jesse Finney (R) announced
that 3 time UFC Veteran and Brazilian Jui Jitsu Specialist
Steve
Berger (L) will be joining Finney's
Championship Kickboxing and Martial Arts. Berger brings
a new dimension to the gym, and will be part of making Finney's an all around gym.
This may have been the last we see of another great amateur. Kevin Engel may have fought his last fight as an amateur. Rumors have been circulating that the former Multi Time IKF US Nationals Champion and Current Golden Gloves Champion, may be turning pro in early 2006. In his "possible" last amateur fight he went up against Joel Godfree, from Raleigh, North Carolina in an amateur Boxing match. This match was all everyone thought it would be two powerful and quick punchers facing off. Both fighters fought hard for four rounds and in the end, Godfree won on a split decision.
Others in action were Finney's own Timmy Connors. Timmy is coming off a great showing at the 2005 IKF North American Tournament. On the opening day of prelims Conners first defeated Rolando Luna of, Dalton, Georgia by unanimous decision and then defeated Chris Cichon of Minneapolis, Minnesota by unanimous decision to move to the Championship bout on Sunday. There he won the Full Contact Rules Super Welterweight Title with a victory over Jared Warren of Brandon, Florida, USA by unanimous decision 30-27 on all 3 judges cards. Conners has been continuing his dominance in the Amateur boxing scene where he was on this night. in his bout he defeated Chrishawn Collier of St. Louis, MO by decision.
Titus Taylor, a former NCAA National Wrestling Champion, has recently joined Finney's to increase his standup and work on submissions. Combining his great wrestling ability with the standup and ground from Finney's Taylor will be one to watch for in the future. Here are all the nights results below.
For more event info please contact Mr. Jesse Finney at
(314) 608-3104 or by e-mail at jesse@finneyskickboxing.com
You can also check
out their web page at www.ShamrockPromotionsLLC.com
TUESDAY, November 15th, 2005, AT 12:30 PM, PT
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HCX Mixed Martial
Arts Present
The Standoff IV - "Bullseye"
Bolingbrook, Illinois, USA
IKF Illinois, USA:
This Friday, November 18th, HCX Mixed Martial Arts
presents The Standoff IV "Bullseye" at the Holiday
Inn Hotel & Suites Bolingbrook. The Standoff IV features IKF Muay Thai and International Rules Kickboxing.
One of the highlights of the evening will be a Super Heavyweight match between
Greg Tudor of Peoria Athletic Club vs. Terry Brown and
independent fighter out of Chicago Illinois.
Promoters Ron Hill, James Hill, and Brian Thompson have searched the Midwest for top rated talent for this event. Other gyms set to make an appearance include HCX Mixed Martial Arts, The Palace Athletic Club, Team Toro, Duke Roufus Gym, Super Kicks Kung Fu, and more. The Standoff IV will also feature several martial arts demonstrations.
The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bolingbrook is located at 205 Remington Blvd Bolingbrook, Illinois. Come early as seating is limited for this "Las Vegas Style" ballroom event. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7:30 pm. For more information log on to www.standoffkickboxing.com or call (815) 730-3800 or at jhill@productionality.com
FRIDAY, November 11th, 2005, AT 5:30 PM, PT
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MIDWEST FIGHT FEST
November 12th
St Louis, Missouri, USA
This Saturday night, November 12th, IKF
& ISCF
Promoter Jesse
Finney
(Right) and his Shamrock Promotions LLC team will host
another night of IKF Kickboxing &
ISCF MMA.
The event, "MIDWEST FIGHT FEST",
will feature fighters from throughout the Midwest and will take place at the
South Broadway Athletic Club in St Louis,
Missouri, USA.
For more event info please contact Mr. Jesse Finney at
(314) 608-3104 or by e-mail at jesse@finneyskickboxing.com
You can also check
out their web page at www.ShamrockPromotionsLLC.com
WEDNESDAY, November 9th, 2005, AT 2:00 PM, PT
WOMAN FIGHTERS!
This is a special
announcement to ALL Woman Fighters along
with their trainers, event officials and matchmakers. Pelvic Protector
ARE MANDATORY on ALL IKF
Sanctioned events. Somewhere along the line, someone thought woman Pelvic
Protectors were "Optional." They are not. They are
MANDATORY.
It is also mandatory for all women to wear, at the very least, a sports bra.
To view all safety equipment requirements please Click HERE.
MORE
NEWS OF 11-9-05
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TEXAS
SHUTS DOWN AMATEURS!
Well the selection process
for the 2006 IKF NAC
Tournament narrowed down a bit today. With proposals from Austin,
Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Corpus Christi for the 2006 NAC tournament, all
will now be tossed aside thanks to some MMA Promoters in the State of Texas, the
IKF will just have to cross Texas off the
list for a potential location for the 2006
IKF North American Amateur Kickboxing Tournament.
However, what we discovered was actually old news since it actually took place on September 1st of this year. It was reported to us today by the Texas State Commission that as of September 1st, Texas banned all amateur competition until their new rules and regulations become in place on January 1st, 2006. These new rules and regulations will surly not help amateur kickboxing or mma in Texas. Some of the new rules will make it very hard for an "Amateur" promoter to hold events there.
From what we determined, it was promoters "Claiming" to hold amateur MMA shows that brought about this change. These so called amateur mma events were promoters who wanted to bypass all the State Pro Event Commission fees. However, these amateur mma promoters still paid their fighters a purse, just like pros. Apparently amateur toughman style events were guilty of the same thing. Too bad that kickboxing had to be lumped in with the bad actions of these Illegal Texas MMA promoters since amateur kickboxing in the state was never at fault.
Some of the new rules and regulations will soon include the requirement of a $15,000 security bond, a payment to the commission of 3% of the events gross gate for their event tax. Also, the promoter company needs to be a licensed, non profit organization. There are many other new requirements that will, as we said, make promoting amateur events in Texas very expensive. To read the new proposed rules and regulations CLICK HERE.
Needless to say, while organizations such as the IKF and our sister organization for MMA, theISCF (International Sport Combat Federation) are taking a step forward to promote amateur sports, it appears to us, Texas is taking yet another step backwards.
State Commissions
Not Fond
Of
MMA... Except UFC
UFC Wins The Eyes Of State
Commissions... And The $$ They Can Make!
Let us add something that may have brought attention to the
Texas
issue explained above. Something to note, what happened in Texas may soon be
coming to your state too, so beware. At the last
ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions)
meeting held in Las Vegas,
Nevada, this past July, MMA was suppose to be a focused point of discussion.
However, instead of having this meeting at a neutral commission location, the UFC hosted a special session that included several commissioners at their facility to give a presentation on "UFC" MMA. During the sessions it appeared clear that Dana White, (Below Left) President of the wanted to focus the commissioners on the "UFC" and not just "ANY" MMA such as maybe ISCF Sanctioned MMA.
White went on to
fed the state commission participants at the meeting the phrase,
"There is no such thing as amateur MMA."
And guess what,
"MANY
believed him!"
So what's up?
Does the UFC want to do away with
all "AMATEUR" MMA?
This sounds like Promoter Dale
Cook (Right) out of Oklahoma who got Amateur MMA BANNED there.
Cook
said, and we quote, "Amateur
competition and experience is the training you do in the gym, when you fight,
it's always pro." What kind of BS is that?
Are people like White and Cook "REALLY FOR" the sport or do they each have their own hidden agenda? We KNOW Cook had his. He was the sole promoter in Tulsa, Oklahoma until someone new wanted to do amateur MMA. Cook made sure to put a stop to it and have Amateur MMA Banned in the State. This assured his Pro Promotions to succeed.
As for White's efforts in hosting an MMA presentation at his Las Vegas facility... Maybe there is something more here too because recently we have been told that some states are now looking to BAN ALL AMATEUR MMA and only allow "UFC" events in their state... Did White pitch this to the commissioners in Vegas? That there is only ONE MMA, and it's UFC? Lets hope this was not the case, especially for all of us UFC fans.
It's true we have all admired UFC and their work for years. They have truly done great things for the sport as far as exposure and growth. They have become, "The Sport" all of their own. A powerhouse with name branding power and plenty of $$ to further their causes, whatever they may be. This includes in as well as OUT of the ring. This of course brings us to the questions, "What has been going on behind closed doors? What do they have planned for their future? Are they really now looking to hurt the very people who have supported them and brought them their greatness and financial rewards?"
Lets not forget that UFC claims to have the "Copyright" to the use of an OCTAGON cage for ANY MMA event. According to UFC, ANY promoter using an Octagon cage is demanded to pay the a minimum of $1,000.00 license fee for small events and the fee goes up from there, depending on the size of the event... Here is what they said, in their own words:
_______________________________
In reference to your inquiry in the attached electronic mail,
there is substantial legal authority, both statutory and in case law, for the
specific claims made on behalf of Zuffa, LLC ("Zuffa") in my letter to
Mr. xxxxxx regarding his planned use of an octagon in the October xxx xxxxxxxx
event.
First, as an attachment to the September 13th letter, enclosed was a copy of Zuffa's Federal Registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Reg. No. 2098577) of the octagon design mark with respect to entertainment in the nature of "multi-disciplined fighting competitions" (International Class 41). Under Federal law - specifically the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. 1057), this registration is prima facie evidence of the mark's validity and serves as constructive notice that the registrant (Zuffa) can prevent a person or entity from infringing on its trademark by using such mark or any format of the mark confusingly similar thereto in connection with similar goods and services (in this case - mixed martial arts events).
Second, Zuffa has filed Section 8 & 15 Declarations with respect to the mark which were acknowledged and accepted by the U.S.P.T.O in 2003. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1065, Zuffa's octagon mark has thereby become "incontestable" under the Lanham Act, meaning that Zuffa's octagon mark registration cannot be challenged on the basis of prior use or descriptiveness.
Third, regarding your inquiry specifically for "case law" (which frankly is unnecessary in view of Zuffa's enforceable rights under the Lanham Act), we refer you to the matter of Bam! Entertainment Inc. v. Zuffa, LLC (Case No. C01-21207PVT/ADR; U.S. Dist. Ct., N. Dist. of California, 2002), in which the Federal District Court approved Zuffa's stipulated dismissal of the case pursuant to which Bam! "hereby acknowledge[d] the validity of Zuffa's trademark and trade dress rights in Zuffa's octagon-shaped fighting ring, and ... [Bam!] agree[d] that it shall not in the future challenge the validity of those rights". Furthermore, in the dismissal, Bam! was specifically required to "not use or depict a ring which is octagonal, or which appears to be or is confusingly similar to an octagonal ring" in the future.
It is fundamental that, based on
substantial statutory and case law in favor of Zuffa, any party desiring to use
an octagon-shaped fighting enclosure in an MMA event in the U.S. must either (a)
enter into a license agreement with Zuffa authorizing such use on terms
satisfactory to Zuffa or (b) simply refrain from using the octagon or any other
design confusingly similar thereto. Zuffa takes its intellectual property rights
very seriously and vigorously enforces such rights as it is required to do by
law.
C. Thomas Paschall
_______________________________
All this makes us pause and wonder what is in store for
the future of all AMATEUR fight sports in America. Will the state commissions
move forward to regulate them so much that it will become too costly for the
Amateur fight promoter? Is this a move by "Boxing" to do away
with ALL their competition (Kickboxing & MMA). Or is there something
more to all of this we have yet to see? Whatever it is, one things for sure...
Amateur Kickboxing in Texas is now history. So we will get back to the decision
making process for this years 2006
IKF North American Classic location,
which we hope to have an answer for by December 1st... Lets hope we make our
own deadline...
MONDAY, November 7th, 2005, AT 3:00 PM, PT
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RoundKick Rumble III
The
Python Returns!
Saturday, November 5, 2005, Lake View, Iowa
By
IKF Representatives Mike & Terri Storm
Also involved in exhibition fights on the event were: For more info go to www.TeamRoundKick.com or contact Team RoundKick at (712) 792-8178 or by e-mail at pete@teamroundkick.com |
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MORE
NEWS OF 11-7-05
IKF Welcomes APEX
As
New IKF Promoters
Also
APEX & The Wonderboy
On
Canadian PPV
The IKF Welcomes the APEX Championship Fighting Promotional Team out
of Montreal Canada who will begin
promoting IKF sanctioned events in 2006.
The first APEX show is planned for January
14th with more to follow in March and May. The APEX
Shows feature both Pro Kickboxing and Pro MMA.
Alex Caporicci is the Vice President of Operations and he brings his years of experience working in the industry with professional fighters and promoters, in his position as a fighter manager. He has also been a fixture in the MMA media for years and is well respected within the MMA community as a straight forward visionary. He is the matchmarker for APEX Championship Fighting.
APEX recently promoted an event on September 3rd and is airing this month. The PPV presentation will air in November and is entitled, UNDISPUTED. This was an excitement filled evening packed with some of the world's best non-stop fight action. Multi time IKF Champion Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson (Right) was featured on the event as he faced off with Houston's Freddie Espiricueta. The other kickboxing bout features an epic battle between two of Canada's top heavyweight kickboxers, Serge Lafond and "Kazz" Kaszowski.
In some hard hitting MMA action, watch the talented Ivan "The Pride of El Salvador" Menjivar, Claude Patrick, Steve Berger, Martin "The Hammer" Grandmont and the other APEX warriors battle it out for pride while showing off the most ferocious strikes seen in sports. For action, guts and glory; APEX: UNDISPUTED delivers. Here will be the shows Fight Lineup:
SATURDAY, November 5th, 2005, AT 11:00 PM, PT
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Baines
Puts A ROCKIN End To The
Joe Lewis Fighting Systems Conference & Kickboxing Event
Virginia
Beach, Virginia, USA
IKF
Virginia, USA What a
weekend this has been! The combined efforts of Clark Walters, Mike Allen
of the
Joe Lewis Fighting Systems and Craig Smith can rest easy tonight
after Charles Baines put a DYNAMIC
finish on a great weekend of martial arts seminars and Kickboxing.
While Clark and Smith organized tonights fights, Mike Allen hosted over 80 participants for the conference and stopped nothing short of a top quality gathering of Martial Artists from around America. Mike's experience in organizing the yearly conference for the Joe Lewis Fighting Systems organization proved to be key to it's continued success. He organized seminars on Friday and Saturday that featured kickboxing and grappling skills by of course Joe Lewis (Right) along with instructors Danny Dring, Dr. Gyi, Richard Ryan, Matt Hamilton, Walt & Charlie Lysak, Roger Greene and Dr. Beasley.
Along with the seminars each day was the testing of several
Joe Lewis system black belts which included 2004
IKF NAC FCR Middleweight Champion Steve
"The Pirate" Mann (Right, Cheesapeake, Virginia, USA,
25-5/6, 160, 5'10", 1-10-68, Steve Burns). The testing included
technique drills and plenty of sparring action, and these guys ROCKED
when it counted.
At tonights grand finally hosted by Smith and Walters, the two promoters matched up their best Super Heavyweights in the ring to go toe to toe. It was 2005 IKF FCR North American Tournament Heavyweight Champion Charles Baines ( 25-1/6, 219, 5'11", Team Smith) vs 2005 IKF FCR North American Tournament Super Heavyweight Runner-up, Rafiel Bayona, (9-3/5, 238, 6'2", Team Walters.) However, the toe that spoke loudest was the one attached to Charles Baines leg as he "Rocked the House" and landed not one, but two strong ax/hatchet kicks on Bayona in the opening round. Both brought on 2 standing 8 counts on Bayona. Within moments of the end of the round, it would be yet another Baines kick that would put Bayona down for the third and final time as referee Trey Wyatt stopped the bout due to the three knockdown rule. Baines one round kicking clinic would have made former IKF Pro FCR Heavyweight World Champion Dennis Alexio excited! The main Event win brought a BANG of an ending to the weekend conference and brought Baines yet another Joe Lewis Conference event title belt.
Here are the results of the other bouts on the night.
A Great Job by all involved. There are simply far too many who made this weekends conference and kickboxing event a success to list them all.
MORE
IKF RESULTS
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Results From
The
Standoff III
Joliet, Illinois, USA
By IKF Event Representatives Pete & Pam Peterson: Saturday, October 22nd, the promoting trio of Ron Hill, James Hill, and Brian Thompson, once again brought Chicago area fight fans a great action packed night of kickboxing. The HCX trio brought The Standoff III to a new location from the last, and plan to move again for The Standoff IV. I believe they are on a very successful track to spreading the excitement of IKF Kickboxing to many, many more future fans, as well as introducing new kickboxing talent along with seasoned fighters, to the Chicago area. Keep up the great work guys!! Here are the fight results:
Well this was another incredible IKF event, produced by Ron Hill, James Hill, and Brian Thompson. I'm looking forward to The Standoff IV on November 18th! I encourage everyone in the area to make a point to attend a Standoff event! The Joliet trio definitely knows how to put on a A+++ show with well matched fights and entertainment along with paying attention to all of the details to make their events VERY enjoyable for fighters and spectators!
On a side note: IKF Referee, Al Wichgers was great! He was the center referee the night before refereeing this event, in Milwaukee Wisconsin for the IKF sanctioned Colosseum Returns and refereed 19 bouts there doing, as always, a Great Job! Announcer Skye Drysdale as always, was thorough, professional, and entertaining as he gave the die hard fight fans periodic updates on the first game of the World Series which included Chicago's homeboys, The White Sox.
For information on The Standoff IV, contact Ron Hill, James Hill, or Brian Thompson of HCX Mixed Martial Arts, Joliet IL by calling (815) 557-8155, (815) 347-1480 or log onto www.sgcombatclub.com or www.hcxextreme.com or www.StandoffKickboxing.com
CONTACT: Contact Mr. James Hill at or at jhill@productionality.com or go to
TUESDAY, November 2nd, 2005, AT 7:00 PM, PT
THIS
WEEKENDS
IKF ACTION
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Joe Lewis Fighting Systems Presents
Joe Lewis Conference
& IKF Kickboxing!
This Saturday night, November 5th, 2005, Craig Smith, Clark Walters, Mike Allen and the Joe Lewis Fighting Systems will present the Joe Lewis Conference & IKF Kickboxing Bouts at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.
Here is the fight card as of press time tonight. As with any event, the fights are subject to change.
To kickoff this years event Team Thompson with his World Championship Demo Team will take the stage for an 8 Minute Demo and to be followed by this line-up of fights.
This is the line-up at 9:PM on Tuesday November 1st. There may be some fighters whom take on these fighters of which have no fights due to the fact that there will be over 80 other fighters at this show because of the Joe Lewis Classic.
The cost for spectators only wanting to see the fights, without the Buffet will be $25.00. The cost for Buffet plus the fight show will be $45.00 at the door. Doors open at 7:PM for the Banquet Dinner and Sitdown Buffet. Fights start At 8:PM
If you are interested in the Conference itself please contact Mike Allen at 813-625-7291 or at MikeAllenAKarate@aol.com to register.
RoundKick Rumble III
This Saturday night, November 5, Team Roundkick will Present RoundKick Rumble III, The "PYTHON" Returns at the Lakewood Ballroom in Lake View, Iowa, USA. If all goes well, fans will see the return of Kickboxing Champion, Pete "Python" Peterson (5-2) as he takes on Chris Mickle (MMA: 12-4-2, KB: 0-0) from DM Extreme Fighting in Des Moines Iowa. Peterson will be making his comeback to the ring after a 4 year break. While coaching Team RoundKick, Pete has been bitten once again by the fighting bug. This is a definite "Not To Miss" night of fights! Also Fighting from Team RoundKick will be Marie "Roo" Sturm! For the full fight card Click HERE! For more info go to www.TeamRoundKick.com or contact Team RoundKick at (712) 792-8178 or by e-mail at pete@teamroundkick.com Join us at The After Fight Party!! | ||
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IKF NEWS CLICK HERE! |