Cunningham for ESPN3

JAMAICA has landed, for the third consecutive year, a coveted spot on today's prestigious 'Night of Champions' at the United States Open International Sports Karate Association World Martial Arts Championship in Orlando, Florida.

Following the appearances of Kenneth Edwards in 2010 and Nicholas Dussard last year, Jamaica's top female fighter Sheckema Cunningham will go up against an Argentine opponent live on ESPN3 in a broadcast starting at 5:15 p.m Jamaica time.

Cunningham, who last year became the first black woman to medal at the International Taekwon-Do Federation World Championships, is the third Jamaican to feature on the Night of Champions at the tournament considered the biggest martial arts open in the world.

Jamaica's presence on the Night of Champions has been historic on each occasion. In 2010, Kenneth Edwards, now preparing to represent Jamaica at the London Olympics, got a recorded spot.

Last year, Dussard fought live and defeated Argentina's Estanislao Serrano to be crowned world lightweight continuous sparring champion at the tournament which was beamed to millions worldwide.

This year, Cunningham will add another bit of history when she becomes the first Jamaican woman to grace the stage.

Coached by Jason McKay, Cunningham has been unbeaten locally for the last four years and has led Jamaica's female combined martial arts team to four consecutive victories.