NYKK ANNOUNCES OPENING OF SECOND FACILITY IN NEW YORK CITY

USKBA Member Club NYKK, has issued a press release on the opening of their second facilty in New York City... "We are happy to announce that NYKK Gym will be opening its second location in May 2002. NYKK Gym 2 will be located at 336 W 37th Street, between 8th Ave and 9th Ave, on the 5th floor. It will feature a regulation boxing ring, 24' by 40' mat space, Fairtex Muay Thai bags and all the equipment necessary for a full fighting gym. Classes will be offered in San Shou, San Da, Muay Thai, Western Boxing and Grappling. We will have an open house and membership specials in May. Members will be able to take classes at BOTH locations. For more information, call (212) 242-2453 or visit www.angelfire.com/ny/sanshou."

"GARDEN STATE KARATE INVITATIONAL GAMES" CONTINUES ITS REIGN AS TOP MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT

In a time when all martial art tournaments are experiencing a declining competitor base, KAREN and MEL KLEIN (KAM Sports) experienced a growth in their "2002 GARDEN STATE KARATE INVITATIONAL GAMES" tournament over the previous years event. Their tournament is a 100% pre-registration tournament. Their tournament boasts certified referees and judges. Their tournament says it begins at 10:00 am and it begins at 10:00 am. Those might be some of the reasons for the growth.

This years event was held at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Somerset NJ on April 21, 2002. Even with the hundreds of competitors, everyone was out by 5:00 pm. This year, martial artists from all over New Jersey competed for top honors in Forms, Sparring, Weapons, Self Defense and Team Competition divisions. The ages of the competitors ranged from the youngest in the kids divisions to the not-so-youngest in the seniors divisions. Martial artists from backgrounds in Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido and other styles made watching this event a memorable experience.

The results of the event will be posted on the KAM Sports Website at www.kamsports.com and published in various martial art puclications. For additional information on this event, or future events, call 201-265-4847.^

DANNY MORALES AND JAYME DENNIS LADD WIN USKBA TITLES ON "SUPERBOUTS" IN RHODE ISLAND

The event was a smoker in the "SUPERBOUTS" series arranged by USKBA Promoter Charles Sampalis (Sampalis Kickboxing). But it featured some of the rising stars in kickboxing. The Main Event was for the USKBA Amateur Full Contact Kickboxing Welterweight Northeast Championship Title and featured JORGE GOMEZ(RI) going against DANNY MORALES(CT).Both fighters looked to be in terrific shape for their scheduled four round fight. Gomez seemed to be the fighter and Morales seemed to be the technician. Morales was able to get off first throughout the entire fight. Although Gomez would back Morales up, Morales landed first. The bout looked like a sparring session for Gomez and a fight for Morales. Gomez never gave up. But, neither did Morales as he thrilled the crowd with his assortment of kicks. The bout went the distance and the judges scored the fight unanimously for Morales.

In a Featured Bout for the USKBA Amateur Female Full Contact Kickboxing Middleweight New England Championship Title, JAYME DENNIS LADD and TANYA GUZMAN squared off for a three round bout. Guzman took the aggressive position while Ladd laid back and countered. Ladd was effective and won the first round on all three judges' scorecards. Guzman fought back to win the second round on two judges' scorecards while the third judge gave the round to Ladd. Ladd started the third round taking the fight to Guzman. Ladd was able to land punches and kicks that had an effect on Guzman. Both fighters worked the final round as if they knew the winner of the round would be crowned USKBA Champion. In the final round, Ladd put Guzman on the canvas and Guzman was issued a standing eight count by referee Peter Manfredo. The bell sounded the end of the round and the bout. Both kickboxers seemed happy it was over. The judges gave the unanimous decision to Ladd.

In other action
MEDO LEONARDES def PETER XIARHOS by unanimous decision.
TAYLOR BRITTO def RANDY OLIVEIRA by unanimous decision.
MARIO PESANTEZ and ANGEL VALERIO fought an exhibition.
KOREN PACHECO and MATHEW WRZESINSKI fought an exhibition.
JOSEPH BAVOUA and MARIO PESANTEZ fought an exhibition.

The event was held at Manfredo's Gym in Pawtucket RI. Participating studios included; Sampalis Kickboxing, TNT Kickboxing, America's Finest Karate and Kickboxing Schools, Shuhari Dojo, Huard's Ju-Jitsu and Karate, Rondeau's Kickboxing, Cherry Valley Tae Kwon Do and Chin Bo Jok Martial Arts Academy.^

AVETISYAN, MYRZABEKOV AND IBRAHIM WALK AWAY WITH USKBA TITLES ON "INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT"

He came in from Russia. He arrived in America on Wednesday, April 17, 2002. On Thursday, April 18, 2002, he won the USKBA Grappling Heavyweight International Championship Title. On Friday, April 26, 2002, he departs for his return to Russia. His name is MICHAEL AVETISYAN (pictured at left with promoter Gene Fabrikant) and we're going to hear a lot of him. He wants to continue fighting in America. Negotiations are under way for his next bout. He boasted a 27 win, 0 loss, 2 draw record. Among the 29, now 30, bouts is a draw with the Ukraine's IGOR VOVCHANCHIN. Most people who witnessed the fight gave the bout to Avetisyan. Avetisyan's bout for the USKBA Title was against a game LUCIANO BENITEZ (USA). Benitez had a background in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Prior to the bout, discussions were going on regarding the rules. Avetisyan fights with closed and open hand strikes. Benitez trained for a non-striking bout. Promoter Fabrikant eventually agreed to allowing the fight to go on with no striking. For most of the bout, Avetisyan had the advantage over Benitez. Benitez would play defense to Avetisyan's offense. In the dwindling minutes of the bout, Avetisyan lifted Benitez and slammed him to the mat in a maneuver reminiscent of professional wrestling. Avetisyan walked away from his opponent lying on the canvas and signaled to the referee to stop the match. The referee agreed. Benitez agreed. The referee stopped the contest and awarded the bout and the USKBA Grappling Heavyweight International Championship Title to Avetisyan.

In a bout for the USKBA Grappling Super Welterweight International Championship Title, RINAT MYRZABEKOV (Kazakhstan) and COLIN MANNSUR(Holland) faced off for a scheduled 2 five minute round match. The bout seemed to begin while the referee gave his instructions. Mannsur attempted to stare down Myrzabekov. Myrzabekov, unhampered by Mannsur's glare, proceeded to attack at the opening bell. Myrzabekov threw a hold on Mannsur and brought him to the canvas. Myrzabekov, in the superior position, threw open handed strikes to Mannsur's head. Mannsur would move his head enough as not to be taken out by the strikes. Myrzabekov was able to thwart any offense by Mannsur and began to work submission attempts. Myrzabekov was able to apply an armbar on Mannsur. The referee stood right over the two fighters and finally called a stop to the contest. Although the decision was briefly disputed by Mannsur, reality dictated that the referee stopped the bout before any possible permanent injury would be placed on Mannsur. Myrzabekov wins the USKBA Grappling Super Welterweight International Championship Title by referee stoppage at 2:35 into the bout.

In a bout for the USKBA Leg Kick Super Lightweight International Championship Title, AKMAL ZAKIROV (Uzbekistan) and RAMI IBRAHIM(Palestine) faced off in a scheduled five round match. Zakirov came out and seem to want to end the bout immediately. Ibrahim stood in there and fought off the advances of Zakirov. Zakirov threw punches and kicks. Ibrahim landed some good leg kicks. Two judges gave the first round to Zakirov and one judge gave the round to Ibrahim. The second round saw Ibrahim being effective with his punches and kicks. Zakirov seemed to hold his own. Two judges gave this round to Ibrahim, while one judge gave the round to Zakirov. The third round had Ibrahim chopping at Zakirov with leg kicks. Zakirov would not give up and kept coming at the much younger Ibrahim. When the round was over, it looked like Ibrahim's leg kicks had taken it's toll on Zakirov's legs. Two judges gave the round to Ibrahim and one judge gave the round to Zakirov. It looked as if this bout was going to be a close decision if it went the five rounds. Before the bell could begin the fourth round, Zakirov's corner threw in the towel. Zakirov's leg was injured and he couldn't continue. The winner of the USKBA Leg Kick Super Lightweight International Championship Title was Ibrahim by TKO at 2:00 of Round 3.

The USKBA Title bouts were the Main Events of USKBA Promoter Gene Fabrikant's (Gene Productions) "INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT" on April 18, 2002 at the Atlantic Oceana in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn NY. This event featured fighters from America, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia and a team from Holland in Grappling, Leg Kicks and Muay Thai bouts. One of the Featured Bouts was a Grappling match between EDWARD YUSUFOB and DARRVI CALOTES (see picture at left). The bout saw Yusufob having the advantage over Calotes for most of the time. It didn't seem that either fighter was in jeopardy of submission. This bout went the full 2-five minute rounds. The unanimous decision went to Yusufob. In another Featured Bout, scheduled for three rounds in Muay Thai, STEVE BERKOLAYKO and CHRIS ROMULO squared off against each other. Romulo looked like a good technician. But so did Berkolayko. It seemed that Berkolayko was able to press the fight and be more effective than Romulo. The bout went the distance with the unanimous decision going to Berkolayko. In a Special Woman's Grappling bout, YVONNE KOULIKOV and IRINA BOGACIOVA met for a scheduled 2-five minute round match. Bogaciova applied an armbar on Koulikov and started to stretch the arm. The referee stopped the action and awarded the decision to Bogaciova at 46 seconds into the match.

In other bouts
Grappling
OLEG SAVITSKY def BRIAN MAULANY (Holland) by unanimous decision.
Muay Thai
YURI POSOKHOV def VINCENT HIJNEN (Holland) by unanimous decision.
Grappling
ROALND FABRE def VLAD KOULIKOV by referee stoppage at :53 Round 2.
Muay Thai
PAUL BAKKER (Holland) def ANTON KIRICHENKO by unanimous decision.
Full Contact Kickboxing
OSWALDO NUNEZ and JOSEPH BAVOUA fought an exhibition.

The USKBA Representative was Emily Barnes. The USKBA Referees were Donny Carolei (Kickboxing) and Kuhn Fred Fitzgerald (Muay Thai). For information on future Gene Productions' events, call 718-743-1770.^

USKBA TO HOLD MEETING NEXT WEEK TO DETERMINE VENUE AND RULES

The USKBA announced that it will hold a meeting next week between May 1-3 to decide on the venue and rules for its first major sportfighting tournament in August 2002. The "USKBA 2002 SPORTFIGHTING AMERICA/ULTIMATE ELIMINATION" Amateur Sportfighting Tournament will be held in New Jersey over the weekend of August 24, 2002. The tournament will be open to men, women and children sportfighters and will feature sportfighting divisions of Full Contact Kickboxing, Oriental Rules Kickboxing, Continuous Contact and Submission Grappling.

The venue that will be selected will determine if the tournament is a one day or two day tournament. The rules for each Sportfighting Division will be posted to the USKBA Website after the meeting next week. This tournament will be a 100% pre-registration tournament and each Sportfighting Division will have a limited amount of spots available for competitors. The available spots will be filled by the earliest received applications. The Competitor Packages are expected to be mailed out by May 20, 2002.

Additional details will be posted as they become available. To request a Competitor Package, e-mail: sportfighting@uskba.com, or call 212-760-4766.

On Saturday, April 27, 2002, The Kean University Martial Arts Club and The International Circle of Masters presents "THE MARTIAL ARTS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS/DEMONSTRATION EXTRAVAGANZA" at the Wilkins Theater at Kean University in Union NJ. Tickets are available at the Kean University Box Office or by calling Mr. Hargrove at 973-332-1510. All e-mail inquiries should be sent to: bighurt_@yahoo.com. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children or Kean Community with valid ID. Limited seating available.

On Sunday, April 28, 2002, The International Circle of Masters and Aducare Martial Arts Enterprises presents "ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS TRAINING CAMP SEMINAR" featuring Grand Master Jersons Nene Tortal, 6th Dan Rick Stickles, 6th Dan Aaron Wilkins and 4th Dan Thomas Hargrove. This seminar will be held at Aikido Schools of New Jersey in Roselle Park NJ from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The cost is $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Contact Mr. Hargrove at 973-332-1510. All e-mail inquiries should be sent to: bighurt_@yahoo.com.

On Friday, April 26, 2002, "SPORTFIGHTING CLOSE UP" TV Show will run the second part of Trilogy/Black Belt Productions' event taped in February 2002. "SPORTFIGHTING CLOSE UP" can be seen on WNDS-TV, serving over 2,000,000 homes from Maine to Massachusetts. "SPORTFIGHTING CLOSE UP" is hosted by Jonas Nunez Jr. and Sean Alvarez. This show will feature action from USKBA Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall's (Trilogy/Black Belt Productions) "EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE and MUAY THAI" event held in February at the Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere MA and includes the bouts of Jorge Rivera and Michael Norman. Check your local listings for WNDS-TV stations in your area.

On Thursday, April 18, 2002, USKBA Promoter Gene Fabrikant (Gene Productions) presents "INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT" at the Atlantic Oceana in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn NY. This event will feature fighters from America, Holland, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia in Grappling, Leg Kicks and Muay Thai. Two USKBA Title bouts were planned. An additional surprise Superfight has been added as a Russian Grappling champion will go against a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion for the USKBA Grappling Super Heavyweight International Championship Title. In a bout for the USKBA Grappling Super Welterweight International Championship Title, Renat Myrzabekov (Kazakhstan) will be going against Colin Mansuur (Holland). In a bout for the USKBA Leg Kicks Super Lightweight International Championship Title, Akmal Zakitov (Uzbekistan) will be fighting Rami Abrahim (USA). A spectacular undercard is planned. For tickets and information, call 718-743-1770. Tickets are available on a limited basis.

On Saturday, April 20, 2002, USKBA Promoter Charles Sampalis (Sampalis Kickboxing) presents "SUPERBOUTS" at Manfredo's Gym in Pawtucket RI. Two amateur USKBA Championship Title bouts are scheduled. The undercard will feature some of the top kickboxers in the New England area. 

George Gomez will be going against Danny Morales for one USKBA Championship Title and Jayme Dennis Ladd will be fighting Tanya Guzman for a USKBA Amateur Female Championship Title. Gomez and Morales are two of the fastest rising kickboxing stars in their weight division. This bout is being billed as the classic confrontation between power and technique. Gomez has power and Morales has technique. Ladd and Guzman are both climbing the ladder of success in kickboxing. This championship title bout is featurring two of the most talented ladies of New England kickboxing.

Manfredo's Gym is located at 179 Conant Street in Pawtucket RI. Tickets are available at Manfredo's Gym or by calling 401-419-3871 or 401-723-1359.
 

On Saturday, April 20, 2002, "SPORTFIGHTING CLOSE UP" TV Show will offer its second TV Show on WNDS-TV, serving over 2,000,000 homes from Maine to Massachusetts. "SPORTFIGHTING CLOSE UP" is hosted by Jonas Nunez Jr. and Sean Alvarez. This show will feature action from USKBA Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall's (Trilogy/Black Belt Productions) "EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE and MUAY THAI" event held in February at the Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere MA. Check your local listings for WNDS-TV stations in your area.

On Sunday, April 21, 2002, KAM SPORTS presents "The Garden State Games Karate Invitational" martial arts tournament being held at The Ukrainian Cultural Center in Somerset NJ. This tournament will feature competition in Forms, Sparring, Weapons and Self Defense.

This tournament is a 100% pre-registration tournament as competitors must be pre-registered in order to compete. The tournament begins promptly at 10:00 am with the "Parade of Athletes" and the singing of the National Anthem.

Spectators are welcome. For additional information, visit the KAM SPORTS Website at www.kamsports.com or call 201-265-4847.

DRAGON LAIR FIGHTERS TAKE TITLES AT "EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE" IN MA

USKBA Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall (Trilogy/Black Belt Productions) presented "EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE" at the Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere Massachusetts on April 12, 2002. This event was governed by the Massachusetts Boxing Commission and sanctioned by the USKBA. The card featured Grappling bouts including two USKBA Grappling Title bouts. USKBA Grappling Heavyweight International Champion JORGE RIVERA was scheduled to defend his title, however his opponent did not show up.

In the Superfight of the evening, for the USKBA Grappling Super Light Heavyweight Northeast Championship Title, MARIO RAMOS and JUNIOR YSALQUEZ fought  a scheduled 10 minute time limit bout. From the beginning of the bout, the fans realized they were in for some action. Both grapplers attempted to gain the upper hand. Ramos would attempt to work an advantage and a submission hold and Ysalquez would fight back and try to reverse the advantage. The bout went the distance and the judges were called on to render a decision. The bout, and the title was decided by a split decision as two judges gave it to one fighter and one judge gave it to the other fighter. The winner, by split decision................. Mario Ramos.

The second USKBA title bout, had USKBA Grappling Middleweight New England Champion BILL MAHONEY defending his title against NURI SHAKIR. This bout was to be Mahoney's third scheduled defense of his title. Mahoney has been very successful on past "EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE" events. Shakir has been very successful on all grappling events. This bout was scheduled for a 10 minute time limit. From the opening bell, Shakir came out as the aggressor. Mahoney fought off Shakir's aggressiveness but was not able to mount his own offense. It looked as if Mahoney could not figure a way to counter and gain the upper hand. Whenever Mahoney mounted an offense, Shakir was able to counter and at times, gained the upper hand. The bout went the distance and it had seemed that neither fighter was in jeopardy of a submission. When the judges were called on to give their decision, the crowd waited in anticipation to see if Mahoney would retain his title or if Shakir would walk away as the new champion. The judges scored the bout a unanimous decision in favor of the winner....... Nuri Shakir.
 

In other grappling action
DAN KELLEY won his bout by submission at 1:20.
WELVES ROCHA def PHIL McINTYRE by unanimous decision.
JASON LURIE lost by split decision.
MIKE DALY won by split decision.
ROBERT ANDREWS def LUC NGUYEN by RSC at 5:53.
RAYMOND SILVA lost by split decision.

"EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE" was taped for broadcast by "Sportfighting Close Up" with hosts Jonas Nunez Jr. and Sean Alvarez. "Sportfighting Close Up" can be seen on WNDS-TV the first and third Saturday nights of each month. For additional information, e-mail sportfighting@uskba.com, or call 212-760-4766.

For information on future Trilogy/Black Belt productions events, oe if you're a fighter who wants to appear on an event, call 978-465-5538.^

TIM "Bring The Pain" LANE FEATURED IN MAGAZINE AND TV SHOW

Newly crowned USKBA Full Contact Super Lightweight World Champion TIM "Bring the Pain" LANE, fresh off appearing in an article in Newsday, is featured in an article in the April issue of Ultimate Athlete magazine.

In addition to appearing in Ultimate Athlete, Lane can also be seen on PBS-TV. The stories on PBS-TV deals with his life and how he went from the street to the championship. Part one of his story can be seen on Friday, April 12, 2002 at 6:00 am with a repeat performance at 12:30 pm. Part two can be seen Friday, April 19, 2002 at 6:00 am with a repeat performance at 12:30 pm. Please check your local listings for details.

On Friday, April 12, 2002, USKBA Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall (Trilogy/Black Belt Productions) presents "EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE and MUAY THAI" at the Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere Massachusetts. This event is governed by the Massachusetts Boxing Commission and sanctioned by the USKBA.

The card will feature Grappling and Muay Thai bouts. Two USKBA Grappling Titles will be defended. USKBA Grappling Heavyweight International Champion JORGE RIVERA will defend his title against MAT BUTLER. USKBA Grappling Middleweight New England Champion BILL MAHONEY will defend his title against NORI SHAKUR. The Superfight will feature MARIO RAMOS going against PABLO "Tank" LOPEZ. The undercard is scheduled to offer over 9 Grappling and 2 Muay Thai bouts.

"EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE and MUAY THAI" will be taped for broadcast by "Sportfighting Close Up" with hosts Jonas Nunez Jr. and Sean Alvarez. "Sportfighting Close Up" can be seen on WNDS-TV the first and third Saturday nights of each month. For additional information, e-mail sportfighting@uskba.com, or call 212-760-4766. The promoters can be reached at 978-465-5538.

UNLIMITED ARTS "BATTLEGROUNDS" SERIES OPENS WITH ACTION PACKED SMOKER 

New USKBA Promoter Ace Ramirez (Unlimited Arts Promotions)(pictured at right with USKBA Referee Kuhn Fred Fitzgerald) began his "BATTLEGROUNDS" series of sportfighting events with a smoker in his studio on Sunday, April 7, 2002. The International Martial Arts Training Center in Bergenfield NJ was packed with enthusiastic fans cheering each bout. The card featured many fighters making their debuts and some with little experience. No matter how much, or little, experience the fighters had, they gave their all and showed that they had the talent to continue progressing in sportfighting. This event featured bouts in Muay Thai.

Among the exciting bouts;

• Chris Romulo (Harlem Boxing Club) engaged in a hard fought bout that had everyone on the edge of their seats till the very end of the bout. After 3 rounds, the decision went to his opponent.
• Yves Nemorin (IMATC) took little time to finish his bout. He opened a welt over his opponent's left eye that had referee Kuhn Fred Fitzgerald stopping the bout at 1:37 of the first round.
• Elena Freed (IMATC) made her Muay Thai debut. Her opponent looked to have more ring experience. Elena stood in there and traded kicks and punches. At the end of 3 rounds, the judges were called on and gave the decision to her opponent.
• Ray Bayat (IMATC) came out fighting but seemed to lose control of the fight. His opponent was able to become the aggressor soon after the opening bell. Referee Kuhn Fred Fitzgerald stopped the bout at 1:40 of the first round in favor of Bayat's opponent.
• Gerald Javier (IMATC) started fighting from the opening bell and scored a knockdown of his opponent in the first round. Although his opponent was game, referee Kuhn Fred Fitzgerald stopped the bout at 1:07 of the second round in favor of Javier.
• Mikko De Castro (IMATC) came to fight. The youngster seemed to love being in the ring. This bout was the opening bout of the event. De Castro and his opponent gave the audience a sample of the great bouts to follow. This bout went the distance and the judges game the decision to De Castro's opponent by one point.
• Gene Wahl (IMATC) closed the event with a superb display of Muay Thai technique. Although his opponent was ready, willing and able, Wahl proved to be too much. His knees to the body, punches and kicks earned him the victory by unanimous decision.

Although this event was sanctioned by the USKBA, the fighters listed above received their licenses and the fighters not listed, did not receive licenses. The referee for the entire event was Kuhn Fred Fitzgerald. The judges were Tommy Rodriguez, Tommy Dadabo and Marcos Faraji. The USKBA Ring Announcer was Dan Kosa. The national anthem was sung by Nicole Rojas. The person in charge of guest relations was Amanda. The next Unlimited Arts Promotions"BATTLEGROUNDS" event is tentatively scheduled for July 2002. For information on future Unlimited Arts Promotions events, call 201-387-8200 or visit their website at www.IMATC.com.^

CORLEONE AND LYALL WIN TITLES AND PANARIELLO SCORES KO ON "SUPERFIGHTS 15" 

Two ring veterans met Friday night in a five round bout for the vacant USKBA Full Contact Middleweight Northeast Championship Title. PETER KALJEVIC and MICHAEL CORLEONE hoped to move down in weight after this fight and be in contention for the USKBA Welterweight World Championship Title(of which Florida's Erik Marshall is the number one contender to title holder Dave Buglione). This bout went according to the book on these two fighters. Kaljevic, known for slow starts, lost the first two rounds to Corleone on all judges' scorecards. The next two rounds belonged to Kaljevic on all judges' scorecards. Up to this point, the fighting was furious with no knockdowns and the fight even. Barring any point deductions, and according to USKBA instructions of no 10-10 scored rounds, a winner would be declared this night. The fifth and final round was two minutes of non-stop action. The decision went to the judges, who all scored the fight 48-47 in favor of..... Michael Corleone.

On Friday, April 5, 2002, USKBA Promoter Joe Puleio (Top Kick Championship Kickboxing) offered the 15th installment of his "SUPERFIGHTS" kickboxing series. This event took place at the SportsPlus Events Centre in Lake Grove NY and was USKBA Sanctioned and sponsored in part by American Jiu-Jitsu Centers, Hooters of Islandia and PREMIO Great Italian Sausages.

In another USKBA title bout, BOBBY CAMPBELL and MATT LYALL squared off for the vacant USKBA Full Contact Super Bantamweight NYS Championship Title in a scheduled four round fight. This bout was filled with; a knockdown in a round that had the knocked down fighter coming back to have two judges score the round 10-9 instead of 10-8, a fighter hitting and running and turning their back so the opponent's punches constantly landed on the back of his neck, warnings being issued by the referee and a one point deduction for unsportsmanlike conduct. And all this occurred in the first round. In the first round, Lyall scored a knockdown of Campbell. Campbell came back to negate the 10-8 scoring on two judge's cards. Lyall was issued a one point deduction for unsportsmanline conduct by referee Pat Sullivan. After three rounds, two judges had Campbell ahead and one judge had it even. With only 15 seconds left in the four round fight, Lyall caught Campbell with a punch that put Campbell on the canvas. Campbell got up, but swaggered into the corner. The referee talked to Campbell and waved his hands that the bout was over. The winner by TKO at 1:52 of the fourth round.... Matt Lyall.

In a scheduled five round non-title bout, USKBA Full Contact Heavyweight Intercontinental Champion JOEY PANARIELLO attempted to continue his winning streak against STEVE MARCANTONIO. Both fighters looked in tremendous shape. The first round had two judges giving the round to Panariello and one judge giving the round to Marcantonio. The second round belonged to Panariello on all judge's scorecards. Not content with leaving the decision in the judge's hands, Panariello leveled Marcantonio with a backfist. Marcantonio stayed on the canvas for minutes. When Marcantonio got up, the crowd cheered. The winner, by TKO at 1:38 of the third round.... Joey Panariello.

In other action
Full Contact Kickboxing (3 rounds)
SHAWN CAMPBELL def JOE LISA by unanimous decision.
Grappling (6 minutes)
CRAIG SHIELDS def JOE GREEN at time limit by 19-0.
Full Contact Kickboxing (3 rounds)
SHAMUS FARLEY def RICHARD GALLAGHER by TKO at 1:41 of Round 2.
Grappling (6 minutes)
JOHN BACHMAN def PHILIP SCHOPPMANN by submission at 4:01.
Grappling (6 minutes)
STEVE ZACHASKI def RALPH SMORRA by submission at :35.
Full Contact Kickboxing (3 rounds)
ANGEL VALERIO def RICH YENGLE by unanimous decision.
Grappling (6 minutes)
STEVEN CASTELLI def MIKE GUBELMAN by submission at 3:46.
Full Contact Kickboxing (3 rounds)
CORRINE MANGAN def CHRISTINE CAPOZOLLI by majority decision.
Full Contact Kickboxing (3 rounds)
CHRIS ALGERI def JASON CIANGETTI by TKO at 1:21 of Round 3.

The USKBA Scorekeeper and Representative was Emily Barnes. The referees were Donnie Carolei and Pat Sullivan. The judges were Tony Paolillo, Don Kanehl, Fred Younossi and Bob Mauro. For information on future Top Kick Championship Kickboxing events, call 631-360-8830.^

The USKBA announced that it will hold its first major sportfighting tournament in August 2002. The "USKBA 2002 SPORTFIGHTING AMERICA/ULTIMATE ELIMINATION" will be held in New Jersey toward the end of August 2002. Negotiations are nearing completion for the venue. The tentative dates for the two day elimination tournament and finals are Saturday and Sunday, August 24 & 25, 2002.

The tournament will be open to men, women and children sportfighters and will feature sportfighting divisions of Full Contact Kickboxing, Oriental Rules Kickboxing, Continuous Contact and Submission Grappling.

Additional details will be posted as they become available. To request a Competitor Package, e-mail: sportfighting@uskba.com, or call 212-760-4766.

On Friday, April 5, 2002, USKBA Promoter Joe Puleio (Top Kick Championship Kickboxing) will offer his 15th installment of his "SUPERFIGHTS" kickboxing series. The event will take place at the SportsPlus Events Centre in Lake Grove NY. There will be a five round bout for the vacant USKBA Full Contact Middleweight Northeast Championship Title as two ring veterans face each other for the chance to move down in weight and be in contention for the USKBA Welterweight World Championship Title. PETER KALJEVIC and MICHAEL CORLEONE will fight each other for the USKBA Northeast Title. In another title bout, BOBBY CAMPBELL and MATT LYALL will fight for the USKBA Full Contact Super Bantamweight NYS Championship Title in a four round bout. Campbell is coming off an impressive first round KO and Lyall is making his return to the ring. In another pro bout, USKBA Full Contact Heavyweight Intercontinental Champion JOEY PANARIELLO will fight a non-title five round bout against STEVE MARCANTONIO. The undercard will feature amateur kickboxing and grappling action.

For tickets and information, call 631-360-8830. Ticket prices are $45 - VIP, $35 - Ringside and $29 - General Admission. Credit cards accepted with phone sales. This event is USKBA Sanctioned and sponsored in part by American Jiu-Jitsu Centers, Hooters of Islandia and PREMIO Great Italian Sausages.

On Saturday, April 6, 2002, "SPORTFIGHTING CLOSE UP" TV Show will offer its second TV Show on WNDS-TV, serving over 2,000,000 homes from Maine to Massachusetts. "SPORTFIGHTING CLOSE UP" is hosted by Jonas Nunez Jr. and Sean Alvarez. This show will feature action from USKBA Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall's (Trilogy/Black Belt Productions) "EXTREME GRAPPLING CHALLENGE and MUAY THAI" event held in February at the Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere MA. Check your local listings for WNDS-TV stations in your area.

On Sunday, April 7, 2002, the USKBA's newest promoter Ace Ramirez (Unlimited Arts Promotions) will begin his "BATTLEGROUND" series of sportfighting events. This event will feature the debuts of the stars of tomorrow as they do battle in Full Contact Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Submission Grappling.

Fighters from International Martial Arts Training Center, Ace's Boxing Club, Varlaro's Martial Arts, Team Suriyasak, Edge Kickboxing, Team Riddick and Harlem Boxing Club will be competing in this smoker.

Future "BATTLEGROUNDS" sportfighting events are being planned. This event will take place at the International Martial Arts Training Center, 112 South Washington Avenue in Bergenfield NJ. Tickets are limited and available by calling 201-387-8200.