HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BEST WISHES TO OUR USKBA FAMILY

"The year 2001 has been a tremendous year of growth for the USKBA. We witnessed many new USKBA Promoters, USKBA Member Clubs and USKBA Licensed Sportfighters. Along with the growth of our USKBA Family, came the participation in many additional sportfighting events in America and abroad.

As we look ahead to 2002, we thank everyone who made our growth possible in 2001 and look for the same support in the coming year. We have many new things planned. We will have a booth at Action Martial Arts Magazine's Expo and Trade Show in Atlantic City NJ in January. We will continue publishing our USKBA Champions Page in Action Martial Arts Magazine along with articles from USKBA Sanctioned events. We will expand our USKBA International Sportfighting Events to additional countries and have Robin Postell, from Black Belt Magazine, cover them. Black Belt Magazine has agreed to publish Ms. Postell's articles. We will expand our USKBA Sanctioning into additional states in America. There are many additional items planned for 2002. We look forward to keeping our USKBA Family intact and to welcome new members to our family. Our best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year!"
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USKBA WORLD CHAMPION DAN "THE LIZARD" LUCAS TO FIGHT IN K-1 QUALIFIER

According to the IKF Website, USKBA Full Contact Kickboxing Heavyweight World Champion DAN "The Lizard" LUCAS will be fighting ANTHONY NEWMAN in the K-1 U.S. Qualifier scheduled for February 9, 2002 in Milwaukee WI, USA. Through a process of eliminating bouts, the winner is scheduled to participate in the K-1 USA bouts tentatively scheduled for Las Vegas later in the year. The grand prize will be winning and traveling to Japan for the final K-1 series.

Lucas captured the USKBA World Title by defeating RUBEN "Legs of Stone" COLON. Although Lucas' title is in Full Contact Kickboxing, he is trained in Bando, a sport that uses low kicks. He is also trained in Kyokushinkai.

The K-1 U.S. Qualifier is being promoted by Duke Roufus Gym and sanctioned by the IKF. For additional information, contact Scott Joffe at 414-319-1151 or 414-305-3474 or by e-mail at: HeavyweightGladiators@webtv.net.

HORENSTEIN DECISIONS DIXON TO WIN USKBA MUAY THAI CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AT "INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT 4"

In the Main Event of USKBA Promoter Gene Fabrikant's (Gene Productions) "INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT 4", MOTI "The Hammer" HORENSTEIN and JOHN DIXON banged it out for five rounds for the USKBA Muay Thai Super Heavyweight International Championship Title. Two hard hitters with one purpose...to win the title. Horenstein pushed the fight with punches and an assortment of kicks and knees. Dixon fought back with hard punches. The judges gave the second, third and fourth rounds unanimously to Horenstein. The first round saw two judges giving the round to Horenstein and one judge to Dixon. The fourth round saw two of the judges giving it to Dixon while one judge found in favor of Horenstein. The last round had Horenstein putting Dixon on the canvas. Dixon got up and continued, but the bell sounded before he could muster any assault. After five rounds, the judges were called on to decide the title. Judge Hewski saw the fight 48-46, Judge Rodriguez saw the fight 50-44 and Judge Derespino saw the fight 49-45 all in favor of................... Horenstein by unanimous decision.

"INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT 4" took place at the Atlantic Oceana in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn NY on December 20, 2001. The card featured Muay Thai, Full Contact Kickboxing and Grappling bouts. The referee for the evening was Fred Fitzgerald. The former head of the UFC and e-yada.com, Bob Meyrowitz, was in attendance as was "Beetlejuice" from the Howard Stern Show. This was USKBA Promoter Gene Fabrikant and Vladimir Borodin's fourth "INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT" event held at the Atlantic Oceana in Brooklyn NY. Each event has drawn a packed house. Fabrikant and Borodine are busy working on the fifth "INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT". For information, call Gene Fabrikant at 718-743-1770, Vladimir Borodine at 718-332-7993 or the Atlantic Oceana at 718-743-1515.^ 

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VALENTIN CAPTURES TOP HONORS IN "XTRAVAGANZA 2001" IN USKBA PUERTO RICO'S FIRST EVENT

Two top kickboxers faced each other in a highly anticipated Main Event at USKBA Promoter Regino Babilonia's (Martial Arts World Association) "XTRAVAGANZA 2001". JOSE "Chino" AVILES and ELTON VALENTIN fought a scheduled 7 Round bout for the USKBA Leg Kick Super Middleweight Latin American Championship Title. There was no feeling-out period for both these fighters. Both fighters came out fighting from the opening bell. Each round was 3 minutes in duration. Each round had 3 minutes of fighting. The judges were split on the first two rounds. Two judges gave the first round to Valentin. Two judges gave the second round to Aviles. With the fight even after two rounds, Valentin landed a kick to Aviles' head that opened up a cut above Aviles' right eye. Referee Donnie Carolei called the doctor to check on the cut. The doctor allowed the fight to continue. Aviles protected his eye and came at Valentin. Valentin came at Aviles. The blood trickled down Aviles' face, but seemed not to get into his eye. Again the doctor was called on to look at the cut. The decision was made to allow Aviles to continue again. Aviles, feeling that the bout could be stopped at any moment, began an aggressive attack on Valentin. Valentin was strong and the taller of the two. Valentin managed to throw punches that connected and kicks to Aviles' legs. The blood began streaming down Aviles' face. The referee separated the fighters and at that same moment, someone from Aviles' corner ran into the ring to call a stop to the fight. That someone was Aviles' grandfather. Aviles wanted to continue. Aviles' manager, Freddy Lopez, wanted to continue. But there is always another day. Valentin was declared the winner by TKO at 1:56 of Round 3. A rematch is in the works for 2002.

In the Semi-Main Event for the USKBA Full Contact Kickboxing Middleweight Latin American Championship Title, ORLANDO SANCHEZ and JOSE MENDEZ met in a 5 Round bout. Again, the action began at the first round opening bell and didn't stop until the first round closing bell. The punches were flying. Unfortunately, the kicks weren't. Both fighters were penalized one point for missing kicks. Two judges scored the round for Mendez. Sanchez came out strong in the second round. Mendez went down. Mendez stayed down. Referee Donnie Carolei counted to ten. Bout over. Winner....Sanchez.

"XTRAVAGANZA 2001" was held on December 16, 2001 at the Coliseo Francisco Pancho Deida in Hatiilo, Puerto Rico. USKBA Promoter Regino Babilonia collaborated with USKBA Puerto Rico Representative Freddy Lopez (see photo at left...l to r; Regino Babilonia, Ciclon model and Freddy Lopez) to arrange this event that featured a martial arts tournament and kickboxing bouts. The day before the event, a weigh-in was held at one of the largest malls in Hatillo. The area that held the weigh-in was packed with fighters, sponsors, fans and mall shoppers. A kickboxing exhibition was also presented for all to see. The event venue was an open air arena that is used primarily for the Hatillo basketball team which belongs to a league that happens to be run by Mr. Babilonia. For this event, Mr. Babilonia had a special eight sided ring constructed. The final touches on the ring were made the morning of the event after all the workers worked overnight to complete the project. The ring was inspected by USKBA Officials and modifications were made on the spot. The ring was placed in the center of the arena which left enough space to run the martial arts tournament rings around the eight sided ring. The specially constructed ring would also be used for the finals of the martial arts tournament. In addition to the finals taking place in the eight sided ring, a special MAWA Xtraganza 2001 Xtreme Championship Belt was awarded to the Grand Champion. The 85 degree weather added to the flavor of the island and the event as hundreds of spectators braved the heat and the rain to see this event. Posters were all around the city, numerous interviews were held with radio talk shows and television commercials featuring the event were seen on the local channels.

The martial arts tournament showcased kata, weapons and sparring events featuring students of many martial arts schools from the island. Many of the spectators stayed to watch the entire kickboxing event. The kickboxing bouts were some of the hardest fought matches seen anywhere. The fighters weren't mismatched...they just came to fight. And fight they did. Ten kickboxing bouts with seven ending in KO's. All new USKBA Latin American Champions were worthy of the titles.

The additional results of the Full Contact Kickboxing bouts were as follows:

USKBA Amateur Female Lightweight Latin American Championship
  DIANA MARTINEZ def ROSA LAMBERTY by majority decision.
USKBA Amateur Super Heavyweight Latin American Championship
  ALEXANDER SOTO def WILFREDO VEGA by KO at 1:40 of Round 3.
USKBA Amateur Heavyweight Latin American Championship
  LUIS BANUCHI def WILLIAM CUEVAS by TKO at 1:00 of Round 2.
USKBA Amateur Super Middleweight Latin American Championship
  VICTOR CUEVAS def ERICK RIVERA by TKO at :59 of Round 3.
USKBA Amateur Middleweight Latin American Championship
  LUIS ROMAN and  JORGE QUILES fought to a draw.
USKBA Amateur Super Lightweight Latin American Championship
  SALOMON ACEVEDO def JUAN FIGUEROA by unanimous decision.
USKBA Amateur Super Featherweight Latin American Championship
  EMMANUEL FONTAN def ABIMAEL ROJAS by TKO at 2:00 of Round 1.
USKBA Amateur Super Bantamweight Latin American Championship
  MIKAEL RIOS def EDELMIRO BAEZ by TKO at 1:13 of Round 3.

The event was a success in all aspects. The fighters were happy to be able to show what they learned. The crowd was happy to see kickboxing right in front of them. The sponsors were able to get their names out. "Xtravaganza 2001" brought some notoriety to Hatiilo and to kickboxing in Puerto Rico. Many island notables attended the event. There were politicians, business owners and influential people who joyed in the thought that kickboxing was successful in Puerto Rico. USKBA Promoter Regino Babilonia, and his staff of workers, showed everyone that they are willing to put their best efforts into making these events a continued success. Talks are in the works about arranging USKBA International Sportfighting events in Puerto Rico in 2002.

USKBA Promoter Regino Babilonia and USKBA Representative Freddy Lopez announced the 2002 first half schedule for USKBA Kickboxing events in Puerto Rico; February 8, 2002 in Anasco / March 8, 2002 in San Sebastian / April 12, 2002 in Quebradillas / May 10, 2002 in Laies / June 14, 2002 in Hatillo. For additional information, e-mail puerto_rico@uskba.com.^ 

On Saturday, December 15, 2001, USKBA Promoter Tony "TNT" Ventura (TNT PRODUCTIONS) brings "BATTLE OF THE STATES" to Club Jokers in New Bedford MA. This Full Contact Kickboxing event will feature TEAM MASSACHUSETTS vs TEAM NEW JERSEY, two USKBA Championship Title Bouts, featured kickboxers KENNY KEYES and KERRY WINTERSON and the Pro debuts of JASON ARRUDA and MARK SPAZIANO facing off against each other. Arruda was the USKBA Amateur World Champion and Spaziano was the ISKA Amateur World Champion.

Tickets and information is available by calling TNT Kickboxing at 508-999-5250. Club Jokers is located at 3057 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford MA.

On Sunday, December 16, 2001, USKBA Promoter Regino Babilonia (Martial Arts World Association) brings "Xtravaganza 2001" to the Coliseo Francisco Pancho Deyda in Hatiilo, Puerto Rico. The day will begin with a martial arts tournament followed by USKBA Amateur Full Contact Kickboxing eliminations and finals culminating in crowning 12 new USKBA Amateur Latin American Champions. The headline bouts will feature 3 USKBA Professional Latin American Championship bouts and a MAWA Xtreme 2001 Championship bout. The Main Event will have ELTON VALENTIN fight JOSE "Chino" AVILEZ for the USKBA Professional Latin American Championship Title. These bouts will take place in a special constructed ring for this event.

MAHONEY WINS INTERIM GRAPPLING CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE ON "EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE 7 and MUAY THAI" 

USKBA Grappling Middleweight Champion BILL MAHONEY was going up in weight to meet USKBA Grappling Champion LUCIANO DeOLIVEIRA in a bout for the USKBA Grappling Super Middleweight Northeast Championship Title held on December 7, 2001 at the Wonderland Dog Track in Revere MA. This was to be the Main Event for USKBA Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall's (Trilogy/Black Belt Productions) "EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE 7 and MUAY THAI" event.

Mahoney came in at 162 lbs and all his paperwork for the Massachusetts Boxing Commission (regulatory body in Massachusetts). DeOliveira came in missing his HIV test results. DeOliviera was not allowed to compete and thus Mahoney was named Interim USKBA Grappling Super Middleweight Northeast Champion. This means that Mahoney is be the only grappler who can fight for that title. The Mahoney/DeOliviera bout is being rescheduled to February 2002.

"EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE 7 and MUAY THAI" offered bouts in Grappling and Muay Thai and some spectacular Capoeira demonstrations that thrilled the audience. Wonderland Dog Track has turned out to be a mainstay venue for USKBA Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall events. During the year, they organize Full Contact Kickboxing, Leg Kick, Muay Thai, San Shou, Karate Tournament, Grappling Tournament and Wrestling Professional events at the Dog Track.

In other bouts
Muay Thai
PHUNN NUN def MARK MELTZER by split decision.
Grappling
ADAILTON DosREIS def WHITNEY POWERS in overtime at 1:40 when the referee stopped the contest due to no defense by Powers.
Muay Thai
MIKE NORMAN def SYLA SENGALOUN by TKO at :46 of Round 2.
Grappling
MIKE LIND def CHRIS KENNEY by submission at 4:12.

This event was regulated by the Massachusetts Boxing Commission. The referee was Steve Rida. The judges were Bob White, Frank D'Agostino and Robert Kimber. Lucinda Marshall served as USKBA Representative and scorekeeper. For information on future Trilogy/Black Belt Production events, call 978-465-5538.^ 

JARRETT CAPTURES USKBA WORLD TITLE WITH 2ND ROUND KO ON "VENGEANCE AT THE VANDERBILT 13" 

On paper it looked like the fight between CHRIS "The Cannon" WAGNER and LARRY JARRETT for the USKBA Full Contact Middleweight World Champion Title was going to be one that might go the distance of 10 Rounds. Before the fight, Jarrett insisted he was going to bring the USKBA title belt back to Florida with him. Wagner wanted the belt in culmination of his training to win a world title. The 1st Round belonged to Wagner as all three judges found him coming out ahead. But, 57 seconds into the 2nd Round, Wagner found himself on the canvas courtesy of Jarrett. Referee Jim Gargiulo counted to ten and waved the fight over. The first thing Jarrett did was to go over to Wagner to see if he was all right. After he found out that Wagner was all right, Jarrett rejoiced in winning the belt.

The Wagner/Jarrett Co-Main Event was part of USKBA Promoter World Champion Louis Neglia and Ray Longo's "VENGEANCE AT THE VANDERBILT 13" held on November 30, 2001 at The Vanderbilt in Plainview NY. The card featured Full Contact Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Grappling bouts.

The other Co-Main Event featured USKBA Champion KADIR going against ring veteran and Kickboxing Champion MIKE "Fighting Irish" RYAN in a 10 Round bout for the vacant KICK Cruiserweight World Championship Title. Kadir tried to take control of the fight in the early rounds. He stood toe to toe with Ryan as if he were fighting a 5 Round fight. In the 3rd Round, Ryan went down to the canvas and got up while Referee Fred Corritone counted to eight. Ryan wobbled, but continued fighting. Ryan came back to take the 5th Round on all three judge's scorecards. Ryan was able to land spinning backfists, but they seemed to have little effect on Kadir. Kadir pressed the fight to the last round with an assortment of punches and spinning kicks. After 10 Rounds, the judges were called on to render a decision. Judge Almonte scored the fight 98-91, Judge Barroso scored the fight 98-91 and Judge Gargiulo scored the fight 99-90 for the winner by unanimous decision...........KADIR.

In a Pro Featured Bout, TOMMY "The Warrior" RODRIGUEZ squared off against GOCHA PASIESHVILI in a 5 Round Full Contact Kickboxing bout. Rodriguez used his kicking ability and his boxing training to be the aggressor over Pasieshvili. But Pasieshvili kept coming at Rodriguez. At no time did it look like either fighter would be knocked out. The fight went the distance and the judges were called on for their decision. After 5 Rounds, the win went to Rodriguez by unanimous decision.

In a bout for the KICK Regional Middleweight Championship Title, MICHAEL McCLOUD defeated BRIAN LONG by unanimous decision.

In other bouts
Grappling
JOE SCAROLA def MICHAEL WINKLER by submission at 5:08.
Muay Thai
SHENNEN MACEO and JOE SAMPIERI fought to a majority draw.
Grappling
JORDAN PERGOLA def JOSE RODRIGUEZ by Referee decision.
Muay Thai
CHRIS LIGUORI def GEORGE PHILLIPS by TKO at :12 of Round 2.
Grappling
MIKE PARDYCH def ERIC SHAVER at :57 when referee stopped bout due to cut.
Muay Thai
DAVID TIRELLI def OLEG BUSYGIN by unanimous decision.
Muay Thai
MICHAEL RENO def RICHARD ACOSTA by split decision.
Muay Thai
VITALY MANCHUR def MISAEL APONTE by unanimous decision.
Muay Thai
ELVIS GARCIA def LUKE CUMMO by split decision.
Full Contact Kickboxing
MIKE GIORDANO def RAMON NIEVES by unanimous decision.
Muay Thai
SHAWN RAPOPORT def STAN PANCHOSHNYY by TKO at :39 of Round 1.

The USKBA Representative and scorekeeper was Emily Barnes. The referees were Fred Corritone and Jim Gargiulo (Full Contact Kickboxing), Fred Fitzgerald (Muay Thai) and Scott Burbach (Grappling). The judges were David Ross, Miguel Aponte, Frank Barroso, Fred Coritone and Jim Gargiulo. The kick counters were Ron Isaac and Richard Dambakly. This event was taped for broadcast by John Burke and George Strickland for MSG-TV Professional Kickboxing Tour. For information on future USKBA Promoter World Champion Louis Neglia events, call 718-372-9089.

USKBAwear BEGINS SALE OF USKBA SPORTFIGHTING T-SHIRTS

The first design of new USKBAwear USKBA T-shirts has been made available in time for the holiday season. The new USKBA Sportfighting T-shirts features the USKBA logo on a heavyweight cotton blend white t-shirt. All adult sizes are available.

The new USKBA Sportfighting T-shirts have been test marketed through sales at recent USKBA Sanctioned events and have been well received with brisk sales. To purchase USKBA Sportfighting T-shirts, e-mail sales@uskba.com and place a reservation. Additional payment and shipping information will be e-mailed back to you. Each t-shirt is $20 plus $3.50 shipping and handling. USKBA Licensed Sportfighters and current members will save up to 20% when purchasing these shirts online...because we will pay shipping and handling.

Studio and club owners can have their information and logo printed on the reverse side of USKBA Sportfighting T-shirts at a nominal charge. For additional information on this program, e-mail info@uskba.com.

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USKBA TEAM USA WINS THE HEARTS OF THE UKRAINE PEOPLE IN SPORTFIGHTING EVENTS

USKBA TEAM USA members have won the hearts of the people in the Ukraine with their kickboxing talent and personalities. Devon Cormack, Michael Corleone, Sunshine Fettkether and Eric Pinarreta proved to be the best ambassadors for America on the heels of the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

With two events in the Ukraine, November 20th in Zaporizhzhya and November 24th in Poltava, the USKBA ended a two year series of exhibitions with the Professional Association of Martial Arts/Ukraine that will determine the rules and schedules for future events between the United States and the Ukraine. The schedule of events for 2002 will be made confirmed shortly. The theme for these past two events was "Sports Against Terrorism" and was widely received by the politicians, organizers and the Ukrainian people.

On November 18, 2001, USKBA TEAM USA traveled to Kiev Ukraine (see photo at left) from their respective states for events in Zaporizhzhya on November 20th and Poltava on November 24th. Devon Cormack left from New York. Michael Corleone left from Florida. Sunshine Fettkether left from Arizona. Eric Pinarreta left from Massachusetts. Traveling from Georgia was Robin Postell, journalist accompanying USKBA TEAM USA to cover the events. With fingers crossed, all team members met up in Vienna Austria for the flight to Kiev. Upon arrival in Kiev, USKBA TEAM USA was met by the organizers of the events and Eugenia Borshevskaya, General secretary of the Professional Association of Martial Arts/Ukraine. Then came an 8 hour bus ride to Zaporizhzhya. Flights within the Ukraine are scarce and operate only within a small time frame. It is virtually impossible to coordinate catching a flight within the Ukraine with the times of arrival to the Ukraine from America. The flights only operate on certain days and with the event of September 11th, many airlines have cut their flights. One might get the feeling that being in the Ukraine is like going back in time....the transportation, the hotels, the communication. In some respects it might be, but it also exciting to be in a country at the beginning of their "democracy" and to see it possibly emerge as a great nation. One thing there is no shortage of in the Ukraine is friendly and warm people. As much as amenities might lack, they make up for it with their hospitality. Every USKBA TEAM USA member who has traveled to the Ukraine for these exhibitions has wanted to go back to the Ukraine. This new USKBA TEAM USA was no exception. On of the highlights of the trip was the visit to one of the outdoor markets. USKBA TEAM USA members (see photo at right) were quick to snap up may bargains on clothing and other items. Additional trips to museums and sightseeing were also provided by the hosts.

November 20th found USKBA TEAM USA in Zaporizhzhya and November 24th found USKBA TEAM USA in Polatava. USKBA TEAM USA members faced the same opponents on each event. Previous events between USKBA TEAM USA and TEAM Ukraine established that all the fighters in the Ukraine are good fighters. Devon Cormack, Michael Corleone and Eric Pinarreta fought Full Contact Kickboxing bouts and Sunshine Fettkether fought Leg Kick bouts. Other bouts on each event included kickboxing and boxing featuring fighters from the Ukraine and Belarus. The event in Poltava featured a WBA World Title Boxing bout between Russia and the Ukraine. In Zaporizhzhya, USKBA TEAM USA was received warmly by the 4,000 plus spectators. Although the spectators rooted for their hometown fighters, cheers could be heard for Cormack, Corleone, Fettkether and Eric.

Cormack faced Denis Tupilenko in a 5 Round bout. Although Tupilenko was about a foot taller, Cormack was able to rock him with great body shots. On occasion, Cormack would also find Tupilenko's head. Tupilenko had a habit of bending down. Cormack showed the audience an exhibition in technique and terrific kicks. It looked as if there was a 6th Round, Cormack would have finished off Tupilenko. When both fighters were reintroduced to the audience at the end of their bout, they both received rousing applause.

Corleone fought Nikolai Korenev in a 5 Round bout. Korenev fought the last time USKBA TEAM USA was in the Ukraine. Both fighters were aggressive and tried to land power punches. Corleone's boxing skills were evident as he evaded Korenev's punches and mounted his own attacks on Korenev. Korenev seemed to rely more on his kicking as the bout progressed. At the end of 5 Rounds, both fighters showed mutual respect for each other when they were again introduced to the audience.

Sunshine went against Larisa. The fight started by each fighter feeling each other out. Sunshine quickly showed her kickboxing ability by tremendous leg kicks. Larisa seemed to be hurt by them. Larisa would try her boxing skills, but Sunshine would take everything Larisa delivered and retaliated with a punching attack of her own. Throughout the bout, Sunshine never seemed hurt. On the other hand, Larisa seemed hurt. At the end of 5 Rounds, everyone in attendance applauded the action of the ladies.

Pinarreta fought Igor Pilipenko in a 7 Round bout. Pinarreta was so eager to go to the Ukraine, that he accepted the position on the team knowing that his opponent was heavier than him. Pinarreta was supposed to come in at 174 lbs and Pilipenko was to come in at 188 lbs. At the weigh-in, Pilipenko weighed 190 lbs and Pinarreta weighed 165 lbs. Pilipenko has been on two previous events fighting against Dan Lucas and Ruben Colon. In addition to weighing 25 lbs more than Pinarreta, Pilipenko stood at 6'5" while Pinarreta stood at 5'10". Pinarreta was impressive. He was relentless. He had excellent corner guidance from Cormack, Corleone and Sunshine. Pinarreta did everything he was supposed to do. His punches got in. His kicks got in. Pilipenko would not back up. But neither did Pinarreta. The 7 Rounds went by so quick. Maybe not to Pilipenko and Pinarreta. The crowd was on their feet for the entire time. Again, like all the previous bouts, both opponents showed world class spirit when they were reintroduced to the crowd following their bout.

November 24th found USKBA TEAM USA in Poltava in front of 2,000 plus spectators. As impressive as everyone performed in Zaporizhzhya, Poltava proved to be better. Cormack was his usual lesson-teaching kickboxer loved by all in the Ukraine and Pinarreta showed everyone that he can fight against the best. Additional high accolades came in for the Corleone and Sunshine. While other USKBA TEAM USA teams had great fighters, the organizers had stated that, as a whole, this was the strongest USKBA TEAM USA who had fought in the Ukraine to date. They said Cormack was great fighter and Pinarreta was a strong fighter. Then praises came in for Corleone as having a better second fight against Korenev and Sunshine for total domination of her opponent. In his second fight with Korenev, Corleone had ducked into Korenev's knee which opened a five inch gash on the top of Corleone's head. But that didn't stop Corleone. With blood gushing from the cut, Corleone continued to fight. In her second fight with Larisa, Sunshine was relentless. She impressed everyone by knocking Larisa to the canvas with a right kick to the head that could be heard in the back of the arena. After the fight, Larisa had to be treated by the doctor for the damage to her legs. In both Zaporizhzhya and Poltava, the audiences mobbed all the American fighters for autographs. USKBA TEAM USA 2001 was a hit with everyone in the Ukraine.

As a practice during the past two years of these USKBA International Sportfighting Events, Ukrainian officials write down how they score each bout. After these last events, the organizer, Mr. Andrei Chistov(Vice President Professional Association of Martial Arts/Ukraine), met with Mr. Paul Rosner (President USKBA) to discuss future events. The main agreement that was reached concerned the judging. Future events will see one judge from the Ukraine, one judge from America and a neutral judge to score the bouts. Once the officials are up to USKBA standards of officiating, actual scoring of bouts will take place.

Black Belt Magazine has sent a letter to the USKBA stating that Ms. Robin Postell will cover the events for the publication. The USKBA will be searching for future USKBA TEAM USA members in the sports of; Full Contact Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Leg Kick Kickboxing, Boxing and Free-Style Grappling. Interested fighters should send a biography and picture to sportfighting@uskba.com. In addition, the USKBA will be searching for promoters interested in hosting a USKBA International Sportfighting Event in America. Interested promoters should send a biography to promoter@uskba.com. Snail mail can be sent to; USKBA, PO Box 427, Dumont NJ 07628. Additional details will be posted when they become available. Additional photos of USKBA TEAM USA November 2001 Tour will be posted shortly.

PANZA DECISIONS DORE TO RETAIN USKBA WORLD TITLE AND WIN ISKA WORLD TITLE ON "SUPERFIGHTS 14" 

USKBA Full Contact Super Heavyweight World Champion DEREK PANZA(USA) defended his title against SIMON DORE (CAN) and also fought for the ISKA Heavyweight World Championship Title in a 12 Round bout on "SUPERFIGHTS 14" on November 16, 2001. Both fighters were well seasoned and not unknown when it comes to world championship fights. The opening round was a customary feeling-out round with Panza getting the upper hand. The first half of the bout saw Panza on the attack and Dore playing defense. In the 7th Round, Dore missed the minimum kicks. In the 9th Round, Dore came back to win the round on all three judges' scorecards. The 10th, 11th and 12th Rounds found the judges split on the winner of the rounds, however, Dore missed kicks in the 12th Round too. After 12 Rounds, the judges were called on to render a decision. Judge LaMonica scored the fight 118.5 to 111, Judge Kanehl scored the fight 117-108.5 and Judge Paolillo scored the fight 119.5 to 107, all in favor of the winner by unanimous decision...............DEREK PANZA.

USKBA Promoter Joe Puleio (Top Kick Championship Kickboxing) managed to put together an awesome event at Sports Plus Event Centre in Lake Grove NY. The card featured The Main Event of Panza/Dore for the USKBA and ISKA World Championship Titles, a Co-Main Event of Mauro/Rolan fighting for a USKBA Championship Title, an undercard featuring some of the top kickboxers and grapplers on the circuit today and exciting martial art demonstrations.

In the Co-Main Event for the USKBA Full Contact Welterweight Eastcoast Championship Title, BOB MAURO met ROLANDO ROLAN in a scheduled 5 Round bout. The first 2 Rounds saw Mauro and Rolan both trying to win the round by technique. Mauro came out ahead in both rounds. The 3rd, 4th and 5th Rounds overwhelmingly went to Mauro by virtue of knockdowns and Rolan missing kicks in the 3rd Round. Mauro was the smaller of the two, but proved to be the more powerful. Judges LaMonica, Kanehl and Paolillo gave the fight to Mauro by scores of 50-39.

In the third USKBA Championship Title bout, SHAWN CAMPBELL and PETER ANASTASIO fought a 3 Round bout for the vacant USKBA Amateur Full Contact Cruiserweight Long Island Championship Title. This bout turned into a war. Both fighters were ready to take the USKBA Championship Title. The first two rounds went to Anastasio with a knockdown in Round 2. The 3rd Round went to Campbell with a knockdown of Anastasio. After 3 Rounds, Judges LaMonica, Kanehl and Paolillo all scored the fight 28-27 in favor of Anastasio.

In the fourth USKBA Championship Title bout, LEANNA SERRAS and DORIAN MURRAY fought for the vacant USKBA Amateur Female Full Contact Heavyweight Long Island Championship Title. With Serras known for her power and aggressiveness and Murray known for her technique and determination, this bout was destined to be a thriller. Murray came out swinging and kicking and would not allow Serras to breathe. Murray scored a knockdown and a standing 8 count in the 1st Round. Although Serras fought back in the 2nd Round, Murray was able to win the round. Adrenaline was flying in the 3rd, and last, Round as Serras was fighting back and Murray saw the title in sight. Referee Pat Sullivan issued a point deduction to Murray for unsportsmanlike conduct. When the fight was over, Judges LaMonica, Kanehl and Paolillo all scored the fight 29-25 in favor of Murray.

In other bouts
Grappling
CHRIS ORLANDO def TOM FALLON by 6-0 score.
Grappling
JOHN BACHMAN def JOE BERTAGNI by tapout at 2:06.
Grappling
ROBERT FEINER def ROBERT SMITH by submission at 2:13.
Grappling
PHILIP SCHOPPMANN def ERIC KRAMER by tapout at 5:05.
Full Contact Kickboxing
KELLY HINTON def CORINE MANGAN by unanimous decision.
Full Contact Kickboxing
ERIC SIMMONS def RAY SPROUSE by TKO at 1:12 of Round 3.
Grappling
JOHN BACHMAN def DION ARROYO by tapout at :57.
Full Contact Kickboxing
KEVIN BOLANOS def ALEX MONTESINO by unanimous decision.
Full Contact Kickboxing
ZACK McGEE def STEVEN CASTELLI by split decision.

For information on future USKBA Promoter Top Kick Championship Kickboxing events, call 631-360-8830.