The International Kickboxing Association sanctioned return fight of the strongest fighters, active IKAS Middleweight World Champion Randall Halden of the Netherlands and Shamil Guseynov of Russia. First time, the two came face to face earlier this year on May 6th 2007 when Randall Halden took the victory. This time the event was held in Murmansk city, Russia on November 17th 2007. The show was organized and promoted by the National Kickboxing League of Russia headed by Mr. Oleg Deryabin and Mikhail Shlyanin. Special guests were IKAS President Mr. Oleg Vadaturskiy and IKAS Netherlands representative Mr. Orlando Gemerts. At the overnight press conference both fighters were speaking fully confident they could win. To one of the questions from the Russian press ‘Are you afraid to lose your title?’, active IKAS champion Randall Halden answered that he does not even assume that he can lose the rematch.
‘I came here to defend my title and go back home with my belt’ – Randall commented.
The show took place in a 3,000 people venue and was sold out. To warm up the audience, the show started with
IKAS Russian Heavyweight National title fight featuring Givi Sotsuk, trained in Abakan city under the supervision of Alexander Beriozkin, and Ruslan Begishev. The bout ended too soon as Givi Sotsuk knocked out Ruslan Begishev in round 3. Givi’s fighting manner was tough from the very beginning which testified he was well prepared for the fight.
Back to main event, the fight began with no tryouts. Both Randall and Shamil gave it a quick start with series of hard combinations where nobody wanted to give way. In round 1, it seemed that Shamil learnt a good lesson from his loss last time as he performed excellent making advantage over his rival. In round 2 however things changed - Randall fought as tough as he could which moved him points ahead. In round 3, Shamil landed a range of punches on Randall’s head that found him in a difficult situation. The audience was convinced that the bout would end earlier but the champion had powers to pull himself together and fight back. Further 4 rounds were equal and both fighters were trying to keep the center of the ring. Round 7, Shamil, tired and worn out, could not continue his strong kicks anymore. That brought Randall a good chance to show what he can and he did. In round 12, Randall landed a crucial left punch on Shamil’s head and only strong will helped Shamil not to go down. After the bell, judges and supervisor Mr. Oleg Deryabin counted the points to announce Randall Halden the winner. The audience applauded the champion who successfully defended his title. Next title defense for Randall will take place in 4 months in the Netherlands.
25/09/07 Upcoming event
November 17th, 2007 IKAS Russia representative Mr. Michael Shlyanin in cooperation with IKAS vice-president Mr. Oleg Deryabin will hold IKAS World Middleweight return fight with active IKAS middleweight champion Randall Halden of the Netherlands and challenger Shamil Guseynov of Russia. Randall is coached by 10 time world champion Mr. Ivan Hippolyte at legendary VosGym, the place of the best fighters such as Ernesto Hoost and Jerrel Vennetian. The first fight, May 6th, 2007 of these two fighters ended with distinct advantage of Randall Halden to take the IKAS golden belt.
We asked what the organizers think about this upcoming event and their forecasts split.
Mr. Shlyanin: I believe this time the Russian fighter can win. Many people are coming there to support him. Shamil has been training hard under the supervision of 7 time world amateur kickboxing champion, 5 time world professional champion, 7 time amateur champion of Europe and 12 time champion of Russia Mr. Almaz Gismeev. And moreover he now understands the fighting manner of his rival with all his strengths and weaknesses. Active IKAS champion Randal is a very good fighter and we respect him for what he does in the ring and he is worth of holding this title. Nonetheless, we do stake on Shamil.
Mr. Oleg Deryabin: I think whole chance is on Randall’s side. He is strong and his kicking technique is perfect. What I most like about Randall is his professional approach to fighting. He has his own tactics to help him win which he has applied in dozens of his bouts. The wrong thing about his opponent Shamil is that he tries to knock out in the first few rounds as he starts. Professional fights should go all 12 rounds with 3 last rounds most exciting because that is where the fighters are at their best. In my opinion, Randall is most likely to defend his title and return home with the belt on.
We at the IKAS wish excellent performance to both fighters and may the best win!
01/07/07 Press Conference Las Vegas, USA
June 9th, 2007 IKAS President Oleg Vadatursky had official meeting with Mr. Harold Reis, IKAS West USA representative, and Christopher Reis, head of the Xtreme Fighting Association in Las Vegas, NV, USA. Other participant was Mr. Michael Corleone, IKAS East USA representative, who attended the meeting despite his busy schedule and tremendous martial arts activity in New York. The parties discussed possible strategies to evolve and promote IKAS kickboxing in the State of Nevada with first sanctioned event to take place in fall. Father and son, Harold and Christopher Reis disclosed and shared their plans to produce true overwhelming fight shows with strongest and world recognized fighters exposing genuine exciting performance. First IKAS sanctioned Las Vegas event fight card will include at least 4 rating fights with two U.S. State title bouts as main event. Fight lineup to be disclosed soon. On behalf of IKAS world team, we would like to thank the host party, Harold and Christopher Reis for their warm welcome and nicely arranged meeting that had Oleg Vadatursky feel at home with friendly and family atmosphere throughout entire visit.
06/05/07 IKAS RUSSIA EVENT
International Kickboxing Association sanctioned IKAS Russian event that took place May 6th in the city of Murmansk, Russia. The event was co-organized and co-promoted by International Kickboxing League, IKAS East Europe representative Mr. Mikhail Shlyanin and IKAS East Europe Director Mr. Almaz Gismeev. This show, supervised by IKAS Vice-president Oleg Deryabin, was of great interest because initially it was supposed to feature a return fight between Rodney Faverus of the Netherlands and Anton Berdnikov of Russia. The two went face-to-face earlier this year with the IKAS World Cruiserweight title taken by Rodney. Unfortunately, this rematch was postponed for November 2007 due to Rodney’s passport extension delay. Nonetheless, the fighting card had 4 eye-popping bouts showcased to the audience of 5,000 people.
The show started with two warm-up national title fights of most talented Russian fighters.
Next bout featured Francois Lubbers of the Netherlands and Alexander Kozlov of Russia fighting for the IKAS Super Middleweight European title. Alexander gave it a very quick and powerful start making referee Alexander Razumov stop the 12 round full contact match in round 5 after crucial spinning kick performed by Alexander Kozlov. The audience applauded the winner – Alexander Kozlov, 19, who is just starting his carrier as a professional fighter.
The main event was IKAS World Middleweight title fight with low kicks featuring Randall Halden of the Netherlands and Shamil Guseynov of Russia. From the very beginning, Shamil attempted to impose close combat and even knocked down his opponent in round 2. Round 3 changed the situation upside down as Randall fully changed his strategy with heavy punches and kicks sweeping Shamil off his way. Randall was fighting his way through like a fight-machine leaving no chance for his opponent to recover. In round 8 referee Alexander Beryozkin stopped the fight as the Russian fighter choose to discontinue the bout.
Special guests Mr. Rustam Salgireyev, IKAS representative for Ukraine, and Mr. Orlando Gemerts, IKAS representative for the Netherlands, congratulated the new IKAS champions on their overwhelming performance and glorious victories.
Mr. Rustam Salgireyev disclosed his future plans to put up a big IKAS event in Ukraine featuring best fighters of the planet.
06/05/07 Xtreme Fighting Association
International Kickboxing Association has appointed Harold Reis (right) as IKAS representative for Nevada, USA which brings a strong partnership with Xtreme Fighting Association XFA formed by father-son team, Harold and Christopher Reis. The XFA will organize and promote IKAS sanctioned live kickboxing events in Las Vegas, NV beginning Fall 2007, with future events to be scheduled monthly. The XFA will showcase the excitement of stand up fighting with knock-down, knock-out action from the world’s most exciting and talented kickboxing athletes. The Xtreme Fighting Association is the world's first amatuer stand up, combat style martial arts association, bringing you the most electrifying fight events possible. The XFA is an association of the top martial arts executives, managers, promoters, coaches, trainers and fighters in the world.Please see details at www.xfalive.com
13/12/06 IKAS RUSSIA EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
The IKAS sanctioned a World title fight to take place January 5th, 2007 in Russia. This fight will feature Anton Berdnikov of Russia who threw a challenge to Rodney Faverus of the Netherlands. It will be a 12 round Cruiserweight Low Kicks fight with two most taleneted and strongers fighters. More details are coming soon...
28/10/06 NEW YORK EVENT
First IKAS USA kickboxing event October 28 th featured New York title fight. IKAS President Oleg Vadatursky attended this event. In the JFK airport, he was met and given a warm welcome by official IKAS representative for the USA Michael Corleone. That same day Mr. Corleone arranged a nice dinner and a party.
Professional fighter Michael Corleone, holding numerous titles in world's leading kickboxing organizations, has now retired and is now busy promoting kickboxing with the International Kickboxing Association. The IKAS is very proud to have Mr. Corleone at our side as a good friend and active member.
Mr. Corleone is now busy making fights schedule to take place not only in the State of New York but other States as well. His first IKAS show in NYC was very important and significant to all the people involved and brought us first ever IKAS New York full contact champion. Prior to the main kickboxing event there were several other rating fights that were very spectacular.
Kickboxing is extremely popular in the United States . To make it even more eye-catching, Mr. Corleone invited tree time champion of the world Mr. Peter Kaljevic to his show. All IKAS fans remember Mr. Kaljevic fighting for the IKAS world title August 2004. We say ‘Welcome' to Michael and we are now fully convinced that Mr. Corleone is a true professional in this field. We strongly believe our cooperation will bring us new World and Intercontinental kickboxing champions.
06/09/06 IKAS USA
Famous world wide, true warrior and promoter Michael Corleone has joined the IKAS and is now in full swing promoting the IKAS in the United States of America. Michael has already announced his first IKAS show to take place as earlier as this October. To question, 'How did you get where you are now?', Michael answered the following:
August 8, 1992:
First fight against National Puerto Rican champ Roberto Mercedes as a last minute replacement. Three weeks before the fight I was approached by trainer Mike Cruz and was asked if I would like to make some money fighting. I was told about the fight and thought it would be a great way to make a name for myself. Until this point I hadn't even had an amateur fight yet, but I was about to turn 23 and was time to put it all on the line. I needed to know if I had what it took to be a champ. in the first round I got off to a good start banging away, causing Roberto to bend over. as he came up the back of his head accidentally met my nose, breaking it in the first minute of the round. I had to quickly regroup, and did by scoring a quick knock down from a side kick to the mid-section in the fourth round. I was dominant throughout the fight, but did not not want to leave it up to the judges, being I was in Puerto Rico and fighting their champ. The fight went into the sixth round and with 15 seconds remaining, I hit Roberto with a left hook that not only ended the fight, but to date, the career of Roberto Mercedes.
After that fight:
I went on to have two more fights in Puerto Rico and scored K.O.'s in both. I then went back to my native home, New York, where I tried to further my boxing career. In August of '96 I was again approached by a person involved in kickboxing, so again I have it a shot to see if I could recapture the glory I once had. Knowing that this time I would have something to lose. Four years ago I came in as an unknown with no experience fighting a champ, so I was expected to lose. Now I was a seasoned pro expected to win or I would prove the skeptics right in saying that I was a fluke, so this time I trained even harder. My first fight back was against Carlos Mercado. The first round started with us feeling each other out. Halfway through we got a little tangled up and Carlos landed a three punch combination to my face which meant the feeling out time was over. I pointed to Carlos and told him he was mine. The next punch was a left hook that landed to the top of Mr. Mercado's head which sent his knees knocking as he hit the canvas. The bell rang shortly after, so it would go to round 2. Within five seconds of the second round Cardlos Mercardo would meet the same fate as did the previous three opponents, by way of a straight right hand that once again to date not only ended the fight but seemingly the career of Mr. Mercardo.
Since then:
I have gone on to win five titles in three different weight classes. The road has not been all glamour. I have had my share of disappointments, but a champion is not measured by his accomplishments, but by how he or she comes back from their misfortunes. In 1997, I fought world ranked middle-weight contender John Kenny, 6'2", 160 pounds. I did not train very hard for the fight and lost a controversial split decision. Four months later we would meet again, this time in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and once again I would have to prove myself to the skeptics that said Michael Corleone is not for real. The judges scored the fight all the same. A unanimous victory for me. Virtually a shutout. That was for the Northeast middle-weight title. I started to take my skills for granted, and found to be content with just winning by decision. I then came across a well-schooled kicker named Dave Buglione. Once again not training like I should have, I was keeping my mind on other things. Things I thought were more important, in addition to underestimation of my opponent. I met defeat again. But like I said earlier, a person is not measured by their accomplishments, but by how they comeback from their misfortunes, and this is a misfortune I intend to fix. I was scheduled to fight Tommy Bottone on
August 11th and the fight has already been cancled.
We shall wait and see if the fight ever takes place.
If history repeats itself, I would not want to be Tommy.
18/02/06 IKAS event
IKAS Light Middleweight Full Contact World Title Fight was staged on February 18th, 2006 by the National Kickboxing League, President Oleg Deryabin. This fight, featuring Nikolai Yamolkin of Russia, Chelyabinsk and Melvin Rozendblad of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, was awaited with impatience for a about a year as it was postponed several times: two times due to Nikolai’s injuries and two other times for a reason of visa denials. There were many doubts that this fight would ever happen. And finally it did take place. In fact it was a tremendous success as the fight was one of the IKAS best in terms of fighting and quality of the event . Some of IKAS leaders paid a visit to Chelabinsk to see this fight: IKAS European Director Jose Fortes of Portugal, IKAS General Director Oliver Campbell and IKAS President Oleg Vadatursky of England. They all traveled all the way to Ural city of Chelyabinsk with Melvin Rozendblad and his coach Ivan Hippolyte and were given a warm welcome by the host party. Three ministerial cars came over to pick up the guests right from the plane ladder and take them to a luxurious hotel. Professional bodyguards were there to accompany all guests during the whole period of their stay in Chelaybinsk. Event co-organizer Alexander Gyr opened the doors of his private entertainment center for the guests so they could have some rest absolutely free. The IKAS thanks organizers Oleg Deryabin and Alexander Gyr for their help and hospitality as things were truly arranged on a high level.
One day prior to the event, a press conference and a weigh-in session were organized with participation of interviewers and camera units of five Russian TV channels. After the official weigh-in, interviewers questioned the organizers and the guests. Melvin said he would certainly take the belt home. Melvin’s coach Ivan Hippolyte was asked a burning question about a return fight to which he answered that, whatever the result, Nikolai would have a chance for a rematch and fight back in Holland. The atmosphere was very friendly with no harsh statements made. After the press conference the event organizers showed the guests around the city, passed by the sport complex of five thousand viewers capacity, and big street billboards with Melvin and Nikolai on it. Those billboards were set all across the city which makes us believe that the organizers worked hard to advertise the show.
And finally the time came for the show to begin. All tickets were sold out so the hall was full. The main fight of the night was preceded by two warm-up rating bouts to excite the audience. And finally they are coming… The fight started without scouting. In the very first round, Melvin landed many hits on his opponent demonstrating his perfect technique of punching and kicking. All judges saw Melvin won round 1. Nikolai was at a loss as he didn’t expect such tough attacks as almost all strikes from Melvin reached the target. This made the audience believe that Melvin would knock out Nikolai very soon. In the 2nd round the fight picture did not really change with Melvin attacking aggressively. By the end of round 2, Nikolai managed to put himself together and find a key for super fast Melvin and landed some kicks on him. However, Melvin received benevolence of judges to win round 2. In round 3, Nikolai fully changed his tactics, and fighters exchanged heavy punches and kicks as nobody wanted give in. That round could be well compared with ancient Roman gladiators battle. It was so overwhelming and exciting to see. Over 5000 viewers split: some supported Melvin and others were crying for Nikolai to take victory. The judges saw round 3 as a draw. However, one thing happened in that round which decided the fight outcome. Melvin made only one error that cost him a loss. He missed a right punch performed by Nikolai to his left rib. Only after the fight all realized that Melvin’s rib was broken. Can you imagine the bravery and courage with which Melvin continued to fight 3 more rounds with such an injury?! In round 4, Melvin missed Nikolai’s right uppercut that made him down. He was very calm sitting there and listening to referee’s counting. Then he rose up and rushed to Nikolai with a steady stream of heavy strikes, but later Nikolai knocked Melvin down again just pushing him forward. Nobody understood what was happening there in the ring. Fight supervisor Oleg Deryabin came up to Melvin’s coach Ivan Hippolyte to ask if Melvin continues to fight, and Ivan gave a positive answer. In the middle of round 6, hard punches of Nikolay had Melvin down again, and the referee chose to stop the fight meaning that Nikolai Yamolkin became the IKAS Light Middleweight World Champion. Melvin looked suppressed, leaned against the ropes and breathed hard. When physicians examined Melvin they realized his rib was broken.
Again the fight was fantastic. Two new kickboxing stars were born. And thanks to both fighters, especially Melvin who showed people why he was there. However, this story is not over, and we look forward to seeing these strong, ambitious and self-confident fighters in a return match that is expected in June 2006. We believe this fight shall be an example to those who want to lead the sport of kickboxing on a new quality level.
Here goes the long awaited report on the IKAS Full Contact Welterweight World title fight featuring Andrei Kupin of Russia and Hassan Bassou of the Netherlands. We are very sorry that this report on an exciting event from 2 months ago comes out just now. The reasons for that is organizer's failure to provide pictures and videos in time. This IKAS event was organized by the NLK and a Russian Promotion Group.
Initially the opponent for Andrei Kupin was to be Spanish fighter Cipri Gomes who had already fought Kupin 3 times in the past on amateur events where Kupin had lost 2:1. The Spanish team confirmed in writing they would be ready to go fight for the professional IKAS World title. Both fighters were motivated greatly and desired to win this title. Back to the story, Andrei Kupin is a 2 time amateur IAKSA World champion. Cipri Gomes holds other World title. After all confirmatory letters sent in and phone calls with the NLK president, the IKAS agreed to license this title bout. However, 22 days prior to the event, the Spanish team notified the NLK and the Russian promoters that they could not come to fight due to an injury. Cipri Gomes reportedly had a hand fracture. Nobody could even imagine such an outcome as Cipri was eager to prove he was #1 in the welterweight class. Now that's what we call the lack of a professional approach. All claims turned out mere words. The NLK asked for a certificate from a doctor but they did not do so. The organizers asked the IKAS for help to avoid tremendous money loss over that failure. IKAS president Oleg Vadatursky was active seeking replacement for Cipri. As for the Spanish team, after the fight Andrei Kupin offered them to stage a rematch but they chose to ignore the request. This all makes us believe they had no serious intentions. If Cipri is truly strong and goal-oriented, we still expect that he throws a challenge, and the IKAS will put him up to fight Andrei Kupin and make this fight happen. Otherwise, the Spanish will prove they are strong by words and scared to show up at the last minute.
Back to the event, in 3 days the IKAS found other opponent for Andrei Kupin. It was European champion Hassan Bassou of the Netherlands who accepted the challenge. IKAS president Oleg Vadatursky announced a fighter replacement to the promoters to continue with preparations (flights, visas, etc). What made this task complicated was a lack of time. However, the IKAS President, his assistant Eugene Howard, and general director Oliver Campbell worked hard to keep the event preparation on rolling. Visas were attained despite the fact that the state officials refused to help. The IKAS president thanks head of the Russian consulate in the Netherlands Mr. Andrei Shybin and consulate official Larisa Nikolaeva who helped with the visas, and who were worried about it all. We wish there would be more such people doing their work professionally.
As far as the fight, Holland was not chosen at random. According to the IKAS rules, a hosted fighter's managing team is requested to stage a rematch later on. Hassan Bassou confirmed his managers would do so regardless of the bout outcome. Due to hardships attaining the visas and the fighter replacement, not depending on the IKAS or the promoters, and the refusal of Cipri Gomes to show up, the Dutch fighter was in a hard situation but had the courage to come and fight. He arrived on the event day, just few hours prior to his fight. Not every fighter would agree to that. We extend thanks and honor for Hassan and his team. The fight did place at an arena bowl with a capacity of 3000 guests. People were looking forward to that event as the fighters never met or heard of each other before. The main award as usual was a belt covered with gold.
There were other IKAS fights on the card: IKAS Russian national title and 2 rating bouts that drove the crowd crazy, and finally the main event of the night…Hassan Bassou walking to the ring. Despite that Hassan fought at the host side, people welcomed and supported him. As it was time for Andrei Kupin to walk out, people burst out. The guardians could hardly make the people remain on their seats. The round 1 started with aggressive attacks from Hassan who was very fast combining punches and kicks. Andrei was focused and then hit Hassan with his right straight to Hassan's head and then landed a right uppercut to his jaw when Hassan was making a step back unable to respond. In deep knock-out, Hassan was down and could not recover within 30 seconds. The referee reacted fast, ran up to Hassan and put the mouthpiece out of his mouth to avoid worse circumstances. Physicians rendered Hassan the first aid.
Now you see true kickboxing. Had the Spanish fighter come over, the result would presumably be the same. Maybe not exactly 1 round but in later rounds. Of course we can only predict, but their refusal to come and reply to any of our emails, we are only left to ponder. We are still waiting for their challenge to prove our suppositions wrong.
Once again it was proved that the Slovenian school is the best in terms of full contact fighting. The full contact is kickboxing classics consisting of 12 rounds and series of blows where a fighter has to show his stamina, speed, skills, character, etc. After the fight Hassan confirmed a rematch. It will probably be a fight with low kicks, not exactly full contact. However, we have not received a solid confirmation of this rematch yet so we look forward to hearing from Hassan's managers to discuss this event.
Read this interview if you want to know what IKAS vice-president Oleg Deryabin has to say about his sport achievements, the upcoming IKAS World title fight on February 18th, and his fighter Nikolay Yamolkin who will fight Melvin Rozendbald.
You are a kickboxing legend, and many know you in Russia as a world class master. Please give a short background how many times you have won the world title.
I have a great experience of amateur fighting with over 250 fights. I won almost all amateur titles including IAKSA Amateur World title. The next stage of my career as a fighter was WKA fights. I won all rating bouts and was a contender to fight for the World title which I won.
What was your hardest bout in your fighting career, and how many rematches have you had as a professional sportsman?
When I was fighting, there was a tough rivalry both in the world and inside the country. So it was not mere fighting as every bout was a real battle. In regards to rematches, they were not spread that widely at that time which I believe was the main problem in the sport of kickboxing.
Do you think your disciple Nikolay will be able to win and become the IKAS World Champion?
Of course I do. Nikolay is a very strong fighter with countless titles such as three time national professional champion, three time CIS and two time Asian champion. His previous win brought him the IKAS Pro European title. I believe Nikolay is about to be the new IKAS World champion.
Do you know anything about your opponent?
No, not really. I just saw a brief background on him at the IKAS website. And I think he strives to win the World belt as many respectful fighters dream of doing.
How is the current preparation for this fight in going?
It’s going perfectly well. He is in a good shape, and he keeps sparing over skillful fighters all the time. Moreover, his is coached by experienced trainers.
What titles does Nikolay hold and what is his full professional fighting record?
He has fought 29 bouts losing only 2 of them and winning 10 fights by KO. I have already mentioned his titles above.
Dutch fighter Melvin Rozenblad said in one of interviews that this time he would take the belt home.
It’s great and I wish he did. But the tale about great wizard Melvin has already been written. So maybe if it is a tale he will certainly win. To be real he has no chance.
Please tell shortly about your fighter. What are his strengths and what can help him win?
I tell this everybody that we are strong and we fight at home. Home walls always help.
According to the rumors of the Dutch press, Nikolay postponed this fight many times on purpose as everybody knows that the Dutch guy is the new world champ and the new kickboxing star. What would you say back to the journalists?
The new champion is Nikolay. If otherwise, all their previous attempts would have ended up with victories. I hardly agree that it is a matter of chance, but they are fighters so they have to prove it was just a bad luck. Look, after all fights we haven’t received any challenges for rematch. I mean Clyde Peterson who lost fighting for the European title and Hassan Bassou who was knocked out in round 1 fighting for the World title. Both don’t want return fights. Why? Because it is easier to tell stories, and all the rest is just words. So fighters of Holland with world fame should be plain with themselves. Maybe the old stars were really great but we don’t see great warriors in the newcomers.
Does Melvin have powers to stop the Dutch wave? If yes, what round will it be?
He certainly does. The answer to the second part of the question will be given in the ring.
What is your word of advice for Melvin and his opponent?
Good luck Melvin. And I want to wish Nikolay to tune up and win this title. May the best win!
Melvin has been trained by true legends Ivan Hippolyte and Ernesto Hoost. What do you think?
As I said great fighters hung up their fiddles. As for the new fighters, I haven’t seen any so they could compete with Russian for real.
How many people are expected to come to witness this great fight? The truly great fight because it will feature world stars one of which will take up the throne.
We expect four thousand guests. In addition this bout will be aired in Europe and Russia for other 12 million people.
Are you running up against hardships due to the intensely cold weather in Russia? We heard it was -45 C in Russia which makes us creep even in Europe here. Seems like your fighter is made of iron if he is still training up in such weather conditions.
Yes, the weather is too cold this year. But we were raised in this land and got used to frost. This only makes us harder but what can we do against the will of God.
You may have use of this interview and appeal to kickboxing fans so they have a desire to come to the fight and support both fighters.
We welcome all people who love the sport of kickboxing. You will see a real fight with real characters. In today’s world there are few true and sincere people. Only emotions and passions are in the ring and no treachery. After the fight the fighters have respect for each other. This proves that kickboxing is a sport of honesty and reality. Unlike football players, our fighters are not simulators, they do not beat with hockey sticks from behind opponents back. What they do is go out in the ring and fight. This is an art like playing a musical instrument. Just come and you will see.
27/01/06 Interview with Ivan Hippolyte
We have interviewed Ivan Hippolyte, true martial artist and coach of Melvin Rozendblad who is scheduled to fight for the IKAS World title on February 18th, 2006 in Chelyabinsk, Russia. This preevent interview will give you a short overview on the main achievements of Ivan and will have you believe that his disciple Melvin has a burning desire inside to come over and win.
Interviewer: You are a kickboxing legend, and many know you in Russia as a world class master. Please give a short background how many times you have won the world title.
Ivan: My first WT I won in 1988. It was the WT-WKA welterweight. In 1990 I won the WT-Muay Thai against a very strong Thai opponent in Amsterdam. In 1995 I won the K-3 title from Holland . That same year I won the WT-WMTC in the Lumpini stadium in Bangkok . In 1996 I won the K-3 from Japan . Further titles are ET-Savate, 4 times ET-Thai Boxing.
What was your hardest bout in your fighting career, and how many rematches have you had as a professional sportsman?
Physically my hardest bout was against Sakmongkol in Thailand . I had to lose too much weight and lost by points. They wouldn't give me a rematch. Mentally it was the K- 3 in Japan . After I defeated my opponent over three rounds (second bout) they gave me draw. After I defeated him in the 4th round they give draw again. So I had to clear things up in the 5th round. It almost cost me a final place.
I had several rematches. The hardest and most spectacular ones were against Jomhod(1-1), Perry Ubeda(2-1), Rayen Simson(1-1).
Do you think your disciple Melvin will be able to win and become the IKAS World Champion?
Of course, I believe in that. Otherwise we would stay at home. We are preparing good for the fight and Melvin will give his best shots.
Do you know anything about your opponent?
No, I do not know anything. Not even his name. But I do know that he is Russian. So that means we have to come over to fight.
How is the current preparation for this fight in going?
We prepare as we always do. The only different is that Melvin is a Thai-boxing fighter. So we have to switch over to the full-contact level now. But he is doing well so far.
What titles does Melvin hold and what is his full professional fighting record?
At the moment Melvin holds no titles. So that means that he is hungry to break that record. I believe that Melvin has a record of 29 fights, 6 losses, and 2 draws.
Russian fighter Nikolay Yamolkin said in one of interviews that this time Holland would go home with no belt. You know all previous attempts of the Dutch fighters to win the IKAS belt failed. What do you think?
According to all the failed attempts of the Dutch fighters Nikolay has to say ‘this time Holland will go home with a belt'.
Please tell shortly about your fighter. What are his strengths and what can help him win?
Melvin's strength is not to worry about his opponent. He always speaks in the ring and never outside.
Will it be your first trip to Russia ?
No, this will be my 3rd trip to Russia . I have been to Moscow and St. Petersburg .
Do you know anything about the country where this great IKAS world title bout will take place? You may wonder why ‘great bout'? Because it will be a clash of two young ambitious fighters! The main reward will be a unique IKAS world belt covered with gold. In the game ‘ Russia vs. Holland ', the Russians are winning 2x0. Don't you think it may be a fight of the year?
I do not know anything about Chelyabinsk . But it will surely be a good fight. I think it will be the fight of the century.
According to the rumors of the Russian sport press, Melvin is scared to go fight as everybody knows that the Russian guy is the new world champ and the new kickboxing star. What would you say back to the journalists?
Of course Melvin will be scared to fight. The Dutch fighters have that reputation worldwide.
Does Melvin have powers to stop the ‘Russian Rocket'? If yes, what round will it be?
Please if there is a tip to stop "the Russian rocket", give it to me because otherwise we have to come over with all the fear in us and see how many rounds Melvin can holdup.
We know the fight contract contains a clause of a return fight. If the Russian loses this match, how long will it take before he can correct his error and fight a rematch with Melvin? Do you think Melvin mill avoid meeting the Russian again?
Of course, within 3 months we will bring the rocket to Holland to get his title back. But according to all the rumors the belt will stay in Russia.
What is your word of advice for Melvin and his opponent?
May the best fighter win!
You may have use of this interview and appeal to kickboxing fans so they have a desire to come to the fight and support both fighters.
International Kickboxing Association has appointed Harold Reis (right) as IKAS representative for Nevada, USA which brings a strong partnership with Xtreme Fighting Association XFA formed by father-son team, Harold and Christopher Reis. The XFA will organize and promote IKAS sanctioned live kickboxing events in Las Vegas, NV beginning Fall 2007, with future events to be scheduled monthly. The XFA will showcase the excitement of stand up fighting with knock-down, knock-out action from the world’s most exciting and talented kickboxing athletes. The Xtreme Fighting Association is the world's first amatuer stand up, combat style martial arts association, bringing you the most electrifying fight events possible. The XFA is an association of the top martial arts executives, managers, promoters, coaches, trainers and fighters in the world.Please see details at 
Famous world wide, true warrior and promoter Michael Corleone has joined the IKAS and is now in full swing promoting the IKAS in the United States of America. Michael has already announced his first IKAS show to take place as earlier as this October. To question, 'How did you get where you are now?', Michael answered the following:
Read this interview if you want to know what IKAS vice-president Oleg Deryabin has to say about his sport achievements, the upcoming IKAS World title fight on February 18th, and his fighter Nikolay Yamolkin who will fight Melvin Rozendbald. 
We have interviewed Ivan Hippolyte, true martial artist and coach of Melvin Rozendblad who is scheduled to fight for the IKAS World title on February 18th, 2006 in Chelyabinsk, Russia. This preevent interview will give you a short overview on the main achievements of Ivan and will have you believe that his disciple Melvin has a burning desire inside to come over and win.