Stone rewrites martial arts history

RICHARD STONE rewrote local martial arts history books on Saturday, crowned the first fighter to win back-to-back Night of Champions International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) World Championship titles at the International Sports Karate Association (ISKA) United States Open in Orlando, Florida.

Originally down to compete in clash and continuous sparring on Friday, Stone was told Thursday night, while in Jamaica, that instead, he would be rushed by sponsor McKay Security to make main stage for Night of Champions on Saturday.

In a twist of fate, Stone ended up switching places with Nicholas Dusard for the televised US Open ITF title fight, ironically against Irishman Leard Xheladini, who had beaten him in the first round at last September’s World Championships in Finland.

Dusard, originally an intended Night of Champions replacement for Akino Lindsay — who was among 34 senior and junior fighters left stranded in Jamaica by Hurricane Beryl — coached Stone to his historic win.

“I was trying to save the day then heard Stone was on his way. The time he came in, he would have missed the US Open. We spoke over the phone and agreed I would do US Open and he fight Night of Champions,” Dusard explained.

Stone, who. last year. defeated the United States’ Sheldon Spencer for his first Night of Champions ITF title, is a four-time US Open world champion and decorated ISKA fighter with seven Amateur Members Association (AMA) gold medals.

However, many thought he would again struggle against Xheladini, who had beaten him 2-1 before making the podium as individual bronze medallist and winning team gold in Finland at the ITF’s biggest tournament.

“When I fought him at the ITF World Championships in Finland and lost, I was a bit flustered then. I wasn’t as focused. This time, I was focused and had my coach, Dusard, with me to keep me focused. This was like a fated rematch for me,” said an elated Stone, who found favour with all four judges.

Dusard said he and Stone worked on a fight plan to nullify Xheladini, runner-up at this year’s ITF European Championship and winner of the 2023 European Cup in the -87 kilogram sparring category.

“Stone and I sat down and watched the full fight to see what had happened when he lost to him. We worked out what went well and what didn’t. I also watched a couple fights of Xheladini and formulated a game plan. What we discussed was pretty much what happened in the match,” said Dusard.

Noting that Stone’s win was celebrated by the few who made it to Orlando as well as the many back home, Dusard dedicated his two gold medals and that of Nathan-John Pellington, who he also coached to gold, to the entire team left stranded in Jamaica

“The kids were disappointed. I have been competing at the US Open for the better part of 15 years. I won two more gold medals, but I would have preferred if the kids were here.

“It worked out for Stone to get the rematch. He deserved it. It was almost the best way to end the trip. Stone is such a humble and hard worker. He does very well inside and outside the ring. It was almost carved in stone for him to have his moment. I was proud to be on stage to be a part of the moment.”