TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS FRIDAY FOR ELITEXC’S ‘SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS: LAWLER-SMITH II’ SATURDAY, JULY 26, AT STOCKTON ARENA
Posted on | June 26, 2008 | No Comments
Pre-Sale Continues Today For a Fantastic MMA Card That Includes Lawler-Smith Rematch,
Shields-Thompson EliteXC Title Fight, Diaz-Denny, ‘Big Foot’ Silva and Much, Much More
LOS ANGELES (June 26, 2008) – Fans seeking to participate in the most significant sporting event in the recent history of Stockton, Calif. — an exciting evening of mixed martial arts, which includes two EliteXC world title fights — have the opportunity to reserve their seats now.
Tickets, starting at $35 for the Saturday, July 26 fight card at the Stockton Arena go on sale tomorrow/this Friday, June 27. The pre-sale for tickets continued today/Thursday, June 26. The fight card is presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC.
Tickets can be purchased at the Stockton Arena Box Office (Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Saturday (noon-4 p.m.), by phone at (209) 373-1700 and (866) 373-7088 (toll free) or online at www.stocktontickets.com. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. PT. The first live fight is at 3:15.
“We’re looking forward to staging this tremendous event at the beautiful Stockton Arena,’’ said Douglas DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc. “Local fans not only will get a chance to watch some of the best fighters in EliteXC, but some of the best in the world.
“With so many fighters from the area — Nick Diaz (Stockton), Scott Smith (Elk Grove) and Jake Shield (San Francisco) — Stockton is a perfect fit. We’ll rock the arena and sell it out. This show will appeal to new and established fans, whether they’re in attendance or watching on television.
“The record-breaking numbers for the history-making May 31 CBS telecast said it all. There definitely is a place and a primetime audience for mixed martial arts on network TV. May 31 was a ratings success and Saturday, July 26, on CBS — and SHOWTIME — will be one too. We’re all excited about our lineup for Stockton and working with CBS and SHOWTIME again.’’
EliteXC was the first to present mixed martial arts on a premium network (SHOWTIME) and in primetime on network television (CBS). On Saturday, July 26, EliteXC will offer back-to-back CBS and SHOWTIME telecasts.
The second half of the televised card will be the second mixed martial arts event shown live in primetime on network television.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will air live on the CBS Television Network at 9-11 p.m. ET/PT. The inaugural May 31 broadcast was a ratings success, peaking at 6.51 million viewers.
A four-fight, two-hour CBS broadcast will be preceded by a three-fight, one-hour telecast live on SHOWTIME (8 p.m. ET/PT), which has televised MMA since February 2007. A fight featuring promising heavyweight Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (10-1) will highlight the show.
EliteXC middleweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (15-4, 1 NC) of Granite City, Ill., via St. Louis, by way of Davenport, Iowa, and Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (13-4, 1 NC) will clash in an eagerly awaited rematch in the main event of “Saturday Night Fights: Lawler-Smith II’’ on CBS.
In a second world title fight, Jake Shields (20-4-1) and Nick Thompson (36-9-1) will collide for the vacant EliteXC 170-pound belt. Both fighters are on a roll. Shields has won nine in a row. Thompson, of Minneapolis, has won 12 straight and 21 of 22. Shields hasn’t lost in more than three years, Thompson in more than two. The world title fights are scheduled for five, five-minute rounds.
With a likely grudge rematch with EliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons hanging in the balance, hometown hero Nick Diaz will seek his third victory in three months when he faces Thomas “Wildman’’ Denny (26-16) in one of the two, three-round, five-minute scraps on CBS.
Other matchups will be announced in the near future. Fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews at ProElite.com (see Fighter Pages below).
The crowd-pleasing Lawler and the hard-hitting Smith fought May 31 on CBS in Newark, N.J. To the dismay of the fighters and some fans, a hotly contested, dead even fight seemingly on its way to becoming an instant classic ended in a controversial No Contest.
A thriller in which both had won a round was halted, some insist prematurely, at 3:26 of the third round after Smith was accidentally poked in the eye and deemed unable to continue. Despite his pleas to the contrary, the fight was called by cage-side doctors.
A disappointing, unsatisfactory conclusion made an immediate rematch almost automatic. Lawler and Smith do indeed have unfinished business.
“I’m looking forward to fighting him again,’’ said the soft-spoken, serious-minded Lawler, who captured the EliteXC 185-pound belt with a dramatic, convincing third-round TKO (strikes) over defending champion Murilo “Ninja” Rua on Sept. 15, 2007, in Honolulu on SHOWTIME.
“Smith is a tough guy, but I felt pretty good out there and thought I was winning. It’s too bad it ended that way.’’
Said Smith, who owns a gym in Sacramento: “Neither one of us wanted the fight to end that way, so we definitely have some unfinished business we need to take care of. I wanted to continue fighting. I’m more confident going into this rematch than I was going into the first fight. It will be exciting fighting so close to home. Elk Grove is literally just a few minutes from Stockton.’’
Fighting twice in seven weeks will not be a factor for Lawler. “Timing-wise, it is fine for me,’’ said a determined, dedicated, always dangerous southpaw who is known for aggressiveness and a swing-for-the-fences style, but has performed with intelligence and poise in recent outings.
“I was good for the last one, but I’ll be great for this one,” Lawler added. “I’ll be faster and stronger. I’ve been in the gym almost every day since the first fight. Every fight for me is equal to the other. They are all big, at the time. I’m ready to go.’’
Smith is a “freestyle” fighter and knockout artist who comes out throwing bombs with an abandon that’s made him a huge fan favorite. Aptly nicknamed “Hands Of Steel’’ — he’s a union field foreman in his family’s steel business – Smith has won 13 of his 15 fights by KO or TKO.
But one of the most dangerous strikers in the business also owns a strong wrestling background and possesses terrific cardio. “I train hard in all aspects of the game,’’ Smith said.
Smith, who says the foot he injured against Lawler is “100 percent,’’ detests fights that go the distance. So one only can imagine what he may have been thinking when the fight with Lawler ended like it did. “Not once did I ever say, ‘I want to stop this fight’ ’’ Smith said.
“I’m too smart and experienced for that. I was just blown away when it was stopped.’’
The Shields-Thompson matchup to decide the first EliteXC welterweight belt-holder should be a fantastic technical fight between two of the best all-around fighters in the world at 170. Those tuning in to CBS will see a different-type style matchup than they saw on May 31.
For Shields, a life-long vegetarian who was raised in a remote area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California, the shot at the EliteXC crown has been a long time coming.
“This is my dream come true. I’m really excited,’’ said Shields, a former college wrestler at San Francisco State and now a Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Shields has notable triumphs over Yushin Okami, Dave Menne, Hayato Sakurai and Carlos Condit.
“This is really a great fight. Nick’s definitely a great opponent. I respect him. He’s experienced, game and very tough. It’ll be exciting fighting so close to home in Stockton in front of friends and family, but I know I will have my work cut out.’’
Due to a couple of postponements and a back injury, Shields will be making his first start since he defeated Mike Pyle at EliteXC’s event on Nov. 10, 2007 on SHOWTIME.
“There will be no excuses. My back is 100 percent,” said Shields, who’s unbeaten since December 2004. “I struggled with it a lot longer than I wanted, but I knew if I was patient and did the right things my time would come. In a way it was a blessing. Now, I am more motivated than ever.”
Thompson is the third fighter from Minneapolis to appear on CBS, joining Brett Rogers and Kaitlin Young, who fought on the historic May 31 event.
The last Bodog welterweight belt-holder, Thompson is experienced and certainly no easy mark. For sure, his work rate can’t be faulted. Amazingly, this will be his 47th fight since he turned pro less than five and half years ago. He hasn’t been defeated since April 2006. In his last start, he scored a second-round submission (kimura) over Michael Costa on June 8, 2008.
“A fight with Jake has been my No. 1 choice for a long time,” said Thompson, who owns a victory over highly regarded Eddie Alvarez and also has whipped the likes of Chris Wilson, Josh Neer and Brian Gassaway. “I think we both wanted this fight. That the fight is on CBS is a huge opportunity exposure-wise and an added bonus.’’
Diaz is a true hard-core MMA fighter who’s willing to “fight anybody who thinks they’re better than me.’’ On June 14, he scored a third-round TKO over Muhsin Corbbrey one fight before Noons retained his crown by demolishing Yves Edwards in 48 seconds on SHOWTIME.
After the Noons’ fight, Diaz was invited inside the cage to discuss a rematch but heated words were exchanged and a scuffle between the fighters’ camps ensued. “I’m not a punk. I did not start it,’’ Diaz said. “Noons is a poser. His side started it. I was just doing my job.’’
Diaz wants desperately to settle the score with Noons, who won their first fight and the EliteXC title by TKO (cuts) on Nov. 10, 2007, on SHOWTIME. It was a result that did not sit well with Diaz or some fans and the smack talk has escalated ever since.
“Everybody knows the deal with Noons and the kind of guy he is,’’ Diaz said. “But my focus is only on this fight. KJ knows his days are numbered. He can’t run from me forever.’’
A colorful fighter known for wild and crazy hairstyles, Denny, of Victorville, Calif., via Huntington Beach, Calif., is a crowd-pleasing, crafty veteran who has won four of his last five.
Denny, who likes to keep it on the ground, specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling and Muay Thai kickboxing. His self-proclaimed signature moves are “knees and elbows.’’ But, mostly, Denny likes to “give pain. I like to make my opponent suffer.’’
A former King of the Cage champion, Denny is coming off a first-round disqualification victory over Malaipet on March 21, 2008, on ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series. Denny had mostly totally dominated until Malaipet was DQ’d for illegal elbows to the back of the head.
The outspoken, oft-misunderstood Diaz has drawn both criticism and praise for his “tough guy’’ tirades, but Denny does not seem to mind. “I think his antics are entertaining, but it will be more entertaining when I punch him in the face,’’ he said.
Silva is coming off a hard-fought, three-round split decision victory over former champion Ricco Rodriguez on Feb. 16, 2008, on SHOWTIME. Silva, whose initial nine victories had come in the first round, won by the scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 28-29.
“I know I can fight better than I did the last time,’’ said Silva, who possesses excellent striking and grappling skills and moves extremely well for a fighter his size. “My goal is to prove I’m the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. I want that heavyweight title belt.”
For more information on EliteXC and other MMA-related stories, including bios, video-on-demand, photos, stats, Fantasy Fight Game TM and more, please visit ProElite.com and EliteXC.com. For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit http://www.SHO.com/Sports.
Fighter pages: Lawler (http://robbielawler.proelite.com), Smith (http://scottsmith.proelite.com), Shields (http://jakeshields.proelite.com), Thompson (http://nickthompson.proelite.com), Diaz (http://nickdiaz.proelite.com), Denny (http://thomasdenny.proelite.com), Silva (http://antoniosilva.proelite.com)
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite Inc., the parent company of EliteXC, delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, network television programming on CBS Television Network, cable television programming on Showtime Networks Inc., and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA on the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem, all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Tags: EliteXC > EliteXC on CBS > fighting > Lawler > Mixed Martial Arts > rematch > Saturday > Smith
AFFLICTION BANNED: Pulling No Punches
Posted on | June 26, 2008 | 1 Comment
©Marc Wickert,
June 18, 2008
On July 19, 2008, Affliction Clothing and the Trump Organization, in association with Roy Englebrecht Events, will be presenting what is expected to be ‘A Bigger Bang’ in the world of mixed martial arts with Affliction Banned. And they are leaving no stone unturned to deliver what they are calling “The Greatest MMA Event in the History of the Sport”.
To be held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, the main event will feature Pride’s undisputed heavyweight champion and M-1 legend Fedor ‘The Last Emperor’ Emelianenko (27-1) against former two-time UFC heavyweight champion and Team Miletich legend Tim ‘The Maine-iac’ Sylvia (24-4).
Also on this star-studded bill will be IFL’s undefeated heavyweight champion, Ben ‘War’ Rothwell (29-5), who is on a winning streak of 13 fights, versus another former UFC heavyweight champion, Andrei ‘The Pitbull’ Arlovski (12-5).
Making his US debut on the night will be Fedor’s brother, Alexsander Emelianenko (13-3), who will be facing Paul ‘The Headhunter’ Buentello (23-10).
Donald Trump confirmed his interest in MMA when he recently stated at a press conference: “I have been a fan of professional sports since childhood, and I am particularly impressed by the athleticism, courage, and strength of these disciplined athletes… This particular sport resembles my business style of being fast paced, strategic, and aggressive…remembering to never give up. I am particularly excited to partner with Affliction and become a major player in promotion of MMA, the youngest and fastest growing sport to emerge in the last century.”
Knucklepit.com caught up with New York-based Michael Cohen (Executive Vice President and Special Counsel to Donald Trump, and more recently, elected Chief Operating Officer for Affliction Entertainment), to give readers a bit of an insight into Affliction Banned, and Affliction Entertainment’s plans for global dominance.
Mr. Cohen says he has a specific passion for this venture in MMA because he enjoys the sport from both the perspective of a spectator and as a participant in the art of Muay Thai. “I love the sport. I believe that with the involvement of Donald Trump, Affliction Entertainment will become the dominant mixed martial arts company,” says Cohen.
Michael, you said, “I’m nearly speechless knowing Mr. Trump and Affliction have the trust in me for an event that features the greatest assembly of MMA fighters for one show in MMA history. This is like having Ali, Frazier, Tyson, Holyfield and other top heavyweights all on the same boxing card.” Will Affliction be focusing primarily on the heavyweight division or is that just the class mainly featured for Affliction Banned?
“No. Future events will include all weight classes. As more and more fighters defect from other organizations, Affliction will continue to sign the best fighters and pit them against one another. This willpresent the best possible card to MMA fans, nationally and internationally.”
Donald Trump
Obviously Affliction is the clothing company involved, but why ‘Affliction Banned’ for the title of the upcoming event?
“The term ‘Banned’ came from the historical relationship with the UFC. Dana White banned Affliction Clothing from being worn by UFC fighters. For several years, Affliction had been sponsoring many of these fighters’, whose income was significantly derived by the Affliction sponsorship.”
“When Dana White banned Affliction Clothing from the UFC, it dug into the pockets of the fighters. Affliction decided it was time to create their own league for the benefit of the company as well as the fighters.”
How often will your events be held?
“We are planning a number of events throughout the year. As the Affliction family of fighters grows, there will be more and more events scheduled.”
So are you looking at the prospect of one a month?
“Ultimately: It could potentially be even more. If there is a fighter out there today coming up in the world of MMA, I would recommend that he/she not look towards the UFC; but rather, towards other organizations, (such as Affliction), whose contracts are less stringent and provide opportunities for the fighters to be compensated for the services they provide.”
You don’t pull any punches, Michael.
“Why should I?”
Was Donald Trump’s attendance at UFC 85 mainly a PR exercise for Affliction MMA?
“No. It was based upon the relationship he has with Tito Ortiz. As you may be aware, Tito was on The Celebrity Apprentice this past season and Mr. Trump and Tito Ortiz had become quite friendly. Tito requested Mr. Trump to attend the event as his guest. There was no PR stunt involved; simply, it was a request by Tito based upon their friendship.”
It’s a huge card being billed as “The Greatest MMA Event in the History of the Sport”. With such a huge card, is that a sign of the organization’s commitment to the sport?
“The answer would be ‘yes’. Everything that Mr. Trump does, he does over the top, whether it’s erecting a 90-story building, the amenities he provides… Everything he does is the biggest, and this (as well) will be the biggest MMA event ever put on, to date.”
I believe you said of Affliction Banned, “It’s unprecedented and will revolutionize the way MMA fans view this sport.” How do you follow it up?
“You continue by featuring other great fighters. The match-ups are really what make the fights. There are certain fighters who match up well against one another. Our goal is to match the best fighter to the best competitor and put on the best show for the fans.”
Tim Sylvia and Fedor Emelianenko
Do you expect Affliction to be in complete competition with the UFC, or down the track, do you think there will be a more cooperative relationship, like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, where they made sure they didn’t conflict with the release dates of their albums?
“Currently, the UFC is the preeminent organization in martial arts. I suspect that in a short period of time, Mr. Trump’s Affliction will surpass the UFC. We are not opposed to co-promoting with the UFC, to put their best fighters against Affliction’s best fighters to determine once and for all: Who is the true mixed martial arts champion for that specific weight class?
“We would not be opposed to a ‘co-promote’ down the road with the UFC. We would also prefer the fightersto be allies as opposed to being in an adversarial position with one another: It’s not good for the organization, it’s not good for the sport, and it’s definitely not good for the fans.”
Now that there are so many MMA organizations, will it become like boxing where there is a ‘world’ champion for every organization, rather than a unified world champion?
“That is something we would like to avoid. As we just discussed, we would not be opposed to co-promoting with the other organizations. The goal is create the best fights for the fans. It is important for the long term success of the sport to look beyond the leagues for certain events. It could make for some great championship fights.”
Do you see the MMA athletes and fans being the real winners here?
“Absolutely; without a doubt.”
Is it fair to guess that you guys have been talking with Randy Couture?
“And others, of course.”
Any comment on the outcome, or you can’t at this stage?
“I couldn’t at this time.”
Will we be seeing Affliction on p-p-v in Australia?
“We certainly hope so.”
No news at this stage?
“No news at this specific moment, but we certainly hope so, and it would be on p-p-v direct.”
Michael, what’s next after ‘Affliction Banned’?
“Tom Atencio, the Vice President over at Affliction, is in the process of completing the anticipated fight card for the second event. It is our belief, and I believe it will be the belief of the fans, that the second event card will be equally as impressive as the first.”
Tags: Affliction > Affliction Clothing > Anaheim Califrnia > Ben Rothwell > Fedor Emelianenko > heavy metal > Josh Barnett > Matt Lindland > Megadeth > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Nascimento > Pedro "The Rock" Rizzo > Sobral > Tim Sylvia
CHARLES BREWER INTERVIEWS IBF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM ON WWW.PHILLYKEITH.COM
Posted on | June 26, 2008 | No Comments
FROM ONE CHAMP TO ANOTHER–
His entrance into the Professional world of boxing came about on somewhat of a whim, but this Philly banger, father of two and husband, took advantage of a given opportunity, and it paid off …handily and now he’s a world champion. Steve “USS” Cunningham, No, it’s not a naval ship but it is a fight moniker, that true boxing fans need to get acclimated with.
Steve (21-1-11KO’S) made his pro debut on October 28, 2000, his opponent was Norman Jones, an individual who himself, was also making a pro debut. It seemed like a likely occurrence but how this opportunity came about, could be seen as a blessing.
CB. Steve tell me something about how and when you turned pro
SC. Well it was after the eastern trials, I had gotten fired from my job for going to the trials, I got my first pro fight on six hours notice. I got a call from Ebo Elder’s father, Greg Elder on a Saturday morning. He called and said “do you want to fight tonight?” I said, “How much are they paying, because I’m flat broke” and he said “a thousand dollars for a four rounder” man, I jumped at that, I was already in shape. They thought they were paying for a ‘duck’ but I went in there and stunk up the whole joint. I beat their guy and that’s how my career started right there.
CB. Steve, as of this moment, you stand at the top of the division as a champion. Is there an option of opponents who you’d want to unify the titles with?
SC. now that David Haye has moved up to heavy weight, I’d like to fight Firat Arslan who’s from Germany you know, just unifying the titles overall, is the goal. I’m trying to get a solidified fight with Mormeck and that would be for the Ring title, either one I’m trying to do. Unification is the ultimate goal.
CB. Prior to Haye vacating the titles, were there talks of a unification match.
SC. Well there was Don Majestic, he deals with David Haye we were going to be flown to England for the fight, because they wanted him to stay at cruiserweight but it’s up to the fighter but he chose to move up to heavyweight because he couldn’t keep the weight down. Overall, there were little talks, but nothing serious. I was thinking, “If he’s already unified the titles (WBA, WBC, WBO) with all the other champions out there, why not go for the last champion”.
CB. Would you consider yourself a road-warrior, having fought both, internationally and nationally? What are some of the differences between the two, both advantages and disadvantages?
SC. I do consider myself a road-warrior but I consider myself a world champion because when you say world champion, that means fighting in the whole world not just fighting in Vegas, not just fighting in your home town and that entails traveling I mean if I’m a world champion, I should be comfortable traveling anywhere to defend my title. So yeah, I feel I’m road warrior but it’s paid off. The pressure for fighting away from home and where I’m going into my opponents home town, well they have all of the pressure on them, they have to impress their hometown fans, I know I have to do my part as well but it’s more pressure on them. It plays two parts, not being able to acclimate to the time, not being able to travel well and the fights overseas are so big. Germany, France & Poland, those fights are huge so when boxing comes it can throw a lot of people off if they aren’t use to large crowds.
CB. How do you define your style?
SC. I define my style as a boxer-puncher but truthfully, I become whatever I need to be to leave the ring a winner. I train fight on the outside, to box not brawl, to not get hit to adapt to any situation and quickly.
CB. What keeps you focused, disciplined, determined & motivated?
SC. my faith in my lord, Jesus Christ, overall the bible tells me that “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me & I’m not to fear any man but only fear God” and secondly, I got a family with a wife, son & daughter you know, when my son says “my dads a world a world champ” that’s something that I want to keep, it’s a business and I want to do it for as long as I can.
CB. Who would you define as your toughest fight and why?
SC. Guillermo Jones I probably underestimated him a bit, after seeing him at the weigh in but he was a real smart, crafty fighter aside from that, I wore black tights underneath my trunks because I wanted to look good but after the third round, I was extremely exhausted my muscles felt drained I learned a lesson from doing that but it showed that I can still dig deep and win a fight like that
CB. The cruiserweight division is a division that has been somewhat, of a who’s who. Are you content with your position in this division or do you think you could be lured to the heavyweight division for more lucrative pay-days
SC. right now, I believe this is where God wants me, I believe I was created to do exactly what I’m doing right now, I’m patient, I wait on the Lord, we pray before every fight. I’m very content with where are right now, of course we work hard to get more but I’m very content with where we are right now, if the proper fight presented itself, I’d put on the pounds and do it considering I do spar with heavyweights.
CB. When can Philadelphia expect to see their very own champion, defending the title at home?
SC. We’re in the talks right now with Don King we going to pitch a fight for next year and see how the Philly fans base is doing.
CB. Your moniker “USS” where did it come from?
SC. I started fighting in the navy, initially; I had a few different monikers. ’Quiet storm’, ‘destroyer’ Cunningham but they just didn’t fit. Me and my wife, sat down and came up with
USS” Cunningham, we said let’s commission our name as a ship. The name fits and it fits perfectly.
CB. Do you feel as though your fan base is home grown or more welcomed abroad?
SC. Most definitely abroad. I fought in Germany; five million people saw the fight on television in Germany. We left for our flight the next morning, and almost didn’t make it because we were getting mobbed with people asking for autographs and wanting to take pictures. But when we got back home to Philly, it was just us walking back to our car, no cameras or nothing. I’m not really seeking fame but who doesn’t want a fan base.
CB. life outside boxing, what does it involve?
SC. I’m part of the FCS fellowship of Christian athletes. We go to schools, show off the belt, give them stories about faith and tell them how that ties into what I do. I’ve got the pizza shop dealing with that, I play paint balls, you know, just acting like a kid sometimes.
CB. you are now an entrepreneur, tell me more about that
SC. Well, you hear all of the stories about fighters who have made millions of dollars, only to later once their career is over, become broke. I mean they don’t have nothing, not even a car. I mean being hear in Philly, you see these guys. I said to myself, I don’t want to be one of these guys, I don’t want to be broke when I’m through fighting. So, after my first championship fight, me and my wife came across of this pizza shop that was for sale, and we thought it would be a good investment and its working pretty good.
CB. To your fan base near and far, what would you like to say to them?
SC. I would like to thank those that prayed for us & for my daughter. Keep your eyes out for me. I’m going to be hitting the big scene soon, HBO & SHOWTIME.
For Questions and Comments….
hatchet@phillykeith.com
Tags: Boxing > Charles Brewer > cruiserweight > David Haye > Philadelphia > Philly > Steve Cunningham
Mark The Date: RFC XIII “Title Bound” July 11th
Posted on | June 26, 2008 | No Comments
For Immediate Release, Tampa FL
What: RFC XIII “Title Bound
Where: A La Carte Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Dr., Tampa FL
Doors Open 7 PM, Fights Start at 8 PM
FightZone Media is once again proud to announce another partnering with Tampa Bay’s longest running MMA Promoter – Real Fighting Championships (RFC).
RFC’s next event RFC XIII “Title Bound” on Friday, July 11, 2008, at the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa, FL will continue their unparalleled tradition of Sellout Events while bringing their legions of fans another night of exciting, professional MMA fights.
Represented will be: Gracie Tampa, Team Animal (Port St. Lucie), UFS (St. Petersburg), Gracie Ocala, World Class/Champion MMA (Tampa), Top Dog MMA (Lakeland), Tiger’s World (Winter Haven), St. Cloud Boxing & Wrestling Club (Minnesota), USA Martial Arts (Ocala), Viper’s Pit (Lake City, FL), Des Moines MMA (Iowa) and Homestead MMA (Miami).
In the Main Event, undefeated Gilbert Burgos, an excellent wrestler faces #2 Featherweight contender, the always exciting, crowd pleaser James Wynn.
Also on the stellar card will be Lightheavy, undefeated sensation, Andrew Parker as he takes on dangerous Daniel Castro.
Witness history as another member of the country’s most famous Fighting Families, The Bertos turns pro when Nana Berto makes her pro debut against kickboxer Jessica Bednark.
Undefeated Joe “Rambo” Robinson vs. BJJ Black Belt Beto Nunez.
Undefeated Eddie “The Hulk” Hernandez vs. Mike Foster.
Another exciting fighter Ryan “Who Dat” Keenan from Orlando faces Robert Orta from Homestead.
Also Scheduled are: Ben Jordan vs. Josua Bacalla; Mark Sundaro vs. Blake Wilson; Den Ly vs. Joe Ciraco; Todd Jordan vs. Zach Knight; Terrance Reasby vs. Rick Toro.
Card Subject To Change.
WEC Champions Miguel Torres will also be in attendance along with Andre Berto (22-0, 19 KOs) who just claimed the vacant World Boxing Council Welterweight title when he halted Miguel Rodriguez in the seventh round in Memphis. Berto took the WBC belt vacated when Floyd Mayweather retired.
Tickets can be purchased through RFC at 813-964-9818 and all Ticketmaster locations, or by visiting Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket Prices start at $25.00 for general admission.
For more information contact Denise at Denise@Realfightingchampionships.com or visit www.rfcmma.com
For Media Inquiries, Interviews, Credentials or Sponsorship Information contact FightZone Media at 727-577-5500 or FightZoneMedia @aol,com.
FightZone TV is currently airing RFC XI “Revenge of the Warriors” on SunSports (6,000,000+ Fl Homes) and nationally on DirecTV and The Dish Network (2,000,000 FSN Sports subscribers). Check your local Cable Guide for airings.
Tags: Fightzone Media > Florida > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Real Fighting Championships > RFC XIII > Tampa > Title Bound
FIGHTERS WANTED: MMA RECRUITER CLASSIFIEDS
Posted on | June 26, 2008 | No Comments
Special Announcement
Dysfunctional Fighter Fight Gear is looking to sponsor fighters with T-Shirts. If you are interest contact www.myspace.com/phatoldman or email chadejsmith@yahoo.com
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Ammys – Brandenburg, KY – July 12th
Jul 12, 2008
Xplosive Caged Combat is looking for Amateur Fighters in all weight classes to fill spots on their upcoming fight card July 12th in Brandenburg, KY.
If you are interested in fight on this card contact:
John Schapmire
xmma@comcast.net
1-800-353-1322
http://www.xmma.org/registration.asp
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205lb Ammy – Muncie, IN – July 26th
Jul 26, 2008
Iron Warrior Fight League needs a 205lb Amateur Male MMA Fighter for a Title Fight on July 26th in Muncie, IN.
If you are interested in fighting on this card contact:
Matt
(765)620-7061
www.ironwarriorfights.com
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Pro & Ammy – Ft. Campbell, KY – Aug 2nd
Aug 02, 2008
Pro and Amateur MMA Fighters need for an upcoming fight card in Ft. Campbell KY/Clarksville TN area on Aug 2nd.
If you are interested in fighting on this card contact:
sales@ssfgear.com
THE BEST IN PHILADELPHIA BOXING TO APPEAR AT THE ANNUAL SUSQUEHANNA DAY THIS SATURDAY
Posted on | June 26, 2008 | No Comments
PHILADELPHIA (JUNE 25, 2008)—This Saturday, The best in Philadelphia boxing will appear at the annual Susquehanna Day festival.
IBF Cruiserweight champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham, Heavyweight contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers, Jr. Welterweight Steve Chambers will be among the star attractions that will perform boxing exhibitions throughout the the day at the festival starting at 1 pm (Festival starts at noon)
WHAT: 19th annual Susquehanna Day—Boxing Exhibition
WHEN: Saturday, June 28th at noon…The Boxing Exhibition begins at 1pm at 15th & Susquehanna
WHERE: Broad and Susquehanna to 22nd and Susquehanna In Philadelphia
The Boxing Exhibition begins at 1pm at 15th & Susquehanna
WHO: IBF Cruiserweight champion-Steve “USS” Cunningham
Heavyweight contender—“Fast” Eddie Chambers
Jr. Welterweight—Steve Chambers
Heavyweight—Chazz Witherspoon
Jr. Welterweight—Demetrious Hopkins
Jr.Middleweight knockout record holder-Tyrone Brunson
Middleweight—Gee Culmer
Philadelphia top amateur boxers plus more
THIS IS EVENT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC
The Susquehanna Festival is sponsored by State-Rep Jewell Williams
The Boxing Exhibition is sponsored by Rob Murray Sr & Rob Murray Jr. of Score America
Flores rejects CES offer to fight Godfrey on ESPN show
Posted on | June 25, 2008 | No Comments
Flores rejects CES offer to fight Godfrey on ESPN show
PROVIDENCE (June 25, 2008) – Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. (CES) president Jimmy Burchfield has expressed his disappointed that USBA cruiserweight champion BJ Flores (21-0-1, 12 KOs) has rejected an offer to fight NABF cruiserweight title-holder Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-1, 9 KOs) in an ESPN2 main event next month.
Flores is rated No. 2 by the IBF, as well as No. 7 and No. 8, respectively, by the WBO and WBA. Godfrey, ranked No. 5 by the WBC, was dropped from the WBA and IBF rankings when he fought Rudy Kraj (LDEC12) this past February in an WBC title eliminator.
The cruiserweight division has been left wide open with David Haye’s recent move up to the heavyweight ranks. Flores and Godfrey are two of the top American cruiserweights in a division now primarily ruled by Europeans, excluding IBF title-holder Steve Cunningham.
“Flores and his people refused the challenge to fight Godfrey on ESPN2,” Burchfield said. “They’ve been shooting their mouths off in the media about wanting to fight a top cruiserweight, but they claim that there isn’t enough money in a fight against Godfrey, that it belongs on HBO or Showtime. Well, HBO and Showtime aren’t interested in that fight. Flores hasn’t had a fight since he beat Darnell Wilson (WDEC12) last December on ESPN2. I think they’re being shortsighted. The winner of a fight between BJ and Matt would be the top American challenger at 200-pounds and then HBO and Showtime would have to be interested. Both BJ and Matt need a big win to get to that level.
“Look, BJ, I can have a contract to you within 24 hours. You’ve talked a lot, now it’s time to put your name on the dotted line. It was time to put up or shut up and I guess BJ shut up. Reconsider and take the fight. This is the second time I’ve offered you a fight against Godfrey.
The last time you were promoted by Silverhawk and I don’t know if you ever knew about it. You do now. We believe Matt Godfrey is the top American cruiserweight contender. Here’s you’re opportunity to prove you’re the real No. 1.”
For information about CES, its shows or fighters, call 401.724.2253/2254 or go on line and visit www.cesboxing.com.
-CES-
Tags: BJ Flores > Boxing > cruiserweight > David Haye > Matt Godfrey > WBC
THE NEXT “CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” TO BE BROADCAST JULY 26 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
Posted on | June 25, 2008 | No Comments
In a Rematch of their Recent Controversial Title Fight on CBS, EliteXC Middleweight Champion Robbie Lawler Will Defend Against Scott Smith, While Jake Shields Squares off Against Nick Thompson For the Vacant EliteXC Welterweight Belt CBS to Broadcast Four Live Fights (Including Two Title Fights) From 9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT; SHOWTIME to Televise Three Live Fights (Including EliteXC Heavyweight Title Fight) from 8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT
LOS ANGELES, June 25 — CBS and EliteXC announced today that the next CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will be broadcast live from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, Calif. on Saturday, July 26 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The four-fight broadcast will be highlighted by the highly anticipated rematch between “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler and Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith for the EliteXC Middleweight Title.
The night of mixed martial action will begin with three live fights on SHOWTIME (8:00-9:00 PT, ET/PT) including an EliteXC Heavyweight Championship match featuring Antonio “Big Foot” Silva. “One venue, two networks and seven exciting world class fights adds up to an entertaining and memorable mixed martial arts event in prime time,” said Doug DeLuca, Executive Chairman, ProElite, Inc.
In a rematch of their exciting, controversial first fight on May 31 on CBS, Lawler, the EliteXC middleweight champion from St. Louis by way of Davenport, Iowa, will put his title on the line once again against hard-hitting challenger Smith of Elk Grove, Calif. Their last meeting, a fight that many called the fight of the night, ended in controversy when doctors called the fight after Smith caught an unintentional finger in the eye late in the third round. Smith claimed he was ready to continue, but the fight was stopped and declared a no contest.
In a second world title fight on CBS, two of the sports’ most talented welterweights will collide when San Francisco’s Jake Shields, who has won nine in a row, gets his long awaited shot at a world title when he squares off against Nick Thompson of Minneapolis, Minn., who has won 12 straight and 20 of his last 21 fights, for the vacant EliteXC 170-pound belt.
The world title fights are scheduled for five, five-minute rounds.
Also on CBS, hometown favorite Nick Diaz of Stockton, Calif. will face Thomas “Wildman” Denny of Hesperia, Calif. The talented Diaz, who will be seeking his third victory in three months, needs a win to stay in the hunt for a potential rematch with ElliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons. Denny, a winner in four of his last five fights, is coming off a first-round disqualification victory over the highly regarded Malaipet on March 21, 2008.
The remaining primetime match-ups for the CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS on July 26 will be announced at a later date. The SHOWTIME match-ups also will be announced in the near future.
CBS Sports play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson, cageside analysts Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo, and reporter Karyn Bryant will return as the “CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” broadcast team and also have the call for the SHOWTIME telecast.
CBS’s inaugural mixed martial arts broadcast on May 31, 2008 dominated its time period in all key young men and young adult demographics. The total viewership increased throughout the night, peaking at 6.51m viewers for the Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson fight. The entire broadcast (9:00-11:51 PM) averaged 4.85m viewers.
The intense nature of the contests and the theatrical elements of its live events have made mixed martial arts one of the fastest growing spectator sports in the U.S. Over the last several years, the genre has seen tremendous growth in popularity, especially among the coveted 18-34 demographic.
Mixed martial arts is a sport evolved from a number of ancient combat disciplines including judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, wrestling and kickboxing. World-class athletes engage in hand-to-hand combat in a ring — both caged and traditional — and must adapt their fighting style to fit their opponent. The wide variety of styles and techniques make every event an unpredictable spectacle.
CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS will be produced by SHOWTIME Sports. The executive producer is David Dinkins, Jr.
For more information on CBS ELITEXC SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, visit cbssports.com
Tags: CBS > EliteXC > EliteXC on CBS > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA
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