Through The Cage

[“Low-Kick” or International Kickboxing rules allow punches, kicks above the waist, and kicks to the legs, whereas traditional Full Contact Rules or “American Kickboxing” only allow punches and kicks that are above the waist.]

On February 24, 2012, a crew from DC Boxing & Fitness made another trip NYC to fight in Combat at the Capitale 25. Katie Jaworski, who fought on the past four fight cards, was joined by teammates Clinso “The Rage” Brumfield and Jennifer Yang, who was a last minute replacement. Tara Smith from Warriors Martial Arts Club in Richmond, VA also made her Capitale debut to compete for the open Women’s Northeast WKA Championship. Diamond Watson from Team Combat in MD was originally scheduled to defend his North America Muay Thai Champion title against Mike Fischetti, from Team Tiger Schulmann. But Fischetti broke his nose during training and had to withdraw from the fight. According to Neglia, this fight will be rescheduled for the next show.

Click here for pictures of the DMV fighters' bouts.

The main event was the World Muay Thai Championship where the defending champion, Timothy Amorim, from Sitan Gym in Philadelphia, went up against Julio Arce, the Tri-State Champion from Team Tiger Schulmann. The fight was scheduled for five, two-minute rounds. As the final fight of the night, the crowd was ready for this title fight. The aggressiveness in the first round was not at the same level as earlier fights. But as the fight proceeded, the fighters found their groove and exchanged a series of punches and kicks. Arce had the crowd on his side. Team Tiger Shulmann is known to bring a strong group of supporters, and their cheers drown out anything else at the Capitale. Tonight was no different. The fight went the distance, and Arce won in unanimous decision. Neglia said the title will be up for defense this spring in the next fight night. An opponent has not been selected, but he would like to find a VA fighter to challenge Arce.

The 134 lbs. Women’s Northeast WKA Championship title was also on the line this evening. Smith, who was the 2010 North American Champion World Karate Kickboxing Organization Champion, fought at the Capitale for the first time against seasoned veteran, Andrea DeAngelo (Neglia Competition Team). The fight went all four rounds. There was a lot of holding in the fight, and the referee had to warn the fighters to “fight.” DeAngelo, who is effective with her kicks and Superman punches, edged out Smith to win by unanimous decision.

The two ladies from the DC fight team, Jaworksi and Yang, fought back to back and tried to pull out a win, but in the end both lost by decision. Jaworksi went up against Odalis Gonzalez (Team Tiger Schulmann) in a Muay Thai match-up. While Jaworski fought hard, landing several strong kicks and utilizing the clench, it wasn’t enough to take the win from the undefeated Gonzalez. Yang accepted her fight against Naomi Cookson (Chok Sabai Gym) with only one week to prepare when Cookson’s original opponent had to withdraw. Yang had not been in fight training for several months. Her endurance was not strong, and it showed during the fight. But she did go all three rounds with Cookson winning by unanimous decision.

The only DMV fighter to win at this event was Brumfield, the 2010 International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) World Welterweight Champion and the 160-165 lbs. 2011 CFC East Coast Classic International Kickboxing Champion. Brumfield also trains with the DC fight team, and he had a decisive win over his opponent, Felix Andino from Lions Roar gym. The pace was controlled, and Brumfield’s experience in the ring was evident as he demonstrated finesse with every punch and kick. Brumfield won by unanimous decision.

There were two fights that were canceled the night of the event. Stephen Regman (Team Tiger Schulmann) was supposed to face off against Keston Jamerson (Camp Undefeated for the 168 lbs. Regional Muay Thai Championship. Regman is the current Tri-State Champion. Jamerson was a no-show for the fight and thus forfeited. Jamerson will be suspended by WKA. Niko Tsigaras (Lions Martial Arts Academy) was scheduled to fight Chauncey Jnagey (Damage, Inc.) in a 140-145 lbs. Muay Thai bout. But Jnagey failed the pre-fight physical and could not compete.

RESULTS RECAP

Click here for pictures of the DMV fighters' bouts.

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