GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM Kevin Williams of SoHo Productions, left, outlines competition rules to participants, from left, Faitala Malele of Kalihi; Harvey McInerny of Kahaluu, and Wade Sullivan of Aiea. The gentleman with the tattoos did not want to be named.

Amateurs duke it out
in regulated brawls

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By Jason Genegabus
jason@starbulletin.com

Ever felt like you wanted to false-crack that smart-mouthed doorman who gave you a hard time at the nightclub? Or wondered what would really happen if those two guys shoving each other around in the parking lot actually got past the pleasantries and started exchanging blows?

A new type of organized violence debuting this weekend promises to be entertaining for those who want to know who the baddest braddahs are on this rock.

On Saturday night, eight amateur fighters take to the squared circle and face off in this month's opening round of Roughman at World Cafe. Tomorrow night's card features lightweight-class competitors in what promoter Kevin Williams calls "'Fight Club' meets the nightclub."

"We want regular guys, not professionals who are on a circuit," Williams said. "We have more of an entertainment element. ... We've got dancers and a deejay who will spin between fights."

The eight men who step into the ring will have completed an application and screening process that promises action for fans. "It's straight boxing with a twist," said Williams. "We want it to be fair and entertaining."

ROUGHMAN Where: World Cafe, 1130 N. Nimitz Hwy. When: 7:30 p.m. tomorrow. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission: $15 Call: 585-2877

Among the competitors who have already signed up is Waipahu resident Jasen Villagonza. The 23-year-old warehouse worker simply lists "kick some ass" as his goal for the fight.

Also set to mix it up is Honolulu resident Harvey McInerny, who owns an investment brokerage firm. He says on his application that he's been training hard and hopes to win the light heavyweight championship.

Roughman will continue monthly at World Cafe for the rest of 2002, taking place every first Saturday of the month. Each month's winner will take home $1,000 and be eligible to win a new car. The second-place finisher receives $250.

Williams envisions adding celebrity and novelty bouts to the fight cards. He described possible matchups between police officers and firefighters, nightclub bouncers and even radio jocks from different stations.

Applications are still available for those who want a piece of the action. Call 585-2877, or pick up an application at World Cafe during the event.

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