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WEDNESDAY, March 28th, 2001, AT 11:30 PM PT
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The Battle For The
BEST In
MEXICO!
The Mexico Flag will wave strong and proud this coming Saturday night March 31st as Promociones Borimex' Mr. Jerly Diaz presents The Battle For The BEST IN MEXICO at the Jai Alai Sports Center in Tijuana, Mexico. On the line will be the first time ever any fighter has fought for an IKF Mexico National Title. Four fighters will seek to be the first ever IKF Pro Mexico National Champions but only two will walk away with the belt.
This Saturday night there will be 4 stars of Mexico taking the stage to be the
Pride on the Nation. It will be a dual
Main Event as Pedro "Pitbull" Fernandez (Left,
) will face Raul Romero Gonzalez (Right) for the vacant
IKF Pro IR Super Heavyweight Mexico
National Title. Fernandez, (6'5", 230, 15-2-11kos) of
Tijuana, Mexico has won several smaller organization titles already that include
the IKBL Super Heavyweight North American Title in 1995. The ITBO Super
Heavyweight Continental Title in 1997 and the IKKC Super Heavyweight USA Title
in 2000. The recognition of an IKF Pro
Title would add a little clout to his list of hardware for when he enters the
ring in K-1 USA on May 5th in Las Vegas
Nevada.
On the other side of the ring will be little known Raul Romero Gonzalez of Mexico City Mexico. All we know of Gonzalez (6'1, 220, 6-0/3kos) is that he won the ANKB National Kickboxing title a few years back. His undefeated record offers question since few have heard of him. However he'll be out to prove to everyone that he should have received the K-1 invitation instead of the better known Fernandez. A win by Gonzalez here would definitely put him on the kickboxing map since Super Heavyweights are hard to come by nowadays. He's in the best position the sport has ever offered him with a shot at a well known National Title. Such an opportunity doesn't get any better than that. The second Main Event will Feature David Serrano of Tijuana, Mexico (9-4/3, 5'10") against Jose Guardado of Ensanada, Baja Ca, Mexico (6-0/4, 5'6") for the IKF IR Lightweight Pro Mexico National Title.
The IKF crowned a World Champion from Mexico several years back as Ivan Silva of Tijauana, Baja Ca, Mexico defeated Dave Horvath of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada with a first round KO on December 15th, 1997 in Tijuana Mexico. Silva was Mexico's first kickboxing World Champion. Having never been challenged to defend his title, (14-1 with 8 KO's) Silva's trainer (Reyes) retired his title on June 22nd, 1999 after Silva suffered a potentially career ending hand injury while training to defend his title against Danny Steele in Hawaii.
For more info on this event, please contact Mr. Jerly Diaz of Promociones Borimex at 011 5266 488816, or Mr. Doug Dickey by e-mail by clicking HERE!
TUESDAY, March 27th, 2001, AT 2:30 PM PT
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IKF EUROPE &
ASIA
IKF
Has NEW Portugal Representative
IKF
Europe: Following a successful trip to Portugal, IKF Europe-Asia Director
Alby Bimpson (R)
and IKF
Europe Coordinator Mike Fowles of England would like to welcome on board
Mr. Nuno Ferreira and his father, Mr. Fernando Ferreira as the
Official IKF Representatives for Portugal.
"We would like to thank them for their excellent hospitality and their
honesty during our visit." Said Mr. Bimpson. "We look
forward to working with them, and can only see Great things for IKF in Portugal - due to their abundance of
enthusiasm and dedication to the sport of kickboxing." Any Portuguese
martial artists interested in Kickboxing, Thai boxing, Semi Contact and or
Forms, please contact Mr. Nuno Ferreira by e mail at
nuno.ferreira-74@clix.pt
FRIDAY, March 23rd, 2001, AT 1:25 PM PT
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IKF Towler, Minnesota, USA
Fortune Bay Casino located at 1430 Bois Forte Road in Towler Minnesota will be host to IKF Amateur Kickboxing this Saturday night, March 24th. Although there are no Title Bouts scheduled for this event, it will feature plenty of exciting amateur action. The event will be promoted by Mr. Frank J. Maki. For more event info, please contact Mr. Maki at (218) 749-6272 or by e-mail by clicking HERE or for more info, click HERE.
THURSDAY, March 22nd, 2001, AT 8:10 PM PT
IKF
Invites Non-IKF Amateur Title Holders to Nationals
Alex MacDonald
The IKF/Ringside USA National Amateur Kickboxing Championships are again in the planning stages. They will be held on September 7th, 8th & 9th and if you are an amateur kickboxer you are invited to sign up. Perhaps we should change the name of the tournament to the IKF/ Ringside OPEN Amateur National Championships because we won't slam the door in your face if you have a title sanctioned by another governing body. Unlike the K-1 pro tournaments, there are more than 8 spots available and you don't need a personal invitation. Simply put, this tournament is inclusive not exclusive. This is your chance to fight, your challenge to show us all how talented you are and your opportunity to get national experience. If you win, we'll match you with someone who has also won. If you win twice, we'll match you with someone who has also won twice. When we can't challenge you any further, we'll put a belt around your waist and call you champion for a year.
However prestigious the belt you now wear, there is no amateur belt in the
United States that compares to the IKF/Ringside USA National Amateur Championship Belt.
Even our own IKF amateur title holders are
strongly encouraged to enter and tournament winners are put first in line to
challenge for these titles. Moreover, anyone with any kickboxing knowledge will
know that, by winning the 
IKF/Ringside USA
National Amateur Kickboxing Championships, you faced fighters from
around the country and selected by someone other than your personal promoter.
They will know, without a doubt, that you didn't meet your sparring partner for
the belt.
The only amateur champions we could find on the Internet were from the ISKA
and USKBA so we have listed these amateur champions from the United States
below(as listed 
on their web sites).
It is to these fighters that the IKF would
like to extend a special invitation. This is not a dare or a game of chicken.
We're not taunting you to put up or shut up.
This is us telling you that the door is as
open to you as much as it is to anyone who has fought on IKF sanctioned events. At first glance, it might
appear that you have nothing to lose by not entering the tournament. You can
continue to call yourselves the state, national or international champions.
Those of you, however, who are considering a pro career will need the best
amateur experience you can get. 
That
experience is the IKF/Ringside
USA National Amateur Kickboxing Championship Tournament. It's the
proving ground for future pros in the U.S. and the competition is getting better
every year. One day we'll watch a superstar in the making.
We'll see him/her progress through the
junior ranks, dominate the adult class and then reek havoc on the pros. In
exchange
for the priceless amateur
experience, s/he'll give the tournament even greater recognition much like
Olympic medallists who go on to become pro boxing champions. On the other hand,
some may never decide to turn pro. Instead they may opt to build an amateur
legacy and try to win year after year. Whatever you decide we want you to get
the rewards you deserve for your hard work: credibility and respect. Spread the
word.
FIGHTERS COLOR CODING:
If we have listed someone inaccurately on the above list, please inform us by e-mail at USANationals@IKFKickboxing.com
TUESDAY, March 20th, 2001, AT 1:30 PM PT
Check out the Update on the
WIPSS Fighter Safety Page!
Click
HERE!
More News Of 3-20-01
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IKF & RINGSIDE Will Team Up Again For USA National Amateur Tournament
As of about 1:00 PM (PT) today it became official that the IKF will team up once again with
RINGSIDE
to Co-Promote this years 2001 USA National Amateur Tournament. The IKF and RINGSIDE came up with the idea for the National
Amateur Tournament 2 years ago as a request of several IKF
USA promoters and trainers. However, what started as just an
idea became a reality once IKF President Steve Fossum and
RINGSIDE's
Joe Taylor (Left) committed to doing the event which would
include organizing regional qualifying events around the Nation that would lead
up to a National Finals Event. However it was not accomplished by just these two
individuals. Although the association of RINGSIDE helped greatly and the coordination of
the IKF organization kept everyone
together, it was the regional director/promoters, trainers and fighters who
completed the TEAM and made it all a
reality.
The first year many thought it was just a 1 time deal and estimated about 50 fighters would show up to Nationals. However in year 1 the number was doubled and it grew by about 40% in only it's second year featuring both Junior and Adult Boys/Men and Girls/Women fighters in 4 different rule styles. Last year nearly 50 IKF/RINGSIDE Leather and Brass National Title Belts were awarded at a cost of approximately $185.00 each. A prize any fighter would be proud to take home.
Last year Taylor left
RINGSIDE not because he didn't like the company
but for a job advancement opportunity. He will be a special featured guest at
the 2001 National Finals though so make sure you say hello. Three of the events
first regional directors are still directors today for the 2001 event who
include Rob Zbilski, Jeff Mullens, and Duke Roufus. Unable to do
a 2001 regional this year due to busy schedules are
Mike Carlson, (Georgia), Sean Wohl (Florida) and
Sven Bean. (Colorado) Lane Collyer will pick up in the
South/East (Atlanta, Georgia) where Carlson and Wohl
once organized things while a replacement for Bean's Central Mountain
Division has yet to be found.
This year adding to the Regional Director/Promoters list are Clement Vierra of Phoenix Arizona who will host his second regional in a row along with first time Regional Director/Promoters Gene Fields and Adam Rogers who will host the first ever California Regional Qualifying Event. Craig Monyelle of Beloit Wisconsin will handle his first Regional event in the North Central Full Contact Division and Dan Dun of Corvalis Oregon will attempt again (Last year his event was cancelled due to lack of sign-ups... none) to get some participation in the Pacific North West Division. For info on the regional event in your area, please see the links below.
RINGSIDE's involvement for the 2001 event is much larger than in the previous 2 years. In the first 2 years, IKF Promoter Mick Doyle of Omaha Nebraska did a great job as the person who organized the National Finals venue at Harveys Casino in Council Bluffs Iowa. However this year, RINGSIDE will be the National Finals Host as they bring the finals to Kansas City, Kansas (Olathe).
The new venue will be the Holiday 
Inn which is the same location RINGSIDE holds their annual SILVER GLOVES Boxing Championship Tournament at so
the staff is already prepared for the event. The event date will also change to
September 7th, 8th and 9th. Holiday Inn will also offer a reduction in room
rates for everyone from the previous years finals from approximately $80+ per
room to only $64.95 per room. There will be 120 rooms reserved at the Holiday
Inn and an additional set of rooms reserved at the hotel next door (Sleep
Inn) for the same reduced rate.
As a Thank You for their efforts in Promoting Regional Events, Regional Directors for 2001 who have Promoted at least 2 Previous Regional Events will receive a free room for the weekend of the finals. First and second time Regional Directors who Promote a Regional Event will receive a reduced room rate of only $39.00 per room per night. The Hotel is located at 101 W. 151st Street in Olathe, KS. (913) 829-4000, Toll-Free: 800-833-6632, Fax: (913) 829-8165. Shuttle services will also be provided free of charge by RINGSIDE and the Olathe Convention and Visitors Bureau to and from the airport and the hotels.
Plans are also being made to feature seminars on both Friday and Saturday
nights 
and an Awards Banquet will be
happening for sure on Sunday night so you don't want to leave early. We will be
looking for 2 different event sponsors as well, one to sponsor the awards
banquet and one to sponsor this years National Championship Title Belts (2000
Belts at Right). If you know someone who might be or you might be interested
in sponsorship, please let us know by e-mail at
USANationals@IKFKickboxing.com
or call IKF Headquarters at (916)
663-2467.
Also available this year will be vender booths in the separate Tournament Pro
Shop Room which will be located in the Bristol Ballroom. Already
RINGSIDE
of course will set up shop in there and another official sponsor of this years
event, WIPSS Jaw-Joint Protector will
also be there. WIPSS has committed to supplying all the National Finals
participants a free WIPSS Jaw-Joint Protector which will be mailed out to all
registered National Finalists a month before the finals in a gift and info
package that will be mailed out for the first time this year by the IKF. If you or someone you know wants to have a
booth space at the 2001 event please contact the IKF
for fees and schedules.
As those who have noticed from year 1 to year 2, the IKF has been committed to make the event better
every year. RINGSIDE
has also followed in this 
commitment as
they add to the winners prizes something new. Along with the
IKF/RINGSIDE Champion Autograph Gloves, winners will
also receive IKF/RINGSIDE National Championship Jackets as well.
Runner ups will receive medals and finalists T-Shirts.
RINGSIDE
will also increase the exposure of the event this year which will include
increased flier mail outs, internet ads, Ads in their RINGSIDE UPDATE mailer and
of course, the full page ad in the Spring & Summer
RINGSIDE
catalog which will be at most of your doorsteps in April. This year they will
also do a follow-up report in the Ringside Update October Issue with all the
National Final fight results as well.
We have a lot more news to fill everyone in on so keep watch of the news page here and we hope to see all you Amateurs "Walk the Walk" at this years 2001 IKF/RINGSIDE National Amateur Kickboxing Championships.
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Proud Sponsor of The
IKF USA National Amateur Kickboxing Championships! |
Below News Posted AT 2:00 AM PT on TUESDAY, March 20th
Our New K-1 USA 2001 News Page! Click HERE
More News Of 3-20-01
The Kickboxing TALENT Pool
By Alex MacDonald,
IKF Japan:
One of the interesting things about the sport of kickboxing is not only the four
rule classes but also where the fighters have come from. Some start as
kickboxing amateurs then move on to the pro ranks like amateur boxers move to
pro boxing but others come from various martial arts to create a fascinating
diversity.
The K-1 in Japan claims that its name comes from the combat arts
that have the letter K in them: karate, kung fu, taekwondo, kickboxing, etc.
Muay Thai fans tend to dislike the name because most K-1 fighters have some
training in Muay Thai, a martial art without a K. Some critics have even said
the name K-1 comes from its founders name, Kazuyoshi Ishii (K-I).
Regardless of whether the top K-1 fighters are primarily from one background or
not, the fact remains that the K-1 has embraced all striking sports as a source
of talent.
Ernesto Hoost (Muay Thai, full contact, savate, etc.) has
made it to the finals four times ('93, '97, '99 and '00) winning three times
('97, '99 and '00).
Peter Aerts (Muay Thai) became the Grand
Prix champion three times ('94, '95 & '98).
Andy Hug (Karate) was the only fighter to make it to the
finals 3 years in a row ('96, '97 & '98) and the only karateka to win the GP
('96).
Mike Bernado (boxing) has made it to the finals once
('96) but is best remembered for the savage beatings he gave and Hug in
'95, Aerts in '96 and Jerome LeBanner last week (March 17th
'01).
Let's now look at some of the different striking arts and see how
they might perform in the kickboxing ring. This Article is continued on the
Opinions Page at:
The Kickboxing Talent Pool.
More News Of 3-20-01
Ludwig & Rawlings
Victorious While Villalobos &
Harris Fall
ASST. REPORTER Sven Bean IKF Colorado: Duane BANG! With a ringname like "BANG" people expect a lot from you and the crowd got what they expected from former 2 time IKF National Amateur Champion Duane "BANG" Ludwig (At right with black and Gold trunks stalking Villalobos) of Colorado. Ludwig scored a unanimous decision win in his 5 round bout over former MuayThai World Title contender, Pedro Villalobos of Atlanta, Georgia, USA. All 3 judges had the score, 50-45 for Ludwig.
Ludwig took a fight that was fairly even in the first 3 rounds and opened things up in round 4 controlling every aspect of the final 2 rounds. Villalobos' technique was clean but he never had Ludwig in trouble.
The other bout the IKF was watching closely was the David Serrano
Vs Dan Rawlings (L) bout. Serrano was being watched close by the
IKF because he is booked to fight for the
IKF Junior Lightweight Pro Mexico National
Title in only 2 weeks in Tijuana, Mexico. If he was knocked out, cut or the
fight stopped before the scheduled 5 rounds he would have been forced to pull
out of the title bout in Mexico leaving top ranked contender Jose Guardado
without an opponent only 2 weeks from fight time. However, this wasn't the
problem for Serrano. Rawlings was the problem as he beat Serrano
in a 5 round decision.
Another unlucky fighter we've seen a lot of in the past was former IKF Amateur U.S. Champion Heath Harris. Harris has struggled since turning pro and his struggle continued Saturday night as an unknown name to kickboxing, Pete "SECRET WEAPON" Spratt KOed Harris about :35 seconds into round 1. Our bet is Harris won't forget him though and from what we hear, Spratt is no unknown in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Apparently he's one of the most well known rising young stars in MMA. He's trained by Saul Soliz and Yves Edwards. We also heard that Frank Shamrock wants him to join his team and will be promoting him in MMA while Sven Bean of Colorado will remain his manager in kickboxing.
This event is not sanctioned by the IKF. Only a news story.
More News Of 3-20-01
Mar 17, 2001, Yokohama Arena
Special
Thank You To
For
Assisting With This Report
Cyril Abidi (R, France, 190 cm -6'3", 97.8 kg -215 lbs,
16-3/13) Vs Great Kusatsu (Japan, 181cm -5'11"- 96.4 kg
-212 lbs, 2-2/2) The Judges decision: The first score is 50-48 for Abidi.
This sounds about right, as Abidi never lost a round. Perhaps a bit
generous on Kusatsu's end. The next judge's score is announced as 50-49
for Kusatsu!!! Unbelievable ! K1 is notorious for homer judges favoring
the Japanese fighter, but this is just ridiculous. This guy had Kusatsu
not losing a single round, when you could argue that he lost 4, and he was
clearly dominated in 2 of the 5. Abidi
looks ticked off, and rightfully so. Luckily
for him, justice is served when the final judge scores it 50-47 for him. Abidi
takes the 2-1 split decision.
Glaube Feitosa (L,
Brazil, 193cm -6'4"-, 100.5 kg -212 lbs, 1-5/1) VS
Tsuyoshi Nakasako (R, Japan, 190cm -6'3"-, 97.6kg -215 lbs-,
9-7/5) Feitosa knocked out Nakasako with a head kick in
round 2.
Stephan Leko ( Below Left, Germany, 188cm -6'2"-, 98.5kg
-217 lbs-, 40-5-1/23) Vs Jurgen Krut (Swedan, 189cm -6'2"-,
98.0 kg -216 lbs-, 51-7-2/25) Krut scored three knockdowns against
Leko in the second round. First Knockdown: Krut ties up
Leko once more and when Leko pulls away to avoid a knee, Krut
catches him with a right hand that drops him.
Leko immediately pops up and tries to wave it off as a slip but it was a
legitimate 
knockdown. Second Knockdown:
Leko looks fine, but must still be feeling the effects as Krut
rushes him and physically bowls him over with a flurry of blows. This counts as
the second knockdown, though no one single punch was all that damaging. Third
Knockdown: Leko throws a punch while moving backwards just as Krut
unleashes a big right hand.
Krut's punch finds the mark and Leko goes flying backward and
lands flat on his back. It looks spectacular and it earns Krut the
victory. Leko sits up and is okay and seems more mad at himself than
hurt.
Ray Sefo (R, New Zealand,
180cm -5'11"-, 99.2kg -218 lbs-, 26-7-1/20) Vs Michael McDonald
(Canada). Sefo rocks McDonald with a right hand and than a punch
rush forces McDonald to the canvas. McDonald gets up only to be
swarmed again. Sefo throws three big overhand rights, all of which just
barely miss the fleeing McDonald. Sefo bulls
McDonald into the ropes and unleashes some more punches and McDonald
goes down again. Replay doesn't reveal any of the shots actually landing,
however.
McDonald seems completely aware but waits out the 10 count on the mat
before getting up. This looked 
really
strange. There probably was a punch that the camera missed, but it looked like
McDonald just gave up and decided to call it a night before getting
really caught with one of Sefo's bombs.
Nicholas Pettas (L, Denmark, 180cm -5'11"-, 100.5 kg -221
lbs-, 1-3/1) Vs Peter Varga(N/A). Petas senses the need to turn
things up and in the 3rd round as he rushes Varga with a flurry of
punches. Varga weathers the onrush and fights off Pettas.
Varga seems to be ready to take command yet again when a Pettas
low kick catches him right above the left ankle. Varga buckles a bit and
then Pettas kicks him again in the exact same spot and he goes down.
Varga
is hurt and doesn't answer
the bell. Pettas pulls out the timely K.O. despite being on the losing
end of 2 1/2 rounds of action.
Peter Aerts (L, Holland, 192 cm -6'4"-, 106.2 kg -234 lbs-,
65-15-1/51) Vs Mirko CroCop (R, Croatia, 188 cm -6'2"-,
96.7 kg -213 lbs-, 52-10/40)
A disappointing fight because both have
exciting offensive arsenals when matched against the right opponent. These
styles clashed here, however, and didn't produce much in the way of fan
enjoyment. The Judges' decision: 49-49, 50-48 for Mirko, and 50-48 for
Mirko. The Cro Cop takes the majority decision. He earned the
victory by doing what he had to early and then coasting for the rest of the
fight. Aerts won the last round with Mirko hanging on and taking
warnings.
Jerome Le Banner (L,
France, 190 cm -6'3"-, 120.0 kg -264 lbs-, 32-6-1/25) Vs Mike
Bernardo (R, South Africa, 193cm -6'4"-, 107.9 kg -237 lbs-,
45-10-1/37) With less than 10 seconds left it looks like a clear LeBanner
round, when all of a sudden a huge uppercut by Bernardo changes
everything. LeBanner's head snaps back and
Bernardo is all over him. About a
dozen punches go unanswered which all find the mark on LeBanner's head.
The referee steps in between them at the bell just as a crushing right hand by
Bernardo drops LeBanner. The referee also goes down from the
force of the blow and confusion sets in. The round is clearly over, but LeBanner
is down for the count. Bernardo celebrates, spiking his mouthpiece and
climbing the turnbuckle to scream to his fans. LeBanner is up now,
however, and his corner are complaining that the round was over before the K.O.
The officials meet and rule that, indeed,
LeBanner was saved by the bell (The punch landed AFTER The Bell)
and that there will be a round 2. Bernardo has to come down off his high
and get ready for another war because LeBanner is now up and seems fine
and ready to go. As the time ticks on between rounds Bernardo and his
camp look visibly upset as it appears LeBanner's corner is stalling.
LeBanner's trainer is trying to remove LeBanner's gloves under
some pretense or other. It looks as if he is just trying to buy time for his
fighter to recover. Even LeBanner is getting upset as he wants to fight
now and is resisting his cornerman's antics. Then just as suddenly LeBanner's
corner throws in the towel and the fight is over. A muddled ending but just an
incredible round of action. In less than 10 seconds
Bernardo turned the entire fight around, landing a dozen punches and
taking a victory in impressive fashion. Despite just being one round, this was
as good a K1 fight as anything that took place in all of last year. A great
finale to an excellent show. HOWEVER, This result has officially
been changed to a no-contest because they ruled that the final punch that laid
out LeBanner came after the bell. This is kind of a shame as it takes
away from Bernardo's impressive victory. K-1 Founder Mr. Ishi is
already trying to put together a rematch...so it looks like we will see this
fight again soon.
Special Thank You AGAIN To the members who
assisted in the reporting of this article.
More News of 3-20-01
Digging Deeper Into The
Darrin Morris - Sanctioning Body Scandal...
A
Closer Look At The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act
By Thomas Hauser - As posted by Alex MacDonald -
IKF Japan
From Fightnews: Last year, Congress passed the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. It was the equivalent of putting a band-aid on a gaping wound that's badly in need of sutures. The Ali Act fails to address many of boxing's ills. But a little-noted provision in the statute could bring an end to the world sanctioning organizations as boxing knows them.
Section 11(d)(1) of the Ali Act reads as follows: "A sanctioning organization shall not be entitled to receive any compensation directly or indirectly in connection with a boxing match unless, not later than January 31 of each year, it submits to the Federal Trade Commission and to the Association of Boxing Commissions . . . a complete description of the organization's ratings criteria."
Each of the major sanctioning organizations purports to have filed this
information with the Association of Boxing Commissions. The problem is, some of
the filings appear to be fraudulent.
- The
much-publicized case of Darrin Morris is instructive in this matter.
Last month, Steve Bunce of The Independent in London summarized the
salient facts of Morris's career. In July 1999, Morris defeated
a fighter named Dave McClusky on a third-round TKO. The victory raised
Morris's record to 28-2 1. A full year later, without having had another
fight, Morris appeared in the number-ten slot in the World Boxing
Organization's super-middleweight ratings. Then, without fighting again, he
continued to climb upward, reaching the number-seven slot in October 2000. That
was when Morris died of HIV related meningitis, but his career continued
to flourish. By the time
Bunce broke the story, Morris had climbed to number five. In
sum, the WBO had a corpse ranked in the top ten of its super-middleweight
division for four months. And -- no religious overtones intended -- that corpse
continued to rise. -
The Morris fiasco gave rise to some whimsical observations:
But the Morris fiasco also revealed the hypocrisy
inherent in the WBO's ratings procedures and the fraudulent nature of the WBO's
filings. That much is clear from an examination of the document entitled "Ratings
Criteria" that the WBO filed pursuant to federal law.
The first ratings
criteria listed by the WBO is "a positive record with special emphasis
on recent activities." Darrin Morris fought only once in the
forty months prior to his being rated number 5 by the WBO.
The second
ratings criteria listed by the WBO is "a positive amateur record with
special emphasis on medals obtained in international and Olympic tournaments."
However, I don't recall seeing Morris standing on the winner's podium
while the star-spangled banner waved.
The third ratings criteria listed is
"a titleholder in our regional division." Morris
wasn't.
The fourth rating criteria is "quality of competition."
In Morris's final four fights, his opponents had a combined record of 38
wins, 185 losses, and 7 draws. That's not a typographical error; 185 losses is
correct.
The fifth ratings criteria is "frequency of competition."
To repeat, in the forty months prior to his being rated number 5 by the WBO,
Morris fought
once.
The sixth ratings criteria is "positive TV exposure."
Morris hadn't been on television in years.
Ratings criteria seven and eight are "good relations
with the community" and "no drug or crime-related problems."
No problem here. Morris was dead.
WBO president Francisco "Paco"
Valcarcel tried to explain away the Morris fiasco when he told Steve
Bunce, "It is sometimes hard to get all the information on boxers
and we obviously missed the fact that Darrin was dead. It is
regrettable." Later, Valcarcel added, "It could
happen to any ruling body. You have seen retired boxers rise in other
sanctioning body rankings."
Then Gordon Volkman (the WBO's fourth vice president and one of three men who rate boxers for the WBO) poured more fuel on the fire. Volkman was contacted by Tim Graham a week after Bunce's story broke, and he still hadn't heard that Morris was dead. "With the many different divisions that we have," Volkman acknowledged, "it's impossible to keep up with everyone intelligently." Volkman also told Graham that, although he sends in a monthly ballot, the WBO uses it only as a "recommendation" before finalizing the ratings in Puerto Rico.
The Morris case appears to be about incompetence; not a
ranking in exchange for dollars. And in fairness to the WBO, I should note that
its criteria don't specifically state that a fighter must be alive in order to
be ranked. But at this juncture, it's also worth mentioning that nowhere in the
WBO's "Ratings Criteria" does one see the name "Klaus-Peter
Kohl" or "Frank Warren" mentioned.
Klaus-Peter
Kohl is the most powerful promoter and manager in Germany. Frank Warren
is the most powerful promoter in England. At present, the WBO has sixteen
champions. Kohl and Warren control fourteen of them. They also
appear to control the number-one or number-two contenders in eight of the WBO's
top twelve weight divisions.
The WBO, of course, is not alone in this
matter. The WBC, WBA, and IBF have track records that are just as bad, and that
makes for an interesting situation. At least one and possibly all four major
world sanctioning organizations have filed phony ratings criteria with the
Association of Boxing Commissions in flagrant violation of federal statutory
requirements. That gives rise to the question: "What is the penalty for a
false filing?
Here's where things get particularly interesting.
Section
6 of the Ali Act provides that violation of the disclosure
requirements is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in prison and a
fine of up to $100,000. The criminal division of the Justice Department is
responsible for prosecuting any criminal action. John Ashcroft; are you
listening?
Section 6 also provides that the chief law enforcement
officer of any state may bring a civil action to enjoin the holding within the
state of any professional boxing match related to the false filing and to obtain
such other relief as a court may deem appropriate. Marc Ratner and other
state athletic commission personnel; please contact the chief law enforcement
officer in your state.
And perhaps most significant, under the Ali Act,
any world sanctioning organization that files incomplete or false information "SHALL
NOT BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE ANY COMPENSATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN CONNECTION
WITH A BOXING MATCH." That means, if a world sanctioning body is found to
have filed incomplete or false ratings criteria, a boxer who fights for one of
that organization's titles in the United States should be free of any obligation
to pay a sanctioning fee to the organization.
Fighters and honest managers, take note.
SATURDAY, March 17th, 2001, AT 8:40 AM PT
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K-1 NORTH AMERICA? USA? CANADA? MEXICO???
Yesterday we brought up the question about why the K-1 USA was called K-1 USA and not K-1 North America since there have been in the past and in the future, scheduled fighters from Mexico and Canada. Our IKF Japan Associate Alex McDonald will explain why it's called K-1 USA.
There are only 6 continents in the world and 14 world tournaments. With the exception of Oceania (which had qualifying tournaments in New Zealand and some Aussie states), all the tournaments are named after their host countries. Nine or ten of the tournaments are held in Europe (K-1 Turkey is both Europe and Asia, isn't it?) There are no national tournaments. Even the K-1 Japan is international with fighters from various parts of Asia. Two examples from last year: K-1 Italy: Paris Vassilikos of Greece and K-1 Croatia: Jurgen Krut of Sweden. If Scott Coker were not the promoter and say Mike Miles of Canada was, it would be called K-1 Canada and have American and Mexican fighters.
More News Of 3-17-01
Darrin Morris
& Andy Hug
By Alex McDonald - IKF Japan
Have you ever heard of a boxer named Darrin
Morris? Well, he's got something in common with Andy Hug (R).
They've both had their deaths ignored by sanctioning bodies. Thomas Hauser
of www.HouseofBoxing.com describes
the Morris story as follows:
"The much-publicized case of
Darrin Morris is instructive in this matter. Last month, Steve Bunce
of The Independent in London summarized the salient facts of Morris's
career. In July 1999, Morris defeated a fighter named Dave McClusky
on a third-round TKO. The victory raised Morris's record to 28-2 1. A
full year later, without having had another fight, Morris appeared in
the number-ten slot in the World Boxing Organization's super-middleweight
ratings. Then, without fighting again, he continued to climb upward, reaching
the number-seven slot in October 2000. That was when Morris died of HIV
related meningitis, but his career continued to flourish. By the time Bunce
broke the story, Morris had climbed to number five. In sum, the WBO had
a corpse ranked in the top ten of its super-middleweight division for four
months. And -- no religious overtones intended -- that corpse continued to rise.
Hauser (March 2001)"
Now look at the criteria for high rankings according to the WBO and keep in mind that the fighter in question had died:
As shocking as that is to the boxing world, the kickboxing world has a similar example of incompetence. It concerns a fighter who was very well known: Andy Hug. Immediately after his death, he was removed from the IKF rankings. To leave him there would not be some sort of posthumous honor. That's silly. It would mean that a great fighter died unnoticed and believe me there is no reason in the world for that. So, why is it that other sanctioning organizations fail(ed) to remove a deceased fighter from their rankings? I don't want to put words in their mouths but I'm assuming they'll say something like "Oooops!" Andy died on August 24th 2000 and is currently (as of March 16, 2001) ranked by the following sanctioning bodies:
Hauser goes on to quote the recently passed Muhammad Ali Act
[section 11(d)(1)] which states:
"A sanctioning organization shall not be entitled to receive any
compensation directly or indirectly in connection with a boxing match unless,
not later than January 31 of each year, it submits to the Federal Trade
Commission and to the Association of Boxing Commissions . . . a complete
description of the organization's ratings criteria."
Can it be any worse than that? Well, yes it can. Section 6 of the
Muhammad Ali Act states that:
"violation of the disclosure
requirements is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in prison and a
fine of up to $100,000. The criminal division of the Justice Department is
responsible for prosecuting any criminal action". Simply put,
sanctioning bodies must do their jobs….or else.
It may seem to some readers that this is a direct attack on our competitors. However, when most of the organizations fail to update their records, people tend to assume that we all fail to do so. We see that as a direct attack on our credibility to which we feel a clear explanation is warranted: we're doing our job, they aren't. We do apologize to the promoters affiliated with these organizations. Our comments are not directed at you. We simply believe that a good promoter and a good sanctioning body will produce a better end product than a good promoter and a poor sanctioning body. Demand your money's worth.
More News Of 3-17-01
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IKF Fighters Looking For Title Shots Featured On Non IKF Event In Tustin CA, USA Tonight.
Tonight there will be a kickboxing event called the Marconi Show in Tustin, CA, USA. On the event will be some fighters the IKF knows that will wither be hoping to keep their names in the winners corner or hoping to get back, in the winners corner. The card is a MuayThai event hosted by Jason Luevano of Low Kick Productions (Warriors Cup of America) The first fighter we know on the card is Heath "Cowboy" Harris. Harris (Overall: 15-6/14) is a past IKF Amateur US (International Rules/Leg Kick) Champion however he's struggled a lot in the pro ranks. His worse pro loss came in a full contact rules bout against IKF North American FCR Champion Eric Regan of Roseville, CA USA at Table Mountain Casino. In the bout, Regan stopped Harris by TKO at 1:19 of round 1. Harris will hope to get back on the right track when he faces little known fighter Pete Spratt.
A more publicized fight will be between 2 time
IKF Amateur Champion (IKF U.S. Super Middleweight Amateur MuayThai Title,
August 21st 1999,
1999 IKF/RINGSIDE US National Light Middleweight MuayThai
Tournament Champion September 5th, 1999 Duane Ludwig (L)
of Aurora, Colorado, USA (#5 IKF
Pro MuayThai Ranked, Pro: 5-0/0, AM: 12-2/8) and Pedro
Villalobos of Chamblee, Georgia, USA via Bangkok, Thailand (12-2/5). Ludwig has stormed into the pro ranks
with 5 straight impressive wins without a loss but will probably have his
biggest test tonight against Villalobos. Villalobos is
remembered from being destroyed by IKF
MuayThai World Champion Kongnapa, but than again, who hasn't been...
Were very interested to see how he does against Ludwig. It's a must win
for Villalobos if he hopes to stay in the top of the rankings and a
great proving ground for Ludwig. A win here could get him an early title
shot. Probably not against Kongnapa, but at a minimum of a US Title shot
against....?.
Also being watched will be
David Serrano of Tijuana, Mexico (9-3/3)
vs Dan Rawlings (R) of Euclid, Ohio, USA (PRO:
1-0/1, AM: 16-3/7). Rawlings like Ludwig is also a
1999 IKF/RINGSIDE US National Light Welterweight MuayThai
Tournament Champion (September 5th, 1999.)
Rawlings had the pleasure of
fighting for some unknown organizations World Title in his very first pro fight,
against the organizations U.S. Representative, David Cummings of
Colorado. Cummings might of thought fighting Rawlings would be
easy because of his pro status, but Rawlings had other plans as he
stopped Cummings with a KO victory winning his first pro fight and some
wall hardware as well.
Serrano is scheduled to fight Jose Guardado of Mexico in 2 weeks
on March 31st for the IKF Junior
Lightweight Pro Mexico National Title. If Rawlings stops him with a KO
or TKO, his hopes of the Mexico title will be out the door due to the mandatory
suspension of 45 days after a TKO or KO. Because of this, we found it very
unprofessional that he choose to schedule this fight only 2 weeks before his
bout in Mexico. A TKO or KO loss to Rawlings here would not only pull
him from the March 31st bout but destroy the goal of Guardado finally
fighting for an IKF title, not to mention
the promoters loss from advertising the bout. Guardado's fought
impressively for the IKF twice before and
this title shot has been promised for some time now. Serrano last fought
for the IKF on April 23rd, 1998 in
Tijuana, Mexico when he stopped Paul Reynoldson of San Diego, CA in 15
seconds of round 1. Going into the match, Serrano only had 2 fights and
was 2-0 while Reynoldson was undefeated at 7-0. Knowing this, as
everyone can see, this will be no easy match for Rawlings like Cummings
was, but on the other hand, Serrano should have his hands full tonight
with Rawlings as well.
Rounding out the card will be 2 more kickboxing bouts, Victor Galvan vs Andrew Brown and Lisette Pelayo vs Stephanie McClennan. There's also a boxing bout on the card with Daniel Reynoso vs Gustavio Tapia.
This event is not sanctioned by the IKF. Only a news story.
FRIDAY, March 16th, 2001, AT 10:30 AM PT
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IKF England Ready In Coventry!
IKF Promoters Stephen Donnelly and Mick Fowles of Coventry England are all set to host their IKF Open Amateur Tournament this Sunday night, March 18th at the Mercia Sporting Club, Lockhurst Lane in Coventry England. For more info, you can contact Mr. Stephen Donnelly or Mr. Mick Fowles by e-mail by Clicking HERE. For additional event info, visit their website at www.donsfurypromotions.com
More News Of 3-16-01
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IKF
England Vs IKF
Ireland
Highlight A SELLOUT Event!
IKF Liverpool, England, March 9th, 2001: by Alby Bimpson - IKF European Director: The show was a complete sell out with people being turned way at the door. The fight consisted of 12 bouts including demonstrations. The evening started with several demonstration - Exhibition Bouts. This was due to it being a novice show, and first time potential fighters changing their minds. We understand and accept this is a coross to bear, when dealing with first time fighters. As the Irish team had come such a long way we wanted to give them the opportunity of Ring experience.
A Special THANK YOU To the IRISH TEAM and to the following event officials:
More News Of 3-16-01
K-1 USA Fight Schedule Confirmed!
Yesterday we received a fax confirming the fight schedule for K-1 USA. There was a rumor that the event was being cancelled so we thought it best to post to everyone that it's still on and the fight order is confirmed. Scheduled for May 5th, the 3rd K-1 USA Promoted by World Class Promoter Scott Coker of San Jose, CA, USA will take place in Las Vegas once again at the Mirage hotel Casino. Here's the bracket and fighter info;
Scott Coker. This event, like any
big event needs big names and this years K-1 USA event will feature one of the
biggest names of all, Maurice Smith. (L,
58-8-3/44, 6' 2", 220 lbs, of Seattle, Washington, USA) Smith
has been a Champion in several ring styles including Kickboxing, MuayThai as
well as mixed martial arts. (Submission/NHB Styles)
His Accomplishments include:
Smith will face heavy underdog Pedro
Fernandez (L) of Tijuana, Mexico. Fernandez
is last remembered by the K-1 audience from losing to K-1 USA Champion Rick Roufus (R,
IKF IR Heavyweight World Champion)
in the first round of the first K-1 USA. However, that was Fernandez'
first pro bout and look who he faced. He will get a chance to prove himself to
everyone before the May K-1 date when he faces Raul Gonzalez (See picture in article below) in Mexico for the
IKF Pro Mexican National title on March
31st in Tijuana. His current record is 13-2/9 and at 6'3", 228 lbs. he
should be plenty big enough to fit in. However again, look who he's been matched
up against in round 1.
Surrey, British Columbia (Although
he's listed as from Seattle, Washington, USA) already faced Leuyer
in the 2000 K-1 USA. Lauyer as usual started slow but eventually started
to do damage to Lalonde's left leg, striking it over and over again.
Lalonde also took about 20 punches during the exchanges but stood tough.
Lauyer landed a strong kick which put Lalonde down and when he
got off the matt, while limping on his right leg, threw an off speed punch that
put Leuyer down. At the count of eight, Lauyer stood up and took
a step but his legs shook so he sat against the ropes and could not continue as
the referee stopped the bout. After the Leuyer bout, Lalonde
lost to K-1 USA Champion Andrei Dudko in the Semifinals by TKO. This
rematch was probably requested by Leuyer to K-1 USA promoter Scott
Coker who use to promote Leuyer on all the past San Jose, ISKA/ESPN
events when they were happening. It's a revenge that Leuyer will seek strongly.
against former IKF
MuayThai World Champion Duke Roufus (R, 33-5-1/24, 6'1", 220)
of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Last year, Kucherzewski quickly stopped his
first 2 opponents. One being Roufus' own student, Jason Johnson
in just 56 seconds followed by stopping Glaube Feitosa in 2:03 of the
first round in his second bout before losing to Champion Andrey Dudko (L)
Chicago via Russia???) Roufus has retired from kickboxing twice now
and has made his way into the good graces of K-1 finally with some negotiating
of his own. Roufus' 
presence explains
why Johnson isn't back in the mix again as well as first time K-1 USA
Champion, brother Rick Roufus.
It's also been reported that San Shou Sensation Cung Le (L) and MuayThai
Champion Alex Gong (R) both of San Jose, CA, USA will each have a
Superfight. Keep in mind, not against each other though, with separate
opponents. whether these bouts turn out to be title bouts has yet to be
announced.
From what it looks like, K-1 USA Promoter/Matchmaker Scott
Coker has put together an impressive card here. We plan to do additional
reports as the event draws closer. Hopefully we can add the missing pictures to
the fighters without ones above. If any of you have some, please send them to
us. In closing, we'd like to wish all the fighters the best of luck at the K-1
USA Title. As far as the promotion itself, we need not worry about that, it's in
good hands already.
THURSDAY, March 15th, 2001, AT 1:40 PM PT
IKF
PROBLEMS IN THE MIDDLE EAST?
False
Representation Complaints Coming From Turkey, Iran
and Lebanon!
Obviously,
this news will not be interesting to everyone, but we needed to make an official
reply and post it here so everyone knows the truth about IKF
Activities in the Middle East.
Recently, the IKF was informed that
some individuals in Turkey, Iran & Lebanon were claiming that the IKF had been paid money by them to be the IKF Representatives there. We would like to inform
everyone from this area of the world that this is not true.
We do not just
accept money from people to make them representatives as many other
organizations do. The IKF only appoints
individuals to the position of IKF
Representative after meeting them in person during a personal interview. The
IKF has NEVER been to Turkey, Iran or
Lebanon, so this would never of been possible.
In addition, we also heard
that someone has been promoting IKF
Sanctioned events/tournaments Turkey, Lebanon and Iran as well. This is not true
either. We thought it would be important to make it clear to everyone in the
Middle East exactly what the IKF status is
in this region of the World.
We know that several people have already delt
with the individuals in question who are calling themselves IKF Representatives or IKF
Promoters in this region. The facts below should answer any and all questions
these people and others may have about their position with the IKF. As of today, Wednesday, March 15th, 2001,
We believe this should set the record straight. If you
have any questions or comments in regards to this IKF
Middle East Legal Situation, Please feel free to e-mail them to:
IKFMELegal@IKFKickboxing.com
Thank You
WEDNESDAY, March 14th, 2001, AT 10:25 AM PT
PROMOTERS!
TRAINERS! OFFICIALS! FIGHTERS!
We Will Soon Have Some GREAT
Insurance Packages For ALL OF YOU!
"IKF &
ISCF"
For years now, we've talked about having a blanket policy for all IKF and ISCF Sanctioned Event Promoters that covers Spectators Liability as well as fighters medical on all IKF & ISCF Sanctioned events. However there were always things that kept making Insurance Packages difficult to accomplish. But as things have been going around the IKF & ISCF Headquarters here... "This Game is Soon to Change Too...!"
It finally appears the we will soon be able to offer to "ALL"
IKF &
ISCF
Promoters (Starting with North America, and quickly following, Worldwide)
a great insurance package that will cover EVERYONE from spectators to the
fighters on all IKF &
ISCF
Sanctioned Kickboxing Events. We should have this new policy in force within 30
days (Hopefully MUCH Sooner actually) of this posting if all goes well.
So if your an IKF or
ISCF
Promoter, or looking to be an IKF or
ISCF
Promoter and the issue of INSURANCE has
held you back, this will no longer be an issue, especially when you see what we
can do for you.
This is just another area where we have been working this
year to improve the quality and services available to those associated with the
IKF &
ISCF.
We're also working on Insurance Policies for
IKF &
ISCFGyms/Clubs, Trainers (While training at their
gyms as well as while during the matches) Fighters Training Policies (Insurance
for training injuries) and Officials (Event
liability as well as Injury Insurance). Keep
watch for the official announcement soon.
NOTE: Our IKF TEAM
EUROPE under the direction of Alby Bimpson of England has a
Great Insurance package for all IKF Europe
members.
They also have a great membership program in place that includes
fighter insurance, gym and trainers insurance as well as official hardcover IKF
Fighter Passport Books (See Cover Right ) which are something
that the IKF needs to make available
worldwide.
Currently, IKF Membership
books are ONLY offered through
Mr. Bimpson's IKF European
Headquarters with the Official IKF
Stamp and Endorsement Seal attached to make them official.
So if your in
another part of the world and someone's selling you an IKF
Membership Booklet/Passport, you better let us know because no where else has the IKF
ever approved, authorized or endorsed the sale of any type of IKF License Books or any other type of IKF Licenses or Memberships.
To make such reports, please contact the IKF Legal Department at this e-mail address: LegalDept@IKFKickboxing.com
TUESDAY, March 13th, 2001, AT 2:20 AM PT
Looking
For World Title Contenders!
For the last 2 months, we've been searching the globe for 2 Pro
World Title Contenders for a Pro Event in Burma in June, 2001. Up for grabs are
2 vacant IKF World titles which include
the vacant IKF IR Super Heavyweight World
Title
Bout. The challenger is Hiriwa
TeRangi (R, ProKB: 27-5/12, AmKB: 10-2/8 ) of Auckland, New Zealand.
In TeRangi last IKF bout, he lost
by decision to Duke Roufus of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA for the vacant
IKF MuayThai World Title.
The other title on the event is the IKF
Women's IR Bantamweight World Title Defense of 3 time
IKF Pro World Champion, Holly
Fernerley ( PRO KB: 7-3-2/4, AMKB: 5-2/4) of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
However, a MuayThai rules opponent would also be accepted for the vacant IKF Pro Women's MuayThai
Bantamweight World Title.
However, the search hasn't been easy for opponents for these
bouts. Or should we say, for Pro Fighters with a lot of Pro Fight Experience.
For example, for a Super Heavyweight Opponent for TeRangi,
we've had challenges from several new Pro
Fighters such as Lane Collyer (R, Pro & Am combined: 16-2/10
) of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Jason Johnson (L, Pro & Am
combined: 13-1/7 ) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, Pedro Fernandez (
No Picture available, Pro & Am combined: 13-2/9) of Tijuana, Mexico
and Raul Gonzalez (R, Pro & Am combined: 6-0/3) of Mexico
City Mexico.
Fernandez and
Gonzalez will meet March 31st at the Jai Alai Sports Center in Tijuana,
Mexico for the vacant IKF Pro Super
Heavyweight Mexico National Title. If these were the only 4 opponents to choose
from, the winner of the Gonzales - Fernandez bout would be a
great opponent to face a winner of a Johnson Vs Collyer bout for
an IKF Pro North American Title and the
winner fight TeRangi. However, scheduling conflicts make the Collyer
- Johnson bout impossible. Of course, this is if the only 4 possible
opponents were from North America.
Who else was offered this bout? The obvious possible opponents
from North America 
such as #8 ranked Jean
Claude Leuyer (L) of San Jose, CA, USA, MuayThai Fighter Duke Roufus
of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA and #7 ranked Maurice Smith (Below
Right) of Seattle, Washington, USA were all potential opponents, however all
3 are booked for the K-1 USA event the month before (May) this event so
their not going to take a title bout instead of a shot at the K-1 Gold!
And who could blame them with the
potential winning purse for the winner.
So with the addition of K-1, the Super Heavyweight bout has
been almost impossible to match in both International & MuayThai Rules.
Even IKF Pro MuayThai World Champion
Matt Skelton (L) turned this
bout down because the purse wasn't enough, not to mention though that he is
scheduled to defend his IKF World MuayThai
Title in April in England. So the question are, "What purse IS ENOUGH?"
and "Will the challenger for this bout come down to the 4 mentioned
above?" Our answer? WHY NOT!
Although it would be nice to match up one of the #1 through #6 ranked fighters in the IKF International Rules Rankings which are Ernesto Hoost, Jerome LeBanner, Peter Aerts, Ricky Nicholson, Mike Bernardo and Ray Sefo against the number 9 ranked TeRangi but with the K-1 money awaiting, it just isn't possible. With so many sanctioning bodies out there with so many World Titles, the final answer is, "Show me the Money!" And again, Who could blame them!
With the hopes and aspirations of winning K-1 USA's (Or any K-1 Elimination tournament around the World) big money, the hopes of going to the K-1 Grand Prix and the potential of winning the big pot of gold that awaits for the winner, we agree with their desire. Who wouldn't? All we ask is "Don't complain about who we select for the World Title." Why? Because whoever it becomes will be someone we've decided is truly willing to "Walk The Walk" and prove themselves to the World. Most, certainly NOT ALL of the K-1 selected fighters have won their share of world titles, but the majority of them surly have. And to them, all that matters now is the money they will be paid for fighting, and again, we support them, or should we say, we can agree with their desires.
The purse money K-1 brings to the sport has made the Super Heavyweights a class of it's own with some of the greatest purses available out there today... To only Super Heavyweights though. Wouldn't it be nice if EVERY weightclass had the opportunity at these purse amounts? Every rule style? Of course it would, but it's only available to the Super Heavyweight K-1 Style fighters. World titles are worthless to many of the veteran K-1 Fighters, but what about the other Super Heavyweight fighters? Yes, the others. For one thing, K-1 is an "INVITATION ONLY" Tournament. Just because your a Pro Super Heavyweight doesn't mean you can attend. You have to be invited to the K-1 Elimination Tournaments and this is where "Politics comes in..."
Many of the K-1 Promoters (Excluding Mr. Ishi) use the power of their K-1 Promotions to control other fighters, trainers and promoters in their region. As many have told us, "It's good business to be friends with the man with the K-1 Power in your country, like him or not." In the USA that man with the power is, Scott Coker of San Jose. That is, if you or one of your fighters is a Super Heavyweight K-1 Style fighter. If so, make friends with Coker because he's the connection between you being just another Super Heavyweight Fighter and being a K-1 Super Heavyweight Fighter, having an opportunity to win the big K-1 money. Coker did a great job with promoting K-1 USA his first time out last year but it was no surprise to us. Coker is an Excellent Promoter and has proven himself in our eyes as the Best Promoter in North America and clearly one of the Best in the World! He's always had a great TEAM working with him and of course, having the ESPN money ($90,000 per event) or K-1 money ($$$) behind you helps you do GREAT Things. But the fact is, He doesn't talk about it, he DOES IT! He's now ready for his second K-1 Promotion in May in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Coker didn't stop at a simple K-1 Promotion though. He also carved out a deal with the K-1 people to allow his sanctioning body ISKA (Coker is an owning partner in the ISKA) to sanction the event as well. But what will they sanction? No one knows exactly but it gives the ISKA a much needed event since they do very few events around the world now days. It also gives ISKA the Power Stroke it needs to persuade people to work with them, however, it may also be unfulfilled promises as many discovered over the years with other promises. But thats another story time will tell on it's own... It was a more needed move since ISKA lost their ESPN 2 contract last October which will be a big blow to Coker's impressive San Jose CA USA events of which he use to do an average of about 2 per year. Will we ever see them again? We hope so for the local Bay Area California crowds of which some 6,000 would attend. Without the ESPN Deal to support the San Jose mega events, Coker needed a new game and the new game in town now is K-1. Does his K-1 Status play some politics with the North American Super Heavyweights and their trainers? Need we answer...
Back to the Super Heavyweight search... We looked all around North American for Super Heavyweights as well as in Europe, but none were found. Are we missing someone who has an outstanding Pro record thats not attached to K-1? If so, let us know who you are.
In addition, we also need a Pro Woman's International or MuayThai Rules Bantamweight fighter to challenge against Holly Fernerley. As if finding Women fighters isn't hard enough with Pro Boxing making the play for nearly all the great women fighters, a woman's International or MuayThai rules fighter is a lot harder. If your out there, please let us know!!! So again, here's what were asking applications for challenges for;
IKF Pro Super Heavyweight International Rules Pro Fighter to fight against Hiriwa TeRangi of Auckland, New Zealand with a record of Pro KB: 27-5 with 12 KO's, Am KB: 10-2 with 8 KO's, 240 lbs, 6'4", 31 years old.
IKF Pro Bantamweight International or MuayThai Rules Pro Fighter to fight against Holly Ferneley of Sydney, NSW, Australia with a record of Pro KB: 7-3-2 with 4 Ko's, Am KB: 5-2 with 4 Ko's, 1.65 meters tall, 122 lbs., 122.5 lbs, 28 years old.
If you have a fighter or fighters that are qualified World
title Contenders, please contact the IKF
at (916) 663-2467, Fax: (916) 663-4510 or e-mail by clicking this link below;
TitleMatchmaking@IKFKickboxing.com
The event is scheduled for June 8th & 9th 2001 in Myanmar (Burma, by Thailand). The Men's World Title will be the main event on one night and the Women's on the other. The event promoter is Mr. Maung Tin Oo.
MONDAY, March 12th, 2001, AT 1:30 PM PT
IKF RATED THE BEST!
Special To IKF From Kickboxing.com & Radio Martial Arts Network: Congratulations to the International Kickboxing Federation for being chosen as the top kickboxing sanctioning body in the world by the Radio Martial Arts Network. Most events sanctioned, most fighters registered, best service, most reasonably priced sanctioning fees and fastest rankings updates. Way to go guys! More News on this to come...
FRIDAY, March 9th, 2001, AT 9:10 AM PT
 |
IKF
England Vs IKF
Ireland
IN Liverpool England...
IKF European Director and Promoter Alby Bimpson of England is all set to host his IKF England Vs IKF Ireland event tonight in Liverpool England. For event info, please contact Mr. Alby Bimpson at 44 1744 739 043 or by e-mail by Clicking HERE.
THURSDAY, March 8th, 2001, AT 4:55 PM PT
|
 |
KICKSHOOT 2001 Provides Plenty Of IKF & ISCF Action!
IKF/ISCF Memphis TN, USA: There was plenty of action in IKF Kickboxing and ISCF Submission at Newby's Restaurant in Memphis Friday night, March 2. IKF / ISCF Promoter Jeff Mullen of Mid South Karate & Kickboxing hosted "KICKSHOOT 2001". This event featured both IKF & ISCF amateur bouts. Here's the nights results;
For more info, please contact Mr. Mullen at (901) 757-0985 or by e-mail by clicking HERE!
MONDAY, March 5th, 2001, AT 11:00 PM PT
|
 |
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Butler PA's Ferguson Claims IKF Women's East Coast Title!
Delayed Announced Results/IKF PA, USA:
Stewart Center and Coors Light
presented Ramblin' & Gamblin'
a sellout night of amateur kickboxing in front of over 700 spectators on Friday
night, February 16, 2001.
Over 700 attended the sellout event at Hindman Hall, Butler, PA, USA to watch local Female Kickboxer, Donna Ferguson (10-6) of Butler, PA, stop Belinda McClain of Belzhoover, PA, with a first round TKO to claim the IKF Women's East Coast FCR Bantamweight title.
In other kickboxing action, K. P. Peth (15-1) won with a third round
TKO over Josh Rodrigies (12-5) of Cleveland, Ohio. Dave Ellas of
Cleveland, Ohio, defeated 
Steve
Vlassich of Butler, PA, with a TKO in the first round, and Chris Hill
of Butler, PA, defeated Mike Colon of Trenton, New Jersey.
In heavy weight action, Joe Daniels of Pittsburgh, PA, won a three round decision over Thomas Santiago of Cleveland, Ohio and Elliot Edmundo of Cleveland, Ohio, stopped Bill Kauns of Moundsville, West Virginia with a TKO win. For more info in regards to the event contact Mr. Jimmy Stewert at (724) 284-3725.
FRIDAY, March 2nd, 2001, AT 12:30 PM PT
IKF & ISCF Action This Weekend
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KICKSHOOT 2001
IKF &
ISCF
Memphis Tennessee USA
MARCH 2nd 2001: IKF Kickboxing and ISCF submission fight return to Memphis Friday March 2 at Newby's Restaurant as Mid South Karate & Kickboxing Presents "KICKSHOOT 2001". This event will feature both IKF & ISCF amateur bouts starting at 9:00 PM. Weigh ins will be held at 6:30 PM. Tickets will be available at the door. All seats are $15. For advanced tickets call Mid South Kickboxing at (901) 757-0985.
This event is being promoted by IKF regional tournament promoter, UFC and K-1 judge, Mr. Jeff Mullen. For more info, please contact Mr. Mullen at (901) 757-0985 or by e-mail by clicking HERE! Here's the nights line-up:
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KANSAS CITY
KICKBOXING
IKF
Kansas City Missouri USA
MARCH 2nd 2001: KANSAS CITY KICKBOXING! This event will feature IKF amateur bouts and is promoted by new IKF Promoter Mr. Paul Swagert who was assisted by IKF St. Louis promoter, Jesse Finney. For more event info, please contact Mr. Paul Swagert at (816) 746-1717 or check out this Finney's Kickboxing Website by clicking HERE!
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WORLD FREE
FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
IKF
Dallas Texas USA
MARCH 3rd 2001: Knockout Productions Presents "World Free Fighting Championships" at the The Bronco Bowl in Dallas Texas. The Main Event will feature an IKF Pro Heavyweight Main Event as Derek Panza faces (Opponent unknown at press time) . The event will also feature mixed martial arts bouts as well and is promoted by Mr. Ray Compton of Knockout Productions while Mr. Guy Mezger has handled the matchmaking. For event info, please contact Mr. Guy Mezger at (214) 616-0022.
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ENGLAND MUAYTHAI
IKF Kettering
North Ants England
MARCH 4th 2001: New IKF Promoter Mr. Guy Butler will host IKF Championship Kickboxing in Kettering, North Ants, England this Sunday night. The event will feature 2 IKF Pro MuayThai bouts. Fighting for the IKF British MuayThai Welterweight Title will be Ray De Burgh and Chey Daniels and fighting for the IKF Midland Area MuayThai Super Middleweight Title will be Lee Willis vs an opponent who was not named as of this posting. For event info, please contact IKF European Director Mr. Alby Bimpson at 44 1744 739 043 or by e-mail by Clicking HERE.
More News Of 3-2-01
