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2007 IKF World Classic Point Kickboxing Results
Inaugural Event Had Positive Reaction!
At last years 2007 IKF World Classic the IKF Point Kickboxing was presented as a "Demonstration / Exhibition Style" and it was no disappointment! As the first event came to an end in Orlando, Florida there were many who had a lot of positive things to say about this newer concept of semi- contact fighting here in the United States. Most who witnessed it testified to the importance of its existence for the future growth of kickboxing in several styles. Moreover, they too saw the incubator process that this type of event will be for the future of kickboxing.
What happened last year was a showcase of what IKF Point Kickboxing is all about. Many have been seeing some forms of semi-contact continuous fighting cropping up in different arenas lately. However, the IKF wanted them to see what the original idea of this realistic fighting program should be like. In the words of IKF/PKB President Johnny Davis "Several groups are now attempting to duplicate the program, however, I caution them because kickboxing can be dangerous as any contact sport can be and without proper controls, someone could get hurt. Our goal is to show the world the intentions of this concept in showcasing a few fights with good control but good action as well and allowing it to become a model for future events and I believe we have been successful in doing just that."
One thing for sure in the words of IKF President Steve Fossum, "I see the IKF Point Kickboxing divisions as a big part of the IKF World Classic. The more kickboxing trainers who put their fighters into it, the more they see how this style really does help them progress to the next level.
One of those trainers who had put off attending the Point Kickboxing events was Billy Olsen of Santa Rosa California. Olsen trains former IKF Tournament Champion and IKF California State Champion Rick Cheeks (Right, with trainer Olsen to the right, 19-0/17, 2-0, Team Kickboxing, 4-1 MMA, 245, 6'4"). Cheeks will be fighting for an IKF Professional World Title June 20th, of this year in Montego Bay, Jamaica against Patrice Quattron of France (26-0/26, 265, 6'6") "I wish I knew about this sooner." said Olsen, "I would have had my fighters doing this long ago!"
Semi Contact fighters from around the world will now have yet another outlet to showcase and hone their skills for pursuit of their future endeavors in the great sport of kickboxing! (Pictured at Right - Chris Jameson of High Point, NC Lands Side Kick on eventual winner Paul Dillon of Florida)
Although small because it was not intended to be a big part of the World Classic tournament like this year, the 2007 PKB event was a learning experience for all involved. We at the IKF saw some of the issues right up front. One issue that we will resolve this year is to post entries as they come in like we do for the other fighting styles. That way, fighters from around the world will know who is in their division as well as use their option to move into another division if not enough participation. Last year, we were lucky and were able to match fighters close enough in their weight division that travel from as far as Egypt and Canada as well as parts of the U.S.
Fighters, Coaches and fans gathered around the floored- ring to witness the action first-hand. Since they were never posted last year due to the small size of the exhibition style, here are the results of some great semi-contact action that kicked off an even greater event in the IKF World Classic loaded with full contact action!
Sixteen year old Hayley Tennier traveled from Ontario, Canada to show that her prowess on the semi contact circuit in Europe was not fluke. She did prove that she certainly has skills and understands the sport well as she flashed her excellent jabs and crosses combined with extended lengthy legs to defeat the tough and gritty 16 year old Fatima Cornidez of Silver City, New Mexico who showed up that same day ready to do battle. Fatima, gave Hayley everything she could handle and then some...after the three- two minute rounds, both fighters were breathing heavy and glad the bout was over as Hayley pulled off a Unanimous Decision making her coach Mitch Bendiera of Progressive Martial Arts of Ontario, Canada very happy! Hayley Tennier became the first ever IKF World Classic Point Kickboxing Champion as a Lightweight and in the female division with this well deserving victory! In her own words "I had a great time and will be back next year!"
Next, the Men's Light Heavyweight division took the floor ring to show their stuff! Garrick Velat of High Point, North Carolina, USA stepped up to take on Salhah Azzazi who came all the way from Elshankia, Egypt to participate. Azzazai did show some skill in effectively landing an axe kick to the head of Velat on numerous occasions. However, it was the aggressiveness of Velate and a constant barrage of punches and kicks that out pointed Azzazi for a Split Decision win. Valat would become only the second person to win an IKF World Classic Point Kickboxing Title for Light Heavyweight. Both men were clearly exhausted after throwing so many punches and kicks as was encouraged by their trainers and the center referee over the three- two minute round period.
After receiving a bye in his original division, Chris Jamison of High Point, North Carolina felt that he wanted more action and stepped in to fight Paul Dillon of Holly Hill, Florida. This was perhaps the best fight IKF Point Kickboxing fight of the day as both men landed good punches and showed some skill with their kicks! It was clear that both wanted the title and the crowd really got into their fight as the intensity increased by each round although it was clear that each man was being challenged from a conditioning viewpoint. But the new IKF World Classic Point Kickboxing Title would go to Paul Dillon for the Middleweight division, Chris Jamison won first in his original division of Light Heavyweight where he received the bye...while Paul Dillon defeated Richard Williams of Camp Puerde, Arizona by injury default. Both Dillon and Jamison look forward to returning next year to defend their titles with even more diverse competition.
As a special feature in last year's IKF World Classic, the point kickboxing did exactly as it intended...to show others what it was all about. Based on the comments after seeing about 20 rounds of of IKF Point Kickboxing action, we can be confident that IKF Point Kickboxing will become a fixture at the World Classic!
Special thanks to IKF official Terri Storm who kept the ring moving and suggested that she liked the Point Kickboxing concept so much that she "might consider competing next year!" That would be a welcomed event to witness her in action...and perhaps is an early challenge to other women who may be considering the IKF semi contact arena of Point Kickboxing. More thanks goes to judges Tony Storm, Michael Lee and Rick Rosenbaum.
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