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FRIDAY,
June 27th, 2008, AT 6:20 PM/PST
IKF
WORLD CLASSIC UPDATE
Numbers To
Ponder...
This year is only a few fighters away from surpassing last years number of Registered Fighters. At last years 2007 IKF World Classic, 201 fighters registered to "Walk The Walk". Of them, 188 were still registered as of weigh-in day. After weigh-ins, 174 actually made weight and fought.
For those who remember, last year was the year that some behind the scenes politics by a rival tournament's associates put a stop to the IKF hosting the IKF World Classic Tournament in Chicago Illinois. Because of their actions, the IKF Tournament Staff was forced to scramble and find a new home for the 2007 IKF World Classic. The answer was Orlando, Florida.
The decision upset a lot of trainers from the Midwest, so much that they choose to create their own tournament to avoid the long travel to Florida. The forced move last year not only cost the IKF Thousands of dollars, but dozens of fighters as well. Even with all the political drama and games, the Classic still fielded more participating fighters than any of the other 4 kickboxing tournaments in North America.
The same competition exists this year as the last few and as
noted last year, there is no greater praise for ones effort than the attempt of
duplication. However, those attempts are still a ways 
away from the true "Golden
Gloves" of Amateur kickboxing. Since the first IKF
Amateur Championship Tournament in 1999, 7 other kickboxing sanctioning bodies
have started hosting annual amateur kickboxing tournaments. Of them, 3 of
tournaments promoters learned a lot of how to host such a Tournament from
participating in the IKF Tournaments.
Their addition has pulled some gyms/camps away from the Annual IKF Tournament which like anything being diluted,
dropped the number of fighters attending over the last two years.
Whether the days of 200 plus fighters (Reached on the 2001, 02, 03, 04 & 05 IKF Tournaments) attending the IKF Tournament are long gone or only on a brief absence for now, the IKF continues to bring the most prestigious and most rewarding "ALL AMATEUR" Kickboxing Tournament to those willing to truly "Walk the Walk" against fighters from around the world instead of just a basic region like many of the other North American hosted tournaments. As for numbers, the IKF World Classic has continued to draw the largest number of amateur fighters of all the tournaments mainly due to it's reputation of being the true, original "Golden Gloves" of Amateur kickboxing.
This year, with 12 days yet to go until the final registration deadline of July 9th, 192 fighters are registered to "Walk The Walk" and take their shot at being one of the Best Amateur Kickboxers in the World! Better yet, of that 192, only ONE fighter has been forced to drop off the event and that was due to some Visa Problems which would have been 193. That means, as of this moment, this years IKF World Classic is already 4 fighters ahead of last years Tournament numbers as of weigh-in time and 18 ahead of the actual number of fighters who fought.
To put the numbers game into
more perspective, keep in mind, unlike other tournaments that are promoted by
Trainers and Fight Promoters, NONE of these fighters ever registered for
the IKF World Classic are trained by the
HOST of this event, the IKF. The
IKF can't pad up their numbers by having
dozens of their students join to make the event look large. In addition, the
IKF does not show favoritism in the
matchmaking of brackets and fighter seeding, which has been a long standing
complaint from the other tournaments.
BUT HOLD ON...
The
IKF World Classic
Tournament IS NOT about the NUMBERS! Sure,
it's exciting to see what numbers the Tournament produces every year. However,
when it's all said and done, no one talks about the "Numbers".
Instead, the comments heard are about things such as the Awards, the always
talked about belts and fighter gifts. How great the Competition was from all the
fighters who dared to make the trip to "Walk the Walk" against
the many other great amateur Kickboxers. How smooth the event ran. The great
merchandise to take home from the vendor booths.
However, there is something else as well. Like last year, the
IKF World Classic
Tournament is a "Destination!" You can't
beat Orlando Florida for a "Destination Location!" No one here
needs to tell you what all there is to 
do in Orlando, and if you
don't know, it's not hard to look it up, or just click
HERE!
It's the NUMBER ONE tourists destination in the World!
Adding to this, the Tournament will be held at the Largest Marriott in the
world, the The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort! Better yet is the room
rate the IKF negotiated for everyone, and we mean EVERYONE and ANYONE!
ANYONE attending the Tournament, fighters, trainers, officials, family and fans
can book under the IKF room rate. You won't be paying the
$249.00 per night rate though at this resort hotel. Instead, all you pay is
$125.00 a night... And wait till you see this place! What a GREAT
location for such a prestigious tournament. As Special Tournament guest
Don "The Dragon" Wilson
said, "A World Class Venue For A World Class Event!"
This years event will cost the IKF around the neighborhood of $40,000.00. However, it won't bring in that much. This Tournament is the IKF's way of saying "Thank You" to the sport as well as "We are here for you, and the Sport!" It's not designed to be a "Money Making Event." like other tournaments that offer less awards and charge higher prices. This event is for KICKBOXING! It's designed to be a "Showcase event for the participants and the sport of Amateur Kickboxing!"
Because of this philosophy, you don't have to worry about draining your pocket books. The registration fees for the IKF World Classic Tournament has remained the same, at $55 per fighter for the last 6 years! As well, the ticket prices are well below the prices of other tournaments at $15 and $20 and $30 gets you a FULL weekend pass to sit anywhere you want to! Oh, and children under 10 are FREE! To see all the ticket prices, click HERE! Also, anyone with an event pass is welcome into any of the Tournament sessions for FREE!
Speaking of expenses. ALL Registered Fighters, Trainers and Officials will be treated to an all expenses paid Welcome Banquet Dinner on Friday night after registrations (See event schedule by clicking HERE ) which will include the awarding of some Special Awards, Guest Speakers and the Event Rules Meeting. However, the best part is dinner is Free! The dinner is being paid for by IKF President Steve Fossum and will be about $24.00 per person and plans are confirmed for about 300 people. (Do the math on that one...) The dinner will include, Lasagna, Bread, Salad and Soft Drinks. Non registered fighters and trainers can purchase a Welcome Banquet Dinner ticket for $25 at registrations.
So after the competition, book a few extra days to see the sites. Make it a vacation that combines your Passion for Kickboxing and or Muay Thai with the fun, relaxation and excitement of Orlando Florida!
Looking At The "Numbers'
As Of Today, Friday, June 27th.
RED
are Overall Record
broken this year
BLUE are
Overall Record
close to being broken this year.
MATCHMAKING
Only one fighter in your bracket? Don't worry. Beginning the first week in
July, you will see little notes by your name or your fighters name that ask
comments such as "You have no opponent here so IKF Requests you to move
to IR from MTR - Please reply by e-mail." or "You have no
opponent here so IKF Requests you move up or down in weight. - Please reply by
e-mail." Keep in mind that the we have a 98% rate of successfully
matchmaking all registered fighters. This of course is with the help of all the
trainers and fighters willing to adjust their divisions.
LOOKING
BACK
A FORMER KICKBOXING WORLD CHAMPION GIVES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE
2006 IKF
WORLD CLASSIC...
How Dare You Dream!
The 8th
Annual IKF World Classic Kickboxing Championships
By Johnny Davis
As I sit here at my desk reminiscing over all that transpired this past weekend...it's a bit overwhelming! There is so much to be said but not enough time to get it all in, so I will be as brief as possible.
Early Thursday and Friday morning fighters, trainers, family and friends began arriving at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cedar Rapids , Iowa, this year's host hotel for the 8th Annual IKF World Classic Kickboxing Championship Tournament. (July 28th, 29th and 30th) The actual event was held at the perfectly designed venue adjacent to the host hotel, The U.S. Cellular Center. Over 60 championship fights would happen this weekend and would need to be split among the nearly 200 eager fighters as the purest form of 'thrill of victory and agony of defeat' would be on display in its most candid fashion! This IKF World Classic would be one of the best ever! It was organized, had outstanding fights and ran like a well oiled machine! At least four other countries attended this prestigious event: Poland , England , Kenya and Canada with representation from Mexico making this IKF Classic a real world event! There were several other countries attempting to attend but due to complication in acquiring a Visa, their efforts were futile this year but perhaps we will see them next year!
It would not be long before the hotel would reach it maximum
capacity packed with anxious fighters just waiting their chance at the brass
IKF Championship belts! The Hotel's (Free)
Shuttle service reported a steady stream of "fight people"
that 
came in as the trips to the airport went
late into the night. Fighters and trainers told horror stories trying to get to
the event due to some bad weather that delayed many flights. Well known trainer
out of Virginia Mike Hess refused to take a chance on missing the event
and risk his team not getting a connecting flight and instead paid a whopping
$500 for a taxi from the airport in 
Chicago,
Illinois to get there on time! Please, no one is to ever say that Kickboxers
are not dedicated and loyal to making sure their fighters get the opportunity to
obtain their dreams! Way to show Mike! In addition to Mike,
I'm sorry to say, that IKF Trainer,
Fighter and Promoter Mitz Bandiera of Canada was in a motorcycle
accident traveling down to the event and as I understand it is in critical
condition. (We wish him well...more on this later)
The point here is dedication! Mainstream businesses and potential sponsors really need to take another look at our sport! The IKF is ready! The fighters, trainers and fans are ready! We ask you and those large companies you associate with who could benefit from this excellent event to Bring it On! We are ready for the big time! I regress...
Around noon on Friday, fighters and trainers lined the front
lobby of the Cellular Center to start the official weigh-ins. Many of
the fighters were hungry because of lack of food and water from attempting to
make their weight. In the end, there was only one fighter that was eliminated
due to not being able to make his required weight. This was a real message to
everyone that discipline must 
prevail when
attending an IKF
event! There is no tolerance for one not
making the weight class they signed up for. This may cause another fighter who
has made the sacrifice of hundreds if not thousands of dollars and then not have
a fight, it's a major disappointment! Have discipline...make the weight! In
spite of this one incident, what I recognized was the seriousness of the
fighters this year...its clear that most of their trainers understand the
severity of not making weight. Several fighters were witnessed walking around
in sauna suits and running moments before the event to assure that weight would
not be an issue. It's also clear that the sport of Kickboxing is acquiring more
professional/amateurs which will only make it ascend that much faster in the
mainstream of worldwide sports.
After weigh-ins, participants gathered for a meeting of rules
and a message from IKF President Steve
Fossum who is the driving force behind the tournament and the organization.
I need you to hear me when I say this, I am veteran of the sport and with all of
my years in the game, I know of no one more devoted to the success of the
tournament and the future of Kickboxing than Steve. I don't think many
realize the sacrifice he makes to see this event through. From driving
thousands of miles to assure the belts arrive safely; to staying up wee hours in
the morning making sure every detail is covered with his hard working paid staff
as well as the many of volunteers and supporters who worked all night to assure
brackets were ready to start elimination day.
I can not begin to tell you the things he does to take care of
the fighters...you already know about all the awards etc. that one gets for
attending the Classic...but trust me on this...there is so much more! I will
leave it at that. (Those reading this article should drop an email
sometimes just to let 
him know that you
appreciate his work in trying to make dreams come true for the thousands who
dare dream of making a living at this sport someday!) Again, I regress...
All fighters were reminded by Steve that they are doing something that
so many others only talk about doing...Walking the Walk! Those
attending are putting their money and skill where their heart is to reach their
goals and even those that did not go home with a championship this time deserve
the utmost respect for just being willing to show up!
As the meeting continued, several awards were giving out. The most attended region awards were over 40 custom plaques given to those from Illinois, the State/Region with the most attending fighters. Other awards were for Dedication, Teamwork and Persistence in building the IKF around the world and went to IKF Team Europe Directors, Alby Bimpson and Mike Fowles of England, IKF Top Regional Promoters HCX Martial Arts out of Illinois, IKF trainer and Promoter Rob Zbilski of Illinois and IKF Officials Mike and Terri Storm of Nebraska. Another award went to Mary Lee Malmberg, Director of Sports Tourism for the Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Mary Lee was the one who organized the entire package to bring the IKF to Cedar Rapids. The officials of the event were from around the world: London, England, Mexico, Canada and across the United States. There was literally over a thousand years of judging experience to assure that every one got as much of a fair shake as subjectivity would allow.
The Judges huddled around the
stage as Steve gave words of encouragement and streamlined some of the
rules to be followed. It was an enthusiastic crowd as they yelled and clapped
throughout the meeting especially when the 
2006
championship belt was presented in its chosen color purple this year... symbolizing
royalty and passion!
The next day (Saturday) early at 9:30 am the elimination began and the first fight set the stage for what was to be an entire weekend of great action! Throughout the day, your eyes and neck would became fatigued! It was like being at a Serena Williams tennis match and trying to keep up with her high powered balls...left to right both rings were full of non stop fighting in assorted rule styles of Kickboxing! Fighters displayed unbelievable talent and skill! But most of all they were hungry to win! It showed early on in the fighter and trainer's eyes that the next eight minutes could very well change the rest of their life!
Elimination day ended and fighters filed out of the arena
battered and bruised! Some limped in serious pain while others sported newly
tattooed blackened eyes! Taped, iced and bandaged, they all left with one thing
on their minds, I will be back tomorrow to take home the championship or at
least I gave my best! As we know in this business, some of those who weathered
elimination day dreams would be fulfilled while others would come up short
come championship Sunday! The Hotel lobby
seemed quieter Saturday night as fighters walked by me in a daze as though they
were seeing their opponents with every step and every blink! Numb eyes, cold
stares and blunt conversation seemed to be the theme of the evening for those
that survived the battlefield on the first day!
However, for those that fell
short on elimination day, it was not a good evening at all. I approached
several fighters to see how they'd done and the mere asking of the question made
their heads drop in their chests! I felt I had to console several fighters that
evening as they seemed to look and react as though it was the end for them. My
words were simple...Never Give Up! Later, some of those fallen warriors
would thank me for seeing the signs of quitting on their faces and gave me a nod
as to say, I heard you and will be back next year....way ya' go!
Bright and early Championship Sunday morning, fighters big and small, male and female lined up yet again...putting on their brave and poker faces as to say I'm not afraid and I'm not hurt! But one knows that if nothing else the fear of the unknown had to creep into their souls and make them second guess their abilities. But most were convincing... the 'Healing Fairy' must have visited them the previous evening because many of their injuries from the previous day seemed to had disappeared...at least they wanted you to believe that! Compellingly enough, when the bell rang for their fight, those I thought were injured stepped it up and did indeed take home a championship! They showed that if you really want it, fight through the pain and go and get it...and they did!
Throughout the day, fighters came by the IKF merchandise booth to take home valuable
souvenirs to show all who wanted 
to see that
on this special weekend they stepped up and 'Walked the Walk' like a
true champion. As one fighter told me in tears standing proudly with his belt
and other awards displayed on and around him " I can't began to explain
what I'm feeling right now, its kind of the very opposite of what I feel when I
lose. All I know is that I will never forget this moment and look forward to
feeling it again next year!" His father resonated these emotions "I'm
speechless" as the tears rolled down his face...of course by this time,
I needed a tissue as well. This is what the IKF
is all about...allowing dreams to come true...if only for one year, if only for
one moment!
The IKF
goes above and beyond to take care of their fighters...not only with top quality
awards; providing proper medical insurance for all participants and giving them
their proper due in press releases etc., on their website (
www.IKFKickboxing.com)! The IKF cares about every fighter and wants to make
everyone who participants in their events feel welcomed! So, for those that I
spoke to this weekend and expressed how excited they were in being there; for
those that watch this year with anticipation of competing next year; for those
little pee wee fighters walking around garbed in IKF
clothing and the proud parents saying that this event is part of their future;
for those who fell a little short this year by being knocked out or losing by
close split decisions; and finally to those that might be feeling they either
lack the skills or the courage to step into the ring...How Dare You
Dream!... they can come true you know...if you don't believe me, ask one of
the sixty plus champions crowned this past weekend at the 8th Annual IKF World Classic Kickboxing Championships! If you
believe it, you can achieve it but never give up! Forward March!
How Dare You Dream!
THIS
WEEKENDS IKF ACTION!
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Jay Perry Presents
"IKF Point
Kickboxing & Grappling Tournament!"
Grass Valley, California, USA
IKF Point Kickboxing & GrapplingMen, Women and Children compete in exciting semi contact continuous Kickboxing sparring! Win Great Awards! Earn your IKF/PKB Circuit Points! Safe and Fun! $40 Registration Fee, $10 Each Additional Division. Assorted Divisions of Kickboxing! MT- IR and AK - High and Low Kick! No Knockouts Allowed! More info at www.IKFPKB.com - www.AKPromotions.org
MORE
IKF ACTION THIS WEEKEND
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Norman Kelly Presents
"IKF KICKBOXING"
Dublin, Ireland
IKF 5
Nations Mens Pro FCR Featherweight Title
Martin Kenny (Irish Champ -
Dublin, Ireland) vs Harjinder Singh
(England)
Plus A Full IKF Undercard
MORE
IKF ACTION THIS WEEKEND
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Tricia McKeary, Keith Nathan, Neil Holden
In Association With IKF/AKA
England Present
"IKF
AMATEUR JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS"
Altrincham, England
MORE
IKF ACTION THIS WEEKEND
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Steve Logan and K-Star Gym Present
"IKF PROFESSIONAL
THAI BOXING"
Birminghamh, England
IKF
Pro FULL RULES Muay Thai
British Title Bout
Robbie Newton ( Bishop Auckland - Paul
Pearson) VS Carl Copestake
( Birmingham - Steve Logan )
THURSDAY,
June 26th, 2008, AT 8:10 AM,
PT
TONIGHTS
IKF ACTION!
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IKF/AKA Presents
"CHAMPIONSHIP KICKBOXING"
Widnes, England
WEDNESDAY,
June 25th, 2008, AT 6:40 PM,
PT
IKF
WORLD CLASSIC UPDATE
Continued Excellence
Aristotle once said,
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence,
then, is not an act, but a habit."
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. He wrote on many different subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, politics, government, ethics, biology and zoology. The words he used to describe "Excellence" are a perfect fit to the IKF's work in preparing for the Annual IKF World Classic Tournament.
Every year for 10 straight years, the IKF repeatedly makes promises, and follows through with them year after year. As someone put it last year, "You say what your going to do, and you actually do. This is what sets you apart from the rest in everything the IKF does." Each year, something is better, or something added such as the Friday night Welcome Banquet Dinner this year which is FREE to all Registered Fighters, Trainers and Officials... Yes, FREE!
Whether the sanctioning of Amateur events, to the sanctioning of Professional World title events around the globe, the IKF continues to simply come through with what they promise and in most cases, give MORE THAN Promised!
As of this posting, the
10th Annual, 2008
IKF WORLD Classic Amateur Kickboxing Championship
Tournament is on track to once again "Come through as
promised!" This year the surprise has been in the Adult Muay Thai
division. Already this years event is proving to be more of an ADULT Fighter
event instead of a JUNIOR event. Of the currently 174 registered fighters, 109
are adult men and 30 are adult women. Of those 109 adult men, "60" are
registered to fight in Muay Thai. Today's stats show several overall tournament
records already broken with several more on the verge of being broken. Here once
again are just some of those records.
Another record already broken is the one held for the State with the most participating fighters. Yes, the event is in Florida, so many will say "that's Why so many fighters are coming from there..." However, in the past, NO HOME state even came close to having the most fighters attend. As of today, Florida has "52" registered fighters which shatters the previous record set by Illinois a few years back. After speaking to Florida's JP Peurlmutter today, (Former multi time IKF Tournament Champion and now Trainer) that number could raise well above 160, and that's not counting the others we spoke to in Florida. There are plenty of other camps that are still sending in Fighter Registrations from North America as well as many more still coming from Europe, including Neil Holden's Muay Thai team from England.
So don't put off any longer with your Registrations everyone. This is sure to be another memorable event for everyone. Our advice to all of you, registered, or about to be registered is to work hard and get ready for the best experience of your Amateur Career. As for us, well, as Aristotle said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." We will continue our daily habits of hard work and hope to be Excellent for all of you in Orlando Florida at the 10th Annual, 2008 IKF WORLD Classic Amateur Kickboxing Championship Tournament!
Bring It ON!
MORE FIGHT
NEWS
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MUAY THAI
JAMAICA
FULL ARTICLE STILL TO COME!
We haven't put off our article for IKF Jamaica everyone. What we are waiting for are all the photos from the event photographer. If we do not have them by tomorrow, we will go ahead and post the news about the event and the fights.
MORE FIGHT
NEWS
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NEW IKF
UK
WEBSITE
www.IKF-UK.com
Some have been wondering why the IKF Websites Alexa numbers have been slipping. Well, it's not because the visitors are no longer coming to the IKF Site, it's just that we have been redirecting them to "OTHER" IKF Sites.
For example, earlier this year we launched the IKF Point Kickboxing Site at www.IKFPKB.com. More recently our IKF United Kingdom Team launched another IKF website so they could make quicker updates and keep track of more detailed IKF UK news. The new IKF UK Site can be found at www.IKF-UK.com
Even with all this redirected traffic the IKFKickboxing.com website still remains the most highly visited web site for Kickboxing and Muay Thai. For the latest Alexa numbers on the Internet Fight sites, just click HERE!
MORE FIGHT
NEWS
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NO Kickboxing Or
MMA In
ILLINOIS!?
We keep getting calls here from Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Art Promoters in Illinois asking us if we have any info about the current "Black Out" (As many are calling it) on both Amateur and Pro Kickboxing and MMA events in the State of Illinois. In case you didn't know, as of June 1st, of this year, the State put a hold on all future Amateur and Pro Kickboxing and MMA events in the State of Illinois until legislation passes and puts into act the new rules and regulations for both sports. Many thought this was going to be a simple switch, where the State simply takes over the Pro side of both sports. However, such an easy change over was not to be.
Today we spoke to Mr. Rafael Caro of the Illinois State Professional Boxing Board, Division of Professional Regulation in the Illinois Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation. Mr. Caro informed us that there are only 4 approved events currently in Illinois between now and the end of the year. All 4 of those events are scheduled for this weekend. They include;
"No events have been approved for the remainder of the year after this weekend." Said Caro. Currently legislation is in session and Caro says they are hoping they will have time to review and approve their rules for the State before they break for their next session which will not come until the Fall of this year. Their main concern is passing the State budget, so the submitted rules and regulations for Pro and Amateur Kickboxing and MMA are not the high priority.
Even if they make it to the Kickboxing and MMA rules, there could still be some additional delays. For example, if legislation does not pass the submitted rules or can't make the adjustments needed to pass them, we could still be waiting until the fall session for final approval. That means no Kickboxing and or MMA until late this year.
On the positive side, even if approved quickly, they still need to determine an actual date as to when the rules will go into effect. "We honestly have no idea when the earliest date of approval will be." said Caro. "It could be as early as next month or could take until this fall or even next year, we really don't know."
What this means is all you IKF and ISCF Promoters who have been calling our office asking if we know anything, it means we all have to just wait it out. It may be months before Illinois sees anymore kickboxing or mixed martial arts action... But for the sake of both sports and the fight fans of Illinois, lets hope this isn't the case.
MONDAY,
June 20th, 2008, AT 11:10 PM,
PT
IKF
WORLD CLASSIC UPDATE
New Record Set For Early Registration!
The Count
Now Stands At
160
Registered Fighters...
And the numbers are still climbing!
New Record Set For Men's
Muay Thai!
Currently "50" Adult Men's Muay Thai Fighters
Are Registered breaking the old Overall
Record for Adult Men's Muay Thai of 42!
BELOW POSTED AT 2:15 PM,
PT
IKF
WORLD CLASSIC UPDATE
The RECORD WAS "TIED!"
131
Registered Fighters!
Forget the line about "We were just short of the Overall Record for number of registered fighters by first deadline." We found out today that 5 other fighter registrations had been received before the Friday Deadline:
This means, the "Overall Record for number of registered fighters by first deadline was TIED this year at 131!"
That being said, we have already broken the Overall Record for number of registered fighters by second deadline today. That record was 149. However, as of this post, we have a total of "27" more fighter registrations we received today and possible a few more over the phone that have yet to be posted on the registered fighters pages and added into these totals. This will bring the current registered fighters total to 158! All of these fighters will be logged into the registered fighters pages today.
One Overall Record already broken is the number of registered Adult Women's Muay Thai fighters. The Previous Overall Record was 13. Today that number stands at 15. Also on the verge of being broken is the Overall Record of Adult Men's Muay Thai Rules Fighters registered. Before the posting of the 27 fighters noted above, we already had 39 and the Overall Record is 42 set in 2005 when the Tournament was at the Wyndham Palace in Orlando Florida. That same year there were 17 Overall Records set that still stand today, that could be broken this year.
Here is a look at where we stand this year so far (BEFORE WE ADD IN THE 27 FIGHTERS NOTED ABOVE) against all the Overall Records before the Tournament. Records already broken are listed in RED.
Looks like this year will indeed be the BEST YEAR EVER for the IKF World Classic, The ONLY TRUE Amateur Kickboxing Championships in the WORLD!
To see the Registered Fighters Pages Click HERE!
To see all the Tournament Records from the past 9 years, CLICK HERE!
We look
forward to seeing "The BEST" Amateur Kickboxers In The World...
In
Orlando!
SATURDAY,
June 21st, 2008, AT 4:10 AM,
PT
IKF
WORLD CLASSIC UPDATE
First Deadline ARRIVES
Close... But Just Shy Of A NEW Record At
126
Registered Fighters!
Keeping Track Of The Numbers...
As
of yesterday, the first of several Registration Deadlines for the 10th Annual, 2008 IKF WORLD
Classic Amateur Kickboxing Championship Tournament came. We were
just short of the overall record for number of registered fighters by first
deadline. The record still stands at 131 fighters registered as of first
deadline set last year. This year at first deadline we missed it by only a few
at
126 Fighters.
However, this number is good enough to take second place which was at 114. These
numbers do not include the Semi Contact Fighters of which only some are listed.
We already have two divisions full with 8 fighters in the Muay Thai Divisions. However, instead of blocking out any fighters, we may decide to have TWO Divisions for those that run past 8 fighters.
The front page "Region Listings" have not been updated with all the recent registrations of about 70 fighters, but be patient, they will be up soon with all the others. Keep watching the Registered Fighters Page for this years 2008 IKF World Classic Amateur Kickboxing Championships and lets hope to see some new records in Orlando to "Walk The Walk" with the Best in the World and win the original...
Amateur Golden
Gloves of Kickboxings
World Tournament Title!
We look
forward to seeing "The BEST" Amateur Kickboxers In The World...
In
Orlando!
To see all the Tournament Records from the past 9 years, CLICK HERE!
POSTED AT 1:30
AM,
PT
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MUAY
THAI JAMAICA
Proves Successful For All
Full Article
coming later This Week
The results from Muay Thai Jamaica just got in but it was too late to get any full bout details. So instead of making everyone wait for a full story of the event, here are the nights quick results below.
MORE
IKF THIS WEEKEND
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IKF Title bouts In
Somerset, England!
SUNDAY NIGHT!
IKF
Professional Southern Area Super Lightweight Title
Anna Otterwell (Spartans)
Vs
Zoe Mason (Touch Gloves)
IKF Amateur English
Super Middleweight Title
Chris James
(Budo Juku)
Vs Rob Burbridge
(TKO)
FRIDAY,
June 20th, 2008, AT 11:40 AM,
PT
IKF
JAMAICA UPDATE
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MUAY
THAI JAMAICA
BOUT ORDER CHANGED
Everyone Still Ready To Rock!
IKF HQ: For unknown reasons, the IKF Muay Thai Super Heavyweight World Title between Rick Cheek of the USA and Patrice Quattron of France was switched from bout 7 to bout 4. The bout 7 spot was filled with the WBC Muay Thai Super Cruiserweight World Title between Ashwin Balark of Holland and Steve McKinnon of Australia which had been scheduled for bout 3. We asked IKF President Steve Fossum if the switch was a WBC issue or not and he simply said, "I really don't want to fuel any ideas of drama here because there is none. Patrick (WBC) and I are getting along great as well as everyone else. We are all working together. Rick and Patrice are OK with it so the fight fans will just see a great fighter sooner in the card. We have a great event here and we are proud to be a part of it."
Regardless of when each title will take place, this is a great event. This isn't about letters and titles as much as it is about the outstanding talent we will all see LIVE tonight via the internet on YouStreamIStream.com - This is an event that will be remembered for a long time and the IKF is proud to be a part of it with ALL the other Organizations, WBC, IKKC, IMTC and WIKBA!
Here is tonights order listed below:
IKF
WORLD CLASSIC UPDATE
POSTED AT 8:20 AM,
PT
As Today's First Deadline Approaches
92 Fighters
Prepare To "Walk The "Walk"... So
Far...
Keeping Track Of The Numbers...
As
of late last night, 92
Fighters had registered for this years 10th Annual, 2008 IKF WORLD
Classic Amateur Kickboxing Championship Tournament! These numbers
do not include the Semi Contact Fighters of which only some are listed.
Today at 5:00 PM is the first of Several Deadlines. Last year at the first deadline time we were just over 100 so we are not too far off that number with a full day to go. We are excited to see what today's mail will bring to the IKF Office. For those calling in with a credit card, if you reach our answering machine it simply means we are SWAMPED so please just try calling again. The best time to call is after 12 noon today.
If records mean anything, the highest number of registered fighters at first deadline point was last year of 131, a record that "Shattered" the previous record of 114. Right now, this years event is a ways from that number, but that shouldn't mean much. Many fighters wait to see who is registered in their weight division before registering themselves. Yesterday we added about 40 fighters which changed the landscape of the brackets a lot. Some are nearly full, especially in the Muay Thai divisions. We are already above the average first deadline mark of 88. As we said a few weeks ago, if the registrations continue, this could be the Largest turnout yet in the 9 year history of the IKF Championship Tournaments.
The front page "Region Listings" have not been updated with all the recent registrations of about 40 fighters, but be patient, they will be up soon with all the others. From what we can see, Florida is still doing it's best to keep ahead of the pack of most registered fighters, but others are gaining on them, especially Georgia.
Remember, the all time total from a state is 39 Registered Fighters which was a record set by Illinois back in 2006.
Keep watching the Registered Fighters Page for this years 2008 IKF World Classic Amateur Kickboxing Championships and lets hope to see some new records in Orlando to "Walk The Walk" with the Best in the World and win the original...
Amateur Golden
Gloves of Kickboxings
World Tournament Title!
We look
forward to seeing "The BEST" Amateur Kickboxers In The World...
In
Orlando!
To see all the Tournament Records from the past 9 years, CLICK HERE!
THURSDAY,
June 19th, 2008, AT 10:45 PM,
PT
IKF
JAMAICA UPDATE
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EVERYONE
MADE WEIGHT!
Let's
Bring It ON!
Those hesitating whether or not to purchase tomorrow nights event on YouStreamIStream.com can pull out your wallets and credit cards now and make that purchase. ALL NINE Title fights WILL take place tomorrow night in Montego Bay, Jamaica!
Promoter Dennis Warner has successfully organized 24 Top Pro Muay Thai Fighters from 9 different countries (USA, France, Thailand, Netherlands, Japan, Canada, China, Australia and Jamaica) with a a total of 9 Pro Muay Thai World Titles (10 if you count last nights private, invitation only event) on one event with 5 different sanctioning organizations, IKF, WBC, IKKC, WIKBA and IMTC! When was the last time that has ever happened? Probably NEVER!
The IKF, along with many other sanctioning bodies have been working towards unification of the sport. What was once an "I'm bigger than you" competition between organizations has now turned into a "Lets support the sport as ONE" attitude and approach. If you count Wednesday's event the overall organization of Warner and company put together a total of 10 World titles and 12 Internationally mixed bouts. That's simply unheard of!
Tonight all the sanctioning bodies sat down and unified all their rules, regulations and ring assignments. The Referees and Judges from all the organizations will mix in and work all the bouts. For those looking for the officials names, we have listed them with the bouts below. Here is tomorrow nights line up. For those purchasing the event over the web, the fights begin at 9:PM Central USA Time. All the bouts are 5, 3 minute rounds with 1 minute rests. Fighters are listed in their Corner Color.
To
watch the event over the web Click the link box ad below.
The Event will begin at 9:PM Central USA Time
BELOW POSTED AT
1:00 AM,
PT
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Aguilar
Takes Home The IKF Gold!
Muay Thai Fight Night
Wednesday, June 18th - Montego Bay, Jamaica
Some thought it may be a dynamic closing of a Great kickboxing career for Manson "The Blaster" Gibson. However, no one bothered to tell that to Edwin Aguilar of Mexico who instead, made his own party in the ring with a Muay Thai Knee Clinic on Gibson. Although round 1 was even, Aguilar found a weakness in Gibson that he never use to have... Age. At 47 years old, this was Gibson's last shot at an IKF World Title and probably his last bout as a professional kickboxer. This was Aguilar's first shot at an IKF title and he showed he still has plenty of fight left in him.
"Look at
that belt! That's what we came here for!" Said Aguilar's
trainer after his victory. Aguilar started his knee attacks in round two
where he forced Gibson to a standing 8 count be referee Dan Stell
to win the round 10-8. In round 3, despite some clean shots landed by Gibson,
he just didn't have the "Snap" he use to have on his punches
and kicks that had propelled him to an amazing fight record of over 100
victories with 63 KO's with 30 coming by head kicks.
As round 3 came to a close, it was clear Aguilar had found his rhythm and seemed to be scoring with his knees over and over again on Gibson. As the bell rang, Referee Stell informed Gibson that if he didn't defend himself he was going to stop the bout. He then asked Gibson, "Do you want to continue?" which Gibson replied, "No, I'm done..."
It was over, and as a once great fighter faded into the darkness, Aguilar stepped into the bright lights to accept the first, new, IKF World Title belt around his waist. As for Manson "The Blaster" Gibson, no one here will forget the excitement you brought to this sport and your best days will surly be remembered, and missed greatly. You Manson will always be remembered as one of the Greatest kickboxers of all time!"
Congratulations to the new
IKF Pro Muay Thai Cruiserweight World
Champion
Edwin Aguilar
and for those
Cruiserweights out there wanting a crack at him, we think his simple answer will
be...
"Bring It ON!"
Edwin'S MY SPACE
Two other Pro Muay Thai bouts also took place last night. The first was a match up between Claudia Vidaurri of USA vs Joanna MacEachem of Australia. Sadly this bout didn't even have a chance at really getting started. MacEachem seemed to be the aggressor in round one which probably won her the round, but it wasn't like she dominated Vidaurri by any means. About a minute into round 2, MacEachem landed an elbow on Vidaurri that sliced an ugly cut on her forehead. The cut started bleeding down Vidaurri's face which brought referee Paulo Tocha to stop the bout to allow the ring doctor to look at it. After examination the doctor ruled the cut was too deep to allow Vidaurri to continue and the bout was stopped. We really wanted to see these two ladies go at it a lot longer so it was disappointing to see this bout end so quickly. Congratulations to Joanna MacEachem.
The other bout was a Jr. Lightweight Bout between Dylan Resnedov of Australia vs Genki Nakamura of Japan. This seemed to be the strong left leg of Nakamura vs the more impressive boxing of Resnedov. Resnedov seemed to find his target more with his hands on Nakamura's face while Nakamura drove the power and quickness of his left leg to Resnedov over and over again. Resnedov begin to feel the pain of Nakamura's left leg on his right thigh during round 3, but the end was far from his leg... more on this to come.
During the first three rounds, Nakamura hit Resnedov over and over again on his thigh which clearly brought a lot of pain to Resnedov. The sad part though was when Nakamura missed his target and instead, landed three kicks to Resnedov which caused some obvious pain. Finally, on the 4th low blow, referee Jorge Zarate took a point from Nakamura. However, the fear of being hit low yet again may have been the reason Resnedov blocked low in round 4 when he should have kept his hands up. In doing so, it left a free path for Nakamura's left leg to Resnedov's head at 2:07 of the 4th that Knocked Resnedov out COLD! Congratulations to Nakamura on one of the strongest and quickest left legs we have seen and our prayers to Resnedov in hopes his recovery is healthy and quick.
Weigh-ins for Friday nights bouts will take place tonight at 7:PM. We will fill you in on any news if need be before Friday nights big event! Here is Friday night's line-up in the order we were given below.
A
reminder that you can watch the entire event over the web.
To buy
it, just start by clicking the link box ad below.
The times of the event are
listed in "Central Time"
TUESDAY,
June 17th, 2008, AT 11:55 PM,
PT
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Part ONE Ready For Action On...
"World Championship Muay Thai"
Muay Thai Fight Night
Wednesday, June 18th - Montego Bay, Jamaica
Tomorrow night, the first of 4 IKF Pro Muay Thai World Title bouts will kick off two exciting Pro Muay Thai events. The first IKF Pro Muay Thai Title bout will feature Manson Gibson and Edwin Aguilar who will battle for the vacant IKF Pro Cruiserweight World Title. Along with this bout will be two other exciting Muay Thai bouts. These three bouts will be on a special Private Invite Only Event in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Here are the details for tomorrow nights fight card with their weights from tonights weigh-in.
SUNDAY,
June 15th, 2008, AT 7:00 PM,
PT
THIS
WEEKENDS IKF ACTION!
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RISARC The Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational (CCGI)
Foundation & Dennis Warner Present
"World
Championship Muay Thai"
Muay
Thai Fight Night
Montego Bay,
Jamaica
10 PRO MUAY THAI WORLD TITLES WITH 4 SANCTIONING ORGANIZATIONS
MORE
IKF ACTION THIS WEEKEND!
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No Xclusions, Inc. Presents
"FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS!"
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
IKF RESULTS!
___________________________________
SUNDAY, June 15th, 2008, AT 6:10 PM, PT
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RESULTS FROM
Yavapai-Apache Recreation In Association
With Golden Cobra Kickboxing Present
"RETURN
OF THE RUMBLE ON THE REZ"
June 14th, 2008 - Camp Verde, Arizona, USA
THURSDAY,
June 12th, 2008, AT 6:00 PM,
PT
THIS
WEEKENDS IKF ACTION!
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Yavapai-Apache Recreation In Association With Golden
Cobra Kickboxing Present
"RETURN
OF THE RUMBLE ON THE REZ"
Camp Verde, Arizona, USA
MORE
NEWS!
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Send Your Prayers
To Iowa!
In case you hadn't
heard, the State of Iowa has been having a little too much water. In fact, so
much that downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, home of the 2003 and 2006 IKF
Amateur Kickboxing World Classic Tournament and the
2007
& 2008 ISCF Amateur MMA
World Classic Tournament is under water.
We checked in with fellow Iowa Kickboxing & Muay Thai trainers and promoters Dean Lessie, Russ O'Connell and Pete & Pam Peterson earlier today to make sure all is well. "The severe flooding is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo & Cedar Falls." said Dean.
"I am sure Russ O'Connell is in the thick of things. Dubuque where I live is not flooded. Please keep all of those affected by this terrible flood in your thoughts and prayers. The rain is still falling."
We will indeed Dean. As for Pete and Pam, they are on the other side of Iowa in Carroll, Iowa. "I do not know what it is like in Dubuque with Dean, but down here it is close to the flood of 93." Said Pete.
"We have only had minimal damage to our home, but so many areas are underwater. Many of the roads are closed forcing alternate routes. Dry spell for a few days here so hopefully waters begin to recede. Tornado hit our town last night, did quite a bit of damage, but nothing like Parkersburg or anything, again it was minimal. Everyone is OK."
You guys stay safe out there and we here at the IKF would like to wish you luck and know you are in our prayers. As for Russ, we never did hear back from him as of yet, so we can only hope he and his family are making it through all this. The photos below and at the right were sent to us by Dean and are of Downtown Cedar Rapids, right near the US Cellular Center and Crowne Plaza Hotel where our tournaments were.
WEDNESDAY,
June 11th, 2008, AT 12:45 PM,
PT
ATTENTION POTENTIAL
IKF
PRO
WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Now You REALLY Have Something To Fight For!
Check out the NEW LOOK for the IKF "PRO" World Title Belts!
The new IKF Pro World Title belts will be available in various colors. Promoters will have a choice of the new IKF belts shown here or the old style IKF World Title belts. A lot of course will depend on the Promoters Budget...
IKF Promoter Dennis Warner will be the first IKF Promoter to host an event that will present the new belts. Next week Warner is Promoting a Muay Thai event in Jamaica with 4 IKF Pro Muay Thai titles on it! The Champions will be awarded one of the below Belts from the IKF!
Warner's event will feature a
total of 10 Pro Muay Thai title sanctioned by three different organizations. The
IKF, WBC Muay Thai, IMTC and the IKKC. For more
info on Warner's "MEGA MUAY THAI EVENT" click the banner
below.
Parr
Out Of The Event
John Wayne Parr of Australia has pulled out of his
fight against Marco Pique of Suriname / Holland on this event. Parr had
a good reason though, his father just
past away. This change brings in
Deiselleck Rungruangyon (Left) of Thailand to face off against
Marco Pique.
Rungruangyon is the current WMC World Super Welterweight Champion, Rajadamnern Stadium Super Welterweight Champion and the number 2 ranked WBC Super Welterweight contender.
The title will still be for the vacant IKF Pro Muay Thai Middleweight World Title.
Here is the fight card for this exciting event!
10 PRO MUAY THAI
WORLD TITLES
WITH 4 SANCTIONING ORGANIZATIONS
IKF - WBC -
IMTC - IKKC
TUESDAY,
June 10th, 2008, AT 6:00 PM,
PT
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Results From Mr. Lee Green's Higher Level Martial Arts &
Fitness Gyms
"IKF/AKA CHAMPIONSHIP KICKBOXING"
June 7th, 2008 - Manchester,
England
Check Out The
Full Results From This Outstanding Event By Clicking
-HERE-
MORE
IKF NEWS...
Wonderboy News!
Word has it that Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson and his trainer/father Ray Thompson will be traveling to Montreal to train with George St.Pierre as Pierre prepares for his fight with Jon Fitch on August 9th in the UFC.
Thompson and his father will be there for 2 and a half weeks (From June 22nd til July 9th.) St.Pierre and his trainer, Firas Zahabi, will be working with the Wonderboy to improve his skills for Mixed Martial Arts and in return Stephen and Ray will be working with St.Pierre to improve his stand up game.
MORE
IKF NEWS...
KEEP COUNTING...
First Deadline June 20th
Largest Number So Far At This Stage...
Lets Hope The
Momentum Continues...
Keeping Track Of The Numbers...
Last
year at the "Two Weeks prior to First Deadline" date, we had 36 registered
fighters. As expected back then, we are ahead on the numbers because this past
Friday, our official registration count was 38. Today, 11 days before the first
deadline, we are at 42
Registered Fighters for the 10th Annual, 2008 IKF WORLD
Classic Amateur Kickboxing Championship Tournament! These numbers
do not include the Semi Contact Fighters.
Last year broke the mark for
the largest number of registered fighters at the "Two Weeks prior to
First Deadline"
mark. That record broke the record set in
