Deerfield Beach-July 10, 2009 – Excitement, energy, and nervousness flowed through Punch Fitness & Martial Arts at the start of the First Strike Muay Thai Kickboxing event. I arrived early, just observing the set-up and preparation. Brian Corsello, one of the main coordinators of the event and a competing fighter, was diligently hanging up posters, directing fighters and coaches, and putting together finishing touches. When I first spoke with Brian, I asked him why he wasn’t getting prepared for his fight, he politely answered, “this is how I am preparing.”
The night kicked off with non-stop exchanges between Corsello (Punch Fitness & Martial Arts) and Josh Mercado (Evolution MMA) in the 135lb weight division. Corsello advanced throughout the fight with jabs and crosses to Mercado’s head. Mercado connected with jumping knees, spinning and side kicks. Both fighters showed heart and energy, with Mercado taking the win by decision.
Sifu John Rivera (American Top Team) and Michael Benken (Fist Factory WPB) kept the momentum going with the 145lb fight of the evening. When I spoke with Sifu Rivera, he emphasized that before his fight he maintained focus, persevered over negative energy and came to “take care of business” – he delivered. Rivera was full of energy the entire fight, dominating with speed and sharp techniques. Benken landed consistent, solid kicks and fought in a southpaw stance. We took a brief break from the action when both fighters simultaneously took shots to the groin. The bout ended with Rivera knocking-out Benken with left roundhouse kick to the head.
The 180lb match of the evening brought us Ahmar Abbasi (Punch Fitness & Martial Arts) versus Ron Elam (American Top Team). Abbasi showed good conditioning as Elam’s powerful punches and kicks landed. Elam advanced on Abbasi with intense roundhouse kicks, followed by knees. Abbasi answered back with kicks and knees to Elam’s body. Both fighters showed strong sportsmanship and mutual respect. Elam took the win by decision.
Adnan Mazumbar (Punch Fitness & Martial Arts) and Richard Cooper (American Top Team) brought us the 170lb match up of the evening. Mazumbar fired accurate spinning kicks while Cooper released powerful knees leading to a knock down of Mazumbar. Cooper dominated the fight resulting in a win by decision.
The evening closed with the 205lb bout between Andrew Clark (Round 2 Kickboxing) and Carl Barbouze (American Top Team). Clark stayed active the entire match, advancing with uppercuts and multiple kicks to Barbouze’s head, some landed, some landed him on the floor. Barbouze’s powerful punches helped him win this match by decision.
The entire night went to the blue corner. The First Strike event kept the audience on the edge of their seats and we look forward to more to come.
Results:
135lbs
Brian Corsello vs. Josh Mercado (W – Decision)
Punch Fitness & Martial Arts Evolution MMA Miami
145lbs
Michael Benken vs. John Rivera (W – Knock out)
Fist Factory WPB American Top Team
180lbs
Ahmar Abbasi vs. Ron Elam (W – Decision)
Punch Fitness & Martial Arts American Top Team
170lbs
Adnan Mazumdar vs. Richard Cooper (W – Decision)
Punch Fitness & Martial Arts American Top Team
205lbs
Andrew Clark vs. Carl Darbouze (W – Decision)
Round 2 Kickboxing American Top Team
Natalie Perez-Poulos has a love for Martial Arts and practices Kung Fu, Muay Thai Kick-boxing, and Krav Maga on a daily basis, at the Martial Arts Training Academy of Hollywood. She received her Black Belt in November 2009. Natalie graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the College of Journalism at the University of Florida and went on to complete her Master's Degree in Business Administration. 
Great article! Natalie.
Very Good Article Natalie! You all did such a great job covering it! Thank you again!
Awesome Can’t wait to go to the next event!