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SEPTEMBER 2001

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SUNDAY, September 30th, 2001, AT 2:18 AM PT

FRIDAY, September 28th, 2001, AT 5:50 PM PT

HEAVYWEIGHT GLADIATORS
Weigh-Ins For Heavyweights... No Problem

Weigh-ins for the Pro Heavyweights for tomorrow nights HEAVYWEIGHT GLADIATORS event went well tonight. All but one fighter made their weight but by this time tomorrow, all will be set for one of the greatest heavyweight events ever in North America. Here's the fighter match-ups and their weights they came in at tonight in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

1. Duke Roufus, 225, Vs Pedro Fernandez, 248.
   
   
2. Lane Collyer, 211, Vs Mark Miller, 209.
   
   
3. Raul Romero Gonzalez, 229, Vs Jason Johnson, 218.
   
   
4. Giuseppe Denatale, 202, Vs Kent Hensley, 201.
   
   
5. Brad Foster, 216, Vs Bryan Waid who will weigh-in tomorrow.

Raul Gonzalez


Lane Collyer


Garza

If your looking for the Big Heavyweight Showdown, you'll find it in Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA this weekend! Ad Cetera Sports presents "Heavyweight Gladiators," an evening of Professional Heavyweight Kickboxing on Saturday night, September 29, 2001 in The Rave Ballroom, 2401 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (414) 342-7283. Doors open at 6:PM with the first Kickboxing bout starting at 7:PM

Heavyweight Showdown is co-promoted by Duke Roufus and Scott Joffe. However on this event, we won't see the 4 time World Champion Roufus doing much promotional work. Instead, he'll be preparing for his Super Heavyweight showdown with IKF Pro MTR Mexico National Champion, Pedro Fernandez.

Roufus was once an IKF Super Heavyweight MTR World Champion. However he voluntarily surrendered his IKF World Title back on September 17th, 1999 to move down to the Heavyweight Division. However on January 31st, 2000, we announced Duke Roufus' retirement. An injured hand had seemed to get the best of the veteran fighter and with several wars of his own under his belt he had decided it was time to turn to coaching and promoting. So we thought...It seemed some Promoters thought otherwise. Roufus was lured out of retirement with the grand visions of K-1 Dreams by Scott Coker and the Grand Plans of K-1 USA. Money has a way of persuading people and that was what it took to get Roufus back in the hunt again. A win this Saturday night and Roufus will be 1 step closer to winning the IKF MTR Super Heavyweight World Title once again. ( Tentatively planned for January 2002 in Hawaii against an opponent yet to be named) Although he fell short in both USA appearances in 2001, he vows to us all now that.... THE DUKE IS BACK!

The 6'1" tall Roufus will enter the ring Saturday night with 35 wins, 7 loses, 1 draw with 25 KO/TKO's and will weigh-in around the 225 mark while Fernandez (Right) comes into the game with 16 wins, 3 loses with 15 KO/TKO's, standing 6'3" tall and will probably tip the scales as well at 225. Although both are K-1 veterans, Roufus has much more experience in the BIG FIGHT GAME.

Fernandez has fought in front of major crowds 3 times in his career and walked out of the ring on the losing end in 2 of those 3 times. Both of those were at K-1 USA where, for some reason, Fernandez has always seemed to freeze up once in the ring. To his credit though, Fernandez has had some stiff competition in both of those loses. The first against IKF World Champion and former K-1 USA Champion Rick Roufus and the second to World Champion and 2001 K-1 USA Champion Maurice Smith. Although he was stopped by Roufus, against Smith he lost what many called a very slow and boring 3 round unanimous decision, 30 to 27.5, 30 to 27.5 and 30 to 27.5. So in all, it's not like he was losing to some unknown fighters...

However the result was different when he fought top Mexican Super Heavyweight contender, "The Terminator" Raul Romero Gonzalez, (Left) 6'1", 223 lbs. 10 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw with 7 KO/TKO's. (Amateur record of 5-0/2) Gonzalez, from the Siam Muay Thai Gym in Mexico City, Mexico though was no easy fight either. In the bout, Fernandez started slow, as in his previous K-1 bout with Rick Roufus, and for the most part, as he starts all his fights it seems. The slow start put him in trouble early with Gonzalez who was doing some great inside fighting but Fernandez weathered the storm and Gonzalez started to get tired. This opened the door for Fernandez who came on strong in the 3rd round. Only 24 seconds into the round, Gonzalez knew he met his match, at least on this day and at this time, as he indicated to the referee himself that his legs had taken too much. This Saturday night, Gonzalez will face Duke's student, Jason "Gladiator" Johnson. More on this below.

If Fernandez starts slow against Duke Roufus, he may find himself in the same position he was in at the end of fighting Duke's brother Rick. On the mat looking up. However Duke has shown several different ring strategies in his last several bouts himself so it will be interesting to see what strategy he uses against Fernandez. When Roufus won his IKF Pro Super Heavyweight MTR World Title he fought a slow paced bout against New Zealand's Hiriwa TeRangi on December 4th, 1998 in Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA winning by unanimous decision 50-43 on all 3 judges cards. However in his first defense of his World Title he defeated WKA Champion Grant Barker (41-11 with 32 KO's) of Sydney, Australia with a fast start and a combination which included a leg kick, 2 knees to Barker's head and finished with a head kick at 39 seconds into the first round to end it.

In his last 2 K-1 appearances, Roufus kicked off the May 11th, 2001 K-1 USA Tournament with a first round TKO win over Tomasz Kucharzewski. In round 2 though, Roufus was fighting more than his opponent, he was fighting an inexperienced referee named Ray Balowitz who helped his opponent Michael McDonald score an upset unanimous decision victory over him 29.5 to 28, 30 to 28 and 29.5 to 28.5. In the bout in round 2, McDonald threw a wild right hand that "Completely Missed" Roufus (Clearly confirmed by EVERYONE in the room by the in-house instant replay screen) yet Roufus fell back from being off balance from a strike he threw a split second earlier. Referee Balowitz of the California State Athletic Commission (Who never should have been refereeing a K-1 Bout in the first place.) made a bad call to give Roufus a standing 8 count. A look at the judges cards and Judges Moretti and Shirley gave the round to McDonald 10 to 9 while Hoyle gave it to McDonald 10 to 8.5. Roufus, to many, clearly won the round. The phantom 8 count though by Balowitz forced the judges to score the round for McDonald. In his last K-1 appearance (August, 2001), Roufus was a quick fill-in. In the ring it showed he wasn't as prepared as the May K-1 where he knew months in advance he was in the tournament.

In August he faced Stephan Leko (Left Vs Roufus at August K-1). Although he was patient and strong in round 1, he got careless in round 2. As Roufus charged in, the smaller 210 lb Leko caught him with a powerful shot that staggered the 225 lb Roufus forward grabbing Leko's legs trying to stay up. However Leko moved away leaving Roufus with no support, eventually dropping to the canvas. After referee Nobuaki Kakuda gave him an 8 count, it was clear Roufus wasn't himself. He now charged in wild, leaving himself wide open and Leko found one of the openings, landing one of the best uppercut's ever thrown. "The Duke" was out at 2:34 of the 2nd round. From suddenly strong favorite to out in the first round.

The way we see it, if Roufus jumps on Fernandez like he did Barker this Saturday night, the crowd will be leaving early. The flip side of that quick start coin will be Roufus' control if he charges in quick. Will he be precise and composed as he was with Barker or wild and open as he was with Leko? Looking at Roufus' other coin, if he simply stays composed and relaxed, he may play right into Fernandez's game. Allowing Fernandez to get comfortable in the ring as he did with Gonzalas and allow him to get busy in the later rounds. Regardless, if Fernandez can last Roufus' opening storm ( if he decides to Bring It ON in the opening rounds) as he did against Gonzalas, we may be watching a long 5 round WAR! This will surly be an interesting bout.

However don't forget that before we get to the Roufus - Fernandez bout, we'll have plenty of Heavyweight action. The event will feature a total of 4 more Pro Heavyweight Bouts as well making a total of 5, the most heavyweight bouts on one card ever in Wisconsin which is sure to be Milwaukee's biggest Event EVER!

The other Heavyweight bouts include #7 ranked IKF contender Jason "Gladiator" Johnson (Right - Red Trunks) fighting out of Milwaukee's Duke Roufus Gym Vs 16th ranked IKF contender "The Terminator" Raul Romero Gonzalez (Pictured above) from the Siam Muay Thai Gym in Mexico City, Mexico in the Semi-Main Event feature.

Pedro Fernandez


Duke Roufus



Jason Johnson

The undercard "Heavyweight Gladiators" bouts will be great excitement as well. They include former IKF Amateur Canadian Heavyweight Champion Giuseppe "The Godfather" DeNatale' of Sik-Tai Gym, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada against Kent Hensley of Palmer Kickboxing, Atlanta, Georgia. Next is #12 IKF Ranked Lane "Lightning" Collyer (Left) of Palmer Shokido Kickboxing, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Vs Mark "The Shark" Miller, of Iron City Gym, Pittsburgh, PA. Making their professional debut are 1999 IKF U.S. Amateur Cruiserweight Champion "Bad" Brad Fowler, of Duke Roufus Gym against 1999 IKF U.S. Amateur Heavyweight Champion Bryan "The Alabama Slammer" Waid, of Alabama Kickboxing, Jasper, AL.

Amateur bouts feature Heavyweights Brice "Bam Bam" Franck, of the Duke Roufus Gym, Rockford, IL against Kirk Robison, of the Iron City Gym, Pittsburgh, PA, plus Tony "Daz" Randazzo, of Milwaukee Wisconsin Vs Alessio Ziel, of Appleton, Wisconsin. A special Champion Vs Champion "EXHIBITION" Welterweight Bout will feature training partners, 2001 IKF USA Amateur Light Welterweight Champion "Crush 'em" Casey Garza, (Left) of the Duke Roufus Gym, Burlington, Wisconsin Vs. 2001 IKF USA Amateur Welterweight Champion "Nasty" Neal Fox, of the Duke Roufus Gym, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

A "passing of the boot" fund-raiser to benefit the Milwaukee Police and Fire Associations New York Victim's Families Assistance Fund is planned as well. Ring girls are provided by Hooters Restaurants, Milwaukee. A limited amount of $50.00 VIP Gold Circle Ringside, $30.00 Ringside Reserved and $20.00 Balcony tickets are available. Tickets may be reserved by phone or purchased in advance at the Duke Roufus Gym - Kickboxing of Milwaukee, 111 W. Virginia St., Milwaukee, (414) 319-1151 or purchased at the door.

The event is sponsored by Teamsters Local 200 & 344, El Conquistador Newspaper, Shepherd Express, Amelia's on Layton, Miss Katie's Diner, Pitch's Restaurants, Sunbusters, Rosie's on Water, Champps Americana, Oxywater, Dr. Phil Repetti / Jordan Chiropractic, Coke, Miller Beer, Powerade, Bell Ambulance, Red Bull Energy Drink, Atty. Martin Stein and Hampton Dental Clinic. Event Gloves are provided by FAIRTEX.

For more information or tickets, please contact IKF Promoter Mr. Scott Joffe (Left) at (414) 319-1151 or e-mail at rumbleintherave@webtv.net or visit www.milwkick.com. All bouts are subject to change without notice.

John Greubel eventually wants to pursue an acting career. For now, the Lakeside graduate gets his kicks winning national championships. Greubel successfully defended his International Kickboxing Federation junior welterweight championship recently in Kansas City, keeping the title in the family for the third straight year.John's older brother, Mark Greubel, captured the IKF title in 1999.

John, 19, defeated Southeast Regional champion Jason Kuhn of Douglasville, Georgia, in the title match with a split decision in the fourth round. The match was ruled a draw after the scheduled three rounds, forcing the extra period. ''The only reason it went four rounds was because I lost a point in the third for a penalty,'' John said. ''That's my longest fight ever. It was tough, but it was a great win.''

John, unbeaten in seven fights, trains at the Augusta Martial Arts Academy along with Mark, who is unbeaten in 10 matches. Mark's last fight came in June 2000, when he broke his arm in the Professional Karate Commission (In the amateur division) championship bout. The 24-year-old, who fought two weight classes up, finished the fight and won a split decision over Lee Brannon. ''I had trained too hard to get to the nationals to come away empty handed,'' Mark said. ''My opponent outweighed me, but I was able to survive. When you get a reputation for being good, sometimes it's hard to get fights. So most of the time we have to move up and fight bigger people.''

Next year, the Greubels hope to bring home three IKF titles. John expects 21-year-old brother Paul to compete as a junior welterweight while he competes as a welterweight and Mark fights as a super welterweight. But whatever happens, the Greubels don't expect to be involved in a brother- versus- brother matchup, no matter what the situation.

''We wouldn't fight each other,'' John said. ''Whenever Mark and I spar, it's always like a chess match. We know each other too well. Besides, I wouldn't want to beat him up. I don't know who's better. We both have two national titles, but he has a better record.'' ''It's always brotherly love when we compete,'' Mark said. ''So you know we try to kill each other. Since I'm the older brother and he's the little brother, he wants to beat me up, because he couldn't back then.''

While Mark has been hampered with injuries over the past year, John has enjoyed a wonderful start to his fighting career. He won a gold medal in boxing at the Georgia Games in July. The 5-foot-11, 142-pounder will try to capture the PKC championship scheduled for November in Greenville, S.C. After that, John has one more goal to achieve in fighting before he explores another dream.

''I want us all to win titles together, so I'll probably do one more IKF and PKC,'' he said. ''Then I'm moving to California. I really want to be an actor. It's something I've been thinking about for a long time; now my mind is made up. That's the good thing about the academy - you don't just learn to fight; we gain a great deal of discipline and determination as well.''

Brothers Mark, left,
and John Greubel
of Augusta are both
two-time amateur
kickboxing champions.
CORY MYERS/STAFF

On September 11, 2001
WAR was declared on the
United States of America

Eleven hours after my flight arrived returning from Kansas City, and forty-five minutes from my home. Two lethal missiles in the form of our own commercial airplanes, hit their targets, the World Trade Center buildings (Right).

Another slammed into our Pentagon (Left) and a 4th plane was forced to crash just miles away. Forced down by American's who fought the enemy in the sky to save thousands of others below.

We have all been impacted directly or indirectly, the enemy has tried to fragment the American people instead we have been brought together like never before.

Let us all pray in our own way, for the victims and their families, the rescuers, our government and Armed Forces.

A few weeks before the IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Amateur Tournament took place, someone challenged a comment one of our webstaff people made on a chat page where they wrote "The Best Amateur Fighters in the USA will be in Kansas City come September 7th, 8th & 9th." The person asked, "So what, if a fighter isn't at your event, are you saying they aren't the best?" At the time, I felt sorry for those not able to make the trip for whatever reasons or for those who didn't feel it was worth it to them. I guess it's possible that a fighter who truly feels he or she is the best would purposely stay away from this event because they don't have anything to prove to anyone... I Guess that's possible... That is if this was maybe the first year of this event and maybe even the second. But the third year? Ahhhh... NO. This rule doesn't apply any more...

As one person put it after the event, in year one it was like, "Well, maybe I'll go, but how real can it be..?" this was because year 1, as in any great event, was a true testing year for everyone. In year 2 it was, "I really should go to the event if I can." This was because everyone was surprised there was a second year and those who went in year number 1 talked about it during the entire year. The fights, the awards, the venue. There was lots to talk about. It was a great experience for everyone. Year 2 let everyone know we were serious about making this an annual event and we were serious about finding TRUE USA Amateur Champions. As year 3 came, a lot of fighters said "I really NEED to go to that event." This was because by now, nearly every amateur kickboxer knew about the event. It was the place where "The Best of the Best" show up to "Walk The Walk!" As many said, "The amateurs who ARE true fighters were in Kansas City on September 7th, 8th and 9th." These were not my words, but the words of the over 200 amateur kickboxers who "Walked The Walk" on this great weekend.

Now as everyone said throughout the weekend, this has now become an event that all amateur kickboxers MUST go to if they want to be called a TRUE National Champion. It's the only real proving ground that brings east and west, north and south together in one place to make it happen. As each entered the ring of battle, they had only 3 words to say to their competition... "

"Bring It ON!"

The comments of those in attendance spoke volumes throughout the weekend. "This is not only the ONLY USA National tournament for kickboxing, but it is now the true "Golden Glove" style event for the sport of kickboxing in the USA! After sharing a weekend with the hundreds in attendance, I'd like to change my thought to, "Yes, that's EXACTLY what I'm saying. If your an amateur fighter and your not at this event, than you cannot say that your the best in the USA. This isn't just me talkin, EVERYONE was saying it. To say anything different would take away from those who took on the challenge to fight ANYONE in the USA to PROVE to everyone that they truly are "THE BEST IN THE USA!"

Keep in mind that this is an "OPEN INVITATION" Tournament. A fighter does not need to be invited to attend this event as in the Pro K-1 Tournaments. You don't have to be nice to anyone here to be accepted. Heck, you don't even have to like the IKF to come to this event. You just have to like this sport enough to prove to your peers that your truly THE BEST. Win or lose, you'll always be a winner because you "Walked The Walk" with the Best in the USA! Everyone at this event every year has a special bond that can only be shared with those who attend. Those who experienced it in person. Those who put the effort in or better said by our National Tournament quote thats put on every Regional Tournament Event Certificate and on the front of the Nationals Program. It reads

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with dust, sweat and blood... At the best he knows the triumph of high achievement, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

As I said, you don't need to like the IKF to attend this event. You don't need to like me or anyone associated with the IKF, although it would be nice if we all got along... What I'm saying is that this event is far bigger than the IKF letters and far greater than 1 person. This is the USA's Event for the sport of Amateur Kickboxing. This is YOUR EVENT America for the Championship of Your United States. This is why YOU need to be there.

I guess I'm stressing the USA thing a bit strong here and maybe it's because of the recent attack on America. I too am angered greatly at what happened. There are none and will never be ANY JUSTIFIED reason for what happened in America on September 11th, 2001. NONE! I'm just as proud as any of you for my country as you are yours and I'm sure you can imagine how I and thousands of other American's feel today after such a SENSELESS Tragedy carried out by cowards that now hide their faces. Their actions, for whatever cause they were trying to prove simply had NO CAUSE and had NO LOGIC behind it. So if I get a little aggressive with the USA hype in this article, I think you can relate where it's coming from. Us American's are fighting mad and a line was crossed. There will be no negotiations for such an act. Moving on...

Something America can now be proud of is the size of this event. I personally don't know of any other organization or country that hosted an event with well over 200 "Amateur Kickboxers". I stress the words "Amateur Kickboxers" because I know of several National and even World Championships that was at least this big or bigger... HOWEVER, they included participants in forms competition, point fighting, weapon demos and karate skills... Not ALL Kickboxing. In addition, those who did host large championships have accomplished so by combining amateur and pros on their event. America can be proud that we had an "ALL Amateur "KICKBOXING" event that was probably one of, if not THE Largest (In number of amateur kickboxers participating) Championship Tournament ever held in the World.

Now before anyone challenges that call, do your research because this article took awhile to post as you all know BECAUSE we have been doing some research on this very issue. What we found was a lot of championships included karate participants doing karate skills and we found a lot of PRO fighters on amateur events. Keep in mind that these are the rules to go by.

Back to the event. The question is, were you there? If so, you can relate to everything I've said and everything I'm about to say here. We, the IKF, are proud to be a "PART" of a TRUE USA National Amateur Championship Tournament. Note I said "Part". As we here at the IKF have always said, this is a TEAM Effort put in by hundreds which include Regional Directors, Trainers, Event Officials, promoters assistants and of course, the brave and courageous fighters willing to "Walk The Walk!" We don't expect you to bow down to any of us and you shouldn't have to. What we do expect is for each fighter to enter the ring each time as an equal to their peers in the sport and face whoever their opponent is across the ring, look them in the eye and say

"Bring It ON!"

If you thought you had what it takes to be a Champion, You were There! If you thought you were the best in the USA, You were There! If you had no problem proving to all your peers in YOUR sport that you are the best, You were There! If you want to call yourself a REAL USA National Champion, You were There! Don't ask me, ask the others... Don't take this as an IKF ad... Don't send us e-mails with excuses or reasons why you don't think it was important to be there. Just ask everyone else because They were There!

Let me put this another way. What happened in Kansas City on the weekend of September 7th, 8th and 9th was "An Experience.." No amount of words here will ever be able to describe it. The sportsmanship of all the fighters and trainers, the Stars and Champions of our sport. Pro World Champions, Dave Marinoble, Duke Roufus, Curtis Bush, Scott Mincey, Kevin Hudson, Anthony Bartanalli, Boonkerd Fairtex, Mike LaBree, Kongnapa, just to name a few... Legends that built our sport over the years such as Bob "Thunder" Thurman (Right - on left) , Brooks Mason, Johnny "Superfoot" Davis (Right on right) and many more. This was as I said, "An Experience!"

Lets not forget the effort of each team as well. Like in amateur boxing, every fighter who entered paid a registration fee AND paid their own way to get there. Plane tickets, hotel room and food can all add up to a lot of expenses. This alone is an effort and only those serious about being a true national champion go to such extremes. Heck, as the saying goes, "If it were so easy to do, everyone would be doing it." A saying we use within the walls of the IKF. We're where we are today because we too, as all who attended this event, make the extra effort day after day to strive to be better for our sports participants. Sadly to say, with so many ABC organizations out there awarding titles to whoever they want, we have 2 USA Champions. At this event you'll find one kind and at other events... well, you get the picture. again, these were not my words, just ask anyone who was at this event...

So if you missed it this year, the question is why? There are lots of reasons you could offer. The one we hear most is, "Why spend my own money to enter this event, pay my own way there and have to fight several times to win a belt when I can fight once here at home and win any title I want..." I spoke to a lot of fighters about these issues and every one of them had a NO MERCY attitude about those not there. When the money issue came up in discussions, 9 out of 10 said we were charging too little for what the event had to offer. They compared this event to a regular karate event where participants pay $50 to $100 to compete for a trophy worth far less than one of the USA National Championship Belts ($185.00, Pictured at right without the winners side plates added yet).

NONE of them complained about paying to enter and paying their own way to the event... NONE! In fact, everyone I spoke to said that this event separates those who take this sport serious and those just doing it for fun. Many of them shared stories about winning titles with other organizations. US, North American and even WORLD amateur titles against guys from their same state. This event isn't about the IKF. This event is simply about WHO wants to make the sacrifices to prove they are THE BEST!

Last year Mike Carlson (Right) of Georgia wrote an article (Posted THURSDAY, July 27th, "A Letter We Wanted To Share" ) about the issue of WHO could and who couldn't attend the Nationals. Some of the things Mike brought up in the article a year ago are still noted today. They read...

"Complaints from the fighter's about the money thing, if you are getting them, are really quite amazing. First of all, tournament karate PLAYERS (and I use that in its most pejorative sense!) will pay fees in excess of the IKF 2000 Tournament fee, week after week, and will incur their own travel expenses, too. That is all just to be a face in a (I believe) less than distinguished crowd, particularly when compared to what the IKF is offering. Furthermore, sponsors can be found. It just takes dedication. Car washes can be put together. Given the incredible benefits of an event such as this, an effort to raise some cash in order to attend, would seem to represent a minor one. To put the money into perspective, competitors should think about what they will remember 20 or 30 years from now. Will they wish that they had a few hundred dollars back, or will they wish they could say they had the opportunity to go for it all in a truly significant and outstanding event? What will they sit around and talk to their kids and grandchildren about? Will they bring out pictures of their participation in the IKF tournament, or of the couple of six packs and movies out that the money was used on instead?"

As I re-read Mike's article I started to think of all the great fighters and great bouts that took place at this years event as well as at the past National Tournament events. One bout that stood out the most this year was that of a fighter with a paralyzed right arm. Now right off the bat, some of you are saying, "You let a fighter with a paralyzed arm fight?" Well before you call any of us stupid for doing so, let me say, I would do it again and again and again! When Tim Ball (Right & below in black shirt) of Pennsville, New Jersey finished fighting Mark Snow (Shirt off) of Lake Zurich, Illinois, few waited for me to announce Tim's situation. Nearly everyone at Ringside at ring 2 stood to their feet and gave Tim a standing ovation for his efforts. when the applause quieted down, I explained how Tim had went through months of waiting for us at the IKF to make a decision whether or not to allow him to fight. We had several e-mails in support of him competing and finally, we made the decision to allow him to compete. I said to everyone there,

"We decided, if Tim Ball wanted to walk the walk, we weren't going to stop him!"

And the place erupted with yet another standing ovation. If you were there you would have felt a lot of emotion in the room. Tim represented every fighter at that moment. He proved that if a 1 arm man could make the effort to "Walk The WALK" than NO ONE else could ever have a valid excuse. Tim may have lost his bout, but he won the hearts of EVERYONE there, and more important, he "Walked The Walk" in front of all his peers. Nothing is more valuable than that.

Mike's article continued;

"It's all a question of what kind of person individuals are interested in forging themselves into being. The IKF has shown itself to be dedicated to giving an annual chance for athletes to, in some cases, achieve greatness, and in the others, at least come close to it. It is shamefully ironic that those in the martial arts world, who so often preach of character and goal setting, seem to be reluctant to recognize the magnitude of what the IKF is offering, and are reluctant to enthusiastically support it. At the same time, the dedicated supporters of the IKF's efforts should be noted, and praised, as you are always thoughtful enough to do. Speaking for myself, I can tell you that it is appreciated.

Mike's article was written before last years event. These were the words of a man who only became involved in the IKF a little over a year before. This was not an IKF ad. This was a testimonial about how important this event is for every USA amateur fighter. We've heard all the excuses why some didn't want to attend. We had trainers tell us things like, "Our fighters have fought fighters all around the world and won Amateur World Titles. Why should they need to prove themselves at your event?" Why? Because in a lot of those bouts they fought, their trainers had direct hands in matchmaking their fighters to assure they would win. At the Nationals, none of the fighters worried about WHO they would face. They just knew they had to fight to win and win to be the Champion.

There are so many stories that could be told about this event but if I could tell them all, you would all get board of reading. This news page would be so long it would take forever to download. The stories are not just about the fighters. They're about those behind the scene as well. The officials for example, all volunteering their time to help these fighters all achieve their ultimate goal. The trainers who made the trips with their fighters. None of them of course are paid for what they do, they do it for the love of the sport and because they want to do whatever they can to help their fighters dream of becoming a National Champion come true. Fighters, if you didn't take your coach or trainers out to dinner for all they did to help you, please do so this weekend. They deserve it more than you will ever know.

This years event didn't go without it's little glitches as one would say. Things such as a lot of our event staff getting stuck at the airport because of a shuttle mix-up caused a long delay at the weigh-ins. We thought we would have 2 scales there and instead there was only 1. The doctor's Ringside had hoped to have for the event were not available so IKF Director of Marketing Johnny Davis went on a mission to find us some. His quest took him to the Olathe Medical Center across the street from the venue and we must say, their staff was TREMENDOUS! They truly went above and beyond the call of duty here. Keep in mind, this all happened in a matter of hours, after 5 PM and on a Friday night... They not only found us 2 doctors but 6. Johnny had to actually turn the others away. Of the doctors we had, Dr. Nick Navato I must say was one of the BEST event doctors I have ever worked with. The others were great as well but Dr. Navato was outstanding.

There were some other delays on Friday night but in all, EVERYONE was incredibly patient with the delays. This show of patients spoke volumes. Everyone there simply waited their time to do what they had to do. All the fighters were given FREE WIPSS Jaw Joint Protectors compliments of WIPSS Products. This was a GREAT GIFT and we thank WIPSS for such a great product to offer our sport. If you don't use a Jaw Joint Protector, you SHOULD!

In addition, each fighter was given 2 free bottles of the new OXY-WATER. These were both great additions to offer to all the fighters. They knew that they were all there for one reason, to "Walk The Walk" in the presence of their peers. This was probably why throughout the entire weekend, we witnessed incredible sportsmanship among everyone. There were no losers at this event. How could anyone be noted as such if they made the financial and physical effort to get there and back it all up by still keeping their fight? Again, no one lost for they were all winners.

Also on opening night (Friday) we presented John Brown of Ringside Inc. a beautiful Trophy Award Belt by IAA (See below right) and made some other presentations as well. I'd like to thank Johnny Davis and the IKF staff for my award as well, but as I said, this weekend was for the fighters. It was THERE WEEKEND!

What comes to mind here was the Adult Men's Super Heavyweight bracket. This bracket could have been filled with 10 or 20 amateur super heavyweights. I know this because I've seen them fight over the last year around the USA. There were 5 contenders fighting in the Full Contact Rules Super Heavyweight division and 5 in the SHW MuayThai Division. However, there were only 2 in the International Rules Super Heavyweight Division. As I said, there should have been a lot more. However, there were only 2 willing to challenge ANYONE in hopes to becoming the Best in the USA. Many I spoke with used the excuse, "I don't have enough experience to fight." Well, apparently, Max Lestage of New York, NY (29, 6'3", 300) trained by Kirk Robison had never heard such an excuse. He wanted to "Walk The Walk" and he was willing to fight anyone who was brave enough to enter the ring with him. What makes this story more incredible to me is that unlike in the movies, Max didn't win his bout. In fact he was knocked out in the first round. What made this bout stand out to me was that when I was speaking with Max in the ring while he was still on his back, he cared more about who he might have let down than if he was hurt or not. Let me tell you something fight fans. If you supported Max on this event, you supported a WINNER! This was his FIRST FIGHT and he was willing to take on ANYONE! Let's not forget about his opponent. He was no little fella. He stood 6'4" tall and weighed in at a lean 265! He was Leo Pavolushkin (Left) of Denver Colorado trained by Clarence Thatch and Sven Bean. Leo already had experience in the ring with a record of 5 wins against 1 loss. Take a look at Leo's picture to the right. If you were Max, and in your first fight, you might have thought about pulling out at the weigh-ins. Not Max though. He promised many he would "Walk The Walk" and he did. Yes, he got caught with a great punch, but all of us do at some time or another. Max is yet another example of someone who could have looked at the competition and backed out, or not have shown up at all as many Super Heavyweights across the USA choose to do. But he didn't. So once again, if you supported Max, you supported a WINNER! You didn't let anyone down Max, you "Walked The Walk!" We hope to see Max back in 2002...

Speaking of fighters with no record, there were several who dared to
"Walk The Walk"
and took home the title. They included;

• Ashlyn Vlassich of Butler, Pennsylvania (15 years old, 5', 111, 0-0/0) trained by Jimmy Stewart took home the Junior Girls FCR Super Atomweight USA Title when she defeated Brittany Roberts of Cable, Wisconsin by TKO at 1:20 of round 1.
  
  
• Cameron Monyelle of Beloit, Wisconsin (9 years old 4'3", 51, 0-0/0) trained by his father Craig Monyelle took home the Junior Boys FCR Junior Flyweight USA Title when he defeated Corey Neumann of Omaha, Nebraska by unanimous decision, 30-28, 30-27 & 30-26.
  
  
• Kyle Cottier of Loves Park, Illinois (9 years old, 4'4", 58, 0-0/0) trained by Steve Fridh took home the Junior boys FCR Junior Bantamweight Title when he defeated Nicholas Gentry of Pacific, Missouri by split decision, 30-26, 28-27 & 27-28.
  
  
• Jordan Moore of Pacific, Missouri (11 years old, 4'7", 74, 0-0/0) trained by Benny Voyles took home the Junior Boys FCR Junior Welterweight Title when he defeated past 2000 Champion Chad Monyelle of Beloit, Wisconsin by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 & 29-28.
  
  
• Kole Campbell of Twin Falls, Idaho (12 years old, 5'2"", 96, 0-0/0) trained by Brian Higgins took home the USA IR Junior Heavyweight Title when he defeated Ryan Church of Omaha, Nebraska by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 & 30-26.
  
  
• Rebecca Mahin of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (27, 5'4", 132, 0-0/0) trained by Duke Roufus took home the USA Woman's IR Lightweight Title when she defeated Penny DeGraw of Atlanta, Georgia by split decision, 29-28, 30-28 & 29-30.
  
  
• Tara Opielouski of Norman, Oklahoma (22, 5'7", 135, 0-0/0) trained by Scott Mincey took home the USA Woman's FCR Super Lightweight Title after defeating both Kathy Hagler of Roswell, Georgia in round 1 by TKO at 1:08 into round 2 and Katie Ehrhardt of Buffalo Grove, Illinois in round 2 by unanimous decision, 29-28, 30-27 and 30-27. For her Championship bout, her opponent Jennifer Woodrome of Imperial, Missouri couldn't fight due to a neck/back pain so Opielouski won by forfeit. This bout established a rule for 2002 and beyond that will now allow the loser (Lois Theabald of Illinois) of the previous bout with the fighter who pulled out, Woodrome to advance to the final round instead.
  
  
• Tariq M. Haniff of San Mateo, California (33, 5'5", 131, 0-0-0) trained by the Fairtex Camp took home the USA MuayThai Lightweight Title. Tariq's win didn't come easy either. His opponent was Greg Ardon of New York, NY with a record of 3-2-1/2 trained by Phil Nurse. At the end of their 3 rounds, the scores were 29-28 Ardon, 29-27 Haniff and 28 even. An extra round was fought and the split decision win went to Haniff, 10-9, 10-9 and 9-10. This was a GREAT East Vs WEST match-up!
  
  

Mike Carlson





Tim Ball' Fight





Tim Ball' Fight










Fossum, John Brown & Davis




Max Lestage












Kyle McElroy





Narayan Stitt





Robert Elledge





Danny Kelly

There were some new National Tournament records set as well. Such as the one set by 18 year old Stephen Thompson of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The previous record for the quickest knockout was held by Milwaukee Wisconsin's Jason Strout of 34 seconds into the first round at last years National Tournament. Thompson broke the record as he broke the arm of Vilavahn Seukpanya of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was the only strike thrown in the bout, 14 seconds in, Thompson kicked Seukpanya's arm. It was Thompson's 16 straight win in his amateur career and his 9th win by KO/TKO while Seukpanya dropped to 8-3. The bout won Thompson his second National Tournament Title. Last year he won the Middleweight title and this year the Light Heavyweight Title. At only 18 years old, it's clear to see Thompson has a BIG Future ahead in this sport.

Several previous Champions were back again this year but fighting in different weight classes or divisions as Thompson did. Of them, several picked up another USA National title Belt. They included;

• Justin Lawerence of Pacific, Missouri who last year won the MuayThai Rules Junior Boys Junior Welterweight Title. This year he won the Junior Boys Full Contact Rules Junior Light Heavyweight Title when he defeated Ameil Alcozer of Plainview Texas by split decision, 30-27, 30-27 & 28-29.
  
  
• Casey Garza of Milwaukee, Wisconsin who last year won the MuayThai Super Lightweight Title came back this year to win the MuayThai Rules Light Welterweight Title when he defeated Michael Reno of New York, New York by split decision, 29-28, 29-28 & 28-29.
  
  
• Neal Fox of Milwaukee, Wisconsin moved up in weight to win the MuayThai Rules Welterweight Title over Joe Sampieri of New York, New York by unanimous decision, 29-26, 29-28 & 29-26. Fox had won the MuayThai Light Welterweight Title in 2000.
  
  
• Derek Yuen of Milwaukee Wisconsin (Now living in San Jose, CA) won the MuayThai Light Heavyweight Title in 2000. In 2001 he came back to win the MuayThai Rules Cruiserweight title when he defeated Charles Pemble of Marquette, Michigan by majority decision, 30-27, 30-26 & 28-28.
  
  

What about the Previous Champions that came back this year to not only DEFEND their previous titles won in 2000, but retained their titles as well? There were plenty of them too. They included;

• Suzanne Anderson of Minneapolis Minnesota who last year won the Woman's FCR Flyweight title came back to win it again this year when she defeated Rene' Brodacz of Lake Zurich, Illinois by split decision, 29-28, 30-27 & 28-29.
  
  
• Joe Taylor of Lake in the Hills Illinois retained his USA National FCR Flyweight Title when he defeated Quoc Tong of Virginia Beach, Virginia by unanimous decision, 30-25, 30-25 & 30-25.
  
  
• John Greubel of Martinez, Georgia accomplished his dream of retaining his FCR Light Welterweight Title but his opponent Jason Kuhn of Douglasville, Georgia didn't make it easy for him. At the end of the 3 rounds it was 29-27 Greubel, 28-28 even and 28-28 even. It took a 4th round fight-off for Greubel to retain his title winning on 2 of the 3 judges cards.
  
  
• Kyle McElroy of Lake Zurich, Illinois retained his USA National FCR Welterweight Title in his Final bout when he defeated Matt Mayer of Spooner, Wisconsin by split decision, 29-28, 28-27 & 27-26.
  
  
• Anthony McGaughey (Right) of Norman, Oklahoma continued his impressive career as he retained his USA National Full Contact Rules Light Middleweight title with a win over Jeff Bederd of St Louis, Missouri by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 & 29-28. McGaughey's record now stands at an impressive 16-0.
  
  
• Narayan Stitt (Right) of Seaside, California retained his USA National IR Middleweight Title when he defeated Todd Whitmoyer of Phoenix Arizona by majority decision, 30-27, 30-27 and 28-28. Stitt improved to 9-0 while Whitmoyer dropped to 11-4.
  
  

Everyone wants to win by Knockout or TKO and there were plenty of them. In fact, the Full Contact Light Cruiserweight Division had 4 contenders in it and of the 5 bouts fought, ALL 5 ended in KO or TKO! Of them, 2 in the first round and the other 3 in round 2. In that division it was Mark Feakes of Akron, Ohio who turned heads in that division as he won all 3 of his bouts by KO or TKO. His final bout was an impressive win over Kevin Engal by TKO at 1:05 of round 2. In all, Feakes fought 3 bouts on his way to the Title win but only had to fight a total of 10 minutes and 17 seconds instead of the scheduled 18 minutes. Feakes improved his overall record to 15-7-5. In the Those who recorded at least 1 knockout or TKO win include;

• Lee Roy Walters of Cable, Wisconsin when he defeated Bryce Ryder of Omaha, Nebraska by TKO at 57 seconds into round 1 to win the USA National Junior Boys FCR Junior Cruiserweight Title.
• Jeremy Powell of Douglasville, GA defeated Jon Mason of Omaha, Nebraska by TKO at 1:18 of round 1.
• Dallas Crowe of Lyman, South Carolina defeated Cody Smith of Garland, Texas by TKO at 1:15 of round 1.
• Brent Hess of Alexandria, Virginia defeated Tysen Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska by TKO at :40 seconds into the 3rd round.
• Suzanne Anderson of Minneapolis, Minnesota defeated Teri Prunty of Lilburn, Georgia by TKO at 1:45 of round 1.
• Tara Opielouski of Norman, Oklahoma defeated Kathy Hagler of Roswell, Georgia by TKO at 1:08 into round 2 .
• Holly Holm of Albuquerque New Mexico defeated Rachel Droessler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin by TKO at 34 seconds into round 1.
• Joseph Balkis of Calmet City, Illinois defeated Billy Byrd of Aroura, Illinois by TKO when Byrd didn't answer the bell after the first round break to win the USA National Full Contact Rules Featherweight Title.
• Curt Mickle of Atlanta, Georgia defeated Matthew Giliberto of Chicago, Illinois by TKO at 59 seconds into the 2nd round.
• Robert Elledge (Right with trainer Dave Marinoble) of Roseville California defeated 2000 Champion Matt Bentley of Omaha, Nebraska by TKO at 1:44 of round 1.
• Matt Mayer of Spooner, Wisconsin defeated Jamie Sychak of Butler, Pennsylvania by TKO at 1:10 of round 2.
• Kyle McElroy of Lake Zurich, Illinois defeated Jeffery Williams of Berlin, Georgia by TKO at break of rounds 1 & 2.
• Josh Jennings of Waterloo, Iowa defeated Scott McHugh of Aurora, Colorado by TKO at 1:45 of round 1.
• Marc Mayfield of St Louis, Missouri defeated Shaun Gay of Valdosta, Georgia by TKO at 44 seconds into the 3rd round.
• Jeff Bederd of St Louis, Missouri defeated Mike Crocker of Douglasville, Georgia by TKO at 20 seconds of round 2.
• Jason Strout of Milwaukee, Wisconsin defeated James Martinez of Albuquerque, New Mexico by TKO at 1:03 of round 2.
• Todd Whitmoyer of Phoenix, Arizona defeated Brian Corley of Omaha, Nebraska by TKO at :42 seconds into round 3.
• Narayan Stitt of Seaside, California defeated Jason Lovelace of Milwaukee, Wisconsin by TKO after the first round when Lovelace couldn't answer the bell for round 2.
• Zachary Day of Augusta, Georgia defeated Jason Schear of Eagan, Minnesota by TKO at 1 minute of round 2.
• Stephen Thompson of Simpsonville, South Carolina defeated Vilavahn Seukpanya of Milwaukee, Wisconsin by TKO at 14 seconds into the first round to win the USA National Full Contact Rules Light Heavyweight Title.
• Danny Kelly (Right) of San Jose, California defeated John Greaves of Chattanooga, Tennessee by TKO at 45 seconds into the 3rd round to win the USA National International Rules Light Heavyweight Title.
• Ben Dauck of Milwaukee, Wisconsin defeated Kedrick Umaa of Miami, Florida by KO at 16 seconds into round 2 to win the USA National MuayThai Rules Light Heavyweight Title.
• Kevin Engal of St Louis, Missouri defeated John Scanlon of Chicago, Illinois by TKO at 1:40 of round 1.
  • Kevin Engal defeated Mike Wood of Douglasville, Georgia by KO at 1:52 of round 1 .
• Mark Feakes of Akron, Ohio defeated Ralph Adams Jr. of Dallas, Texas by TKO at 1:28 of the second round.
  • Mark Feakes defeated Sean Crowe of Cedar Falls, Iowa by KO at 1:44 of round 2.
  • Mark Feakes defeated Kevin Engal by TKO at 1:05 of round 2 to win the USA National Full Contact Rules Light Cruiserweight Title.
• Adam Sylvia of Alexandria, Virginia defeated Damon Gray of Phoenix, Arizona by KO at 55 seconds of round 1.
  • Adam Sylvia defeated Cory Sirumacky of St Louis, Missouri by TKO at 1:10 of round 1 to win the USA National Full Contact Rules Cruiserweight Title.
• Dan Erickson of Stone Lake, Wisconsin defeated John Davidson of Georgia by TKO at 1:07 of round 1.
  • Dan Erickson defeated Wil Joseph of Dallas, Texas by TKO at 1:18 of the 2nd round to win the USA National Full Contact Rules Heavyweight Title.
• Dan Pemble of Marquette, Michigan defeated Chris Sasek of Tampa Florida by KO at 1:48 of round 1 to win the USA National MuayThai Rules Heavweight Title.
• Trent Thompkins of Waterloo, Iowa defeated David Hampton of Calmet City, Illinois by TKO at 28 seconds into the 2nd round.
• Leo Pavolushkin of Denver, Colorado defeated Max Lestage of New York, New York by KO at 1:43 of round 1. to win the USA National International Rules Super Heavyweight Title.
• Kurt Hasley of Signal Mt. Tennessee defeated J. T. Orta of Aurora, Colorado by TKO at 1:21 of round 1.

Well everyone, there's so much more, but that's enough for today. Look for yet more stories over the weekend as well as more and more pictures. There is so much to say about this event but the question is, will you get tired of reading about it...? We hope not... As usual, IKF Head of MuayThai Fred Fitzgerald who was simply FANTASTIC with his skills all weekend long will add another event story as he has in previous years so look for it soon.

If I didn't talk about your bout, don't think it wasn't important, IT WAS! There were so many main events over the weekend, enough to make 20 GREAT SHOWS! I'd like to thank all the officials who did such a great job! Fred, Dan Stell, Gerald Bush, Chuck Wolfe, as referees, you guys must still be tired. Thank you for your tremendous efforts throughout the weekend.

Judges, man there were so many of you I know I'll miss some of you but here goes, Brooks Mason, Johnny Davis, Mike Carlson, Rob Zbilski, James Corbett, Lane Collyer, Ron Gaiteri, Chris Wagner, Gene Fields, Mike Mattox, Cal Johnston, Jim Klauba, Tom Jensen, Scott Fischer, Clement Vierra, Dave Marinoble, Anthony Bartinelli and many others. Please excuse me for those I forgot. If you can, e-mail me their names so I can add them to this article. Also our timekeepers, kick counters, glove & equipment staff, awards staff of the Ward Family, front door staff, security crew, video crew, and of course, our direct IKF staff of Johnny Davis, Toni Foster, Mike Carlson, Glen Berg, and Dan Stell... So many names... how can I remember you all.

The countless hours all the trainers spent preparing their fighters for this great event. Hopefully you noticed we listed you all with your fighters below as well as in the programs. The credit you deserve for the work and efforts you make for this event, this sport, your team are without a doubt, Priceless.

And as if you may of thought we forgot, we need to thank our sponsors. Ringside Inc. of course for another great year of success for this event.

Holiday Inn OlatheThe for all their great support. your staff was fantastic! Although we may have out grown the Holiday Inn Olathe it doesn't mean we won't find another Holiday Inn somewhere else. Who knows what venue will win the bid for next years event, we'll see..

Brooks Mason and his company will supply the fighters Headgear.Wipss Products and their Jaw Joint Protectors and OXY-WATER. Toni Foster at Foster Graphics for the great event programs and the design of this years Championship Belt Medallion! Glenn Berg (GlayennB@aol.com) for event photography and Steve Harvey (SHarvey@worldnet.att.net) for the event videos. Thank you all for being valued additions to this years event!

Without you, this wouldn't have been possible. It was too bad the other officials from the Midwest had to cancel. We had rooms and meal tickets for all of you so there must have been a miscommunication somewhere there. We DID cover your expenses. Next time, PLEASE call me personally so you know your taken care of.

If you were there and you have a story to present, please e-mail it to us. We want to let everyone know as much about this experience as possible so get typin... Hope to see you all again soon...And in case your wondering, YES, there WILL be a 4th Annual USA National Tournament! We hope we see even more fighters there in 2002 that can walk through the ring ropes into their domain and look across the ring at their opponent and say with confidence..

For a Separate Page Of These Results Only, Click HERE!

To order Event PICTURES, Call Glenn Berg at FOCAL POINT Photography at (916) 663-4569 or e-mail at
GlayennB@aol.com

_______

To order Event VIDEOS, Call Steven Harvey at Harvey Video Productions at (660) 827-0350 or by e-mail at
SHarvey@worldnet.att.net

So... Where did all the 2001 IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Title Belts Go?
Check here and see...

TRAINER/GYM, Hometown, State

# OF FIGHTERS

WINS

LOSES

TITLES

TEAM Duke Roufus, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

10

11

5

5

TEAM Vierra, Phoenix, Arizona

9

6

5

4

TEAM Hess, Alexandria, Virginia

4

6

1

3

TEAM Thompson, Simpsonville, South Carolina

4

5

1

3

TEAM Finney, St Louis, Missouri

6

8

3

3

TEAM Voyles, Pacific, Missouri

6

7

3

3

TEAM Thatch - Bean, Denver, Colorado

6

5

3

3

Team Z - Zbilski, Chicago, Illinois

10

12

7

3

TEAM Mincey, Norman, Oklahoma

3

5

1

2

TEAM C. B. Bunkholt, Minniapolis, Minnesota

4

6

2

2

TEAM Labree, Cable, WIisconsin

4

4

2

2

TEAM Nurse, New York, New York

7

6

5

2

TEAM Monyelle, Beloit, Wisconsin

3

2

1

2

TEAM Lessei, Dubuque, Iowa

4

2

2

2

TEAM Marinoble, Roseville, California

2

3

1

1

TEAM Fields, Modesto, California

1

2

0

1

TEAM Winkeljohn, Albquerque, New Mexico

1

2

0

1

TEAM Scott - Akron, Ohio

1

2

0

1

TEAM Hicks, Atlanta, Georgia

3

3

2

1

TEAM Excalibur, Nashville, Tennessee

1

1

0

1

TEAM Fairtex, San Francisco, California

1

1

0

1

TEAM Yuen, San Jose, California

1

1

0

1

TEAM Konnala Marquette, Michigan

1

1

0

1

TEAM Kaio, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

1

1

0

1

TEAM Schmelzer, Commerce City, Colorado

2

1

1

1

TEAM Roop, Detroit, Michigan

1

1

1

1

TEAM Fridh, Loves Park, Illinois

3

1

2

1

TEAM Higgins, Kimberly, Idaho

3

1

2

1

TEAM Carlson, Augusta, Georgia

4

2

3

1

TEAM Noble - Rogers, Seaside, California

5

2

4

1

TEAM Stewert, Butler, Pensylvania

4

1

3

1

TEAM Glenn Hudson , Calmet City, Illinois

4

1

3

1

TEAM O'Connell, Waterloo, Iowa

7

3

6

1

TEAM Maske, Douglasville, Georgia

9

2

8

1

FINALS WEEKEND ITINERARY

• FRIDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 7th:
  
  
  • REGISTRATION & WEIGH-INS: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM in the"MAIN BALLROOM" ALL Fighters must CHECKED IN at the IKF Event Registration Table. ALL Late Fees must be paid at this time. Once checked-in, please go to weigh-ins in the same room. Once you weigh-in, please go to the fighters physical area. All of this will happen in the "MAIN BALLROOM".
    • SPECIAL NOTE: If you are not weighed in AND Finished with your Physical by 6:45 PM, you will be dropped from the Tournament. BE HERE EARLY To get everything Done Please.
      
      
  • Dinner: Fighters, trainers & Officials. If you plan to attend any of the nights seminars we suggest you find time to eat before the 6:50 PM Rules meeting. Your on your own. Eat and relax when and where you wish to. The restaurant has a buffet Friday night as well as through the weekend. Breakfast $7.50, Lunch $8.50, Dinner $9.50.
    
    
  • 6:50 PM SHARP: "MAIN BALLROOM" Fighters Rules Meeting & weekend outline. Mandatory For ALL Fighters & TRAINERS!
    
    
  • SEMINARS AVAILABLE: ALL SEMINARS ARE FREE to "Registered Fighters and Trainers of this event" - TIPS to those who instruct them are suggested and appreciated. Fee for non registered attendees is $30.00 paid at the seminar. Please register for the seminars you plan to attend with the IKF during the weigh-in time. Attendance is limited. Seminars Available are:
    
    
    • 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM: JUDGES CERTIFICATION COURSE: This will be in the Harvey Room and is Mandatory For ALL Event Officials and a must for those wanting to become IKF certified to judge in Full Contact, International & MuayThai rules matches OR those who want to learn more about the rules. This course will also cover aspects of the REFEREES but not full IKF Certification. This is a much longer course. This course is MANDATORY for all officials who wish to officiate during the National Championships. Your course instructors will be IKF World Muay Thai Official Fred Fitzgerald who will oversee the MuayThai course. IKF World Official Dan Stell, will oversee the Full Contact & International Rules part of the course. Trainers and fighters may attend the "OFFICIALS" meeting if desired.
      
      
    • 8:35 PM - 9:30+ PM: Full Contact Fighters Seminar by JOHNNY "Superfoot" DAVIS (Main Ballroom - A & B)
    • 8:35 PM - 9:30+ PM: MuayThai & Intl. Rules Fighters Seminar. By Former IKF Pro MuayThai World Champion DUKE ROUFUS & Pro Fighter JASON JOHNSON (Main Ballroom - C & D)
      
      
    • 9:35 - 10:30+ PM: Trainer & Cornerman Seminar For ALL RULE Styles. The Skills of working the fight corner by BROOKS MASON (Main Ballroom - A & B)
      
      
    • By MIDNIGHT (Hopefully Sooner) the Fight schedule for Saturday will be announced and posted on the doors to the Main Ballroom. Junior bouts and brackets with 5 or more fighters, be ready to be first Saturday morning.
      
      
• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th:
  • 9:00 AM: Officials Fight Assignments: These will be posted on the main doors of the Event Ballroom Saturday morning but ALL Officials must check in at 9:AM with Fred Fitzgerald (MTR) and/or Dan Stell (FCR & IR)
  • 9:30 AM: Bouts Begin.
    • We will have "2" Rings at this years events. Each have their own sound for the ring timers etc. that will be explained at the fighters meeting & at the beginning of each day.
  • 5:00 PM: Saturday schedule ends. (We Hope...)
  • OFFICIALS MEETING: Held directly after the Saturday bouts end: A short meeting to review the Saturday Bouts. All tournament officials.
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner Time: Your on your own. Eat and relax when and where you wish to.
  • 8:00 - 8:55 PM: PRIVATE MEETING: Current IKF Promoters ONLY: Discussion of yearly calendar and other IKF Issues in regards to IKF Promotional Future. AND:
    • The plans for an IKF Amateur North American Championship Tournament.
    • The plans for the IKF Amateur World Championships.
    • 2002 IKF North America Event calendar.
    • Income opportunities selling IKF Gear at your gyms and your events.
    • Registration of the 2002 Regional Tournament Promoters. This way, Ringside Inc. can put your ad in their Fall AND Christmas catalog. To register, see HERE! and HERE For you Regional Promoter- Directors Application. All deposit fees must be paid at this time to be included in the RINGSIDE INC. Fall & Winter Catalog Ad.
    • 2002 National Tournament and Regional Tournament Scheduling.
      • Establishing territorial boundaries of each regional.
      • Stressing TIME DEADLINES.
      • Regional & National Sponsorship.
      • AND MORE.
  • 9:00 PM: Promoters & Trainers Meeting: By special request, we have cancelled the Hall Of Fame Banquet and moved the Sunday Promoters meeting to Saturday Night. (If you have already paid for tickets for the Hall of Fame Dinner, please see the IKF Staff at the Nationals for a refund. Thank You.) Reasons for the change;
    1. Several noted it may not be a good idea, (since there is still a day left in the Tournament) to have fighters mixing at such a dinner.
    2. Several fighters have said they would rather be able to rest on Saturday night before the Sunday Finals.
    3. Several trainers and promoters asked to put this meeting on Saturday since many wanted to leave home Sunday night.
    This meeting is open to ANY and ALL Promoters, Trainers and fighters regardless if you sanction with the IKF or not. This meeting is a great opportunity for you to meet other trainers and promoters to associate with on future events and also learn how to promote yourself and your events to others. We will discuss topics such as
    1. The future goals of the IKF and how they benefit you.
    2. Fighter exchanges and return deals.
    3. What is known as a "Pro Winners Purse" and the benefits of it.
    4. IKF Sanctioning requirements.
    5. Great Promoter ideas - Marketing, Ticket Sales & Matchmaking
    6. Promoting training seminars and other special events.
    7. Marketing yourself and your activities to the World
    8. How to put together a great promotional package for yourself to send to promoters.
    9. How to find sponsorship for your events.
    10. AND MUCH MORE!
  • By MIDNIGHT the Fight schedule for Sunday will be announced and posted on the doors to the Event Ballroom.
• SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th:
  • 9:30 AM: Officials Fight Assignments: These will be posted on the main doors of the Event Ballroom Sunday morning.
  • 9:30 AM: Bouts Begin.
  • 5:00 PM: Sunday schedule ends.
  • 7:30 PM: AFTER EVENT DINNER PARTY: Due to requests by many who plan to travel home on Sunday evening, "The 2001 Awards Dinner" was changed to just an "After Event Party" for those who wish to stay. We will have a casual after event party with beverages and snacks. The time of this party will be announced after the last bout on Sunday. You may order meals/food at your own expense if desired. The Presentation of "The Best OF The 2001 National Amateur Kickboxing Tournament" awards will be announced through the weekend as well as some announcements made after the event. Anyone not in attendance to receive their award, their award will be mailed to them. If you have already paid for tickets for this dinner, please see the IKF Staff at the Nationals for a refund. Thank You.

Although this article is being posted today (Wednesday) IKF President Steve Fossum (Left) and IKF Event Photographer Glenn Berg arrived at the Olathe Holiday Inn in Olathe/Kansas City Kansas City Tuesday about 5:30 PM. It was a a long drive of over 1,700 miles from the IKF World Headquarters in Newcastle, CA which the two did in under 28 hours. More like 24 if you subtract the time they used stopping for meals and of course, gas.

Fossum and Berg decided to drive to theIKF/RINGSIDE Nationals this year because they didn't want to take any more chances of losing the 60+ National Title Belts like UPS (United Parcel Service) did last year. Especially since this years belt bill was over $12,000.00. (Belts shown in an article below)

"I felt we let our Champions down last year." Said Fossum. "Although it wasn't our fault UPS lost the belts, we still felt it was a major letdown. Never again will this happen." Fossum held true to his words and with the help of Berg, all the belts for this years event are now in Kansas.

The other reason they made the trip was to get the IKF Administration Offices set up in plenty of time before the event. This year the IKF and RINGSIDE Inc. are the event hosts handling all the event logistics themselves which was a major reason Fossum wanted to get to K.C. early.

The two took most of last night and earlier today setting up the IKF Administration Office which included computers, faxes, event documents and more. (See picture at right) Within hours of arrival, they had the IKF satellite office completely set up with all they would need.

If your looking to reach them, the number is (913) 829-4000 X Executive Boardroom B. The fax number there is (913) 829-8165. The remainder of the IKF Event Team will arrive this Friday.

A Visit To RINGSIDE Inc.

After they were done they took the short trip (which was about 15 minutes from the event center, the Olathe Holiday Inn.) to the World Headquarters of

RINGSIDE Inc.
World Headquarters

Once there, they were given the full tour by RINGSIDE Inc.'s Albert Guardado. Guardado is seen at left with Fossum holding the Official 2001 IKF/RINGSIDE Nationals Event T-Shirt. These shirts and others can be purchased at the event at both the RINGSIDE Inc. booth and the IKF booth. Other IKF Apparel and Ringside equipment will also be available at these booths throughout the weekend.

RINGSIDE's impressive facility was massive in size. Described by Fossum as "Tremendously Impressive". With "In-house facilities" for silk screening, bag making, graphic arts and a massive shop where they make their Ringside Boxing rings it had everything such a company needs. Not to mention their massive storage warehouse of Ringside Products.

After the tour, Fossum & Berg discussed some of the lagistics of this weekends event. "Doug (Ward) and Mike (McAtee) are working hard to make this a great event." said Fossum. "This is truly the Golden Gloves of kickboxing." Fossum also met with Ringside Inc. President John Brown and shared views of the sport and the need for such an event for the sport of kickboxing.

After their visit it was back to the IKF Office to retrieve e-mails, return dozens of phone calls and continue the organization work to assure this weekends event will again be a step above the year before as last years was over the first one in 1999.

For more PICTURES of the Olathe Holiday Inn and more, click

HERE!

Joe Taylor



Rob Zbilski



Doug Ward



Toni Foster

As Sunday ended and Monday came we finally got IKF/IAA Belt Master Frank Curtis (Right)
to pause for a brief moment and take a proud pose with this years
IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Amateur Championship
Title Belts he just completed making. In all there were 65 Title Belts done for next weekends Championship Event.

Curtis runs IAA operations through the IKF along with running his own web design company, Creative Concepts Web Design. The making of the 65 Nationals Belts took several weeks, each one being hand cut and pieced together by Curtis and his staff. Each medallion was polished, hand painted, hand polished again before finally being mounted on the thick black leather.

Every Champion will be awarded one of these Prestigious Title Belts and everyone will get the same kind of belt, Juniors, Women and Men. These belts are without a doubt the feature of the event. In the Adult Men's Division there are a total of 128 Fighters. Over 10 more fighters than the entire field of last years National Tournament. All of them will be fighting in a total of 97 bouts. Of those, 71 are in the Full Contact Rules Division which will challenge for 14 Title Belts. There are 25 International Rules Adult Men fighters challenging to win one of 7 IR Title Belts and 32 MuayThai Adult Men fighters hoping to win one of 9 MuayThai Title Belts.

A total of 35 Adult Women Fighters will be fighting in 25 bouts and of those, 19 are in the Full Contact Rules Division challenging for 5 Title Belts, 13 International Rules fighters challenging for 4 Title Belts and 3 MuayThai Rules Women challenging for just 1 Women's MuayThai Title Bout.

The real surprise this year was the number of Junior (Ages 8-17) fighters. In 1999 we only had 1. In 2000 there were 15. This year that number jumped "DRAMATICALLY" up to 65 Juniors fighting in a total of 43 bouts. Of them there are 45 Junior Boys in which 38 are in the Full Contact Rules Division challenging for 13 Title Belts, 5 International Rules challenging for 2 Title Belts and 3 MuayThai rules Junior boys fighters challenging for 1 MuayThai Rules Title Belt.

A total of 20 Junior Girls is a record high this year as well compared to 0 in 1999 and only 4 last year. Of them, 12 will be fighting in the Full Contact Rules Division fighting for 4 FC Title Belts, 8 International Rules fighting for 3 Title Belts and no MuayThai Rules Junior Girls.

In all, all the numbers are up this year from last. Men from 76 to 135, Women from 25 to 35 and as mentioned, the Juniors from 15 to 65. "It's just proof that this should have been done long ago." Said IKF President Steve Fossum. "When someone takes the kind of care and patience to make such prestigious belts like Frank does, it just makes the event and the fights worth more. A REAL Title deserves a REAL Champions Belt!"

Although during his kickboxing career Fossum won 2 Amateur International and 3 National Titles, he's the first to say that the titles won at this event are more prestigious than any title he fought for and won in has career. "I'm proud that we have an event where The BEST wins the title rather than 2 guys meeting from across town. I think everyone is tired of every kickboxer holding a National title. An event like this is long overdue and part of why boxing is far ahead of kickboxing. Kickboxing NEEDS events like this if we all want our sport to be taken serious in the eyes of the Olympic Committee and or the World of Pro Sports for TV and the mass media around the world."

The success of this event is proof that Fossum wasn't the only one thinking this way. When he and Joe Taylor (Left) started talking about it all and IKF Promoter Mick Doyle came through with the first venue at Harveys Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs Iowa the rest of the IKF Team joined in on an incredible journey of Great Teamwork! IKF Promoters Duke Roufus, (Right) Rob Zbilski (Left) and Jeff Mullen were the first to take charge to host regionals and all 3 still do today.

Others on the IKF Team eventually followed and the rest is history. These few individuals had no idea they were clearly "Changing The Game" of Amateur Kickboxing as it use to be known.

Duke Roufus



Brooks Mason

This year Mick Doyle stepped down as National Finals host and the IKF and Ringside Inc took over operations. Ringside Inc Doug Ward (Left) took over from Taylor this year after he moved to Texas. Ward along with Ringside Inc's Mike McAtee and Albert have added even more to this years events with more awards and gifts to the fighters.

Wipss has also stepped up and provided free Jaw Joint Protectors (Right) for all the Finalists that will be distributed at the Friday night Weigh-ins

Also, newcomer Oxy-Water has come aboard as an event sponsor. Oxy-Water will supply their unique Oxygenized Water to the fighters. For those who haven't heard of Oxy-Water, it's clear, smooth, distilled water with a refreshing boost of extra Oxygen. It is the perfect way to replenish the body's supply of much-needed water and oxygen - perfect for the athlete looking for a competitive edge or anyone who wants to be truly refreshed!

Although Ringside Inc will supply all the Fight Gloves and Shin Pads for the event, and IKF World Representative Brooks Mason's Company will also be there to assist as always.

Speaking of Prestigious things, last but certainly not least are the Prestigious Programs that Toni Foster (Left) of Foster Graphics put together for this Great Event. To take a quick look at the cover and read about what all the programs will have in them, Click HERE!

Many trainers see the value of this event to truly find out WHO are indeed the Greatest Amateur Kickboxers in America. It's pretty clear in kickboxing today which title holds the true value. Just ask the over 200 Amateur Kickboxers next weekend in Kansas City what title their after.

It's not the letters of IKF that make this title so prestigious. It's the gathering of such great talent, all looking to "Walk The Walk" and prove to the Nation that they are truly "THE BEST in the U.S.!

Hopefully you got a laugh from this as we did....
See you in Kansas City!
"Bring It ON!"
Thanks Vicki...

MORE NEWS OF 9-2-01 - POSTED AT 2:10 AM

It's 2:10 AM, Sunday morning here at the IKF Headquarters in Newcastle, CA, USA... A picture to the right shows the 2001 IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Championship Belt Medallions spread out across the IKF conference room table for individual inspection to assure all were painted and polished with care. The next step for these medallions will be to be placed on the 65 National Championship Belts later today, Sunday.

We just wanted all you USA National Finalists to know that while your getting the valuable rest you all need for one of the biggest events of your amateur career, we're here at IKF Headquarters, "Making Things Happen" for "YOU!" The care that goes into the making of each one of these custom belts for this event is proof we care about your goals and dreams of becoming a TRUE USA National Amateur Champion.

Each belt is hand cut by belt master Frank Curtis (and Professional web designer) and put together one by one. Each medallion is "REAL" solid brass. They are pored/cast, hand polished, hand painted, hand polished again and clear coated. The medallion design, as last years design, was created by Toni Foster of Foster Graphics, the official Graphics Department of the IKF. Toni will be at the National Finals this year for the first year. Make sure you talk with her about the IKF Program, "Winning Image". She'll be at the IKF Booth most of the event.

This is YOUR SHOW Fighters, and we hope we do everything possible to make it the best experience you will remember at this point in your careers.... We look forward to seeing you next weekend...

"Bring It ON!"

MORE NEWS OF 9-2-01

Don's & Fury
Ready For Tonights
IKF England!"

IKF Promoters Stephen Donnelly and Mick Fowles are all set to host
IKF Amateur Kickboxing tonight at the Mercia Sporting club on Lockhurst Lane in Coventry, England.
For more info, please contact Mr. Stephen Donnelly or Mr. Mick Fowles
by e-mail by Clicking HERE!

SATURDAY, September 1st, 2001, AT 3:15 PM PT

WIPSS Jaw Joint Protectors
To Be Given Out "AT NATIONALS"

We had hoped to mail out all of the WIPSS Jaw Joint Protectors BEFORE the National Finals however we received them later then we expected and to make matters worse, already a lot of what were mailed out have come back to us with undeliverable addresses. Add to this the confusion of all the late entries this year, we had to make a final decision as to when everyone would get them, if at all. We opted to be assured everyone receives theirs so we made the decision to hand them out at the event as amateur boxing does with their free products from sponsors.

Checking the addresses on the registration forms, the addresses on the "Returned" packages were what we wrote on them so we can only expect them to be bad addresses. So instead, we will personally hand out each fighter's WIPSS Jaw Joint Protector at the Friday night Weigh-Ins when each fighter checks in. "SOME" of you have already received your WIPPS Product (Those who have, we have a record of) we're glad. For those who have not, please pick yours up at the Fighters Registration Tabel where we will handle fighter check-ins, weigh-ins, medicals, late fee payments, event scheduling etc. etc.. See all of you soon... To "WALK THE WALK! Bring It ON!

MORE NEWS OF 9-1-01

IKF
Champ Moves On...
USA Amateur Champion "MAGIC" Juan Escobar Moves Past Kickboxing

IKF Amateur Champion "Magic" Juan Escobar of Gilroy, California, USA has decided it's time to move on in life and face his future ahead. Escobar has plenty of things lined up in his future with school and work and if he takes them on as he has his kickboxing career he should have no problem with great success ahead. "It was a hard decision for him (Escobar) to make and I have to respect that decision." said his trainer, Dennis Saguinedl of Karazenpo Kickboxing & Boxing Club in Gilroy, CA. Escobar started with Saguinedl at the age of 14 and he boxed him for 2 years. At the age of 16, Saguinedl turned him to kickboxing winning his first Kickboxing Title that very same year. In the five years he did kickboxing Escobar won 3 IKF Titles which included;

1. IKF IR U.S. Welterweight Champion
   San Francisco, CA on May 9th, 1998, Escobar defeated Adam Garcia of San Diego, CA, USA by Unanimous Decision, 48-47, 49-46 & 49-46.
   
   
2. IKF IR West Coast Super Welterweight Champion
   Medford, Oregon in November of 1998, Escobar defeated Jones Tom of San Francisco, CA when the bout was stopped at 1:21 of the second round.
   
   
3. 2000 IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Amateur Super Welterweight Champion
   Council Bluff's Iowa, in September of 2000, Escobar won a unanimous decision (30-24, 30-24, 30-24) victory over Bryan Helfirich of Dixon, Illinois.
   
   
4. He also won the ISKA California State Light Welterweight Champion. Opponent unknown.
   
   

Escobar also had another title shot, the only one he didn't win... but he didn't lose either... It was against Shon Moore of Redding, CA on May 20th, 2000 in Fairfield CA for the vacant IKF Full Contact Rules California State Light Middleweight Title. It was a Toe to Toe WAR for 4 rounds. In the end, one judge scored it 40-36 for Moore, another scored it even at 38-38 and the third judge had it 39-37 Escobar. The result... A Split Decision Draw.

Escobar's trainer (Dennis Saguinedl) talked with him about turning pro but Escobar's time for his training won't fit with his work and school schedule. Saguinedl wishes him well in his future and hopes that he has a successful one as we all do. Remember Dennis, you're a great part of Mr. Escobar's future. You took a lot of valuable and quality time to help make him a Champion today so he will always be a Champion tomorrow... In and Out of the ring, no matter where his future takes him from here. We believe you BOTH have a lot to be proud of. Good luck to you both.

For more info, trainer Dennis Saguinedl can be reached at the Karazenpo Kickboxing / Boxing Club in Gilroy, CA at (408) 847-3031 or by fax at (408) 847-2351.

PAST IKF NEWS CLICK HERE!

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