DECEMBER 2004 ARCHIVE

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2004
2005
The USKBA wishes everyone a prosperous and
Happy New Year!

**USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2004 **
USKBA 2003 TOURNAMENT GOLD MEDAL WINNER IS NOW A MARINE

Congratulations to PFC John Bottone Jr.!

John Bottone Jr., 18 yrs old, has completed his Marine Boot Camp and Infantry Training. John has achieved the rank of PFC in Boot Camp. Having completed his Infantry Training, he will go into additional training in Florida in January 2005.

John has been training at AFC Kickboxing (Middle Island NY), with his uncle TOMMY "BEE" BOTTONE, since he was a child. John won the Gold Medal at the 2003 USKBA ACTION SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS Amateur Tournament held at RexPlex Sports Complex in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

John Bottone Jr. is the son of Ring Of Fire Promotions promoter John Bottone. John Bottone Sr. is a former Marine.

**USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2004 **
USKBA MEMBER, BRAD BURRICK, RECEIVES GREAT HONOR IN MICHIGAN

BRAD BURRICK and his RONIN FIGHT TEAM, have recently become members of the USKBA Family. Their website is located at www.RoninServices.net. We just received word from Brad that he recently received a 'great honor'. Congratulations to Brad from everyone at the USKBA! These are his own words:

"This past Thursday (12-16-04), I attended my karate instructor's (Dr. Randolph Young) Christmas Party. There were approximately 60 to 70 people from his organization there to celebrate Christmas. Toward the end of the night, a couple of awards were scheduled to be given out. To my surprise, Dr. Young began to talk about me and my history. He then announced that he was naming a regular award after me called the "Brad Burrick Award". From my understand, it will be given to people that are able to overcome harsh conditions in their lives. If some of you do not know, ever since I was a young a boy, I have helped my family take care of my sick mother who is handicapped because of Multiple Sclerosis. While doing that, I was still able to graduate from college, compete regularly in full contact Martial Arts, and now even teach Martial Arts. He called me up in front of the group and then announced the first winner to be Sarah Wyss, a long time student of Cha Yun-do, who has been struggling with her fight against diabetes. Sarah broke out into tears as it looked like something she needed at this point in her life. The whole situation was overwhelming to me. I feel greatly honored to get such respect from a man of integrity like Dr. Young. Dr. Young, for some time now, has become like a second father to me. He has not only helped my direction in the Martial Arts but also in life."

We at the USKBA encourage all USKBA Family members to email us with good news, announcements, and anything news worthy for our USKBA Member News headlines. Send your 'news' items to: news@uskba.com. Congratulations again Brad! 

"The USKBA Works For You!"

**USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2004 **
UPDATED: USKBA CALENDAR OF EVENTS SECTION FOR 2005

The USKBA Calendar of Events section (www.uskba.com/calendar.htm) of the USKBA Website has been updated with information on USKBA Sanctioned events during 2005. The information represents the confirmed events from the promoters. As additional events are confirmed, or dates are requested to be placed on hold, we will update that information. All fightcards are scheduled subject to change.

USKBA Promoters: Please get your information in as soon as possible. The longer we promote your events, the more people will see it. We are also including USKBA Sanctioned events in our monthly USKBA Email Updates that go out to thousands of email addresses. As always, the USKBA welcomes new promoters and events. Go to our Membership and Licensing Information section of our website at www.uskba.com/member.htm for additional information on having your future events USKBA Sanctioned. "The USKBA Works For You!"

**USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2004 **
FICKETT CAPTURES USKBA MMA WORLD TITLE ON "COMBAT ZONE 9" IN MA

On December 4, 2004, USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall (Trilogy Black/Belt Productions) held possibly their best "COMBAT ZONE" event to date. The spectators packed LIDO-The Nightclub in Revere, Massachusetts to see one USKBA MMA World Championship Title bout, three additional USKBA MMA Championship Title bouts and an undercard that featured some tremendous MMA talent in the sport today.

The Main Event of DREW FICKETT and NURI SHAKIR fighting for the vacant USKBA MMA Light Heavyweight World Championship Title promised to be a tough bout for both fighters. And tough it was. This bout was scheduled for 3 five minute rounds. In the first round, Shakir was effective with some stand-up techniques. Fickett withstood everything Shakir had to offer and waited for an opening. Both fighters connected with kicks while standing. In the second round, Fickett seemed determined to take control of the fight. At 3:26 of Round 2, Fickett applied a rear naked choke and Shakir tapped out. The winner and USKBA MMA Light Heavyweight World Champion ...Drew Fickett.

In another USKBA MMA Championship Title bout scheduled for 3 four minute rounds, JOE LAUZON defended his USKBA MMA Super Welterweight United States Championship Title against RYAN CIOTOLI. It seems that with each fight, Lauzon gets better and better. He keeps fighting the best fighters in his weight division and this time he had his work cut out for him by facing Ciotoli. This bout went to :34 of the third round before Lauzon ended it by choke out. The winner, and still USKBA MMA Super Welterweight United States Champion ...Joe Lauzon.

In the third USKBA MMA Championship Title bout scheduled for 3 four minute rounds, ANDREW CALANDRELLI faced off against JASON HATHAWAY for the vacant USKBA MMA Light Heavyweight Northeast Championship Title. Calandrelli is well know in the New England area and has fought on many USKBA ACTION SPORTS Sanctioned events. At the opening of "COMBAT ZONE 9", Promoter Bruce Marshall honored Hathaway with a plaque for his contributions to MMA and for his service to America as part of the US Army. Hathaway is on his way back to Iraq. In this bout, Calandrelli proved to be too much for Hathaway as Calandrelli was able to apply a rear choke that had Hathaway tapping out at 3:52 of the first round. The winner and USKBA MMA Light Heavyweight Northeast Champion ...Andrew Calandrelli.

In the final USKBA MMA Championship Title bout scheduled for 3 four minute rounds, MICHAEL DEXTER and CHRIS HERRING squared off in a fight for the USKBA MMA Super Heavyweight New England Championship Title. The referee looked in miniature as Dexter tipped the scales at 238 lbs and Herring at 274 lbs. From the opening ball, Dexter went at Herring with punches. Herring covered and threw some shots of his own. When this fight went to the canvas, Dexter kept throwing shots at Herring's head. At one point, Herring rolled over with his back to Dexter. Dexter was relentless with his punches to Herring's head. At 1:35 or the first round, the referee stopped this bout as a result of unanswered excessive blows. The winner and USKBA MMA Super Heavyweight New England Champion ...Michael Dexter.

In other MMA action (scheduled 2 four minute rounds):
David Gilrein def Edward Yusufub by unanimous decision.
Joseph Cushman def Heriberto Felix by unanimous decision.
Jerry Spiegel def Anatoliy Yashenko by submission at 1:35 of Round 1.
John Howard def Leslie Richardson by submission at 2:33 of Round 2.
John Brycki def Justin Schulman by TKO at 1:40 of Round 1.
Kiel McDougall def Samson Costigan by TKO at 2:07 of Round 1.
Bob Pupa def Eric Lundell by referee stoppage (excessive bleeding) at 3:52 of Round 1.

The USKBA Event Representatives were Jim and Maria Eanes. The referees were Gary Eblan and Robert Kimber. "COMBAT ZONE 9" was sanctioned by USKBA ACTION SPORTS and governed under the auspices of the Massachusetts Boxing Commission.

"COMBAT ZONE 10" is scheduled for April 2, 2005. For more information, or to be considered to fight on this event, call USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall at 978-828-2149.


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**USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2004 **
TWO NEW USKBA CHAMPIONS CROWNED ON ACTION PACKED "SUPERFIGHTS" IN NY

On December 3, 2004, two new amateur Full Contact Kickboxing USKBA Champions were crowned. USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoter Joe Puleio (Top Kick Championship Kickboxing) held another installment of his "SUPERFIGHTS" series at the Sports Plus Events Center in Lake Grove NY. The amateur bouts were sanctioned by the USKBA and the professional bouts were sanctioned by WKA-USA. All bouts were fought under Full Contact Kickboxing rules. "SUPERFIGHTS - Friday Night Fights" featured championship title bouts and an action filled undercard. USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoter Joe Puleio is known for arranging some of the best fights and for running events on a regular basis. His events have nurtured some of the best USKBA Champions. The Sports Plus Events Center is a facility filled with entertainment. Located on Long Island NY, their ballroom houses the "SUPERBOUTS" events.

The first USKBA Championship Title bout was for the USKBA Amateur Full Contact Kickboxing Welterweight United States Championship Title and was scheduled for three rounds. BRIAN ROCHFORD squared off against JOHN PUGLESE. Both fighters have fought many times for the USKBA and both are known for their technical skills and proficiency in kicking. Puglese and Rochford put on a kickboxing clinic. Rochford was able to get off first and put Puglese on defense. At times, Puglese tried to take the fight to Rochford, but Rochford seemed to to be the more effective fighter. After three rounds, the judges were called on to render a decision. The winner by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)... Brian Rochford.

The second USKBA Championship Title bout was for the USKBA Amateur Full Contact Kickboxing Female Featherweight New York State Championship Title and was scheduled for three rounds. MICHELLE BUZAN and DENISE SAPIENZA entered the ring determined to walk away with the championship belt. Buzan came in with more experience than Sapienza and Sapienza looked like a powerful body builder. The first round saw Buzan a little tentative and Sapienza very aggressive. This aggressiveness seemed to be the basis of all three judges giving this round to Sapienza. The second round was similar to the first round, with Buzan coming out trying to control the fight. Two judges gave this round to Sapienza. The third round saw Buzan fighting her fight. Buzan was able to put Sapienza on the canvas. Sapienza got right up, but the judges gave this round to Buzan by 10-8 scores. At the end of three rounds, the judges scored this fight 29-27 (Buzan), 28-28, 28-28. This bout ends in a majority draw. A rematch for the title was being discussed for the next "SUPERBOUTS".

The third USKBA Championship Title bout was for the USKBA Amateur Full Contact Kickboxing Super Lightweight New York State Championship Title and was scheduled for three rounds. MATT BERMAN showed up ready to fight...his opponent didn't. The decision was made at weigh-in that Brian Rochford would fight an exhibition against Matt Berman. Berman was awarded the Interim Title. This means that he has the USKBA Amateur Full Contact Kickboxing Super Lightweight New York State Championship Title belt, which prevents any two other fighters from fighting for the title. Berman must be one of the fighters to fight for this title. Therefore, Berman is the Interim Champion and will be expected to put the belt up on the next "SUPERFIGHTS" event. 

In other USKBA Sanctioned amateur bouts:
Brittany Farah def Tamara Paulsen by split decision (29-28, 30-27, 28-29).
Lisa Hayes def Adina Lopez by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).
Michael Goldstein and Greg Giglione fought to a draw (27-28, 28-28, 29-27).
John Gilliam def Greg Maziarz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Alexis Caban def Kyle Knapp by TKO at 1:14 of Round 1.
Ron Pisano def Peter Morales by TKO at 2:00 of Round 1.

In WKA-USA Sanctioned professional bouts:
Kadir Kadri def Jose Sulsona by unanimous decision.
Lennox Chance def Bobby Campbell by unanimous decision.
Chris Aligieri def Edelmiro Montero by TKO at :55 of Round 3.

For additional information on the professional bouts, go to the WKA-USA website (www.wkausa.com). The referees were Donnie Carolei and Pat Sullivan. The judges were Donnie Carolei, Pat Sullivan, Vincent Chapple and Don Kanehl. The USKBA Event Representative was Liana Walters.

USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoter Joe Puleio's next "SUPERBOUTS" event is scheduled for April 1, 2005. For more information, or to be considered to fight on this event, call 631-360-8830.


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**USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2004 **
NURI SHAKIR
USKBA MMA WORLD CHAMPION CONTENDER

On December 4, 2004, USKBA New England Champion NURI SHAKIR will go against DREW FICKETT on USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall's (Trilogy/Black Belt Production) "COMBAT ZONE 9 - Hot Like Fire" at LIDO - The Nightclub in Revere, Massachusetts, for the USKBA MMA Light Heavyweight World Championship Title. We put Nuri Shakir "In The Spotlight" to learn more about this Champion.

Q: What style(s) of action sports do you compete in?
A:  I compete in MMA events. I used to compete in grappling events, but I only grappled so I could fight in the future.

Q: Where do you train, how do you train, who do you train with and how long have you been training?
A:  I train with Team Elite in Clinton MA, and Sityodtong in Boston. The team I work with includes; Keith Rockel, Jorge Riviera, Matt Lee, Mike Brown, Sach, and many more talented fighters. I have been training for about 7 years plus in MMA.

Q: What is your occupation?
A:  I am a Microbiologist in my career.

Q: What do you consider to be the best fight of your career?
A:  My best fight of my career hasn't happened yet. With every fight, I have learned more and more about myself and the game. I feel I haven't had a best fight yet. Ask me in a few years. Then I can show you my best fight. Then the next fight and the next may be my best. My best fight is the one I am fighting at that moment.

Q: What do you attribute your success to?
A:  I attribute my success to team work. I have always had a team of people that care and have helped me out in ways they wouldn't believe. And of course my team now. They have put together a plan of training and support that cannot compare with any other team in New England.

Q: Who do you look up to?
A:  This question is hard because I admire many of the old time fighters and new ones. But I don't look up to any of them. I just learn from them all.

Q: What would you like our USKBA Website visitors to know about your personal and family life?
A:  I would want everyone to know I am a hard working and ambitious fighter. That's it.

Q: What are your thought on your upcoming fight with Drew Fickett?
A:  I think this fight will be a good fight that will end by a knock out or submission. I don't see either of us holding back. Well, at least I wont. I am not sure if he is ready for the fight of his life, but we'll see.

Q: What is your ultimate goal?
A:  My ultimate goal is to be the best at what I do.

Q: What message would you like to give anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps by becoming a fighter?
A:  Train hard, expect the bumps and joys of it all and have fun while it lasts.

We thank Nuri Shakir for taking the time to be "In The Spotlight".
Anyone wishing to contact Nuri Shakir may do so by e-mailing nuri_shakir@uskba.com.
Come see Nuri Shakir in person as he goes for the USKBA MMA Light Heavyweight World Championship Title on December 4, 2004 on USKBA Promoter's Bruce and Lucinda Marshall's "COMBAT ZONE 9" at LIDO - The Nightclub in Revere, Massachusetts. For tickets and information, call 978-828-2149.

**USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2004 **
DREW FICKETT
USKBA MMA WORLD CHAMPION CONTENDER

On December 4, 2004, USKBA MMA United States Champion DREW FICKETT will go against NURI SHAKIR on USKBA ACTION SPORTS Promoters Bruce and Lucinda Marshall's (Trilogy/Black Belt Production) "COMBAT ZONE 9 - Hot Like Fire" at LIDO - The Nightclub in Revere, Massachusetts, for the USKBA MMA Light Heavyweight World Championship Title. We put Drew Fickett "In The Spotlight" to learn more about this Champion.

Q: What style(s) of action sports do you compete in?
A:  Wrestling, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jiujitsu.

Q: Where do you train, how do you train, who do you train with and how long have you been training?
A:  I train at Tucson Jiujitsu, Arizona Combat Sports, Boxing Inc., Sotelo Boxing Gym, Tucson Judo and Iron Unlimited Gym. I lift, run, swim, do yoga, box, kickbox, wrestle, and do jiujitsu.

Q: What is your occupation?
A:  Fighter.

Q: What do you consider to be the best fight of your career?
A:  My second fight with Shaun Beckett.

Q: What do you attribute your success to?
A:  Hard training.

Q: Who do you look up to?
A:  Myself. I am the next Frank Shamrock.

Q: What would you like our USKBA Website visitors to know about your personal and family life?
A:  I have no life other then training and the friends I have because of the sport.

Q: What are your thought on your upcoming fight with Nuri Shakir?
A:  It should be very exciting for the fans and a good display of MMA from both fighters.

Q: What is your ultimate goal?
A:  To be the best I can be and be the Master of the Universe.

Q: What message would you like to give anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps by becoming a fighter?
A:  Do it smart, train smart, study books on training and conditioning, be well rounded and don't brawl unless you have to. Half the success in this sport comes from longevity and you will only be there if you train constantly and fight a smarter and more strategic fight against your opponent. Don't grapple against a grappler and don't strike against a striker...even if you can beat 
them at their game.

We thank Drew Fickett for taking the time to be "In The Spotlight".
Anyone wishing to contact Drew Fickett may do so by e-mailing drew_fickett@uskba.com.
Come see Drew Fickett in person as he goes for the USKBA MMA Light Heavyweight World Championship Title on December 4, 2004 on USKBA Promoter's Bruce and Lucinda Marshall's "COMBAT ZONE 9" at LIDO - The Nightclub in Revere, Massachusetts. For tickets and information, call 978-828-2149.

**USKBA ACTION SPORTS News of...  ...WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2004 **
MAIN EVENT OF SHAKIR-FICKETT TO DETERMINE USKBA MMA WORLD CHAMPION

Press Release issued by Bob Treiger

SALISBURY, Mass. (November 30, 2004) – The World USKBA Light Heavyweight Championship will be on the line Saturday night (Dec. 4) as U.S. champion Drew Fickett (Arizona Combat Sports) fights Nashua’s (NH) popular Nuri Shakir (Team Elite) in the main event, headlining the “Combat Zone 9: Hot Like Fire” mixed martial arts show at Club Lido in Revere, Massachusetts. 

Three other USKBA title fights also are featured in “Combat Zone 9: Hot Like Fire,” promoted by Trilogy/Black Belt Productions, in association with Rio Fight Wear, and sanctioned by the USKBA.

U.S. USKBA super welterweight champ Joe Lauzon (Team Aggression/RSD) defends his title against top challenger Ryan Ciotoli (Bombsquad). Mike Dexter (Strikezone) tangles with Chris Herring (Gorilla Nation) for the New England USKBA super heavyweight title, while Andrew Calandrelli (Renzo Gracie) battles Jason Hathaway (U.S. Army) for the Northeast USKBA light heavyweight belt.

Lynn’s Jason Dublin (Close Range), one of New England’s brightest new MMA prospects, faces Brian Wilson (MAAK). The Brazilian Martial Arts Center (BMAC), of Somerville, sends out three fighters: Jim Gonsalves faces Mike True (Fightzone), John Howard against Less Richardson (Dog Pound), and Leanoro Scobar  versus Luis Figueroa.

The doors open at 7 p.m. with the first bout at for 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at  $65.00 ringside reserved, $50.00 ringside, and $35.00 general admission. Call for Golden VIP tickets. Tickets are available at local martial art studios or by calling 978.828.2149. Visit www.combatzonemma.com for more information.
 
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