Belts and titles

[Jofeljoh!]

This is something which bothers me quite a bit when seeing a matchmaking these days. You know what I mean, 20th times world kickboxing champion, the WMCSFEFEMKEJ-champion, etc.

It's a jungle out there of organisations, titles, belts. It's annoying, because what does a title mean these days? In the Netherlands alone there are I think 11 or 12 organisations with their own titles. All the good fighters are spread over these organisations and don't fight eachother that many times. If I see a flyer for a new event with some titlefights, I just think 'so, big deal'. It takes away all the tension and excitement imo. They are giving belts away as it were free cookies.

How do you feel about this? Isn't it a pity that you can't have an undisputed champion in a weightclass. Ofcourse we have K-1 but I think they leave a lot of real talent out too (there's so much talent, I can give a few Dutch names who can compete in K-1 Max with little problems). K-1 Heavyweight is maybe the only weightclass/organisation which is a pretty reasonable reflection of the pool of class and talent over the last 10 years.

Also this thread is meant to create some order in the chaos. I would like you to help me get a list with all the important organisations in the world, so I know what organisations are important and what not.

Can someone give me a list in importance?

[Kamatari]

Fred Royers' influence is growing.

Only the Dutch will get that.

[Jofeljoh!]

I'm Dutch, but I don't quite get it actually? :D

Fred Royers by the way is a very good man with heart for the sport. I think I have a little idea where you're referring to, but could you still explain what you mean exactly?

[Kamatari]

He brings up the same points as yourself rather often during commentary. In comparison to Mr. Vanders he's definitely better. I do agree with what you're saying though.

In Japan (kick) promotions use their own rankings and belts for various weightclasses. This is both a good and bad thing, if promotions aren't working with each other then you won't see the best of one facing the best of the other. There's a bantamweight tournament (Japan's toughest weightclass IMO) going on (MACH 55) where the champions and top ranked compete. The AJKF champion will face NJKF's nr. 4 in the final, surprising? Not really, NJKF probably has the best fighters in that weightclass, champion or not.

You do see these ABC titles making their way in and out when a fighter happens to win one of those. But the title is as good as its holder, so it doesn't always have to be a bad thing.

[Chief]

There is one good article about titles and belts.

http://www.k-1.se/news/2005-02-14/index.html