Jamaican fighters will be scrambling for combined team 2009 selection points this weekend when they travel to the North American and Caribbean Championships in Queens, New York.

Apart from jostling for points to make the 2009 combined martial arts team, the Fighter of the Year title, which carries a $100,000 cash prize from sponsor Busta, through Jamaica Beverages, will also be on the line.

Kenneth Edwards, Alrick Wanliss and Nicholas Dussard are in contention for the title and the championship could decide which of the three emerges with top honours.

Accumulate points

The tournament is most crucial for fighters seeking to accumulate points ahead of the 2009 season, especially for those facing elimination from the unit.

Ricardo Lewis, Shiahh Shhukura and Dwayne Brown are at the foot of the standings.

With only 10 spots available and other fighters knocking at the door after shining at local tournaments, the trio are in danger of losing their spots.

Challenging for a spot on the team is Future Leaders' Nigel Gardener, who could win selection if he wins the national blackbelt open in November.

Captain Jason McKay, who sits relatively comfortable with 11 points, finished seventh in the standings last year. He has been a victim of the combined team's success, not called on to fight in two of four combined team matches this year.

The team will be coached by Claude Chin.