MORE NEWS OF 4-26-2000...

IKF England & Ireland
ROCK In
FISTS Of FURY 3!

It was clear that the FIST OF FURY 3 Promotional Team (Dons & Fury Promotions) of Mr. Stephen Donnelly, Mr. John Flounders and Mr. Mick Fowles had great things to smile about when all was said and done last Sunday night, April 16th in Coventry England. The crowd was a sellout, standing room only at the Mercia Supporting Club in Coventry where the crowd was treated to 11 great bouts that featured 5 IKF Ireland vs IKF England bouts along with 4 IKF Title Bouts. IKF Team Ireland was headed by trainers Peter Foley and Paul Cummins with fighters Ken Horan, Dave Thomas, Brian Butler, Vinnie Di Russico, Gary O Brien and Owen Flatley. IKF Team England was headed up by trainers Mick Fowles, Jim Bacon, Steve Donnelly and Balwinder Sandham and featured fighters Richard Lesson, Fraser Symthe, Bobby Hale, Ingolf Nelson and Perry Ben. Although IKF Team England won all 5 bouts, IKFTeam Ireland proved to be a team with great fighters that we are sure to see more of in the future.

The event was filmed by Cable Telecom for a later European release and was commentated by well know retired kickboxing world champion Ronnie Green and IKF President Steve Fossum. During his dynamic career, Green won 5 British, 5 European and 5 World Titles. Fossum and Green are currently working together to create the ALL TIME Kickboxing Hall of Fame that will soon be featured here on the IKF Website along with the IKF Hall Of Fame. For more info on this effort, please see the article below this one. Here's the full results of the nights action;

1. Full Contact Rules
   Steve Castano (76kg, 5'10", 21, 1-0/1, Wyken Croft, Coventry, England) defeated Steve Preece (76kg, 5'10", 21, 0-1/0, Woverhampton, England) by TKO at he end of round 2 despite taking an 8 count in round 1.
   
   
2. Full Contact Rules
   Tony Flounders (56kg, 5'6", 1-0-1/0, Coventry, England) defeated Richard Tooth (54.5kg, 5'8", 1-2-1/0, Woverhampton, England) by split decision, 30-27, 28-30 and 30-28.
   
   
3. International Rules:
   Alex Sutherland (50kg, 5'6", 2-1/0, Liverpool, England) defeated Jason Tooth (48kg, 5'4", 0-2-1/0, Woverhampton, England) by TKO at 28 seconds of round 1.
   
   
4. Full Contact Rules
   Richard Lesson (74kg, 5'9", 29, 3-0-1/3, Wyken Croft, Coventry, England) defeated Ken Horan (75.5kg, 6'1", 6-4/5, Knockacarra, Galway, England) by KO at 1:10 of the first round after taking a standing 8 cunt a few moments before.
   
   
5. IKF Pro International Rules: British Bantomweight Title
   (This bout was suppose to be for the IKF Featherweight title, However both fighters came in light so instead, they fought for the Bantomweight Title.) Gavin Bradley (56kg, 5'5", 6-2-1/2, Birmingham, England) defeated Paul Sephton (56kg, 5'6", 27, 8-7/0, Coventry, England) by TKO at the end of the second round. Sephton was knocked down in round 1 by a straight punch on the jaw but rose quickly to take the standing 8 count. However in round 2 he took a strong leg kick by Bradley just above his knee near the end of the round. During the round break, the ringside physician examined it and decided to stop the bout ruling Sephton should not continue.
   
   
6. IKF Women's Full Contact Rules
   English Bantamweight Title: Joanne Bickerstaffe (55kg, 5'3", 28, Merseyside, England) fought to a majority decision draw against Juliette Winter (55.5kg, 5'6", 27, Darby, England). The bout was scored 48-47 Winter's by one judge while the other 2 judges had it 48-48. Winter's lost 1 point in round 4 for not getting her kicks in which made the obvious difference in the bout.
   
   
7. Full Contact Rules
   Frasher Symthe (71.5kg, 5'11", 25, 8-2/4, London, England) defeated Dave Thomas (73kg, 6'1", 21, 5-6-1/2, Galway Ireland) by TKO after Thomas' corner threw in the towel at the break of round 1 and 2. A smart and safe move by Thomas' corner (Peter Foley and Paul Cummins) after Thomas took 2 standing 8 counts in round 1 and wasn't able to get his kicks in either. We would like to see more trainers make this decision for the safety of their fighters.
   
   
8. Full Contact Rules
   Bobby Hale (68.5kg, 5'8", 30, 2-0/0, Coventry, England) defeated Brian Butler (68kg, 6', 22, 4-4/0, Galway Ireland) by majority decision, 30-30, 29-28 and 30-29.
   
   
9. Full Contact Rules
   Phil Wright (94kg, 6'2", 20, 2-0/1, Merseyside, England) defeated Matt Moore (95kg, 6'4", 27, 0-2/0, Wyken Croft, Coventry, England) in a wild 3 round heavyweight bout. Both fighters lost points for not getting their kicks in, in every round but 1 (Actually only Wright got his required 6 kicks in, in round 1. Moore missed his kicks in every round) which resulted in an akward final score. Wright took the unanimous decision 26-23, 26-23 and 27-23. If not for the missed kick penalties, this bout would have ended in a majority draw.
   
   
10. IKF Pro Full Contact Rules European Light Middleweight Title Bout
    (This bout was suppose to be for the IKF Middleweight title, However both fighters came in 2 kg's light so instead, they fought for the Light Middleweight Title.)
    Ingolf Nelson (70kg, 5'10", 30, 8-5/3, Newcastle, England) defeated Vinnie Di Russico (70kg, 5'9", 18, 9-2/3, Knacknacarra, Ireland) by TKO in round 4. Di Russico stopped the bout himself after realizing the severity of a cut he just received above his right eye. A smart move by a good and experienced fighter not to risk more injury from the cut. On the scorecards, Di Russico was still very much in the fight only down on 2 cards with 6 rounds to go. At the end, Nelson was leading 29-27, 29-28 and 28-28.
    
    
11. IKF Pro Full Contact Rules European Welterweight Title Bout
    Perry Benn (65.5kg, 5'11", 33, 13-1/--, Coventry, England) defeated Gary O'Brien (64.7kg, 5'7, 23, 4-5/1, Knocknacurra, Ireland) by TKO at 1:24 of the 7th round. Again, another wise and mature move by another Ireland fighter when he realized his eye was swelling. Instead of risk getting it cut open, O'Brien stopped the bout himself. On the cards, Benn had the advantage on all 3 judges cards, 60-56, 60-56 and 60-56.

The only negative thing about the entire event was something that every kickboxing event around the world faces. No shows by fighters. The no shows on this event were Clifford Nelson of Warral Gym which left Niel Green of Coventry England without a bout for the night. Owen Flatley showed up and was ready to fight as well but his opponent Justin Stevenson of Englands Scorpian Gym Swindon was a no show at the event. Both John Haydon of Warral Gym and John Shields of Fury gym who were scheduled to meet each other were no shows at the weigh-ins as well.

Dons & Fury Promotions founders Mr. Stephen Donnelly, Mr. John Flounders and Mr. Mick Fowles are all new members to the IKF World Team but certanily not new to the game. Mr. Donnelly has 16 years of experience in martial arts & kickboxing. He became the number 1 Featherweight in Britain and European in 1992. However an unfortunate accident in which he broke his hand forced him to retire. But as they say, "When a small door closes, a Bigger Door Opens." which was the case with Dons & Fury Promotions. Donnelly has now promoted 8 successful kickboxing events and has many more to come in the future.

Mr Flounders was a fuel behind Donnelly's promotional fire as well. He had been training with Donnelly for two and a half years when he became interested in kickboxing shows. He kept asking Donnelly to start promoting again and if he would, Flounders agreed to get event sponsors which he has done very well at.

The name of Mick Fowles is well known in Europe. Fowles started martial arts at the age of 21. Within 6 years he had achieved both the British and European Kickboxing titles. From there, he went into coaching and training fighters eaning respect from his peers throughout Europe. After being disapointed with the internal works of an organization he was with for several years, he decided to make a positive career decision move and in January of 2000, Fowles joined the IKF World Team, teaming up with IKF European Director, Alby Bimpson also of England. Fowles was appointed the position of IKFEuropean Coordinator and has done great things for IKF Team Europe.

Together, Donnelly, Flounders and Fowles discussed the various issues of kickboxing and where they would like to see it in the future. The three of them had the same ideas so they decided to form their promotional team to promote great kickboxing entertainment. They already have several more events planned on June 25th (IKF British & IKF European title Bouts), August 20th (IKF British & IKF European title Bouts) and November 18th, Sky Dome Arena (IKF World Title Bouts). For more Information, please contact Mr. Mick Fowles at 07 970 08 2553 or Mr. Steve Donnelly at 07 9390 480 38 or Mr. Alby Bimpson at 01942-723858 or : +441 942 723 858 or by e-mail by clicking HERE.

MORE NEWS OF 4-26-2000. . .

Green & Fossum
Preparing Kickboxings FIRST
Hall Of Fame...

IKF President Steve Fossum and 5 Time World Kickboxing Champion Ronnie Green are currently working together to create the ALL TIME Kickboxing Hall of Fame that will soon be featured on the IKF Web Site along with the IKF Hall Of Fame. Both can be found here on the IKF Website by clicking HERE. Although the Kickboxing Hall Of Fame is just now being created, once done, it will feature fighters, trainers, promoters and officials from every organization in the sport that are deserving of such recognition on such a page. Currently there is no Hall Of Fame for the sport of Kickboxing which makes Green and Fossum's work more special. "We need to bring attention and recognition to those who started our sport, promoted it and taught it as well as those who are just no longer in the game." said Green. Fossum added, "These individuals need to be appreciated and remembered to those still in the sport as well as those new to the sport no matter what organization they fought with. It will include current individuals as well." If anyone reading this wishes to submit names of trainers, promoters, trainers and of course fighters who made a positive mark in the sport, please e-mail the IKF with your thoughts. The Hall will take months to create so your assistance will be greatly appreciated. You can e-mail the IKF at this link ikf@jps.net.

MORE NEWS OF 4-26-2000...

Finney's
Club Wins Big At
IKF
MIDWEST FIGHT FEST!

St. Louis, Missouri, USA
IKF Promoter Jesse Finney and his Finney's Kickboxing Club had to be all smiles at the end of the night. Their April 15th, Union Plaza, St. Louis, Missouri, USA event had plenty of great things happen for them. Here are the nights results:

1. Josh Strock defeated Damion Riveria by unanimous decision.
   
   
2. Chris Messex defeated Rich Gentry by TKO. Gentry couldn't come out of the corner to start the third round.
   
   
3. Boomer Fischer defeated Myndi Eubanks by unanimous decision.
   
   
4. Mike Mason KOed Zack Wheeler in the 1st round.
   
   
5. Josh Howell KOed Tony Childs in the 1st round.
   
   
6. John Ingram defeated Gabe DeLannie by TKO. DeLannie could come out of the corner to start the 2nd round.
   
   
7. Rene Richardt KOed Erin Barnet in the 1st round.
   
   
8. Exhibition between Ben Norgueras and Kirk Douglas.
   
   
9. Mark Mayfield KOed Andrew Cole in the 2nd round.
   
   
10. SPECIAL "EXHIBITION" BOUT: Jesse Finney "Sparring" with Top IKF Ranked fighter, Scott Atkins. There was NO WINNER or LOSER in this bout. It was an "EXHIBITION" Demonstration.

For more info, contact Mr. Jesse Finney at (314) 351-5226.

MONAY, April 17th, 2000, AT 10 AM

Butler Pennsylvania, USA's
"BEST Of The BEST"
Butler, PA, USA, PRO-AM KICKBOXING CHALLENGE Results!

Reported By IKF PA, USA
IKF Promoter, Jimmy Stewart, The Stewart Center & Coors Light held another successful Kickboxing Event to a sold out crowd. The Main Event featured IKF PA State Champion Jimmy Stewart (10-0-5) defending & retaining his title against Mike Holleran.

From the opening bell of the 7 round bout, Holleran (5-3) pressured Stewart most of the entire round. Stewart was able to withstand the pressure with a flurry of combinations, that backed Holleran to the ropes, then eventually dropped him for the first standing 8 count. Holleran survived the round barely able to continue into round 2. Stewart had a swollen eye - but was able to turn the pressure back on Holleran. With a well placed back fist to the jaw that stunned Holleran, Stewart went in with a second combination of punches that dropped Holleran for the second & final time of the fight, Stewart retained the title after the fight was called at 1:20 into the second round.

1. In other action, Ken Peth fought a tremendous five round unanimous decision over Ken Ferguson of Toronto, Ontario. Peth improved his record to 14-1 while Ken Ferguson fell to 13-2.
   
   
2. Also in amateur action, Jason Erdos (Butler) scored a second round KO over Dan Stedman to advance to 5-4.
   
   
3. Chris Hill (Butler) won a three round decision.
   
   
4. Zack Luikart (Meadville) won a TKO in round 1 over Randy Walker.
   
   
5. Donna Ferguson (Butler, 6-5) defeated Missy Jones in a first round TKO.
   
   
6. Chris Fisher had a first round KO over Ronni Bells.
   
   
7. Cody Herold along with RJ Sutton battled to a draw.

FRIDAY, April 14th, 2000, AT 12:40 AM

IKF Iowa KICKFEST
Produces
CHAMPIONS!

It was a Dynamic Team effort by many that made the first Iowa Kickfest a DYNAMIC SUCCESS! Promoter Roger Tompkins had to be excited when the night was done as he hosted a crowd of over 1,500 who packed the Five Sullivan Brothers Civic Center in Waterloo, Iowa, USA. The nights crowd witnessed 4 Explosive IKF Iowa State Title bouts, 6 undercard bouts and 3 exhibition bouts. Trainer Russ Oconnell of Cedar Valley Pro Fitness & Kickboxing was the star of the night as his fighters went 8 for 8 without a loss with 6 of the wins coming via KO or TKO. Iowa event assistant Blaine Nichols did a fantastic job giving IKF Referee Dan Stell and IKF Representative Brooks Mason the red carpet treatment. "Thank you so much for sending Mr. Stell to help out with our event. He and Brooks Mason were tremendous help." said Nichols. He went on to comment "I feel the event went great, it ran so smooth with Mr. Stell handling everything he was a true professional." Team Iowa is planning their next event this fall. GREAT JOB TEAM IOWA! Here's the nights results.

• The event started off with 3 great exhibition bouts featuring;
  
  • Full Contact Rules Heavyweight
    Dean Stone (Waterloo, Iowa, USA) Vs. Elvis Erving (Dowagiac, Michigan, USA)
    
    
  • Full Contact Rules Light Welterweight
    Josh Freidley (Waterloo, Iowa, USA) Vs. Aaron Kistner, (Dawagiac, Michigan, USA)
    
    
  • San Shou Light Middleweight
    Bryan Helfrich (Dixon, Illinois, USA) vs Marshall Blerirs (Dixon, Illinois, USA)
    
    

1. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Light Heavyweight
   Nick Rossin (Waterloo, Iowa, USA) defeated Jeremy Weber (Dowagiac, Michigan, USA) by Majority Decision, 29-27, 29-27 and 28-28.
   
   
2. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Super Welterweight
   James Mccallan (Waterloo, Iowa, USA) defeated Will Bishell (Davenport, Iowa, USA) by KO at 1:39 of the second round.
   
   
3. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Light Heavyweight
   Dave Hanson (Waterloo, Iowa, USA) defeated John Foster (Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, USA) by unanimous decision, 29-27, 29-27 and 30-26.
   
   
4. IKF Amateur Women's International / Leg Kick Rules
   Light Middleweight
   Lisa Stecki (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) defeated Season Miller (Dixon, Illinois, USA) by TKO at 1:35 of round 1.
   
   
5. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Cruiserweight
   Mark Jaquith (Waterloo, Iowa, USA) defeated Franco Heim (Evansdale, Iowa, USA) by TKO at 1:15 of round 2.
   
   
6. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Super Heavyweight
   Travis Fulton (Waterloo, Iowa, USA) defeated Brad Schaeffer (Thor, Iowa, USA) by KO at 1:52 of the first round.
   
   
7. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Super Welterweight Iowa State Title
   Josh Jennings (Hudson, Iowa, USA) defeated Jeremy Shuey (Grimmell, Iowa, USA) by TKO at the end of the second round.
   
   
8. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Light Middleweight Iowa State Title
   Travis Richardson (Waterloo, Iowa, USA) defeated Vince Harl (Grinnell, Iowa, USA) by TKO in round 2.
   
   
9. IKF Amateur International / Leg Kick Rules
   Cruiserweight Iowa State Title
   Clint Zimmerman (Joy, Iowa, USA) defeated Dennis Reed (Muscatine, Iowa, USA) by KO in round 2.
   
   
10. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
    Super Heavyweight Iowa State Title
    Full Contact Rules Light Heavyweight
    Trent Tompkins (Hudson, Iowa, USA) defeated Jason Fulcher by KO at :35 seconds into round 1.
    
    

The event judges were Marvin Styles, B. Nichols, Marco Medina and Dan Stell. Alternating at referee were Blaine Nichols, Marco Medina and Dan Stell. The event timekeeper was Beth Green. Event Physicians were Dr. Louviere, Dr. Kettman and Dr. Kelly Schmidt. Kick judges were John Higdon and Matt Higdon. Ring announcer was Scott Lathrop. IKF Representatives were Dan Stell and Brooks Mason..

Great job Team Iowa! We look forward to your Fall, 2000 event. For more info on this event, please contact Mr. Roger Tompkins or Mr. Russ Oconnell at Cedar Valley Pro Fitness & Kickboxing at 319-234-1935. Or Contact Mr. Blaine Nichols by e-mail by clicking: HERE!

MORE NEWS OF 4-14-2000. . .

Lots Of
IKF Action In The Next Week!

• Franklin Park, Illinois, USA: April 15th, 2000
  IKF/RINGSIDE North Central FCR Regional Tournament: The Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison Franklin Park, Illinois. IKF Event Representative; Vicki Laegeler. For more info, please contact Mr. Rob Zbilski at (847) 458-8333. States included in this Regional Tournament: Eastern North Dakota, Eastern South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois.
  
  
• St. Louis, Missouri, USA: April 15th, 2000
  IKF MIDWEST FIGHT FEST: Union Plaza, 300 S. Grand St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Ticket Prices are: $100 VIP Ringside, $30 Platinum Seating, *$25 Gold Seating, *Tables of 10 Available. For more info, contact Mr. Jesse Finney at (314) 351-5226.
  
  
• Butler, Pennsylvania, USA: April 15th, 2000
  IKF Pennsylvania - "Best Of The Best":
  For more info, contact Jimmy Stewert at (724) 482-4814 or (724) 284-3725.
  
  
• Steinlachhalle, City of Mössingen/ Germany: April 15th, 2000
  European SHI KON Thaiboxing Grand Prix. Steinlachhalle, City of Mössingen/ Germany.
  Beginning: 7 PM. For more info, please contact Shidokan Karate Germany Falltorstraße 69, 72116, Mr. Peter Angerer: Tel No: Mössingen, Phone ++49- 7473-26451, Fax ++49- 7473-271993. Broadcasted by German TV and LIVE Worldwide on the Internet. Confirmed Fighters: Johnny Tancray (France), Manuel Coli (Italy), Aurimas Grumadas (Lithuania) and Oliver Höffner (Germany).
  
  
• Coventry, England: April 16th, 2000
  IKF DON'S & FURY, Coventry, England
  IKF Event Representative, Steve Fossum. For more Information, please contact Mr. Mick Fowles at 07 970 08 2553 or Mr. Steve Don's at 07 9390 480 38. IKF England Vs IKF Ireland plus other IKF Title Bouts.
  
  
• Brighton, England April 21st, 2000
  Brighton, England
  IKF Event Representative, Steve Fossum. For more information, please contact Mr. Mick Fowles at 07 970 08 2553. Main Event: IKF Pro FCR Lightweight World Title Bout: Jose Perez, Portugal vs Garnet John, England.
  
  

WEDNESDAY, April 12th, 2000, AT 6:10 PM

1st IKF/RINGSIDE
Regional Small But
"GREAT"
In New York!

Although the fight card was small we need to give credit to Steve Ventura and David Ross who kicked off the first of many 2000 IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Championship Regional Tournaments last weekend as they hosted the NORTH - EAST #1 Tournament In NY New York at New York Kung Fu & Kickboxing Club.

Of those few that were there, Mr. Ross sumed it up when he said; "The fights themselves were good, too bad no one saw them." However the quote isn't far off as no Regional Tournaments, not even in amateur Boxing seem to draw big crowds. Assisting Ventura and Ross as judges were Tom Battone, Sifu Matt Blazon Yee and Ken Hewski. Here's a rundown of those who "Walked The Walk" in New York last weekend;

• San Shou: Welterweight: 142.1 lbs. - 147 lbs.
  Elan Scwarcz (147) 4-3, defeated Gregg Dorsey (143) 3-2 by unanimous decision, 30-26, 30-26, 30-26 (one standing 8 count in 2nd round)
  
  
• San Shou: Cruiserweight: 186.1 lbs. - 195 lbs.
  Ray Neves (189) 0-1 advanced to the Nationals via Walkover when David Whiltshire (186) 3-0 didn't show up.
  
  
• Full Contact Rules: 170 Lb.
  Dereck Riddick advances to the Nationals via Walkover when his opponent Rick Blandford didn't show up.
  
  
• San Shou Rules
  Wayne Wilks weighed in at 169 lbs while his opponent, Alexandru Colta came in at his registered weight of 175 lbs. Although Wilks weighed in, at a different weightclass, the two fought anyway. Wilks came out the winner by TKO in the second round. Wilks will advance to the Nationals in the Super Middleweight Division while Colta will advance to the Nationals in the Light Heavyweight Division.
  
  
• San Shou Rules
  Although they were in different weight classes, the two still wanted to fight so Albert Pople (In the 140 lbs. division) and Ejovi Nuwere (In the 132 lb division) went at it for 3 rounds. In the end, Pople came out the winner by unanimous decision after Ejovi. 29-27, 29-27, 29-27 (a standing 8 count was given in 3rd round). Both will advance to the Nationals in different weight classes.

When we receive all the registration papers from Mr. Ross & Mr. Ventura, more detailed results will be posted on this page. A total of 15 fighters registered for the event and we plan to see the winners and walkovers at Nationals to represent the North East Division 1. For more info on this event, please contact Mr. Steve Ventura or Mr. David Ross at (212) 242-2453 or e-mail by clicking HERE!

MORE NEWS OF 4-12-2000. . .

Manson KO'S Petit
In Green Bay!

The Promotional Partners of Ad Cetra Sports, Duke Roufus and Scott Joffe were happy to finish another successful Wisconsin, USA Promotion. However this time the venue was a bit different. Stadium View Sports Bar in Green Bay Wisconsin, USA was ROCKIN last Friday Night. Especially in the nights Main Event when Chicago Illinois USA's Manson "The Master Blaster" Gibson Blasted Phil Petit of Sik Tai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada with a spinning backfist in the first round. The shot dropped Petit for the KO as Gibson captured the vacant IKF Pro Light Cruiserweight MuayThai Rules North American Title. Gibson improves to 93 wins, 8 loses, 2 draws with 61 KOS/TKOS as a Pro while Petit drops to 15 wins, 5 loses with 11 wins by KO/TKO. Here's the nights results of the remainder of the card as sent in by Ad Cetra Sports;

1. IKF Amateur MuayThai Rules: Cruiserweight 189
   John Harding (Sik Tai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) won unanimous decision over Ben Clancy (DMAG Iowa City)
   
   
2. IKF Amateur Muay Thai Rules: Welteweight 147
   Neal Fox (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) won by second round TKO over Alessio Zeal (Appleton Kung Fu, Appleton, Wisconsin, USA)
   
   
3. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules Light Heavyweight: 175
   Matt Schaefer (Karate America, Neenah, Wisconsin, USA) won by first round KO over Jason Ransom (Team Thump, Beloit Wisconsin, USA)
   
   
4. IKF Amateur MuayThai Rules Light Middleweight: 156
   Jason Strout (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) won by split decision over Mark Collins (Sik Tai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
   
   
5. IKF Amateur MuayThai Rules Middleweight: 165
   Chris Weitz (DMAG, Iowa City) won by unanimous decision over Rob Wiley (Emerald Mongoose, Omaha, Nebraska, USA)
   
   
6. Shootfighting
   Adrian Serrano, (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) won by submission at the 1:13 mark over Dave Johnston, (Ladysmith, Wisconsin, USA).
   
   
7. MuayThai Rules Amateur Featherweight: 125
   Erin Mathews (DMAG, Iowa City) won by unanimous Decision over Kelly Archer (Sik Tai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
   
   
8. IKF Pro MuayThai Rules
   Light Cruiserweight North American Title Bout
   Manson Gibson (Windy City Gym, Chicago, Illinois, USA) won by first round KO over Phil Petit (Sik Tai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
   
   

For more info on this event, please contact Mr. Duke Roufus at (414) 319-1151 or e-mail by clicking: HERE or check out their website by clicking this link here: Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym

MORE NEWS OF 4-12-2000. . .

IKF
IOWA Results Coming Thursday...

FRIDAY, April 7th, 2000, AT 2:50 PM

IKF Weekend Action Includes
3 Great Events!!

IOWA KICKFEST 2000
In Waterloo, Iowa, USA

Three IKF Events are planned this weekend and all three are assured to have some great action, especially tomorrow nights Iowa Kickfest 2000! The April 8th event will take place at the Five Sullivan Brothers Civic Center, 4th St & Commercial at 7:00 PM in Waterloo, Iowa, USA. The event will feature 4 Iowa State Title Bouts that include;

• IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
  Super Heavyweight Iowa State Title
  Sponsored by Cedar Valley Pro Fitness
  Trent Tompkins vs Jason Fulcher
  
  
• IKF Amateur International / Leg Kick Cruiserweight
  Iowa State Title
  Sponsored by Deery Brothers
  Clint Zimmerman vs Dennis Reed.
  
  
• IKF Amateur Full Contact Light Middleweight
  Iowa State Title
  Sponsored by R & M Metals
  Travis Richardson vs Vince Harl
  
  
• IKF Amateur Super Welterweight Full Contact
  Iowa State Title
  Sponsored by Bj's Sports Bar
  Josh Jennings vs Jeremy Shuey

• Plus An Exciting Amateur Undercard Featuring
  
  
  1. Full Contact Rules Super Heavyweight
     Travis Fulton VS Brad Schaeffer
     
     
  2. Full Contact Rules Cruiserweight
     Mark Jaquith VS. Franco Heim
     
     
  3. Full Contact Rules Heavyweight
     Dean Stone VS Elvis Erving
     
     
  4. Full Contact Rules Light Welterweight
     Josh Freidley VS Aaron Kistner
     
     
  5. Full Contact Rules Super Welterweight
     James Mccallan VS Will Bishell
     
     
  6. Full Contact Rules Light Heavyweight
     Nick Rossin VS Jeremy Weber
     
     
  7. Full Contact Rules Light Heavyweight
     Dave Hanson VS John Foster
     
     
  8. Full Contact Rules Female Light Middleweight
     Lisa Stecki VS Season Miller
     
     

The IKF Event Representatives will be Dan Stell & Brooks Mason. Both Mr. Stell and Mr. Blaine Nichols will referee the bouts. The event Promoter is Mr. Roger Tompkins. For more info, please contact Mr. Russ Oconnell at Cedar Valley Pro Fitness & Kickboxing at 319-234-1935. Or Contact Mr. Blaine Nichols by e-mail by clicking HERE!

MORE NEWS OF 4-7-2000. . .

TONIGHT
Petit Meets Gibson
In Green Bay, Wisconsin USA

Stadium View Sports Bar at 1963 Holmgren Way in Green Bay Wisconsin, USA will be the place to be to see some great IKF MuayThai action in tonights event promoted by Ad Cetra Sports partners Duke Roufus and Scott Joffe. IKF Pro Light Cruiserweight MuayThai USA Champion Phil "Le Grand" Petit of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada will face 7 time World Champion Manson "The Blaster" Gibson of Chicago, Illinois, USA for the vacant IKF Pro MTR Light Heavyweight North American Title.

Petit won his IKF Pro MTR USA Light Cruiserweight title on October 24th, 1998 at the Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA when he defeated Kevin McMullen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On February 6, 1999 he faced off in a rematch against McMullen. After a sluggish round 1 performance, Petit took control in round 2 landing several direct knees to McMullen's face. At the break, McMullen's corner stopped the bout as Petit strongly defended his IKF Title by a TKO win this time.

Gibson last fought for the IKF on The "SUMMER BRAWL" event at The Centre at North Park in Franklin Park, Illinois on September 11th, 1999. In the bout, Gibson faced off against Richard Stellwagen (18-1 with 15 KOs as an amateur and 9-0 with 3 KOs as a pro) of St. Charles Illinois for the vacant IKF Pro Full Contact Rules United States Light Heavyweight Title. Gibson, 10-0-1 with 8 KOs as an amateur and 92-8-2 with 60 KOs as a Pro has been around the world and won 7 different World Titles in various organizations. At 38 years old that night, he looked as young as ever against the younger Stellwagen at 29. With flashy kicks and spins from both fighters, they gave the fans a clear look at what Full Contact, above the waist style fighting should really look like when 2 Great fighters hook up. Neither fighter seemed to be in trouble during the bout but both took the best the other had to offer. In the end it was VERY CLOSE and the judges gave a split decision to Stellwagen, 77-76, 76-78 and 75-77.

Tonights action should be fast and ferrous as Gibson walks into the ring to a more familiar style of fighting for him, MuayThai, which is his known speciality. However Petit has proven he has no plans to lose his title anytime soon so if Gibson plans to walk out of the ring with the the IKF title tonight, this bout is sure to be a WAR! For more info on this event, please contact Mr. Duke Roufus at (414) 319-1151 or e-mail by clicking: HERE

MORE NEWS OF 4-7-2000. . .

IKF/RINGSIDE
Amateur Regionals Start
TONIGHT In New York!

North East Division #1 Regional
The First Road To The National Amateur Championships!

Every Amateur fighter in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia has had a chance to (As they say) "Put Up or Shut Up" this weekend as the first regional event for the IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Championship Tournament Kicks Off. The NORTH - EAST #1 Tournament In NY New York will be held at the New York Kung Fu & Kickboxing Club at 43 West 24th Street Between Broadway & 6th Ave, Suite 3B, New York, New York.

It's the first time a North East USA Regional has been offered for the National Amateur Championship Tournament Circuit and the fighter registration numbers prove that not every amateur fighter wants to try to be a REAL National Champion. From the numbers, very few are willing to "Walk the Walk". Apparently many are happy with winning a U. S. title against the guy across town in one of the smaller organizations instead of facing off against the BEST in the Nation. However, enough of the many who were not willing to enter the Tournament, lets focus on the few who did.

Of those few, there will only be "5" matched bouts. Yes, FIVE. All the other amateurs that are registered will receive a straight Walkover to the Nationals since they were not matched up against anyone at the regional level. It's a far cry from some of the other Regionals such as Chicago that will feature over 50 fighters and Tennessee that has plans for over 40. But maybe next year will prove different. Or maybe there will be more North East support for the NORTH - EAST #2 at Warwick, Rhode Island on JUNE 24th. Here are the divisions that will feature bouts;

1. San Shou Welterweight Division: 142.1 lbs. - 147 lbs.
   3 fighters who will via for the 1 spot to the National Finals. They include; Gregg Dorsey (3-2, 143) Ejovi Ewuere (143) 0-0, Elan Scwarcz (4-3, 147)
   
   
2. Full Contact Rules Super Middleweight Division
   Rick Blandford (0-0, 170) VS Derrick Riddick (6-4, 170)
   
   
3. San Shou Rules Light Heavyweight Division: 172.1 lbs. - 179 lbs
   Wayne Wilks (4-2, 175) VS Alexandru Colta (10-2, 179)
   
   
4. San Shou Rules Cruiserweight Division: 186.1 lbs. - 195 lbs
   Ray Neves (0-1, 189) VS David Whiltshire (3-0, 186)
   
   

Long time IKF Promoters Steve Ventura & David Ross will match a few more bouts to provide a great event for those there. One thing has been set in stone for this event. For those amateur fighters who did not attend? Please don't let us hear how good you think you are..... Your opportunity has come and went now. The stage was offered and you turned away. As far as the many schools that were close to this regional in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania who couldn't send at least "1" Fighter? Well, we see no reason to keep you on our "KICKBOXING" Gym "REFERRAL" Page if you don't train fighters.... Do we sound a bit upset about this? Of course we do. Not for the IKF, but for the Regional Promoters who worked hard and sacrificed to host this regional event "FOR THE AMATEUR FIGHTERS". These regionals don't make financial profits for them or the IKF. They were not created for great financial gains. Just like in Amateur Boxing. The Tournament circuit is there to provide an Opportunity for All Amateur Kickboxers to prove who truly is the BEST in the Nation.

"The Game Has Changed" people and it's bad enough seeing fighters back out of events at the last minute, but when given such a GOLDEN Opportunity to prove yourselves and you turn away, we have nothing to say but;

"The credit belongs to those people who are actually in the arena...who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions to a worthy cause;
who at best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, fail while daring greatly...
so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt

So next time you see one of these amateur fighters above and you want to brag how good you are or how you could have beaten one of them, remember this day that you had a chance to "Walk the Walk" instead of just "Talk the Talk..."

For more info on this event, please contact Mr. Steve Ventura or Mr. David Ross at (212) 242-2453 or e-mail by clicking HERE!

THURSDAY, April 6th, 2000, AT 8:00 PM

SUBMISSION
Fighters, Trainers & Promoters
Speak Up...
And MuayThai?
See This Page
California Submission Fighting

MORE NEWS OF 4-6-2000...

AMATEURS!
Are you Willing To
"Walk the Walk?"

Attention to ALL Amateur Fighters of EVERY Sanctioning Organization in the United States! Looking to win a U.S. Title from the guy across the street with an organization thats only known in your corner of the Nation or only in your State? Or maybe you already won a so-called U. S. Title with one of these organization. If so, Great because we'd like to invite you to prove to the entire NATION that you truly are "THE BEST AMATEUR KICKBOXER IN THE UNITED STATES" in your weight class and rule style.

Here's your chance to prove yourself to your peers and the National Media. We invite all of you from every corner of the United States to register for the ONLY TRUE United States National Amateur Kickboxing Championships. The 2000 IKF/ RINGSIDE Amateur National Championships.

Regional Tournament deadlines are approaching fast so don't miss out. Last years event was great and in only the second year of the Championships, this year will have tremendous media coverage. Coverage will include all the major martial arts magazines and more important to exposure as a TRUE NATIONAL CHAMPION, It appears this years National Championships may include ESPN and Fox Sports.

If you plan on registering late, at least get a call in to the regional director. Team Z in Chicago, Illinois has over 50 fighters registered for their upcoming Full Contact Regional Event. However, David Ross and New York Kung Fu had much less and were wondering why? How could ANY Amateur pass up such a great opportunity to become a TRUE NATIONAL CHAMPION? "Hey all you North East USA Amateurs, WHATS UP?" We hear bits and pieces of events up there but WHO ARE YOU? No one knows who you are around the Nation and WE Want to give you the exposure you deserve so here's your chance. You have 1 more Regional to Register in, NORTH - EAST #2: Warwick, Rhode Island: JUNE 24th. So don't miss out a "SECOND" Time...

We challenge ALL Amateur fighters in the United States to "Walk the Walk" and become the BEST among their peers. Winners at the regional levels go on to the National Amateur Championship's at Harvey's Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa, September 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 2000. Here's a link list of this years regional events;

PACIFIC DIVISIONS

• NORTH - PACIFIC: Corvallis, Oregon: July 8th & 9th
  • All Fighters From California (Chico, California SOUTH) are allowed to register for the National Tournament Directly as well as all Nevada Fighters since there was not a Regional in your area for you to attend.

MOUNTAIN DIVISIONS

• NORTH - MOUNTAIN: Minot, North Dakota: April - May, 2000
• CENTRAL - MOUNTAIN: Denver, Colorado: May TBA
• SOUTH - MOUNTAIN: Phoenix, Arizona: June TBA

CENTRAL DIVISIONS

• NORTH - CENTRAL FCR: Chicago, Illinois: April 15th
• NORTH - CENTRAL MT: Milwaukee, Wisconsin: June 17th & 18th
  • All North Central "International Rules" Fighters are allowed to register for the National Tournament Directly as well since there was not an International Rules Regional in your area for you to attend.
• U.S. - CENTRAL: Kansas City, Missouri: JUNE 8th & 9th
• SOUTH - CENTRAL #1: Memphis, Tennessee: MAY 5th & 6th
• SOUTH - CENTRAL #2: Richardson, Texas: JULY TBA

EASTERN DIVISIONS

• NORTH - EAST #1: NY New York: April 7th, 8th, 9th
• NORTH - EAST #2: Warwick, Rhode Island: JUNE 24th
• CENTRAL - EAST: Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland. Sorry but there was no Regional Event scheduled in your area. All amateur Fighters in this area are allowed to register for the National Tournament Directly.
• SOUTH - EAST #1: Daytona Beach, Florida: July 28, 29, 30
• SOUTH - EAST #2: Augusta Georgia: Date TBA
  • This event is not an open tournament. It is only open to PKC Qualifiers. All other non PKC fighters are asked to register via Walkover or if desired, may attend the Florida or Tennessee Regional Event.

So, were wondering. If your a kickboxing school in the United States and your on this page on our website found at this link;

GYMS/CLUBS - In USA

We would expect all of you to register at least "1" fighter from your school. If not, what your telling us is that you don't train fighters. With this, it makes us and many other IKF page viewers ask, "Than why is your school on the IKF Pages?" Want to keep your school there? So do we. So again, we ask that each of you send at least "1" Fighter to your area regional. No Regional Event in your area? Even better for you. This means that you're invited to attend the Nationals via Walkover. With that kind of invitation, why would you say no...? Want to be the best? Go fight the Best... Go

"Walk the Walk!"

YOU DON'T NEED A TON OF EXPERIENCE to enter the National Tournament circuit. The average Amateur Fighter last year had less than 5 Amateur bouts. Believe it or not, many FIRST TIME Fighters entered as well and actually did quite well. So experience is not a big factor. What is, is a desire to be the best and to try to prove that against others who strive for the same challenging goal. To be the BEST. This isn't about the IKF! It's about YOU as a TRUE National Amateur Kickboxing Champion.

"If you don't win the National Title this year, SOMEONE ELSE WILL.
Why let someone else take your Glory..."

WEDNESDAY, April 5th, 2000, AT 10:50 AM

Amateur MuayThai Fighters In
USA

Dear USA Amateur MuayThai fighters. We have received a lot of e-mail from many of you in regards to the 2000 IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Tournament. Many of you have inquired about registration dates, Regional Events you should attend etc. etc. Some of you have Regional Events in your area that you can attend while others do not. Of those who have Regional Events to attend, some of you have mentioned that the Regional Event you are requested to attend to is too far for you to travel or presented on a day that you cannot attend etc.. Because of some of these concerns, whether you're already registered to fight or not in a Regional Event in your area, we would like to ask ALL The Amateur MuayThai Fighters who wish to compete in the 2000 IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Tournament circuit to please contact us directly here at the IKF via e-mail at ikf@jps.net or by phone if you do not have access to e-mail at (916) 663-2467.

Because of the various issues many of you have brought up to us, we want to assure that you've been given the best possible opportunity to compete in the 2000 IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Tournament.

In addition, if you're a International / Leg Kick, Full Contact or San Shou Rules fighter and are having some of the same problems with registration into your Regional Event or don't have a Regional Event in your area, we ask that you too contact us here at the IKF Headquarters directly as well so we can assist you.

We will do our best to help you with some of the issues that have come up and provide you with the best opportunity possible to compete against yours peers to find the TRUE United States Amateur Champion at this years National Amateur Kickboxing Championship in September. We thank you for your response in advance.

MORE NEWS OF 4-5-2000. . .

BELOW POSTED AT 12:20 AM

Know the Difference Between
Amateurs And Pros!

Amateurs DON'T GET PAID A PURSE!

Let us start off with some simple definitions that anyone can look up in any dictionary around the world.

• AMATEUR: One who engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a professional; one who lacks expertise.
  • AMATEUR IN SPORTS: An athlete who has never participated in competition for money. An athlete who is not paid for his/her performance. An athlete at the beginning learning levels of his/her career.
    
    
• PROFESSIONAL: Performed by persons receiving pay. An expert in a field of endeavor.
  • PROFESSIONAL IN SPORTS: An athlete who is paid for his/her performance. Paid for their excellence of experience, knowledge and ability of their given sport. An athlete who plays for pay.

Now that we have written the facts of these two words, Amateur and Professional, let us get into the heart of this issue. This special news piece is one we here at the IKF have been working on for some time now. It's a very important issue for us as well as the overall growth of the sport of kickboxing around the world. We have been back and forth as to how to present this issue to all of you and to make sure we don't offend anyone. We have decided "This Time" not to put any names in this article since we would like to set the record of fact straight at this time instead of pointing any fingers at anyone. We say, "At this Time" because if we continue to encounter the problems we have in the past with this issue, we will be forced, for the future growth of the sport to start pointing fingers at certain trainers and fighters who continue to abuse these 2 words, Amateur and Pro. Not only are they abusing the actual definition of "Amateur " and "Professional" in the sport of kickboxing but these amateur fighters and trainers who ask for money to fight also make the business of promoting more and more expensive for promoters. True, without fighters there would be no promoters. But it works both ways. Without promoters, the fighters would have no fights.

If a Promoter cannot afford a Professional fighters purse or he/she has met his limit as to what he wishes to spend on fight purses, he surly isn't looking to add to his expense list a purse for an amateur fighter. Why should he? Not to mention the expense of some athletic commissions for pro promoters licenses and other fees related to Professional Promotions. Unless you have promoted, you have no idea how expensive promoting can be. Many people do what we call "Spectators Math." What we mean here is the spectator who goes to a promotion and looks around, counts 500 people at $20 a head and truly believes a promoter "Profits" $10,000.00.

What they fail to calculate in is the expenses of an event. For example, the venue rent of $2,000+, venue insurance of $500.00, fighters insurance $500.00, hotels for fighters $500.00, Judges, Referee, Timekeeper etc. $500.00, event advertising, $1,000.00, long distance phone bills $250.00, fliers and posters $250.00, event security $250.00, ambulance stand-by $250.00, travel (Gas) expenses for fighters coming in $500.00, event programs $250.00, special event license $250.00 and before you know it, the promoter already has $7,000.00 into the event and we haven't even got to Professional fighters Purses. So if we have 4 Professional fighters, making $1,000.00 each, there goes the whole event income, and where is the pay for the promoter who took months planning the event? Who cares about sanctioning fees at this point. We lost our rears! Now, when an amateur wants to be paid? Imagine how much more money a promoter stands to lose... So where are all those people now who think the promoters make thousands of dollars in profit?

We can support a promoter paying an amateur a percentage of the tickets he or she sells. It's only fare if the fighter is a big draw or is assured to sell a lot of tickets to his/her gym, friends and family. Better yet for the fighter if he/she doesn't have their own promoter to promote them. So now with that foundation put down, let us express more of our reasons for this article.

There was a big reason why the IKF first started back in 1992 and it centered greatly around the issue of amateurs asking to be paid. We won't mention any names here but lets just say that we had a fighter from Southern California pull out of the main event title bout 3 days before one of our events because he wasn't going to be paid to fight. He and his trainer were going to get travel expenses, but we were not going to pay him for fighting. HE WAS AN AMATEUR! It was an AMATEUR event and an AMATEUR bout! Obviously we lost a great deal on the event since we had been building the main event up with the hometown fighter who was the local favorite for the main event. Does this sound familiar to any promoters out there? Of course it does.Amateur DO NOT GET PAID TO FIGHT! That's the bottom line FACT! If you want to get paid, it's simple, TURN PRO!

In addition to this, the IKF has taken a small amount of heat from some of the amateur fighters here in the United States about our desire for their safety in requiring them to wear headgear. We have had some Southern California promoters for example choose not to sanction with us because of this rule. Of the ones we still work with, they have informed us that they have had problems getting fighters to agree to use the headgear. Many of these fighters want their face to be seen or claim they don't even wear headgear when they spar in the gym. Other reasons include a fighter saying it blocks their vision, it's too heavy etc. etc. We have heard many reasons why amateurs don't want to wear headgear. However, we can say that across the United States, 90% of the amateur fighters we deal with have no problem with wearing headgear, especially after hearing our logical reasons for it. Many praise us for making a stand in the name of fighters safety. A praise we are proud of.

On the other hand, one of the main reasons a lot of amateur fighters got away from wearing headgear has been promoters. Again, were not pointing fingers here but the fact is, many promoters out there want the fights on their events to appear as Professional Kickboxing. The crowd knows no better and they truly believe they're watching Pro fights. When a fighter wears headgear, their status as an amateur is clear. A promoter here on the West Coast that started this trend years ago did so to be able to offer better TV fights. The audiences watching TV like the live audience at the events don't know whether these fighters are amateur or professional and if it's an amateur bout, you don't hear the announcers saying it is. For this reason, these promoters and the sanctioning organizations they work with believe "It just looks better for TV and sells for more money." True. But again, we here at the IKF are more concerned for a fighters safety and the future of their fighting careers. We like to look at the long term picture and not the short gain.

Lets look at this from a different angle. Lets compare the sports of kickboxing and boxing. Ask Lennox Lewis if he wears headgear when sparring in the gym. Ask Evander Holyfield if he wore headgear as an amateur. Ask Tony Lopez if he was ever paid to fight an amateur match for USA Boxing. Ask Oscar de la Hoya if he thought his amateur career helped build his skills better to prepare him for his professional career. The answers you will get back from these four Professional World Boxing Champions will be YES, YES, NO and YES! Now once you understand these issues, lets go a bit farther. Lets compare amateur and pro boxing and kickboxing in more detail;

• In amateur boxing, 90% of all event promoters NEVER PAY a fighter and trainers for any travel fees.
• In amateur kickboxing, 90% of all event promoters DO PAY a fighter and trainer travel fees.
• In amateur boxing, headgear is mandatory around the world.
• In amateur kickboxing, headgear is mandatory in the IKF. Only 1 other sanctioning organization in the world, IFMA (International Federation of MuayThai Association, The Amateur division of the WMC, World MuayThai Council) requires amateur fighters to wear safety equipment. In IFMA, MuayThai fighters not only wear headgear but shin pads, elbow pads and chest protectors. IFMA is the Largest Amateur MuayThai organization in the world. Each year, they host the largest World Amateur MuayThai Tournament in Thailand. On an average over 70 countries compete each year and all the fighters wear safety equipment.
• Amateur Boxing and TaeKwonDo (Who wear safety equipment and who's fighters do not get paid as amateurs) are both an Olympic Sport.
• Amateur kickboxing has been refused by the Olympic Committee in the past because of the lack of worldwide organization and lack of mandatory safety equipment for the amateur fighters.
• In amateur boxing, all fighters are required to follow club/gym safety rules which include all fighters must ALWAYS wear headgear when sparring.
• In amateur and pro kickboxing training, nearly 30% of the fighters do not wear headgear when sparring in the gym.
• In amateur boxing, fighters do not get paid!
• In amateur kickboxing, approximately 30% of the fighters request to be paid. The percentage goes up even more in regards to MuayThai and Leg Kick (International Rules) fighters.
• In boxing, over 50% of all amateur fighters turn to successful pro careers after LEARNING the sport as a protected amateur.
• In kickboxing, less than 20% of all amateur fighters ever move on to a pro career. WHY? One reason, they took a lot of punishment with no headgear and never really had a chance to LEARN the sport of fighting while being protected from head injuries. Or another reason is because they can get paid to fight as an amateur and fight more often with less experienced opponents. Why turn pro when you can do it all as an amateur. Including winning a world amateur title in some organizations against the fighter across town.
• In boxing, nearly 60% of todays fighters started their amateur careers in protected safety equipment between the ages of 12 and 14 years old.
• In kickboxing, over 70% of all fighters STARTED their amateur careers at the age of 17, without wearing headgear in their first bout if ever. In the other 30%, some started as young as 15 or 16 and as old as 35. There are growing numbers of amateur kickboxers now starting as young as 8-12 years old. Starting at this age provides a chance for the younger fighters to learn the sport (As in amateur boxing) so that when they reach their prime fighting age of say 20-25+, they have had a great amount of ring experience in the sport. The push for younger kickboxers has been growing more and more each year since the inception of the IKF Junior program.
• When an amateur boxer turns pro, over 60% of them have over 40 amateur boxing bouts.
• Of those kickboxers who do decide to turn pro, over 70% of them have less than 15 amateur bouts.
• Amateur boxers out-number amateur kickboxers 20-1 around the world.
• Let this fact speak for itself and the results here were close to the same in every state we checked in the United States.
  • In 1999, in the state of California last year there were 445 registered Pro boxers.
  • In 1999, in the state of California last year there were only 37 registered Pro kickboxers.
  • In every state we checked that has an athletic commission and keeps such records, Pro BOXERS outnumber pro kickboxers a minimum of 10-1.
  • We don't have to mention the pay structure of a pro boxer vs a pro kickboxer do we...

So enough of comparing amateur kickboxing to amateur boxing. What we're trying to say here is that for years, many have been working the sport of kickboxing with the same ol tune. Well as many of you know, with the IKF, "The Game Has Changed!" It's clear that we have made some big changes for the sport because we're looking at the long run. The BIG PICTURE of the Sport! A NEW GAME! We want to offer amateur fighters a safe venue so they can properly learn the sport as a beginner. Then when ready, we want to offer them something greater than the old game has offered them. A reason to turn professional and get paid well for their hard earned skills instead of staying an amateur. Professional Kickboxing purses are the same if not less now then 20 years ago yet no one has pushed to improve the value of the sport for the long run. Too many organizations are in it for the quick buck instead of investing for the long haul. It's going to take time, but we here at the IKF are willing to invest the time and energy to Change The Game!

That's why our televised events and other forms of public exposure to the sport are so important. Plans such as our IKF kickboxing documentary videos, IKF Instructional video, books and magazines of the sport just to list a few examples. Not to mention our future plans for movies that those of the sport can be a part of. Yes, we're organizing big changes for the sport and a much brighter future for everyone, Not just the IKF. Remember, we think TEAM! A great future for the fighters as well as the trainers and the promoters. With a stronger media base and more sponsorship money available, the more financial support we can offer to gyms, trainers, fighter purses and promoters expenses. We may have to suffer in the beginning stages of the New Game with those who wish to work against the issues we've presented such as our firm stand on amateurs not getting paid to fight and our amateur headgear rule. However we can assure those who stand with us now will surly stand tall in the future. Someone needs to Change this Game because every organization before us hasn't improved it much. Only improved their own financial pockets and we want everyone to succeed with us. Again, Remember, we think TEAM! Now don't be sold by our words or let our press influence you. Talk is Cheap and many others have proved that in the past. Keep an eye on the IKF and watch for yourself. Let us prove to you we'll follow up what we say with ACTION. We only plan to do one thing... "Walk the Walk!" So we hope your already a part of the IKF TEAM when we prove this to everyone. If not, the game will surly pass you by because you will wake up one day and surly see that..., The Game Has Changed!

MONDAY, April 3rd, 2000, AT 2:00 PM

IKF
Arizona Results
Arizona's Bartinelli Stops Downing of Canada in 5th by TKO

IKF Promoter Clement Vierra is all smiles as his Fight Anthony Bartinelli (KB: 9-0/9, BX: 9-3/6 ) made some more waves in the IKF Pro Full Contact Rule Light Middleweight Rankings once again. In his second Pro kickboxing bout, Bartinelli stopped Thomas Downing (25-15-2/10) of Ontario, Canada on their event "Showdown In Arizona" last Tuesday night, March 28th, at the Midnight Rodeo Club in Phoenix Arizona. Bartinelli is a past IKF Amateur, International Rules United States Middleweight Champion. His first Pro kickboxing win was also a TKO when he stopped his opponent, Cecil Hagins in the 2nd round of their main event bout back on October 26th, 1999. Here's the nights results as well as more details of the main event below.

1. Armando Duarte (Hard Knocks Gym) defeated James Mells (Earley's Kickboxing).
   
   
2. Daniel Kindegan (Old School Boxing Gym) defeated Cecil Tudor (USA Martial Arts) when Tudor's corner threw in the towel to stop the bout in the first round.
   
   
3. Justin Wensel (Hard Knocks Gym) defeated Anthony Krohn (Green's Kickboxing Gym) by TKO in the third round.
   
   
4. Julian Abaqueta (Hard Knocks Gym) defeated Clifford Larson (Fighting Dragon's) by KO in round 1.
   
   
5. Steve Ward (Hard Knocks Gym) defeated Randy Munib (Green's Kickboxing Gym) by unanimous decision.
   
   
6. Anthony Bartinelli (Hard Knocks Gym) VS Thomas Downing (Downing's Side Kick's)
   • In round 1, Bartinelli drops Downing in the with a left upper cut after Downing attacked with three consecutive roundhouse kicks. Downing got up on the count of 4. After the standing 8 count Downing was in trouble again on the ropes, but the bell saved him ending the 1st round.
   • In round 2, the action started with Bartinelli going on the attack with Downing covering up. Bartinelli attacked Downing with a barrage of body punches.
   • The rest of the match was about the same with Bartinelli on the attack and hurting Downing. Downing continues to hang on and to stay out of trouble.
   • The 5th round began with Bartinelli coming out with everything he had and not holding anything back. Bartinelli got Downing on the ropes and let go a barrage of punches and kick combo's ending with two left hooks. Referee Joe Joseph jumps in to stop the action with a possibility of a standing eight count when he notices Downing has a large cut above the right eyebrow. Joe Joseph takes Downing to the ringside physician and with the advice from the ringside physician Joe Joseph stops the match at 23 seconds into the 5th round. BARTINELLI WIN'S by a TKO in the 5th ROUND.
     
     

For more information, please contact Mr. Clement Vierra at (602) 493-1567.

SUNDAY, April 2nd, 2000, AT 4:50 PM

IKF
Milwaukee Features 11 Great Bouts!!
JOHNSON BESTS TOLEQUE IN HEAVYWEIGHT WAR

Milwaukee, WI, USA, by George Buse.Jason "Roadblock" Johnson (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) and Christian "King Cobra" Toleque (Indianapolis Siam Muaythai) both entered the ring with undefeated records, but after 15 minutes of non-stop, closely contested combat, Johnson emerged as the victor via split decision. Both warriors exhibited true grit throughout the 5 round, full rules (no pads, knees & elbows legal) professional muaythai bout. Toleque employed an effective pushkick along with punch combinations to keep Johnson at bay, but Johnson returned fire with penetrating leg kicks and an authoritative high switch kick. The bout was a real crowd pleaser, with both fighters displaying sound ring generalship and solid techniques. However, Johnson's constant pressure and thunderous shots gave him the upperhand and the split decision victory. A synopsis of this great see-saw battle and the undercard bouts can be seen below.

1. IKF AMATEUR MUAY THAI - Light Heavyweight Open Division
   Justin "School Boy" Lemke (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) defeated "Cuddly" George Buse (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) Unanimous Decision.
   
   
2. IKF AMATEUR MUAY THAI - Light Heavyweight Novice Division
   Al McFadyn (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) defeated Dave Metz (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) Split Decision.
   
   
3. IKF AMATEUR MUAY THAI - Heavyweight Novice Division
   Jeff Renock (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) defeated Christian Osell (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) Referee Stoppage.
   
   
4. IKF AMATEUR MUAY THAI - Welterweight (147 lbs) Division
   "Smokin" Joe Zcyhowka (Sik Tai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) defeated Neal "Steel" Fox (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) Split Decision, 29-28, 28-29, 30-27. Zcyhowka really got the action going in round 1 with a leg sweep that sent Fox to the canvas. Zcyhowka scored with leg kicks, followed by both fighters clinching and exchanging knees. Fox unloaded a solid right hand in round 2. Both fighters stayed busy and mounted knee attacks. Fox and Zychowka fired a number of middle kicks. Round 3 was punctuated by Zychowka's gutsy punch and low kick attack. Fox landed a solid right hand to the head which sent the Canadian backward. Both fighters exchanged punches. Zychowka then landed a solid knee to the head of Fox, which seemingly dazed the Milwaukeean. Fox closed the fight by drilling Zcyhowka with a right hand to the head.
   
   
5. Shootfighting
   Jeff Schlagel (Beaver Dam Third Heaven Martial Arts) defeated Mark Ruplinger (Milwaukee Jiu-Jitsu & Freestyle Grappling) Unanimous Decision.
   
   
6. Middleweight (165 lbs) Division
   Joey "Chief" Strongquill (Sik Tai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) defeated Jason Wetzel (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) Split Decision, 29-28, 28-29, 29-28. Strongquill came out hard at the opening bell with leg kicks and a battery of punches. Wetzel maintained his composure and landed a solid right leg kick. Strongquill delivered a sound hook-cross combination, but Wetzel responded with another well-placed leg kick. Round 1 ended with Strongquill unloading a number of punch combinations. Wetzel began round 2 with a flying knee, followed by scoring knees to Strongquill's body. Wetzel followed up with punches; Strongquill delivered right and left hands of his own. Neither fighter was shy about "mixing it up." Round 3 saw Wetzel attempting another flying knee. Wetzel landed a big right hand, followed by a middle kick. Strongquill fired back with solid punches. Solid middle kick by Wetzel was countered with a strong right hand by Strongquill.
   
   
7. Shootfighting
   Nate Zeiger (Milwaukee Jiu-Jitsu & Freestyle Grappling) defeated Rudy Juarez (Beaver Dam Third Heaven Martial Arts) Submission at 3:25, armbar.
   
   
8. Welterweight (147 lbs): Joe Nichols (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) defeated Alessio "Appleton Assassin" Zeal by unanimous decision, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27. Nichols landed first with a leg kick. Both fighters clinched. Nichols pressed the action with a middle kick and knee attack. Zeal fired a leg kick and exhibited a lot of movement. Round 2 began with Zeal attempting a flying side kick followed by a solid right hand. Zeal continued moving, while Nichols stalked. In round 3 Zeal attempted an ax kick. Nichols landed multiple middle kicks and continued pressing the action.
   
   
9. IKF AMATEUR MUAY THAI - Middleweight Open Division
   Marcus Page (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) defeated Anthony Randazzo (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) by Split Decision.
   
   
10. IKF AMATEUR WOMEN'S MUAY THAI - Lightweight (132 lbs)
    Catherine Miller (Sik Tai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) defeated Angie Treece (Waterford Karate Shop) by Split Decision, 29-28, 28-29, 29-28. Treece wasted no time in round 1 and came out hard with punch combinations. Miller survived Treece's onslaught and unloaded a right hand-low kick combination, followed by a left-right punch combination. Both fighters began clinching. Treece landed a solid middle kick. Round 2 really got the crowd going, as both combatants exchanged relentless left-right punch combinations. Miller stepped out and connected with a leg kick. Treece landed a hard cross. Round 3 saw Miller as the aggressor. Treece landed a leg kick, followed by both fighters exchanging punches in a veritable slugfest.
    
    
11. IKF PRO "FULL RULES" MUAY THAI - Heavyweight (209 lbs)
    Main Event Jason "Roadblock" Johnson (Milwaukee Phetnoi Gym) defeated Christian "King Cobra" Toleque (Indianapolis Siam) by Split Decision, 48-47, 47-48, 48-47.
    • Toleque began round 1 with a pushkick. Johnson connected with a high left switch kick. Both fighters began clinching and kneeing. Johnson hammered Toleque with another high left switch kick.
    • Round 2 saw Johnson working a high switch kick followed by hard leg kick. Johnson and Toleque clinched and began unloading knees. Toleque scored with right leg kick. Johnson landed a swift right hand.
    • Round 3 saw more of Toleque's effective pushkick. Toleque landed a crisp jab. Johnson fired hard right low kicks after Toleque landed a cross and scoring knee. Johnson pressed onward with a beautiful, well-timed head kick-leg kick combination. Toleque began kneeing.
    • In round 4, Johnson worked a scorching leg kick, while Toleque maintained distance with a solid pushkick. Toleque fell to the canvas after taking a low kick, but retaliated by sending Johnson to the canvas via pushkick. Johnson continued stalking Toleque with a blazing switch kick and penetrating leg kicks. Toleque scored with the knee.
    • Toleque fired numerous punch combinations in round 5, while the seemingly indefatigable Johnson continued working his effective low kick attack. Toleque attempted an elbow which was blocked deftly by Johnson..

For more infoplease call Duke Roufus or Scott Joffe at (414) 319-1151, ext. 2 or e-mail them at milwkick@geocities.com or at dukeroufus@webtv.net. For more information please visit the Phetnoi MuayThai Gym website at www.milwkick.com.

FRIDAY, March 31st, 2000, AT 3:00 PM

It's MuayThai Time
In Milwaukee USA Again!!

IKF Promoters Duke Roufus and Scott Joffe are all set to host another exciting night of MuayThai action at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 6000 West Ryan Road, Franklin Wisconsin, USA this Saturday night, April 1st.

This event took some bout hits earlier in the week when 4 different fighters pulled off the card. Some had valid excuses while others simply backed out for no given reason. Such the case with Light Heavyweight MuayThai Fighter Derek Yuen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin who's opponent, Paul Donaldson of Omaha, Nebraska dropped from their scheduled bout for no reason. These drops and others on other events obviously hurt an event greatly. Yuen had sold a lot of tickets to people who will be coming to the show in hopes to see him fight. Instead, he'll be in the crowd with them cheering for his fellow fighters. The issue has caused some debate here at the IKF Headquarters as to what to do to fighters who pull off events without valid excuses. Several ideas have come up from placing these fighters on a special page for promoters to be aware of to many other disciplinary ideas. What to do is a big question that many promoters face in todays promoting game. your ideas out there would be greatly appreciated if any of you have any. please e-mail them in to us.

The Milwaukee card will still feature many great MuayThai bouts including Pro MuayThai Heavyweight Sensation, Jason Johnson of Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA vs Christian "King Cobra" Toleque originally from Paris France now training out of Sakasam's camp in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Johnson is scheduled to face Kevin Rosier of Buffalo New York, USA as a Special Saturday Night Feature bout on the June 17th IKF/RINGSIDE Regional Event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

FFor more infoplease call Duke Roufus or Scott Joffe at (414) 319-1151, ext. 2 or e-mail them at milwkick@geocities.com or at dukeroufus@webtv.net. For more information please visit the Phetnoi MuayThai Gym website at www.milwkick.com.

WEDNESDAY, March 29th, 2000, AT 10:45 PM

Amateur MuayThai Fighters NEEDED
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA!

IKF Promoter Duke Roufus is looking for some Amateur MuayThai Fighters to fill some bouts for his event scheduled for this Saturday night, April 1st in Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA. Roufus is mainly looking for a Light Heavyweight MuayThai Fighter (165 to 178 lbs) to fight Derek Yuen (7 wins, 3 loses, 6' ) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Yuen's opponent, Paul Donaldson of Omaha, Nebraska pulled out of the fight earlier today. Roufus is also looking for other Amateur MuayThai fighters in other weights to fill some spots on the same event this weekend.

For more infoplease call Duke Roufus or Scott Joffe at (414) 319-1151, ext. 2 or e-mail them at milwkick@geocities.com or at dukeroufus@webtv.net. For more information please visit the Phetnoi MuayThai Gym website at www.milwkick.com.

MONDAY, March 27th, 2000, AT 7:00 PM

"Showdown In Arizona"
Set For Tuesday Night!

IKF Promoter Clement Vierra is ready to go for his upcoming event tomorrow night, March 28th entitled, "Showdown In Arizona". Vierra's promotional company, Hard Knocks Gym will host the event at the Midnight Rodeo Club in Phoenix Arizona, USA. The main event will feature past IKF Amateur, International Rules United States Middleweight Champion, Anthony Bartinelli (KB: 8-0/8, BX: 9-3/6 ) of Phoenix, Arizona, USA vs Thomas Downing (25-14-2/10) of Ontario, Canada.

Bartinelli officially vacated his amateur title on October 18th 1999 to move into the Pro Full Contact Rule Rankings. He made his pro debut this last fall on October 26th at the same venue in Arizona. On that night, Bartinelli knock out his opponent, Cecil Hagins in the 2nd round of their main event bout. Hagins went down three times in the final round. The first knockdown came with a right hook after a right roundhouse kick. The 2nd time was after a combo of punches, two left hooks then a straight right hand. The 3rd and final time was after a right hand, left hook then right hand.

Downing last fought for the IKF in Redding California on December 17th, 1999 at the Win River Casino. In the bout he faced Dave Marinoble of Roseville, California, USA for the vacant IKF Full Contact Rule Super Middleweight North American Title. Marinoble stopped Downing at 1:04 of the third round.

Downing will be out to prove he has more to offer than he did against Marinoble against Bartinelli and Bartinelli will hope to continue his undefeated run as a kickboxer. Whatever the outcome, one thing is for sure. There's clear to be a Showdown In Arizona Tomorrow night!! For more information, please contact Mr. Clement Vierra at (602) 493-1567.

MORE NEWS OF 3-27-2000. . .

Coming later in the week, Results from
IKF "MARCH MAYHEM"
From Nebraska USA.

THURSDAY, March 23rd, 2000, AT 2:30 AM

"MARCH MAYHEM"
Set For Nebraska USA!

IKF Nebraska Representative Mick Doyle and Jay Beckby of Punch Promotions are all set to host this Saturday nights MARCH MAYHEM at the Hastings City Auditorium in Hastings, Nebraska, USA. The event will feature IKF Amateur MuayThai and ISCF Amateur Submission Bouts. For more information, contact Mr. Mick Doyle at (402) 498-9592 or by e-mail by clicking HERE or contact Mr. Jay Beckby at (402) 462-2636.

MORE NEWS OF 3-23-2000. . .

IKF
Fighters Advance in Boxing's
Golden Gloves!

IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Full Contact Rules Champions Dave Pareja and Tim Mazurkiewicz have both advanced to the semi-finals in the Chicago, Illinois, USA Golden Gloves. Pareja is fighting in the light heavyweight open division. He won Tuesday night by decision. Mazurkiewicz fought Wednesday (March 15th) and won with a 2nd round TKO. Mazurkiewicz also fought this last Tuesday night as well and won with a 1st round TKO. They both fought again last night, Wednesday the 22nd, but the results were not available at this press time. (12:20 AM) The winners advance to the finals. The two are representing B & Z Boxing Club from Freeport Illinois, USA. Mazurkiewicz will be representing B & Z Kickboxing Club (TEAM THUMP) at the IKF regionals as well. Congratulations guys and keep up the great work!

WEDNESDAY, March 22nd, 2000, AT 4:00 PM

Owens Ready To Defend U.S. Title

IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules Welterweight Champion Gary Owens of San Jose CA, USA has found himself in familier territory with other Amateur Champions. Two and a half years ago, Owens won his title after stopping past Champion Kimo Kekai of Roseville, CA, USA at 1:23 of the first round with 3 solid body shots. The event was promoted by IKF Promoter Dan Verdugo in Redding California on July 24th, 1997. After winning the title, Owens and trainer Javiar Mendez had hoped to have several challenges. However, Owens injured his knee and surgery took him out of the fight game for over a year.

For some time now, IKF Florida State Full Contact Rules Champion, Derrick Samuels of Orlando Florida has been wanting to meet Owens to challenge for his US Title. Samuel's had hoped to meet Owens at last years IKF/RINGSIDE National Championship Tournament but rehabilitation of Owen's knee surgery forced him to miss the event. Samuels ended up winning the Welterweight Full Contact Rules National Tournament Championship which made him eligble to face Owens for his U. S. Title. (The two are different, one a National Tournament Championship, the other a U.S. Title) After the Tournament last year, IKF Promoter Caroline Mixon of Orlando Florida was willing to bring Owens to Florida to face Samuels. However, again, Owens was still rehabiliting from his knee surgery. Since than, Mixon accepted a big promotion with her job which brought her to close her gym to focus more on her job, leaving Owens without a local promoter to promote the bout.

Although, this match still appeared good and possible on paper, the two still needed a promoter to put the match on. Something that many fighters don't fully understand is that it takes money to promote events and most amateur promoters only bring local fighters in for their events to fight fighters they train at their gym or other local fighters they feel can bring in ticket sales. A valid reason for every promoter. However, to bring someone across the country was an expense many promoters were not willing to put out. To make this work, some promoter would either need to fly Samuels to California or Owens to Florida and since neither Owens or Samuels trainers are promoters, they would need a promoter willing to find the match worthy enough to justify the costs of bringing the other opponent in.

Enter IKF Official and Promoter Dan Stell of Fairfield, California, USA. Stell got to see Samuels fight this last month in Daytona Beach Florida and he's also seen Owens fight as well. Being impressed with them both, Stell has offered to put the two together on his May 20th event in Fairfield California.

Owens and trainer Javiar Mendez of American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose California were glad to accept, especially since we had made it appear that Owens was not defending his title in a previous press on this page. "Gary will do the fight on the 20th. The only problem he has is the claim that Gary is the U.S. Champ, but he has not defended the title, when in fact no one has contacted me regarding this fight until now." said Owens trainer Javiar Mendez.

Let us apologize to both Owens and Mendez publically, for that was not our intention at all. Our point we were trying to make was about the NEED to bring all the best fighters together to meet at the National Tournament each year. Again, Owens couldn't attend the tournament due to the rehabilitation of his knee injury. In addition, as we said previously, the only promoter to ever ask for Owens to defend his title on their event was Caroline Mixon in Orlando last year. During that time, the IKF had allowed Owens time to rehibilitate after his knee surgery. Regardless of Samuels or anyone challeng him, if Owens does not have a promoter to promote him, it's not his fault the bout couldn't happen. The bout would still need a promoter so challenges on any level, pro or amateur are easier said than done.

So again, we apologize to Mr. Owens and look forward to bringing these two great amateur welterweights together to find the true United States Champion on May 20th in Fairfield, California, USA. At 5'7, the 23 year old, U.S. Champion Owens of San Jose, CA, USA enters the bout with a record of 3 wins, 1 loss with 2 wins by knockout. He also has some amateur boxing experience to add to that record. Current U.S. National Tournament Champion Derrick Samuels of Orlando Florida, USA is 18 years old and 5'6" tall. He enters the bout with 12 wins, no loses and 6 wins coming by TKO or KO. He too has had amateur boxing experience. This is a bout that has waited a long time and if your close by, try to make it out to this one. East meets West to determine who truly is the best United States Amateur Welterweight Full Contact Rules Fighter in the title showdown in Fairfield, California on May 20th. Hope to see you there...

MORE NEWS OF 3-22-2000. . .

Colorado, USA
"Ring Of Fire"
Results!

IKF Colorado Promoter Sven Bean Ring of Fire event at Red & Jerry's Event Center in Denver, Colorado, USA was a Fantastic Success. The event was sold out before the doors even opened as we reported here last Friday and if the venue was bigger, it could have easily held many more.

In his pro debut, past IKF U.S. MuayThai Amateur Champion Duane "Bang!" Ludwig of Aurora, Colorado USA defeated Terris James of Albq. New Mexico, USA by unanimous decision in what was a 5 round WAR! More on this bout below. AKKA Karate has a super strong team and did very well winning several of their fights. Here's a full event report;

IKF Colorado:

• Promoter/matchmaker: Sven Bean
• Referees: Cecil Peoples (MuayThai & Kickboxing), Ron "H2O" Waterman (shoot style)
• Judges-Shoot style: Larry Parker, Cecil Peoples & Evan Tanner
• Judges Kickboxing: Aaaron Williams, Ray Sefo & Kim Yee

1. IKF International Rules 150-155 lbs.
   Joe Cruz, Alburqurque, New Mexico, AKKA Karate defeated Johnny "lil Dragon" Yeh by TKO in round 1. The two very evenly matched fighters...Cruz caught Yeh with a hard left that rocked the Colorado fighter. He pressed his advantage and referee Cecil Peoples stopped the fight. Cruz by TKO.
   
   
2. Shoot Style - Under 150 lb.
   Leonard Garcia, Plainsview, Texas, Pittmans Academy defeated Puma Green, Colorado Springs., Colorado, Boxe Francaise Sports. These guys both came to fight!!! Super hard strikes by both fighters. Garcia caught Green in a guillotine and the action went to the ground. Garcia transitioned to straight armbar and forced the tapout. Garcia by Tapout.
   
   
3. IKF International Rules - 185-192 lbs.
   Mark "the Shark" Baier, Westminster, Colorado, America's Best Karate defeated Johnny Flores, Plainsview, Texas, Extreme Karate. Baier was too strong for the very game Flores. To Flores credit he took the fight on less than a weeks notice and was sick two days prior to the event and gave up seven pounds. Baier used good combinations and very fast kicks to overwhelm Flores. Flores fought valiantly and even had Baier stunned with an impressive combination (this happened after Flores had been dropped twice which made it even more dramatic) Baier was able to put it together and land a hard high round kick to the head....boom..boom..out go the lights. Good job to both fighters. Baier by K.O. Baier had at least 100 students in the audience and the crowd roared their approval.
   
   
4. Submission Only-NO STRIKES
   Albert Martinez, Plainsview, Texas, Pittman's Academy defeated Orlando Martinez, Denver, Colorado, Ninjitsu. These youngsters gave it their all. It was a see saw match with both going for submission attempt after submission attempt. Albert Martinez came out on top and definitely impressed everyone in attendance. Albert is only 14 yrs old! Albert Martinez by submission.
   
   
5. IKF International Rules -147-152 lbs.
   Danny Slade, Alburqurque, New Mexico, AKKA Karate defeated Chris "Snakebite" Cisneros, Denver, Colorado, 3-D Martial Arts. This was a very good fight. Cisneros seemed to have the edge with his hands while Slade was stronger with his kicks. Neither fighter was willing to back off and these guys threw everything they had at each other. Late in the third round Slade landed a series of strong leg kicks that visually shook Cisneros. In the third Cisneros came back and threw a combination that ended with a spinning back fist (his favorite technique..). At the sound of the bell the judges had it for Slade by split Decision.
   
   
6. Shoot Style 160-175 lbs.
   Todd Milhoan, Phoenix, Arizona, Sambo-Olympic Training Center defeated Jason Burton, Aurora, Colorado, Kickboxing-Innovative Martial Arts Classic striker vs. grappler match. Both guys are veterans in their respective sports but were both making their shootfighting debut. In a move that surprised everyone, Milhoan landed the first blow..a left hook to the face of Burton. Milhoan tried a second time but Burton wasn't there for him. They both wanted the take down and Milhoan snatched Burton up and lifted him high in the air, calmly walked to the center of the ring and ala Matt Hughes, slammed his opponent down hard. They scrambled for position but Milhoan found the leg. Burton threw several strikes to the head but Milhoan cinched in the ankle and caused the tapout. Milhoan by Tapout.
   
   
7. Shoot Style 160-175 lbs.
   Nathan Marquardt, Westminster, Colorado, Stars-Tracy's Karate defeated Anthony Washington, Plainsview, Texas, Pittman's Academy. This match was the best fight on paper. Both guys were the same weight, height and had the same record, 10-1, going in. Marquardt's only loss was in Japan at the November Pancrase show and Washington's only loss came at the hand's of USWF superstar Eric Payne. It was a quick match. They clinched, went down, and Marquardt got the head weave and landed strikes. Washington knew he was caught and tapped. It was Marquardt's day.. I would like to see these guys do it again as I feel every time these two fight it could go either way. Two talented guys! Good job Nate!
   
   
8. Shoot Style 175-200 lbs.
   John "BADBOY" Cronk, Westminster, Colorado, Warrior Dojo vs Sgt. David Spinelli, Colorado Springs, Colorado, US Army World Class Athlete Program-Wrestling. Spinelli was a no show. Too bad , I was looking forward to this one!
   
   
9. MAIN EVENT
   IKF Pro MUAYTHAI Rules Bout
   Duane "BANG!" Ludwig, Denver, Colorado, 3-D Martial Arts-Bas Rutten defeated Terris James, Alburqurque, New Mexico, AKKA Karate. Two words....BEST FIGHT! This was a rematch from the Brawl in Broomfield show from last summer. These guys were both making their professional MuayThai debut and let absolutely no one down. Kicks, punches, knees galore! Every time one guy had an edge the other would fight his way right back. It was dead even going in to the last round. Ludwig pressured James and edged out the victory. The crowd roared their approval and it was a perfect ending to what many considered the best fight show Colorado has ever seen.

Many special thanks go to: Brian Larsen, Jesse Chavez, Will Hendricks, Ron "H2O"Waterman, Larry Parker, Ray Sefo, Evan Tanner, Cecil Peoples, Brent Medley, Aaron Williams, Kim Yee. Submissionfighting.com, Victory Sports, Fightlink.com, Rockies Auto, Profile Auto and Glass, Red and Jerry's, Tigron Martial Arts supply, Lisa Langen, Jane Lanzel, Dante and Keith Folino, and last but certainly not least Sgt. Jerry NOSHAME Roeder

For more event info please contact Mr. Sven Bean by Phone/Fax: (303) 400-1756 or e-mail by clicking HERE!

MORE NEWS OF 3-22-2000. . .

Below Posted At 11:30 AM

FIGHTERS NEEDED For
St. Louis, USA

IKF Promoter Jessie Finney is looking for 4 fighters to complete his upcoming April 15th card entitled, "MIDWEST FIGHT FEST". Mr. Finney is looking for the following Amateur Full Contact Rules Fighters that live in the Midwest USA area;

• 120-130 lb female to fight an opponent that has a record of 8 wins and 1 loss.
• 165-175 lb male fighter to fight an opponent that has a record of 7 wins and 2 loses.
• 185-200 lb male fighter to fight an opponent that has a record of 9 wins and 0 loses.

He also needs a male Amateur BOXER that weighs between 230-265 that will fight an opponent with a record of 5 wins and 0 loses.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Union Plaza at 300 S. Grand in St. Louis, Missouri, USA on April 15th. If your a fighter or trainer who lives in the Midwest USA and can fill one or several of these positions, please contact Mr. Jesse Finney at (314) 351-5226. Thank you.

Still To Come... IKF Corpus Christy, Texas USA Results...

MONDAY, March 20th, 2000, AT 6:20 PM

Familiar Faces Of The IKF
Record Weekend Wins!

Although they were not IKF Sanctioned events, several familiar faces of the IKF had some impressive showings over the weekend. In Las Vegas Nevada Friday night, IKF World Champion Kongnapa of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA won by KO over Pascal LaFluer in the first round. IKF Champion Don Wilson of Los Angeles, California USA won a 10 round majority decision over Dewey Cooper of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Number 2 IKF Ranked Super Heavyweight Jerome LeBanner of LeHavre, France knocked out Vassilikos in the 2nd round.

Also known to the IKF on the same Las Vegas event was MuayThai Intercontinental Champion Richard Kostuck of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. However Kostuck didn't fare so well being stopped by Jamel Kamel in the first round. Number 5 IKF Ranked Jr. Middleweight MuayThai fighter Alex Gong of Fairtex, San Francisco, California, USA didn't do so well either losing a decision over Kit Cope of Las Vegas Nevada. We were told that Cope usually fights 2 weight classes lower than the weight the fight was at. We were also told Gong had been sick all week as well.

At another event in Tustin, California, IKF World MuayThai Champion Danny Steele of Los Angeles, CA, USA won a 5 round unanimous decision over Kadur Marouff of France and number 4 IKF ranked welterweight Melchor Manor of San Diego, CA, USA defeated BM (Last name unknown) from Thailand by decision as well.

On Saturday night March 18th at Perth's Altone Leasure Centre in Australia, 2 time IKF Women's World Champion, Holly Ferneley and two time Australian Muay thai champion Marita Williamson squared off as the main event of the night for a World Title. It was a hard match that went the distance and in the end Ferneley added her 3rd World Title Belt to her collection. It was the first time that women were a main event in Western Australia's fight history. Ferneley was the main event on an IKF event in Eastern Australia (Sydney) just a couple of weeks ago when she won her second IKF World Title.

FRIDAY, March 17th, 2000, AT 3:15 PM

Ring Of Fire
In Denver Colorado...
SOLDOUT!

IKF Promoter Sven Bean of Denver, Colorado, USA is all set to host his "Ring of Fire" event this Saturday night, March 18th, 2000 at Red & Jerry's Event Center in Denver, Colorado, USA. The Main Event of the night will feature the professional MuayThai debut of past IKF U.S. MuayThai Amateur Champion Duane "Bang!" Ludwig of Aurora, Colorado USA vs Terris James of Albq. New Mexico, USA. IKF Referee Cecil Peoples of California will be the event referee. Doors open at 6:30 PM, bouts start at 7:30, However, the event is already a sell out... Sorry... For more event info please contact Mr. Sven Bean by Phone/Fax: (303) 400-1756 or e-mail by clicking HERE

MORE NEWS OF 3-17-2000. . .

Jimmy Stewert
Ready To Heat Up The Middleweights!

MORE NEWS OF 3-17-2000. . .

Corpus Christy
Texas , USA

IKF Promoter Walt Mason is scheduled to host tomorrow nights amateur kickboxing action in Corpus Christy, Texas. No bout line-up was received for this event by press time so if you need or would like more event information, please contact Mr. Walt Mason at (972) 239-5053 or e-mail by clicking HERE

THURSDAY, March 16th, 2000, AT 4:30 PM

Muay Thaimes
The Voice of Kickboxing... Or MUAY THAI!

We are very pleased to introduce Muay Thaimes, the new bimonthly publication dedicated to the complete coverage of MuayThai, International, and Full-Contact rules kickboxing. The first issue was released on Monday, February 21, 2000.

As many of you are already aware, there has been a surge in the popularity level of kickboxing worldwide over the last several years. However, without a significant print publication to act as a voice for the sport, kickboxing's growth is limited at best. The primary objective of Muay Thaimes, therefore, is to provide competitors, trainers, promoters, and fans with a means of being heard and with a means of following the sport on a regular basis. The writers of Muay Thaimes plan to keep their readers on the cutting edge of kickboxing by bringing them in-depth news coverage of kickboxing events throughout the world as well as breaking news stories from within various factions of the sport.

Muay Thaimes will provide its readers with updated world professional and amateur fighter rankings, feature stories on the world's finest professional and amateur fighters, and feature stories on world renowned kickboxing coaches and promoters. Tips and techniques to improve your kickboxing skills will be provided courtesy of some of the finest trainers in the sport.

The publication is dedicated to keeping it's readers informed so that continuity and order are finally established within the world of kickboxing. This will help further the growth of our exciting sport amongst the public and benefit everyone involved. If you have any questions or comments, please call Muay Thaimes Publisher, Michael Afromowitz at (516) 647-4583 or send him an email at muaythaimes@aol.com. Also, be on the lookout for their forthcoming website, www.muaythaimes.com.

Muay Thaimes - The Voice of Kickboxing

P. O. Box 132, Valley Stream, NY, 11582 USA. Phone: (516) 647-4583, Fax: (516) 295-2008, Email: muaythaimes@aol.com

TUESDAY, March 14th, 2000, AT 2:00 AM

Daytona Rumble
Rocks The Beach!

It was a record crowd for last weeks Daytona Beach Bike Week 2000. (Founded from Harley Davidson Motorcycle Owners) Experts estimated the crowd to be well over 700,000 which made traffic and parking a big problem for promoters Sean Wohl and Larry Jones' Daytona Rumble on Saturday night, March 11th. Regardless, the event was great and featured 8 exciting amateur bouts.

The night we arrived in Daytona Beach we were introduced to rock star Eddie Money by promoter Sean Wohl. Money was at the hotel for a concert. Wohl had trained in Karate with him back in New York where Wohl was raised. At dinner we met the Publisher and Editor of Karate International Magazine, Michael DePasquale Jr. (Who was also a special guest at the event the following night) DePasquale also hosts one of the largest martial arts internet sites, "Martial Arts Worldwide Network" that can be found by clicking this link www.mawn.net. On event night, the Molly Hatchet band held a concert that packed the outside patio at the PLAZA RESORT & SPA hotel while in the Grand Ballroom we all got ready for the nights kickboxing action. Here's the rundown of the nights bouts;

1. IKF Junior Amateurs Full Contact Rules
   Rex Rogers (10, Orlando, Florida, USA) defeated Joel Eccles (10, Orlando, Florida, USA) by unanimous decision, 29-26, 30-25 & 30-25. (Eccles didn't get his kicks in, in round 2)
   
   
2. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Rob Bailey (5-1-1/5, 170, Orlando, Florida, USA) defeated Dan Monteleone (2-1/2, 176, Miami, Florida, USA) by TKO when Bailey cut Monteleone's near his eye with a spinning back kick at the end of round 1.
   
   
3. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Michael Galbreath (14-4/2, 161, Daytona Beach Florida, USA) defeated William Carpenter (3-4-1/0, 161, Orlando, Florida, USA) by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 & 30-27.
   
   
4. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Mike Abrihim (1-1/0, 184, Daytona Beach, Florida, USA) defeated Sean Smith (0-1/0, 182, Panama City Florida, USA) by majority decision, 29-28, 30-30 and 30-28.
   
   
5. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Devalion Scurry (1-0/0, 171, Orlando, Florida, USA) defeated Adam Ballou ( 0-2/0, 171, Miami, Florida, USA) by majority decision, *29-28, *29-29, *29-25. (*) Ballou didn't get his kicks in, in round 2 causing him to lose a point.
   
   
6. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Ruel Eccles (1-1-1/0, 138, Orlando, Florida, USA) and Charles Camacho (0-0-1/1, 133, Miami, Florida, USA) fought hard to a split decision draw. Judge Alan Lee scored it 29-29. Judge Adam Pollack scored it 30-29 Eccles and judge Dan Stell scored it 29-28 Camacho.
   
   
7. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Anthony Thomas (1-0/0, 161, Orlando, Florida, USA) defeated Mario Ravelo (0-1/0, 168, Sanford, Florida, USA) by unanimous decision, 30-28, 30-28 & 29-28.
   
   
8. IKF Amateur Full Contact Rules
   Andre Wilson (0-2/0, 149, Orlando, Florida, USA was scheduled to fight Milton Canidate of Daytona Beach Florida, USA but Canidate was a no show at the weigh-ins and at fight time. As the IKF reviewed their list of stand-by fighters for the event, there was only 1 fighter in Wilson's weightclass. Wilson, obviously upset his scheduled opponent was a no-show wanted to compete against anyone however the IKF suggested against the only person in the room at his weight. Why? The only fighter in the room was IKF/RINGSIDE United States Full Contact Rules Welterweight National USA Tournament Champion Derrick Samuels (12-0/6, 149) of Orlando, Florida, USA.

Samuels hadn't come up to the event to fight though. He had traveled to the event with Team Dynamic who brought up both Eccle brothers and Scurry as mentioned above. After Wilson was informed exactly who and his full ring record, Wilson and his trainer, Bill Robinson wanted to take the fight anyway if Samuels was willing to step in. "We might as well find out now who's the best Welterweight in the Nation is now" said Robinson. Samuels had no problem with the request to step in.

As the bout started, Samuels had no desire to go easy after he saw Wilson wanted to start off quick as well. Samuels quickly shut Wilson down and forced the first knockdown of the round before the 1 minute mark. After the count Samuels quickly went back to work and knocked Wilson down again. Finally after Samuels closed in to finish Wilson with a barrage of punches and kicks, referee Dan Stell stepped in to stop the bout at the end of the first round. There were no questions about the stop as it was clear Wilson got a front row seat to see who truly is the best in the Amateur Full Contact Rules Super Welterweight class.

This was a great event and our hats go off to both Wohl and Jones. It was well organized and located in a beautiful venue that will also host the upcoming IKF/RINGSIDE SOUTH - EAST 1 Regional on July 28, 29, 30. The regional is the first step for amateurs in the South East towards the National Amateur Tournament in September. There is talk Wohl may host an amateur event sometime in May but nothing confirmed as of yet. For more info contact Mr. Larry Jones at (904) 238-1001 or Mr. Sean Wohl at (904) 253-5141 or Larry by e-mail by clicking HERE or Sean by e-mail by clicking HERE!

MORE NEWS OF 3-14-2000. . .

The CHANGING of the
IKF AMATEUR National Titles!

Derrick Samuels, (Who fought in the event reported above) like "SEVERAL" other IKF/RINGSIDE Amateur National USA Tournament Champions has been waiting for his mandatory title match against current IKF U. S. Title holder Gary Owens of San Jose, CA, USA since September of last year. The two titles are different U. S. titles but this year, may become the same, depending upon how the title scene in the IKF is finally structured.

This year, the IKF is working towards the structure of Amateur Boxing in making the most prestigious National Amateur Title the one that's won at the IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Championships each year. Last year, Samuels won the IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Tournament title in the Full Contact Welterweight division. Last year, Owens' as other IKF U.S. Amateur Title holders didn't register or attend a regional event let alone the National Championships. Both Samuels and Owen's now hold IKF U. S. Titles in the FCR Welterweight class. The question among their peers now is "What Title is worth more?" The clear answer coming back is "Unless you win it at the Nationals through the tournament process, as in amateur boxing, the other titles are just a belt."

In 2000, even the IKF is looking to "Clean Up" the title scene in amateur kickboxing. For one thing, there are many amateur fighters in various organizations who hold the exact same title. Many of these organizations don't keep track of their amateur champions. In addition, it's not uncommon for two fighters from practically across the street to fight each other for what they "THINK" is a true National Title.

Many organizations offer these big titles just to please the promoters they're working with. A prime example of this was this past weekend where 2 fighters from Northern California fought for another organizations United States title. OK, maybe this can be OK, but what made it terrible was that although one was a good fighter, her opponent was not. One of the fighters true fight record was only 2 wins and 4 loses. However, the promoter advertised her as 4 wins and 1 loss. Even so, for a "U. S. Title??" This kind of thing happens all the time around the world with these organizations. Two fighters from the same state in the USA fighting for an amateur title while the same title is being fought for in another part of the US or somewhere else in the world. With the invention of the internet, hopefully people will start to realize that until you fight "The Best" in the Nation (As the IKF/Ringside National Tournament process brings the amateurs to do) how can these fighters call themselves "The Best Anymore?"

Back to the Owens vs Samuels bout, Owen's has been rehabilitating a knee injury but the time is now or never for Owen's and Samuels to meet. Why? Owen's, like many of the other past IKF U.S. Champions won his title on an IKF event without facing all the nationally ranked contenders. The best were in Council Bluff's Iowa for the National Championships last year and Owens like the other IKF US Champions didn't attend their IKF/RINGSIDE Amateur Regional Tournament last year as well as the IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Championship Finals in September. Now these champions ability among his peers is in question.

The goal of the IKF is to have a National Championship Tournament each and every year to determine who "TRULY" is the best in their weightclass and rule style. Samuels proved among his peers at last years finals that he IS the best right now in the Amateur FCR Welterweight Division. If Owens' wants to prove differently, he will need to face Samuels in the ring, however it's easier said than done. First a promoter will need to bring the two together which will be an expense in itself since Samuels lives in Florida on the East Coast USA and Owens in California on the West Coast USA.

This travel issue points out another reason why the National Tournament works better. It brings the best to one place as in amateur boxing. Sure, the fighters must pay their own way to get to the National Championships, but look at amateur boxing. Sponsors are found, donations, team fund raisers etc. etc. Last year, the most inspiring story came out of Camp Pendleton when Team Hamil traveled by "CAR" the entire distance, 1,630 miles with their team of fighters. Their efforts and the efforts of many others such as Samuels team from Orlando Florida, proved that if fighters want to be recognized by their peers and fans of the sport as the best, they will find a way to get to the Championships.

In addition, with the IKF TV deal this year, the best amateurs will be featured in a special program "IKF Amateurs - The Best of the Best on the Road To The Nationals!"

MORE NEWS OF 3-14-2000. . .

MAKING IT HAPPEN:

East Meets West

IKF Official as well as part time Promoter Dan Stell of Fairfield can sympathize with Samuels and knows of Gary Owens as well. So he's brought it to our attention that he would like to give each the opportunity to truly see who's the best FCR Welterweight in the Nation. He'd like to bring Samuels and Owens together on his May 20th event in Fairfield, CA, USA. Neither fighter is trained by Stell but his desire is that of many. To truly find out who is the BEST in the Nation. If he can do it, Stell will be the first IKF Promoter to put an IKF/RINGSIDE National Tournament Champion against an IKF Event National Title Holder head to head on an event outside the National Championship Tournament to see who truly is the best.

For 2000, Owens could face losing his title unless he fights Samuels or attends the regional tournament in his area depending what will be ruled on in the next month with the IKF. We don't mean to point a finger at Owens, it's just that he's in Samuels way to be the undisputed Amateur Welterweight FCR Champion. There are several other IKF U.S. Champions out there as well that face the same fate. They include Full Contact Rules Champions Billy Beach and Brett Spaid of Citrus Heights, California, USA. International Rules U.S. Champions include Juan Escobar of Gilroy, California, USA, Yia Mua of Fresno, California, USA, Tony Haddock Orlando, Florida, USA, Jason Williamson and Boyd Murphy of Bakersfield, California, USA, Richard Kresechuk of Venice, California, USA, and MuayThai U.S. Champions Steven Berkoluyko of Brooklyn, New York, USA and Harry Vicarro of San Diego, CA, USA. There's only 1 fighter in the IKF Amateur woman's divisions. Marisol Esquilin of Orlando Florida, USA. Trisha Hill of Lawerenceville, Georgia, USA just won an IKF U.S. title against Tracy Kuschel of Omaha, Nebraska, USA. (See Below) The only reason the IKF approved the challenge was because Kuschel was awarded the title by Forfeit without fighting at the regional or National level. At the time, Hill and her trainer didn't even know of the National Tournament process. As mentioned, this decision about IKF Us National title bouts will be decided within a month. Your comments would be appreciated. Please e-mail them to the IKF at this link ikf@jps.net

MORE NEWS OF 3-14-2000. . .

HILL Captures
IKF U.S. TITLE By
KNOCKOUT

IKF Promoter Andy Foster of Dalton Georgia had to be pleased with the excitement the amateur women's title bout brought to his event last Saturday nights March 10 at "The Rumble Down South" in Dalton, GA, between Trisha Hill of Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA and Tracy Kuschel of Omaha, Nebraska, USA. Kuschel was defending her IKF United States Bantomweight International Rules Title she won by forfeit at last years IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Amateur Championships. As posted below, these two had met before in Colorado last year, but this time it was for a IKF title.

As the bout began, Kurshel started out very strong by throwing hard combinations, powerful kicks, and spinning back fists. Once she settled into the fight, however, Hill responded with a barrage of leg kicks, devastating punches, and kicks to the inner thighs of Kurshel. Kurshel then retaliated by using her powerful left hook.

At the start of the second round, Hill was ready for Kurshel with a series of front kicks and outside leg kicks. Hill continued her assault with additional inside split kicks to the inner thighs of Kurshel. Kurshel countered briefly with powerful round kicks and left hooks. Hill then threw a left hook of her own and a lead leg side kick that dropped Kurshel to the ground. At almost halfway through the second round, Hill then threw a spinning side kick that connected her heel to Kurshel's ribs, that dropped her in pain from the blow. The count by the referee was stopped short as it was clear she wasn't going to be able to continue.

Hill was awarded the IKF United States Bantomweight International Rules Title by KO. For more info, please contact Mr. Andy Foster at (706) 277-4165 or Mr. Simon Chung via e-mail by clicking this link by clicking HERE

FRIDAY, March 10th, 2000, AT 1:20 AM

Friday Night's
Dalton, Georgia, USA

Kuschel Set To Defend Her IKF United States Bantomweight International Rules Title Against Hill

IKF Promoter Andy Foster of Dalton Georgia is ready to give the girls a night out on the town tonight Friday the 10th of March. Foster will host tonights IKF Dalton Georgia event. It's time for the IKF amateur women to take the spotlight as Tracy Kuschel of Omaha, Nebraska, USA ( 1-4/1, 5'2", 30) defends her IKF United States Bantomweight International Rules Title she won by forfeit at last years IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Amateur Championships.Kuschel will face off in a rematch against Trisha Hill of Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA (4-0/1, 5'3", 24).

These two went at it back on October 17th, 1999 in Denver, Colorado, USA in a scheduled 3 round non title bout. In the second round, Hill overwhelmed Kuschel with punch after punch each time she pressed her. In the second round, after a fury of punches by Hill, referee Tom Yoshida stopped the bout at 1:25 of the second round. While the winning of an IKF U.S. title will be on Hill's mind this time, revenge will be on Kuschel's. In addition Kuschel herself feels she has something to prove from her last several performances.

To begin with, in the regional qualifying event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin last year, Kuschel entered but her opponent dropped out and she was given a free ride to the Nationals. At the National Championships she was scheduled to face off against Thong Souksavath of Nashville, Tennessee trained by Jeff Hargis ( 2-1/0, 5'3", 22). Although Souksavath and her trainer confirmed they were going to be at the Nationals they never showed up. So, by the rules and regulations set for the National, Kuschel was awarded the title by forfeit. Since then Kuschel has fought three times, losing all 3. However, one was a special bout where on November 11, 1999 she fought in a Special Exhibition. A Special Male vs Female bout entitled, as usual under these circumstances, "Battle of the Sexes" where she faced Matt Bentley in a three round bout that, Bentley won 30-26, 29-28, 30-27.

Her next outing was the one with Hill in Colorado on October 17th. Her last bout was a MuayThai Rules bout in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she faced off against Rachel Thomas (124, 3-5/1) of Phetnoi MuayThai Gym in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US. Thomas used a strong jab and an aggressive fighting style to defeat Kuschel by unanimous decision, 29-28, 30-27 & 30-27.

Hill as been busy but no fight report was available since she fought Kuschel back in October. Zack Day will be the Associate IKF Representative at the event. For more info, please contact Mr. Andy Foster at (706) 277-4165 or Mr. Simon Chung via e-mail by clicking this link by clicking HERE

MORE NEWS OF 3-10-2000. . .

MORE NEWS OF 3-10-2000. . .

IKF Champ Stewert
Wins In Boxing!

IKF Pro Full Contact Rules Pennsylvania State Middleweight Champion Jimmy Stewart of Butler Pennsylvania made his pro boxing debut a success a week ago. Stewert knocked out Steve McDivitt of Bradford at 2:35 of the 3rd round. "I hurt my leg a couple of weeks ago, so I decided to box" Stewert said. "But on April 15th, I will kickbox again to get closer to the World Title."

At 9 Pro Wins and no loses with 4 KO's and an amateur record of 27 wins, 5 loses, 2 draws, Stewert has more bouts and more wins then each of the top title holders, including the current IKF World Champion, Tommy Kimber of Salem, Massachusetts, USA (AM KB: 8-3/2, PRO KB: 16-1/10) In knowing this, he may be closer than he thinks for that shot. "If we can get a match with him and one of the top guys in the middleweight division such as Marinoble, Regan or Robbie it will give us a better idea of where he's at." says IKF President Steve Fossum. Marinoble currently holds the IKF U.S. Middleweight Title along with the IKF Super Middleweight North American title. Robbie from Scotland is the IKF British Champion.

Standing head and shoulders above them all in height is 6'4"Eric Regan (18-0/12) who holds the IKF North American Middleweight Title. Regan and is fighting for a different World Title this weekend, not the IKF due to some issues we have with the promoter. But regardless, Good Luck to You Eric! We here at the IKF know that "YOU" are an Honorable Class Act and we truly support you and wish you the best in your career.

The fighter who may be most ready for ANY of them though is Trevor Ambros of Bournemouth, England with a record of 96 wins, 15 loses and 76 knockouts. Ambros lost his brother a few months back and had to defend his title later in the same week. He was winning but was caught by a punch and lost by TKO in the later rounds. Along with the loss, he lost his World Title in another organization as well. Many have commented that Ambros won't get his deserved rematch because he doesn't have a promoter for the sanctioning body to work with. Regan does so he'll get the shot instead, allowing him to side step past Ambros. No slam to Regan. He's a GREAT Fighter! But it's the truth. Could Regan beat Ambros? Who knows, we may never see now since Ambros lost his title the way he did which probably would have never happened under better personal circumstances. However we can say it would be a great fight and probably the best competition for Regan ever. But it may never happen due to politics with the promoters, trainers and organizations involved. Oh well.

So who will face IKF World Champion Tommy Kimber? If not Ambros, Marinoble is ready and waiting. However, maybe Marinoble and Stewert first and don't count Robbie out. Although he only has 9 wins in 9 pro bouts, all 9 have been wins by KO or TKO. Stewert fights again April 15th in Butler PA. His opponent has yet to be announced. The next 2 months should paint a better picture for the FCR Middleweight division. Lets wait and see...

MORE NEWS OF 3-10-2000. . .

The following article is not by the IKF.
We thought it was such a ridiculous ruling that we wanted to share it with you...
Who are these people who decide these things anyway.......??

Thai Boxing Banned

By JACK BOLAND, TORONTO SUN, Thursday, March 9, 2000

Thai boxing was dealt a knockout blow yesterday in a Brampton courtroom, and it may be a long time before the sport returns to fight again in Canada. Ontario court justice Judge Nancy Kastner ruled that Muay-Thai boxing is "inherently dangerous" and contravenes Section 83 of the Canadian Criminal code, which prohibits unsanctioned prize fights. "The boxing gloves were mere window dressing, given the multiple blows delivered by elbows, knees and feet to largely unprotected parts of the opponents' heads and bodies," Kastner said of the martial art, which has been practised without regulation in Ontario for years.

The case arose from a Sept. 12, 1998 bout which was covered by The Toronto Sun. "The fight of Sept. 12, 1998 was inherently dangerous ... (and) had insufficient safeguards to prevent serious bodily harm, incapacitation or possibly death of any of the combatants," Kastner said in her ruling. Under Ontario laws, boxing and kick-boxing promoters must provide safety measures for each show, such as pre- and post-fight medicals, ringside doctors, headgear, etc. "This sends a clear message right across Canada, that promoters have to consider the health and safety of the athletes," Ken Hayashi, Ontario athletics commissioner who attended the 1998 bout, said. "They're not just a money-making machine on the backs of the fighters." Gerald Ching and David Rows of the Martial Arts Fighting Academy in Mississauga were found guilty of promoting, encouraging and permitting a prize fight to occur on their premises. Each was fined $1,200 and ordered to give $100 to a charitable organization (the Hospital for Sick Children). Ching and Rows said they would appeal the decision.

MUST MAKE CHANGES: Hayashi said he would be willing to sit down with the Thai boxing community in Canada to discuss ways of bringing the sport in line with regulations regarding combat sports. "They want to do Thai boxing, and I understand that," the commissioner said. "But they have to get changes implemented first. They just can't say, 'It's Canadian law, it's stupid, we don't agree with it.' And do it anyway." Suchart Yodkiripaoprai, a former professional Thai boxer and master instructor, said Thai boxing may be accepted as a demonstration event at the 2004 Athens Olympics and, if all goes well, could be a full medal event at the 2008 Games. "Wouldn't that be ironic if those Games were held in Toronto?" defence lawyer Ross Milliken said.

WEDNESDAY, March 8th, 2000, AT 6:30 AM

North East USA
IKF/RINGSIDE
Amateur Tournament DEADLINE!!

Hey North East USA Amateur Fighters, are you ready to "Walk the Walk" as many did in 1999? If so, don't miss the DEADLINE to Register for your areas IKF/RINGSIDE Regional Kickboxing Tournament. The event will be held at NY Kickboxing Academy at 43 W 24th Street, NY NY. Winners of the regional will qualify to go on to the National Championships in September. The DEADLINE is MARCH 15th! The event will be April 7-9, 2000. States included in this event include: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia. (*) In coordination with the North East #2. Pre-registration is 100% required. Registration forms can be found by clicking this link; HERE!

All four IKF rules divisions are being offered (Full Contact, Leg Kick, Muay Thai and San Shou). The application and checks for $35, made payable to "NY Kungfu and Kickboxing", should be mailed to; New York Kungfu 43 W 24th Street #3B NY NY, 10010. For more info, contact Mr. Steve Ventura or Mr. David Ross at (212) 242-2453 or e-mail by clicking this link: lkfmdc@worldnet.att.net. For more Tournament, Regional and Nationals Info, click this link HERE!DON'T MISS IT!!!

MORE NEWS OF 3-8-2000. . .

Hallak & Ferneley
Make THUNDER With Knockouts!

Both Capture 2 More IKF Vacant Titles by Knockout!!!

IKF Australian Promoter Robert Wilesmith hosted his second IKF World Championship Kickboxing event last Saturday night, March 4th. The show was Co-produced by Thunderlegs Promotions & Amazones Theatre Restaurant and entitled "THUNDERZONE IV, THUNDER FROM ABOVE."

Pictured: IKF PromoterRobert Wilesmith of NSW, Sydney, Australia

The show featured fighters from USA, New Zealand and of course, Australia and was hosted at the Bankstown Sports Hall in Bankstown/Sydney, Australia. The event featured 2 IKF Pro World Titles, an IKF Amateur South Pacific Title (Which was the fight of the night) and 4 other amateur bouts. Here is a rundown of the nights action.

1. IKF International Rules
   • Ozan Ulker (23, 58.56 kg, 1-0/1, Sydney, Australia) andLuke Maddison (17, 60.08 kg, 1-3-1/0, Canberra, Australia) started the night off with their scheduled 3 round amateur bout. In addition to it being a very wild fight by both fighters, more shocking was the errors by the referee.
     
     
   • In round 1, Maddison upperbody became entangled in the ring ropes. Once free, AKFA Referee Raymond Eardley started to give Maddison a standing 8 count until IKF President and event Representative Steve Fossum stopped him and informed him that Maddison was never hit and was pushed through the ropes by Ulker. "It's not very often for any representative to over-rule a referee while the bout is going on" Said Fossum. "However after the mistakes of the last time we were here, I had to make a stand and acknowledge the mistakes WHEN they happen, NOT AFTER! This was such a bad call that a fighter was being given a standing 8 count for no reason at all." At that point Eardley stopped the count and continued the bout. Throughout the first round, Ulker kept slapping Maddison with the laces part of his gloves on the back of Maddison's head. Again, Fossum had to interject to demand referee Eardley give his first verbal warning which he finally did very late in the round.
     
     
   • As round 2 started, the bout was much of the same with both fighters still fighting wild. As the round progressed, Maddison tired first and Ulker took advantage of it which forced referee Eardley to stop the bout at 1:36 of round 2 giving Ulker the win by TKO in his kickboxing debut.
     • Once again the event (Due to some of the awkward rules of the New South Wales Boxing Authority...NSWBA) had to be co-sanctioned by the AKFA. (Australian Kung Fu Association) Although the judging was much better this time (The IKF Demanded different judges than last time) the AKFA Referee, Raymond Eardley was far from acceptable and sorry NSWBA but this will be the "LAST" time the IKF will allow him to referee an IKF bout "REGARDLESS" of the requirements of the NSWBA.
       
       
2. IKF International Rules
   Female fighter Venessa Walters (62.80 kg, 0-0/0) of Tregear, Australia, trained by Zack Waters was suppose to make her amateur fighting debut however she was a no show at the event. Walters had weighed in earlier in the day but never showed for the event. In doing so, her scheduled opponent Morgan Petitt (61.96 kg, 0-0/0) of Canberry, Australia was giving the win by forfeit for her kickboxing debut bout as well.
   
   
3. IKF International Rules
   There was a lot of blood flying from Allan Humphries' (21, 74.34 kg, 0-1-1/0) nose Saturday night but the Ringside doctor let him continue. Humphries, trained by Robert Wilesmith of Sydney Australia delt with his severely bloody nose and went toe to toe against Gabrial Lorenzo (29, 67.62 kg, 0-0-1/0) trained by George Plellis of Sydney Australia in a wild 3 round war. In the end, both fighters ended up with a split decision draw. Judge Ken Gromowski had the bout 30-27 Humphries. Judge Robert Olaes had the bout 30-28 Lorenzo and judge Tony Darling had the bout even at 29-29.
   
   
4. IKF International Rules
   This bout was another wild one and marred with more referee errors. Referee Raymond Eardley almost allowed Sydney Australia fighter George Mihas (25, 93.92 kg, 4-1/0) a trip to the judges table on his head. Mihas, trained by George Plelis and his opponent, Nathan Henry (27, 88.60 kg, 1-1/0) were working against the ropes and in the mix when Mihas' back got bent over the top rope. Instead of stepping in to stop the action, referee Eardley just watched as the two continued to fight. Suddenly, Mihas' came off his feet and was half way over the top and on his way over before Eardley finally stepped in. Throughout the 2nd and 3rd rounds, Mihas kept holding Henry's arms in the clinch without any referee warnings making it hard for Henry to fight at all. In the end, Judge Robert Olas scored the bout 30-28 Mihas, judge Ken Gromowski scored the bout 30-28 Henry and judge Tony Darling scored the bout 30-28 Mihas giving Mihas the wild win by split decision.
   
   
5. IKF AMATEUR MUAY THAI RULES
   SOUTH PACIFIC WELTERWEIGHT TITLE
   This bout was the "Fight of the Night" and the first IKF title bout on the night as well. On the line was the IKF Amateur South Pacific MuayThai Rules Welterweight title. Sydney Australia's Bobby Ristevski (20, 66.16 kg, 4-0-1/0) trained by Robert Wilesmith faced off against Dean Archer (28, 64.2 kg, 5-4-1/1) who is trained by Peter Bishop of Hamilton, New Zealand. Although this was suppose to be a "MuayThai" bout, ("Modified" Knees, no elbows) neither did the traditional ring rituals of true MuayThai (Wai Kru or Ram Muay). However, this didn't keep the two from going toe to toe for all 5 of the scheduled 5 rounds. In the end, the judges saw it just as close as judge Ken Gromowski scored the bout 49-47 Ristevski. Judge Khonsanntan scored the bout 50-49, Ristevski and judge Tony Darling scored the bout 49-48 Ristevski giving Ristevski the unanimous decision win and the IKF Amateur South Pacific MuayThai Rules Welterweight title in a great fight that was VERY close. GREAT FIGHT GUYS!!
   
   
6. IKF PRO MUAY THAI RULES
   FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
   This was the first of 2 IKF World title bouts on the night matching up 27 year old Sydney Australia's Ali Hallak (Right, 56.6 kg, 124.5 lbs.) with a fight record of 31 wins, 3 loses, 1 draw and 12 knockouts against 26 year old Alberto Ramirez (56 kg, 123 lbs.) with a fight record of 31 wins, 4 loses with 27 knockouts. Hallak had already won the IKF International Rules Featherweight World Title in a controversial decision last year on September 24th at the Croatian Club in Bankstown, Sydney, NSW, Australia over Lucky Clement of Dobsonville, Roodport, South Africa. However, in defense of Hallak, the controversy WAS NOT about him and his skill, but the AWKWARD judging of the AKFA Judges. Regardless, this time Hallak was out to capture the vacant IKF MuayThai Rules Featherweight World Title as well.
   • There wasn't much controversy though to report on in this bout. Hallak made quick work of Ramirez knocking him down in the opening minute of round 1 with a strong right hand to Ramirez' head. Although Ramirez got up immediately, referee Eardley still gave him a count (Questionable because in TRUE MuayThai Rules which are the rules the IKF follow, a "FLASH" knockdown is not scored as a knockdown if the fallen fighter gets up "Immediately" after the fall, which Ramirez did) After the count, Hallak went quickly back to work with his hands on Ramirez' head and caught him hard on the temple which dropped Ramirez again. However this time, he wasn't quick to rise and took the count from referee Eardley. As the action started again, Hallak immediately jumped on Ramirez with a landslide of punches and Ramirez' cornerman Duke Roufus quickly threw in the towel to stop the bout at 1:34 of round 1.
   • This was the second time in 2 months (January in Belarus) that Ramirez' has fought out of his weight class of 118 lbs (53.5 kg). "It was hard coming up in for the weight in this fight." said Ramirez. "I'd like to stay and fight at 118 lbs but it's hard to find opponents." At fight time, Ramirez was at the most, 56 kg (123 lbs) while Hallak, natural at 58 kg was like any other fighter and went up in weight after eating after the Friday evening weigh-ins. By fight time Hallak had said he was around 60 kg (132 lbs). Regardless, that's the fight game and everyone does it...
   • The win gives Hallak the vacant IKF MuayThai Rules World Featherweight Title and he now holds 2 IKF Featherweight World Titles. His next quest is to fight for the vacant IKF Featherweight Full Contact Rules World Title. Any takers???
     
     
7. IKF PRO WOMENS MUAY THAI RULES
   FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
   Although Ali Hallak couldn't be more pleased his bout didn't have any controversy associated with it, Australia's IKF International Rules, Featherweight World Champion Holly Ferneley was more than excited about the controversy surrounding her bout even before she stepped into the ring. Ferneley choose once again to challenge a law established back in 1980 by the New South Wales Boxing Authority (NSWBA) that bans women from boxing or kickboxing. The 28 year old Ferneley (And child of 1) has been fighting with the law for some time now that in all aspects of modern law can only be called "Discrimination!"
   • Ferneley weighed in at 55.68 kg with a pro fight record of 6 wins, 3 loses and 2 draws with 3 wins coming by the KO/TKO. Her opponent, 29 year old Julie Wood's of Papakura, Aukland New Zealand weighed in at 56.94 kg and had a record of 11 wins and 2 loses with 5 of her wins coming by KO/TKO. With the NSW Boxing Authority Representative Dave Morland and his assistant seated DIRECTLY at the ringside table, the bell sounded to start round 1 and the fight was underway.
   • To EVERYONE'S Surprise, what was witnessed next was even more odd. Although what was taking place was ILLEGAL and clearly breaking the NSW Boxing Authority law, what was happening was even MORE Illegal in modern International Law. NSWBA Representative David Morland and his associate just sat at ringside and WATCHED!..... They didn't even "ATTEMPT" to enforce their law… They made no attempt to try and stop the bout. (Which is CLEARLY what he SHOULD have done) No police tried to stop it either. Everyone associated with this special bout were prepared for the worst. All were ready and prepared to face jail. "I wanted them to try to stop it and arrest me." Stated Ferneley. "It would have made our case and our fight even more stronger for our cause."
   • THE LEGAL SIDE READS; As an "Officer, Official and Representative of the NSW Boxing Authority", it was Morland's DUTY as such to "STOP" the bout. Not doing so would be like a police officer witnessing a crime and having the ability to stop it, and choosing instead to simply WATCH it take place... Not doing a thing about it. Such an act makes Morland and his NSWBA assistant just as guilty now for "Allowing" the bout to happen as the NSW Boxing Authority says Promoter Robert Wilesmith and the fighters who fought would be. In other words if Morland and the NSW Boxing Authority plan to file any charges, claims or fines against Wilesmith and the fighters, they would be REQUIRED to file the "Same Charges", claims and fines against Morland and his assistant and MORE as a Representative of the law. The bottom line here is the common knowledge of ALL International Law.
     • "No Appointed Officer of any governing law agency be it of government, city, state, province or country of representation while under the jurisdiction and employment of such governing body, may ignore the jurisdictions law without enforcement of such laws."
   • As you can see, this issue has sparked some International Attention in the form of International Law. Morland and his assistant broke their own law that they were assigned and hired to enforce. However, Morland is only an officer and a messenger of the law. Although he did wrong by not enforcing it, the question to many was "WHO" would make such a ridiculous law...? The law itself is the product of the Premier of New South Wales, Mr. Bob Carr.
   • Making their claim, charges or fines even more complicated is the fact that from what we have found, there is no "Written" definition as to justify the real reason(s) of the law. In fact, when IKF President Steve Fossum spoke with NSWBA Representative Dave Morland about the "REASON(S) for the law after the event, his response were anything but a "Representation" of the law at all, let alone the NSWBA. Morland's first answer was, "I don't know what the reasons are." (Keep in mind that this is a DIRECT Representative of the NSWBA giving this answer…What if the IKF couldn't give a justified reason why kicks to the groin were illegal? We believe you get the point...) Fossum asked Morland in several different ways to TRY to help him come up with ANYTHING to justify the law. Finally Morland offered some ideas. (But not written law) "The sport is too dangerous for females." Morland said. In which Fossum replied, "But Dave, these women go into a fight under their own will, there not being forced. It's THEIR call…" Morland had no comment but replied, "There's also unknown liability as to who may be responsible for an injured fetus if a woman fighter fights pregnant." In which Fossum replied, "That's why EVERYWHERE else in the world, a pregnancy tests is given to fighters." Morland responded with "But they aren't 100% accurate." In which Fossum answered back, "Neither is an aids test, which could be an issue of life and death as well."
   • Our question is "What's up with Mr. Carr?" Why does "HE" feel such a rule should be kept? In addition, if Carr or anyone associated with the New South Wales Boxing Authority can't offer a "WRITTEN" reason for such a law, under the circumstances, it's pure discrimination No questions asked. Enough on the legal side, on with the bout….
     
     
   • On the line was the vacant IKF Women's MuayThai Rules World Featherweight Title.
     If Ferneley was trying to make a statement to women fighters around the world, she made it loud and clear in this bout. Although the bout was a bit wild, from the opening bell, Ferneley jumped on Wood's scoring with several different combinations. To Woods credit, she was able to answer back quite well for part of the round. At one point, both collapsed into the corner and while getting up, Ferneley, in the heat of the moment, dropped a knee into Wood's stomach. Again, another error by referee Raymond Eardley as he made a mistake. Eardley SHOULD have deducted 1 point from Ferneley for the foul, but instead, ignored it.
   • As the fight continued, Ferneley continued her strong attack until she caught Woods with a knee shot that bent her over in pain, defenseless, but not down. The shot was so hard that it "Should" have been the end of the bout. However, Referee Eardley again made another error, this time on the side of SAFETY and never stepped in between the fighters to protect Woods who was clearly in pain and clearly defenseless. As ANY fighter would do and since the referee hadn't even tried to stop the bout, Ferneley stepped forward and kneed Woods in the stomach dropping her to the canvas where Referee Eardley then started counting over her. IKF Representative Steve Fossum tried to waive him off and get the doctor instead, seeing Woods face (Eardley wasn't even looking at her face as he counted) and knowing she was in intense pain and was not going to stand up.
   • The bout was stopped at 2:36 of the first of 5 scheduled 3 minute rounds giving Ferneley the IKF Women's MuayThai Rules, World Featherweight Title. Ferneley made two statements on the night. One that Women should be able to fight just like the men and two, that not many women can go toe to toe with her… Again, like last time, Any Takers?

Wilesmith's next IKF Australia event is planned for September of 2000 however he plans to now have several other Australian Promoters Sanctioning under the IKF Banner Down Under. For more info, please contact Mr. Robert Wilesmith at (612) 9897-5222, Fax: (612) 9681-7776 or Cell: (614) 121-1000 or e-mail by clicking this link HERE!. For the Thunderlegs Website, Click this link; www.thunderlegs.com.au

TUESDAY, February 29th, 2000, AT 1:45 AM

IKF Australia
"THUNDER FROM ABOVE"
IKF Pro International Rules Featherweight World Champion Ali "Lightning" Hallak of NSW, Sydney, Australia
will go for his second IKF World Title this Saturday night in Australia.

IKF Promoter Robert Wilesmith of Sydney Australia is all set to host his second IKF event. This event will feature 2 IKF Pro MuayThai Rules World Title Bouts and is produced by Amazones Theatre Restaurant & Thunderlegs Promotions. It's entitled, "THUNDERZONE IV, THUNDER FROM ABOVE". The show will feature fighters from USA, New Zealand and of course, Australia and will be held at the Bankstown Town Hall in Bankstown, NSW, Australia.

The titles bouts will feature IKF International Rules Featherweight World Champion Ali "Lightning" Hallack of Thunderlegs Gym, Sydney Australia with a record of 31 wins, 3 loses, 1 draw and 12 knockouts (Amateur record of 17-3/10) against Alberto Ramirez of Tacoma, Washington, USA with a record of 31 wins, 4 loses with 27 knockouts. (Amateur record of 4-0/2) The bout will be for the vacant IKF MuayThai Rules Featherweight World Title.

Hallack won his International Rules Featherweight World Title in a controversial decision last year on September 24th at the Croatian Club in Bankstown, Sydney, NSW, Australia over Lucky Clement of Dobsonville, Roodport, South Africa. (Pro 12-1/6, Am: 8-0/0) In round 9 of the bout, Clement seemed to be taking more control but just past midway of the round both charged toward each other and collided with an accidental head butt. Hallak fell to the ring from the impact and blood spit out like a faucet from a deep gash on his forehead above his left eye. Referee Raymond Eardley stopped the action and brought Hallak to his corner for the doctor to examine. It didn't take much for Dr. Lou Lewis to request the bout be stopped. Hallak's forehead had a 2 inch slit above his left eye that appeared about a ¼" deep. IKF rules require in the case of any accidental injury that forces the stopping of a bout, the bout decision will go to the scorecards after all 3 judges score the last round, which was done. The scores read, 86-86 even by judge Cornelious. 87-82 Hallak by judge David Yap who for some unknown reason had gave Clement a score of "8" in 2 rounds of a bout that saw no knockdowns or standing 8 counts by either fighter... The true shocker was judge Malcolm Dem who scored "ALL" 9 rounds of the fight to Hallak, 90-81. This was a TERRIBLE score since no one agreed Hallak won "ALL" 9 rounds. Although the judges were NOT selected by promoter Robert Wilesmith the IKF will probably never accept them for an IKF World Title Bout again. This was terrible scoring. In Hallak's defense, both of these fighters fought very well and who knows what the outcome could have been if the bout went the full 10 rounds.

Ramirez' last bout had no controversy in it, just a disappointing ending for him. Ramirez was one of the American MuayThai fighters chosen to fight in the USA vs Belarus event this past January. He faced a young, (17) but Highly Experienced Alexei Pekarchik (46-5/27) of Minsk Belarus. In the bout, Ramirez never got warmed up from the cold air and found himself in trouble early taking several strong and well placed leg kicks from Pekarchik. After Ramirez took an 8 count from one of Pekarchik's kicks to his leg that sent him down again (This time, he was slow getting up which forced the referee to begin counting, good call.) After the count, Pekarchik went back to work on Ramirez leg again until one last strong shot took Ramirez out of the game for good at 2:10 of round 1. Ramarez hopes to be plenty warm in Australia though (Especially since it's summer time now down under...)

In the other IKF World Title bout of the night, IKF Pro World Bantamweight International Rules World Champion Holly "Wildcat" Ferneley of Sydney, NSW, Australia will face Julie Wood of New Zealand for the vacant IKF Pro Woman's MuayThai Rules Featherweight World Title. Ferneley won her IKF International Rules World title back on September 24th at the Croatian Club in Bankstown, Sydney, NSW, Australia as Hallack did. She won it with a "Devastating" 3rd round KICK KO to the right side of South African fighter Lynette Els jaw of .

Also on the night, current IKF International rules Welterweight New South Wales State Champion Bobby "Mr. Risky" Ristevski of Thunderlegs Gym, Sydney will face Dean Archer of Waikato Gym in New Zealand for the IKF Amateur MuayThai Rules South Pacific Welterweight Title.

The night will begin at 7.30 at the Bankstown Town Hall in Bankstown, NSW, Australia. (Corner of Rickard & Chappel Rds, Bankstown). Tickets are $25 General, $30 Balcony, $45 Ringside and $75 VIP (Includes Drinks & Food) . Wilesmith has also announced that the event will be filmed for Sky Television for a later release. He has also announced that Sky will telecast all Thunderlegs Promotions for 2000. Accommodations are provided by The Mecure, "Where the Champions Stay" in Rosehill, Sydney Australia.

The nights referee will be Mr. Raymond Eardley, Master of Ceremonies will be Howard Leigh. IKF President Steve Fossum will attend the event as the IKF Representative and IKF MuayThai Official Duke Roufus of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA will also attend and assist with USA Fighter Alberto Ramirez in his corner. Mrs. Tracey Penza of Australia will be the local, Australian IKF Australia Associate. For more info, please contact Mr. Robert Wilesmith at (612) 9897-5222, Fax: (612) 9681-7776 or Cell: (614) 121-1000 or e-mail at HERE!. For the Thunderlegs Website, Click this link; www.thunderlegs.com.au

MONDAY, February 28th, 2000, AT 9:40 AM

Shakuta and Kongnapa...
THE REMATCH!!!

Well MuayThai fans, the new superstar of IKF MuayThai, Dmitry Shakuta of Minsk, Belarus hasn't even gotten back to Minsk yet and already, Kongnapa has offered a REMATCH (See article posted 2-27-2000 below) to him and another shot at his IKF Pro MuayThai Rules Junior Middleweight World title on May 5th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. "We don't want ANY questions as to the outcome of this bout and we don't want to wait around to do it again." Said Kongnapa's trainer/promoter Duke Roufus.

Although Shakuta and trainer Evgeni Kotelnikov - { Evgeni Dobrotvorski } have yet to accept, (Only because they haven't even been offered it yet since they are not even home yet...) we don't think they'll hesitate. Shakuta was the best competition Kongnapa has seen in a long time and the same for Shakuta with Kongnapa. Were sure the rematch will be a SELLOUT so if you missed the first one, "DON'T" Miss this one!!!

If all is accepted, the rematch will take place on Saturday night, May 6th, 2000 at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 6000 West Ryan Road, Franklin Wisconsin, USA. In addition, the IKF is currently working to confirm that this bout and others on the event will be filmed for TV to be shown at a later date as well.

Once again, the IKF will select IKF Head of MuayThai Officials, Fred Fitzgerald as the bout referee. Although there was no question as to the judging of the first bout, we here at the IKF feel it would be best to have 3 different judges since the previous 3 have already judged these 2 fighters once before. The judges will most likely be one from Canada one from the USA and possibly one from Europe or Belarus as well.

It's going to be an all out WAR once again fight fans so again, DON'T MISS THIS ONE! For more info, please call Duke Roufus or Scott Joffe at (414) 319-1151, ext. 2 or for more information visit www.milwkick.com.

SUNDAY, February 27th, 2000, AT 9:30 PM

IKF Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Shakuta Proves He's
For "REAL"
Against Kongnapa!
Zuniga Comes Alive Against Downey!

About a month ago on these pages, we told you about a 19 year old fighter named Dmitry Shakuta of Minsk, Belarus. On that night, Shakuta fought Fernando Calleros of Albq. New Mexico, USA and won the IKF Pro MuayThai Intercontinental Welterweight Title in a 5 round unanimous decision. Some readers took the win lightly, commenting that Calleros wasn't an outstanding opponent. However, it was clear that those commenting weren't there at ringside in Minsk with us... For this was a hard fought war by 2 great fighters.

In the same article about the same event, we also told you about 4 other fighters we saw in Minsk that night. All of them with the same outstanding talent as Shakuta. One of which, on the same night, Visily Shish won the IKF Pro MuayThai Lightweight World Title. To make our point here, "Belarus has some GREAT MuayThai Fighters!"

From his win over Calleros in January, Shakuta earned instant recognition with the IKF and was granted a shot at an IKF World Title. IKF Promoter Duke Roufus (Who was the acting Team Captain for Team USA in Belarus) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA offered Shakuta the shot at an IKF World title he had been looking for. However since Roufus no longer had IKF MuayThai Welterweight World Champion Khunpon training at Phetnoi MuayThai Gym in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, (He's now living in Atlanta, Georgia, USA) he offered him a shot at well known IKF MuayThai World Champion Kongnapa who holds the IKF Junior Middleweight World Title. (1 weight class up from Welterweight) Shakuta and trainer Evgeni Kotelnikov - { Evgeni Dobrotvorski }- (IKF Central Europe Assistant Coordinator) quickly accepted before we even left Belarus with the bout planned for Saturday night, February 26th. now that the foundation is down, lets get on with the show...

Upon arrival, it was clear that "The Gam Had Changed" as far as IKF MuayThai in Milwaukee was concerned. AdCetre Sports' Duke Roufus and Scott Joffe opened the doors at their new stadium, the Milwaukee County Sports Complex and the new location served well to the standing room only crowd. From better parking and appearance to better fighter facilities, the new location is sure to serve the fans and fighters as well as Roufus and Joffe much better. No, it didn't quite have the nostalgia look of their old venue, The Eagles Club but what they gained from the new location for their future in MuayThai promoting will prove to all a wise move.

Well, enough on the venue and the past. We know you all want to hear about the MAIN EVENT which proved to be a bout that the fans deserved.

A clash of two
True World Class MuayThai Warriors!

Shakuta made it clear that all the titles he won in the past were only second to the one he wanted, the IKF World title. With the IKF Intercontinental MuayThai Title already around his waist, the 19 year old from Belarus wanted to prove it wasn't just a lucky night in Belarus with Calleros. He now wanted to add win number 62 to his already impressive record (61-4 with 25 KO's) and wear the World Title Belt. However, on the other side of the ring stood the current IKF World Champion, Kongnapa (King of the Sky. A 4-Time Rajadamnern Stadium Champion in Thailand and holder of the IKF Junior Middleweight MuayThai Rules World Title. Since he started at the age of 16, the 31 year old Kongnapa has accumulated an outstanding Pro MuayThai record of 101 wins, 10 loses, 6 draws with 50 KO's. Kongnapa was a warrior who had been here MANY Times before and in some ways, after 117 fights, tonights bout was just another day at the office for him in his long and impressive career. However Shakuta was out to prove this would be no day at the office Kongnapa would forget. He was about to give Kongnapa the fight of his life, or at least the best he had in the last several years.

It was bout 9 on the program if you didn't include the 4 prelim non sanctioned bouts. With their prospected countries flags leading the way, Shakuta and Kongnapa made their way to the ring and entered as they both had many times before, as True Warrior Champions. To set the stage even more and let you all know what Shakuta was really up against on this night, keep in mind that Kongnapa has challenged EVERY World Champion at his weight from Every Organization, but none have accepted. It's clear that no MuayThai fighter between 145 and 160 lbs (65.9 kg to 72.7 kg) in North America will accept a bout with him and those who "WANT" people to think they "Would" fight him use the common excuse of money and say they want $10 to $20,000 to do it... Kongnapa has even offered to fight some of these so called World Champions for FREE! And Still, they find excuses. We needed to say this because we needed everyone to know the challenge that Shakuta faced going into this bout. This was no second class fighter Shakuta was facing. Kongnapa was the "Best in the World", and has proved it over and over again many times to those who "WOULD" accept a fight with him, which seem to be few lately. Yet Shakuta was a fighter without fear, with confidence over flowing in the ring. Did he not know who he was fighting or was he truly that confident and that good... Lets find out...

When the bell sounded for round 1, the game was under way... Kongnapa seemed to be more relaxed in the opening round scoring on quick and explosive combinations after a slow first minute. Half way into the round, Kongnapa caught Shakuta's kick and followed with a strong punch that rocked Shakuta, dropping him to the canvas hard. The knockdown forced seasoned MuayThai referee Fred Fitzgerald to give a standing 8 count to Shakuta. After the count, Kongnapa pressed Shakuta around the ring and it suddenly looked as if he would make easy work of Shakuta like he had done so many times before with other opponents. However, Shakuta weathered the storm and round 1 was over. Because of the knockdown, Kongnapa was leading 10-8 on all 3 judges cards. But was it a sign of things to come...?

As the bell sounded in round 2, Kongnapa continued to press Shakuta, laughing at every kick and punch he threw and following up the majority of them with quick combinations. It appeared Shakuta was tense in the ring and unable to relax and find a rhythm. Kongnapa knew it and pressed on throughout the round. When round 2 was over, it was a surprise to see one of the judges, Sal D' Amato score the round 10-9 Shakuta while the other 2, B. J. Lavota & Tony Randazzo saw the round 10-9 Kongnapa. So at the end of 2 scored rounds, Kongnapa was up on all 3 judges cards. A score of 20-17 on 2 and 19-18 on the other. At this point looking at the bout "Mathematically" Shakuta, at best would end up with a Majority DRAW if he won the next 3 rounds. He knew now the only way to win was by a knockdown or knockout and he needed to get busy, but would he do it soon enough?

THURSDAY, February 24th, 2000, AT 2:10 PM

Kongnapa Meets Shakuta
To Defend IKF MuayThai World Title
In Milwaukee!

Can WAKO World Champion Dimitri Shakuta Dethrone "King of the Sky?"

IKF Junior Middleweight MuayThai Rules World Champion Kongnapa (King of the Sky - (101-10-6, 50 KO's) will look to once again defend his IKF World Title this Saturday night February 26th at the Muaythai Gala in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. His opponent this time will be Dimitri Shakuta of Minsk Belarus. Shakuta holds the IKF Intercontinental MuayThai Title and the WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organization) World Title. The event will be held at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, located at 6000 West Ryan Road in Franklin, Wisconsin. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first bout of the evening begins at 7:00 PM.

Kongnapa, 31, resides in Milwaukee, but is originally from Eesarn, Thailand. He began fighting in Bangkok's premier stadiums when he was 16 and is a 4-Time Rajadamnern Stadium Champion. Kongnapa, recognized as one of Muaythai's finest Champions of all-time, is also the Head Trainer and Coach of Milwaukee's Phetnoi MuayThai Gym and Team USA. He is managed by retired IKF MuayThai World Champion and trainer Duke Roufus (Owner of Phetnoi MuayThai Gym -Milwaukee-) and Scott Joffe. Kongnapa won the IKF World Title back on October 24th, 1998 when he defeated Ryan Jones of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada when he KOed Jones with a strong hook punch that left Jones motionless on the canvas. Since winning his IKF World title, Kongnapa has fought 5 times for the IKF defending his title 3 times. With wins over Eval Denton of England ( 5 round unanimous decision, February 6th, 1999) Marcus Mangan of Australia, ( TKO win, March 20th, 1999) and 2 time European Champion, Vadim Chamiakin (KO win round 2, September 18th, 1999). In addition to the title defense bouts, he fought Jeremy Abbott (Win by TKO, May 1st, 1999).

The most interesting of Kongnapa's 5 bouts was more of a laugher in Kongnapa's record book. A Pro boxer named Donnie Penelton had challenged Kongnapa saying he could stand up to any MuayThai fighter. Going into the bout, Penelton exaggerated a bit to everyone, saying he had a Pro Boxing record of 60 wins and 30 loses, a Pro Kickboxing record of 76 wins and 11 loses with 50+ KO's, Amateur boxing record of 33 wins and 4 loses and Amateur kickboxing record of 17 wins and 2 loses. Regardless, as far as Kongnapa was concerned, he could have had a million wins under his belt and Kongnapa STILL would have taken the challenge. However, the truth be shown as facts when the bell rang for the first round and Penelton lasted a whole 17 Seconds when Kongnapa put him away with "1" leg kick back on December 4th, 1998. After the bout, the IKF reviewed Fight Fax Boxing www.sportsnetwork.com to find that Penelton actually had a pro boxing record of 6 wins, 74 loses, 2 draws and 2 KO's fighting from between 160 lbs to as much as 200 (He fought Kongnapa at 163 lbs). Far from what he wanted everyone to believe going into the bout.

Dimitri Shakuta, an extremely talented Muaythai fighter who is not afraid to use the elbow often. He fights out of the Kickfighter Gym in Minsk, Belarus.Shakuta recently defeated Fernando Calleros in Minsk, Belarus this past January by unanimous decision. (Find story by clickingHERE) Callaros was no slouch opponent either. Last year he defeated IKF MuayThai World Champion Danny Steel of Las Angeles, CA, USA in a 5 round non title bout.Shakuta's record is impressive for his young age at 61 wins and only 4 loses with 25 knockouts. As mentioned above, he holds the WAKO world title and the IKF Intercontinental MuayThai title. This premier event once again showcases two world-class Muaythai fighters - in Milwaukee - a city recognized worldwide as America's Muaythai hotbed.

In addition, James "Knock 'em Down" Downey, The first American Thai boxer to fight - and win - at Bangkok's Historic Rajadamnern Stadium makes his Junior Middleweight Milwaukee Pro debut in a rematch against his "1999's Fight of the Year" opponent, Dave Zuniga of Winnipeg, Canada's premier Muaythai gym, Sik Tai. This bout is Downey's first since returning to the US after training for 3 months at Thailand's renowned Phetnoi Gym. Downey's October 23, 1999 bout, a unanimous decision over Zuniga, was quite simply, an all out war. This meeting brings together two of the most exciting Muaythai fighters competing today in North America and Canada.

A total of 10 Muaythai bouts will be featured during the evening, along with a "No Holds Barred" Submission Fighting special Prestige match featuring Professional World Ultimate Fighting Champion Adrian Serrano of Milwaukee against Oleg Damsky of Moscow, Russia. Featured bouts include:

1. IKF Light Heavyweight Wisconsin State MTR Title Bout
   Derek "T.N.T." Yuen, Milwaukee Phetnoi
   VS John Holley, Master Toddy Gym.Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
   
   
2. Heavyweight "Bad" Brad Fowler, Milwaukee Phetnoi
   VS Giuseppe "The Godfather" Denatale, Sik-Tai, Winnipeg.
   
   
3. Featherweights Josh "Kongnoi" Tarman, Milwaukee Phetnoi
   VS Pokham Gietphongkay, St. Paul, Minnesota.
   
   
4. Welterweights Jason "Straight Edge" Strout, Milwaukee Phetnoi
   VS Jeff Simsons, Peoria Thai Boxing Club, Peoria, Illinois.
   
   
5. Featherweights Rachel Thomas, Milwaukee Phetnoi
   VS Tracy Kuschel, Emerald Mongoose Gym, Omaha, Nebraska.
   
   
6. Welterweights Julie Jackle, Milwaukee Phetnoi
   VS Tammy Rosa, Emerald Mongoose Gym.
   
   
7. Lightweights Arnold Ibardaloza, Degerberg Academy, Chicago, Illinois
   VS Eric Stein, Peoria Thai Boxing Club.
   
   
8. Junior Division, Paperweight match, Tony "The Kid" Kindel, Milwaukee Phetnoi
   VS Mike Rood, St. Paul, Minnesota.
   
   

Three types of tickets are available: VIP Gold Circle Ringside ($50.00 advance, $60.00 door); Ringside Reserved ($30.00 advance, $35.00 door) and Bleacher ($15.00 advance, $20.00 door, children 12 and under $10.00 door only). Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the Ticket Hotline at (414) 319-1151, ext. 2.

A Post Fight Party will be held at the CHARCOAL GRILL RESTAURANT, 8933 South 27th Street, Franklin beginning at 10:00 PM. The kitchen stays open late on fight night, preparing excellent rotisserie chicken and thick, homestyle chicken dumpling soup, among the countless other savory dishes the Charcoal Grill is known for.

Classic Muaythai videos will be shown and raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the current and up-and-coming superstars of authentic Muaythai and learn more about this ancient, 700 year old spiritual art and national sport of Thailand. All fans of good times and good food are invited.

Ad Cetera Sports is proud to welcome to Milwaukee special VIP Guests:

• IKF President Steve Fossum, Newcastle, CA, USA.
• Head IKF MuayThai Referee Khun Fred Fitzgerald, (The only American certified by the World Muaythai Council to referee Muaythai in the US and Thailand) Neptune, New Jersey, USA.
• IKF Central Europe Associate Evgeni Kotelnikov - { Evgeni Dobrotvorski } President of the Byelorussian Kickboxing Muaythai Federation, Minsk, Republic of Belarus.
• Vasil Neumiarzhitski, Vice President of BKBMTF BANK, Minsk.
• Pavel Neumiarzhitski, team interpreter, Minsk. Andrei Mischanchuk representing Belarus Television, Minsk.
• Sergey Drobushevski, President Belarus Referee Commission, Minsk
• Raman Karaliou, Chairman Belarus Trade Union, Minsk.

We are honored to have all of these fine sportsmen and officials in attendance. The event is produced by Ad Cetera Sports and sponsored by the Charcoal Grill, Deluxe/Twins Muaythai Equipment, Ringside Inc. ARG Machining, Teamsters Local 200 & 344, Knight's Inn, Chippewa Spring Water, Community Newspapers, Bally, Balistreri's Restaurant, Amelia's Restaurant, Bell Ambulance, Watts Communications, Attorney Martin Stein and Hampton Dental Clinic. The next event is 7:00 PM., Saturday, April 1, 2000 at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex. For more info, please call Scott Joffe at (414) 319-1151, ext. 2 for more information and to reserve tickets or visit www.milwkick.com.

MORE NEWS OF 2-24-2000. . .

Rosier Back In The Boxing Ring!

Super Heavyweight kickboxer and boxer Kevin Rosier of Buffalo, New York, USA will step into the boxing ring this weekend to face past WBC & WBA Boxing Champion Tim Witherspoon. The two will meet Friday night in a 10 round main event at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Results coming next week.

TUESDAY, February 22nd, 2000, AT 10:50 PM

More Weekend IKF Results...

New York, USA
New York Showdown 3 a Huge SUCCESS!

Once again, IKF Promoters Steve Ventura, David Ross and their "New York Showdown" event proved that an all amateur card can provide non-stop action and excitement and draw large crowds of spectators. Once again, the tickets were sold out well before the day of the event, the place was packed with those willing to stand just to see the action and unfortunately many were turned away at the door. Almost all of the trainers in attendance joked that it was time to find a bigger venue!

The New York Showdown series has rightfully earned an excellent reputation as a high quality event open to all amatuer fighters, which is fair and which is open to all rules styles. The eleven matches featured Full Contact Rules, International / Leg Kick Rules, Modified MuayThai Rules, San Shou Rules and even a Pancrase style match. The event also featured a wide variety of New York area gyms including NY kung-fu and Kickboxing, Yee's Hung Ga, Ultimate Muay Thai Gym, Borodine's Muay Thai, Moti Horenstein's Survival Center and Jonas Nunez' America's Finest Academy.

RESULTS..

1. IKF Full Contact Rules
   Alex Alonso (America's Finest) defeated Chris John (NY Kung-Fu) by split decision. This fight was not scheduled to happen but turned into a great fight! First, Chris John was filling in for a sick team mate and took the fight the night before. Then, unexpectedly, the other fighter also dropped out and Alonso stepped into the ring with 10 minutes notice! For two last minute replacements, these guys fought a back and forth, action filled bout which brought the crowd to its feet on several occassions.
   
   
2. IKF Modified MuayThai Rules
   Lamont Pickney (Ultimate Gym) defeated Ray Cruz (Survival Center) by unanimous decision. Rumor has it Pickney has been training seven days a week with Muay Thai world champion Coban and it showed as he fought brilliantly against a game and tough Cruz on way to this victory.
   
   
3. IKF San Shou Rules
   Albert Pope (Boston San Shou) defeated Larry Lierman (Yee's Hung Ga) by unanimous decision. Pope's wrestling background proved decisive here as he used many throws to dominate this match.
   
   
4. IKF Full Contact Rules
   Michael Colon (America's Finest) defeated Norman Lattis (NY Kung-Fu) by unanimous decision. IN this match, Lattis' inexperience did him in. He came out like a ball of fire in the first round, winning it on all three judges' cards. However, he tired himself out and a clever Colon capitalized to win the next two rounds and secure victory.
   
   
5. International / Leg Kick Rules
   Larry Norman (NY Kung-Fu) defeated Mark Camaj (Ultimate Gym) by split decision. Norman, the smaller of the two fighters but currently also fighting in the Golden Gloves tournament, used his superior boxing to win this bout. With the leg kicks about even, the overhand right and hook proved to be the decisive factor in this bout.
   
   
6. San Shou Rules Rules
   Gree Dorsey (Baltimore San Shou) defeated Brian Klingborg (Yee's Hung Ga) by majority decision. A close and very technical match that once again pitted Yee's Hung Ga against Boston San Shou.
   
   
7. International / Leg Kick Rules
   Adam Resnick (NY Kung-Fu) defeated Hassan Aziz (Aziz Muay Thai) by FORFEIT.
   Sadly, the only negative in the entire event was the attitude of the head trainer of Aziz Muay Thai.
   • First he complained that the scale was wrong even when BOTH fighters were weighed in at the same time on the same scale!
   • Second, he complained about a three pound weight difference?
   • Third, despite agreeing to an international rules bout A MONTH before the event, he decided on the day of the event that they wanted to fight Modified Muay Thai. Obviously, Aziz was told this could not be done the day of an event!
   • The final straw was refusing to put on their head gear once in the ring. Instead, they turned around and walked out of the ring, refusing to fight!
     • The other Muay Thai gyms in attendance felt that Aziz's conduct gave Muay Thai a bad name, especially as all the spectators in attendance booed and hissed!
       
       
8. Pancrase Rules
   Brad Pearce (Renzo Gracie BJJ) defeated Jimm Zabiegalski (Shuai Jiao) by collar choke from mount.
   
   
9. San Shou Rules
   David Whiltshire (Yee's Hung Ga) defeated Ray Neves (Boston San Shou) by TKO at beginning of RD 3. Neves' vision was not clear at the end of RD 2 and so his corner kept him on the stool at the beginning of RD 3. Whiltshire extends his record to 3-0 and is an up and coming local fighter.
   
   
10. Modified MuayThai Rules
    IKF United States Amateur MuayThai Light Middleweight Champion Steven Berkolayko (Borodine's Muay Thai) defeated Misael Aponte (Ultimate Gym) by unanimous decision. Berkolayko showed a wide variety of technique and a firece fighting spirit in this match, moving constantly forward and throwing many fierce combinations. Aponte was game and strong but simply outmatched this time around.
    
    
11. San Shou Rules
    Marvin Perry (Boston San Shou) defeated Mohammedreaza Saghei (NY Kung-Fu) by TKO RD 2. Mohammedreaza injured his ankle after receiving a low kick and could not continue.Perry continues to show that he is a clam fighter who sticks to his game plan and continues to improve. Of course, Mohammedreaza wants to return from the injury and fight again!

The next New York Showdown will be held June 24, 2000. For fighter info or tickets info, please contact Steve Ventura or David Ross at (212) 242-2453.

ALSO COMING TO NEW YORK...

On April 7th, 8th & 9th, 2000, New York Kung Fu & Kickboxing, will be host to the 2000 IKF / RINGSIDE North East Division #1 Regional which will include the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia. For more info, see their info page for this event by clicking HERE!.

MONDAY, February 21st, 2000, AT 5:15 PM

Weekend IKF Results...
Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Jessie Finney of St. Louis, Missouri, USA defeated Darrell Baker of Memphis, Tennessee, USA to win the vacant IKF and KICK U.S. Amateur Title. Full Results coming later in the week...

MORE NEWS OF 2-21-2000. . .

Coming Later in the Week...
News & Results Of;

IKF New York & IKF Texas, USA

FRIDAY, February 18th, 2000, AT 7:45 PM

Lots of IKF Action
This Weekend... As Usual...

Four IKF Promoters will be taking care of business around the U.S this weekend while IKF President Steve Fossum will be discussing IKF European organization. Meeting with Fossum this weekend will be IKF European Representative Alby Bimpson of England and IKF European Coordinator Mick Fowles also of England.

The discussions will focus on this years IKF European Events, Special Seminars and other IKF organization in Europe. Also included will be the discussing of appointments for European country representatives. Finalizing the meetings will be talks regarding European SKY TV programming since the IKF will begin their new North American TV programing this year. Here's a rundown of this weekends IKF Kickboxing action...

IKF New York, New York, USA
PLENTY Of Action At
New York Showdown 3!!!

There won't be any lack of action this weekend in New York as IKF Promoters David Ross & Steve Ventura have scheduled a great card for this Saturday night, February 19th's Event at the New York Kung-Fu and Kickboxing Academy. The event will feature some top San Shou Style Fighters on the East Coast. No Titles, just GREAT ACTION!!! Also featured on the card will be Full Contact and International / Leg Kick rules bouts. The club is located at 43 W 24th Street, New York, NY, USA. Tickets are $15 General and $20 Ringside. Here's the nights Line-up;

1. IKF AMATEUR SAN SHOU RULES
   Ken Richmond (Sun's KuoShou) vs Adam Resnick (NY Kung-Fu)
   
   
2. IKF AMATEUR SAN SHOU RULES
   Ray ... (Boston San Shou) vs David Wiltshire (Yee's Hung Ga)
   
   
3. IKF AMATEUR SAN SHOU RULES
   Gregg Dorsey (Boston San Shou) vs Brian Klingborg (Yee's Hung Ga)
   
   
4. IKF AMATEUR INTERNATIONAL / LEG KICK RULES
   Marvin Perry (Boston San Shou) vs Hassan Aziz (Muay Thai)
   
   
5. IKF AMATEUR INTERNATIONAL / LEG KICK RULES
   Albert Pope (Boston San Shou) vs Ejam Illouie (Muay Thai)
   
   
6. IKF AMATEUR FULL CONTACT RULES
   Norman Lattis (NY Kung-Fu) vs Ronnie Cook (Cormack's KB)
   
   
7. IKF AMATEUR INTERNATIONAL / LEG KICK RULES
   Elan Schwarcz vs TBA
   
   
8. IKF AMATEUR INTERNATIONAL / LEG KICK RULES
   Larry Norman (NY Kung-Fu) vs TBA
   
   
9. AMATEUR PANCRASE RULES
   Jim Zabiegalski (Shuai Jiao) vs Len Sonia (BJJ)
   
   

For more information on this event, contact Mr. David Ross or Mr. Steve Ventura at (212) 242-2453 or e-mail by clicking HERE!

Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Baker & Finney
Battle For Vacant IKF Amateur U. S. Title!

IKF Promoter Jeff Mullen is all set to host KICKSHOOT 2000 this Saturday night, February 19th, at the New Daisy Theatre in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The event will feature a Co-Sanctioned Main Event when Jessie Finney of St Louis, Missouri puts his K.I.C.K. U. S. Title on the line along with fighting for the Vacant IKF Full Contact Rules Light Heavyweight U.S. Title against Darrell Baker of Memphis Tennessee, USA.

Previous IKF Full Contact Rules Light Heavyweight Champion Mike Dougherty of Loomis, CA has chosen to turn pro so he retired the title to make it available for Finney and Baker. For more info on this event, Contact Mr. Jeff Mullen at (901) 757-0985 or e-mail by clicking HERE!

IKF McAllen, Texas, USA

IKF Promoter Walt Mason will host an amateur kickboxing event in McAllen, Texas, USA this Saturday night, February 19th. For more information, please contact Mr. Walt Mason at (972) 239-5053 or e-mail by clicking HERE!

• SPECIAL TEXAS NOTE: We'd like to apologize for the lack of updates and news info about the last several Texas Events to all you Texas Kickboxing fighters and fans that have e-mailed us. However, if we don't receive any event info, we can't print any info which has been the case with the last 3 Texas events. Believe us, if we could have it, we would print it... Please direct your questions to Mr. Mason by e-mail by clicking HERE.

WEDNESDAY, February 16th, 2000, AT 4:00 PM

Attention ALL
1999 IKF/RINGSIDE
National (USA) Amateur Tournament Champions

Like ANY Championship Event, you will be required to start from scratch all over again to Win the 2000 IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Tournament Title. All 1999 Champions who were awarded the IKF U. S. Title in their weight and rule class will stay title holders until they either lose or retire their titles or move into the pro ranks as some have already done. You will need to go through the entire Regional Event Process as before, just like in the World Series, Super Bowl etc. etc. We wish you luck in 2000.

TUESDAY, February 15th, 2000, AT 10:10 PM

Something To Think About For Your Day....

Today... This is the beginning of a fresh new day. Today comes only once, and never again returns. God has given us this 24 hours to use as we will. We must do something good with this day and not waste it. Each day is a little life. This day is our day of opportunity and duty. Today we will be filled with courage and confidence. What we do today is very important because we are exchanging a day of our lives for it. The cost of something can be measured by the amount of our lives we spend obtaining it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in it's place something we have traded for it. In order that we shall not forget the price we paid for it, we must do our best, make it useful, profitable, and successful.
Our lives will be richer or poorer by the way we use today.

by Alfred A. Montapert

MONDAY, February 14th, 2000, AT 2:45 PM

Canada
"ROCKS THE HOUSE!"

Honeymoon Armageddon Fighters Coquete & DeNatale Claim IKF Titles!

It takes TEAMWORK to make great things happen and last Saturday night in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, it was obvious that Team Sik Tai had been working hard to make "Honeymoon Armageddon... World Championship MuayThai Kickboxing" a Great success despite some recent setbacks. Earlier this year, the Sik Tai Camp moved into a fantastic new 6,000 square foot facility in Winnipeg. However, while most would celebrate a new move, Sik Tai instead was met with the emotions of anger from being the victims of some unknown burglars. Sik Tai owner and head instructor Arthur Pereira opened the door one morning to discover the club was cleaned out of thousands of dollars of their MuayThai training equipment along with computers, stereos and other electronic equipment. With such a big loss, many promoters may have chosen to quit working on what was planned to be the largest kickboxing promotions ever in Winnipeg and you know what? Everyone would have understood fully. However to Pereira and co-promoter Frank Albo, quitting was not an option and instead, focused on the famous words of many winners today, "The Show Must Go On!" And What a show it was!!!

Teamwork is something stressed within the IKF organization Worldwide as many of you know and such Teamwork was clear last Saturday night at the Winnipeg Convention Center. Although the air outside was FREEZING!" (Much colder than when we were in Belarus -West of Russia- a couple weeks back) The temperature inside was STEAMING With ACTION! But the action wouldn't have been possible without Teamwork. Although Sik Tai leader Arthur Pereira lead the Team, we would like to give praise to a very important behind the scene individual that co-promoted the event with Pereira, Frank Albo. What makes Albo's efforts even more incredible is that just six months ago, Albo didn't even know the word MuayThai let alone how many minutes in a pro MuayThai bout and other basic things about the sport. However if you were a part of the event, very few noticed Albo's lack of knowledge of the sport because by fight time, Albo had come a long way with his knowledge of Promoting MuayThai. Albo's open mind and willingness to learn is what made his work for the night so brilliant. By approaching the promotion with an open mind and learning as much as possible leading up to it, Albo was willing to learn from us here at the IKF and others such as IKF Promoter Arthur Pereira and IKF MuayThai referee Fred Fitzgerald. All helped Albo form a better understanding of the sport by answering his various questions about MuayThai and promoting as well. Together, Pereira and Albo headed up Sik Tai's winning team that should bring years of success to Sik Tai's promotions in Winnipeg. It's clear to all of us that we can now say that Albo knows MuayThai quite well after Saturday night. It's clear that the experienced gained from Pereira's 50+ previous promotions was a major part of the shows success.

When we entered the Winnipeg Convention Center, we thought we were entering a "LIVE Televised Event!" The venue was outstanding from top to bottom with spotlights, strobes, color lights, white tablecloth Reserved Ringside Tables and a heart pumping sound system. "IF" the fighters were at all unmotivated, the "PA-ZAZ" of the venue alone would bring their adrenaline to a heart pounding level! Even the dressing rooms were first class as both red and blue had an elevated view looking down at all the action in the ring. Before we cover the nights action in order, lets report on the Main Event of the night.

• MAIN EVENT
  IKF PRO MUAY THAI
  MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
  • As we mentioned, the night was all about WORLD TITLE ACTION and the nights IKF World Title Main Event didn't let the crowd of several thousand that jammed into the Convention Center down one bit. The Main Event was the 7th MuayThai bout of the night and it was for the vacant IKF Pro World MuayThai Middleweight Title. The bout was fought under modified MuayThai Rules since Manitoba doesn't allow elbows in any bouts. However, knees were allowed to the entire body including the head. The featured contenders for the vacant title were Winnipeg's hometown boy, Robert Coquete of Sik Tai Muay Thai with an impressive pro fighting record of 36 wins, no loses with 24 wins coming by knockout. Coquete's amateur record was also unmarked at 20 and 0 with 14 wins by knockout. Facing Coquete for the vacant title was IKF Pro European Champion, Eval Denton of Wolverhampton, England. Denton entered the bout having just won his European title last year. His record stood at 38 wins with 20 loses and 11 wins by knockout.
  • As the action started, it was clear that both fighters had great respect for each others ability as they avoided the clinch throughout most of the bout. Through all 5 rounds, neither fighter truly dominated or took control of the bout as the scores by the judges went back and forth. The only sign of power was in the 4th round when Denton unloaded several wild straight rights that snapped Coquete's head back each time. However, Coquete stood up to them all coming back with his own attacks. Both fighters were able to kick the others legs out from under them several times in the bout sending the other to the ring canvas, each time exciting the crowd more and more. As the final bell sounded, the bout went to the judges cards and it was clear that even the judges saw a close bout as well. As the scores of 48-47, 49-46 & 48-47 were read, it was Coquete coming out on top and winning the vacant IKF Pro MuayThai Rules Middleweight World title by unanimous decision. Our congratulations go out to the new IKF World Champion and our praise to both fighters who fought a great main event.
  • The win now leaves Coquete with 2 possibilities. One, a rematch with Denton in England later in the year or two, a promised title defense against #1 ranked IKF MuayThai Middleweight Peter Angerer of Mossingen, Germany later in the year. If Denton and Coquete rematch, regardless of the outcome, one of them will eventually face Angerer in a title defense on an event in Florida USA later this year when Angerer will be in the USA to co-promote with one of his associates. Angerer himself has an impressive record of 87 wins, 22 loses, 1 draw with 32 wins by knockout. He's mostly known in the fight game as a top Shidokan fighter. Currently, the IKF is involved with several Shidokan events with Angerer in Europe and the event in Florida, USA will mix MuayThai with Shidokan.

• IKF SEMI MAIN EVENT
  PRO MUAY THAI
  
  • The nights Semi Main Event in Winnipeg featured the big boys as Milwaukee Wisconsin Heavyweight Jason Johnson of Phetnoi Gym faced Wade Irwin of Sik Tai Muay Thai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Pro: 10-2/4, AM: 1-3/0) In 1999, Johnson achieved two great prestigious titles. He won the IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Amateur MuayThai title at the USA National Tournament in September and he later won the World Amateur MuayThai Title in Thailand. With nothing left to achieve as an amateur, Johnson stepped up to make his pro debut after an impressive amateur record of 7 wins and no loses with 5 wins coming by knockout. During the bout, both Johnson and Irwin excited the crowd with excellent MuayThai technique. Although Irwin sported a pro record of only 1 win and 2 loses going into the match, he appeared as strong and impressive as his amateur record of 10-2 indicated instead. This was a perfect example of a fighter with a losing record that is FAR from a losing fighter. Round by round, Irwin exchanged strong knees with Johnson in the clinch. Irwin was blocking most of Johnson's knees while he was landing nearly every one of his to Johnson's ribs. However, midway through the 3rd round, Irwin made a surprising change in his game plan and started to fight Johnson with an outside game plan. This clearly got Irwin in trouble as Johnson was clearly the better boxer and kicker scoring with both high and low kicks along with quick punch combinations. Irwin kept choosing the outside game in the final two rounds as well which was clearly a bad decision that cost him the bout as Johnson went on to a unanimous decision win, 49-46, 48-47 & 49-46.

• MAIN EVENT
  IKF AMATEUR MUAY THAI
  CANADIAN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
  • The other IKF Title bout of the night featured Winnipeg's Giuseppe DeNatale of Sik Tai Muay Thai (6 wins, 5 loses with 3 KO's) against Surrey, British Columbia Canada's Ryan Graham. (14 wins, 4 loses with 1 KO) The bout was for the vacant IKF Amateur MuayThai Canadian Heavyweight Title. From the opening bell, DeNatale came on strong and was a much more improved technical fighter with more power than we've seen from his previous IKF bouts. DeNatale seemed to score at will with leg kicks, knees and strong hand combinations in the opening two rounds putting him ahead quick on all the judges cards. When round 3 started, he opened the throttle wide up scoring on combination after combination until he dropped Graham to the canvas with a strong right hand at the 1 minute mark of the 3rd round. Shaken, Graham stood up as IKF MuayThai Referee Fred Fitzgerald finished the 8 count. DeNatale wasted little time in moving in for the kill as he unloaded several more combinations on Graham which ended when DeNatale landed a head kick on Graham that dropped him at the 1:33 mark of the round. As Fitzgerald counted, he saw it was obvious that Graham was out on his feet and he stopped th bout at 1:44 of the 3rd round. DeNatale was awarded the IKF Amateur MuayThai Canadian Heavyweight Title.

Here's a round-up of the nights undercard MuayThai bouts.
All bouts were MuayThai Rules Bouts;

1. Paul Cabral, (1-0/1, Sik Tai Muay Thai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) wins by TKO over Jason Shumilak, (0-2/0, Selkirl, Manitoba, Canada) at :33 of round 1. Shumilak was dropped to the canvas by a strong right hand from Cabral and although he stood up, he was out on his feet and Referee Fred Fitzgerald stopped the bout.
   
   
2. Joe Zychowka, (5-2/2, Sik Tai Muay Thai, Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada) won by unanimous decision over Nick Hare, (4-3/2, Phetnoi Gym, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.
   
   
3. Agostino DeNatale, (3-1-1/2, Sik Tai Muay Thai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) won a "Controversial" 3 round decision over Neal Fox, (2-2-2/1, Phetnoi Gym, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) 29-28, 30-27 & 29-28. We say controversial because to many at Ringside, it appeared Fox should have been ahead on the score cards. Even more clear that DeNatale couldn't have won all 3 rounds as one judge thought. However, this was what the judges saw and scored. This bout "May" be reviewed.
   
   
4. Main Event fighter Robert Coquete's wife Crystal Coquete, (1-0/0, Sik Tai Muay Thai, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) entered the ring for the first time which was the reason for the event title, Honeymoon Armageddon. If both won their bouts, a sponsor, (Sunset International of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) would pay for an all expenses paid 5 Star Honeymoon Retreat for the two. Well, it looks like Sunset International will need to pay up as Crystal as well, won her bout by unanimous decision over Rachel Thomas (2-5/1, Phetnoi Gym, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) 29-28, 30-27 & 30-27. Have fun you two...
   
   

We here at the IKF would like to thank and congratulate all those involved with the outstanding job on the IKF Winnipeg Canada Event. It was clear that their hard work and dedication despite their set backs were rewarded in the great success of a dynamic event! Great job to all the fighters as well. As all those fighters on our IKF Events around the world know, whether you win or lose, you "Walked The Walk!" We look forward to the next show!.... Maybe in the summer though Arthur and Frank.... We're kinda wimps when it comes to that Cold Canadian Air...

As we were going through Customs at the Winnipeg Airport on our way out of Canada, the Immigration Officers recognized us from the event. Seems they enjoyed the night as well. We'd like to thank United States Department of Justice, Immigration & Naturalization Service Immigration Officer William Jackson for making the process smooth sailing for us. For more event information, please contact Contact Mr. Arthur Pereira or Frank Albo at: (204) 775-2672 or (204) 235-1357 or: e-mail by clicking HERE!

MORE NEWS OF 2-14-2000. . .

Winter Wars
2000

IKF Georgia, USA
In the evening's most anticipated kickboxing bout, Augusta's "Precious" Paul Pearman faced Shannon Hudson of Greer, South Carolina in the Light Middleweight division. Pearman, 39, trains at Mike Carlson's Augusta Martial Arts Academy, while Hudson, 20, was cornered by his brother KICK World Kickboxing Champion Kevin Hudson and Ronnie Copeland, KICK Kickboxing U.S. Champion.Hudson's youth, skill, and power were evident throughout the match, as he slammed devastating round kicks into the veteran Pearman. In the end, however, Pearman's experience and strategy to "confuse the kid" won out as he took the win via a close split decision with the "up and comer" Hudson.

1. IKF Amateur Light Middleweight
   Matt Jackson of Simpsonville, South Carolina defeated Jeremy Courcelle of Toddville, Iowa by TKO at 1 minute and 33 seconds in the third round. A first fight for both opponents, the match was very fast-paced. Courcelle, a black belt in tae kwon do, threw many head level kicks, while Jackson dominated with a flurry of jabs and right crosses.
   
   
2. IKF Amateur Womens Welterweight
   Summer Miller of Augusta, Georgia scored a TKO at 1 minute into the second round against Jennifer Morris of Statham, Georgia in the Welterweight division. This bout was also the first for both fighters and became a veritable slugfest, with Miller completely controlling the match with powerful kicks and well-placed punches.
   
   
3. IKF Amateur Lightweight
   In the Lightweight division, 16 year old Justin Pickett of North Augusta, Georgia won a unanimous decision against Tim Kirk, 23, of Hinesville, Georgia. In addition to being seven years older than his opponent, Kirk also outweighed Pickett by eleven pounds. These differences did not matter in the ring. Pickett was quick and maintained control of the fight, dodging spinning back kicks and delivering a barrage of combinations that left Kirk behind on the scorecard.
   
   
4. IKF Amateur Light Welterweight
   Paul Edmonds of Augusta, Georgia landed an unintentional knee to the head of Mohammed Al-Bazz of Atlanta, Georgia, rendering him unable to continue and causing the match to end in a "no contest" in the second round. This began as a well-matched fight, despite Edmonds' four inch height advantage over Al-Bazz, with both fighters trading punches with a great deal of power and technique.
   
   
5. IKF Amateur Womens Featherweight
   In the final kickboxing match of the night, Augusta's Michelle Fiesler lost to Carrollton, Georgia's Christy Lindsey by unanimous decision in a women's Featherweight bout.Fiesler, who began this match with a record of 1-0, got off to a strong start by winning the first round.Lindsey, a first time fighter, rallied back with strong technique and stamina to capture the next two rounds.

For more information, or directions to the event, please contact Augusta Martial Arts Academy at 706-855-5269, fax 706-855-7119 or e-mail by clicking HERE.

MORE NEWS OF 2-14-2000. . .

Wilson Defeats Nilsson
For ISCF Title!

J.J. "Killer" Wilson stops Augusta's Jack"The Ripper" Nilsson, to win the ISCF Pro East Coast U.S. Super Heavyweight Title at 1 minute and 47 seconds of round 3!
See the ISCF News Page for Full NHB Results by clicking HERE!

MORE NEWS OF 2-14-2000. . .

Team Z & Thump
Put On a Show At The
Rockford Rumble

IKF Chicago Illinois, USA
On Saturday night, February 12th, the people of Rockford, Illinois, USA felt the effects of the one of the most exciting Kickboxing shows they've seen in quite a while. Over 1200 spectators arrived at the ISC Sports Center to watch 4 of Illinois' Team Z's fighters compete against Wisconsin's Team Thump. Team Z earned the victory with 3 out of 4 wins.

IKF PRO FULL CONTACT RULES
UNITED STATES FLYWEIGHT TITLE
Dan Seiwerth (Team Z) VS Craig Monyelle (Team Thump)
The fight was stopped by the doctor in the 2nd round in fear that Dan Seiwerth had a broken arm. Although Craig Monyelle now holds the title, but offered Seiwerth a rematch. Seiwerth, who won two of their previous matches accepted this challenge wholeheartedly.

Look for this 4th & REALLY FINAL rematch this fall. With an undercard of 12 fights including IKF U.S. National Amateur Champions Dave Pareja & Tim Mazurkiewicz sporting another win for each of them the evening was packed with excitement. We would like to thank our sponsors Coors Lite & Sky Daniels of WXRX 104.9 FM.

For more info, contact Z's Martial Arts at (847) 458-8333 or by e-mail by clicking HERE!

THURSDAY, February 10th, 2000, AT 2:15 AM

Busy Weekend For IKF North America
IKF Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Coquete Meets Denton
For IKF World Title In Canada

IKF Promoter Arthur Pereira of Sik Tai MuayThai Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada is all set to host an exciting night of IKF MuayThai Kickboxing that will feature 2 IKF Titles this Saturday night, February 12th in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Fighting for the vacant IKF Middleweight MuayThai World Title will be Robert Coquete of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada (35-0/21) against IKF European Super Welterweight Full Contact Rules Champion Eval Denton of Wolverhampton, England (38-19-4/11).

The nights semi main event sponsored by Barternet will feature Amateur MuayThai Heavyweights Wade Irwin of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada vs Jason Johnson

The other IKF Title bout of the night is sponsored by Boss Q's and will feature Guiseppe Denatale of Winnipeg vs Ryan Graham of Vince Jauncey's World Muay-Thai Centre, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for the vacant IKF Amateur MuayThai Rules Canadian Heavyweight Title Bout.

Other bouts of the night include Paul Cabral vs. Larry Dollam, Juan Candia vs. Jason Strout, Joe Z vs. Nick Hare, Gus Denatale vs. Neal Fox and Crystal C vs.Rachel.

The night will also feature two special exhibition bouts. The first between Oleg Datsky vs. Bob Roberts and the second, a special Wrestling Exhibition will feature Super Heavyweights Chi Chi Cruz vs. Scott Amore.

IKF World MuayThai Referee Fred Fitzgerald of Neptune, New Jersey, USA will be the nights chief referee and MuayThai official for the event. For more event information, please contact Contact Mr. Arthur Pereira or Frank Albo at: (204) 775-2672 or (204) 235-1357 or: e-mail by clicking HERE!

IKF Rockford, Illinois USA

"Team Z vs Team Thump"
Dan Seiwerth vs Craig Monyelle

This Saturday night, February 12th will feature another rematch at the ISC Sports Center in Rockford, IL between Dan Seiwerth and Craig Monyelle. In January 1999 Seiwerth fought Monyelle for the 2nd time as a Pro and won the K.I.C.K. Pro United States Bantamweight Title. The stakes this year are the IKF Pro United States Flyweight Title. Both fighters guarantee that they will win this 3rd and final rematch.

IKF Co-Founder and World Head of Officials Dan Stell will be in attendance as the IKF Event Representative and main event referee. There are 14 bouts scheduled for Saturday night with an undercard full of fighters the likes of Dave Pareja, Tim Mazurkiewicz, Amy Ramirez, Jason Ransom, and many more. Tickets pricing: General Admission $ 20.00 Advance & $ 25.00 at the door. Ringside $ 25.00 Advance & $ 30.00 at the door. Pick up your tickets at: Z's Martial Arts in Buffalo Grove (847) 215-8333 or Lake in the Hills (847) 458-8333 or at Impact Martial Arts in Wisconsin (608) 362-0404. For more info, contact Z's Martial Arts at (847) 458-8333 or by e-mail by clicking HERE!

Augusta, Georgia, USA
ISCF Title Featured On IKF - PKC
Co-Sanctioned Event
UFC & WEF VETERANS TOP
WINTER WARS 2000 FIGHT CARD

IKF Georgia: Jack Nilsson, successful UFC XIII alternate, and George Allen, who fought on the recent WEF VIII card, are set to compete in Winter Wars 2000, a combination NHB/MMA and kickboxing event, which will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2000, in Augusta, Georgia. The NHB/MMA bouts will be sanctioned by the International Sport Combat Federation (ISCF), and the kickboxing bouts will be sanctioned by both the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) and the Professional Karate Commission (PKC).

Nilsson, a decorated former U.S. Marine, will be competing for the ISCF East Coast U.S. Super Heavyweight title belt against J.J. "Killer" Wilson. The hometown audience has been anxiously awaiting an Augusta NHB fight for Nilsson, who has won U.S. Super Heavyweight kickboxing titles with the PKC and IKF since his UFC XIII appearance, both by first round knockouts! Wilson, who will be cornered by boxing trainer Elbert Maddox, represents himself as a freestyle practitioner. While noting that he has a background in both martial arts and boxing, Wilson does not wish to divulge much more about his experience or strategy, claiming that, "He (Nilsson) will feel it." Nilsson, a kickboxing and jujitsu stylist, who trains at promoter Mike Carlson's Augusta Martial Arts Academy seems undaunted by Wilson's confidence, simply responding, "We'll see about that."

WEF VIII competitor George Allen, who many regard as Georgia's top fighter in his weight class, will be competing in the ISCF Light Heavyweight division (185.1-200 lbs.) against the supremely self-assured Golden Gloves Champion and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner Charlie Wispert. Allen trains at Eagle Boxing/Kickboxing/Jujitsu in Lawrenceville, Georgia, with the high profile kickboxing and jujitsu trainer Gary Brown. Allen sports many fans in the Augusta, Georgia area as well, who are very much looking forward to this bout to see what veracity Whispert's boastful predictions about the outcome of this match will have once the bell sounds.

Stablemates of Nilsson and Allen will face each other in an NHB match that night as Augusta's Scott Usry will face Lawrenceville's Roger Waters. Usry, an experienced kickboxer and wrestler, is looking forward to his first foray into NHB. If the very game Waters shows the tenacity that area spectators are accustomed to from Brown's fighters, these two should provide a great match.

The Paul Pearman versus Shannon Hudson kickboxing bout is of particular interest, as the veteran Pearman will face a true "up and comer" in Hudson. Pearman who was 1998 Light Middleweight kickboxing champion in the PKC and 1999 Light Middleweight national tournament runner-up with the IKF will face Hudson, who is trained by his brother, World Champion kickboxer Kevin Hudson. The younger Hudson recently knocked out one of Pearman's sparring partners, so this bout, which will pit age and experience against youth and power, has extra promise as a potential "grudge match".

The entire fight card will feature nine kickboxing matches and three NHB/MMA bouts, with two women's kickboxing matches as well. The evening event will be preceded by a daytime karate tournament that is nationally sanctioned by the PKC and will include divisions in forms, sparring, grappling, and a shoot sparring/submission kumite division. Registration begins at 8:00 AM with the tournament starting at 10:00 AM. This tournament is open to martial artists of all styles.

The event will be held at Gym 1, The Sports Arena (706) 791-2599 or (706) 791-7857), at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia and is open to the general public. The doors open at 6:00 PM with the first fight getting underway at 7:00 PM. The fight card, of course, is subject to change. Ticket prices are $8.00 for general admission ($6.00 with military ID), $3.00 for children, and children under 4 are free. Tickets are available at Augusta Martial Arts Academy and at the door the day of the event.

For more information, or directions to the event, please contact Augusta Martial Arts Academy at 706-855-5269, fax 706-855-7119 or e-mail by clicking HERE.

TUESDAY, February 8th, 2000, AT 2:50 PM

IKF Champ Wins In
NHB & Proves There's A
NEW KID IN TOWN!

MONDAY, February 7th, 2000, AT 6:40 PM

Dakota Storm
"ROCKS"
At IKF North Dakota, USA

It was his first time as an IKF Event Promoter but Promoter Richard Calabera and his promotional team, Dakota Storm 2000 Promotion didn't miss a beat hosting a very successful mixed Kickboxing and Boxing event at the 4 Bears Casino in New Town North Dakota, USA last Saturday night, February 5th, 2000. Along with the Promotional help of the 4 Bears Casino Staff, the North Dakota State Athletic Commission (Mary Feist, Linda Gregoric, Bob Schaible, Diddy Quesnell & Timekeeper, Lois Seelye) and the IKF, the sellout crowd gave witness to 7 exciting bouts. (4 Boxing & 3 Kickboxing)

1. Ring announcer Al Shirley started off the nights action introducing the nights first match, a pro boxing match featuring Billy Johnson of Parshall, North Dakota, USA against Jessie Village Center of McLaughlin, South Dakota, USA. Judges Mark Fox, Jack Becker and Kenny Lyson scored this bout a split decision draw.
   
   
2. Bout 2 featured the first kickboxing bout of the night, an International Rules bout pairing up Larry Sharpe (5-3/3, 183) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada against Howard Lemere (1-4/0, 177) of Minot, North Dakota, USA. Quickly into the round, Lemere was caught with a legal high thigh kick that slid up and caught his groin as well. Lemere had a delayed reaction to the groin kick and since it appeared to those at ringside and referee Dan Stell as just a high inside leg kick no one thought to stop the action. Within a couple seconds, Lemere reacted to the shot, and as he did, he was caught by a strong left hook from Sharpe which dropped Lemere to the canvas. Stell gave Lemere time to recover from the groin kick but upon returning to action, Sharpe quickly landed another CLEAN left hook that put Lemere down again and without much hesitation, referee Dan Stell made a great call by waiving the bout off. Sharpe won by TKO at :39 seconds into round 1.
   
   
3. Bout 3 featured woman's pro boxing. However, Lisa Lovelle of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA seemed to get the short end of the judges call as she was given a split decision draw against Jennifer Miller of Mandan, North Dakota, USA. From Ringside, it appeared that Lovell won the bout easily scoring big with a consistent jab, however judges Jack Becker, Robert Walsh and Kenny Lyson saw it differently.
   
   
4. Bout 4 was back to kickboxing, this time in the Full Contact Rules Division. Ryan Jones (AM: 40-7/15, Pro 6-5/1, 161) of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada was fighting out of his rule style in the Full Contact Division. Ryan usually fights in Muay Thai or International Rules and without leg kicks it was clear he was frustrated being short some weapons. His opponent, Gary Jones (AM Bx & KB: 17-5, Pro Bx & KB: 20-10, 158) of Minot, North Dakota though was very strong fighting in the Full Contact Rules Division. Gary seemed to score at ease with quick punch combinations and fast kicks and scored a 10 in every round by Judge/referee Dan Stell's (Rounds 1 & 3 he scored 10-10) card and Gary Vannatta's (Rounds 2, 3 & 4 he scored 10-10) cards. However, boxing judge Robert Walsh scored All 5 rounds to Ryan Jones. Here again we have a boxing judge scoring kickboxing and once again it's CLEAR that the two types of judges sew a TOTALLY different bout. Although Ryan Jones fought good, outkicking Gary Jones in each of the 5 rounds, his high kicks lacked the necessary power to hurt Gary Jones at all. It was clear Ryan Jones was a bit out of his game without the use of leg kicks where we hope to see him fight again soon.
   
   
5. Bout 5 was back to boxing and past collegiate football star, Carl Cockerham of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA wasted little time in showing his excellent body punching power. Cockerham stopped Shelby Pudwill of Mandan, North Dakota, USA with a set of strong body shots, the last, a left hook to Pudwill's ribs that put Pudwill down to end the 4th round. Pudwell was unable to answer the bell for round 5 giving Cockerham the TKO win.
   
   
6. Bout 6 was another Full Contact Rules Kickboxing bout featuring Dickinson, North Dakota, USA's Brent Jordheim against Minot, North Dakota USA's David Wald in a special Pro/Am bout. Jordheim used his +30 bout experience over Wald and his 4 inch height advantage to win by unanimous decision, 40-37, 40-38 and 39-37.
   
   
7. The final bout of the night featured pro boxing again as Dennis "Magic Man" Allen of Las Vegas Nevada, USA (Formally of Minot North Dakota) came home to face Anthony Ivory of Chicago, Illinois, USA in an 8 round feature bout. Although many were saying Allen hadn't fought in awhile, he looked as smooth and as quick as can be in scoring a unanimous decision over Ivory.

We'd like to thank Mr. Calabera and chief assistant Nancy, The 4 Bears Casino and the North Dakota State Athletic Commission for their great work on a great night of boxing and kickboxing. We'd also like to thank the other special people that made the weekend a great one, Joe, Charles "In Charge", Judy and a "GREAT SOUNDING" Western Band, "Danny Dee" and Company. (Rochester, Minnesota). Mr. Dee and his boys SHOULD be in the Top 10 of Country Western Singers/Bands Everyone!!! When they closed for the night, not one person wanted to see them quit. We hope to see Danny and everyone again soon as Calabera hosts the IKF/ RINGSIDE North Mountain Amateur Regional Tournament in April or May of this year. For more event information, please contact Mr. Richard Calabera at (801) 741-5602 or e-mail by clicking HERE.

MORE NEWS OF 2-7-2000. . .

Coming Later in the Week...
News & Results Of;

IKF Pennsylvania, USA: BATTLE FROM BUTLER IV, Friday Night, February 4th at the Butler Days Inn, Butler Pennsylvania, USA. IKF PA FCR Middleweight Title Defense of Jimmy Stewert and the results of the Featured Semi Main, Jim Emrick vs Scott Dixon! Promoted By: Mr. Jimmy Stewert: (724) 284-3725.

IKF Missouri, US: MIDWEST FIGHT FEST at the Union Plaza 300 S. Grand St. Louis, Missouri USA. Kevin "Boom Boom" Bozada vs Jermaine Wilson, Kenny Loehr vs Scott Atkins and the outcome of the main event featuring Jesse Finney! Promoted by Mr. Jesse Finney: (314) 351-5226 & Mr. Robert Donaker.

And the Results of IKF Texas, US A!!! Promoted by Mr. Walt Mason (972) 239-5053.

THURSDAY, February 4th, 2000, AT 2:25 AM

Videos For 1999
IKF/RINGSIDE
USA Amateur Championships

If anyone is interested in attaining a copy of the 1999 IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Amateur Championships at Harveys Casino in Council Bluffs Iowa, please contact Jayson Xiong by e-mail by clicking this link; monarchcx@hotmail.com Mr. Xiong will fill you in on the video and shipping costs.

Busy Weekend For
IKF USA
IKF Pennsylvania, USA

IKF Promoter and Pennsylvania State Full Contact Rules Champion Jimmy Stewert and Team are all set for tonights IKF BATTLE FROM BUTLER IV at the Butler Days Inn in Butler Pennsylvania, USA. Tonights event will be a mixed Pro-Amateur Event that will include the IKF Pennsylvania State Full Contact Rules Middleweight Title Defense of Jimmy Stewert. A semi main event will feature Jim Emrick vs Scot Dixon. The event begins tonight at 8:00 PM. For more information, please contact Mr. Jimmy Stewert at (724) 284-3725.

IKF Missouri, USA

IKF Missouri Promoter Jesse Finney and Team are all set for this Saturdays, February 5th event at the Union Plaza in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Jesse Finney will be featured in a Full Contact Rules non IKF title bout. Other non title bouts will feature IKF Amateur U. S. Heavyweight Full Contact Rules Champion, Kevin "Boom Boom" Bozada vs Jermaine Wilson and Kenny Loehr vs Scott Atkins. Ticket Prices are $100 VIP Ringside, $30 Platinum Seating, *$25 Gold Seating, (*) Tables of 10 Available. For more information, please contact Mr. Jesse Finney at (314) 351-5226 or Mr. Robert Donaker by e-mail by clicking HERE.

IKF Texas, USA

IKF Texas Promoter Walt Mason and Team are all set for this Saturdays, February 5th IKF Kickboxing Event in Dallas, Texas, USA. All bouts will be Full Contact Rules. -Sorry but we have no bout information from the promoter on this event. We do know that there are no title bouts.- For more info, contact Mr. Walt Mason at (972) 239-5053 or e-mail by clicking HERE.

IKF North Dakota, USA

First time IKF Promoter Richard Calabera and his promotional team, Dakota Storm 2000 Promotion will be host to IKF President Steve Fossum and IKF Head of Officials, Dan Stell of Fairfield, CA, USA on their first IKF Sanctioned event this Saturday night, February 5th, 2000. The event, 4 Bears Fights of the Millennium, will be held at the 4 Bears Casino in New Town North Dakota, USA. The event will feature mixed styles of fighting. There will be 3 kickboxing bouts on the night and they include, in the 180 lbs. division, Howard Lemere vs Larry Sharpe in a 4 Round International Rules bout. In the 195 lbs. division, David Wald will face Brent Jordheim in a 4 Round Full Contact Rules bout. The Main Event of the night will feature 160 lbs. fighters Gery Jones vs Ryan Jones in a 5 Round Full Contact Rules Bout. For more event information, please contact Mr. Richard Calabera at (801) 741-5602 or e-mail by clicking HERE.

MONDAY, January 31st, 2000, AT 7:00 PM

"DUKE"
Roufus
Retires - For Real This Time?

Past IKF Pro Super Heavyweight MuayThai Champion Duke Roufus. (Duke Roufus (R) after his First Round "Head Kick" KO Over Grant Barker (L) In his Defense of his IKF Pro Super Heavyweight MuayThai Title on March 19th, 1999.) of Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA made it official today that he will retire as a fighter. Some time ago, we had announced that Roufus was retired from fighting. An injured hand was the reason back then but his fighting spirit couldn't keep him out of the ring as eventually he fought again. In his comeback, he went on to win an IKF MuayThai World Title as he won 3 out of his 4 bouts. The other bout was in Treste, Italy on November 19, 1999 for the WKA World Title. However, the bout was eventually ruled a no contest after Roufus' opponent exicuted a hip throw which stopped the bout due to a shoulder injury to Roufus.

With a successful promotional company (AdCetra Sports) and MuayThai Gym, (Phetnoi MuayThai Gym) Roufus has decided to put more focus into the business side of the sport. At 29, he finishes with a record of 33 wins, 5 loses, 1 draw with 24 KO's. He won 3 World Titles in 4 different organizations and was probably best remembered for his first round Knockout Punch of Australian Great Stan Longinidis.

On December 8th, 1998, Roufus' won the IKF Super Heavyweight MuayThai Title in a 5 round decision over Hirawa TeRangi of Auckland, New Zealand. Roufus defended the title on March 19th, 1999 at the Eagles Club Stadium in Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA when he defeated Grant Barker (211 lbs, 41-11 with 32 KO's) of Sydney, Australia. Roufus started the bout hard and fast and then landed the "A Bomb" on Australia's WKA World Champion. In a combination which included a leg kick, 2 knees to Barker's head and finished with a high head kick, Roufus only took 39 seconds into the bout to Knock the Australian out.

On September 17th, 1999, Roufus retired his Super Heavyweight Title to move down to the Heavyweight Division. His last fight was also his last IKF bout as well as he punished a diehard Dewey Cooper (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) for 5 hard rounds before winning a unanimous decision.Roufus will now focus on his Event Promotion Company out of Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA and the growth of the IKF MuayThai Division Worldwide. Roufus is also assisting many pro fighters in finding them bouts around the world. If your a pro fighter without worldwide representation, you may want to give Mr. Roufus a call at (414) 319-1151 or by e-mail by clicking HERE!

THURSDAY, January 27th, 2000, AT 12:30 PM

Congratulations
PHETNOI!

Milwaukee Wisconsin USA's Phetnoi MuayThai Gym, was just ranked as the number 1 North American Muay Thai Gym on a well known MuayThai Website. The major criteria were: (1) Excellence in instruction of authentic Muay Thai (no holding back on techniques); (2) Quality of Fighters; (3) Courage to enter the ring - especially in international real Muay Thai competition.

• The ranking for North America are as follows for the Top 3 Gyms
  
  
  1. Phetnoi MuayThai Gym, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
     
     
  2. Fairtex Muay Thai Gym, San Francisco, California, USA.
     
     
  3. Mike Miles Kickboxing and Muay Thai Center, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
     
     

To view the entire article, please see the page "The Belt Is In The Ring" Located at this link: CLICK HERE. Scroll down to "Pop's Top 3 Muay Thai Gyms in North America" Congratulations, Phetnoi as well as the other two gyms listed as well. It would be great to see competition among these 3 Gyms in the future....

TUESDAY, January 25th, 2000, AT 11:40 PM

Cung Le!

Remember San Shou Superstar Fighter Cung Le?
So do we.
Check out this photo just moments before his OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE in Hawaii last year against China's #1 San Shou Fighter.
Le, of San Jose, California, USA went on to win the bout.
We were lucky enough to be there in person and witness it live and to say the least, "WE WERE IMPRESSED!"

LAST UPDATE: MONDAY, January 24th, 2000, AT 3:35 PM - Pacific Time

Fernandez
Back In The Super Heavyweight Hunt!

Outside News Source/non-IKF Sanctioned Event: On Sat., Jan. 22nd at the Victorville Fairgrounds in Victorville, CA, USA, Super Heavyweight Pedro "Pitbull" Fernandez of Tijuana, Mexico scored a devestating 3rd round knockout over Wrath White to announce that he's back in the North American heavyweight picture. In an entertaining card attended by some 2000 spectators, K-1 USA contender Fernndez and K-1 Japan competitor, Wrath White of Las Vegas, NV were scheduled to meet in a 5 round modified Muay Thai rules bout. Round one featured Wrath White throwing some great knees and powerfull punches while Fernandez was content to cover up and feel out his opponent's power and ring savy. In round two, "Pitbull" went to work attacking with a combination of devestating low kicks and a powerful hand assault. By the end of the round, White was given two standing eight counts as a result of the hand-leg attack and was barely saved by the bell. Fernandez went for broke in round three with an assault that left the crowd standing and he was able to stop White at 1:39 of the third when referee, Nelson "Doc" Hamilton put a stop to the attack.

Pedro has shown that he is ready to step back up with the big boys, especially after his poor showing against Rick Roufus at K-1 USA in August 1998 and would like nothing more than to meet any of the IKF's ranked contenders. Fernandez is a very low key individual, but has proven to be very charismatic with his Mexican fans, and if Saturday is any indication, he should be very well received by the American public as well. As an interesting side note, Fernandez also acts as a male dancer at several night clubs in Tijuana and San Diego when he isn't busy teaching at his gym or training. A possible bout with Kevin Rosier in April is currently in the works according to a Southern California Promoter. Fernandez hopes that his may be for one of the vacant IKF titles (If the Promoter decides to sanction the bout with the IKF) that are currently in his weight division. Fernandez is trained and managed by Reyes Kickboxing of Tijuana, Mexico and Ken Shamrock's Lions Den in Chula Vista, CA.

MORE NEWS OF 1-24-2000. . .

IKF
Amateur Headgear...

After consulting with several IKF Associates, we have decided to allow USA Boxing/Olympic Style style Headgear "WITH" the cheek protecors. The Amateur Headgear rule now reads as follows;

Must be IKF or USA Boxing/Olympic Style approved. (It is the Fighters Choice whether to use the type with a cheek protector or not. Some say the cheek protectors block their vision. If so, than we suggest the type without cheek protectors. Again, this is the fighters choice, but it still must be USA Boxing/Olympic Style approved)

LAST UPDATE: THURSDAY, January 20th, 2000, AT 4:15 AM - Pacific Time

IKF USA vs IKF Belarus
But First, For Everyone, A Lesson In MuayThai Class 101

IKF Belarus Promoter and MuayThai instructor Evgeni Kotelnikov - { Evgeni Dobrotvorski } is truly a MuayThai personality that "Walks the Walk" in not only his fantastic event production but also in his skill level he requires in all the fighters he trains at his club in Minsk, Belarus. With most of Kotelnikov's fighters beginning their fighting careers as young as 10 years old, Kotelnikov has a stable of fighters worthy of "ANY" competition worldwide. It's a shame not all the world knows about them, but we will soon take care of that issue in a moment.

Before we discuss last Friday nights, IKF Belarus Vs IKF USA FULL MUAYTHAI Rules competition in Minsk, Belarus, lets first express to you the thoughts that now lingers in the back of our minds. Those thoughts are that of a myth or a fantasy… Why you ask?

Well, it has nothing to do with if the event was good or not. No questions about it, this televised event was a FIRST CLASS Production with a sellout crowd of just under 3,000!

It also has nothing to do with whether or not MuayThai is a real fighting art. For as you will find out, IT TRULY IS as well!

And finally, our thoughts have nothing to do with whether the fighters were any good or not, THEY ALL WERE!

As we here at the IKF have always done for our fans of these pages, we always try to educate "EVERYONE" on aspects of our sport and maybe a short class here in MuayThai 101 will help to form where this article is going. Some of you may know most if not all we will teach in this class while others will answer honestly, "Oh, I didn't know that." So let the class begin…

Nearly every weekend around the world there's a kickboxing event that advertises they will feature the long honored fighting art of Thailand known as MuayThai. If these fighters are both following true MuayThai tradition, they will both enter the ring over the top rope. Why? In MuayThai tradition, the Mongkon (headpiece wore around the top of each fighters head prior to their bout) is blessed for good luck by each fighters respected religion. Going over the top rope is symbolic that God is Above All Things such as the ring ropes. The spectators and their peers see 2 fighters dressed in the traditional MuayThai shorts with their Mongkon wore proudly on their head. Once in the ring the traditional MuayThai music begins and a fighter has their first options of the bout. However in Thailand, this is NOT an option and SHOULD NOT be an option even in other parts of the world. These options are not fighting options such as "Should I throw a Jab or a knee etc." these options are the ones of long and honored traditions of MuayThai. To seal the ring (The walk around the ring which symbolizes the sealing of evil spirits from the ring), begin their Wai Kru (Wai means Bow and Kru means Teacher. When the fighter bows down paying homage to their teacher, club and family) and or a Ram Muay. (Which translates into boxer dance) or to simply stand and await for their opponent to be ready and the referee to begin the bout. Keep in mind that not all MuayThai fighters perform these things. Even in Thailand, they are a fighters choice.

If a fighter decides to seal the ring we'll see them stopping to pray in each corner. In Thailand, the Wai Khre is paying homage to their Buddha. This pray continues at each corner during their walk to all four corners. Once again, a fighter may now choose to perform a Wai Khre followed by their own version of their Ram Muay. Often during a fighters Ram Muay, many true fans of MuayThai fighting may not know what the dance is for. To answer this question, the dance expresses a fighters balance and agility. Sometimes at it's end, it may be followed by a show of confidence or challenge towards their opponents corner such as a stomping of their feet or an imitation of shooting an arrow at their opponent. To true fans of the sport, this is all part of the bout as well. As each fighters rituals ends, the trainer removes their Mongkon and turns to face their opponent. And at this point ladies and gentlemen is where the true fighting art of Traditional MuayThai ends in a large majority of Kickboxing or MuayThai events around the world.

Wondering where that word "Myth" comes in? Well, here it comes… While many fans are awaiting what they "THINK" True MuayThai is, what many will now see instead is what many call "Modified MuayThai"….." MODIFIED you ask???" Yes, MODIFIED…… How does one "MODIFY" something and still call it the same? Well, around the globe, "Modified MuayThai" usually means NO ELBOWS allowed. However, it may also be modified in several other ways as well such as elbows OK but only to the body or knees to the body but not the head or no clinching and the list of these "MODIFICATIONS" goes on and on… Many times these modifications are required due to state or country athletic commission or sport authority regulations. For example in many states, elbows are not allowed at all however knees are OK. So the promoter/matchmaker and the fighter take the position, "Well we'll take what we can at least and call it close enough…" So in reality, rules of those (State Commissions) who most of the time know nothing about the sport of kickboxing let alone REAL MuayThai are the reasons for the word "Modified".

But the rules DO have reason behind them, at least those making them feel they do. Their reason is for fighters SAFETY. HOWEVER, according to many MuayThai experts, taking away such techniques does not necessarily increase the safety for a fighter, surprisingly, it may actually increase the possibility of injury. WHY? The reason is that, when a fighter doesn't train for such a thing, is more prone to injury, especially when a fighter doesn't fight with elbows. The key words here are PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE. It's like practicing for a Full Contact Rules bout and fighting in a International Rules bout or even more so, the other way around. For example, look at all the International Rules fighters who refused to fight Alexio in Full Contact Rules. Why, because it takes away from their style, "Leg Kicks". A Very IMPORTANT weapons in their fighting style. There "IS" a big difference when you add or take away "ANY" technique in "ANY" fighting style and such changes can put "ANY" fighter in jeopardy as well as changing the sport completely. Here's where the questions begin… MuayThai is a "Traditional Sport from the country of Thailand". It represents the ultimate of stand-up fighting styles with all the weapons of the body. But as fighters, keep in mind that there are other styles to choose and ALL (Full Contact Rules, International Rules and San Shou) can be devastating. We've seen peoples heads get split open in a boxing match as well so does the safety issue really fall into play here? You may ask "HOW could you compare?" We answer very simply, EXPERIENCE.

As we have already announced, "ALL" IKF Amateur bouts in ALL Rule styles now require headgear (See Headgear Rule at this Link: -Fighters Equipment) As amateurs, these fighters learn their skill to their fullest potential before taking off the headgear and turning PRO. Whether amateur or pro, NO FIGHTER is EVER forced into the ring of battle and with this in mind know that EVERY fighter KNOWS what they are getting into or at least have a good idea of what could and may happen to them. It's "THEIR" choice to say "Yes" or "No" to a matchmaker when he/she calls!

This same argument is supported by us here in the IKF with our NHB Organization ISCF. Our feeling again is if the event has knowledgeable and skilled officials (Mainly a GREAT Referee such as John Perretti of Hampton Bays, New York, USA who's also the matchmaker for the UFC) to oversee a fighters safety than why ban the sport. We here at the IKF "FULLY" support NHB fighting as long as the event has skilled officials to assure a fighters safety as in "ANY" Contact Sport, even football. We've had our NHB critics in the past who somehow got the stupid impression we wanted to support a NHB BAN in California. Mr. P.S. of Jackson, CA, USA couldn't have been FARTHER from the truth. (And about the box comment P.S. made about Mr. Fossum, -Long story- well, ha ha, we laughed too and we have a box for you too… An APOLOGY is DUE!) The main reason? Because WE here at the IKF SUPPORT NHB style fighting! But enough here, back to MuayThai.

As we explain more, we need to make one thing VERY CLEAR to ALL "Modified" MuayThai fighters around the world. Every one of these fighters still go into the ring and "Walk the Walk" to do battle rather than lay on their couches and talk about how they "Could" do that if they wanted to. We all know MANY GREAT MuayThai fighters that "ONLY" fight in "Modified" MuayThai Style Bouts. No, we won't name them because some may feel we're bashing them and we're NOT by any means. They and many fans know who they are so enough said here.

You see, the fault here may be that there is not "2" SEPARATE DIVISIONS for such fighting. OK, hold on critics. No we're not suggesting adding "ANOTHER Rule Division, at least not yet…. This would be to fragment the sport even more and have even more champions, as if the sport didn't have enough already. So as far as suggesting ANOTHER Division for Modified MuayThai Fighters and NOT Calling it MuayThai AT ALL, maybe we should just add KNEES to International Rules (Such as K-1 Rules). We don't have an answer here yet, but it truly DOES NEED to be addressed eventually. SOMETHING DOES NEED to be done here.

Why is this debate so important now? Lets just say "Our Eyes were opened a bit in Belarus..." Matchmakers, promoters and fighters have taken the long honored traditional fighting art and NATIONAL Thailand Sport of MuayThai and "Watered it Down.". The same thing can be compared to what happened to the word KICKBOXING when TaeBo became so popular? Heck, in respect to Billy Blanks (TaeBo founder and creator), at least he never even mentions kickboxing in his ads. Yet look at all the Karate, Tae Kwon Do and aerobic instructor's that "CLAIM" they know kickboxing. They NEVER even trained in a real kickboxing program let alone been in a kickboxing match. Isn't experience the best teacher? Of course it is. You wouldn't take flying lessons from an instructor who's never flown would you? No need to answer. More and more people are getting hurt in these classes because the instructors truly know nothing about the sport! It's a SLAP in the face INSULT to those of us who have paid for our experience with our own sweat and blood so these people can market the name of "OUR SPORT and ART, KICKBOXING" to be bop around and say "I teach Kickboxing." Ya right…. "Oh, we kick, we punch, isn't that kickboxing?" As ridiculous of the statement "What's so hard about judging kickboxing? It's boxing with kicks…" made by a Local State Athletic Commission "BOXING" Judge during the pre fight rules briefing at an IKF event in last year. The State Commission assigns all officials, and they gave us 3 "BOXING" judges for a "WORLD" Title bout. We would have had a BOXING referee as well if we wouldn't have pushed the issue. How does this compare? We wonder if the commission would like to have a judo referee in a BOXING World Title bout. Yes, they're both fighting, but VERY DIFFERENT!

Like the students of "Cardio Kickboxing Class", the majority of MuayThai fighters around the world, by no fault of their own, just the system, have no idea what it's like to see live, let alone "BE IN" a "REAL" Full MuayThai Rules bout that includes full power knees and Elbows to the head and body. Heck, in all honesty, most of these fighters simply don't want to jeopardize taking a full power Elbow to the head. Outside of Thailand, there are very few TRUE Full MuayThai Rules fighters. Again, the debate arises about "Another Division that has knees, but no elbows. (K-1 Style)"

Again, we're debating here at the IKF if this should simply be added to the leg kick rule division in the IKF known as International Rules. Most Cardio Kickboxing instructors have NO CLUE what REAL Kickboxing is and those who brag to their friends that they train in kickboxing when all they're actually doing is cardio "KARATE, if that, are just as wrong (no offense, but it's true) in the difference of MODIFIED MuayThai vs "REAL" MuayThai. To stress another important point we already brought up, we "ARE NOT" bashing on modified MuayThai fighters. As we already said, Everyone of these fighters still go into the ring and "Walk the Walk". To cover our entire thought here, all fighters "Walk the Walk". All we're trying to point out is that there TRULY "IS" a difference in "Modified" MuayThai compared to "TRUE, FULL RULES" MuayThai.

With that said, lets end our class now and share with you the nights experiences of 8 fighters who took an important step in making the IKF take a closer look at the rule style of MuayThai as explained above. We'll also share with you the experiences of 4 American Pro MuayThai fighters who have been in the FULL MuayThai Rules arena before and "Walked the Walk". On this trip they entered the ring on a cold night in Minsk, Belarus (West of Russia) to face opponents they had never seen before in yet another Full MuayThai Rules Competition. Their common quest was for yet another win in their already impressive and successful fighting careers.

Let the Journey begin…

IKF USA vs IKF Belarus