KNOCKDOWN KINGS 2002 K-1 USA Qualifier and
Karate Championship

New York, NY - March 23, 2002. New York City's Hunter College played host to a near sellout crowd for Saturday's Knockdown Kings event. In addition to some blistering karate action, fans also watched Canadian Basem Balbaki's emergence as K-1 USA's final seed into the May 3rd Regional K-1 event at the Mirage in Las Vegas. Balbaki topped a field of four athletes who vied for a chance to compete with America's best stand up martial artists at K-1.

The event also featured a superfight matchup between Canada's Rino Belcastro and Switzerland's Thomas Hladky. Nobuaki Kakuda, Chief Referee for K-1 and four other judges gave Belcastro the decision after three regulation rounds.

In karate action, the Japanese team dominated in nearly all divisions. Switzerland's Haris Reiz took his revenge for a 2001 All Japan Championship loss to Tatsuya Kato, by defeating Kato to win the crown "Knockdown King".

Tournament Director Arne Soldwedel commented:

"We pretty much sold out the venue our first time here, but this does not satisfy me. What satisfies me is seeing fighters from all around the world here in New York. Each fighter is eager to show what he can do. Each is determined to win. Each is prepared to give it all to emerge victorious. Fans were pleased, the fighters were excellent, and everyone had a great day. What more can you hope for?"

Balbaki is determined to show his skills in May and will resume his training immediately.

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