MARVIN EASTMAN HEADS UP FIGHTERS ON THE CARD FOR STEELECAGE PROMOTIONS JULY 7th SHOW
Posted on | April 18, 2007 | No Comments
Hall of Fame Boxing Referee Richard Steele signs
top MMA fighters for first show
Steele Cage launches with Fireworks in the Cage July 7 in Las Vegas
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Las Vegas, Nevada – April 17, 2007 – Hall of Fame Boxing Referee Richard Steele, who recently retired as arguably boxing’s greatest referee, will now move from the ring to the cage with the launch of his new Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotional venture, Steele Cage Promotions, LLC (www.steelecage.com).
Steele Cage will look to sign young and exciting fighters and build its own champions through the newly formed sanctioning body, International Fighting Organization (IFO). Steele has formed the venture with Las Vegas businessmen Steve Oshins and Ed Swindle. Steele Cage’s first event, Fireworks in the Cage, will be held at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 7, 2007, and will feature 10 exciting fights. Steele Cage has signed some of MMA’s biggest names for their first show, including Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman (13-7-1) and David “The Crow” Loiseau (14-7). Tickets can be purchased online at www.orleansarena.com or by calling the Orleans Arena at 702-284-7777 or 888-234-2334. Ticket prices range from $45.00 to $175.00.
The Beastman, with a wrestling and Muay Thai background, is no stranger to MMA fans around the world as he has fought against some of the best in the business including Rich Franklin, Vitor Belfort, Travis Lutter and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson whom Eastman beat back in 2000. His last fight came in February with a rematch loss to Jackson in Las Vegas. The Beastman will be fighting at 185lbs for the IFO’s Middleweight Championship Belt against an opponent who will be announced at a later date. Although he made his name as a Light Heavyweight, he looks to prove the doubters wrong that question whether he can maintain the strength at his new weight. The Crow is also a household name in MMA circles and is recognized for his Tae Kwon Do and devastating elbow strikes. He has had victories over well known fighters such as Evan Tanner, Charles McCarthy and Gideon Ray, and even his losses have been to well-known fighters such as Rich Franklin to whom The Crow lost by decision in a five round battle for the UFC middleweight title in 2006. He will fight Chilo Gonzalez (9-7) from Colorado at 185lbs.In the semi-main event and fighting for the IFO’s Featherweight 145lb title, is Brandon Shelton (14-1). Shelton hails from Oklahoma and like many from this state, he made his mark in wrestling as a 5X freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling High School All-American with an amazing overall record of 197-3. He has a unique ability to score traditional wrestling takedowns or execute spectacular throws which can be attributed to his black belt in judo. Shelton will fight against tough Canadian Stephane Vigneault (9-4). Vigneault is a former Canadian Super Lightweight Champion and is ranked amongst the top 5 Canadians in his weight class. This will be Vigneault’s U.S. debut as he hopes to build a following in the states.
Another Oklahoman ready to blast off at “Fireworks in the Cage” is Zac “Red Devil” George (11-1) at 155lbs. Like Shelton, he is a strong wrestler and has been trained in Jujitsu and Kickboxing where he holds various titles. He was the Oklahoma State USA Boxing Champion and already holds two professional MMA titles. Look for George to be a future IFO Champion, however he will first have to get by veteran Canadian Thierry Quenneville (10-5). Country and team pride will definitely be at stake as Quenneville and Vigneault, both Canadians representing TRISTAR Gym, go up against Shelton and George from the U.S. and both fighting for C3Fights in Oklahoma.
Another fighter looking to steal the spotlight on this incredible card is one more Oklahoman, Joey Gorzynski (5-0). Although his opponent is still in the works, he has signed a multi-fight deal with Steele Cage and looks to be a future champion in the 170lb division. The card will also feature the following Las Vegas talent: Lee Gibson (9-2), Chris Kennedy (3-2), Kelly Gray (1-0) and Jake Chavez and David Graham, fighting each other in their pro debut.
“Steele Cage is looking to put on the most exciting and competitive fights in MMA with each fight evenly matched”, stated Steele. Steele also added, “Not only do we have some of the biggest names in MMA with “The Crow” and “The Beastman” in our first show, but you will see some great young talent that we are looking to develop that will become future IFO Champions”.
Also, Steele Cage will soon be announcing a major TV deal that will allow MMA fans around the country to see the show from the comfort of their home. Stay tuned for details.