and USKBA ACTION SPORTS NEWS
 

^JUNE 2003 ARCHIVE

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USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoter Bruce Marshall (Trilogy/Black Belt Productions) has announced that he has signed JASON "The Trooper" BONACORSI to fight JOHN "The Bull" MARZULLO for the USKBA Full Contact Kickboxing Heavyweight Eastcoast Championship Title on "COMBATZONE 2" on July 19, 2003 at LIDO-The Nightclub in Revere MA. Bonacorsi is coming off a win on "COMBATZONE-The Beginning" on his way to reclaim his challenge for the USKBA World Title. Marzullo, after a self imposed layoff, is taking up where he left off on his climb to the top of the kickboxing world. Also signed to the yet completed fight card are; David Lee vs Jason Quick, Richie Feliciano vs Rickie Spencer, Dawna Creighton vs Maria C-Wise, Johnny Lavessour vs Sam Tyler, Chris Ballard vs Greg Rodgers, Peggy Morgan vs TBA and John Page vs TBA. "COMBATZONE 2" is sponsored in part by Boot and Saddles and Tattoo America. For additional information, contact promoter Bruce Marshall at 978-828-2149.

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USKBA OHIO: ANNOUNCES NEW PROMOTERS AND NEW EVENTS FOR 2003

USKBA OHIO Representative JIM COFER has announced the addition of two new USKBA OHIO Promoters; SENSEI AKRAM GEELANI of Japan Karate Academy & Kickboxing (Toledo and Tiffin) and DOUG BENAVIDES of Tiger P.A.W. Karate (Shelby). Doug Benavides will hold his first USKBA ACTION SPORTS Sanctioned event on Saturday, July 26, 2003 at the KOA Campgrounds in Shelby OH and Sensei Geelani will hold his first USKBA ACTION SPORTS Sanctioned event on Saturday, September 6, 2003 at his Japan Karate Academy in Tiffin OH. In addition, USKBA OHIO Representative JIM COFER is working on another event in Ohio before the end of the year. Jim's plans are to have at least six USKBA ACTION SPORTS Sanctioned events each year and have top fighters from Ohio participate in the annual USKBA ACTION SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS (this year scheduled for Nov 8th & 9th at RexPlex in NJ).

In other Ohio News, NYKK Gym will have some of their fighters on Scott Sheeley's San Shou event in Bellefontaine this Saturday, June 21, 2003. Sifu's Steve Ventura and David Ross will be running the San Da Championships at this years' USKBA ACTION SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS. For additional information on these events, call 212-242-2453.

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USKBA CHAMPIONS AND FIGHTERS TO COMPETE ON "TALES OF PAIN" KICKBOXING ELIMINATION

In what might be one of the best kickboxing elimination events with big name talent in the United States, Too Famous Productions will be showcasing "TALES OF PAIN"..."8 Professional Martial Arts Warriors Clash for the Title of Heavyweight Champ" sanctioned by ISKA. Among the 'warriors' with ties to the USKBA are; DAN "The Lizard" LUCAS (USKBA Full Contact Kickboxing Heavyweight World Champion), "Big Diesel" JEFF FORD (USKBA Leg Kick Super Heavyweight World Champion), "Lightning" LANE COLLYER (will challenge Moti "The Hammer" Horenstein for his USKBA Muay Thai Super Heavyweight International Championship Title on August 23rd) and DAVID "Thunder" CUMMINGS (will fight Peter "F-16" Kaljevic for the USKBA Muay Thai Super Middleweight United States Championship Title on August 23rd). Lucas, Ford and Collyer will be competing in the 'Oriental Rules' elimination bouts and Cummings will face Mike "Tension" Nevitt in a Full Contact Kickboxing bout.

"TALES OF PAIN" will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2003 at the Odeum Sports and Expo Center in Villa Park IL. The elimination bouts will also feature K-1 2003 USA Champion Carter "The Beast" Williams, Mark "the Shark" Miller, Giuseppe "The Godfather" Denatale, "The Lion" Kelly Leo and Tomasz Kucharzewski. The winner of the elimination bouts will be presented with a gem filled "TALES OF PAIN" Championship Belt. In addition to the elimination bouts and the 'Super Fight' of Cummings vs Nevitt, a Martial Arts Breaking Demo is scheduled along with live musical performances. A banquet dinner is planned for VIP Patrons and Sponsors and Ringside Seating with dinner is also available. Tickets are priced at $40 to $150 and are available through Ticketmaster or by calling the box office at 630-941-9292. Additional information can be found at www.toofamous.com or by calling 847-228-9938.

As reported by USKBA World Champion Devon "The Energizer" Cormack... Former USKBA Kickboxing Champion ALICIA "Slick" ASHLEY, with flying colors, defended her WIBF Super Bantamweight World Championship Title in Argentina on Saturday night (June 14, 2002). This was a rematch between Ashley and Marcela "Tigress" Acuna. Acuna had lost to Ashley in a title bout in November of 2002.

This bout had been twice delayed by changing the dates. This allowed Acuna two practice matches before stepping into the ring against Ashley again. The arrangements hardly allowed Ashley any time to get adjusted in Argentina before the fight. Even with all the tactics against her, Ashley went out there with poise and left no doubt in the minds of the judges and the crowd who the champion of the world was and still is. After the first round, the crowd's chanting of Acuna's name went silent as they witnessed the difference in boxing techniques. Alicia won unanimously on all three judges score cards.

"She was much more relaxed this time around. Thanks to having our coach Hector Roca, one of the best on the the planet, on her case with determination since the last fight and working by her side throughout." said Devon Cormack. Cormack went on to say "The belt and the champ should be in the USA on Wednesday. I am sure you will all have a chance to get more details on what went down, and find out how we can hopefully view a copy of the bout when it becomes available. I spoke with her this morning and she thank you all for the loads of support!"

USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoter World Champion Louis Neglia's "RING OF COMBAT 3", held on June 7, 2003 at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown NJ, was a big hit. It was an exciting night of both Submission Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts action. The evening started out with two Amateur Submission Grappling matches (1-ten minute round), then moved on to the Professional No Holds Barred fights (3-five minute rounds) with two "RING OF COMBAT" titles on the line.

The first amateur submission grappling match was CHRIS DIPAOLO (Tong Dragon) vs. MIKE WOJCIK (Team Freedom). DiPaolo was able to control the fight, keeping Wojcik on his back. Both fighters made attempts at submissions but Wojcik was unable to reverse DiPaolo’s position. 
The fight went to the judges, for the winner by unanimous decision ...Chris DiPaolo.

The second grappling match STEVE KIM (Team Renzo) vs. MICHAEL WRIGHT (Ultimate Sambo) was a very exciting match. Wright quickly took the fight to the mat and Kim immediately started working his position and locked in a triangle choke. The winner by submission (triangle choke) at 1:46 ...Steve Kim.

The first Professional Mixed Martial Arts bout was for the "RING OF COMBAT" MMA Cruiserweight Championship Title. It featured JOSE RODRIGUEZ (Pitts Pen) vs. JAMES GABERT (Team Renzo Gracie). This was the fight of the night. It was nothing less than an all out war! There was non-stop action from start to finish. At the opening of Round 1, Rodriguez started out throwing heavy punches. Gabert quickly clinched and both fighters successfully exchanged knees and strikes. They broke from the clinch and continued to strike. Gabert seemed to be in trouble but quickly regained his composure in the clinch. When the fight finally hit the ground Gabert was in full mount landing big punches to Rodriguez. Rodriguez was able to pull guard and attempted an armbar. With 30 seconds left in Round 1, Gabert was able to escape. Round 2 was just as exciting. Rodriguez came out swinging knocking Gabert down. Rodriguez then took side mount dropping heavy punches once again then attempted an armbar. Gabert was able to escape the armbar again and take full mount. Rodriguez attempted a heel hook, but Gabert was able to defend and break free of the hold. The fighters scrambled and Gabert landed on top once again dropping heavy punches on Rodriguez. Rodriguez was able to control Gabert's arms to neutralize his punches and the referee stood them back up with 40 seconds left. They exchanged punches on their feet, then clinched and launched a barrage of knees and big punches until the end of the round. Round 3 almost immediately went to a clinch and Rodriguez pulled guard. They both exchanged punches and Rodriguez attempted another armbar. Gabert gets full mount. Rodriguez then attempts a heel hook Gabert immediately tries for a heel hook of his own. Rodriguez escapes the hold but Gabert maintains superior position and attempts a choke. The two fighters separate and finish this war on their feet throwing bombs. There was a big show of respect by both fighters as the judges reach their decision. The winner by unanimous decision ...James Gabert.

TOM MULLER ( Serra-Longo Team) vs. EIRIK CERTO (Ultimate Sambo).
Muller scores the takedown the two exchange punches, Muller takes Certo’s back and locks in a rear naked choke. The winner by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:04 of Round 1 ...Tom Muller.

JAY WHITE (Team Renzo Gracie) vs. ERIK SHAVER (Bellmore Kickboxing Academy).
This fight started out with both fighters immediately working from the clinch throwing heavy punches. White scores an inside leg trip, takes full mount and lands punches. Shaver tries to escape but White takes Shavers back, sinks his hooks and rains down punches. The winner by Referee stoppage (strikes) at 4:17 of Round 1 ...Jay White. 

LUKE CUMMO (Serra-Longo) vs. DAVID TIRELLI (Team Tiger Schulmann).
Round 1: The fighters exchange punches and knees right from the start. Tirelli gets the takedown but is reluctant to go into Cummo’s guard and is able to pass and take side control. Round 2: Cummo lands a nice combination of leg kicks and punches to the face. The referee calls time out to check Tirelli’s nose. The winner by Doctor stoppage at :46 of Round 2 ...Luke Cummo.

PETER “Drago” SELL (Serra-Longo) vs. DEREK JOHNSON ( Team End Game).
The most controversial fight of the night. Sell gets the takedown within seconds in Round 1. Sell goes for a kimaura then immediately flows into a straight armbar. The referee stops the fight due to Johnson's arm being extended (for the safety of the fighter). Johnson protested the stoppage and the fight was restarted from the armbar position, seconds later Johnson tapped. The winner by submission (armbar) at 2:03 of Round 1 ...Peter “Drago” Sell.

The Main Event
"RING OF COMBAT"MMA Super Middleweight Championship Title
Champion NARDU DEBRAH (Team Renzo/Universal Defense) vs Challenger ELVIS GARCIA (TeamTiger Schulmann).
At the start of Round 1 the fighters locked up and Garcia gets a beautiful hip throw. As both fighters hit the mat, Debrah reverses it and Garcia gets half guard. Garcia bridges and rolls into Debrah’s guard and throws big punches. Debrah tries to defend but cannott shake Garcia. Gracia continues to drop bombs until the referee steps in and stops the fight. The winner by Referee stoppage (strikes) at 1:34 of Round 1, and New "RING OF COMBAT" MMA Super Middleweight Champion ...Elvis Garcia. 

Editor's Notes: This event marked the first time a Pro-Am event of this nature was held in New Jersey. Special thanks to the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (Larry Hazzard, Commissioner) for allowing this and for their consideration of future Pro-Am events. The next USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoter World Champion Louis Neglia event will be held on August 15, 2003 at Caesars Atlantic City. For information, call 718-372-9089.

The videotape of "COMBATZONE - The Beginning" is now ready for shipping. The VHS contains full, unedited footage of all bouts including the non-stop action of Gary "The Bone" Bonenfant fighting Frank "Goodfella" D'Ambra for the Pro COMBATZONE Middleweight Championship Title. In addition, the Pro Feature Bout features the return of "The Trooper" Jason Bonacorsi as he steps back into the ring against the colorful and dangerous Scott Jones. Watch Heather Boler as she attempts to defend her USKBA Amateur United States Championship Title against Koren Pacheco and Richie Feliciano going against Huzon Alexander III for the Amateur COMBATZONE Super Middleweight Championship Title. Also included; Scott Lockhart vs Victor Faggiano (Submission Grappling), Heather Boler vs Koren Pacheco (USKBA US Title), Richie Feliciano vs Huzon Alexander III (COMBATZONE Title), Dawna Creighton vs Peggy Morgan, Greg Rodgers vs Johnny Lavessour.

To order your VHS copy of "COMBATZONE - The Beginning", visit the online USKBA STORE by clicking HERE.

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TOP MIXED MARTIAL ARTS BOUTS PLANNED FOR "RING OF COMBAT 3" IN NEW JERSEY ON SATURDAY

USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoter World Champion Louis Neglia will hold "RING OF COMBAT 3" on Saturday, June 7, 2003 at The Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown NJ. The event is sanctioned by USKBA ACTION SPORTS under the auspices of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, Larry Hazzard, Commissioner. "RING OF COMBAT 3" will feature bouts in professional Mixed Martial Arts and amateur Submission Grappling and will mark the first time an event of this nature will be held in New Jersey.

Two "RING OF COMBAT" Championship bouts will feature; RING OF COMBAT MMA Super Middleweight Champion NARDU DEBRA (Team Renzo Gracie) (see photo at left)defending his title against ELVIS GARCIA (Team Tiger Schulmann) in a 160 lb limit match and fighting for the vacant RING OF COMBAT MMA Cruiserweight Championship Title will be JOSE RODRIGUEZ (Pitts Penn) and JAMES GABERT (Team Renzo Gracie). The pro MMA (3-five minute rounds) undercard will feature; (189 lb limit) PETER "Drago" SELLS (Serra-Longo Competition Team) vs DEREK JOHNSON (BAMA), (145 lb limit) SHENNEN MACEO (Team Tiger Schulmann) vs JOE McFOLIN (Albany Jiu Jitsu), (175 lb limit) LUKE CUOMO (Serra-Longo Competition Team) vs DAVID TIRELLI (Team Tiger Schulmann), (205+ lbs) ERIK SHAVER (Bellmore Kickboxing Academy) vs JAY WHITE (Team Renzo Gracie) and (205 lb limit) EIRIK CERTO (Ultimate Sambo) vs TOM MULLER (Serra-Longo Competition Team). The amateur Submission Grappling (1-ten minute round) undercard will feature; (179 lb limit) STEVE KIM (Team Renzo Gracie) vs MICHAEL WRIGHT (Ultimate Sambo) and (150 lb limit) MIKE WOJCIK (Team Freedom) vs JAY MALLEY (Tong Dragon).

The Mennen Sports Arena is located at 161 East Hanover Avenue in Morristown NJ. Tickets are priced at $35 for General Admission and $50 for Floor Seating. For tickets and information, call 718-372-9089.