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1997 |
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The Launch Of In January of 1997, the IKF launched it's official IKF Website at a temporary web address located at www.jps.net/ikf. How important was the IKF Website to the growth and exposure of the IKF? Well one look at the numbers will tell you the whole story. The IKF was started in July of 1992 and there were 2 IKF sanctioned events that year. The first ever IKF Sanctioned event was on August 1st, 1992 at the Roseville Fairgrounds in Roseville, CA, USA. It was promoted by IKF President Steve Fossum to get the word out about the new organization. The second IKF Sanctioned event ever was promoted by IKF Promoter Jacob Duran in Fairfield, CA USA on October 17th. In 1993 there were 6 IKF Sanctioned Events, 2 of those were promoted by IKF President Steve Fossum and one of them was his last one he ever promoted. He felt Promoting was a conflict of interest and assured all the promoters who worked with the IKF in the beginning that he would only promote events for the first year of the IKF. A Promise he kept to everyone. The IKF continued to grow in 1994 as they sanctioned 11 Events. However the numbers dropped in 1995 to only 8 IKF Sanctioned events because Mr. Fossum was putting in a lot of his time focusing on the building of a new Martial Arts and Kickboxing club. In 1996 there were still only 8 IKF Sanctioned Events. After Dan Stell stepped away from the IKF in July of 1996, President Steve Fossum took on the task of enlarging the IKF on a true worldwide scale through the use of the worldwide web. In January of 1997, the IKF launched it's official IKF Website at a temporary web address located at www.jps.net/ikf. The old site is still there to refer viewers to the new site that was launched a couple of years later at www.IKFKickboxing.com. In 1997 (Because of the IKF Presence on the internet) the IKF Sanctioned events outside of USA for the first time ever which included events in Canada and Mexico. After a year spent learning about internet marketing, website work etc. etc. the IKF was ready to push out into the world. In 1998 they sanctioned over 50 events that included events in the USA, Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Armenia, Portugal and several other countries. In 1999 the IKF Sanctioned well over 100 events and the number of IKF Sanctioned events has continued to nearly double every year since. Having a website was not the secret though... Doing the Right Thing Was! "IKFKickboxing.com... The Game Has Changed!"
Event Results
Press about the IKF... WorldWideWeb
Taken From Martial Arts International magazine by Ron Harbinship There's a new sheriff in town as the saying goes and this one is here to clean up a sport that has needed help for some time. Kickboxing! From foul mouth interviews on live TV, drug busts and money stolen by promoters, kickboxing has faced many setbacks over the years. Although more exciting than any boxing match, kickboxing still comes in a very distant second to boxing in glory, fame and most important, prize money. Born from the martial arts of Thailand and other countries, you would think most martial artists would have great honor and respect towards others in their own business, but these are seldom found in a cut-throat business that seems to attract a lot of questionable individuals. Kickboxing has more sanctioning bodies than any other sport. It isn't uncommon to see promoters inventing their own initials for an organization overnight and awarding their own world titles the next evening at their own events just to save paying true professional sanctioning fees to a worthy organization. And the titles they award, well they're about as prestigious as a 10 year old martial arts black belt. There is NO HONOR in either but what has the world come to. Will anyone step up, make some noise and try to organize kickboxing before it breaths it's final breath? Well, someone has... Fairness, Loyalty and Honor "DO" have a place in the world of Kickboxing! Within all those fancy initials and overnight organizations emerged an organization looking to accomplish all this and more. In 1992, the IKF (International Kickboxing Federation) was formed by past martial arts black belts Steve Fossum and Dan Stell. Both trained in the martial arts. Both were not only full contact kickboxers, but kickboxing champions as well with over 100 bouts between them. Both trained kickboxers and both promoted kickboxing events. They knew exactly what everyone involved in the sport wanted, and sure enough, they gave it. Lower sanctioning fees, organization of rankings both amateur and pro. Event assistance, legit title holders with mandatory title defenses. Publicity to fighters, trainers, promoters and on and on. Since it's forming, Stell has stepped down as Vice President to concentrate on officiating for the IKF and promoting kickboxing events, while Fossum has driven the IKF train to one of the top 3 organizations in the world. Fossum organizes the IKF from his spacious 17,000 square foot martial arts school in the town of Newcastle, CA, USA. His school offers karate, grappling and of course, kickboxing classes. But as Fossum says, he didn't do it alone. "We started out small like everyone else would and just kept pressing to improve the needs of those around us" says Fossum. "Our promoters gave their all for what they believed the sport could be. We begin with a strong team of promoters like Jacob Duran, Tat Mau Wong, Dan Verdugo, Johnny Davis, Sam Montgomery, Abe Belardo, Eric Nolan & Mike Miles. These were the people who kept the IKF alive, not me." he says. But it didn't stop there, Fossum says that he stressed professionalism in all the IKF fighters and trainers so they would be respected by the fans of kickboxing. And kickboxing needs fans. With it's disciplined view on rapid growth, the IKF was more focused on a strong foundation of doing things right and learning from mistakes made and improving on them. "Mistakes were common and I can admit to a lot" says Fossum. "Whether getting too involved or not getting involved enough, everyone makes mistakes but the question is, did you learn from them? That's what helps you grow." Structure, discipline and a strong foundation are exactly the strong points of the IKF today. Add to all this, their newly established web site and WaLa, the IKF is Worldwide nearly overnight. Since the posting of their official web site in June of 1997, the IKF has expanded greatly and became a MAJOR FORCE in the world of Kickboxing Sanctioning! Many of their strong points continue to be deciding factors among other promoters. The IKF has welcomed many promoters from other organizations with open arms. Still in it's early growth stages, many promoters are finding out that now is a great time to get involved on the ground floor of a fast growing worldwide organization. "We are always looking for new promoters willing to associate with the IKF" says IKF president Steve Fossum. Look for the IKF to become more involved in martial arts magazines as well as cable TV produced events and documentaries on Kickboxing. Kickboxing in the Olympics? We can't expose too much here but aren't we all tired of Olympic Tae Kwon Do? Or hey, do you remember when Full Contact Karate and Kickboxing events were on regular TV? So does the IKF. Think Kickboxing? Think IKF!
A trust fund has been set up for Murdered Kickboxing Champion, Charles Lee Redmond's little daughter, Lexus Redmond. (Scroll down and see Article below) All checks or money orders are asked to be made payable to Lexus Redmond. The donations can be mailed to 321 S. Frontage Road, Pahrump, Nevada, USA 89048. Please address the envelope to Gwen Wydermyre, Redmond's kickboxing trainer. You can reach Gwen at (702) 751-0948 Redmond was shot in the back by a female stalker near his place of work where he was a limo driver & body guard at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas Nevada on October 13th. Rest in Peach Lee.
Event Results
Several International
Prestige matches took place and the outcomes were as follows
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15th, 1997 @ 11:50 AM First Ever IKF
U. S. Cruiserweight Champion
Redmond later turned pro, retiring his IKF International Rules title and continued his fighting career fighting out of Las Vegas under the guidance of Gwen Wydermyre. Redmond was scheduled to fight in the spring of 1998 for the Intercontinental Super Heavyweight Pro title against Matt Skelton of the UK. The bout was scheduled to be in West Virginia in late April 1998. However, Redmonds pro career was not to be. Redmond was the victim of a jealous stalker who became attracted to him through an acquaintance. Even though the girl knew he was a married man, she continued to call him at work, show up at his work and other public places until he had a restraining order filed on her. This didn't change anything since she still wanted his companionship. Although nothing ever occurred physically between the two, she went as far as making threats to him that she would harm him if he didn't leave his wife. Redmond had been married to wife Renee for 3 years and together, they had a daughter, Lexus. Late Sunday night, the girl caught up to Redmond while he was alone and shot him in the back. She then went back to her apartment and committed suicide. IKF Champion, Charles Lee Redmond was pronounced dead early Monday morning, October 13th at 5:20 AM, by the Las Vegas coroners office. Why such a senseless killing took place, we here at the IKF do not know. Additional details of the homicide were not made available by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police at press time. However we do know this. Kickboxing has lost one of the great gentlemen of the sport. Redmond, like many IKF Champions was truly a champion in, as well as out of the ring. Our best wishes go out to those close to him and this written notice is in hopes he will never be forgotten by fellow kickboxers. The funeral for him will be on Monday, October 20th. Rest in Peace Lee...
Event Results
IKF
Table Mountain Casino event has top
class bouts! Past World Champion Kickboxer and now movie star Benny Urquidez sat ringside and watched a dynamic kickboxing event with hundreds of others at the Table Mountain Casino outside of Fresno, CA USA. Promoters Eric Nolan and Abe Belardo can once again, chalk up another successful event to their names. If the Casino was as pleased as we were, they are sure to be back. "Nolan and Belardo have a talent to put together quality fighters and bouts." said IKF President Steve Fossum. "A skill that takes experience like they have. Table Mountain should be very pleased with the organization of the event as well." The event featured 7 bouts which included 4 of the 7 bouts being title bouts. Before the title bouts, were 2 undercards.
The event judges were Steve Wenger, Jerry Robina, John Forqura and Scott Milam. The event referee was Rick Mendiola. Timekeeper Ralph McKnight. Doctor Jerry Sydel, Ring Announcer Mike Hart. Nolan and Belardo don't have an official date set yet for their next event but hopefully they will be back with more explosive action at Table Mountain Casino. IKF RANKED FIGHTERS
Rumor has it that Past World Kickboxing Champion Don "The Dragon" Wilson will fight again soon. It's heard that Wilson will fight either Alexio or Roufus in a full contact rules (above the waist kicks) match in New York later this year or early 1998. Keep in mind that although our sources are VERY credible, additional facts cannot be added at this time due to negotiations. Wilson is the only kickboxer to defeat Alexio, but it was in a leg kick match.
Dennis Alexio, (65-2, 60 KO's) of Molokai Hawaii, USA defeated Barrington Patterson (36-2, 32 KO's) of London England in Hawaii to win the vacant IKF World Heavyweight Title. The bout was stopped at the end of the 5th round when it was obvious that Patterson didn't wish to continue. The win sets up a possible unification bout with Jerry Rhome who holds the K.I.C.K. World Heavyweight title or a possible bout with Rick Rufus. Rufus is soon to vacate his IKF World Cruiserweight title as he moves up to heavyweight. The Patterson bout was Alexio's last bout in Hawaii before moving back to the mainland and was viewed by a crowd of over 7,000 spectators.
Belardo & Nolan Shine As
Co-Promoters! IKF Promoters Eric Nolan and Abe Belardo hosted another great kickboxing event at the famous Strongbow Stadium in Bakersfield, CA, USA on June 21st. However, there was a great pre-event worry when five fighters pulled out within 24 hours of the event. Three fighters from Gilbert Garcia training camp in Hacienda Heights (Southern California) were booked to fight on the event but didn't show up. When attempts were made to contact them the day of the event, Garcia's wife answered the phone simply saying, "They are on the way there and should be there any moment." They never called to cancel, say they were going to be late, or anything. They just didn't show up. It's trainers like this that put a black eye on promoting kickboxing events. This rude action didn't only hurt the event, but the 3 other fighters who did show up to fight Garcia's fighters. Trainers, fighters and all officials need to always be professional and respectful to all involved in an event. If you can't make the show, at least call. On the other hand, a commitment is a commitment. Don't commit if you plan to pull out. Because of this, the event featured only 3 real bouts. However, the crowd went away excited due to 4 DYNAMIC EXHIBITIONS!
Three other exhibitions made the night exciting as well including one that ended in a kick knockout to the head by Chris Stanford by accident over Richard Reiter and a fantastic 3 round Muay Thai exhibition by 2 exciting 8 year olds. In attendance for the California state athletic commission was Rob Lynch and Dwayne Woodard. The event judges were John Forquara and 2 referees alternating bouts, Marcos Rosales & Cecil Peoples. The event timekeeper was Ralph McKnight. IKF President Steve Fossum was the guest MC/ring announcer. The event Physicians: were Dr. Robert Karnes and Dr. Pat Golden. Special guests included Kickboxing World Champions Kathy "THE PUNISHER" Long and Peter "SUGARFOOT" Cunningham. Nolan and Belardo's next event is planned for July 12th at Table Mountain Casino in Fresno, CA, USA. For more information, contact Mr. Nolan at (805) 833-3367.
However Jean Carrillo, Zuniga & Father Add Negative Memories... Well known Muay Thai promoter and past World Kickboxing Champion Mike Miles of Canada teamed up with the IKF in his latest kickboxing card held on June 14th in Red Deer Canada, just outside Calgary. Miles has promoted over 120 events and this one like the rest was a class act. "We were very pleased with Mr. Miles and his production staff." stated IKF President Steve Fossum. "Mr. Miles and his staff are true professional when it comes to promoting. Mike is a true class act and a leader in the sport of kickboxing as a past world champion, and current trainer and event promoter." The event was a sell out featuring 12 exciting bouts with 3 title bouts. On the undercards, 4 were won by knockout. Those winners included Colleen McDermott who won by TKO at 1:43 of round 2, Jessie Miles who won by TKO at 1:13 of round 1, Vince Peters who won by TKO at 1:07 of round 2 and Jeremy Jablonski won by a devastating punch KO at 1:20 of round 3. The other 5 undercard winners by decisions were Paul Sukys, Bobby Swyryda, Dave Robinson, Alain Robidoux and Carl Wilson.
A black eye was put on trainer Jean Carrillo (Owner of Deluxe USA - Kickbox Gear.com) of the Carrillo Boxing Center in Irvine CA when he and his fighter Nicolas Read left Canada back to Irvine, CA before their scheduled bout with Trevor Desjarlais for the IKF Intercontinental Welterweight Title. Upon arriving in Calgary the night before the fight, Carrillo bragged about Read having 4 pro bouts. When event promoter Mike Miles and IKF President Steve Fossum heard this, they acted accordingly and reminded Carrillo that they were booked for an AMATEUR Title fight, not a pro. In addition, Carrillo had told the IKF and Mike Miles through faxes and e-mail in the previous weeks before the event that Read was an Amateur. However, Carrillo stuck to his word about Read having 4 PRO BOUTS. Mr. Fossum informed Carrillo that he and Mr. Miles will investigate his past bouts with the WKA's Mr. Paul Ingram of England and see if he has ever fought as a pro. If so, Carrillo would be held responsible for reimbursing Mr. Miles for the fees to bring Read and Carrillo to Canada. These fees included air flight, hotel and meal expenses which totaled over $1,000.00. During the night, Mr. Miles contacted the WKA requesting Reads background. The next morning at approximately 10 AM, Fossum went to Carrillo and Read to inform them that they discovered that Read has never been listed as a pro fighter and that the fight would go on. However, Carrillo and Read had left the hotel and spent the cash Mr. Miles gave them for food on a cab back to Calgary and rescheduled their flight back to California and the question still remains, Why did Carrillo leave? The week after the event, Mr. Fossum contacted Carrillo at his gym requesting an explanation. Carrillo suddenly tried to change his story stating that Mr. Miles and Mr. Fossum accused Read of being pro and that he never said Read was. However, in addition to the conversation was IKF associate representative Steve Wenger who also clearly heard Carrillo bragging that Read had 4 pro bouts. "There was no question about it" stated Wenger. "Carrillo informed us that Read had 4 pro bouts. Miles and Fossum didn't even bring it up. Carrillo did because he wanted to brag about his fighter." Mr. Fossum gave Carrillo a week to pay back Mr. Miles expenses for but Carrillo refused. Because of this, the IKF will be taking legal action against Carrillo for the loses promoter Mike Miles occurred through expenses for Read and Carrillo. In addition, the IKF will rule soon whether to fine Carrillo. There is also a question of criminal action since Carrillo took $100.00 cash from promoter Mike Miles after the conversation over Reads status for food money. "Mr. Miles is a man of his word and since he promised them food money, he gave it to them.". stated IKF President Steve Fossum. "I believe Read is the innocent one here. Read(being French) doesn't speak English and I don't think Carrillo told him the entire story. Our interpature wasn't going to be available until the morning of the fights. However Carrillo took him and left before we could speak with him." Since Read left the country, the IKF awarded the title to Desjarlais by forfeit. Co promoting the event with Mr. Miles was Lyle Cheney of Red Deer. The event judges were Gary Bergeron, Peter Helfrich, Tony Hobbs, Steve Wenger and Mike Zientek. The referees were Tony Hobbs, Nathan Sarsons and Tim Yorke. Event Physicians was Dr. Surgenor. The ring announcer was Larry Leach. The timekeeper was Steve Schiefler. Mr. Miles is planning another event for August. For more info, contact Mr. Miles at (403) 244-8424.
IKF &
KO KICKBOXING SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA Promoters and past World Kickboxing Champions Johnny Davis and Sam Montgomery promoted another sell out K. O. Kickboxing event at the Cesar's Latin Palace in San Francisco, CA, USA on February 16th, 1997. The IKF sanctioned the event that featured 10 bouts with 6 ending by knockout. Here are the event results;
The event judges were Steve Wenger, Susan Thomas with the two
referees Dan Stell & Tony Thompson alternated as judges. The
kick judges were Ron Daniel and Erica Stell. Event Physicians
were Dr. Paul Wallace & Dr. John Stahler. The California
State Athletic Commission representatives were Rob Lynch & Bobby
Ponzio. the IKF Representative &
scorekeeper was Steve Fossum. Timekeeper was Marleen Swallow and
Anthony Marks was the Ring Announcer.
IKF EVENT NOTES
WORLD KICKBOXING CHAMPIONS
From an Outside News Source When Kickboxing World Champions Johnny "Superfoot" Davis and Sam Montgomery were winning world titles, neither had plans of becoming a promoter of the sport. However, with the assistance of Steve Fossum and the IKF, Davis and Montgomery formed the promotional organization known today as K. O. Kick Boxing. After researching all the different sanctioning organizations available to promoters and fighters today, Davis and Montgomery went with the IKF,. Although there are larger organizations out there, no organization has the organization, personal hands on assistance and potential that the IKF, does. For example, the IKF, is the only organization that has a monthly newsletter (more like a small magazine with about 26 pages ) that officially ranks BOTH AMATEUR and PRO fighters that have fought on an IKF, event. Also listed are the trainers and contact numbers giving trainers recognition as well and making fighters a lot easier to find for event matchmakers. Each fighter is listed with their record, height, age and weight. The IKF, is also the only organization that lists legitimate Amateur title holders instead of how some organizations have several amateurs holding the same title. Pro titles of course are listed as well and include such title holders as Juan Torres, Rick Rufus, Francis Farley, George Tsutsui, Ramona Gatto and Saeksan Saengchan just to name a few. In addition, the newsletter has feature articles on events, fighter profiles and yearly awards for best fighters, trainers, promoters etc. The newsletter also lists IKF, promoters, schools and officials giving them the recognition they deserve as well. Another strong point of the IKF, is their custom title belts. The large multi color brass medallion makes a dynamic center piece to all IKF, title belts. K. O. Kick Boxing and the IKF, have worked together on 4 different events now and K. O. Kick Boxing is looking for other promoters to use their name as well. IRON HAND LINIMENT SPRAINS, STRAINS AND OTHER INJURIES? Discover the mystery of the chinese martial arts strength. IRON HAND LINIMENT is a phenomenal treatment for sports related injuries. Does it work? Well according to several IKF fighters it's fantastic! IRON HAND LINIMENT is a powerful herbal formula. It is used for the treatment of impact injuries such as contusions, sprains, strains and other soft tissue injuries. It breaks up blood coagulation, reduces swelling and increases circulation. It is also effective in strengthening and healing bones and tendons. According to IKF President Steve Fossum, the Liniment was tested at the official IKF training center with several champion fighters as well as Mr. Fossum himself. "The Liniment works great and I can highly recommend it to all fighters." says Mr. Fossum. To order IRON HAND LINIMENT, you can contact them directly at Black Dog Manufacturing, Mr. Steve Lauderdale, P. O. Box 612747, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96152, USA, (916) 573-0310 or e-mail at: iron@sierra.net The prices for the Liniment run $9.95 for a 4oz spray bottle and $19.95 for an 8oz spray bottle. The
Kikskin Company Looking for a great looking and comfortable pair of workout shorts? Well, the new Kikskin gear is exactly what you are looking for. IKF President Steve Fossum was visited by Kikskin main man Scott Mofhitz a while back and Mr. Mofhitz left Mr. Fossum some Kikskin shorts to try out and Mr. Fossum says there GREAT! Wear them under your Muay Thai shorts, karate or kickboxing clothes or alone as just shorts. The kikskin line is usually advertised on the page opposite the back cover in Black Belt magazine. The gear was mainly focused for grappling and judo, but according to IKF President Steve Fossum, the gear will be great for kickboxing as well as regular karate classes. Cardio kickboxing programs will also benifit from the clothing as well. For more info, contact Scott Mofhitz at KIKSKIN at 888-KIKSKIN (545-7546) or the IKF at 916-663-2467. | |||||||||
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He was remembered as a soft spoken
and humble champion towering 6'4" and weighing in at 191 lbs. Las Vegas
based kickboxer Lee "Hollywood" Redmond was the first
ever IKF Cruiserweight champion. Redmond
(Charles Lee Redmond) defeated
Jason King of Albq. New Mexico, USA by TKO at 1:39 of round one on March
27th, 1993 at Kezar Pavilion in San Francisco, CA USA to capture the first ever
IKF International Rules Cruiserweight
title. Three months later on June 19th, 1993 at Placer High School in Auburn CA,
USA, Redmond was offered a shot at the
IKF Full Contact Rules Heavyweight title
but lost by TKO at 1:54 of the second round to up and coming
IKF star Greg Kirkpatrick of Fair
Oaks/Grass Valley, CA, USA.