Fighters v34i04

FIGHTERS COVER (NOV '08) A-W

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Kerry-Louise Norbury WAKO World Champion

LYOTO MACHIDA

9 770260 496080

BRITAIN’s PRIDE

11

www.fightersmag.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2008 £3.50

KIMBO SLICED AND DICED IN 14 SECONDS!!!

Rise of the warrior

ANDERSON ‘SPIDER’ SILVA Retirement promise shock!

KIMBO SLICE

Free Poster Inside

MUAY THAI - KICKBOXING - MMA - K-1 - BOXING

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS EDITORIAL A couple of months ago, I wrote in this column, predicting that financial problems in the financial world would eventually filter through to the real economy. I wondered at how this would affect the myriad of businesses connected to our trade; the gyms, the equipment suppliers, the promoters etc.

I predicted that, as in the past, the bread and butter martial arts trade, as in school and gym owners, would survive the economic downturn relatively unscathed (of course assuming that their business is run relatively well). The offshoot industries such as equipment manufacturers and importers would suffer a slowdown as students kept those gloves one more year but would still be doing business, as all those new students the gyms suck in need to get their gear from somewhere!

It would seem that I have been proven right, so far, on these two points. Every well run club that I visit is doing well and most suppliers etc have noticed a slight downturn, but are not unduly worried.

Martial arts tuition seems a recession proof business!

My main concern last time I ventured onto this topic was for promoters. Not small hall Kick and Thai boxing shows though; on the whole their ticket selling process is an intimate thing. Fighters have a loyal band of friends and family that they sell the tickets to; this will not end anytime soon. Sure, the UFC aren’t exactly gonna be jumping for joy if their tickets take a little longer to sell or the PPVs aren’t at stratospheric levels, but their strength and size will enable them to battle on through. Probably still taking huge profits in the process!

My real concern was for the intermediate sized MMA promotions.

And it still is. News from the States last week told that a number of such shows (MMA and Boxing) had suffered severe shocks to their audience numbers, some in Vegas selling only 20% of their allocation!

Most of these shows in the States are backed by wealthy patrons; will they stick around, as their personal wealth has most likely taken a stock market pounding, and continue to fund loss making shows?

Who knows? I think we’ll find out soon enough though. We all know that what happens in the U.S. follows here not too long after.

Cage Rage seem to have made a sensible choice to cut back on their costs before things get too bad; maybe a reaction from their American owners to their crisis at home.

I just hope for the sake of MMA’s recent growth in the U.K., that British MMA fans love their sport more than the Yanks do........

Marcus

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NEWS ROUND-UP Domestic & International

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LIFE AFTER REACHING THE SUMMIT “I really pushed to the outer limits this time”

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MACHIDA THE MASTER Lyoto the warrior rises up the 205 ladder in subtle fashion

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CONDE KOMA Judo or Jiu Jitsu?

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KIMBO SLICED & DICED Controversy rages over 14 second knockout

30

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT The battle of Waterloo

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IT’S A KNOCKOUT! When it’s your tooth it’s no laughing matter

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WAKO CADETS World Championship success

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WHAT MAKES A WINNER? Neil Grove & Brad Pickett give their opinion on what it takes to be the ‘Fighting Hurts’ champion

42

THAI WAY OR THE HIGH WAY? Muay Thai rules & scoring

46

BIG HITTERS: IT’S (CREDIT) CRUNCH TIME! Boxing column with Joe Holroyd

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HOW HIGH CAN THEY GO? Are “Slice” & Lesnar worth their paypackets?

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I’M PROUD TO SAY I’M A THAI BOXER Christian Di Paolo on why he wants as many titles as possible before he retires

58

ANDERSON SILVA VS ROY JONES JR. Who do you think would win?

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NO TIME TO TRAIN?

By James Watling

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MMA SPONSORSHIPS Practical advice to an MMA fighter

68

MASATO WINS K-1 World Max 2008 Championship

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STRIKEFORCE At The Playboy mansion

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INDEPENDANT BRITISH THAI BOXING RANKINGS

78

ISKA RESULTS

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ISKA MUAYTHAI AND KICKBOXING RANKINGS

82

WAKO PRO RANKINGS

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Picture courtesy

WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK PUBLISHER/MANAGING DIRECTOR Paul Clifton EDITOR Marcus Haig SENIOR DESIGNER Mark John Davies

MACHIDA THE MASTER page 16

GRAPHIC DESIGN Kevin Thompson ADVERTISING/SALES Julie Davies (0121 356 7616) UK THAI SUB EDITOR Dan Green UK MMA SUB EDITOR Rob Nutley UK BJJ SUB EDITOR Carl Fisher UK KICKBOXING SUB EDITOR Cris Janson-Piers UK BOXING SUB EDITOR Joe Holroyd

CONTRIBUTORS THAI / KICKBOXING Tony Myers, Paul Hennessy, Shaun Boland, Neil Holden, Carl Sams, Colin Payne, Rob Cox, Charlie Joseph, Dawn Whillock HOW TO GET WORK PUBLISHED Drop us an email at fighters@martialartsinprint.com or give the editorial team a call on 0121 344 3737 NEWS ITEMS For all news related items, simply mark your envelope “FIGHTERS NEWSLINE” and together with a photograph (if required) and a covering letter, send it to: FIGHTERS, Head Office or E-Mail: fighters.news@btconnect.com HEAD OFFICE: FIGHTERS, 135 Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham. B42 2ET. Tel: 0121 344 3737 Fax: 0121 356 7300 E-Mail: fighters.magazine@btconnect.com ADVERTISING DETAILS If you would like to advertise in FIGHTERS email us at fighters@martialartsinprint.com to obtain details, deadline dates and costs.

DISCLAIMER FIGHTERS is published by Martial Arts Publications Ltd, Regent House, 135 Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 2ET. The publishers reserve the right to reject editorial and/or advertising material as they see fit. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material.

However, the Publishers will endeavour to return such matter providing that it is accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. Any material accepted by the Publishers shall be revised or altered should the Publisher deem it necessary to do so. The act of submitting manuscripts and/or materials shall be considered an express warranty that such material is original and in no way infringes upon the rights of others. It is expressly forbidden for any part of the magazine to be reported whatsoever without the permission of Editor / Publishers. The views or comments expressed in these pages are not necessarily those of the editor or Publisher.

Distribution by COMAG, Tavistock Works, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 7QE. No part of this magazine may be produced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior permission. Fighters, may not be sold at more than the recomended retail price shown on the cover.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES To take out a subscription to Fighters, just send your cheque for the correct amount made payable to Martial Arts Publications ltd. to: Subscription Dept. 135 Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 2ET. or telephone: 0121-344 3737 12 issues = UK @ £38.95 EUROPE @ £70 (Airmail) REST OF WORLD @ £85 (Airmail)

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NEWS ROUND-UP

Have you got news for us? You have? Then e-mail us at fighters.news@btconnect.com

MMA

ROSS MASON

UK MMA favourite Ross “The Boss” Mason has been released from hospital. The professional fighter received serious injuries in Redditch town centre. We wish him a speedy recovery.

MMA

UFC LAUNCHES TOP TRUMP CARDS

In partnership with the creators of Top Trumps, you will soon be able to fight Randy against Rampage, Bisping against Chuck, without even resorting to the forthcoming UFC console game.

“We are excited to be working with Topps to showcase our incredible athletes on UFC trading cards,” said Dana White, UFC President.

“We look forward to having great success with Topps, and to giving UFC fans a product they can collect and trade with other fans of our sport.”

UFC cards will be available to buy in early 2009.

MMA

UFC sign another UK fighter!!

Wolfslair fighter Abdul Mohammed has been signed on an undisclosed contract to the UFC. Mohamed is expected to make his debut at UFC 93, which takes place Jan. 17 in Dublin, Ireland.

MMA

ARLOVSKI AND SLICE GET $1/2 million each!

The fighter salaries for Elite Xtreme Combat: CBS Saturday Night Fights 3 have been released by the Florida State Boxing Commission.

Arlovski and Slice both netted a cool half a millon dollars. You can bet Kimbo would swap the lot for a time machine after his embarrassing loss, though.

The event took took place on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.

BOXING

Maloney First to sign 2008 Olympic boxer

IRELAND’S Olympic bronze medallist Darren Sutherland is the first Olympian from the home nations to turn professional and will be managed and promoted by Frank Maloney.

Sutherland, 26, has signed a threeyear contract with Maloney and makes his professional debut in home city, Dublin on Thursday December 18.

The historic homecoming will be staged at Dublin City University where Sutherland is studying Sports Science.

Sutherland will campaign as a supermiddleweight and his fights will be

exclusively televised live by Sky Sports.

Maloney said: “From the minute I watched Darren in the Olympics he was the only fighter I wanted to sign.”

“I believe he will become the my fifth world champion following in the path of Lennox Lewis, Paul Ingle, Scott Harrison and David Haye.

“This is a long term mission and will be an incredible journey. I invite the Irish public to join Darren on what will be a fantastic ride.”

“On a personal level I haven’t felt this excited since the day Lennox Lewis signed with me in April 1989.”

MMA

GODDARD and Roberts to referee at UFC!

Marc Goddard and Leon Roberts will be the first British referees to oversee the action in the octagon.

As Marc Goddard announced the news. he also made it known that he his ending his fighting career: “I am now completely 100% retired from active MMA competition. I have enjoyed mixed success over the years and owe thanks to a whole host

of different people, too many to name without fear of forgetting anyone.

I can not wait to take up 100% committed to my refereeing and coaching role in helping others. I will still obviously be teaching, training and compete actively with sub grappling.

From 18th October onwards I will be refereeing at UFC events and I am both deeply honoured and feel real achievement. “ Congratulations Marc and Leon!

BOXING

HATTON HOPES TO GIVE THE CREDIT CRUNCH A CREDIT PUNCH

As Ricky Hatton left for a five-week training camp in Las Vegas tomorrow he said that in spite of the world financial crisis, he believes his army of fans will still bring ‘Hattonmania’ to the world’s gambling capital for his Nov 22 light-welterweight showdown with New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi. More than 30,000

supporters travelled to the Nevada desert for his meeting with Floyd Mayweather last December, and Hatton is hoping for more of the same. He said: “Given the credit crunch and Christmas coming up, it is a difficult shout for some but the fans should be in no doubt that they will get value for money because the are going to see another world champion defeated by me.”

MMA

ANDERSON SILVA SHOCK RETIREMENT PROMISE!

“I’ll retire next year, I already gave my all. I don’t need to prove anything for anyone and within one year I’ll put my gloves aside.” Silva

told a Brazilian TV station recently.

Could this be in preparation for a crack at the boxing world? Were they just MMA gloves Anderson?

Or gloves in general? That is the question.....

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NEWS ROUND-UP

Have you got news for us? You have? Then e-mail us at fighters.news@btconnect.com

WAKO NEWS NOVEMBER 2008 come forward to challenge for any available or viable title challenge.

Within weeks of its re-launch two matches were found, one being the following match: Adam Lawrence 5 fights 3 wins v Gary Kelly 6 fights 4 win. Sheffield York

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

WAKO has two ring sport fighters who have made history.

Leif Taggart, of Teesside Thai, has become the first ever Great Britain fighter to attain a medal position in the newest WAKO fighting system in both the cadets and adults. He will go down in the record book as WAKO’s first ever World Ranked WAKO K1 Rules medallist. Attaining Silver medal, in a somewhat controversial placing, he was very happy to have achieved so much on his first ever K1 Rules outing.

Our other champion, Kerry-Louise recently won the WAKO Pro Ladies Super Welterweight title becoming the first female Full Contact Fighter to attain such an accolade. We have had ladies win in other styles within WAKO Pro but not in Full Contact itself. Kerry-Louise will maintain her full contact training and fighting but has now been training WAKO K1 Rules in order to compete in that also.

“Area Titles are a big hit!”

WAKO Pro has now re-launched its area titles! It has taken some time whist the executive has worked hard at restructuring the rest of WAKO Pro and renewing its International relations in the ring. Now things are running smoothly with fighters being flown abroad even as this goes to print it is time to see the popular area titles feature on many of the prestigious shows throughout Great Britain once again.

Coaches or fighters are welcome to

Both fighters have followed a very successful amateur career and have now taken the next step by turning pro and also pushing themselves further.

Lawrence comes to the ring with determination and youth on his side whilst Kelly is no stranger to the ring and is a very wise and technical fighter.

The other fight promises to be another crowd pleaser! Watch this space!

International News Spot

We are to now start a regular feature in our news also covering International fights involving other countries.

Our British Fighters in the WAKO World rankings need to keep an eye out and put themselves forward to Cris Janson-Piers should they feel they meet the required standard in order for him to send the application direct to World HQ. On 7th October 2008 in Beirut, at the Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel a Wako Pro title bout in K1 Rules will take place between Palestinian Ibrahim Zaibak and Greek Pavlos Kaponis. The match will be a 5x3 minute round, at the limit of Kg -75.

On 18th of October in Madrid, Spain, Spaniard Alex Asumu will fight for the European Title in Low Kick at 69.1kg against a French fighter to be named soon... During the same event also Maari Karim (France) will fight against a Spanish fighter to be named for the European crown...

Can Khalid do it!

Khalid Ismail has been a keen fighter and coach within the WAKO ranks for a long time and is well known for his strength and KO Power. The good

news is he has successfully trialled for the WAKO K1 rules squad this year and is definitely one of the favourites to do well at the WAKO Europeans this month. His Goliath like physique will have any opponent stood in front of him thinking twice. They will need to... good luck Khalid, bring back Gold!

LISA HIGO Stepping out!

Our very own WAKO Pro British Champion, Lisa Higo steps out again on 22nd November when she fights out in Villeneuve France for the WAKO Pro Full Contact European title against Fatima Zaaboula.

Maximum weight 52kg. Lisa and Husband John Higo have been busy opening their brand new “Assassins” academy called www.leedscage.co.uk but said this is an opportunity they cannot and will not miss!

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NEWS ROUND-UP

Have you got news for us? You have? Then e-mail us at fighters.news@btconnect.com

ISKA UK NEWS NOVEMBER 2008

ISKA World title fight on K-1 MAX WGP Final

The K-1 MAX World Grand Prix Final was staged on the 1st October at the Budokan Stadium in Tokyo and attracted over 15000. The penultimate fight prior to the WGP final fight was an ISKA World title Match between Susumu Daiguji and Daisuke Uematsu for the ISKA World Lightweight title 60kg Oriental Rules. Daiguji hails from the famous Silver Wolf gym home of K-1 MAX Champion Masato he has held an ISKA World title before when he defeated England’s Chris Mc Donald in 2001. At 30 years old

Daiguji is a veteran of the Japanese kickboxing circuit with many hard battles behind him, the question was could he contain 24 year old Uematsu a young upstart on a winning streak with nothing to lose and a chance to impress on the World ‘s biggest stage.

They wasted no time getting to know each other, Daiguji shot in with the fists, Uematsu weathering the attack before countering with a middle kick then pumping up a knee to score a down. As

Daiguji slumped against the ropes then onto the mat, the referee stepped in to call it. Uematsu the winner by KO at just 29 seconds in the first round.

The Championship belt was presented to Uematsu by ISKA UK executive director Paul Hennessy and TBS TV executive Yukio Matsuda. The ISKA title match was part of TBS TV broadcast that reached millions viewers across Japan and millions more around the world with syndicated broadcasts in 135 countries.

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NEWS ROUND-UP

Have you got news for us? You have? Then e-mail us at fighters.news@btconnect.com

ISKA UK NEWS NOVEMBER 2008

Shoria takes European title from Akufu

Rung retains World title

Thailand’s Rungnakorn Kharnpan or Rung as he is known to UK fight fans made a second successful defence of his ISKA World Light-Welterweight Muaythai title inside four months. He faced undefeated Scottish Muaythai Champion James Doolan at the Oran Morin in Glasgow on the 14th September. Doolan started tentatively testing his distance with low kicks, Rung answered with firm body shots.

In the clinch Doolan was defensive, trying to tie Rung up, on the break Doolan took his chance, backing Rung into a corner and unloading a barrage of twenty or more punches, Rung covers up and rides the storm then steps through with a right cross rocking Doolan. In Round two Rungs body kicks are really taking effect, Doolan looks tired, he goes down from a knee to the stomach and takes an eight count, Rung is back on him with body kicks Doolan hits the ropes starts to fold when Rung unleashes a right elbow catching Doolan above the left eye, opening up a 6cm cut, the doctor deems him unable to continue at 2.25 minutes of the second.

Trevor Spencer promoted an action packed event on the 4th October at the Stevenage Arts & Conference Centre, headlined by an ISKA European title fight between the defending European Welterweight Full Contact Champion Simon Akufu (IFA) and British Champion Suky Shoria (TSKB). It was a skilful contest, both men displaying good technique and ringcraft, but Shoria had the edge, he was always one step ahead of Akufu and at the end of the tenth round Shoria was awarded clear unanimous decision victory.

Andy Pollard (TSKB) successfully defended his British Super-middleweight title for the second time this year by out-pointing tough challenger Ronnie Hogan (Pride KB).

Stacy Parker held on to her English Light-welterweight title fighting to a draw with challenger Zowie Mason (Touch Gloves).

ISKA UK third quarter activity

ISKA UK managed to maintain a respectable schedule of events in the third quarter of 2008 that included the traditionally slow summer months of July and August. ISKA UK sanctioned 13 events that included 1 World title, 1 European title, 2 commonwealth titles and 6 British, National and regional titles you can see all the results at www.iska.org.uk. We proved once again that ISKA Champions are ready to step up and defend their titles when other paper champions run for to hills at the mere mention of a challenger. We should applaud World Champions Rungnakorn Kharnpan who successfully defended his title twice this year, Frankie Hudders who defended his title in Cambodia just six month after winning it and Fran Zuccala regained his world title in February and will defend in Ireland on the 8th November against European Champion Tommy McCaffery. British and National Champions have also been defend-

ing their titles, Andy Pollard has made two defences of the British Super-middleweight and turned down a shot at the European title because he felt he wasn’t worthy, which is refreshing when you consider the number of alphabet soup titles available almost anyone can be a champion. The bottom line is, ISKA titles are the most credible titles available in the UK are recognised worldwide and can lead to a successful International career.

Crooke v Zidov Muaythai Superfights

Peter Crooke will headline Muaythai Superfights on the 30th November at Wolverhampton Civic. Crooke will face Dominik Zidov who made a name for himself on the Asia Contender TV show when he stepped in as a late replacement for Ole Lauren Zidov upstaged his housemates with his crazy personality and fearless attitude. Asia Contender was recently broadcast on ITV 4. Crooke has been in semiretirement since his last fight over a year ago with K-1 MAX Champion Albert Kraus, he was schedule to the winner of the K-1 MAX UK tournament winner Sofiane Allouche in May this year but the match was cancelled when the promoter had venue problems. The full line-up for Muaythai Superfights 08 will be posted on www.iska.org.uk

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By Kerry-Louise Norbury

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LIFE AFTER REACHING THE SUMMIT Page 11

Life after reaching

the Summit “I really pushed to the outer limits this time” lthough my WAKO Pro World title fight was well covered in the October 2008 Fighters magazine in the article Showdown 4, I have been asked by the editor to produce an article on the other side of the story. What it is like to have trained so hard, reached such a high, come back down and wonder where do I go from here? Also to give an insight into my normal every day life, and the real me behind the scenes? At this point I would like to explain I have previously won 6 other World titles and although I have always trained hard for each, this time my coach and I really pushed to the outer limits, further and harder than ever before!

A

“You have worked so hard to get to this optimum level of fitness and technical expertise, do not let it go now” Basically like any sportsperson who strives to reach high level, personal goals, it’s hard work getting there then once you have achieved your goal, you are elated but then you experience a week or so where you go though a low period, before your brain and body tell you it’s time to go again!

My mind was telling me...”You have worked so hard to get to this optimum level of fitness and technical expertise, do not let it go now” My own body and mind was actually urging me to get back into training.

So I actually returned to training and after a good stretch and limber up, over a two day period, I attempted my pre fight run, which I managed easily, and with my pulse still at 47 beats a minute I felt good.

My personal life had been put on hold as I was on 5 very small meals a day; so going out to eat was a no-go area. As my meals were all specially prepared there was no way we would get value for money with me having such a small amount at one sitting. Cris, my coach, went along with my set-eating plan and he lost a decent amount of weight himself, although the idea was mainly to help me and keep me motivated. My diet is actually very strict, even off-season, as I have a natural tendency to gain weight quickly.

“My emotions did change the closer it came to the fight” My fitness regime was very tough so even just going shopping seemed like a huge task. I needed my sleep at the end of the day so socialising or visiting friends and family was nigh on impossible, (can I say that I thank them all for their understanding!) My partner understands my pre fight training and eating regime as he used to compete as a bodybuilder in the 80’s, before turning to Martial Arts, when the drug scene hit bodybuilding, something he is totally against. So he remembers how the diet and training left him tired and bad tempered, so he copes with me easily, thank goodness (although I do not get mardy! LAUGHS!) My emotions did change, the closer it came to the fight, despite the fact that this time I was by far more chilled, things just seem to get on my nerves a lot easier the nearer the fight gets.

“I knew I was definitely ready!”

The months before my fight felt different to how I have previously felt before fights, despite this being biggest fight of my full contact career I felt a calmness. I had Vinny Shoreman helping me out, as I tend to doubt my skill and myself. He helped me think in a positive way and it really did work. My diet was spot on thanks to Fitz Gaynes and my kickboxing training was the most intense I had ever done thanks to my partner who is also my coach and manager.

One training session, just after returning from training abroad, I had two gym sessions with a three hour break in between, I lay in the ring after the first one and just dropped off to sleep until the next session!

We also spent time searching out some of the best coaches in the world with the financial backing of my personal sponsor; thanks must go to him for financing everything.

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Kerry against Georgie Tutaki

This didn’t feel like anything like I had ever done before, usually I spend months worrying about the fight and can’t sleep because of it, but not this time. Even the night of the fight after I had had the doctor’s check and then I chilled out. I went up to see my parents and friends, spoke to them, watched a few fights and then went down to the changing room and warmed up. (Usually I just sit in the room on my own listening to music) Everyone was commenting on how chilled I was and the fact that they were more nervous than me. Although I didn’t realise at the time I think I knew that I had done everything possible for this fight and with Vinny’s help I was positive.

In the changing room I stretched off and had a few rounds of shadow boxing and light pad application then my coach said I was ready, I was feeling in great shape

and more ready than ever before. Vinny gave me 10 minutes of his time before my fight; then I knew I was definitely ready!

The ring entrance was great, my music came on and the cheers thundered as I walked past the crowd. The fight went almost to plan; we had planned a 5th round KO where in fact Georgie was saved by the bell, (she warranted a count but the bell rang, and looking at the DVD I know she wouldn’t have been able to recover in 8 seconds).

By the 9th round I knew I had the title in the bag, as long as I didn’t do anything stupid, it helped being an A class judge, as I knew exactly what the judges were looking for. As soon as the fight was over I knew I had won, but when the referee held my hand up I got a rush of adrena-

line. I was picked up as the MC shouted out that I was the new WAKO Pro World Champion and then my emotions took over and the tears came! I realised that I had done it. I had achieved what I had set out to do and at the first attempt. I have other world titles from other organisations but with no disrespect, the WAKO PRO title was the one I wanted!

As I got out of the ring I felt like a superstar I was mobbed by all my supporters (most of them crying), I felt so special and as this was the first time I had ever fought in front of my home crowd, as my coach has built my career abroad, it was something I had never experienced before. It felt good, really good, people telling me that I was superb and others saying they were so proud of me. People I had never met before came and shook my hand and gave me their congratulations. Other coaches told me I was one of the best fighters they had seen. It was such a great honour.

At the after show party I felt like a guest of honour everyone wanting to sit with me and have their photo taken with me, I was being asked for autographs, it was really lovely and I will treasure that memory forever.

“Now 3 weeks after the fight I am still watching my fight on DVD” The next morning I just woke up smiling, knowing it was not a dream. I had a phone call from Clinton Woods, the well known Sheffield Pro World Boxing Champion, who I had also trained with, as well as others all saying they had never doubted that I would do it. We then walked in to the city centre, to the press office, with my belt in my hand and I had people coming up to me and asking about the belt. None of them believed I had won it, they thought it was my coaches’, which just goes to prove that people still think of kickboxing as a male orientated sport!

Even so they all said they were proud to meet me and gave their congratulations.

Now 3 weeks after the fight I am still watching my fight on DVD and looking at my pictures and the belt and I still get a rush because I am proud of myself big style and although I see flaws in my fighting I am not ready to take them on board yet!

At this stage of my article I had laid down the pen, so to speak, and waited for a little more time to pass before I comment any further.

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LIFE AFTER REACHING THE SUMMIT Page 13

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Kerry with Cris Janson Piers

my skills quickly within this style. I suppose when I am told I am ready to fight, even as an undercard at a show, I will then just become the same old KerryLouise with the same feelings pre fight and in pre fight training. I certainly will have the same desire.... I only intend to get in the ring to win. I am not bigheaded it’s just that magical touch of the “Vinsta” Vinny Shoreman which has given me an edge and given me so much self belief.

Although we have all worked as a team, there’s still one main man, he’s my partner and my coach and manager and I love him. Thank you CJP.

What Now? I am now 3 weeks into my K1 and Low Kick training, which I am studying in order to compete, and my legs are bruised but I am enjoying my training and think it’s funny being a rookie student again!

My plans for the future are to fight in the K1 style/format, but of course not leave kickboxing. Hopefully, I will get a title in this, as I did in full contact. Maybe have a couple of pro boxing fights but this is not a signed and sealed deal. The world is my oyster now, I have exactly what I wanted for myself; my own personal dream! I intend to enjoy myself, my training and my fighting career.

I feel as though I have had a great weight lifted off my shoulders. I am enjoying teaching my students who have supported me so much. I will be training with some of the top coaches again in order to boost

Kerry training with coach Howard Rainey

I have already been approached to endorse products, do some public speaking and motivational talks, seminars, plus there is a mention of a, very small, film part! Hope I can be a baddy as everyone says I am always nice and warm hearted so it might be different to have another side shown as an actor (Kerry Laughs again).

“My favourite past time when not training...”

Fighters magazine were keen to find out exactly what I do when not training and when I relax, well unfortunately there isn’t much time for that, but on the odd occasion we can get away from it there are a few things I really like.

My favourite is getting in my car with the roof down and the wind in my hair with a

small amount of hand luggage, driving into the countryside and having a lovely meal and a stay over for one or two nights, away from everything, to read my mags or books, have a nice relaxing Jacuzzi and get into a cosy bed. I adore all my pets and love taking the dogs for walks in our local area as we live in a quaint little cottage, near open fields.

I love good food but I am not into the hustle and bustle of the night club scene so we have our favourite restaurants, including Chinese and Indian, who all know us well and prepare my food in the way they know I like it.

I love my holidays and it’s then when I can do my other favourite things like diving, cycling and canoeing. I love ten-pin bowling and usually beat Cris, much to his annoyance!

Sad, but I also love refereeing and judging, being an A class official under WAKO and WAKO Pro. What I like about it is knowing the fact that every fighter has been treated fairly and feeling I have done my part in the correct outcome.

“You will need a good team around you who are prepared to motivate you and lift you when you’re down or need that extra push”

To conclude: If anyone thinks it is easy to reach the highest level they would be greatly mistaken, but everyone must realise if you believe in yourself it is possible. If you set definite goals you will achieve them a lot easier. You will need a good team around you, who are prepared to motivate and lift you when you’re down or need that extra push. The feeling of success is unexplainable so I hope my experience will help motivate you on the way to similar successes to those I have achieved and the feelings that I have experienced. Dean Sugden said to me after my fight. “Kerry, that is a special moment and it’s your moment only, I remember when I won my World Title, Savour it girl you deserve it!” How nice!

I welcome anyone, male of female to view my web site where I have so much topical information and I also have an interactive question and answer section, which works directly with my NEW Combat Column “Chatterbox”.

Check it out at www.kopro.moonfruit.com

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I lay in the ring & just dropped off to sleep in between sessions

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Machida

the Master Lyoto the warrior rises up the 205 ladder in subtle fashion ome fighters burst onto the scene and rise to the top in sizzling fashion. Fighters such as Vitor Belfort in his heyday and Georges St. Pierre are a couple which come to mind. Young, dynamic and bursting out the gates like a thoroughbred. Then there are fighters which sort of fly under the radar, slowly slither their way up the ladder, continually winning but not really blowing your mind on the journey to the top. Lyoto Machida falls into the second category. His undefeated record of

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13 and 0 has been a great accomplishment, but he really hasn’t wowed the crowd and captured the imagination of the masses with flash and flair. Slowly but surely he has inched his way towards the top of the light heavyweight division with a samurai spirit, a combination of traditional martial arts and new age MMA fighting techniques, as well as a stellar mental game which is accompanied by genetic gifts passed on by his father, Japanese-Brazilian Shotokan Karate master Yoshizo Machida.

The Karate pedigree of Machida is an important factor to his success. He has been a unique case within the MMA world as he has been able to adapt his Karate to MMA. While Karate apparently seemed destined to be a relic of the past in the evolution of MMA, something to be relegated to the early days of the UFC, Machida has pushed forward and used the face that nobody uses it to his advantage.

Staying within the traditional martial arts style, Machida honors his Karate roots. He uses the standard Muay Thai and boxing technique, but Machida has taken the fact that Karate has been shunned in the sport to work for him. Most fighters have the same Muay Thai and western boxing approach to striking in MMA, so a fighter with the same arsenal but who comes at you with Karate stance and influence to his striking makes for a juggernaut of a fighter. It’s tough to deal with a fighter that comes at you with a combination of Muay Thai, Karate and boxing. It is one of the things that has also made Cung Le, the stellar 185er based out of the US, one of the most potential striking threats out there. Le fights with a Sanshou striking style, much underutilized in MMA and it can throw many

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Machida’s heart is in Japan!

He lives by the warrior code

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the essence of MMA, and Machida is the master of this mode of attack.

Lulling you into a false sense of security, he will violently attack you with a strikes or takedowns. He was able to appear passive and fearful of engaging with Tito Ortiz in their battle, but just when Ortiz thought he was safe, Machida turned on the aggression with his fists and takedowns. He’s a tough one to figure out and you have to expect the unexpected.

fighters off their game. Machida does the same with his Karate influenced striking stance and standup attack.

He goes with the theme of being unique amongst other MMA fighters in the manner in which he attacks and defends in the Octagon. Defense-wise he is a tough nut to crack and a very frustrating fighter to deal with. If you don’t get hit on the feet you can’t take any damage, and that simple fact is hardwired into the brain of Machida.

His success is largely due to avoiding damage on the feet with his elusive stand up game. Whatever it takes to not get hit he’ll do it. He’ll bob, weave, duck, slip punches and certainly isn’t afraid to run to avoid getting into trouble on the feet. This is a highly annoy-

ing process for opponents to deal with, and the crowd doesn’t necessarily always appreciate such a style of defense, but Machida is smart enough to do it in a way that is effective and still within the rules of the sport. And if he doesn’t get hit and at the same time is able to frustrate his opponent, he is winning on both ends.

On the attacking end of things, he is a paradox. He is a passive-aggressive type of fighter who picks his spots very well. He uses his apparent passiveness and evasiveness on defense to his advantage. You get the impression he’s avoiding conflict and doesn’t want to be aggressive. And that’s when he’s most dangerous. This is when he attacks. Short spurts of explosiveness is

Being a son of a Shotokan Karate master, Yoshizo Machida, Lyoto has a samurai spirit in his blood. He attempts to be a warrior inside and outside of the cage, which has kept him steadfastly on the path towards the title. While some fighters might allow their ego to get the best of them after some success, the perfect record of Machida has not set him off his humble path. While he was raised in Brazil, Machida’s heart is still in Japan as he lives by a warrior codeinstalled into him by his father. Living that lifestyle on a daily basis prepares him for battle not only physically, but on a mental, emotional and spiritual level, and keeps him completely focused on his upcoming fights. It is a difficult path to stay on but Machida is determined to try his best to be as disciplined as possible.

Machida definitely has a chance to work up to a title shot in the heavily shaken up 205 pound division. The light heavyweight category has been transformed into one of the most wide open weight classes in the UFC. With Forrest Griffin snatching the title from Quinton Jackson and defeating Shogun Rua, as well as Rashad Evans knocking out Chuck Liddell, the top of the division are winners of The Ultimate Fighter 1 and 2 reality series. The TUF show stars have become the top of the heap at 205 and really opened up things for many rising contenders such as Machida. He has a great chance against any of the top contenders at 205 and brings a unique approach to fighting that many have not been able to figure out. He keeps fighters confused about what he is going to do next and where exactly he’s coming from. That unpredictability may allow him to slowly slide into a title shot. Machida definitely reaps benefit of the doubt.

Jatinder Dhoot runs theMMAdigest.com

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Conde Koma Judo or Jiu Jitsu

This month we begin a column which over the months will look at various aspects of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. This month’s column discusses the long running debate as to whether Mitsuyo Maeda was a Judo or Jiu Jitsu player.

Mitsuyo Maeda was the base pillar of Jiu Jitsu in Brazil and as such his accomplishments deserve a special chapter in the history of Jiu Jitsu’s growth there.

Maeda was also known as Count Koma, a nick name he probably earned during his time in Spain.

He was one of the most important Japanese fighters in the history of Japan due to the key role that he had in spreading the grappling arts, developed in Japan, around the World.

Because of his importance, practitioners of Judo often argue that Maeda was in fact a practitioner of Judo rather than Jiu Jitsu. That assertion is, at least, incomplete, because Maeda travelled the World following the instructions of Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, but their differences not only applied to the techniques of Judo but also to those of Jiu Jitsu in its broadest conception.

There is some speculation about Maeda’s separation from the Kodokan.

One thing we do know for certain is that through his travels, to expand Judo, Maeda accepted challenges for money and also used Jiu Jitsu techniques that had been abolished in Judo. When some of Kodokan’s leaders learned about it they disapproved, as Jigoro Kano considered Judo as a sport and a philosophical tool, not just a martial art.

In 1897 Mitsyuo Maeda then aged 18, began his training in the Kodokan. He had already trained in Teishin Shinyo Jiu Jitsu and the determined, persistent

and naturally talented 19 year old quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most promising judoka of the Kodokan. Maeda, eventually left Japan on 16th November 1904, having trained 7 years with the Kodokan and reaching 4th degree. He travelled to the US with one of his instructors, Tsunejiro Tomita.

Judo’s community often says that Gracie Jiu Jitsu is nothing more than a poor version of Judo. However, the facts listed below, about Maeda’s life make it clear that this statement is just a myth.

1) Jigoro Kano (founder of Judo) was born on October 28, 1860. He was 16 when he began training in the martial arts with master of Jiu Jitsu, Teinosuki Yagi. In 1877 he enrolled at Tenshin Shin’yo Ryu and was Master

Hachinosuke Fukuda’s pupil for 2 years. After Master Fukuda’s death, Kano began training with Masamoto Iso in a derivative style of Tenshin Shin’yo Ryu. His next step was to train with Tsunetoshi Likugo in Kito Ryu .

Jigoro Kano founded the Kodokan in February of 1882 and with it his style, judo. The name combined the characters ju, meaning ‘pliancy’ and do, literally meaning ‘The way’. He continued training with master Likugo until 1885.

Jigoro Kano initially borrowed ideas from several styles. He wrote in 1898 “By taking together all the good points I had learned of the various schools and adding thereto my inventions and discoveries, I devised a new system for physical culture and moral training as well as winning contests”. Therefore, this alone would indicate that Judo is a derivation of Jiu Jitsu.

Mitsuyo Maeda

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CONDE KOMA: JUDO OR JIU JITSU Page 21

By Fabio Quio Takao

Royce Gracie son of Helio Gracie

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Koma

Pic 1

techniques” made Maeda distance himself from Kodokan. He advertised in one of Manaus newspapers (O TEMPO 19/12/1915) and only mentions the term Jiu Jitsu. We conclude that the term was introduced in Brazil by Maeda and his travelling companions: Okura, Satake, Shimitsu and Laku, because until then both the terms Jiu Jitsu and Judo were completely unknown in Brazil.

3) Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie called the techniques they learned from Maeda Jiu Jitsu, and not Judo. There is only one explanation, when teaching the Gracie brothers, Maeda must have referred to the techniques as Jiu Jitsu.

2) Mitsuyo Maeda left Japan initially to spread Judo and he was rumoured to have fought over 2000 matches during this time; many unrecorded. He travelled throughout Latin America and Europe taking on all comers. However, Maeda had already trained in Teishin Shin’yo Jiu Jitsu before joining the Kodokan and during his fighting career Maeda was forced to use techniques of Jiu Jitsu that had been abolished by Judo; techniques that were considered too aggressive. The disapproval of him taking these fighting challenges and the use of the “forbidden

Helio Gracie with Andre Alex Lima

4) The, often stated, fact that Judo is more technical than Jiu Jitsu, does not support itself. All 40 blows of Gokio ( Judo’s official blows) are used by Jiu Jitsu fighters. Because Judo is fundamentally a sport, its followers were perfected in the techniques of projection and fall, while Jiu Jitsu’s followers had a greater knowledge of Chave and strangle (choking). In Judo the simple fact that the opponent’s back touches the ground is enough to end the combat. In a real fight we all know a fighter would

not stop the combat for that reason alone. Because Jiu Jitsu is above all, a martial art, the techniques of projection are intermediary techniques, as the fighter uses them to reach the final objective which is the aggressor’s giving up. For this fact, Jiu Jitsu’s followers became more knowledgeable of chave and strangle (choking) techniques, many of which are forbidden in Judo.

5) Finally, the fundamental principles of Judo, which are philosophical, and are instilled in Judo dojos, have never been required of the students of Maeda. This makes it clear that his main concern was above all the efficiency of the martial aspect of Jiu Jitsu.

On January 8, 1916, a Manaus newspaper reported the departure of Maeda, Okura and Shimitsu to Liverpool.

Probably, between the end of 1916 and beginning of 1917, Count Koma (Maeda’s nickname) returned to Belem, Brazil and became friends with Gastão Gracie. Gastão was one of the owners of the “American Circus”, and he helped Maeda to establish himself in the local community. Gastão’s eldest son Carlos, who was 15, began training with Maeda and so began the legendary Gracie Jiu Jitsu in Brazil Recent research, has found in a Belem newspaper news about the opening of Maeda’s Academy of Jiu Jitsu in 1916 and that his first student was Jacinto Ferro, who already trained in the Roman-Greco Style. However, not only Maeda taught Jiu Jitsu/Judo at that time, Satake had also opened a Academy in Manaus in January, 1916. Satake it seems was Luis Franca’s teacher, who later also had classes with Maeda. Luis Franca then became teacher to Oswaldo Fadda, the only Jiu Jitsu fighter who developed his own style apart from the Gracies. Fadda also always only referred to his style as Jiu Jitsu.

On March 11, 1930, Mitsuyo Maeda became a Brazilian citizen and changed his name to Otavio Mitsuyo Maeda. He died on November 28, 1941.

It is not by which name that the art that Maeda practised is known that is the most important factor. Nor should practitioners of his art worry about the past glories of Maeda but use them to inspire themselves in their courage to reach wider horizons.

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Pic 1 - A page from Koma’s journal

Royler Gracie son of Helio Gracie

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K i m b o sliced and diced Controversy rages over 14 second knockout

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o anyone who hasn’t heard the news; Kimbo Slice, the streetfighting hero of the YouTube generation, and the great hope to Elite XC’s fortunes around the world had his ass KO’d in under 20seconds in his latest prime time televised bout. 14 seconds was all it took for Seth Petruzelli, a first round Ultimate Fighter loser and middle ranking fighter to knock Kimbo out.

get this thing (Elite XC) off the ground.

They’re building their promotion around a guy who can’t fight. It’s kind of stupid, isn’t it? You’re in the fight business and you’re building your business around a guy who can’t fight.”

Controversy has dogged this fight from start to finish; Kimbo was initially scheduled to compete with Ken Shamrock.

Shamrock was forced to pull out of the fight less than three hours before its scheduled broadcast time, throwing the whole production upside down. Petruzelli was a last minute stand in; the TV network couldn’t lose a slice of Kimbo, after all that promo hype! To cut the story short, Petruzelli KOs Kimbo then tells the media that he was paid by the promoters to keep the fight standing and not fight Slice on the ground. Of course, Elite XC denied this charge vehemently, but Pandora’s Box was already open.

He’s been built up because of the Internet and him beating a bunch of guys on the street.

Dana White, never one to miss the opportunity to publicly rub a competitor’s nose in the dirt when they screw up, was merciless. “It disgusts me. I’ve been busting my ass for 10 years flying all over the planet to show everybody what a great sport this is and what amazing people are involved in it. Then CBS throws this guy who fights at people’s barbecues on the main event because they’re trying to compete with us, and he gets knocked out in seconds by a guy who didn’t win ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ and couldn’t fight in the UFC. Then the guy turns around the next day and says, “The promoters actually paid me to not go to the ground with this guy. They paid me to stand up, I which I’m pretty sure, is illegal.î “Kimbo is a joke. It was bound to happen.

These guys have lost $60 million trying to

Liddell got in on the act too, “People talk about him like he’s the next great thing when he really hasn’t done anything.

I could make some impressive knockout videos too if you let me walk outside and just punch people and knock them out ñ “hey you, come fight!” “ Although one might question their motives, you have to admit that what these two UFC spokesmen have to say is pretty much accurate. I remember doing some research on Kimbo when the rumours first began to circulate of a possible entry into MMA. It turned out that this “ghetto brawler” was in reality a middle class, college educated guy, not the gang-bangin, gun tottin’ hustler that his Internet persona implied. At the time I admired what I believed to be the first instance of someone attempting to enter professional fightsport with the help of millions of young, technology savvy fans, egged on by carefully cultivated internet “street fight” films. My only worry at the time was that I didn’t believe much could be taken, MMA wise, from watching these street brawls and that nothing could really be known till he stepped into the cage.

After all; we’ve all seen guys come down the gym with reputations as street fighters, only to see them completely out of their depth when they step between the ropes.

Elite XC knew this, of course.

Unfortunately, their strategy did not take into account the Petruzelli coloured swan.

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It seems likely to me that Elite XC and their television paymasters just couldn’t pass the Kimbo opportunity by; they had to get him onto the top slot of their card by whatever means and he most definitely had to keep winning! Initially they could get away with matching Kimbo against MMA minions like Mercer and Cantrall. This was only fair for Slice’s first few fights; the fans would keep watching, observing his development (similar to our observations of Amir Khan’s career) and most importantly, continuing to tune in!

In pairing Kimbo with Shamrock, Elite XC were in a win win situation.

Shamrock is a well known figure you see; this is the crucial bit. If Kimbo had have won the fight, the promoters would have declared it as a credible victory by their standard bearer and the whole Kimbo juggernaut would have rolled on uninhibited. However, if Shamrock had been victorious, the promoters would simply have declared it as a loss to a legend, just a blip at the start of a great career etc etc. It may even have led to a money spinning rematch. Whatever, the loss could easily be spun into a victory of sorts. On the Juggernaut rolls....

Petruzelli, however, is a nobody.

Everybody knows he’s a nobody. His nobody status opened the door for condemnation by Dana and Chuck. His nobody status has fuelled the raging questions over whether Slice is just a big ball of hype. Petruzelli’s comments regarding his being “paid to trade” have I believe, been taken out of context. I feel that he was referring to his well earned KO bonus; am I crediting Elite XC too greatly to believe that they aren’t stupid enough to pay someone to stand and bang, given the inherent risk, not only to their fighter being caught by one but in case the details get leaked? How did the potential pitfalls of this hastily arranged bout get past the Elite XC strategists? Did anyone really think this one through?

This defeat of Slice is calamitous to not only his reputation as a serious fighter, but also to the reputation of Elite XC themselves. In hindsight, they should have cancelled the fight. If Dana’s figures are right, $60 million is a lot of money to bet on a fight between two novices.........

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Capital Punishment The Battle Of Waterloo 23rd November’s Capital Punishment headlines with a fight that could be the fight of the year in England. Scorpions Gym Michael Wakeling will step up against world class and now well known in England, Frenchman Cedric Muller.

Muller has fought in England twice now, beating two of our best Richard Fenwick and David Pacquette, both at superwelterweight.

Muller’s first fight here against Fenwick was in November 2007. His evasive but hard hitting and busy style surprised many and he took a comprehensive points win. Muller is an excellent kicker with one of the fastest body kicks outside of Thailand and he knows how to use it effectively.

The second fight here was against David Pacquette. This was a far closer contest and Muller showed great skill and fantastic scoring in the latter rounds to just nick the split decision.

Michael Wakeling is pound for pound one of England’s greatest prospects. He has already been in with most of the best at his weight in this country and dealt with nearly all in great style. On paper though he is seriously up against it with Cedric Muller, especially with the experience that he is giving away.

The thing though about Wakeling is, whenever he has stepped up a level - be it British, European, world or even first 5 rounder he has always stepped it up big-time and pulled it out of the bag with flying colours.

Picking the winner for this one is near impossible!!! However, gut feeling tips Wakeling to take it.

The show will also feature another top international contest between female superstar and WMC World Champion Bernise Alldis and Swedish Champion Mickaela Melante. Melante is an extremely accomplished fighter and has defended her Swedish title several times.

She has a similar style to Alldis in the way that she makes her opponents miss and then counters very effectively and this will make for an interesting contest.

The rest of the show features a number of top domestic bouts and takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on 23rd November. Doors open 1.45pm First fight 2.30pm - For further information or tickets call 07946 153082

Tale of The Tape:

Name: Michael Wakeling Country: England Gym: Scorpions Trainer: Mark Wakeling Fight Weight: 70kg Height: 5’11 Age: 22 Fight Record: 17 fights 15 wins 1 draw 1 loss Titles: UKMF English Champion, WPKL British Champion Notable athletes he has beaten: Craig Jose, Jay Woodham, Phil Pullen Name: Cedric Muller Country: France Gym: RM Boxing Trainer: Rachid Saadi Fight Weight: 70kg Height: 5’10 Age: 30 Fight Record: 82 fights 72 wins 10 losses Titles: Capital Punishment World Champion, French Champion Notables athletes he has beaten: Richard Fenwick, David Pacquette

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CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Page 31

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It’s a

Knockout!

When it’s your tooth it’s no laughing matter egardless of the advances, in gum shields having a tooth knocked out while practising a contact sport is always a possibility. So if you or one of your fighters were unlucky enough to experience such an injury would you know what to do?

R

Alternatively put the tooth in whole milk or into a pot, covering the tooth with saliva. Only use water as a last resort and then preferably use the bottled sort over tap, having said that water is better than nothing as it is vital that the tooth is kept moist until it can be replaced.

Dentists refer to a knocked out tooth as an ‘avulsed tooth’ and this is one of the most serious dental emergencies for permanent teeth.

WHAT WILL THE DENTIST DO?

When a tooth is knocked out, the nerves, blood vessels and supporting tissues are also damaged. Often, however, if your dentist can put the tooth back in place, within an hour, after it has been knocked out there is a good chance that the supporting tissue will reattach and hold the tooth in place.

So it is vitally important to get to a dentist as soon as possible but in the meantime here’s what you should do.

Only pick the tooth up by the crown, that is the part that you can see in your mouth. Avoid touching the root.

If possible put the tooth back into its socket. Just face the tooth the correct way round and push it back in place. Then bite down on a piece of gauze or even a wet teabag, to help keep it in place until you get to the dentist.

If you can’t get the tooth back into the socket, the best way to store the tooth is to hold it in the side of your mouth, taking care not to swallow it.

Putting the tooth back in place is sometimes simple, while other times the situation can be complicated by the tooth or bone being damaged. A dentist will flush out the tooth socket, with water, to clear the debris.

They will then put the tooth back into place and splint it to the adjacent teeth with a plastic resin and orthodontic wire. This keeps the tooth stable so that it can heal and hopefully reattach.

If the tooth doesn’t attach in the right way, it may fuse to the jawbone.

Should this happen, the root of the tooth can erode or be re-absorbed into the body. This can take months or years to occur, and further treatment such a root canal filling might be needed, to stop the tooth changing colour or developing an abscess. So make sure you have the tooth checked by your dentist regularly.

As we said accidents can always happen but you can cut the chances by always wearing a good quality well fitting mouth guard, preferably one moulded and fitted by a dentist.

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WAKO Cadets

World Championship

Success The WAKO Ringsport scene has really taken off over the last few years, involving both the Amateur and Pro circuit. WAKO has been serving the ring fighting athletes for many years, but recently has moved up to a different level. WAKO Pro GB deals with individual title fights for the professionals, whilst WAKO GB deals with the amateurs, in both individual title fights and the competition circuit where the fighters fight in a Full Contact knock out tournament scenario.

The week of the 22nd to 28th September saw the 3rd WAKO Cadets Word Championships hosted in Naples Italy, the home of WAKO as it is not only where the World President Ennio Falsoni resides but also has the World HQ.

The competition brought together many different styles under one roof including the three main ring sports of WAKO, Full Contact, Low Kick and for the second year the exciting WAKO K1 in a knock out type World Championships.

Looking to better the 4th place position attained last year as an overall team, the ring sports section had to perform at top level and that was exactly what happened when Team GB achieved it’s largest medal haul. No mean feat in what is predominantly an Eastern Block dominated sport where at amateur level most teams are sponsored and fully government funded!! Something of course the British youngsters do not benefit from.

With two silvers and two bronzes for the ring sport guys at World level, which out of a small team of seven, gave a 60% success rate, that’s some good going seeing that there were 1050 competitors and 39 countries competing at the championships.

What was really nice was that the squad involved English, Scottish and Welsh fighters from camps throughout the country and all of their coaches should be so proud of their kids as they did British kickboxing, their own personal camps and instructors very proud. It’s great to see everyone working together to formulate such a strong squad!!!!

The cadet squad Naples 2008

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The full GB squad consisted of: Ashley Brace, Wales World Silver Medal Full Contact -60KG Steven Carter, Wales World Bronze Medal Full Contact -75KG Scott Allan, Scotland World Bronze Medal Full Contact -51KG Sam Allan, Scotland Went through two rounds -71KG Joe Magovan, England Lost on close points decision in 1st rnd -75KG Lewis Fallon, England Beaten by eventual winner from Russia -54KG Leif Taggart, England World Silver Medal WAKO K1 Rules -54KG Coach/Manager Cris Janson-Piers Second Paul Powers Second Shaun Brace All the team did so well. Fantastic job, well-done.

WAKO GB have two more championships left to attend this year, Varna, in Bulgaria, in October for the Adult Full Contact where they will be accompanied by Cris and his official Full Contact second and cornerman Phil Dews, then onto Porto, Portugal with the Adult Low Kick and K1 squad in November.

Let’s hope the adults will be inspired to try and beat the medal count of the very competitive cadets.

Ashley Brace and Leif Taggart (above) (below) coaches Shaun Brace, Cris Janson Piers & Paul Powers

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What makes a

winner?

Neil Grove and Brad Pickett give their opion on what it takes to be the ‘Fighting Hurts’ champion.

As the original 16 contestants on Nuts TV’s reality show “Fighting Hurts” are whittled down to the ‘champion’, who will not only fight on the November the 1st’s Cage Rage bill, but will also be awarded a 12 month fighting contract, we talk to two of judges, Neil Grove and Brad Pickett, to find out what qualities they are looking for in the winner.

What are the qualities you will require the ‘Fighting Hurts’ champion to have? Will you be looking for a fighter of your own mould or someone with a different approach to the sport? How do you intend to test these qualities, and what reactions will you be looking for?

BRAD PICKETT: At this time in their careers the skill set they have will not be that high so I believe the winner will come down to heart, conditioning and a bit of luck.

Brad Pickett

NEIL GROVE: He will need to have ‘natural ability’, charisma and marketability as a bald heavyweight, and with tattoos, it’s easier for me to stand out amongst a lot of guys. The Fighting Hurts Champion will need to have something different about him - be funny, have charm and intelligence those will be a key factors! We’re certainly not looking for some thug off the street who has the odd fight against a drunken opponent!

Do you think it is more important to look for someone ready to enter the cage now, who may be at near full potential or perhaps a less polished competitor who has obvious room for further improvement?

BRAD PICKETT: Well obviously I’m not gonna’ put some one in who is not ready for the cage but at the same time everyone has to start some where.

NEIL GROVE: A bit of both to be honest, as we’re looking for someone with no cage experience, but with natural ability who can learn the finer details and become an MMA-star! The Fighting Hurts Champion will, after-all, be spending a year taking part in Cage Rage events.

How do the guys taking part in the contest shape up against current Cage Rage fighters? Is it realistic to expect anyone winning this contest to be matched against a “big name” any time soon?

BRAD PICKETT: Not any time soon no they are just starting out, and as for matching up against current cage rage guys they have just started out so they would need to be matched carefully.

NEIL GROVE: They are definitely not ready for the ‘Cyborg’s Epstein’s, Belfort’s or Serati’s’ in the light heavy division! But a lot of the contestants on Fighting Hurts could give guys who have got 23 pro fights under their belt a good run for their money. Saying that,

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Neil Grove

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one or two of them will definitely drop down to middleweight, and because of the experience gained on the show they’ll fair better in their more natural weight class.

NEIL GROVE: Yeah, I wish! Fighting is my number one priority AFTER my family! But, offer me some decent money, and I will definitely consider it!

Being fairly confident guys, do you think you two would have put yourselves forward for a contest like this if it had existed in “your day”?

Has this television appearance made you ‘celeb’s’ yet?

BRAD PICKETT: I guess I would , due to the exposure it gives you, making it easier to get fights on other shows.

NEIL GROVE: ‘My day’? What are you trying to say? Randy Couture started at 33 years of age, he’s 45 now and looking a better fighter than most of us heavy weights! I’ve just started myself, really!

Joking aside, yes, in fact if I’d have had the chance even 5 years ago to enter something like this, I would’ve!

Is marketability a factor in the judging process? Clearly this is a very important factor in the sport; how do you reconcile ability and marketability?

BRAD PICKETT: Maybe in the first instance picking the potential fighters for the competition but after that its all down to the individuals as to how far they go.

NEIL GROVE: It is a factor. If you’re borring, you wont fill the seats, no matter how good you are! Show me one borring champion?

There are a lot of fighters out there not ‘good’ enough to become champions, but because of their personalities, charisma and marketability, they bring in the crowds!

Does this mark a new direction in your own career’s Brad/Neil, TV star?

BRAD PICKETT: LOL no not really I’m not looking to be a TV star anytime soon but the exposure is good for the sport and myself.

BRAD PICKETT: To be honest people who watch the show are into the sport so they pretty much know who I am, but no I don’t class myself as a celebrity.

NEIL GROVE: I’ve had some people stop me in Costco’s, Waitrose, Woolworths and in the street, locally and even abroad! I’m the poorest famous person I know, so no, not a celeb yet! It’s not my intention, I just want to be remembered as one of the ‘better’ heavy weight fighters in the UK! You two are clearly some of the hardest punches in UK MMA. Do you think that this is a natural ability or do you believe it can be taught to the fighters competing in ‘Fightin Hurts’?

BRAD PICKETT: Punching power is a natural ability but you can teach someone to improve what they have through hard training and bettering their technique.

NEIL GROVE: It is natural ability, although with proper training, and by perfecting your strike or kicking technique, there is always room for improvement. I teach self defence to my clients, I’m a personal trainer by trade, and I’ve helped men and women with no ability, surprise themselves at what they can do with the right amount of training! But yes, natural ability is a key factor!

Fighting Hurts is the first TV show of its kind produced in the UK. Does the show’s airing signify another leap forward in the public’s interest in UK MMA and its fighters?

BRAD PICKETT: Well of course it does its a huge step from underground fighting to now main stream TV and has grown leaps and bounds.

NEIL GROVE: It has had some mixed reviews in MMA forums, but then it’s common for the British public to find something negative about something they don’t have a part in or that isn’t American enough in this case. I think they are comparing this show to the popular UFC show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ and boxing shows ‘The Contender’, which they shouldn’t as this is done the British way!

Lots of humour, silliness from Dave and Grant really, but not me!

But the nature of it will make it easy viewing for the general public who know nothing about the sport and these website geeks must come and train with us instead of knocking fighters and shows off who are trying their best to be unique and British.

How much latitude do you have over the judging criteria?

Will you both be looking for the same qualities?

BRAD PICKETT: As my fight game differs from Neil’s I think our perspective on the judging criteria might also differ.

NEIL GROVE: Brad is one of those fighters everyone loves to watch.

He’s an awesome fighter with a very decent pedigree. I’m sure he also would love to see someone with character combined with ability.

Neil Grove

Thanks Guys for your time.

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Brad Pickett

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Thai way

or the high way?

Last month we published an open letter from Darren Philips, to all Muay Thai practitioners, concerning their lax understanding of Muay Thai rules and scoring. This month we asked him to talk about the issues his letter raised.

Who is to blame for this misunderstanding of scoring and why has this come about?

I don’t think any individual is to blame and don’t feel that blaming anyone is productive anyway; there are reasons why we have such misunderstandings. Trying to place blame will only serve to ostracise people and prevent them from coming to the table to discuss a way forward.

Ethnicity has no impact on their ability to understand scoring system. Scoring in Muay Thai is very straightforward and I’ve always thought of this particular argument as being as being hogwash. I have never had a problem explaining Thai scoring to anyone and getting them to understand; be it a total “layperson “ or someone with other previous Martial Arts training. I am currently helping out holding pads at a professional boxing gym and they can grasp the scoring quite easily despite the fact that they have been involved in a different combat sport for many years.

So what are the reasons for this ignorance?

I think the main reason is perhaps to do with when Thai Boxers first started fighting in this country, they were doing so on kickboxing shows with kickboxing judges. Quite often they were not fighting under Thai rules at all but rather using kickboxing rules. When competing under these rules, fighters had to modify their style to suit and did what was required to win. In fact, had they tried to win in these particular bouts by applying strategies and technique patterns as if they were being judged using Muay Thai scoring criteria, they would never have won a fight. Consequently, when fighters were able to compete on dedicated Muay Thai shows, where all the bouts were Thai fights there where few, if any, experienced officials who were used to judging and refereeing pure Thai style. This also explains the confusion over rules that is sometimes evident, where there is a debate over what is and isn’t legal. This has resulted in negotiations often taking place on the day of a show, with trainers discussing what is to be allowed and what is not. The typical type of argument for example might be “well, if you are allowing low kicks we want sweeps etc.”

Why the reluctance to change to proper judging and rules now?

There are lot of reasons people give for not wishing to adopt correct scoring. However I feel the main reason is a reluctance to change.

To be successful when being judged using correct Muay Thai scoring, training methods have to change, and there are a lot of people unwilling, unable or unprepared to do so.

What about the argument that the English people will not understand the Thai way of scoring?

Explain why it is possible to win the first three rounds of a fight and lose the last two but still lose the fight despite winning 3 of the 5 rounds.

It’s simple; Thai scoring is based on who wins the whole fight. What matters is the effect of the shots landed, not the number of shots thrown, work rate or aggression. Effect over the whole fight is what determines who wins. This means in essence a fight could be won by a boxer “pulling ahead” significantly in a single round in the middle of the fight and holding onto that lead until the end of the fight. Equally it can mean a boxer wins in the last two rounds of a bout, for example, If boxer A is ahead after the first three rounds, but boxer B comes back in the last two and overtakes Boxer A by scoring with more effective blows in those two rounds than Boxer A’s managed in the first part of the fight, they win. If, in the first three rounds the effect of Boxer A’s blows were not sufficient to stop boxer B coming back at him in the last two rounds and scoring with more effective technique, Boxer A’s work in the early rounds was not effective enough. The latter rounds are often the time the accumulative effect of blows landed can be seen visibly and so can play a significant role in judges determining the outcome of a bout. This may also suggest boxer A failed to pace himself correctly during the early part of a fight and is another reason why we should be adopting correct scoring methods from the start.

I personally think people worry too much about “how to fill in the score cards” when you are looking at a fight in this way. People should concentrate more on what techniques they are going to try to score with.

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What about the argument that Thai’s score it the way they do because of the gambling?

What about the people who refer to Thai scoring as stadium scoring?

The scoring system in Thai Boxing has evolved over a period of time and as with any other sport has been subjected to a number of influences. Initially the scoring was strongly influenced by the scoring methods used in international style professional boxing at the time Muay Thai adopted a boxing ring and gloves. Since that time it has been influenced by a number of other things. In reality it doesn’t matter why Thai boxing is scored the way it is, what matter is that, this is the way it is scored! Undoubtedly gambling has had an influence on scoring. Gambling has been a part of Muay Thai since the inception of the current rules in the 1920’s. It has necessitated a system whereby everyone can clearly determine who has won a fight. The system used is a very clear and quite simple system of scoring, with clear guidelines. The consistency of the Thai judging system is tremendous, Tony Myers has conducted great research (currently in review by a scientific journal) into this and has found by applying correct scoring criteria, consistency of judges was found to be over 90% compared to less than 75% in the variety of other judging styles used in the sport. This level of consensus is a much higher consistency than you will find in western boxing and kickboxing etc. Such consistency gives a clear direction to trainers and boxers on how to win fights.

This system of scoring isn’t just used in the two main stadiums in Bangkok; it is used throughout Thailand and in all parts of the world that have adopted the correct method of scoring.

Our current crop of rules and scoring systems used here in the UK are based on the influence of a number of different sports and different perspectives on these sports. How many times do you hear boxing commentators discussing what the judges are going to like in a fight? How many disputed decisions do you see in boxing especially when one boxer may have been dancing around the ring jabbing into thin air, pinching points whist one boxer is pressing forward throwing more meaningful shots? You very rarely have disputed decisions in Thailand.

Darren giving two boxers their last instructions

People argue that there are enough people in the UK doing Muay Thai to have an influence over scoring If some people in the UK don’t like the rules and correct method of scoring, fine. They should lobby Thailand and every other country adopting correct Muay Thai criteria to get it changed or continue as they are but not using the terms Muay Thai or Thai Boxing as they are misleading people! If they do not use correct methods, then call it something else, we already have K1, S1 and I1, call it whatever, but don’t include the word Thai.

What about the argument that anything other than 5 x 3 Full Thai rules is kickboxing?

Whilst I can understand what they are trying to say, in this country a system exists where juniors fight without head contact and boxers learn their trade in bouts where elbows and knees to the head are not allowed. If we judge these differently, or change the rules in any other way than we already have by removing head contact, or elbows and knees to the head, then we will have to change the way we educate and train our fighters, It’s stupid and counterproductive.

Should all Thai fights be over five rounds?

Absolutely!! Again it’s a development thing; boxers should learn how to pace a fight accordingly from day one. It is not difficult to have fighters fight for the first time over five rounds, most of my

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fighters fought five round their first time in the ring with no problems. I have heard the argument that work rate should count for something in junior bouts, why? Where is the development if we adopt a significant change in the scoring criteria? I agree with no head contact for juniors, but I don’t see it makes a big difference.

Instead the juniors have to learn how to use the traditionally accepted higher scoring techniques of body, front kick, clinch and knee, instead of ploughing forward with boxing combinations followed by the odd kick!

What got you so switched on to correct scoring?

I asked a question ages ago on an internet forum, why do Thai’s fight the way they do? Why do they stand and trade at times, and why don’t they adopt the combinations and evasive footwork style adopted here etc. I was bombarded with emails from knowledgeable people who sought to educate me, one of the better ones coming from Tony Myers. This prompted me to read his article on judging and then subsequently arrange seminars and assessments at my gym.

After this, I found myself looking at old fights I had never been able to understand the decisions of, and I then saw them in a completely different light. I realised why I had seen Thai’s come over here, appear not to try and then complain when they didn’t get the decision. The fact was they had won quite easily using correct scoring.

I’ve had many a conversation with people who spend a lot of time in Thailand and people who are actually living in Thailand all of which support Tony’s courses. Tony spent more than ten years researching the correct scoring methods and really ANYONE who has not done one of his courses should do so! People argue about small things in the course but all I can say is using the criteria set out in Tony’s courses I have yet to get a decision on a Thai v Thai fight wrong.

One of the biggest arguments is over the fact that Tony says low kicks do not score.

This is incorrect; Tony does not say low kicks do not score but that in order to score, low kicks must show effect; they must move the leg, off balance an opponent or result in a clear show of “discom-

fort”. I have thought about this a lot, as it is an argument people are always making. I actually think that low kicks are more likely to score over here than in Thailand. In Thailand people are educated more on the necessity for a good stance and position in relation to the opposing boxer. This makes it easier to block low kicks. Over here I don’t think enough people stress the need for a good stance and consequently low kicks are more likely to have effect. It is one of the reasons why low kicks became such a big part of UK Thai boxing, we were always fighting people who had no idea how to stand or how to defend against them, and so it was easy to beat them. It’s not the case anymore!

So how does it get better?

Promoters have a responsibility to only use properly trained judges and referees. They can no longer just grab a few mates out of the audience who they have felt obliged to give a free ticket to.

Also the inconsistent message put across by commentators and trainers has to change. They have a duty to educate both their paying customers and also the general public in what is and isn’t legal and what does and doesn’t score! It is this mixed message that makes Muay Thai scoring seem complicated when it is actually very simple.

When discussing this problem a while back, One very well known trainer said to me “I think what will happen is that the successful, big gyms will adopt the Thai way and perhaps start referring to it only as Muay Thai, the smaller less successful gyms will stay as they are and start calling it something like Thai Kickboxing.” At which point I replied, “So in order to be successful you adopt the Thai Way?” This wasn’t what he had meant to say, but even he had to admit, it was what he had just said!

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Boxing column with Joe Holroyd

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Big-Hitters: It’s (Credit) Crunch Time!

As 3 super-fights loom on the world-scene, Joe Holroyd speculates on big-time boxing’s short-termism and short-selling of the fans...

It’s all happening in the next month on the world scene... Calzaghe vs Jones Jnr on 8th November, Hatton vs Malignaggi on 22nd and De la Hoya vs Pacquiao on 5th December.

But what exactly will be happening in these fights? Calzaghe tells us that he worries a lot more about his Madison Square Gardens face-off with Roy Jones Jnr than he did his last fight with Bernard Hopkins. Really Joe? Are you honestly that worried about Jones Jnr? Former pound-for-pound best Jones Jnr has - like many an unorthodox stylist faded fast as age (spurred on by fluctuating between weight divisions) has sapped his once unrivalled reflexes and athleticism. He hasn’t quite - to coin a phrase - ‘pulled a Naz’, but Jones Jnr is no longer the unique specimen he once was.

Calzaghe certainly didn’t show much enthusiasm for a rematch with Hopkins; the prospect of another 12 rounds with the Philadelphian spoiler could have really given him something to worry about. More importantly, perhaps, it wouldn’t have offered nearly such a payday as the Jones Jnr match-up promises to be. There’s a retirement fund in there somewhere; there might even be two.

Another former pound-for-pounder takes to the ring mere weeks later in the shape of the Golden Boy himself: Oscar De La Hoya will be bowing-out (yes, another retirement fight) against Filipino Manny Pacquiao. Now, while no-one can doubt Pacquiao’s ability or heart (or, indeed, his financial prudence in taking the Golden Boy pay-day) this

is clearly not a case of match-making for a fair fight. Having only recently moved to lightweight, Pacquiao began his career as a straw-weight! With De La Hoya coming-down from middleweight, there is a huge difference in the sizes of the frames of these two men. Even Gordon Brown could spot where the smart-money is on this one.

Finally, there is the Hatton Malignaggi match-up. Relatively skilful a mover as he may be, Paulie Malignaggi couldn’t really punch his way out of a paper bag, let alone a Manchester bar-brawl. So unless Hatton has been indulging in one-too-many a bar crawl himself and has deteriorated even further than his last two mediocre outings have suggested - Malignaggi should present no serious question.

So - what exactly will be happening in these ‘super’ fights we have to look forward to over the next month? Exactly what you would expect to happen: the big name, reigning-champion, crowddrawing fighters will win their fights.

Why wouldn’t they? They’re making lots of money for all concerned; moving from one victory to the next with the gravy-train in tow: surely it wouldn’t make financial sense for them to test their assets more thoroughly... would it?

I believe it emphatically would make financial sense to test their assets more thoroughly. You don’t even need to look to the current predicament of The Icelandic Banks, RBS, Lehman Brothers and the likes to see how shortterm greed can erode long-term asset value. You need look no further than the UFC, where a fighter’s assets are truly tested as the best fight the best and you will often get 10 such contests on one bill. Now that is a business-model for short and long-term success; that is what the fans want to see. As opposed to forking-out £15 on pay-per-view, just to see Amir Khan get KO’d inside the first minute.

But to return briefly (please indulge me!) to my credit-crunch analogy: what has precipitated the current crisis? A lack of proper regulation; a laisser-faire climate where people look-after their own interests and screw the rest. It’s exactly the same in boxing: where promoters care only for their fighters unbeaten records and screw the fans.

And until there is some kind of a main sanctioning body in boxing, some kind of a unification of the absurd number of alphabet titles, interest will continue to wane as the infinitely superior product that is the UFC poaches more and more viewers.

Paulie Malignaggi

Manny Pacquiao

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How high can they go?

Are “Slice” and Lesnar worth their paypackets?

With the MMA world gaining in popularity, salaries continue to rise as pay per view buys increase. The sport has been a grassroots renegade sort of community for a long while and certain fans aren’t particularly fond when figures jump astronomically. At the same time there’s a hardcore contingent of fans happy about fighters finally getting their chance to shine and get paid for years of service in the MMA community.

But when fighters such as Kimbo Slice and Brock Lesnar pop onto the scene and begin to huge figures with only a couple fights under their belt, there is somewhat of an uproar amongst hardcore fighters and fans. Lesnar was rumored to make $500,000 for one of his UFC fights and evidently Kimbo Slice took home half a million as well in his 14 second loss to Seth Petruzelli via knockout.

picture copyright

Whether or not it is fair to have rookies such as Kimbo and Lesnar dwarf salaries of veterans who have put in years of service to sport is a debatable topic. But what isn’t up for too much argument is the value they bring to the table in terms of marketability. Their names are huge amongst the mainstream and casual fans of the sport.

They appeal to a wide cross section of fans and have the ability to draw in viewers. A televised show or pay per view is going to be heavily more attractive and watched if Kimbo Slice or

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Brock Lesnar are headlining or on the card. There are many fans aware of numerous names in the sport as the MMA game trickles into mainstream, but names such as Kimbo and Brock Lesnar transcend the sport. Kimbo is a household name amongst males 18 to 34 who salivated at the brutality of his street fights immortalized on Youtube.

Brock Lesnar’s popularity through the WWE pro wrestling machine allowed a whole legion of males to turn their heads and watch the UFC. It’s understandable that some fighters would be miffed at gigantic paydays being handed out to relative newbies to the sport. Many have suffered through the dark days of the sport where there were very few people watching and their paychecks reflected the times. But the sacrifice and artistry of their craft unfortunately still is taking place within a larger framework of the business world, and cash is king in said universe.

That is why fighters like Kimbo and Lesnar can walk into an organization and quickly headline a main event, or in Lesnar’s case secure a title shot after his 3rd fight in an organization and a one fight win streak. Kimbo and Lesnar themselves know that they don’t necessarily deserve to be in the spot they’re in from a seniority standpoint, yet at the same time realize their athletic

endeavours are part of the entertainment world. Mixed martial arts is still in the end mixed martial entertainment and certain factors make you much more valuable within that realm. Being a colossal black man with a wild beard and smashing people’s heads in front of millions of computer screens is a big asset for Kimbo. Being a gigantic science fiction looking individual in a larger than life soap opera for males seen by millions worldwide has been a great aid for to Brock Lesnar to receive the opportunities he has. They surely know they have been giving a huge shortcut to where they have reached, but at the same time have made the most of the opportunities available to them.

As the fanbase continues to rise so will the paydays. There will be big paydays for fighters who roll through the competition like Anderson Silva and fans and fighters will love it up. But there will still always been a place for rookies on the scene looking to foray into the MMA world. And if those rookies have the drawing power of a Kimbo or Lesnar they will be rewarded heavily and may be pushed ahead of those more deserving. For the fighters whose toes may be stepped on, they’ll have to settle things the old fashion way-wait for their shot at them inside the cage.

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I’m proud to say i’m a

Thai boxer Chrstian Di Paolo on why he wants as many titles as possible before he retires heffield’s Christian Di Paolo, famed for his exciting hard hitting and explosive style, has been a British muay thai number one for many years now. He has fought in many different countries and recently surprised many by participating in a full contact fight against a top kickboxer. The fact that he will fight under any rules is a testament to his fighter’s heart and Fighters Magazine caught up with him to find out more about what he was up at the moment.

S

Di Paolo was your typical teenager, was inspired to take up martial arts by films

such as Enter The Dragon. He was a big Bruce Lee fan - “I remember reading Bruce’s quotes where he said that the Thai’s had the best and hardest kicks so of course I decided I wanted to find out more about muay thai.” Di Paolo looked locally for a club and began training with Wicker Camp when he was 14 years old.

At the time I was really into Van Damme films and the like with all the fight scenes but this bought the reality of proper fighting home to me.” Now at 30 years old, Di Paolo has a total of 31 fights to his name, all of which have been Thai boxing fights with the exception of the full contact bout against Marlon Hunt.

REALITY

His first title fight was in the Ritzy Night Club, Leeds, for the WAKO-pro Northern Area title against Steve Reilly.

The fight was at 76 kilos and Di Paolo won on points. “It felt fantastic winning that title. I had got tired of losing and was very conscious of the way I had looked in my previous fights. I had only trained for three weeks before the fight as I was a late stand in, which made it all the more special.” When asked if losing before that fight had made him feel like packing it in, Di Paolo replies “I always loved the training more than anything. That’s probably why my record’s not so great as it might be, it was only as I got older that I really wanted to fight. In the early years of my fight career I just fought because I could. Now I’m motivated by the challenge. I love to win and I want to win and I like the feeling of being really fit and strong.”

At 15, he had his first fight (non head contact) losing on points to a lad from Rob Sharpley’s gym in Manchester. “It was not as I imagined, I remember thinking, ‘wow it really is full contact’.

REMATCH

Di Paolo now wants to go on and get as many titles as he can before he retires.

“I have 7 but by rights from what people have said I should have 10. There was the WKA world title in Morocco that people said I won. Also when I fought Marlon Hunt, I was very surprised by the decision. I chased him

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He has also spent time at Sityodthong under Master Yodthong and at Sor Vorapin. “I really liked Sor Vorapin, the location is good, near Khao San Road and I liked the training there. I had a great sparring partner in Ambon who was world boxing champion and a previous muay thai champion. I remember when Ambon got a call to say he had a big fight. He was so excited he went round asking to kick pads. His kicks were amazing; I couldn’t believe he was a boxing champ! He hit me so hard when sparring, my family must have been hurting at home from the body shots!”

HARDEST FIGHTER

round the ring for 12 rounds and think he only hit me properly about 5 times in the whole fight. I’ve not seen the fight since but everyone I talk to tells me I won the fight. He said he wanted a rematch but this time under thai boxing rules and I said I’d even do low kicks but now he’s not responding to the challenge. I took the fight as a thai boxer and I adjusted to kickboxing as we have more weapons; I saw it as a novelty and getting paid for doing something different. I came out with far less injuries than if I had have fought a thai boxing fight. I enjoyed it and could do that every weekend. I take my hat off to Marlon though, he’s good at what he does and I couldn’t knock him out even though I tried.”

Di Paolo says he was actually advised not to fight 3 weeks before the fight as he had viral meningitis but he didn’t want to let anyone down.

Di Paolo has recently fought for the WPKL European title on 20th September in Holland, losing a close fight on points. “I’ve not seen the fight but Rudo Durica told me I had won it as did a number of other fighters competing in the Shootboxing Cup. I did feel limited with no elbows. I went in to try and elbow his body but I came in

with my head low and the referee was worried I was trying to use my head! I also got told off for having Thai oil on my gloves, but it had rubbed off my opponent. Ruben Van Der Giesen was a good fighter though, he had a good right, low kick, which is what he landed the most, but it’s annoying when people tell you actually had won. That’s why I’ve got to train even harder in the future to knock my opponents out, that way there can be no disputes, irrespective of the rules!”

SPARRING

Unknown to many Di Paolo won the WMC M.A.D world title in Koh Samui two years ago. He beat a Belgian fighter called Carlos. “Funnily enough I’d known Carlos a long time from training out there and not long before the fight he was actually holding pads for me!” Di Paolo has trained in Thailand for periods for many years. He used to train at the Fairtex Gym but now, even though the training is still good, Christian feels it’s a bit too like a holiday camp. “Eight or so years ago it was amazing. I used to get two sessions a day with Apidej, who was an amazing man and trainer.

I used to spend a lot of time with him, even playing basketball with him in between sessions!”

Out of all the fights he’s had, Di Paolo says the only man to stop him was by far the hardest fighter he has faced Ashwin Balrak. “At the time of the weigh in I’d never even stood next to a man as hard. I hit him with a lot of elbows and everything I hit him with felt like it was swelling up like a football, he was so tough. He was a very clever fighter, working the liver kicks very well. It was a combination of the cut from an elbow he landed and the liver kicks and of course the fact that I couldn’t hurt him at all that led to the stoppage. I couldn’t believe it though; I hit him with loads of elbows and then in the third he hit me and opened up a cut!”

Di Paolo represented England twice in the IFMA World Championships and he remembers Steven Wakeling’s father, Mark, fighting alongside him. Back then the fights were at the Crocodile Farm, near the Fairtex Camp. The 2nd Championships he went to were held in a swimming stadium, which was a great venue, with it having a false floor over the pool. “It was a shame really that the England team comprised of those that could fund themselves to go, not one that was organised like the other countries there. It was basically a mix of UKMF guys from gym’s like Paul Hamilton’s etc which is a shame as we should always be able to send our very best to represent at national level.”

Out of all the fights that he’s had, it’s his first world title win against Serge Richon, from France, that means the most. “It was a great fight, going the distance. I gave my all and so did he, I had never trained so hard!” After that fight Christian had a two-year lay off.

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His comeback fight was against Fash Ferdowsian. “Fash Ferdowsian - what a great fighter! The fight was a draw though I thought I might have edged him but it was a great fight. He was a rangy southpaw and I remembered having seen him knock someone out in Leeds on the show when I won my first title.”

CONSISTENT

Di Paolo feels that the standard in Britain now for muay thai is at the highest it has ever been. “The standard has gone up and up and now we have some of the best fighters in the world. Talking of British fighters brings me to the Damien Hood fight. Hood is a great fighter but I didn’t prepare properly for that fight. I didn’t train correctly and my frame was too big and my body couldn’t do what I asked of it.

The only thing he really did though was land left body kicks; I have had a lot of flack for losing that fight. I didn’t represent myself properly at all but I did think I won it landing far more effective punches, elbows and low kicks throughout the fight. Judging needs to be more consistent around the country, whether it’s the muay thai way or another just so that when you go into a fight you know exactly what the judges are looking for.”

A switch of gyms took place for Di Paolo earlier this year. There wasn’t any major upset between him and his coach but he actually took a well-paid, full time job as a steel worker that meant he didn’t have time for fighting. However, it didn’t take long for him to realise that he missed the sport too much, and realised a change of scene might do him good and so he decided to open Legend Gym. “I liked the name, attributing it to the legend of Muay thai as an art. I am a thai boxer, I don’t

want to be a kickboxer. Muay thai is the hardest sport on Earth and it’s in my heart and I feel very proud to be able to say that I’m an exponent of Thai boxing.”

Di Paolo will face Fairtex sponsored Portuguese fighter Fabio Texeria on Showdown 5 in Sheffield on November 9th.

Di Paolo would like to give a big respect to Imran Hadj Khan his long time training partner. “I used to get on the school bus with him when we started training and we’ve been each other’s pad men for years - ‘He’s my brother from another mother’. We have so much respect for each other, we could never hit each other sparring now and we both love elbows so much. He’s a phenomenal fighter.” Di Paolo would also like to thank John, Keith and his good friend Dave Needham with whom he runs in Sheffield Legend Gym

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Anderson Silva vs Roy Jones Jr. Who do you think would win? hile getting his hands wrapped before his last bout, Anderson Silva had boxing on his mind. “Do you think I could beat Roy Jones Jr.?” he asked Jacob “Stitch” Duran. “I told him he should go for it” said Stitch, passing the wraps between each of Silva’s fingers. “In fact, I think Silva has a chance to knock him out.”

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big “if” since Dana White has stated that he will not allow the fight to happen- not under boxing rules anyway. There’s a lot at stake not only for Jones and Silva, but also for the UFC and MMA. Some believe a Silva loss will be catastrophic for the UFC’s reputation as the premier fighting sport.

But what Silva would be attempting is not exactly unprecedented.

Anytime a fighter’s handler makes a bold statement such as that one, it’s usually best to take it with a grain of salt. But surprisingly, many boxing insiders aren’t so quick to dismiss Silva’s chances if the fight comes off. “If anyone can do it, it’s Silva” says former boxing and kick boxing champion James Warring.

Several Muay Thai champions have won boxing championships. Saensak Muangsurin did so in 1975 in only his third boxing match. More recently, Veeraphol Sahaprom made the switch over to boxing and became world champ in his fourth bout.

Kick boxing champions Troy Dorsey and James Warring also became boxing champions. Many speculate that the timing is right for Silva. Jones is no longer the unbeatable force that he once was. James “Buddy” McGirt has already shown the world how to beat Jones in a boxing match. A former champion himself, McGirt masterminded

As Silva warmed up for his match against James Irvin, his mind drifted again to Roy Jones. “He asked all of us in the room how he should fight him” continued Duran. “He asked Don House, the other UFC cut man, to train him if the fight comes off”. It’s a

Roy Jones Jr.

the right plan when he trained Antonio Tarver, who has twice beaten Jones.

“The key with Jones is you have to be on him. You have to punch when he punches.

Don’t let him get off or else you’re in trouble.” McGirt has never seen Silva fight so he can’t comment specifically on his chances although he doubts that someone with only two fights could win. “I don’t think it’ll happen. I don’t think any commission would allow it. Two fights? Against Roy? Boxing will be a laughing stock.”

But it’s happened before.

Olympic champion Pete Rademacher challenged Floyd Patterson in 1957 for the heavyweight championship of the world in his pro debut.

He came within seconds of scoring an historic upset, dropping the champ in round two before losing in six. In 1975, yet another boxer was allowed to challenge for a world title in their first fight. Rafael Lovera challenged champion Luis Estaba for the junior bantamweight title. While both Rademacher and Lovera lost their fights, Silva has a pair of advantages over Jones that might help him win.

He’s bigger and younger than Jones, who is near the end of his great career.

Trainer Emmanuel Steward admitted knowing very little about Silva but did mention that the way to beat Jones is with counterpunches.

With the physical advantages that he holds over Jones, Silva may be well suited to taking a counter puncher’s approach. At 6’2, he’s four inches taller than Jones and also could benefit from his four inch reach advantage.

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Steward’s assistant, Joey Gamache volunteered more. “Jones was once a great boxer and puncher but he’s a different fighter today. He gets hit more. If he is pushed with a non-stop attack, he can not sustain that pace. Of course, if Jones hits anyone right, he can knock them out but, he can be out hustled.” Outworking Jones may be a viable option for Silva, who is in excellent condition. Jones has developed a tendency recently to fight in spurts. If Silva can outwork Jones when Jones is coasting and follow McGirt’s advice to punch with him, he could put himself in position to win a decision.

James Warring cautions that throwing punches for 12 rounds is harder than it looks.

“Silva is ahead of his time. He is the best fighter in the world today- period!” In addition to his championships in kick boxing and boxing, Warring also competed in MMA. He was a finalist at the 1995 World Combat Championships-losing to Renzo Gracie.

“The only thing that could beat him is himself-in MMA. But boxing is different. MMA is easier than boxing because you have more choices. If you’re strikes aren’t working, you can kick. If you’re kicks aren’t working, you can take it to the ground and grapple. But in boxing you only have one weapon. Boxers punch so hard and the punches come so fast that an inexperienced guy won’t know what to do.” Warring continued, “But Silva is a special fighter. I know he has a Muay Thai and boxing background, but I’m not sure what the quality of opposition he faced was.

My money would be on Jones but maybe he can knock out Jones, who knows. But I don’t expect Jones to go down from punches as easily as some of his MMA opponents have.”

Howard Davis Jr., boxing instructor for American Top Team and former gold medalist agrees that Silva will be facing something he has never seen. “First of all, I don’t think it’ll happen. If Jones beats Joe Calzaghe he won’t fight Silva. If he loses to Joe, the fight won’t make enough money to make it worthwhile. Remember, Jones was never a huge pay per view draw. The fight they should be talking up is GSP against De La Hoya. I’ve seen GSP in the ring and he can move better than many boxers.” On Silva’s chances he says, “I don’t think his hand work is good enough even against a faded Jones.”

Former boxing champion Wayne McCullough thinks that Silva’s hand work would be less effective with boxing gloves.

“I think both should wear MMA gloves.

Using smaller gloves, I think Silva has a good chance. He has natural talent and with solid boxing training he probably could do it.”

Ideally, Silva should have a series of fights to develop his boxing skills and acquire the necessary seasoning to compete against top the level over the course of a 12 round fight. His lack of experience is a huge disadvantage although you can argue that Silva is a bigger threat than some of the boxers who challenged Jones for the title were, such as Richard Frazier. Besides, anyone in boxing could tell you that one can easily find a dozen or so lay down artists against whom Silva could fatten up his record without actually learning anything.

Troy Dorsey, who’s won world championships in boxing, kick boxing and, karate, says “Silva is gonna have to put a lot of pressure on him to win. He’s going to have to impose his will on him.”

Dorsey, who’s an avid follower of MMA, points out that many good fighters have come up short when venturing into other fighting sports. “Silva is known for his Muay Thai but his jujitsu can beat you too. I don’t know how he will do strictly boxing but lately, he’s been dropping guys with punches.” Could it be that Silva has been quietly developing his boxing skills behind the scenes? “It’s not easy” continued Dorsey. “I was blessed to be able to do it. I don’t think it’s a smart fight for Silva unless it’s for a lot of money. I know his confidence is pushing him but it’s a different sport. It takes A LOT of training.”

Other fighters have risen to the occasion.

Silva is a special fighter and in many ways better than some of the fighters that successfully crossed over to boxing.

Silva is not calling out Boxing’s best either.

Calling out the 2008 version of Jones is like boxer Wladimir Klitschko challenging the present day Ken Shamrock.

Nonetheless, it’s still a monumental task but Silva is a special fighter who just may be up to it. Stitch Duran said “Worst case scenario, he loses by decision. He won’t embarrass himself.”

A loss won’t hurt his reputation. A win will make him an icon perhaps on the same level as Pele. Warring says it’s worth the risk if Silva can box. “I hope for him that he does win. I did it and Dorsey did it. It’s an amazing feeling.” Silva would like to feel it too.

Anderson Silva

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No Time to Train?

By James Watling

I think it’s fair to say that for some of us finding the time to workout is often difficult.

This could be for a number of reasons such as work commitments, family, recovery from injury. Or perhaps too much time on the xbox360! (At this point I would like to ask Microsoft to hurry up the delivery of my replacement power pack!). All of these reasons have some merit to them (must complete that last level on rainbow6vegas!)

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Of course we need to pay the bills and spend time with our families and friends, without any question!

But, I think that frequently working out is put to one side for no good reason for example.... “I feel tired” or “I need to finish something” or “I have a headache” or the all time classic - “I just don’t have time.”

Speaking from experience, I can appreciate the mental effort required to give your very best in the gym or even just to turn up. Certainly to train for a competition is so much more demanding be it amateur or pro, boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing etc. The dedication both mental and physical is phenomenal.

Again speaking from experience my last 2 cancelled bouts in professional full contact are good examples (I won’t name the fighters or the camps involved).

1) A “world title” fight (12 rounds) which was to take place in Glasgow accepted with just 2 weeks notice - this involved twice daily sessions 1-2 hours with my team; Ingolf Nielsen (kickboxing), Les Welsh and Kevin Horwood (boxing), Dave Elliot (Brazilian ju jitsu & conditioning) and Steve Jessop (head trainer / manager). Other than the training, work was cancelled - money lost, family commitments changed, strict dieting etc.... all for 5 days from the bout the opposing camp pulled the plug with no fax, no calls and no explanation - nothing, outrageous!

2) An IKF world title eliminator, 7 rounds full contact to take place in Chicago, USA. Contracts signed, intensive training with full team (see above) only to receive a phone call 8 hours before jumping on the plane due to the other fighter having injured his back - I won’t print my response, but I am certain that it would have done nothing to improve international relations.

Now, these examples only serve to highlight my understanding of the commitment involved in training consistently and certainly due to my increased workload - it would be unlikely for me to be able to fight again this year as a possible (I.K.F) World Title shot had fallen through, 10 - 12 sessions a week would be physically, mentally and emotionally too demanding and certainly self defeating. But, to not work out at all, NEVER!

NO matter how demanding your lifestyle, you have the choice to either go to the gym or stay at home - there is no excuse that exists that can actually stop you doing it if you want to. Let me offer you 5 important tips to help make sure that you are able to train regularly, effectively and consistently.

1) Buy a diary

For me this is perhaps the most important, other than the training itself. The reason for this is really quite simple, if you have a task or a goal to achieve, by writing it down you are increasing the chances of meeting the goal or completing the task. This was shown in an example where they took 100 students at Harvard University and had 50 of them write down their future career choice, what they envisaged themselves doing in 10years time, the other 50 were told not to write down their chosen career path - the results... 100% of those who wrote down their goals achieved them and only 17% of those who didn’t write them down achieved theirs. What does this tell us? Simply that writing something down increases its chance of success. Buy a week-byweek diary and each Sunday (or when it best suits you best) sit down and plan out the time and activity you are going to do - write this into the diary, and then commit yourself.

Here is an example of my off-season week: Monday 8pm - body building (heavy) dead lifts, chins, and abdominals.

Tuesday - off.

Wednesday - 7.30pm Muay Thai, boxing, conditioning circuits.

Thursday - off.

Friday - Brazilian ju jitsu (6pm Elswick, Speedy) or extra padwork.

Saturday - off And finally Sunday - off or roadwork.

By doing this you have a structure of your training week, which makes it almost an appointment to work out. If you book a hair or doctors appointment, the likelihood is that you will be given a written or printed card - why?

So that you don’t forget!

2) Make it a priority!

You don’t say! But really this is a very important point, a lot of the time an individuals training is last on their list of priorities - that is to say it is the first thing to throw out if the day becomes a little hectic or perhaps they are pushed for time. To solve this make your training something that you do first, it could

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weeks. The rest of the time is what’s called an “off season” where you will work out perhaps 3 -4 days a week, this helps to keep your training something that you look forward to rather than something that you dread. Also, on busy weeks (I have had a lot of these recently), training only 2 - 3 days per week intensely and productively will give you more benefit than training 6 days a week half heartedly or not at all.

4) Variety.

mean working out early before you start your normal day (maybe before work) or certainly the first thing that you do after work - because once you get home and get sat down, it’s going to be harder to get back up and out again.

Remember, it’s something that you’re doing for you.

3) Don’t do too much!

If you are working out every single day for an extended time, it won’t be long before your workouts become something that you dread. For certain periods of time, for example a lead up to a competition, it can become necessary to train perhaps twice a day for 8 - 10

Another method to help keep you motivated and interested is to find another fighting art or training method, if you run on a Monday - lift weights on a Wednesday and box on a Friday for example - try changing your training days around to keep it fresh. Also, if you train in say Brazilian ju jitsu or judo which are considered grappling arts then why not try a stand up art such as boxing or Muay Thai? As well as helping to keep your interest, you will also be learning new skill sets that will help to improve your normal chosen art... and guess what? You just might like it!

You may also want to try something completely different that you have never done before such as- capoeira, power lifting or even a spinning class.

5) Do what you can!

Sometimes, for example if you work away then you may not have access to

your normal training facilities - there are several things that can be done that allow you to still train effectively during these times: *Find a gym: there are literally thousands of various gyms and health clubs in the UK - both independent and franchised (such as Gold’s gym) - so it’s very likely that there will always be somewhere to work out wherever you end up. Free weights - all gyms will have some form of free weights, cardiovascular equipment and perhaps even a swimming pool. Also, a lot of gyms have a fitness room or “boxing” room which will usually have a punch bag, a speed bag and even a floor to ceiling ball, offering a perfectly good workout. * Improvise: You can always find a way to work out, no matter where you are and what equipment you do or don’t have for example - road work (running) can be done pretty much anywhere.

Also callisthenic exercises such as pushups, crunches, squat thrusts, burpees etc can be done in a hotel room (before my second cancelled bout - I had to spend 1 workout shadow boxing on my own in a hotel room - so it can be done!).

To summarise There will always be times when finding the opportunity to train becomes difficult - life will always be some form of rollercoaster! But by applying some of the above tips and staying focused no matter what, you should always be able to train consistently week after week, month after month, year after year remember - no excuses!

NB- you see that guy in the gym that maybe doesn’t appear quite as skilled as everyone else; he (or she!) is maybe a little quite and self-conscious? Well how about the next time when you’re in class/ make a point to go over to them and say ‘well done for getting here and giving it all you have - you’re inspiring me to train harder! Thank you!

What will this do? Well how would you feel if someone said the same thing to you?

Until next week train hard consistently and be happy!

James Watling - full contact fighter, body coach, sports nutritionist. For more information www.kickdvd.co.uk and www.sport-sense.co.uk

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Drop the excuses; get down the gym

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MMA Sponsorships Practical Advice to an MMA Fighter he world of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is becoming more and more mainstream and thus more complex on a business level. An MMA athlete needs to treat himself like a business if he or she wants to maximize revenue potential.

The only way to do that is through a specific, well thought out and properly implemented marketing strategy.

Traditionally, there are 3 ways for a fighter generate revenue: through professional fighting, sponsorship money, and teaching.

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Here are few things to consider when planning your career in MMA: 1) Should I have a manager?

Absolutely. A fighter’s management team should be there to schedule events, appearance, seminars, promotional events, and sponsorship coordination.

2) How much should I pay my manager? A manager typically requires around 20% - 25% of their fighter salary. Sometimes an agent is employed as well. An agent would deal with sponsors and would coordinate with the manager on scheduling. A manager typically doesn’t receive a salary . Fighters are often managed by their trainer.

3) Develop an online presence. If you don’t have a website and a MySpace account, make that happen.

MySpace is a great networking tool.

Having a website highlighting your

fights, training, and contact information becomes an invaluable piece of your marketing campaign. Promoters pay more to fighters who have a following.

It only makes sense because that sells tickets. Get you name out there. Have video’s uploaded. They help with traffic and give a promoter the opportunity to view you sparring or fighting. A website also gives you an additional medium to advertise your sponsors. The more exposure you give your sponsor, the more valuable you become.

4) Fight! Take as many sensible fights as you can to build your record and your reputation. The way to get your name out there by fighting reputable fighters.

5) Be a professional. No one likes to deal with a jackass. You are a fighter.

Fighters already have a reputation for being unruly so set the bar a little higher for yourself. The better your behaviour, the more any organization will want to affiliate with you! It only makes sense.

6) Don’t take fights you can’t win. If you ever feel like you’re not ready for a fight, don’t take it! Many promoters try to take advantage of new fighters by putting them up against people they really have no business being in the ring with. This is a great way to end your career before it even gets off the ground. It can be tempting to fight a big name. It’s a great thing but only when you’re ready and prepared.

7) Be a showman. Make a point of being an exciting fighter. Take it to your opponent, be the aggressor, make an entrance. People come out to be entertained. The more you are a performer, the more performances you can expect to get.

8) Don’t be afraid to ask for the money! You spend money everyday, whether it be at a supplement store, at the deli, or even getting your dry cleaning done. Anyone you spend your money with is a potential sponsor. It will give them a chance to give back for the loyalty you’ve shown them as a customer. Don’t be shy.

You’re fighter! Go get your money.

Now you can sell them an advertising space on your shorts, your shirt, your hat, your banner and your website!

That’s a lot of levels of exposure!

That’s why companies are willing to pay you, for exposure.

Doing these things will at least get you headed in the right direction. The hard part is sticking to your training.

Training for MMA is gruelling. It’s the guys who just don’t get hurt seem to be the ones who make it. So train regularly but don’t over-train and make sure that you eat right. If you do all these things you will at least be started on the right path. So live, and love your MMA, and be smart. This sport is growing so fast and the business side of things is still catching up. Good luck and keep fighting!

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By Agent and Promoter Jim Nance

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Masato vs Sato

Masato Wins World Max ‘08

Championship Written by Monty DiPietro

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OKYO, October 1, 2008 — At age 29, Masato is already a veteran among K-1 World Max fighters.

The Japanese kickboxer countered any doubts about his speed and stamina by battling to victory in a pair of absolutely thrilling bouts to capture the K-1 World Max 2008 Final Championship at the Nippon Budokan.

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Masato vs Sato

With its 70kg/154lbs weight limit, K-1 World Max’s speed and technique have captivated fightsport fans in Japan and around the world. This year’s top-four World Max fighters clashed in a couple of semifinal bouts, with the winners going head-to-head in the Main Event for the World Max 2008 Championship.

Masato’s semifinal opponent was Japanese kickboxer Yoshihiro Sato, the ‘06 & ‘07 World Max Japan Champion.

Sato is tall, and used his 11cm/4” height advantage well, pushing in front kicks to control the distance and threatening with the knees when the action closed. Masato, meanwhile, drew on his speed, firing in low kicks and darting forward with punches, as both fighters scored soundly through an electrifying first round. The second saw even more action, Masato powering past his opponent’s defenses with numerous left straight punches; Sato showing a great chin and continuing to counter. Incredibly, the boys raised it another notch in the third — a round that showcased what World Max is all about. Sato benefited from a change in tactics, bearing in with punches, and Masato answered in kind as the pair stood toe-to-toe and traded ‘em before Sato got through with a left-right combination to fell his opponent. Masato recovered well to score with straight punches, although most connected at the limit of his reach. Masato did better by closing to work the body blows and uppercuts.

One judge liked Sato but two scored it a draw, prompting a tiebreaker round. Here Masato was quick with his combinations, closing again to work the body; while Sato played it defensively, firing low kicks and pushing his opponent back with front kicks. Masato’s aggression made the difference as he passed with the jab and straight punches then drove home body blows from inside. A late Masato left straight cocked Sato’s head back, and by the time Sato resumed his punching attacks it was too late. Masato with the hard-fought unanimous decision and a trip to the final.

The smart money had it that Masato would meet two-time and Defending World Max Champion Andy Souwer in the final. But Souwer hit a roadblock on the road to glory, in the form of 21 year-old Ukrainian fighter Artur Kyshenko.

Kyshenko smartly snapped in the kicks to start, but Souwer’s blocking and evasions were excellent, and the Dutch fighter went on the offensive late in the first with a couple of smart one-two punch combinations. A bit more action in the second as the distance closed, both combatants throwing punches — Souwer looking good with tight combinations on the counter. But still, neither fighter showed a killer instinct. Souwer’s cautious style was now cause for concern. When would he break out?

The judge’s card had the pair even going into the third, and although Souwer’s block-

Ky s h e n k o v s S o u w e r

ing in the final frame was once again nearflawless and his combinations on the counter displayed admirable technical skill, his overall defensive strategy did not win him the round, and the bout went to a tiebreaker.

Kyshenko knew he had an excellent chance to win it. The Ukrainian’s stamina served him well as he launched a number of creative attacks, including a spinning back kick and flying knees. Souwer responded with low kicks and also varied his attacks some, but that might have been the Champ’s problem — he spent too much time responding.

When the bell sounded, judges gave Kyshenko the nod and a date with Masato in the final.

In ten World Max bouts, Kyshenko’s only loss had come against Masato in last year’s final. In that bout, Kyshenko was ahead on the cards before falling to a Masato left

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A very good performance by the young Kyshenko, but a better one from the experienced Masato, whose stamina, smarts and versatility erased the second-round down and earned him a unanimous decision and the World Max Belt. It was the second time Masato has won the World Max Final, he also took it in 2003.

Masato vs Kyshenko

“These were the toughest fights I’ve ever had,” said Masato in his post-event interview. “My face and my legs hurt. I didn’t expect to be downed twice, I gave 100%, and I have nothing left — now I just want to relax and have a cup of coffee! Of course, I am very happy to win the belt. It is definitely different from what I felt before, now I think I can realize the true value of this belt.

I’m completely exhausted, right now I feel like I don’t want to ever fight again — so I’ll think about the future later.” hook. And so this had the making of a great, albeit unexpected final. Both fighters had gone four rounds in their semifinal contests, but Kyshenko — seven years Masato’s junior — had taken fewer blows en route to the final.

The fighters came out hard and fast, exhibiting no ill effects from their semifinal bouts. Kyshenko answered Masato’s first low kick with three of his own, and Masato worked the straight punches, but Kyshenko’s blocking was sound. Kyshenko landed a solid low kick and right hook, however more of Masato’s surgical strikes got through, the Japanese fighter improving both his power and accuracy as the first round wound down.

Significant among World Max rule changes introduced for this event was an “open-scoring” system, whereby judges’ scorecards are displayed on arena monitors at the conclusion of each round.

Kido vs Kraus

It might have lit a fire under Kyshenko when one judge scored the first round a draw and the other two gave it to Masato by a point. Kyshenko started the second with a hard right straight punch and continued striking with combinations until a left dropped Masato. The trip to the mat did not unnerve Masato, who coolly countered with low kicks and closed with uppercuts.

Meanwhile, many of Kyshenko’s punches were exploding promisingly from the guard only to miss the mark, and a Kyshenko kick sailed high late in the round.

Still, the down had put Kyshenko up on one card going into the third. The Ukrainian had his chance, but could not put this one away. Stamina had entered the equation, and if there was a fatigued fighter in the ring it was certainly not the ever-advancing Masato. Plenty of hard stuff thrown here, Kyshenko floating some and missing more; Masato solidly planted on his feet to take the edge in power and accuracy. Kyshenko however remained dangerous, landing a knee late in the round.

After three rounds, one card had it for Masato while the others added up even, and so a tiebreaker was prescribed.

Crunch time, and they came out swinging — but again Masato set himself better, picking his spots and hitting the target while doing an excellent job of reading and evading Kyshenko’s big hooks. Masato had the initiative, and he had the right attack at the right time. Although Kyshenko connected with a hard upper, his flagging guard left him vulnerable and he received more than he gave, and Masato finished the round in control.

“Now I understand why Masato is the champion,” said Kyshenko afterward. “He has good punches and kicks, and I think the reason I lost was because I don’t have as much experience as he does. But now I’ve fought him two years in a row, it was a great learning experience. Also it gave me a lot of confidence to beat Andy Souwer, who was the Max champion twice. Last year I finished in third place and this year I was second-place, so I’m improving one step at a time — next year I’ll be the champion!”

In the first tournament reserve, Japanese kickboxer Yasuhiro Kido fought the firstever World Max Champion, boxer Albert Kraus of Holland.

Good positioning and movement by Kraus in the early going, the Dutchman getting through with the fists and scoring with low kicks. Kido connected with a couple of strikes but otherwise struggled to find his distance, and a Kraus knee at the bell sent the Japanese fighter to the interval with a nasty gash over his eye. Kido came alive in the second, making good with combinations, but time was twice stopped for the ringside doctor to check his worsening cut.

Kido did not pass the second evaluation, so Kraus had the TKO win.

“Kido was good and strong and technical,” said Kraus post-bout. “I’m happy with my performance this year, the only thing I missed out on was the championship belt.”

The second tournament reserve pitted twotime World Max Champion Buakaw Por Pramuk of Thailand against Indian muay thai fighter Black Mamba.

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Masato vs Kyshenko

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In the ISKA World Lightweight (60kg/132lbs) Title Match, it was Japanese fighters Susumu Daiguji, a 30 year-old karate stylist; and Daisuke Uematsu, a kickboxer two days shy of his 24th birthday.

A quick start and a quicker finish to this one. Daiguji shot in with the fists, Uematsu weathering the attack before countering with a middle kick then pumping up a knee to score a down. As Daiguji slumped against the ropes then onto the mat, the referee stepped in to call it. Uematsu the winner by KO at just 0:29.

Another lightweight contest featured Japanese fighters Haruaki Otsuki and Ryuji Kajiwara.

Buakaw vs Blackmamba There is a reason Buakaw has won the World Max twice, and the Thai fighter showed it tonight. Mamba made a go of it, but was simply out of his league as Buakaw commanded the distance, pace and style of this one from the first bell. At just 2:18 of the first Buakaw had the win courtesy a couple of downs — the first after a leg-grab and left straight punch to the chops, the second courtesy a couple of side-launched right hooks.

The evening’s 13-bout card also included a World Max Superfight, the ISKA World Lightweight Title Match and another lightweight contest, plus the quarterfinals in K1’s new Koshien King of U-18 series.

In the World Max Superfight, Japanese kickboxer Taishin Kohiruimaki met Dutch kickboxer Joeri Mes. Kohiruimaki started with an ambitious knee, but Mes quickly seized control, making good with the left straight

Kohiruimaki vs Mes

punches to score an early down. Mes continued to close on his opponent, and although Kohi came back with knees and low kicks midway through the second, Mes was the dominating fighter, and started the third with a three-point lead on all cards.

Kohiruimaki desperately needed to make some noise here, and as time wound down he opened up — but it was the indefatigable Mes who got through with the decisive blow — a left hook on a counter — to lay the Japanese fighter out flat. An impressive display of power, speed and spirit by Mes. “I feel good,” said Mes, “I fought aggressively, like Melvin [Manhoef] and Badr [Hari].

“I knew Kohi is a good fighter, but he kept clinching. After my win today, I’d like to fight more in K-1. I already fought Andy Souwer once and I lost, I’d like to fight him again and win! I’d also like to fight Japanese fighters like Masato and Sato.”

Otsuki vs Kajiwara

The shorter fighter, Otsuki hung his guard loose and low and chased Kajiwara with kicks, but ate a few fists — including a hard right hook in the second. It was anyone’s fight going into the final frame. Good action here, Kajiwara punching into his opponent’s guard, Otsuki answering with a punishing high kick. Kajiwara scored with a right hook, but Otsuki was more creative inside, and took a unanimous decision.

In the evening’s opening fight, a World Max contest, Nieky “The Natural” Holzken of Holland’s prestigious Golden Glory Gym rammed the fists past South African boxer Virgil Kalakoda’s guard to score two quick first-round downs and pick up the KO win.

Also on the card were the quarterfinal contests in the new K-1 Koshien King of U-18 Series. Paralleling Japan’s hugely popular Koshien high school baseball tournament — which enjoys television viewer ratings exceeding those of Japanese major league baseball — K-1 Koshien is open to high school students aged 16-18, with a weight range limitation of 57kg/126lbs to 62kg/137lbs. Bouts are conducted under modified K-1 rules, with 5counts and fighters wearing ten-ounce gloves.

Koshien promoter’s selection Hiroya snapped in straight punches to rattle Taishi Hiratsuka, a Top-3 Chubu Region Fighter, prompting the referee to call it for Hiroya. Shota Shimada, also a promoter’s selection, took a unanimous decision over Ryo Murakoshi, a Top-3 Kanto fighter; Chubu Champion Ryuya Kusakabe’s high kick KO’d Kanto Finalist Daizo Sasaki late in the first round; and Kanto Champion Koya Urabe scored a second-round TKO over Yusuke Tsuboi, a Chubu Finalist.

During the intermission, the draw was held to determine the semifinal matchups for the Koshien Final, which will be held at

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K-1’s New Year’s Eve Dynamite event. It will be Hiroya vs Shota Shimada; and Ryuya Kusakabe vs Koya Urabe.

The K-1 World Max 2008 Final attracted a sellout crowd of 15,321 to the Nippon Budokan. All bouts were conducted under K-1 Rules — three rounds of three minutes each, with a possible tiebreaker round in all but the K-1 Koshien Series, and two possible tiebreakers in the ISKA Title bout and the World Max Final’s championship bout.

Kalakoda vs Holtzken

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Strikeforce at the Playboy Mansion

By Michael Afromowitz muaythaimes@aol.com

Misaki vs Riggs

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mid the splendor of the iconic Playboy Mansion, the MMA action was world class, and atmosphere was electric as Playboy Enterprises founder Hugh Hefner looked on along with a host of Hollywood celebrities. ISKA President and Strikeforce Rules Director Cory Schafer was in attendance coordinating with the California State Athletic Commission to regulate the event.

A

Middleweight sensation Kazuo “The Grabaka Hitman” Misaki (21-8-2) finished Joe “Diesel” Riggs (28-11) with a series of strikes in the second round of the main event at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday, September 20th. Strikeforce World Lightweight (155 lb. limit) Champion, Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2) finished Ashe “The Archer” Bowman (9-5) in similar fashion, in the first round of a nontitle bout, while Mitsuhiro “The Endless Fighter” Ishida (17-4) pulled off a dynamic armbar submission of Justin “The Silverback” Wilcox (5-3) in the first round of their lightweight matchup.

Misaki and Riggs showed their respect for one another throughout the first round, both circling the cage and throwing jabs from a distance.

Round two began similarly. Misaki tagged Riggs with a few sporadic body shots until the American fighter exploded with a hard left hand that sent Misaki reeling back. Riggs followed up with a kick, but Misaki countered with a straight right hand that sent to the canvas on his back.

Misaki pounced on the downed fighter with an onslaught of punches, the majority of which Riggs defended successfully, but referee Josh Rosenthal felt Riggs had sustained enough punishment to warrant a stoppage at the 2:29 mark of the second round.

Riggs, seemingly fit to continue fighting, bounced to his feet immediately after Rosenthal ordered the bout to be halted, and protested the referee’s decision.

Riggs’ pleas were to no avail.

Thomson, who celebrated his 30th birthday one day later, needed only a minute and 14 seconds to complete his eighth straight conquest. The Strikeforce champion connected with a healthy dose of leg kicks early in the opening stanza before

Thomson vs Bowman

scoring a hard right hand that sent Bowman into the cage fence and down to the canvas. Thomson quickly jumped on his opponent and connected with a flurry of punches that prompted the referee to wave off the fight.

the second. In the third round, though, Martin unleashed a left hook that dropped Devela. After Martin followed up with a punishing right hand, the referee quickly stopped the fight at the 2:08 mark of the round.

Ishida, whose appearance marked his debut on United States mainland, began his effort similar to Thomson, throwing leg kicks that found their way to the front thigh of Wilcox.

Complete “Strikeforce At The Mansion II” Results:

Wilcox waited for his moment before shooting in for a takedown that Ishida avoided and used as an opportunity to grab hold of the former NCAA wrestling star’s arm. Ishida quickly flipped Wilcox onto his back and locked in an armbar from Wilcox was forced to immediately tap.

In other action, 24 year old rising star, Cory “The One” Devela (9-2) suffered a surprise defeat, his first in over four years, at the hands of heavy-handed puncher, Terry Martin (18-5).

Devela successfully used a push kick to fend off Martin for the majority of the bout and scored a head kick on Martin in

Misaki vs Riggs

Kazuo Misaki def. Joe Riggs TKO at 2:29, Round 2 Josh Thompson def. Ashe Bowman TKO at 1:14, Round 1 Terry Martin def. Cory Devela TKO (Strikes) at 2:08, Round 3 Mitsuhiro Ishida def. Justin Wilcox Submission (Armbar) at 1:21, Round 1 Trevor Prangley def. Anthony Ruiz Unanimous Decision, 3 Rounds (29-28, 30-27, 30-26) Luke Stewart def. Jesse Juarez Submission (Armbar) at 4:55, Round 1 Eric Lawson def. Kenneth Seegrist Submission (Rear Naked Choke) 3:07, Rnd 1 Brandon Magana def. Brandon Thatch Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), Rnd 3 Jesse Gillespe def. Dave Martin - Split Decision, 3 Rounds (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

Hugh Hefner ringside

MUA001/08

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WAKO PRO RANKINGS Page 77

WAKO PRO RANKINGS

Covering World and British level Here at WAKO Pro GB we have decided to initially display the Full Contact rankings all the way through to World level. We will endeavour shortly to also display the same in all our styles, being WAKO K1 Rules, Low Kick and Thai also. For now these can be seen at www.wakoweb.com and then going onto the WAKO Pro World site.

WAKO Pro GB obtains the International information directly from World level and is not accountable for its inclusions or exclusions. The British rankings will be updated as regular as possible. Any omitted categories have no contenders.

If you need to contact us please call 07973 748907 during office hours.

WAKO Pro GB welcome challenges for all title holders.

Now WAKO Pro have formulated a brand new TOP TEN sponsored squad and independent professional fighters we are certainly looking at attaining several International titles this year. Watch this space!! Anyone interested in all expenses paid travel, accommodation and generous fight purses should contact us now. www.wakoprogb.co.uk or email us at www.wakoprogb@aol.com Men Atom Weight KG. -52.700kg E Champ FC Marceddu Gianpietro

ITALY

Men Fly Weight KG. -52.800 - 54.500kg W Champ FC Cherkassy Sergey UKRAINE Men Bantam Weight KG. -54.600 - 56.400kg E Champ FC Klockars Matias FINLAND Sachamp FC Veras Josenildo BRAZIL Men Feather Weight KG. -56.500 - 58.200kg W Champ FC Martins Daniel FRANCE I Champ FC Spanu Gianpaolo ITALY W Champ FC Anic Milos SERBIA I Champ FC Cieslinski Mariusz POLAND Sachamp FC Andre’ Roubert BRAZIL Men Light Weight KG. -58.300 - 60.000kg W Champ FC Cipriano Rocco SWITZERLAND I Champ FC Solinas Massimiliano ITALY E Champ FC Guccione Michael FRANCE Men Super Light Weight KG. -60.100 - 62.200kg W Champ FC Rasilla Daniel SPAIN Men Light Welter Weight KG. -62.400 - 64.500kg W Champ FC Biagio Tralli ITALY E Champ FC Mikarlsen Arild NORWAY World Ranked FC SHAWN BURTON GB GB Champion FC SHAWN BURTON GB GB Ranked FC LEE HOLLINSWORTH GB FC JOHN LAWSON GB FC JULIAN KONATE GB

Men Welter Weight KG. -64.600 -66.800kg W Champ FC Kirsten Sven GERMANY I Champ FC Mangouchy Malink FRANCE E Champ FC D’avanzo Roberto ITALY Sachamp FC Corrales Juan ARGENTINA World Ranked FC RYAN HAMER GB World Ranked FC STEVEN SWINBURN GB British Champion FC RYAN HAMER GB GB Ranked FC STEVE SWINBURN GB FC CHRIS WILLIAMS GB FC STUART LAWSON GB FC DAVIS KAMARA GB FC ADAM LAWRENCE GB Men Super Welter Weight KG. -66.900 -69.100kg W Champ FC Bruce Codron FRANCE I Champ FC Stassi Mario ITALY E Champ FC Narbona Antonio SPAIN Sachamp FC Roslan Marcelo ARGENTINA World Ranked FC CHRIS DEAKIN GB British Champion FC CHRIS DEAKIN GB GB Ranked FC AARON ROBINSON GB FC LEE MORGAN GB Men Light Middle Weight KG. -69.200 -71.800kg I Champ FC Muzammal Nawaz CANADA E Champ FC Batu Kithek RUSSIA Sachamp FC Sergio Luciano BRAZIL British Champion FC CHRIS Mc CARTIE GB GB Ranked FC GREG DARMON GB FC ASHLEY GAMMON GB FC MARTY WILSON GB FC PAUL CROOKE GB FC ARRON BOTHAMLEY GB Men Middle Weight KG. -71.900 -75.000kg W Champ FC Nowak Robert POLAND I CHAMP FC Cassells Robert IRELAND E Champ FC Hakulinen Marcus FINLAND Sachamp FC Jaco’ Ricardo BRAZIL GB Ranked FC GREG DARMON GB FC RICKY GAMMON GB FC DAVID LOCKWOOD GB FC JASON CURTIS GB FC ADAM KONIECZNY GB FC TIM NIBLETT GB FC MICHAEL DOVIES GB FC STUART HARKER GB Men Super Middle Weight KG. -75.100 -78.100kg W ChampFC Lartisien Christophe FRANCE I Champ FC Rondelli Alessio ITALY Sachamp FC Vercely Barrios BRAZIL GB Ranked FC ANDREW WRIGHT GB FC RICKY GAMMON GB Men Light Heavy Weight KG. -78.200 -81.400kg W Champ FC Giordano Alessandro ITALY I Champ FC Laterza Gianni ITALY E Champ FC Julio Sanchez SPAIN British Champion FC JOHN SHIELS GB

Men Cruiser Weight KG. -81.500 -85.100kg W Champ FC MARLON HUNT GB E Champ FC Robert Paulsbyen NORWAY Sachamp FC VACANT FC JON SANTRY GB FC JON DURRANT GB Men Super Cruiser Weight KG. -85.100 -88.600kg I Champ FC Caputo Francois FRANCE E Champ FC Woychiech Myslinsky POLAND World Ranked FC TURNER WAINE GB Men Heavy Weight KG. -88.700 -94.100kg I Champ FC Upton Jimmy IRELAND E Champ FC Tomasovic Marko CROATIA Men Super Heavy Weight KG. +94.200kg W Champ FC Melcher Alex GERMANY I Champ FC Tovarovic Damir CROATIA GB Ranked FC JAMIE MOORE GB FC NIGEL PENNINGTON GB Women Fly Weight Weight KG. -48.000kg W Champ FC Calabrese Valeria ITALY Women Super Fly Weight KG. -50.000kg W Champ FC Rinaldi Tatiana ITALY Women Bantam Weight KG. -52.000kg W Champ FC Vassilieva Oxana RUSSIA I Champ FC Solovieva Marina RUSSIA World Ranked FC LISA HIGO GB Women Super Bantam Weight KG. -54.000kg W Champ FC Solli Mette NORWAY E Champ FC Conti Giovanna ITALY Women Feather Weight KG. -56.000kg W Champ FC Plazzoli Barbara ITALY E Champ FC Solovieva Marina RUSSIA Women Super Featherweight KG. -58.000kg E Champ FC Orain Cindy FRANCE Women Light Weight KG. -60.000kg W Champ FC Linovieva S RUSSIA E Champ FC Tverdokhleb Elena UKRAINE Women Super Light Weight KG. -62.000kg W Champ LK Munoz Loli SPAIN W Champ K1 Munoz Loli SPAIN Women Welter Weight KG. -66.000kg E Champ FC Furmaniak Katarzyna POLAND Women Super Welterweight KG. -68.000kg W Champ FC KERRY-LOUSIE NORBURYGB Women Super Middleweight KG. +70.000kg World Ranked FC DEWS KAREN GB

For the latest rankings including the WAKO Amateur rankings visit www.fightersmag.co.uk and click on the rankings button

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UK Results August - Septmber 2008

2nd August 2008 Johnstone Town Hall, Scotland ISKA Thaiboxing Novice to B class

Main event: non-title bouts Dave Prosser (Kaizen) def.

Davie McConachie (Freestyle Fighters / NKT) Pts. Paul Lapsley (NKT Barrhead) def.

Greg Rooney (NKT Clydebank) KO in Rd2 Keith Middleton (Aberdeen) def. Craig Floan (GTBA) Pts. Nial Smith (NKT Barrhead) def.

Peter McIlhenny (Northern MA) Pts. Scott Gallagher (DNFT Dumbarton) def.

Steve Cole (Kaizen) KO R3 Marcus McDonald (NKT Barrhead) def.

John Rankin (NKT Clydebank) Pts. Scott Fairburn (NKT Clydebank) def.

Colin Hain (Glasgow Fitness) Pts. Steven Lochhead (NKT Gym) def.

Martin MacLeod (NKT Coatbridge) KO R2 JD Scott (NKT Irvine) def. Shaun Taylor (NKT Gym) Pts Jamie Orr (NKT Barrhead) def.

Danny Thompson (NKT Coatbridge) Pts. Alan Evans (Pheonix) def.Stevie White (NKT Barrhead) Pts. Jake Donachie (Wossobama) def.

John Shaw (DNFT) TKO R4 Amy Pirnie (Pheonix) def.

Karen Martin (NKT Gym / Barrhead) Pts. Promoter: Gary O’Brien Medical Suspensions: Greg Rooney (NKT Clydebank) Steve Cole (Kaizen) Martin MacLeod (NKT Coatbridge) John Shaw (DNFT) received 28 day medical suspensions and will not be fit to compete until 29th August 2008

10th August 2008 Darnall Liberal Club, Sheffield ISKA Amateur & Pro Thai/Kickboxing Novice to A class

Main Event: non-title International bout & Amateur title bout ISKA International non-title Super-middleweight 78kg OR Piotr Woznicki (Poland) v Shaun Lomas (Kombat Sports, UK) Winner Piotr Woznicki points decision ISKA Amateur U16 flyweight Northern Area title 51.5kg FC Yousif Ibrahim (AFK) v Kieran Lomax (Black Cobras) Winner Yousif Ibrahim points decision

Supporting bouts: Carl Render (York) def. Michael Mann (warriors) Pts. Adam Hadfield (Fight unit) def.

George Mattison (York) TKO R1 Phil Gregory (Wales) def. Gary Roughly (Salford) Pts. Paul Randle (St Georges) def. Stuart Philips (York) Pts Paul Crossley (Walkden Thaiboxing) def.

Yakub Chapiewski (Nottingham) Pts. Patrik Grudniewski (Poland) def.

Jeff Binns (Fight Unit) KKO R 1 Wes Glenton (York) def. Matthew Garrod (Warriors) Pts. Mark Beaumont (Fight unit) def. Andrew Riley (SDF) Pts. Jurgis Kisellis (Scunthorpe) def. Dr Andrew Carr (SDF) Pts. Phil Sheddon (Salford ) def. James Hickman (Wolfslair) Pts. Terry Outram (fight unit) def.

David Knowles (Walkden Thaiboxing) Pts. Promoter: Farhad Ali Medical Suspensions: George Mattison (York) Jeff Binns (Fight Unit) received 28 day medical suspensions and will not be fit to compete until 6th September 2008

7th September 2008 Beacon Building, St. Helens, Merseyside ISKA Thai/kickboxing

Main Event: Regional title bout ISKA North West Area Super-welterweight title 69.9kg FC Ian Longson (Kokoro) v Kevin Atherton (TMAS) Winner Ian Longson KO Round 2 Supporting card: Mark Hughes (TMAS St. Helens) def.

Carl Morley (TMAS Widnes) TKO R3 Wes Smith (TMAS Widnes) def.

Shahean Mesdagi (TMAS St. Helens) TKO R3 Danny Price (TMAS St. Helens) def.

Jason Greenwich (Sapphire Gym) KO R1 Tom Evans (North Wales Thai) def.

Steve Foy (Fortitudo) KO R1 Danny Horton (TMAS St. Helens) def.

James Woodham (Warriors KB) Pts. Darren O’Connor (TMAS Liverpool) def.

Terry Turner (Sapphire Gym) TKO R2 Barry Adamson (TMAS Liverpool) def.

Tony Marsh (TMAS St. Helens) TKO R1 Terry Bell (TMAS Liverpool) def.

Michael Hinett (Kokoro) Pts. Louise Rouke (TMAS Liverpool) v Rachel Crosby (AKF) Draw

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ISKA UK RESULTS Page 79

Lee Bowness (TMAS Liverpool) def.

Sean Robinson (Lion Hearts) Pts. Phil Atherton (TMAS Liverpool) def.

Dave Jaylock (Team Select) TKO R2 Promoter: Bern Giam Medical Suspensions: Kevin Atherton (TMAS) Carl Morley (TMAS Widnes) Shahean Mesdagi (TMAS St. Helens) Jason Greenwich (Sapphire Gym) Steve Foy (Fortitudo) Terry Turner (Sapphire Gym) Tony Marsh (TMAS St. Helens) Dave Jaylock (Team Select) received 28 day medical suspensions and will not be fit to compete until 4th October 2008

14th September 2008 Oran Mor, Glasgow, Scotland ISKA World Championshp Muaythai

Main Event: World Title bout ISKA World light-welterweight title 64.5kg MT Rungnakorn Kharnpan (Thailand) v James Doolan (Scotland) Winner Rungnakorn Kharnpan TKO Round 2 Thaiboxing Supporting bouts: JoJo Calderwood (Caledonian) def.

Christi Campbell (Saints) Pts. Jordan Calder (Caledonian) def.

Jack Scott-Roberts (London) Pts. Tommy Young (Caledonian) def.

Dan Hadfield (Spartans) Pts. Conor McEwan (Sit Ayuthaya) def.

Ryan Hurley (SMTC) Pts. Dave Nicol (Caledonian) def.

Mitchell Flett (Rung Muay Thai Inverness) PTs. MMA Supporting bouts: Adam Stevenson (Hostile Territory Alloa) def.

Declan Larkin (EFR Ireland) KO R1 Alan “No” Love (Griphouse) def.

John Humphries (Team Unity, Fife) armbar R 1 Bobby McVittie (Team Viper) def.

Mick Wiseman (Hostile Territory Alloa) choke R2 Ronan McKay (EFR Ireland) def.

Scott Ward (D-Unit DNFT Dumbarton) kimura R1 Steven “Taz” McCombe (EFR Ireland) def.

Martin Nicolson (D-Unit DNFT D) choke R1 Promoter: Guy Ramsay Medical Suspensions: James Doolan (Scotland) Declan Larkin (EFR Ireland received 28 day medical suspensions and will not be fit to compete until 11th October 2008

21st September 2008 Warner Sports Centre , Hull ISKA European Championship Kickboxing

Main Event: European title bout ISKA European Super-middleweight title 78kg FC Mark Ellwood (England) v Thorsten Springer (Austria) Winner Thorsten Springer TKO Round 5 Supporting card results unavailable at the time (check results www.iska.org.uk) Promoter: Julie Ellwood Medical Suspension: Mark Ellwood (England) received a 28 day medical suspensions and will not be fit to compete until 18th October 2008

27th September 2008 Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington ISKA Inertnational Thaiboxing

Main Eevnt: non-title International bout ISKA non-title International Super-middleweight 78kg OR Gavin Sterritt (England) v Ismail Doumbi (France) Winner Ismail Doumbi KO Round 3 Supporting Bouts: Daiton Jackson (Salford Thai) def.

Luca Cupapo (KO Gym) Pts. Paul Crossley (Walkden Thai) def.

Mark Angus (Wolfslair) TKO R3 Kevin Gosney (Wolfslair) def.

Tommy Books (Salford Thai) Pts. Alex Abusin (Bradford) def.

Andy Brocklebank (Elite) Pts. Phil Sheddon (Salford Thai) v James Lewis (Wolfslair) Draw Kamon Picken (Wolfslair) def.

Aiden Greenwood (Bradford) Pts. Darren Till (Sapphire Gym) def Tommy McByrne (Salford Thai) Pts. Amanda Kelly (Wolfslair) def.

Nikki Burton (KO Gym) Pts. Sean Perry (St. Helens) def.

Luke Wood (Bradford) KO R1 Promoter: Dave Jackson Medical Suspensions: Gavin Sterritt (Wolfslair) Mark Angus (Wolfslair) Luke Wood (Bradford) received 28 day medical suspensions and will not be fit to compete until 24th October 2008

28th September 2008 Inchyra Crange Hotel, Scotland ISKA Championship Muaythai

Main Event: Commonwealth title bout ISKA Commonwealth Cruierweight title 84.5kg MT Paul Grant (Sit-Ayuthaya) v Dino Baggattin (Elephant Gym) Winner Dino Baggattin TKO Round 5 Scotland v Ireland team challenge Shane O’Neil (Cork MT) def.

Daniel Douglas (Sit-Ayuthaya Hamilton) TKO R1 Johnathan Linnane (Cork MT) def.

Connor McEwan (Sit-Ayuthaya Hamilton) Pts. Andy Gray (Cork MT) def.

Michael Sherriff (Highlanders) Pts. Connor O’Regan (Cork M.T.) def.

Steven Brown (Wossobama) TKO R1 Supporting bouts: Mark Ritchie (Base MT) def.

Bryan Shearer (Wossobama) TKO R4 Lauren Gray (Maryport Dragons) def.

Maria Godfrey (Wossobama) Pts. Alan Weaver (Ayrshire MT) def.

Stuart Devine (Base MT) TKO R3 Savass Ceen (Fighting Fit) def.

Andrew Ablett (Base MT) Pts. Promoter: Bobby Quinn Medical Suspensions: Paul Grant (Sit-Ayuthaya) Daniel Douglas (Sit-Ayuthaya) Steven Brown (Wossobama) Bryan Shearer (Wossobama) received 28 day medical suspensions and will not be fit to compete until 25th October 2008

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Muaythai & Kickboxing

Rankings

ISKA Champions and British top ten ratings: FC= Full Contact (above the waist) FR= Freestyle (Low Kicks) Super-Flyweight 53.5kg World Champ FC Herve Grivot World Champ FR European Champ FC European Champ FR British Champ FC British Champ FR

France vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant

British top ten The are no active British fighters in the Super-flyweight Division currently considered worthy of rating Bantamweight 54.5kg World Champ FC Devon Cormack World Champ FR European Champ FC European Champ FR British Champ FC Sean Bowman British Champ FR British top ten Sean Bowman Barry Lock Keith Morris Harjinder Singh Rajesh Salhan Kully Nagra Darrell Roper Rafaqit Ali Mel Dunthorpe Mark Boot

USA vacant vacant vacant Cornwall vacant T G Gym WUMA Paragon Leicester KB IFA B/ham Eclipse TKO KB IFA B/ham Kickstop Eclipse BA

Super-bantamweight 56.5kg World Champ FC vacant World Champ FR Sunny Hira England European Champ FC vacant European Champ FR Paul Collins England British Champ FC vacant British Champ FR vacant British top ten Paul Collins Sunny Hira Wayne Quamina Paul Bradbury Kalbir Singh Darren Whewell Ben Edwards Dave Stuart No Nomination No Nomination Featherweight 58.5kg World Champ FC World Champ FR European Champ FC European Champ FR British Champ FC British Champ FR British top ten Ricky Glover Frank Preston Mark Cullinene Andy Godbold Mahood Besharati Jamie Darling No Nomination No Nomination No Nomination No Nomination Lightweight 60kg World Champ FC World Champ FR Ray Fernadez European Champ FC European Champ FR Michael Gonzales British Champ FC British Champ FR British top ten Mike Nudds Richard Hines Simon Millward

IFA B/ham IFA B/ham OBulldog IFA B/ham Leicester KB Fortitudo KKAW Motiv8 vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant UKCBA TS KB ECKA Kickstop Cobra Notts.

Hard Nox vacant vacant vacant vacant

USA vacant Spain vacant vacant T G Gym TS KB SCDS

Ronnie Clarke Davis Kamara Gareth Mills Ahmed Agha John Morris Ryan Thomas No Nomination

Paisley KB Kokoro Norwich Cardiff KB Eclipse KKAW vacant

Super-lightweight 62.2kg World Champ FC Juan de Valle Moran World Champ FR European Champ FC Abdel Jebai European Champ FR British Champ FC British Champ FR

Spain vacant France vacant vacant vacant

British top ten Stacy Gosden John Lawson Steve Jevons Daniel Scott Rob Hingston Elliott McFarrish Jon Eames Alexander White Qasim Nisar Wesley McKay

Pro-Am Paragon Wragsters Cobra Nott Taurus Pegasus Aveley Pro-Kick USKA WUMA

Light-welterweight 64.5kg World Champ FC Marty Cox Jnr. England World Champ FR Boris Nezle Australia European Champ FC Barinder Singh Leicester European Champ FR Felipe Martinez Spain British & C/wealth Champ FC Barinder Singh Leicester British Champ FR vacant British top ten Marty Cox Jnr. Gary Hamilton Barinder Singh Richard Waller Andy Burton Shawn Burton Stuart Lawson Rhys Lilly L. Hollingworth Steve Granger

Heathrow KB Pro-Kick Leicester KB IFA B/ham Spartan Lincoln KB Paragon Swansea Nichols TKD TS KB

Welterweight 66.6kg World Champ FC Chris Algeiri World Champ FR Mirdi Limani European Champ FC Simon Akufuo European Champ FR British Champ FC Suky Shoria British Champ FR British top ten Nick Gill Ryan Hamer Suky Shoria Steve Swinburn Jason Vasello Wesley Fagan Simon Akufo Michael Johnson Phil Bachus Simon Casey Super-welterweight 69.5kg World Champ FC Victor Hoffman World Champ FR Sofiane Allouache European Champ FC European Champ FR Abraham Roqueni British Champ FC George Patterson British Champ FR Daniel Flack British top ten George Patterson Billy Gallop Daniel Flack

USA Albania England vacant Stevenage vacant TS KB BFKKO TS KB Lincoln KB Aveley MASAC IFA B/ham Spartan IFA B/ham Izli Cobra

Germany Algeria vacant Spain

Ely Invicta Heathrow Ely

Scott Taylor Danny Byrne Aaron Robinson Kevin Beckett Scott Rowley Aaron Watkinson Martin Lamb

Panthers Leicester KB Lincoln KB Fudoshin Bulldog SMMAC Kickstop

Light-middleweight 72.5kg World Champ FC Fran Zuccala England World Champ FR Batu Khasikov Russia European Champ FC Tommy McCafferty N. Ireland European Champ FR Carlo Heredia Spain British Champ FC Aaron Robinson Lincoln Commonwealth Champ FC Chris McCartie Middlesborough British Champ FR vacant British top ten John Orchard Fran Zuccala Tommy McCafferty Dean Sugden Chris McCartie Jason Curtis Darren Forrest Ashley Gammon Paul Douglas Steve Greensmith

Bulldog Eclipse IFKA Newark MA Cleveland KB Jesters Rugby KB St. George Storm Gym Team Select

Middleweight 75kg World Champ FC Dominick Haselback Germany World Champ FR Lorand Sachs Germany European Champ FC vacant European Champ FR vacant British Champ FC Ricky Gammon Nottingham Commonwealth Champ FC Tommy McCafferty N.Ireland British Champ FR vacant British top ten Brain Aston Ricky Gammon David Lockwood Chris Morgan Gordon Childs Ryan Miller Graham Smith Greg Dorman Mark Smith Danny Elie

BMKA St. George MTKBC MKKA Dorchester Taurus Leicester KB Impact WUMA Aevely

Super-middleweight 78kg World Champ FC Marc Apele France World Champ FR Eric Perros France European Champ FC vacant European Champ FR Arban Dajaku Albania Commonwealth Champ FC Matt Martin Weston British Champ FC Andy Pollard Stevenage British Champ FR vacant British top ten Mark Ellwood Andy Pollard Matt Martin Mick Crossland Al Osta Michael Boguzs Jon Smith Ronnie Hogan Ricky Longhurst Nigel Thomas

Tornado TS KB WAMA Dragonfoot Leicester KB Coventry FS United Dojos Pride KB Watford FS Storm Gym

Light-heavyweight 81.4kg World Champ FC Ken Hewski World Champ FR European Champ FC Lukas Wolf Czech European Champ FR Muzaffer Gemici British Champ FC British Champ FR

USA vacant Repulic Turkey vacant vacant

British top ten James Watling Luke Shines Sat Rayat Jamie Bodkin Dan Cashmore Scott Gibson Andrew Tate Lee Whitfield Ollie King Rob Taylor

Newcastle Walton Eclipse Izli Cobra Leicester KB SAMA Storm Gym Eclipse Puma KKAW

Light-cruiserweight 84.6kg World Champ FC Sergey Bogdan Russia World Champ FR Adam Watt Austrailia European Champ FC vacant European Champ FR vacant British Champ FC John Zuccala Wolverhampton British Champ FR vacant British top ten Marlon Hunt Michael Elmsley Mo Karbo John Zuccala Scott Jenkinson Daniel Hughes Scott Maginty Richard Jinks Gary Bettle Kevin Gunter

BFKKO Skyaxe Bournemouth Eclipse Lincoln KB Swindon Bristol Plymouth WAMA MKKA

Cruiserweight 88.2kg World Champ FC Daniel Quigley World Champ FR Jossue Salmont European Champ FC Daniel Quigley European Champ FR British Champ FC Ollie Green British Champ FR British top ten Simon Aston Waine Turner Amir Subasic Ollie Green Paul Hill Stephen Dosset Mark Turner Richard Burke Julian Lingards Johnny Stewart

N. Ireland France N. Ireland Aveley vacant Pythons BMA Storm Gym Aveley WAMA MASA T MAS Coventry FS WUMA Ashby KO

Super-cruiserweight 91.8kg World Champ FC Antoine McRae World Champ FR Alexey Tokarov European Champ FC G. Amirgulashvilli European Champ FR British Champ FC British Champ FR British top ten Spencer Wilding Kevin Ludick Leo Lucas Peter Mercer Mark Bruce No Nomination No Nomination No Nomination No Nomination No Nomination Heavyweight - 96.4kg World Champ FC Derek Panza World Champ FR Mark Russell European Champ FC European Champ FR British Champ FC British Champ FR British top ten Adam Hart Steve Jones

USA Russia Russia vacant vacant vacant

Ryhl KBC WUMA King Tiger Farnborough FCUK Rugby vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant

USA UK vacant vacant vacant vacant Aveley Liverpool

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ISKA MUAY THAI & KICKBOXING RANKINGS Page 81

Lukahz Lehman Ceri Walker Jon Askey Leon Sanders Craig Copeland James Richardson No Nomination No Nomination

Newcastle King Tiger Jesters Gladiators Portsmouth SCDS vacant vacant

Super-heavyweight + 96.5kg World Champ FC Anatoly Nosyrev Russia World Champ FR Lukasz Jarosz Poland European Champ FC vacant European Champ FR vacant British Champ FC vacant British Champ FR vacant British top ten Jamie Moore Rob Geldhill Kevin Smiles Craig Burke Nassa Mohammed Darren Duke Justin Crowson Nigel Penlington Robert Purr David Ball

Spartan Tornado Newcastle Bad Co IFA B/ham Coventry FS Leicester KB Lincoln KB FCUK Rugby KKAW

ISKA Champions and British top ten ratings: MT= Muaythai (full Thai rules) OR= Oriental (European rules) Super-Flyweight 53.5kg World Champ MT Eddy Defretin World Champ OR European Champ MT Sebastian Ocania European Champ OR British Champ MT British Champ OR British top ten Dale White Paulo Da Silva Irfan Chohan Mark Woodard Wayne Gonzalez Paul McCullen Che Nam No Nomination No Nomination No Nomination

France vacant France vacant vacant vacant Dean White Crawley Black Widow Thomas MT Keddesl Saints MT Shinkick vacant vacant vacant

Bantamweight 54.5kg World Champ MT vacant World Champ OR vacant European Champ MT Reece Crooke England European Champ OR vacant Commonwealth Champion MT Dean James Cannock British Champ MT vacant British Champ OR vacant British top ten Damien Trainor Andy Howson Reece Crooke Dean James Liam Racktoo James McGlone Dean Hopkins Steve Stookes No Nomination No Nomination

K-Star Bad Co. Evolution Pra Chao Sua Dean White Spirit of Siam Panthan/gh Thomas MT vacant vacant

Super-bantamweight 56.5kg World Champ MT vacant World Champ OR vacant European Champ MT vacant European Champ OR vacant British Champ MT John Dick Glasgow British Champ OR Paul Timmins Sheffield British top ten John Dick Graeme Ness Ranjit Dheer Paul Timmins Stephen Holiday Siluan Zamgama Dean Wheatley Alessio Pittera Joseph Brincat Dale Singh Featherweight 58.5kg World Champ MT Mariusz Cieslinski World Champ OR European Champ MT Mahan Boudekim European Champ OR British Champ MT British Champ OR Ranjit Dheer

GTBC Fighting Fit East Area Wicker Camp Cambs.FF Red Dragon Keddles Bad Co. Eagles Wales Krusader

Poland vacant France vacant vacant Bedford

British top ten Marc Brown Mark Tim Gary O’Brien Jonathan Watt Davey MacIntosh Anthony Ferguson Nicholas Opyrchal Saab Singh Kevin Kolovic John Cassidy

Lumpini SMTC NKT Black Devils Caledonian East Area Diablo Keddles Wu Tang Dean White

Lightweight 60kg World Champ MT Ali Ajouan World Champ OR European Champ MT European Champ OR British Champ MT Danny Taylor British Champ OR British top ten Rob Storey Danny Taylor Dan Brown Martin Shivnan Colin Johnson John Dennis Wesley Smith Mark Grainger Paul Kaporwicz No Nomination

Holland vacant vacant vacant Crawley vacant Keddles Crawley Dean Whites GFC Bolton Spartan Wicker camp Fighting Fit Sitnarong vacant

Super-lightweight 62.2kg World Champ MT Danny Kansak World Champ OR European Champ MT European Champ OR British Champ MT British Champ OR British top ten Liam Harrsion Lee Colville Tom McCormack Yogendra Parekh Alex James Dave Fensom Paul Young Billy Waterworth Mark Evans No Nomination

Bad Co Suprende Wicker Black Widow Studio 2000 Shin kick Dragons Evolution Wrexham vacant

Light-welterweight 64.5kg World Champ MT Rungkortorn World Champ OR European Champ MT European Champ OR British Champ MT British Champ OR Andy Webb British top ten Imran Khan Richard Cadden Mark Howie Dave Newbrook Terry Anderson Matt Parkes Andy Webb Robert Burke David Copestake Matt Duncan Welterweight 66.6kg World Champ MT Frankie Hudders World Champ OR Masato European Champ MT James France European Champ OR British Champ MT John Douglas British Champ OR Scott Sykes British top ten Frankie Hudders Tim Thomas Micheal Dicks Kieran Keddle James France Jordan Watson Andy Trasher John Douglas Greg Severs Scot Sykes

USA vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant

Thailand vacant vacant vacant vacant

British Champ MT British Champ OR

vacant vacant

British top ten Peter Crooke Dave Parquette Richard Fenwick Richard Barnhill Craig Jose Michael Wakeling James Jarvie Liam Robinson Phil Pullen Wayne McCoy

Firewalker KO Gym Keddles Super Gym Sor Thanikul Scorpions Fighting Fit Pra Chao Sua Shinkick Nottingham

Light-middleweight 72.5kg World Champ MT Duane Ludwig World Champ OR European Champ MT Mohamed Rahhaoui European Champ OR British Champ MT British Champ OR British top ten Steven Wakeling Daniel Hudson Phil McAlpine Mark Beale Paul Murat Marc Sargeant Richard Jones John Wincott Ivan Damyanov Eric Decarierre

USA vacant Belgium vacant vacant vacant

Scorpions Wicker Bromley Zenkutsu KO Gym Studio 2000 Beastmaster Evolution Firewalker Sitnarong

Middleweight 75kg World Champ MT Alban Ahmeti Germany World Champ OR Simone Di Marco Italy European Champ MT vacant European Champ OR Dardan Morina Germany Commonwealth Champ MT Peter Hefford Birmingham Commonwealth Champ OR Junior Herbert Bedford British Champ MT vacant British Champ OR vacant British top ten Jamie Crawford Steven Jones Gavin Sterritt Colin Farricker Junior Herbert Peter Hefford Victor Espanaso Narinder Gill Barry Denholme Scott Thomas

N. Ireland Beastmaster Warrington Kaobon East Area F’s Gym Izli Cobra East Area SMTC Taz Gym

Liverpool

Wicker Camp Bad Co. Darlington Kaobon Darlington Izli Cobra TMAS SMTC K-Star NKT

England vacant Japan England vacant Glasgow Sheffield Franks Gym Team TNT Darlington Orpington Bad Co. Bad Co. GFC NKT Koabon SDF Sheffield

Super-welterweight 69.5kg World Champ MT Jongsanan Fairtex Thailand World Champ OR Takayuki Kohirumaki Japan European Champ MT Ari Tupani Finland European Champ OR Odje Manda France

Super-middleweight 78kg World Champ MT Roberto Cocco World Champ OR European Champ MT Jonatahn Padilla European Champ OR Francisco Menjibar British Champ MT Medhi Feroozi British Champ OR British top ten Medhi Feroozi Rick Joseph Gary Brady Gary Cooper Daniel Durick Steve Rodgerson James Robertson Hallem Best Shane Lomas Shane Beard

Italy vacant Spain Spain Sheffield vacant

Wicker Camp Kings Master A Beastmaster SMTC Sitnarong Lumpini East Area Kombat sports SDF Sheffield

Light-heavyweight 81.4kg World Champ MT vacant World Champ OR Piplica Miroslav Croatia European Champ MT Stefan Baumann Switzerland European Champ OR Grigor Aschugbabjan Austria Commonwealth Champ Christian Di Paolo Sheffield British Champ MT vacant British Champ OR vacant British top ten Damien Hood Christian Di Paolo Norman McKenzie Ross Parsons Steven Farrario Daniel Paora Haydon Scott Ian Coe No Nomination

Pra Chao Sua Wicker Camp Strikeforce Wildkick Beastmaster KO Gym East Area Minotaurs vacant

Light-cruiserweight 84.6kg World Champ MT Adam Watt Australia World Champ OR vacant European Champ MT vacant European Champ OR David Wilson UK British Champ MT Paul Grant Glasgow British Champ OR Dino Bagahin London British top ten Paul Grant Amir Subasic Dave McFarlane Dino Bagahin Roland Abido Phil Burke Chris Wray James Collins Nick Howard Alex McKenzie Cruiserweight 88.2kg World Champ MT World Champ OR Mohammed Fahr European Champ MT Marko Rajovic European Champ OR British Champ MT Simon Aston British Champ OR British top ten Simon Aston Rod Phillips Waine Turner Stephen Dosset Mark Turner Ian Squires Leo Lucas Joe Coville Russ Henshaw No Nomination

Sit Ayuthaya Storm Luton SMTC Wuaytan Red Dragon Tobins Gym Golden Team Norwich Thai Diablo SDF Sheffield vacant Austria Croatia Birmingham vacant Pythons R& Ready BMA MASA T MAS Sukothai King Tiger Shin kick Paragon vacant

Super-cruiserweight 91.8kg World Champ MT Alexi Ignashov Belarus World Champ OR vacant European Champ MT vacant European Champ OR vacant British Champ MT vacant British Champ OR vacant British top ten Tony Horbury Leo Elenor Matt Duplesis Zurb Drugda Peter Mercer Dave Roberts Mark Bruce Tariq Shafiq No Nomination No Nomination Heavyweight - 96.4kg World Champ MT World Champ OR Sergiue Ivanovich European Champ MT European Champ OR British Champ MT British Champ OR British top ten Chris Bacheldor Duncan a. James Steve Hamilton Dave McMahon Lukahz Lehman Will Riva Liam Shore Simon Crockford Shane Cavanagh No Nomination

Bolton Minotaurs Saints KO Gym Farnborough Bad Co. FCUK Rugby Shin Kick vacant vacant vacant Belarus vacant vacant vacant vacant Woking MT Strikeforce King Tiger SMTC Sor Thanikul Eagles Wales Sitnarong Golden Team F’s Gym vacant

Super-heavyweight + 96.5kg World Champ MT Jerome LeBanner France World Champ OR Marcin Rozalski Poland European Champ MT vacant European Champ OR vacant British Champ MT vacant British Champ OR vacant British top ten Chris Knowles James McSweeney Alex Gould Dillian White Rob Lloyd Craig Burke Nassa Mohammed Chris Cooper Damien Robinson Andy Costello

Minotaurs FF Carbin Woking Red Dragon Elite Bad Co IFA B/ham F’s Gym Denbigh Scopions

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Page 82 WWW.FIGHTERSMAG.CO.UK November 2008

Muaythai Online Independant British Rankings

Compiled and administered by Dan Green and Richard Smith To submit a fighter for the rankings please go to www.muaythaionline.net MENS: Flyweight -52kg 1 Dale White Dean Whites Gym

Junior Middleweight -70kg 1 Peter Crooke Evolution

2 3 4 5

2 Dave Pacquette 3 Richard Fenwick 4 Richard Barnhill 5 Michael Wakeling 6 Craig Jose 7 Sean Wright 8 Wayne McCoy 9 James Jarvie 10 Phil Pullen

KO Gym AKA Super Gym Scorpions Sor Thanikul SMTC Nottingham Fighting Fit Shin Kick

Middleweight -72.5kg 1 Steven Wakeling

Scorpions

Paulo Da Silva Wayne Gonzalez Che Nam No Nomination

Crawley Keddles Shin Kick

Bantamweight -55kg 1 Damien Trainor 2 Andy Howson 3 Dean James 4 Reece Crooke 5 Liam Racktoo 6 Dean Hopkins 7 Adam Smith 8 Daniel Brisset

K-Star

Bad Company Leeds Pra Chao Sua Pra Chao Sua Dean Whites Gym Panthanarasingh Dragons Carlisle Trojan

Featherweight -57kg 1 John Dick 2 3 4 5 6 7

Graeme Ness Ranjit Dheer Paul Timmins Siluan Zamgama Joey Brincat No Nomination

GTBA Fighting Fit East Area Wicker Camp Red Dragons Eagles Wales

Super Featherweight -59kg 1 Rob Storey| Keddles 2 Marc Brown 3 Mark Tim 4 Davey MacIntosh 5 Carl Copestake 6 Saab Singh 7 Kevin Kovalic 8 John Cassidy 9 Alessio Piterria

Crawley SMTC Bad Company K-Star Keddles Wutang Dean Whites Gym Bad Company

Lightweight -61kg 1 Liam Harrison Bad Company Leeds 2 Lee Colville 3 Danny Taylor 4 Dave Fensom 5 Paul Karpowicz 6 Thomas McCormick 7 John Dennis 8 Dave Copestake

Suprende Crawley Shin Kick Sitnarong Wicker Camp Spartan K-Star

Junior Welterweight -63.5kg 1 Imran Khan Wicker Sheffield 2 Rungnakorn 3 Richard Cadden 4 Terry Anderson 5 Robert Burke 6 Colin Johnson 7 Chris Polley 8 Adam-Lee Mason 9 Troy Roe |Diabo 10 Richard Wain

Welterweight -67kg 1 Kieran Keddle 2 Frankie Hudders 3 Tim Thomas 4 Michael Dicks 5 James France 6 Marc Howie 7 Andy Thrasher 8 Rab Burt 9 Leroy Morgado 10 Guy Ramsey

Hamilton Bad Company Leeds Darlington SMTC KBS SMTC Keddles

2 Alex Dally 3 Daniel Hudson 5 Eric Decarierre 6 Marc Sargeant 7 Junior Herbert 8 Mark Beale 9 Richard Jones 10 Nazar

Dragons Sheffield Sitnarong Studio 2000 East Area Coventry Beastmasters Pra Chao Suua

Super Middleweight -76kg 1 Steven Jones Beastmasters 2 Jamie Crawford 3 Mehdi Feroozi 4 Colin Farricker 5 Gavin Sterrit 6 Narinder Gill 7 Barry Denholme 8 Daz Jilali 9 Olly Watson 10 Steve Primrose

Northern Ireland Wicker Camp Kaobon Wolfslair East Area SMTC Beastmasters Minotaurs Beastmasters

Light Heavyweight -79kg 1 Damian Hood Pra Chao Suua 2 3 4 5

Rick Joseph James Robertson Hallam Best No Nomination

Kings Gym Crawley East Area

Super Light Heavyweight -82kg 1 Christian Di Paolo Wicker Camp 2 3 4 5

Ross Parsons Hayden Scott Ian Coe Rufus Apedo

Cruiserweight -86kg 1 Amir Subasic 2 3 4 5 6 7

Dave McMahon Dave McFarlane Paul Grant Phil Burke Roland Abido Joe Colville

Wildkick East Area Minotaurs Red Dragons

Luton SMTC SMTC Sit Ayutthaya Tobins Gym Red Dragons Shin Kick

Pra Chao Suua

KFA Franks Gym Nak Soo Darlington Bad Company Darlington GFC Muaythai Base Gym Super Gym Caledonian

Heavyweight -95kg 1 Duncan Airlie James 2 Chris Batchedor 3 Leo Elenor 4 Will Riva 5 Tony Horbury 6 Rod Phillips

Glasgow Woking Minotaurs Eagles Wales Bolton Bedford

Super Heavyweight +95kg 1 Gary Turner Farnborough 2 Dillian White 3 Chris Knowles

Red Dragons Minotaurs

4 5 6 7 8 9

Rob Lloyd James McSweeney Craig Burke Clive Allison Liam Shore Ben Whitehead

Liverpool TTM Fight Unit Graitong Sitnarong Black Knights

WOMENS: Strawweight -48kg 1 Denise Mellor Bournemouth 2 Emma Close

SMTC

Junior Flyweight -50kg 1 Michelle Grizzle 2 Julie Fleming 3 Sally Braddon 4 Ann Niven

Master A

Bolton Bad Company, Leeds London Thai Fighters

Flyweight -52.5kg 1 Michelle Preston 2 Ruth Ashdown 3 Jo Calderwood 4 Christi Campbell 5 Jackie Short 6 Michelle Newall 7 Charlotte Webster 8 Rosy Hayward 9 Sophie Bowyers 10 Lisa Hackett

Warrington KB Crawley Caledonian Saints Maryport Firewalker Bad Company Diablo Masters As Golden Team

Bantamweight -55kg 1 Melissa Ray Dean Whites Gym 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Hilary Mack Laura Craig Nicola Simpson Julie Elliot Emily Cox Kat Steele Lisa Beeley Kim Shannon

Featherweight -57kg 1 Bernise Alldis 2 Anna Zucahhie 3 Jenny Sawyer 4 No Nomination

Caledonian SMTC Golden Team Saints Phraya Pichai Sitnarong Beastmasters K-Star

Keddles KO Gym Newbury

Super Featherweight -59kg 1 Sarah McArthy Bad Company 2 Gemma Coast 3 Suzanne Munroe 4 No Nomination

Lightweight -61kg 1 Sheree Halliday 2 Bonny Van Oortmerson 3 Annabel Gilly 4 Jo Abrehart 5 Sam Mitchell

Stoke Red Dragons

Sor Khamsing Snipers KO Gym Scorpions Phoenix Gym

Junior Welterweight -63.5kg 1 Julie Kitchen Touch Gloves 2 Lousie McLaughlin 3 Michelle Doig 4 Claire Haigh

Welterweight -67kg 1 Helene Garnett 2 Isabella McCall 3 Zoe Mason 4 No Nomination

Sit Ayuthaya Fighting Fit Sitnarong

Wicker Camp Dragons Annan Touch Gloves

For the latest rankings including the independant British kickboxing rankings visit www.fightersmag.co.uk and click on the rankings button

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