USKBA World Champion TOMMY "Bee" BOTTONE can be heard on www.worldblackbelt.com as the main interview on FIGHT ZONE. The interview, entitled "Streetfighter Turned Kickboxing Champion" will be featured for one month on their website.

The interview focuses on the history behind Bottone's life from his childhood to how he became a kickboxing champion. The following is an excerpt from the interview... "Tommy was already well known as fighter in Middle Island, but not for the kind of fighting that he is proud of today. Tommy was fighting on the streets, a self described hoodlum who was constantly in and out of trouble with the law."

For an insight into the life of a World Champion in three different organizations, make sure you go to www.worldblackbelt.com and read the in depth interview. Bottone is preparing to defend his USKBA World Championship title against TONY "TNT" VENTURA on World Champion Louis Neglia's THUNDER IN TIMES SQUARE at the WWF Restaurant in Times Square NYC on September 21, 2001. For tickets and information, call 718-372-9089.

PERRY AND MRINSKY TO DO BATTLE FOR USKBA MUAY THAI U.S. TITLE AT "NEW YORK SHOWDOWN 5" ON SEPTEMBER 8TH

USKBA Promoter NYKK has signed two of the top heavyweight fighters to be the Main Event at their "NEW YORK SHOWDOWN 5" sportfighting event on September 8, 2001 in New York City. Both fighters are USKBA Champions. MARVIN PERRY will be meeting  VLADIMIR MRINSKY for the vacant USKBA Muay Thai Heavyweight U.S. Championship Title. Both fighters are known for their constant action in the ring. Promoter David Ross has announced the following matches for "NEW YORK SHOWDOWN 5":

AMATEUR MATCHES

Lennox Chance                         San Shou                 Boris Yurganov
AFC Kickboxing                        3 RD, 125 LB                Baltimore San Shou

George Morales                       Kickboxing              Angel
America’s Finest                         3 RD, 159-165 LB        NY Boxing Gym

Nardu Debrah                          San Shou                  Mike Norman
Universal Defense                       3 RD, 156 LB                Boston San Shou

Peter Diaz                                 San Shou                 Jeff Ruth
NYKK                                       3 RD, 175-180 LB       Suriyasak Muay Thai

Danny Morales                         Kickboxing             Owen
America’s Finest                          3 RD, 135-139 LB.      NY Boxing Gym

Aymen Mohammed                  San Shou                 Justin Capiello
NYKK                                       3 RD, 125-130 LB        Boston San Shou

John Muzillo                              Muay Thai              Anthony Talbert
America’s Finest                         3 RD, 210 LB               Sitsuriya Muay Thai

Richard Acosta                         Muay Thai               Vitaly Manchur
NYKK                                       3 RD, 154 LB               Borodin’s Gym

Michael Colon                          Kickboxing              Ricky Spencer
America's Finest                         3 RD, 159 LB                NY Boxing Gym

PROFESSIONAL MATCHES

Steven Berkolayko                    Muay Thai             Jimmy Hattori
Borodin’s Muay Thai                    5 RD, 165 LB             Hybrid Budokan

Peter “F-16” Kaljevic                San Shou               Reza Abassi
                                                    5 RD, 152 LB

USKBA US Muay Thai Championship
Vladimir Mrinsky                       Muay Thai             Marvin Perry
Borodin’s Muay Thai                    5 RD, 198 LB              Boston San Shou

"NEW YORK SHOWDOWN 5" will be held Saturday, September 8, 2001 4 pm at Norman Thomas Auditorium, 111 E 33rd Street at Park Ave. South in New York City. For tickets and additional information, call 212-242-2453.

The USKBA wishes to thank the following sportfighters for their support during the week ending August 26, 2001:

USKBA Licensed Sportfighters

• KENNETH STONE (Milford MA, USA), 135 lbs, fights; Grappling.
• ADAILTON REIS (Hyannis MA, USA), 155 lbs, fights; Grappling, Free Style.
• JANIO RAGGI (E. Bridgewater MA, USA), 180 lbs, fights; Grappling.
• NURI SHAKIR (Nahua NH, USA), 170 lbs, fights; Grappling, Free Style.
• ROLAND FABRE (New York NY, USA), 160 lbs, fights; Grappling, Free Style.
• JEFF MALKI (Cresskill NJ, USA), 140 lbs, fights; Grappling.
• DANIEL LIMA (Kearny NJ, USA), 130 lbs, fights; Grappling.
• PABLO SOUSA (Everett MA, USA), 174lbs, fights; Grappling. 

Based on interviews with the participants of the first USKBA Seminar Series events featuring OLEG "The Russian Bear" TAKTAROV, the seminars are a big success. On August 25, 2001, Oleg Taktarov gave two seminars containing everything from takedowns and submissions to his acting in the movies. The former UFC Champion thrilled the participants with stories from his fighting all over the world and a behind-the-scene look at hollywood.

The first OLEG TAKTAROV SEMINAR was held at USKBA Promoter Bruce Marshall's studio in Salisbury MA. The second OLEG TAKTAROV SEMINAR was held by USKBA Promoter Tony "TNT" Ventura at JBA Jiu-Jitsu in Fall River MA. All the participants seemed to be just as interested in Oleg Taktarov's stories about the UFC and acting as they were in learning techniques, takedowns and submissions. Oleg, one of the most personable fighters in the business, was only too happy to give the people what they wanted. After the hands-on seminar, Oleg discussed his opponents and fights and his travel throughout the world. He also discussed acting with Robert DeNiro in "15 Minutes" and his role in the upcoming motion picture "Rollerball". Oleg was thrilled at the enthusiasm from all the participants. Their level of experience ranged from novice to fighter.

Arrangements are being made to have Oleg conduct additional seminars throughout the United States. If you are interested in attending an OLEG TAKTAROV SEMINAR, or if you are interested in hosting an OLEG TAKTAROV SEMINAR, e-mail us at seminars@uskba.com. 

USKBA SEMINAR SERIES WITH OLEG TAKTAROV MOVES TO NEW YORK

The second day of the USKBA Seminar Series featuring OLEG TAKTAROV SEMINARS proved just as fruitful as the first. Oleg took his seminar to Tom Ingargiola's Shaloin Self Defense Center in West Babylon NY. As reported by Tom Ingargiola... "This Sunday, August 26th, from 10 am to 2:30 pm, Mr.Oleg Taktarov taught two private workshops. Mr.Taktarov has establish himself as one of the world's best fighters by winning many of the top martial arts competitions. Most people know of his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) win. He has done alot more than this. He is also known, as the best leg lock specialist. To tell you the truth, from watching him move for several hours, he is a complete body specialist. HE IS A STUDENT OF BODY MOTION AND HE SHARES IT FREELY! His lessons were well received and he did it in a very personable manner. All questions were answered and each move was demontrated several times at various speeds. It was an honor to have someone of his status visiting our school and we hope to have him back next time he is in town."

Oleg was pleased to spend his birthday with all the enthusiastic participants in this seminar. 

With two USKBA Grappling Champions facing each other, the audience went wild as each tried to get the upper hand. LUCIANO DE OLIVEIRA and NURI SHAKIR squared off in a Main Event that was billed as "The Absolute Championship Match". After the careful feeling out of each other in the first 30 seconds of their scheduled 7 minute bout, De Oliveira and Shakir brought the fight to the canvas. De Oliveira seemed to have the upper hand with Shakir trying to mount an offense. De Oliveira proved too much for Shakir. Shakir tapped out at 4:40 after De Oliveira applied a rear naked choke.

USKBA Promoter Trilogy/Black Belt Productions' "GRAPPLING EXTREME CHALLENGE 4" was held August 24, 2001 at the Wonderland Dog Track in Revere MA. A combination of great grappling bouts, exciting demonstrations and the appearance of special guest UFC Champion and movie star OLEG "The Russian Bear" TAKTAROV made this event a night of pure entertainment. USKBA Promoter Bruce Marshall brought Oleg Taktarov in to meet the fans and sign autographs. When the announcement was made that Taktarov was in the room signing autographs, the fans formed a line and waited patiently for their turn at meeting the celebrity. Taktarov came to the event straight from working reshoots on his next major motion picture "Rollerball". Taktarov's last movie work was "15 Minutes" with Robert DeNiro. To top off the festivities, USKBA Middleweight Grappling Champion JAMES PEACOCK presented MARLEY BRUCE MARSHALL with an Honorary USKBA Champion Belt for his dedication and devotion to all the sportfighting events held by Trilogy/Black Belt Productions. Marley is the son of USKBA Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall. Marley is at all the events arranged by his parents. Anyone who has been to a Trilogy/Black Belt Production event, knows Marley.

In a bout that spectators called the "David and Goliath Bout", two talented grapplers agreed to face each other for 7 minutes of grappling action. TIM WAGNER (160 lbs and tall) and DANIEL LIMA (130 lbs and not that tall) had the crowd on its feet cheering every moment of this bout. The fast and agile Lima attempted many submission holds on Wagner. At times during the bout, Wagner used the ropes for leverage to get out of Lima's grasp. But the end came at 5:45 when Wagner tapped out from a wrist lock by Lima.

In other Grappling action
JANIO RAGGI def PABLO SOUSA by submission at 4:00.
KENNETH STONE def JEFF MALKI by submission at 2:30.
ADAILTON REIS def RONAN ROZA by split decision.

For information on future USKBA Promoter Trilogy/Black Belt Productions events, call 978-828-2149. Be sure to mark the date September 14, 2001 for Trilogy/Black Belt Productions' "BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL and GRAPPLING EXTREME CHALLENGE 5" at Wonderland Dog Track in Revere MA. 

OLEG "The Russian Bear" TAKTAROV will be the special guest at USKBA Promoter Trilogy/Black Belt Productions' "GRAPPLING EXTREME CHALLENGE 4" this Friday night, August 24, 2001, at the Wonderland Dog Track in Revere MA.

Taktarov is coming to the event straight from completing his next major motion picture release "Rollerball" and was in the recent motion picture "15 Minutes" starring Robert DeNiro. Prior to launching a successful motion picture career, Taktarov was a sambo champion and UFC Champion. Taktarov will be on hand to watch the grappling event and perhaps even referee one or two matches.

"GRAPPLING EXTREME CHALLENGE 4" is scheduled to have two USKBA Grappling Championship Titles at stake. For tickets and information, or if you want to compete on the event, call Bruce Marshall at 978-828-2149.

UFC Champion, Sambo Champion and Movie Star OLEG "The Russian Bear" TAKTAROV will be holding hands-on seminars in Massachusetts and New York this weekend. The schedule of seminars is as follows:

Saturday, August 25, 2001 / 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
North Massachusetts
Marshall's Karate Institute
66 Bridge Road / Salisbury MA, USA
Call 978-465-5538, or
e-mail ICHINIBAN@aol.com for additional information

Saturday, August 25, 2001 / 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
South Massachusetts
JBA Jiu-Jitsu
315 Pleasant St, Bldg 1, 6th Floor / Fall River, MA
Call 508-991-5929 for additional information

Sunday, August 25, 2001 / 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
New York
Shaolin Self Defense Center
1 Arnold Avenue West / Babylon NY
Call 631-321-1910 for additional information
 

Thanks to the diligence of USKBA Promoter World Champion Louis Neglia, the drive of USKBA World Champion TOMMY "Bee" BOTTONE and the determination of USKBA Champion TONY "TNT" VENTURA, the long awaited rematch between Bottone and Ventura will take place on September 21, 2001 on USKBA Promoter World Champion Louis Neglia's "THUNDER IN TIMES SQUARE". The battle between these two kickboxers will happen in an appropriate venue...WWF New York, in the heart of the New York City, Times Square.

This bout has been years in the making. On August 8, 1998, Bottone decisioned Ventura to capture the vacant USKBA Super Middleweight World Championship Title. After numerous title defenses, Bottone has yet to relinquish it. Ventura has gone on to win the USKBA Super Middleweight United States Championship Title. Ventura has been waiting for this day. Bottone has agreed that Ventura has earned another shot at the title. On September 21, 2001, Bottone will work hard to keep what he has earned. Ventura will work hard to see that he goes home with the belt that night. Get ready for war!

For additional information on "THUNDER IN TIMES SQUARE", call 718-372-9089.

VENTURA LOOKS IMPRESSIVE IN BOXING "TUNE-UP" FOR BOTTONE FIGHT

On Saturday, August 18, 2001, TONY "TNT" VENTURA extended his unbeaten record (3-0) in boxing. Ventura scored an impressive unanimous decision in a four round boxing match in Taunton MA. All 3 judges scored the fight 40-35. Ventura scored a second round knockdown toward the end of the round (see photo at left).

Ventura took the bout to sharpen his skills in preparation for the fight of his career. On September 21, 2001, Ventura will fight USKBA Super Middleweight World Champion TOMMY "Bee" BOTTONE for Bottone's title. Kickboxing fans have been waiting years for this bout to take place. No one has been waiting longer than Ventura.

On hand to see Ventura add another win to his boxing record was USKBA Super Welterweight Intercontinental Champion GARY BONENFANT (see photo at right). Early in their kickboxing careers, Bonenfant had defeated Ventura. A fight that Ventura later revenged. Bonenfant and Ventura now train together as both were part of USKBA TEAM USA who traveled to the Ukraine last year. As a matter of fact, that was the same team that Bottone had been Head Coach of in the Ukraine. All for the love of the sport.

NYKK ANNOUNCES "NEW YORK SHOWDOWN 5" EVENT IN NEW YORK CITY

USKBA Promoters New York Kung Fu & Kickboxing issued the following announcement:

New York Showdown 5 on Saturday, September 8, 2001 at the Norman Thomas Auditorium, 111 E 33rd Street at Park Ave South, NYC. Theme "World War: Nations Collide". Fighters from USA, Russia, Iran, Egypt, France, Japan, Yugoslavia, Trinidad, Peru and Puerto Rico. For tickets and information, call (212) 242-2453. CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

FEATURE MATCHES

Muay Thai - Professional Title Men 198 LB
Vladimir Mrinsky vs. Marvin Perry
Vladimir Mrinsky holds a USKBA regional championship. Marvin Perry is the undefeated and undisputed San Shou champion of the US.

San Shou – Professional Title Men 150 LB
Reza Abassi vs. Peter Kaljevic
Reza Abassi is the former San Shou champion of Iran. Peter Kaljevic fought recently for K-1 and holds USKBA, PKF and WKA titles. 

Muay Thai - Professional Title Men 165 LB
Steve Berkolayko vs. Motoki "Jimmy" Hattori
Steve Berkolayko is a USKBA champion. Motoki "Jimmy" Hattori is a rising star who not only fights Muay Thai but also Mixed Martial Arts matches. He is affiliated with the Khai Muay Lug Sitnarong of Thailand.

Muay Thai - Men 154 LB
Richard Acosta vs. Vitaly Manchur
Richard Acosta is an undefeated fighter who has won both the ICMAC San Shou Championship and the US OPEN San Shou Championship. He is the #1 ranked San Shou fighter and has already defeated the US national champ in a non-title match. Vitaly Manchur recently challenged the Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) champion of France and is a top contender. 

The USKBA wishes to thank and congratulate the following promoter, clubs, sportfighters and champion for their support during the week ending July 29, 2001:
 

USKBA Promoter

MARCUS ROBINSON / Rochester NY, USA
Promotion Company Name: WetWare, Inc.
 
 
 

USKBA Champion

DAN "The Lizard" LUCAS
Hilton NY, USA / Mountain Storm Kickboxing
USKBA Full Contact Heavyweight World Champion
Date Won:  July 28, 2001
 

USKBA Member Clubs

• MOUNTAIN STORM KICKBOXING / Rochester NY, USA
• ANGELO DI BELLA KARATE & KICKBOXING / Montreal QUE, CAN
• FITKICKS / Oaks PA, USA
• AMERICA'S FINEST KARATE & KICKBOXING / Elizabeth NJ, USA
• TEAM ABU ZAYD / Mississauga ONT, CAN
• OWENS MARTIAL ARTS / Oneida NY, USA
• TEAM SOCIETY / Rome NY

USKBA Licensed Sportfighters

• DAN LUCAS (Hilton NY, USA), 135 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• RUBEN COLON (Elizabeth NJ, USA), 202 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• ANGELO DI BELLA (Montreal Que, CAN), 157lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• RANDALL POGUE (Plymouth Meeting PA, USA), 170 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• MUZAMMAL NAWAZ (Mississauga ONT, CAN), 165lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• FRANK D'AMBRA (Rochester NY, USA), 162 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• KEVIN HOBBS (Sodus NY), 165 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• ANTHONY ROSSI (Montreal Que, CAN), 145 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• PETER DELLA SERRA (Montreal Que, CAN), 190lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• CHAD HALL (Oneida NY, USA), 128 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• DON BURNS (Rochester NY, USA), 181 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• JEFFERY BAASE (Rochester NY, USA), 160 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• CHRIS YOUNG (Marysville PA, USA), 175 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• NABIL SIDDIQI (Rome NY, USA), 135 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing, Grappling.
• ELIJAH DUFFY (Rome NY, USA), 129 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• ANDREW REMILLARD (Rochester NY, USA), 140 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• MARGARETH PERESSUTTI (Hamilton ONT, CAN), 138 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• GORD WADDELL (Hamilton ONT, CAN), 208 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• JOHN COCCA (Rochester NY, USA), 208 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.
• KERIANN McNULTY (Philadelphia PA, USA), 135 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing, Point Sparring.
• ERIK NELSON (Eagleville PA, USA), 224 lbs, fights; Full Contact Kickboxing.

The following is a list of upcoming USKBA events. They are being posted here while we work on the USKBA Calendar of Events.

• August 24, 2001 - Trilogy/Black Belt Productions' "THE BOSTON MASSACRE / GRAPPLING EXTREME CHALLENGE 4" at Wonderland Dog Track in Revere, Massachusetts.
• August 25, 2001 - USKBA Seminar Series OLEG TAKTAROV SEMINAR hosted by Bruce & Lucinda Marshall at Marshall's Karate in Salisbury, Massachusetts.
• August 25, 2001 - USKBA Seminar Series OLEG TAKTAROV SEMINAR hosted by TNT Kickboxing  in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
• August 26, 2001 - USKBA Seminar Series OLEG TAKTAROV SEMINAR hosted by Shaolin Self Defense Centers in Long Island, New York.
• August 31, 2001 - Grand Opening of Ayat Iliakhunov's Restaurant in Houston, Texas with special guests Oleg Taktarov and George Foreman.
• September 8, 2001 - Ventura Productions' "NY SHOWDOWN 5" at the Norman Thomas Auditorium in New York City.
• September 8, 2001 - Angelo Di Bella Kickboxing's "SHOWDOWN AT THE SHERATON 2" at the Sheraton Hotel in Laval, Canada.
• September 14, 2001 - Trilogy/Black Belt Productions' "THE BOSTON MASSACRE / GRAPPLING EXTREME CHALLENGE 5" and "BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL" at Wonderland Dog Track in Revere, Massachusetts.
• September 15, 2001 - TNT Productions' "MARTIAL ARTS CHALLENGE" at Club Jokers in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
• September 21, 2001 - World Champion Louis Neglia's "TENSION IN TIMES SQUARE" at the WWF Restaurant in New York City.
• September 30, 2001 - Sensei Gelani's "CHAMPIONSHIP KICKBOXING IN OHIO" in Toledo, Ohio.
• October 12, 2001 - Trilogy/Black Belt Productions' "THE BOSTON MASSACRE / GRAPPLING EXTREME CHALLENGE 6" at Wonderland Dog Track in Revere, Massachusetts.
• October 13, 2001 - Sampalis Kickboxing and TNT Kickboxing's "SUPERBOUTS 8 / THE FALL BRAWL 3" in Rhode Island.
• October 13, 2001 - Shihan Henri-Oh's "MAYHEM IN MANHATTAN 2" in New York City.
• October 20, 2001 - Luigi Olcese's "SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN 2" at New York Boxing Gym in Yonkers, New York
• October 27, 2001 - "THE USKBA BUCKEYE STATE KICKBOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS" hosted by Golden Lotus Martial Arts in Willard, Ohio.
• October 27-28, 2001 - Bruce and Lucinda Marshall's "GRAPPLING TOURNAMENT" at Wonderland Dog Track in Revere, Massachusetts.
• November 9, 2001 - Trilogy/Black Belt Productions' "THE BOSTON MASSACRE / MUAY THAI MADNESS 2" at Wonderland Dog Track in Revere, Massachusetts.
• November 10, 2001 - Ring of Fire Productions' "RING OF FIRE 8" in Long Island, New York.
• November 16, 2001 - Top Kick Championship Kickboxing's "SUPERFIGHTS 14" at Sports Plus Event Centre in Lake Grove, New York.
• November 24, 2001 - "TEAM USA vs TEAM UKRAINE" hosted by Mountain Storm Kickboxing in Rochester, New York.
• November 27, 2001 - "TEAM USA vs TEAM UKRAINE" hosted by Gene Fabrikant at the Atlantic Oceana Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York.
• December 7, 2001 - Trilogy/Black Belt Productions' "THE BOSTON MASSACRE / GRAPPLING EXTREME CHALLENGE 7" at Wonderland Dog Track in Revere, Massachusetts.
• December 8, 2001 - Shihan Henri Oh's "MAYHEM IN MANHATTAN 3" in New York City.

USKBA Promoter Sampalis Kickboxing's "SUPERBOUTS 8" scheduled for Saturday, August 4, 2001 in Rhode Island has been rescheduled. Charles Sampalis will be teaming with Tony Ventura (TNT Kickboxing) to bring you "THE FALL BRAWL 3/SUPERBOUTS 8" now scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2001. Complete information will be posted as it becomes available.

The New USKBA Calendar of Events section will be operational by Monday, August 6, 2001. The next USKBA event will be August 24, 2001 as USKBA Promoter Trilogy/Black Belt Productions offers "THE BOSTON MASSACRE/GRAPPLING EXTREME CHALLENGE 4" to be held at the Wonderland Dog Track in Revere MA. The Special Guest for the evening will be OLEG "The Russian Bear" TAKTAROV. On Saturday, August 25, 2001, Oleg Taktarov will be holding seminars in North and South Massachusetts with Bruce Marshall and Tony Ventura respectively hosting them.

LUCAS DECISIONS COLON TO CAPTURE USKBA WORLD TITLE ON CHAMPION FILLED "RUMBLE IN ROCHESTER 3"

On Saturday, July 28, 2001, DAN "The Lizard" LUCAS became the newest USKBA World Champion by decisioning RUBEN "Legs of Stone" COLON for the vacant USKBA Full Contact Heavyweight World Championship Title. The bout went the full 10 rounds with neither fighter scoring any knockdowns. In what was to have been a slugfest between two hard hitting and kicking fighters, technique and fight plans reigned supreme. This isn't to say that the punches and kicks thrown by both fighters had nothing on them, but to say that both fighters came in with a fight plan and stuck to it. The first round went to Lucas with the second round going to Colon on all three judge's scorecards. Colon won the third round and Lucas won the fourth round on two of the three judge's scorecards. The next half of the bout saw the scoring going back and forth. When the 10 rounds were over, the scoring was; Judge Rosier scored the fight 95-95, Judge Ramos scored the fight 97-93 and Judge Nesbitt scored the fight 96-94 for the winner by majority decision..........Lucas. Lucas is managed by USKBA Super Middleweight World Champion Tommy "Bee" Bottone.

The LUCAS/COLON bout was the Main Event of USKBA Promoter Mountain Storm Kickboxing's "RUMBLE IN ROCHESTER 3" at the ESL Sports Centre in Rochester NY. The card was filled with martial art demonstrations by Jose Rivera's Sho Shin Karate, Urso's Karate and Angela Di Bella Karate & Kickboxing led by Laura Cordileone. The undercard showcased new amateur kickboxing talent and featured pro USKBA Champions in non-title bouts. JEFF BAASE fought an exhibition with JONAS NUNEZ JR. The crowd also thrilled to a 3 round female kickboxing bout between USKBA Junior Champion KERIANN McNULTY (USA) and MARGARETH PERESSUTTI (CAN). McNulty took charge from the beginning and won a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 30-26 and 30-27.

One of the Featured Bouts saw USKBA Super Welterweight and Middleweight World Champion ANGELO "The Italian Tornado" DI BELLA fighting KEVIN HOBBS in a 5 round non-title bout. Di Bella was impressive as he won four rounds on all judge's scorecards by 10-9 and 10-8 scores. Prior to the beginning of the fifth round, Hobbs' corner realized the only way to win was by an unlikely knockout and decided their fighter had enough. Hobbs did not answer the bell for the beginning of the fifth round and referee Ellwyn Roberts signaled the end of the bout. The winner by TKO at 2:00 of the fourth round...........Di Bella.

Another Featured Bout had USKBA Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion RANDY "The Professor" POGUE (USA) fighting a 7 round non title bout against MUZAMMAL "Abu Zayd" NAWAZ (CAN). Nawaz came out strong winning the first round on all three judge's scorecards. The second and third rounds saw Pogue taking the fight on all three judge's scorecards. Pogue knocked Nawaz to the canvas in the fourth round. The fifth round took up where the fourth left off. Pogue delivered a crushing kick to Nawaz for the second knockdown of the round. Nawaz was holding his shoulder and was unable to get up. The referee stopped the fight. The winner by TKO at 1:23 of the fifth round......Pogue.

In a pro 5 round bout, FRANK "Goodfella" D'AMBRA (USA) fought KYLE FERGUSON (CAN). This bout was non-stop action from the opening bell to the ending bell. Both D'Ambra and Ferguson showed power and technique by trying to gain the upper hand. When the five rounds were over the judges were asked to render a tough decision. The winner by unanimous decision......D'Ambra.

In a five round defense of his USKBA Amateur Heavyweight North American Championship Title, MIKE CORRIDORE (CAN) met JOHN COCCA (USA). By the judge's scorecards, the first half of the fight went to Corridore with Cocca mounting a comeback in the last rounds. Cocca went to the canvas in the third round and came back strong in the final two rounds. At the end of the five rounds, the scoring was; Judge Rosier scored it 48-46 for Corridore, Judge Ramos scored it 47-46 for Cocca, Judge Nesbitt scored it 47-47 even for a draw decision. Corridore retains his title.

In other amateur bouts
ANTHONY ROSSI def ANDY REMILLARD by unanimous decision.
ELI DUFFY def CHAD HALL by split decision.
DON ROBERTSON def JOSE HERNANDEZ by unanimous decision.
PETER DELLA SERRA def DON BURNS by TKO at 1:45 of Round 1.
NICK PETROFF def TODD WARNER by split decision.
DANNY MORALES def NABIL SIDDIQI by unanimous decision.
GORD WADELL def ERIK NELSON by unanimous decision.
BRIAN DOUGLAS def CHRIS YOUNG by unanimous decision.

Participating studios included; Mountain Storm Kickboxing, Team Abu Zayd, Angelo Di Bella Kickboxing, Fitkicks, Team Society, Valley Fitness Center and Owens Martial Arts. The referees for the evening were Ellwyn Roberts, Kevin Rosier and Tom Bottone, The judges were Tom Bottone, Kevin Rosier, Domingo Ramos and Keith Nesbitt. The ring announcer was Jose Rivera. This event was made possible through the efforts of Marcus Robinson, Bob Jobe and countless others. For information on future USKBA Promoter Mountain Storm Kickboxing events, call 716-663-8030 or 716-483-7830.