Sunday 1st of May saw the W.K.A. alongside Warriors promotions host their
first joint venture in Birmingham venue for this event was the Hardy Spicers
Social club in Erdington home of many of U.S.K.A's finest achievements. So
it was obvious that the U.S.K.A. light continuous team would attend being
almost on our doorstep so to speak. With confidence riding high after their
successful outing at the recent goldstar tournament it was with little
surprise that one and all turned in some exceptional displays not least from
Master Jake Richards.....Jake is like the incredible Hulk, not that he turns
green and all his clothes become to small for his bulging muscles but that
he turns into a different kid as soon as he hears that bell sound.
An excellent display of accurate kicking and pressure fighting over his
Coventry based opponent saw another sound victory to add to Jake's unbeaten
record. Serious contender for fighter of the day.
Jay Collett..... Jay could be excused for living in his big brothers shadow
but instead he continues to make his own name for himself with consistent
sound performances in the ring. Another win for little Collett on Sunday
with good movement and sharp kicking accuracy. He has all the tools, great
kicking ability and just a pinch of showmanship to go a long way in this
sport.
Stacey Clarke.....although going in no way near 100% fit she still had
enough in the tank to out kick and see off her younger opponent in a
gruelling two round fight. imagine what she could do if she went in there
totally fighting fit.
Reiss Larvin.....A toughie for Reissy this week against a very game fighter
from Colin Glasford's Ying Yang gym.
The fists and feet were non stop with Reece getting the better of the
argument over his tiring opponent in the second round.

 

 

Double British Title Tilt

They came they saw ... And were not fazed at all! That was the reaction of
Manchester W.K.A. coach Alfie Lowe. This after seeing the best U.S.K.A. had
to offer by way of up and coming Jnr fighters. The comments coming after
Alfie Lowe had seen Tommy Collett Tyler Shakespeare Qasim Nisar all take
respective versions of the English title back in October. He had been
present at the show and proclaimed the U.S.K.A trio good but his lads were
better. Now that is some statement given that the U.S.K.A. boys had all
performed well on the night in question. So when a well respected coach
threw down the gauntlet Coach Neil Kelly respectfully sat up and took
notice. Six months later and would you guess it, who provides the opposition
for two of the three fighters now crowned English champions? none other than
those same self Alfie Lowe fighters from Manchester. Billed as current world
Champions the Manchester team deserved respect after all they were coming
down to our patch to contest the two titles up for grabs on the evening
namely the 70 and 62kg W.K.A. British Jnr titles. The show hosted by the
W.K.A. and Warrior promotions saw Tommy Collett (U.S.K.A.) pitted against
Steve Mullins (Manchester) and Tyler Shakespeare (U.S.K.A.) paired with
James Casey (Manchester) in what looked like two very tough bouts over 5 x 1
½ minute rounds. And all credit too the travelling team along with them they
had brought quite a large contingency of support. Only to be met by the army
of vivacious U.S.K.A. supporters, equally set on raising the roof for the
cause. The scene was set which gym would come out victorious and take the
spoils of the battle in store. We didn't have to wait long as...

First into the ring was the visiting fighter James Casey. Looking focused he
awaited patiently for his opponent to arrive. The "Steppin Razor" Anthem
sounded as Tyler's entourage of his sister Stacey and two of his biggest
fans Sarah and Serina carried his championship belts and the English flag
towards the ring. Followed shortly after by the man himself.......Tyler 'THE
STEPPIN RAZOR' Shakespeare to the rapturous applause of the U.S.K.A crowd. A
confident looking Shakespeare entered the ring and duly acknowledged the
crowd. Both fighters after being read the rules from referee Bob Taggart
were wound up and ready to go.

ROUND ONE

The fight started with the battle of the lead leg kick. Unfortunately for
Razor his timing seemed out and none were managing to find their target.
Tyler trying to get a little closer and backed James up to the ropes only to
be met by an excellent front kick to the face from James. Tyler took the
kick well and moved forward regardless, the U.S.K.A youngster was noticeably
very nervous as he was throwing kicks into fresh air without really thinking
about the set up. With the lack of contact Tyler was making James seemed to
be growing in confidence and started to open up. James let go with a fast
jump turning kick narrowly missing the U.S.K.A mans chest.

As the round drew to a close Tyler started to get a little closer but was
still being held off by Casey's centre line kicking. An early decisive round
to Manchester's James Casey.

ROUND TWO

Tyler tries to continue where he left off in the first round trying to close
the gap and find his range so that James cannot pick up his troublesome lead
leg. James again goes to the ropes where he tries his version of the
rope-a-dope, leaning back on the ropes trying to catapult out his front
kick. One lands flush to the chest of Razor sending him to the canvas. Tyler
was trying hard but was struggling to solve the technical problems that
James was posing.

End of round two and Tyler was two rounds in debt. To lose another round
would spell defeat for the young starlet, things were definitely not going
to plan.

ROUND THREE

Fully aware of the predicament he was in, Tyler opened up the third round
with a renewed sense of urgency.

On the instruction of his corner he knew he had to close his man down and
start landing in volume to take his opponent out of his comfort zone. Tyler
now was having more success and started to land shots in two's and three's.

Just as it was looking like Tyler was turning the tide he got caught with
that same front kick off the ropes as he himself was attempting to kick that
sent him again onto the canvas. Quickly back on his feet and undaunted Tyler
resumed the pressure to outwork his man just missing with a high jump
turning side kick. The change of pace was starting to take it's toll on
James and his kicking was now starting to look laboured. Just before the
bell Tyler landed his first clean head kick of the bout to the U.S.K.A
crowds delight. Tyler had succeeded to stop the rot and had won his 1st
round of the night.

2-1 to Manchester's James Casey which left it all to play for in the last
two rounds.

ROUND FOUR

Round four opened up with Casey immediately moving around the outskirts of
the ring laterally trying to break Razors rhythm. He was looking tired now
and Tyler saw his opportunity to push through the gears and force James to
stand and trade. This suited Tyler and it was clear that he was winning the
round with a good effective workrate.

James welcomed the bell as a chance to compose himself and look for a much
needed second wind to finish the bout strong. The score cards were even at
two rounds a piece going into the fifth and final round with both fighters
knowing they had to give their all to secure the victory.

ROUND FIVE

A few seconds into the action and Tyler lands first with an Axe kick to the
side of Casey's head. Seeing his man visibly tired and with his hands down
Tyler went straight into overdrive unleashing volleys of effective
punch/kick combinations. The ropes were no longer Casey's friend now they
were his prison ,as he never now had the energy to hold off Tyler with the
kick and instead was trapped on them and being pinned by Tyler's relentless
pressure.

Things at this point were not looking good for the Manchester lad. Another
jump turning kick again missed it's target for Tyler as the U.S.K.A corner
implored him to stick to basics and maintain the pressure. The bell sounds
and by far the most conclusive round in the fight so far had been scored to
the U.S.K.A lad.

Referee Bob Taggart calls both fighters to the ring centre to announce the
judges decision.............. AND THE NEW W.K.A. LIGHT CONTACT CHAMPION OF
GREAT BRITAIN IS........'TYLER SHAKESPEARE'!

As suspected the bout was scored three rounds to two with Tyler having the
stamina and desire to pull himself through a tough fight. The fight had
everything you would expect from a British championship bout. A dejected but
worthy opponent in James Casey had found out the hard way the U.S.K.A were
nothing if not durable as well as talented. And with one in the bag it was
all eyes on Tommy Collett could he make it two out two for the home gym.

A very confident and composed looking Steven Mullins makes his way to the
ring. Machine gun fire sounds as Tommy 'GUN' Collett bounces into the ring
and pops out a machine gun hop kicks to the cheers of the home crowd.
Referee Bob Taggart calls both boys to ring centre for final instructions.
Tommy giving an icy stare with Steven opting to look over him up to the
ceiling of the room. The atmosphere at this point you could cut with a
knife.

After the customary touch up of the gloves both fighters made their way back
to their corners to prepare to come out fighting.

ROUND ONE

Both lads looked very well matched with equal punching and kicking ability.
After a few feeling out techniques Tommy traps Steven on the ropes and lands
a flush Axe kick to the front of Steven's face knocking his head right back.
Mullins fires a wry smile at being caught so cleanly and so early in the
bout. Manchester fighter Mullins try's to land in flurry's but Collett's
sound defence is negating most of his work. Mullins opting to pound hooks to
the side of Tommy's arms with Tommy's smart counter punching followed by
fast body and head kick. Seen was a good competitive lively first round come
to a close with Tommy "Gun" winning it on the cleaner techniques thrown.

ROUND TWO

Although opening the second round fast and furious Mullins was not really
finding his target and was being hit with superb counters from Collett which
were clocking up the points. Every combination was being finished with a
scoring kick from Collett and at this point Mullins looked to be running out
of steam and ideas of how to deal with Tommy's fight plan, Coming off second
or not at all in every exchange. Things were starting to look very bleak for
Steven Mullins as the end of the round came.

ROUND THREE

If things were not bad enough for Steve Mullins in the last round they were
about to get a lot worse in this one.

Round three started with Tommy landing a close quarter picture perfect left
leg spinning hook kick to the side of Steven's head. Pot shooting at will
now and pulling out all the stops the U.S.K.A fighter flew through his
repertoire of techniques onto a tired, dazed and confused Steven Mullins.

A perfect left head kick, body punch flurry, right head kick combination saw
the outgunned Mullins drop to his knee's to escape the onslaught. The
referee and the corner seeing the fighter was in no position to continue
jointly called a halt to the bout. Collett's celebrations were put on hold
as Steven received oxygen and attention from ringside paramedics but
thankfully this was only a precautionary measure. Seeing his opponent was
fine Tommy's hand was raised as the victor and he was crowned THE NEW W.K.A.
LIGHT CONTACT CHAMPION OF GREAT BRITAIN.

True as Alfie Lowe had said his boys were good but when it came to the ring
thing, head and shoulders above them all stood U.S.K.A. The Manchester team
had put up a valiant effort but the real deal is our boys and girls eat
sleep and dream where it matters, and once inside the ropes talk is cheap

So heading back to the gym adorned with the spoils of their chosen
endeavours Tyler Shakespeare and Tommy Collett join an illustrious growing
List of U.S.K.A British Champions,

OH ! AND THE BAD NEWS IS, THERES MORE WHERE THESE LADS COME FROM, Bad news
for everyone else that is!