Henry finally gets shot at Garay in WBA light heavyweight eliminator

Posted on | March 10, 2010 | No Comments

Erik Morales headlines “The Champion Returns” PPV Mar. 27

HOBOKEN, N.J. (Mar. 10, 2010) – Light heavyweight contender Chris “Hard Hittin’” Henry has patiently waited an extra month to get a shot at former 2-time WBA light heavyweight champion Hugo Hernan “Pigu” Garay in their March 27th WBA Light Heavyweight eliminator.

They were originally supposed to square-off February 27 but that show was cancelled, moving Garay-Henry back four weeks to March 27 as the 12-round co-feature on “The Champion Returns” pay-per-view event, featuring the return of 3-division world champion Erik “El Terrible” Morales, live from Monterrey, Mexico.

“It (postponement) really helped me,” Henry said from his Texas training camp. “I feel it’s a blessing that it was postponed. I took one week off to let my body relax and then we got right back to grinding hard. It’s almost three months training for this fight. I’m more prepared now. I feel for Garay….after the fight I’ll feel for him. Everything will work out for a reason and a win will get me a world title shot so I can show that I’m one of the best light heavyweights in the world. I’ve been fighting top 10 guys for a while.”

“The Champion Returns,” presented by KO Entertainment and Box Latino, is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, TVN and DISH Network, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

WBA No. 4-ranked Henry (24-2, 19 KOs), fighting out of Houston, has been the NABF, NABA, IBA Inter-Continental and USNBC light heavyweight champion during the past four years. “This is a big step-up for me,” Henry added. “Everybody has looked at me as a stepping stone to get to bigger guys, but I am one of the best light heavyweights, and I’ve worked hard to get where I’m supposed to be. I’m a throwback-fighter who goes all out. Garay may not be a great puncher but he’s a 2-time world champ. He throws a lot of fast punches and I’m a big hitter. Pay-per-view fans are going to watch a great fight. I’m looking for a big W.”

Garay (32-4, 17 KOs), rated No. 3 by the WBA, is a popular Argentinean who defeated Yuri Barashian by decision for the WBA light heavyweight title in 2008, successfully defended against present WBO Interim champion Juergen Braehmer by decision, and then lost his belt by decision last June to Gabriel Campillo.

Morales (48-6, 34 KOs), the last opponent to defeat Manny Pacquiao, returns from a 2 ½ year layoff to face Nicaraguan knockout specialist Jose “Jicaras” Alfaro (23-5, 20 KOs) in the 12-round main event for the vacant WBC Intercontinental welterweight crown.

On a mission to become Mexico’s first 4-divisional world champion, Morales’ victims include Pacquiao. Marco Antonio Barrera, Pauli Ayala, Wayne McCullough, Junior Jones, Carlos Hernandez, Jesus Chavez, Guty Espadas, Jr. (twice), Daniel Zaragoza and Kevin Kelly.

Former WBA lightweight titlist Alfaro has defeated world champions Prawet Singwancha and DeMarcus Corley

Two of the top 105-pounders in the world – No. 1 Denver Cuello (19-2-5, 10) and No. 2 Juan “Churritos” Hernandez (15-1, 12 KOs) – continue the ongoing Philippines-Mexican rivalry, respectively, when they meet in a 12-round bout for the WBC Interim strawweight championship.

Also slated to fight on this power-packed PPV card is El Paso’s undefeated NABA title-holder David “Nino” Rodriguez (32-0, 30 KOs) against Daniel Bispo, 1996 Brazilian Olympian, in a 10-round Special Heavyweight Attraction.

Tickets are available to purchase at www.superboletos.com.

Integrated Sports Media: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Ricky Hatton, Christian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Kahn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr., and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports Media distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Teams of Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and the USA, as well as World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts shows featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.

-IS-

Ana Julaton Faces Toughest Test Yet at Rumble at Rama XI

Posted on | March 10, 2010 | No Comments

Bay-Area Pinoy Beauty Locks Horns With Lisa Brown March 27th for WBA Super Bantamweight Title

RAMA, ON – (Wednesday, March 10, 2010) She’s smart. She’s beautiful. Oh yeah, and she can fight like mad.

In boxing terms, that makes Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton the total package.

And with media giants like ESPN beginning to take notice, the only thing standing in the way of the San Francisco beauty and worldwide fame is Toronto’s Lisa “Bad News” Brown.

At Rumble at Rama XI, on March 27th, at Casino Rama, in Rama, Ontario, Julaton (6-1-1, 1 KO) and Brown (16-4-3, 5 KO’s) square off for the vacant WBA Super Bantamweight world title in the most important women’s fight of the year, and one of the most important the sport has ever seen.

“Anytime you have a potential crossover superstar like Ana, she has to deliver both inside and outside the ring,” Allan Tremblay, President of Orion Sports Management, said. “This is her chance to show the world that she’s more than just a very pretty face. If she beats a warrior like Lisa Brown, she’ll prove to be as talented as she is beautiful, which would be a boon to not only herself, but to woman’s boxing in general.”

The 29 year-old Julaton has already proven her fighting mettle in her brief, yet accomplished, career, with her most notable win coming last September in San Jose, California, where she topped veteran Kelsey Jeffries to claim the vacant IBA female Junior Bantamweight title.

Julaton added to her belt collection just 11 weeks later by outclassing Donna Biggers over 10 rounds to capture the WBO 122 lb world crown.

Brown, however, is determined to make sure the WBA belt doesn’t leave Canada in Julaton’s Louis Vuittons.

What the 39 year-old Toronto resident gives away in age, she more than makes up for in big-fight experience, having tasted victory, and suffered bitter defeats around the world, and against some of the best fighters in the business, racking up three world titles along the way.

“This is the type of fight where you could flip a coin to see who’s going to come out on top. It’s that close,” Tremblay said. “And that’s a testament to these two warriors. They’re not ducking anybody. This is the best fight out there, and each decided to step up to the plate.”

In the evening’s main event, “The Canadian Kid” Steve Molitor (31-1, 12 KO’s) tries to become a two-time world champion, when he faces South African Takalani “The Panther” Ndlovu (30-5, 18 KO’s) in a world title tilt for the belt Molitor once held, the now vacant IBF Junior Featherweight championship of the world.

Also on the show, in a ten round special attraction, Canadian Heavyweight champion, Greg “The Steel Pole” Kielsa (11-0, 5 KO’s), of Brampton, Ontario, defends his title against Toronto’s Neven Pajkic (11-0, 5 KO’s).

“Orion Sports Management is thrilled to be able to put on a card like this. We’ve got two world title fights, and a rare showdown between undefeated Canadian Heavyweights fighting for the national title,” Tremblay said proudly.

“In addition, we are staging three scintillating undercard fights, featuring Felix Mercedes, Justin Fountain, Jason Douglas, and Stephan Boyd in top-to-bottom the best fight card we have ever put on at Casino Rama.”

Rumble at Rama XI will be promoted by Orion Sports Management, in association with Casino Rama.

Tickets for Rumble at Rama XI are $125, $75, $50 and $25 and are available in-person at the Casino Rama Box Office, and at all TicketMaster locations, by calling (416) 870-8000 and online at www.casinorama.com. Ticket prices do not include applicable taxes or service charges.

ABOUT ORION SPORTS MANAGEMENT
Orion Sports Management is an Ontario based promotional company known for staging first class boxing events. Run by former Canadian Airline executive Allan Tremblay, Orion is the force behind Ontario’s biggest match ups, from their launch event at The Air Canada Centre (“The Night Of The Hurricane”) to a series of televised events in the Niagara region featuring “Baby Joe” Mesi, Razor Ruddock, Egerton Marcus, Chad Brisson, and Steve Molitor.

ABOUT CASINO RAMA
Operating since July 31, 1996, Casino Rama is Ontario’s only First Nations commercial casino. The Casino offers a complete entertainment experience with over 2,500 slot machines, more than 110 gaming tables, ten unique restaurants, a world-class 5,000 seat Entertainment Centre and a 300-room all-suite, full-service hotel, featuring spa and health club facilities. Casino Rama is operated by Penn National Gaming, Inc.

Category: Blogroll, Boxing
Tags: Allan Tremblay > Ana Julaton > Boxing > female boxing > junior bantamweight > Kelsey Jeffries > Lisa Brown > Toronto > women's boxing

KARIM MAYFIELD ANNOUNCES HIS RELEASE FROM MANAGERIAL CONTRACT

Posted on | March 10, 2010 | No Comments

San Francisco, CA – Boxing’s undefeated welterweight sensation, Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (11-0-1, 7 KO’s), is now a free agent after his managerial contract with Jackie Kallen has concluded.

Mayfield, a rising star from San Francisco, is looking to explore his options with other managers.

“I want to thank Jackie Kallen for her guidance and insight while she was managing my career these past three years,” said Mayfield. “I’ve honored my obligations as a fighter and now I feel its time to look at other opportunities. Everyone knows I’ve been tested against several undefeated fighters in their own backyards and came out victorious. I’m a hard worker who’s hungry to get to the top. I’m excited about my next fight scheduled for March 19, 2010 in Reno NV, under the “Let’s Get It On” promotional banner. If given the chance, I feel I have the talent to become a world champion.”

Karim is currently training in Houston, TX with Virgil Hunter, who guides the corner of super middleweight champion, Andre Ward. Managers interested in signing Karim Mayfield can contact him via email at reemy2g@yahoo.com or by phone at (415) 756-0650.

Category: Blogroll, Boxing
Tags: Boxing > free agent > Karim Mayfield

NCAA Championship Preview Special- You can Join in the Broadcast Tonight!

Posted on | March 10, 2010 | 1 Comment

March 8, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa

The conference tournaments are over. Lots of discussion is going on across America as to what the finishes and scoring of these events mean to the brackets for the D1 Championships.

Tonight, in cooperation with the NCAA, Takedown Wrestling Media will host the first NCAA Championship Preview Special on radio and internet. The NCAA will announce 36 at-large selections to round out the field of 320 wrestlers who will compete at the 2010 NCAA Championships in Omaha, Neb.From California to Pennsylvania, Oklahoma to Minnesota, and everywhere in between, all things wrestling will be up for debate.

Now there is a place where the opinions of distinguished members of the National Hall of Fame & Museum, the wrestling media and you, the fan, can discuss everything related to the upcoming championships.

Tonight, March 10, from 7-10 p.m. (CST), from it’s radio studios in Des Moines, Iowa, Takedown Wrestling Media will host the first NCAA Wrestling Championship Preview Show live on-line at http://www.livesportsvideo.com/golive/goliveevents.asp?q=takedownradio.

There will be a panel discussion between various members of the wrestling community and questions from fans will also be included. Send your questions now to wrestle1435@aol.com or you can call in to the show at 866-333-5966 or 515-284-5966

Scott Casber, from Takedown Wrestling Media, will host the show.

Scheduled guests include:

NCAA champions and Hall of Famers Wade Schalles and Nate Carr;

Brad Traviolia and Jim Gibbons from the Big Ten Network;

Steve Foster and Jeff Murphy from Takedown Wrestling Media;

Chad Wiltsey from theWrestlingtalk.com;

NCAA.com blogger and Oklahoma State radio analyst Roger Moore;

Jeff Byers from Penn State Radio; Andrew Hipps from Intermatwrestle.com;

Kevin Schlosser of Buckeyewrestling.com;

Bryan Van Kley and Mike Finn from WIN Magazine; Jim Hochstrasser from the PAC and

Gary Abbott from USA Wrestling and theMat.com will round out the panel.

Want to ask Schalles about “The Spladle?”

Have a question about Kenny Monday for Carr?

Finals of the Big 10, 12 or the MAC still got ya puzzled?

Maybe you want to discuss the 165-pound weight class in Omaha, this is the show for you.

What do the Buckeye’s bring to the table?

What about the Hawkeyes?

This Wednesday you can be heard or just listen in to the first NCAA Championship Preview Special. You can also hang out in the chat room and talk with others, ask questions or just listen in as Britt Malinsky mans the room. Be a part of wrestling history with the first show of its kind, LIVE!

NCAA Championship Preview Special- Tonight, March 10th 2010 from 7 PM to 10 PM CST at:

Takedownradio.com or http://www.livesportsvideo.com/golive/goliveevents.asp?q=takedownradio

Category: Blogroll, Takedown Radio, wrestling
Tags: amateur > college > high school > professional > RADIO > Takedown Radio > wrestling

Featured Fighter Contest Exposure

Posted on | March 10, 2010 | No Comments

MMAR Reader – Free MMA eMagazine

MMA Recruiter.com will be hosting a Featured Fighter Contest for March 2010. We will select one professional and amateur fighter as the winners. This is an awesome chance for free exposure!

February 2010 Winners:

Pro – Ryan Thomas

Amateur: Jeremy Myers

Contest Winners Receive:

* Featured in the MMAR Reader.
* Featured in Scrapp Fight Magazine.
* Profile featured on MMAR for one month. (Thousands of views)
* Press release blasted out on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter (30,000 Viewers)

Submit Your Information: CLICK HERE

*Incomplete submissions will not be considered!

Category: Blogroll, MMA, MMA RECRUITER, Mixed Martial Arts
Tags: featured fighter > MMA Reader > MMA RECRUITER

ANOTHER RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE SET FOR APRIL 3 IN PLYMOUTH, MA

Posted on | March 9, 2010 | No Comments

Category: Blogroll, Cage Fighting Xtreme, MMA, Mixed Martial Arts
Tags: Cage Fighting Xtreme > CageFX > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA

FROM CLASSROOM TO CAGE, CLOVIS TEACHER-TURNED-MMA STAR BEN HOLSCHER RETURNS TO STRIKEFORCE ACTION MARCH 26 AT SAVE MART CENTER IN FRESNO, CALIF.

Posted on | March 9, 2010 | No Comments

NEW YORK (March 9, 2010) – A full-time ninth-grade health teacher and wrestling coach at Clovis High In Clovis, Calif., Ben “The Teacher” Holscher (5-0) continues to make the grade in mixed martial arts (MMA) where the 5-foot-11 lightweight (155 pounds) has passed his initial four tests with flying colors and will attempt to remain unbeaten when he steps up in class to face Alex Trevino (4-1) of San Jose, Calif., at the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California on Friday, March 26.

Juggling two professions is not easy, but Holscher continues to welcome the opportunity.

“It’s a challenge, but I was a college athlete and I grew up on a farm so time management was ingrained in me a long time ago,” said the 28-year-old Holscher, who pupiled Johnny Goh en route to registering a unanimous three-round decision at the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event at Save Mart Center on Nov. 26, 2009.

“If I wanted to make my schedule easier, I could just take a few things off my plate, but I don’t want to do that right now.”

Holscher, who’ll be appearing in the top non-televised undercard fight of the evening, will be making his third start for STRIKEFORCE and his third at Save Mart Center. He was victorious in his debut for the San Jose-based organization with a 2:47, first-round submission (rear-naked choke) of Cody Canterbury on May 15, 2009, at Save Mart Center.

Tickets for the event, priced from $30, are on sale at the Save Mart Center box office and select Save Mart Supermarkets, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

Save Mart Center doors will open for the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event at 6 p.m. PT. The first live, non-televised, preliminary bout will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Competing in front of so many fans, family, faculty and students inspires the popular Holscher.

“It definitely motivates you because there are a lot of people that are going to come out,’’ said Holscher, who turned pro on Nov. 8, 2008. “There are a lot of people looking at me, especially my students. I don’t want to let them down. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to use my career as a mixed martial artist to give back to the students who are in my life.’’

A former NCAA wresting standout at Chadron State College in Nebraska where he also was a three-time Academic All-American, Holscher is in his sixth year of coaching at the high school level.

Prior to joining the Clovis staff, Holscher, who was named Most Dedicated Wrestler in all four of his collegiate years, was a volunteer assistant coach at Chadron State and Fresno State University.

An enthusiastic, tireless worker, he’s also been very involved with coaching at the club/youth level with experience at the Competitive Edge Wrestling Academy, the Bulldog/Sunkist Kids Wresting Academy, and as an assistant at Clark Intermediate in addition to his year-round involvement with the high school team.

In the March 26 main event, The Miracle Man, hard-hitting Lavar Johnson (13-3), a 6-foot-4 inch, 250-pound resident of nearby Madera, Calif., will face off against highly touted prospect, undefeated Lolohea Mahe (4-0-1) of Wailua, Maui .

In other STRIKEFORCE Challengers fights on SHOWTIME® (11:45 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast): “Abongo” Humphrey (5-1), Atlanta, Georgia vs. George Bush III (5-1), Columbus, Ohio, at 205 pounds; Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Luke Stewart (6-2), San Francisco, Calif., vs. Brazil’s Andre Galvao (3-1) at 170 pounds; in a women’s match, undefeated Zoila Frausto (2-0) of Fresno, takes on talented Miesha “Takedown” Tate (7-2), Olympia, Wash., at 135 pounds; and American Kickboxing Academy wrestling stud Justin “The Silverback” Wilcox (8-3), San Jose, Calif., battles Shamar Bailey (10-1), Chicago, Ill., at a catchweight of 160 pounds.

STRIKEFORCE Challengers – where champions are born — is a proving ground for up-and-coming MMA fighters. The series is designed to provide today’s top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised event.

In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement to stage live MMA events on the premium cable television network, SHOWTIME. The promotion made its live, primetime debut on CBS with the “Fedor vs. Rogers” mega-fight that it co-promoted with M-1 Global on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, and generated 5.46 million viewers for the main event between the world’s No. 1 heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko, and superstar Brett “The Grim” Rogers.

Category: Blogroll, MMA, Mixed Martial Arts, Strikeforce
Tags: Abongo Humphrey > Alex Trevino > Andre Galveo > Ben Holscher > CA > California > Fresno > George Bush III > Justin Wilcox > Luke Stewart > Miesha Tate > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > New York > Save Mart Center > Shamar Bailey > Strikeforce > Zoila Frausto

“Oak Tree” Brown ready to chop down Grano again

Posted on | March 9, 2010 | No Comments

“Brace For Impact” Friday night at Foxwoods

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 8, 2010) – New Jersey heavyweight Mark “Oak Tree” Brown plans on proving to Tony “TNT” Grano that lightning can indeed strike twice when the two battle Friday night in the 10-round main event on the “Brace For Impact” pro boxing card, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES), in Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.

Brown-Grano is a rematch of their WBF All-Americas title bout Sept. 27, 2008, in which Brown (15-2, 7 KOs) overcame two knockdowns to stop Grano (16-1-1, 13 KOs) in the eighth round. A 2005 U.S. National Championships winner and National Golden Gloves Tournament runner-up, the Hartford-based Grano is coming off of a career-changing, nationally-televised knockout of previously-undefeated prospect Travis Kauffman (18-0) last September.

Due to what Brown describes as being a “problem child” growing up, the 41-year-old “Oak Tree” didn’t start boxing until he was 35, winning six of seven amateur bouts before turning pro at 37. “There were no jobs and I was fighting underground in the streets,” Brown explained. “I was always athletic – a good wrestler who can dance. There was only two ways out – dying or jail – so I tried boxing. I won the Diamond Belt and came within one fight of qualifying for The Regionals.

“He’s a boxer; I’m a hardcore street fighter trying to bring (Mike) Tyson’s style back. Strength is the last thing to go in older fighters, so I’ve been working on my stamina so I don’t tire after 3 or 4 rounds. Grano has some good pop and he’s a good counter-puncher. He knocked me down twice in he second round, but I came back to be the only fighter to beat him. They had hand-picked fighters, but they didn’t know who I was and just went by my age. I don’t have a regular gym or travel around for sparring. They picked the wrong guy. He had never fought anybody who put pressure on him.

“Grano’s saying our first fight was a fluke. How can that be a fluke? I’m the only one to knock him out. It wasn’t like I caught him with a lucky punch. The ref stopped the fight. He’s a better boxer, but I got up off the canvas, and he didn’t. They pulled the wrong rabbit out of the hat. I’ve been in training for four months because I usually get last-minute calls, like I did against Fres (Oquendo). I’m going to keep my hands up, fire some jabs, and work the body. If this fight goes into the fifth or sixth round, I’m guaranteeing a knockout. I’m going to show Grano that lightning can strike twice. I’m fighting him hard. Hey, I’m living a dream. I’m still like an amateur because of my background, but I’m fighting world-class fighters, and still learning to box. Give me two more years to learn and tell the world that ‘Oak Tree’ is coming.”

The 8-round co-feature pits Hartford super bantamweight Mike “Machine Gun” Oliver (22-2, 7 KOs), the reigning New England and EBA champion, against former 2-time world champion Kermin Guardia (37-11, 21 KOs) of Miami, Fla., in a non-title fight.

Also slated to fight in 4-round bouts are Long Island (NY) light heavyweight Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), a 2008 New York Golden Gloves champion, vs. Dameon Marshall (1-2); Brooklyn (NY) welterweight Sadam “World Kid” Ali (5-0, 2 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympian, vs. Jose “Hands of Stone” Duran (6-4-2, 3 KOs); Marshfield (MA) super middleweight Manuel Antonio Lopes (5-0-1, 1 KO) vs. Greg McCoy (0-1); Hartford middleweight David Bauza (3-0, 3 KOs), who trains in New Haven, vs. Erix Quinteros (2-3, 1 KO), and New Haven super lightweight Edwin Soto (2-0, 1 KO) vs. 19-fight veteran Joey Ortega of Lowell (MA). All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Living legend, Hall of Fame trainer Angelo Dundee will be a special guest at the “Brace For Impact” pro boxing show. Dundee, 88, was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994, and he is best known as head trainer for Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Tickets for “Brace For Impact,” priced at $40.00 (SOLD OUT), $60.00 and $100.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254) or Foxwoods (800-200-2882), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com, or in person at Foxwood’s box office.

For more information contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Foxwoods Resort Casino (www.foxwoods.com). Doors open at 6:00 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

“Brace For Impact” will air live and then On Demand via www.GoFightLive.tv for $9.99. Pat Sullivan and Michael Parente will be ringside announcers.

Contact Pat Sullivan (Pat@CESBoxing.com/401.724.2253) for information about a special CES KO ticket value package.

-CES-

Category: Blogroll, Boxing
Tags: Boxing > Brace For Impact > CES > Foxwoods > Jimmy Burchfield > Mark Brown > Tony Grano

AUDLEY FIGHT ON APRIL 9 IS STILL ON

Posted on | March 9, 2010 | No Comments

Hearn tips Sosnowski to stun Klitschko

BARRY Hearn has tipped Poland’s Albert Sosnowski to ‘cause a big upset’ and beat WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko in May.

Sosnowski hails from Warsaw but is now based in Brentwood, Essex and is managed by Hearn, who has co-promoted the majority of his fights.

Klitschko will be favourite to beat Sosnowski when the pair meet in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on May 29 but Hearn believes current European Champion Sosnowski will stun the boxing world.

“Albert has been European Champion for just two months and has already been offered a shot for the World Heavyweight Championship,” said Hearn.

“This is a life-changing opportunity for Albert and I feel he has the potential to cause a big upset in Germany.”

Sosnowski, 31, propelled himself into the boxing big-time in December when he defeated Italian Paolo Vidoz to become European Champion.

Former Olympic Games gold medalist Audley Harrison was scheduled to face Sosnowski at London’s Alexandra Palace on April 9.

However, Hearn confirmed that Harrison will still be in action against a European fighter on that date and a new opponent will be named shortly.

“The show on April 9th will go ahead as planned and Audley Harrison will now be fighting a new European opponent,” added Hearn.

“This opportunity for Albert shows just how close Audley is to realising his dream of fighting for a world title.”

Sosnowski, who is licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control, has defeated current British Champion Danny Williams and won 45 of 48 professional contests.

Harrison, 38, a former Olympic Games gold medalist, kept his professional career alive by winning Matchroom Sport’s Prizefighter Heavyweights 3 tournament in October.

Tickets for the show on April 9 featuring Audley Harrison cost £30 and £60 and are available from www.seetickets.com or 0871 230 7148.

Category: Blogroll, Boxing
Tags: Albert Sosnowski > Alexandria Palace > Audley Harrison > Boxing > Brentwood > Danny Williams > Essex > Gelsenkirchen > heavyweight > Matchroom Sport > Paolo Vidoz > Prizefighter Heavyweights > Vitali Klischko > WBC champion

TOKYO FIVE BRAND CONTINUES SPONSORSHIP WITH GONZAGA FOR UFC LIVE: VERA VS. JONES

Posted on | March 9, 2010 | No Comments

Category: Blogroll, MMA, Mixed Martial Arts
Tags: Gabriel Gonzaga > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > UFC > Vera Vs. Jones

Undefeated prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez Super-Sizing for immediate future

Posted on | March 8, 2010 | No Comments

First ESNP FNF appearance Mar. 19 vs. Armenta

WORCESTER, Mass. (Mar. 8, 2010) – Highly-regarded, unbeaten prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez could still be “The Future of the Middleweight Division” as projected when he turned pro but, at least for the immediate future, he’ll continue campaigning as a super middleweight.

The Dominican Republic-born Rodriguez (13-0, 9 KOs), fighting out of Worcester (MA), is set for nationally televised debut March 19 in an 8-round super middleweight bout versus veteran George “The Rooster” Armenta on ESPN Friday Night Fights, live from Choctaw Gaming Center in Durant, Oklahoma.

Rodriguez, who was the 2005 USA Boxing National Championships and 2006 U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament gold medalist, has fought as light as 162 pounds with a high of 168 in his last fight, a fifth-round technical knockout of Brian Norman last November.

“I’ve settled-in as a super middleweight and now I’m fully focused on training and improving,” the 24-year-old explained. “I feel very comfortable at 168. I’m improving with each fight and I believe we’re on the right track. I’m working on improving my skills instead of losing weight, but I can get down to 160 for a big fight.

“Boxing looks more physical than mental, but it’s really more mental. I had a big problem, mentally, trying to make the (2008 U.S.) Olympic team when my twins were (prematurely) born and they were in the hospital fighting for their lives. That’s as tough as it gets in the gym. I had it bad, mentally, when the twins were born. You need to have your head on straight in this sport, not worrying about making weight. I feel great, physically and mentally, for this fight.”

Rodriguez looks like a super middleweight, standing 6’ 1” with long arms, who’ll probably grow into a light heavyweight as he physically matures. For now, though, he’ll fight at 168 with the option of fighting as a middleweight, provided he has sufficient time to lose those extra pounds, and remain strong.

“Edwin walks around at 175 and making 168 is so much easier for him,” Rodriguez’ manager, Larry Army, added. “I believe, physically, he has the body of a super middleweight. He’ll be able to keep 6-8 more pounds and improve, instead of struggling to make weight. For the right opponent, he can drop down to 160, and remain strong. Right now, the top super middleweights are tied up in the Super Six tournament, but the middleweight division is wide open, and Edwin should be ready in another year or so to fight the top 160-pounders in the world.”

On ESPN FNF, Rodriguez fights a much more experienced Armenta (13-5, 11 KOs), who has knocked out 2000 U.S. Olympian Dante Craig and extended current WBA light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman and top contender Sechew Powell the full distance in their fights. Powell headlines the Mar. 19th show.

Rodriguez is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, managed by Elite Management (Larry Army), and trained by Peter Manfredo, Sr. Go online to www.edwinrodriguezboxing.com for more information about Edwin and his team.

Category: Blogroll, Boxing
Tags: Boxing > Brian Norman > Choctaw Gaming Center > Dante Craig > Dibella Entertainment > Dominican Republic > Durant > Ediwn Rodriguez > Elite Management > ESPN > George Armenta > Larry Army > Massachusetts > Oklahoma > Peter Manfredo Sr. > Sechew Powell > undefeated > Worcester > Yuri Foreman

Undefeated Ronson Frank being Showcased Friday night in Yonkers

Posted on | March 8, 2010 | No Comments

Madison-Wiggins NY State heavyweight title fight headlines “St. Patty’s Day Brawl”

YONKERS, N.Y. (Mar. 8, 2010) – The youngest member of the fighting Frank brothers, undefeated light heavyweight Ronson, takes on 33-veteran Raynard “Flash” Darden in Friday night’s (Mar. 12) 8-round co-feature on the “St. Patty’s Day Brawl” pro card, presented by O’Shea Brothers Boxing Promotions, at the PAL Gym in Yonkers, New York.

New York State heavyweight champion Darrel “King David” Madison (14-1, 3 KOs), coming off of an 8-round split decision win last July against Nagy Aguilera, now rated No. 12 by the IBF, defends his title belt against dangerous southpaw Robert Wiggins (20-7-1, 12 KOs) in the 8-round main event.

Rosedale’s (NY) unbeaten light heavyweight Ronson Frank (13-0, 7 KOs), by way of Guyana, recently signed a promotional contract with O’Shea Brothers Boxing Promotions.

“Ronson has rich bloodlines and a lot of potential,” promoter Brian O’Shea said. “His older brothers, Steve (1984 Olympian) and Raul, are both former world title challengers. We’re showcasing Ronson on this card and have big plans for him in the future. With Madison-Wiggins on top, Ronson fighting in the co-feature, and a solid undercard, our March 12th show is loaded from top to bottom with some of the best, most entertaining fighters in the New York area.”

Bronx featherweight Maureen “The Real Million Dollar Baby” Shea (13-2, 7 KOs) is off the card due to a minor injury, but fellow Bronx featherweight Nydia “Da Phnominal” Feliciano (2-0-1, 0 KOs) faces national kickboxing champion Jennifer Han (0-1) in a 6-round bout.

In other 6-round bouts, undefeated Bronx super middleweight Hajro Sujak (5-0, 2 KOs) fights Rondu Campbell (2-4-1), while Astoria (NY) light middleweight (by way of Cyprus) Lambros “Lionheart” Karaolides (5-0, 4 KOs) tangles with Ashantie “Volcano” Hendrickson (1-5).

On the undercard in 4-round bouts are Bronx bantamweight Raul Lopez (2-0-1, 2 KOs) against Reinaldo Cintron (1-1, 1 KO), and Yonkers featherweight favorite Chazz McDowell (1-0, 1 KO) versus Filberto Nieto (1-5, 1 KO).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $50.00 (General Admission) and $75.00 (Ringside), are available to purchase by calling 914.216.9381. For more information go on line at www.osheabrosboxing.com or call 914.216.9381. Doors open 6:30 PM/ET, first bout 7:30 PM/ET.

-OSB-

Category: Blogroll, Boxing
Tags: Ashante Hendrickson > Astoria > Boxing > Chazz McDowell > Darrell Madison > Filberto Nieto > Guyana > Hajro Sujak > IBF > Jennifer Huan > Lambros Karolides > Maureen Shea > N.Y. > Nagy Aguilera > New York > Nydia Feliciano > O'Shea Brothers > PAL gym > Raul Lopez > Raul; Frank > Raynard Darden > Reinaldo Cintron > Robert Wiggins > Rondu Campbell > Ronson Frank > Steve Frank > Yonkers

DEREK “POOH” ENNIS TO DEFEND USBA JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE TO HEADLINE SPRING FLING ON APRIL 2ND AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON

Posted on | March 8, 2010 | No Comments

The Ennis Brothers, Anthony Flores and undefeated Heavyweight Maurice Byarm some of the great fighters to compete on April 2nd..

PHILADELPHIA (March 8, 2010) — On Friday night, April 2nd, Derek “Pooh” Ennis will make the first defense of the USBA Jr. Middleweight title against an opponent to be named shortly in a bout that will be the main event of a terrific night of boxing dubbed “Spring Fling” that will be promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Inc.

Ennis of Philadelphia has a record of 20-2-1 with thirteen knockouts and is coming off a fifth round stoppage over Edwin Vazquez on February 5th at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Ennis won the USBA Jr. Middleweight title with a tremendous back and forth brawl as he won a hard fought twelve round unanimous decision over Eromosele Albert on October 16th and The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Ennis and Albert exchanged hard combinations in close and the near-sellout crowd at The Legendary Blue Horizon was entertained as the fight was one of the best in Philadelphia in the past few years.

Ennis won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 in the bout for which most ringside observers thought could have gone either way.

That win catapulted Ennis into the world rankings as he is now ranked number-thirteen by the IBF.
The win over Vazquez was Ennis’ eighth straight victory and he holds win over Albert (22-3-1), John Mackey (11-3-2) and Troy Browning (20-2-1) in that streak.

This will be Ennis fifth appearance at The Legendary Blue Horizon (4-0, 3 KO’s) with his most recent bout being the impressive performance against Vazquez.

In the co-feature, Derek Ennis’ brother, undefeated Super Middleweight, Farah Ennis will make his Legendary Blue Horizon debut as he competes in an eight round bout against an opponent to be named.

Ennis of Philadelphia, like his older brother is trained by his father, Derrick “Bozy” Ennis and has built up a reputation as a top prospect in the Super Middleweight division.

He is coming off a third round stoppage over Emanuel Gonzalez (9-6) on February 27th in Allentown, PA.
Also seeing action will be Super Featherweight prospect, Anthony Flores of Philadelphia.

Flores will be looking to rebound from his first pro defeat that came in his last bout when he dropped a hotly contested unanimous decision to Victor Valenzuela (6-0) on September 19th in Atlantic City. In that bout, Flores fought very valiantly as he suffered a broken orbital bone in that fight.

Flores, 22 years old, has a record of 8-1 with five knockouts and will be making his second appearance at The Blue Horizon. In his maiden fight at The Blue, he scored a first round stoppage over twenty-two fight veteran Carlos Diaz last May 1st.

Exciting and undefeated Heavyweight, Maurice Byarm will make his Legendary Blue Horizon debut on April 2nd.
Byarm, 6-0 with four knockouts is originally from Philadelphia but now calls Washington, DC home and has been thrilling the locals with his all out, crowd pleasing style.

Byarm is coming off a first round knockout over Maurice Winslow on January 31st in Fort Washington, MD.
On a side note, Byarm’s father, Lionel Byarm was the first ever professional opponent for Evander Holyfield in 1984.

In other bouts, John Bolden (1-0, 1 KO) returns to The Legendary Blue Horizon after his devastating knockout over Nathan Perrott in a four round Heavyweight bout.

Philadelphia’s Ruben Ivey will make his pro debut in a four round Heavyweight bout.

Tim Johnson (4-1, 2 KO’s) and Taneal Goyco (3-1, 1 KO) square off in a four round cruiserweight affair featuring Philadelphia fighters.

Clemente Bethea (1-0) is back at The Blue after his pro debut win on February 5th and now he will take on fellow Philly fighter, Jason Sia (0-1) in a four round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Jose Ortiz (2-2, 1 KO) of Jersey City, NJ will see action in a four round Featherweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential Seats, $65 for VIP Seating, $55 for Ringside Seating and $45 for General Admission Seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-763-0500 or through PayPal by clicking www.legendarybluehorizon.com/html/tickets.html Doors open at 6:30 PM / First Bout begins at 7:30 P.M.

The Legendary Blue Horizon™
1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

Category: Blogroll, Boxing
Tags: Anthony Flores > Blue Horizon > Boxing > Carlos Diaz > Derek Ennis > Derrick Ennis > Evander Holyfield > Farah Ennis > John Mackey > jr. middleweight > Maurice Byarm > Nathan Perrott > Ruben Ivey > Taneal Goyco > Troy Browning > USBA > Vernoca L. Michael > Victor Valenzuela

I COULDA’ BEEN A CONTENDER! Ahmed Khaddour Back in Action on Friday Night Fights, March 26 in New Jersey

Posted on | March 8, 2010 | No Comments

On Friday March 26th, 2010, Nedals Promotions, LLC proudly presents its inaugural “Friday Night Fights” at the beautiful Hamilton Manor located at 30 NJ State Route 156, Hamilton, New Jersey 08620.

Along with an action packed night of professional boxing, fans will witness the return of the Season One Contender reality show star, Ahmed “Babyface” Kaddour, as well as the hometown return of Terrance “Heat” Cauthen who is hails from nearby Trenton, New Jersey.

Also planned on the undercard will be former World Title Challenger Omar Sheika, Heavyweight prospect Tomas Cabrera, Super Middleweight prospect Billy Salser (who is trained by former World Champion, Prince Charles Williams), and the always exciting Rami Ibrahim.

Category: Blogroll, Boxing
Tags: Ahmed Kaddour > Billy Salser > Boxing > Friday Night Fights > Hamilton > heavyweight > LLC > Nedals Promotions > New Jersey > Omar Sheika > Prince Charles Williams > Rami Ibrahim > Super Middleweight > Terrance Cauthen > Tomas Cabrera > Trenton

Rage In The Cage Report (March 8, 2010)

Posted on | March 8, 2010 | No Comments

RAGE IN THE CAGE# 140
Great Venue, Great Fight Card
Saturday March 20, 2010
Gila River Casino ( Wild Horse Pass )
Chandler, AZ

Doors Open: 6:00 PM, Fight Time: 7:00 PM

Rage in the Cage on March 20th will have their first show at the new state-on-the-art Ovations LIVE! Gila River ‘Wild Horse Pass’ Entertainment Theater.

Both balcony and lower level seating available at this impressive venue.

http://www.wingilariver.com/userfiles/file/OvationsSeatingChart.pdf

Tickets now on sale at http://wingilariver.ticketforce.com/ or call 1-877-840-0457

This Las Vegas style showroom seats only 1400, with all seats closer than 80 feet from the stage.

Advanced tickets now on sale for:

$100 ( row 1 ) only 28 seats available at this price
$ 45 ( rows 2-7 + balcony row 1 ) 400 seats
$ 35 ( rows 8-14 + balcony row 2 ) 425 seats
$ 25 ( rows 15-17 + balcony rows 3-8 ) 550 seats

tickets $5 higher on fight day.

With 70% of the tickets priced at just $25 or $35, get your tickets early for the best location/price. This show will sell out. Don’t be disappointed.

There is plenty of free parking available.

New Gila River Casino
5040 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226

An outstanding fight card is on tap for this show. Top local schools will be heavily represented: Lion’s Den ( Cronin, Steinbeiss, Betzold, Lester, Padello ), Seige MMA ( Salcido, Wheeler, Stonebraker, Scully ), ACS ( Larsen, Moraga ), and MMA Lab ( Gruetzemacher, Brown ) along with a strong contingent of fighters from Las Vegas ( Hulett, Fitzsimmons, Milliken, Dizak ).

In the Featured Fights:
In the Main Event, Richard Hale, the reigning RITC SHW, HW and LHW Champion, puts his HW title on the line against Mike Zanski who is a former Navy Seal. Zanski is currently stationed in Iraq performing private security and will make the 8,000 mile journey to compete in RITC and then return to Iraq after a brief leave.
Popular local fighter Joe Cronin faces a tough test against Charlie Brown ( 7-2 ).
Bodog/IFL veteran Ray Steinbeiss made his mma debut in RITC 7 years ago. After fighting in both Bodog and the IFL on multiple occasions and with an impressive recent win over 2X UFC veteran Steve Berger, this Chandler native makes a rare home town appearance.
UFC veteran and UFC TUF 6 reality star Richie Hightower faces No Limits WW Champion Eric Regan.
Chris Greutzemacher ( 4-1 ) faces Nadeem Al-Hasad ( 3-1 ) and Jeremy Larsen ( 5-1 ) faces a tough Las Vegas fighter.
Always popular amputee fighter Matt Betzold ( 3-1 ) continues on his quest for the RITC BW Title.
In what looks like the strongest RITC card in our 11 year history this will make for a fantastic night of mma action at the new Gila River Casino.

Fight Card:

Richard Hale ( 230 ) vs Mike Zanski ( 230 ) RITC HWT Championship
Joe Cronin ( 165 ) vs Charlie Brown ( 165 )
Ray Steinbeiss ( 180 ) vs Shawn Fitzsimmons ( 180 )
Richie Hightower ( 175 ) vs Eric Regan ( 170 )
Chris Greutzemacher ( 160 ) vs Nadeem Al-Hasad ( 160 )
Jeremy Larsen ( 170 ) vs Mike Dizak ( 165 )
Dano Moore ( 185 ) vs Dave Hulett ( 185 )
Dean Sanchez ( 160 ) vs Casey Milliken ( 160 )

Matt Betzold ( 140 ) vs Lucas Stark ( 145 )
Gabe Rosa ( 160 ) vs Jeff Fletcher ( 160 )
John Moraga ( 135 ) vs Art Salcido ( 135 )
Jaymes Schulte ( 160 ) vs Johnny Carrasco ( 155 )
Reyes Ortiz ( 185 ) vs Mitch Wheeler ( 185 )
David Shaw ( 170 ) vs Mark O’Conner ( 170 )
Ben Monarrez ( 185 ) vs Jay Helie ( 185 )
Kent Stonebraker ( 170 ) vs Joe Schmitt ( 170 )

Jed Jobe ( 235 ) vs Kenny Lester ( 280 ) or Danny Monarrez ( 280 )
Nathan Donaldson ( 170 ) vs Jarrad Duxbury ( 170 )
Patrick Donovan ( 140 ) vs TBA
Tom O’Malley ( 190 ) vs Keith Boatwright ( 190 )
Jason Richey ( 180 ) vs Josh Howland ( 175 )
Jimmy Scully ( 155 ) vs Freddie Saenz ( 155 )
Dock Phelps ( 145 ) vs TBA
Steve Mullenix ( 160 ) vs Jaron Padello ( 155 )

Fight card subject to change.

For more information please visit www.rageinthecage.com

Upcoming events:

Rage in the Cage 141
Saturday April 10, 2010
Desert Diamond Casino
Tucson, AZ

Bad Blood #8 – Muay Thai Fights
Saturday May 22, 2010
*The New Gila River Casino Showroom
Chandler, Arizona

Rage in the Cage
Saturday June 26, 2010
*The New Gila River Casino Showroom
Chandler, Arizona

Bad Blood #9 – Muay Thai Fights
Saturday August 21, 2010
*The New Gila River Casino Showroom
Chandler, Arizona

Rage in the Cage
Saturday September 11, 2010
*The New Gila River Casino Showroom
Chandler, Arizona

*Note: Attendance at Gila River Events are limited to age 18 and over

http://twitter.com/rageinthecageaz

http://www.facebook.com/azcagefighting

http://www.myspace.com/ritcextremecagefighting

Saturday, April 3rd 2010
DESERT QUEST Brazilian Jiu-jItsu & Grappling Championship
Broadway Recreation Center, 59 E. University Dr, Mesa, AZ

Weight Ins start at 9:00am-12:00pm -Tournament starts at 1:00pm (Same day weight ins)
The academy that wins the overall tournament Adults and Kids & Teens, GI & No Gi divisions will receive a DESERT QUEST CHAMPIONSHIP 3-piece samurai sword set.
Adults & Teens & Kids will now receive a DESERT QUEST CHAMPIONSHIP T-Shirts, DESERT QUEST CHAMPIONSHIP tournament certificate (All-Kids will receive a competition medal).
Weight Classes: 122-134- 135-147 – 148-160 – 161-173 – 174-187 – 188-201 – 202-213 – 214 over

Event Directions to the tournament: From I-10 (North or South) -Take US 60 East – Take Ramp toward S. Country Club Dr. (AZ-87) – Go 0.3 mi – Turn left on S. Country Club Dr. – Go 1.4 mi – Turn Right on Broadway Rd. – Go 0.1 mi – Turn Right on Broadway Rd. – Go 0.6 mi – Arrive at 59 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa, on the right. From loop 101 (North or South) – Take ramp onto US-60 East – go 2.9 mi – Take Ramp toward S. Country Club Dr. (AZ-87) – Go 0.3 mi – Turn left on S. Country Club Dr. – Go 1.4 mi – Turn Right on Broadway Rd. – Go 0.1 mi – Turn Right on Broadway Rd. – Go 0.6 mi – Arrive at 59 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa, on the right..
For tournament information: Please contact (480) 782-6800 or E-mail: info@desertquestchampionship.com www.desertquestchampionship.com

The Rage in the Cage Training Center offers over 50 classes per week, specializing in Strength & Conditioning, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA.

Call now and receive a FREE WEEK of training
610 N. Alma School rd, Chandler (480) 782-6800
www.ritctrainingcenter.com