Fertitta Enterprises, the Fertitta Brothers, PRIDE, Zuffa, and Xyience: Inside the pattern of fraud

Posted on | April 11, 2008 | 6 Comments

 

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Xyience, Incorporated completed a sale of the company recently (see April Fools Day Sale article) through bankruptcy court, leaving creditors and investors looking elsewhere to lay the blame for the damages done to them. Fertitta Enterprises may be the first in line to face the throng of disappointed and devastated folks left in the lurch by the bankruptcy. Shareholders were promised the Fertitta funding would save the company from this fate, but instead it seems that very funding is what drove Xyience into the ground. In addition to the Xyience case, present and past litigation against Fertitta interests reveals some very troubling patterns of alleged fraudulent business activity.

The situation only gets more complicated with each day, and though adversary cases are still pending in bankruptcy court, a recent ORDER filed in the main case leaves the company in new hands “free and clear of liens.” In other words, Xyience itself may never have to pay out a dime in damages or past due bills despite all the victims the company left in the wake of its Chapter 11 filing.

Having to compile court documents of my own to illustrate a direct pattern of fraudulent behavior on behalf of the Fertittas, I recently dug up some interesting findings. First of all, I checked the financial history of Station Casinos. A great effort to take the company private came to a crescendo last year, but there is still a great deal of public information available about the major chain of casinos.

To prevent rehashing too much of the boring details here, I’ve taken the liberty of listing the following sites where more information about the financials of Station Casinos can be found:

SEC SCHEDULE 13D FOR STATION

CLASS ACTION REPORTER ACCOUNTS OF STATION’S MERGER-RELATED LAWSUITS

SEC INFO REGARDING THE MERGER SUITS AND A CLASS ACTION CASE BEING PURSUED BY STATION EMPLOYEES

SEC INFO ON FRANK FERTITTA III

SEC FORM 10-K FOR STATION

Though the company is off the trading block, I found the following passage in my research explaining why there are still some reporting duties required:

“The Surviving Corporation will, however, continue to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, because the voting common stock of the Surviving Corporation will be registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such reports may be required by indentures governing the outstanding indebtedness of the Surviving Corporation or applicable law.”

First, let’s examine exactly what entities merged to create the newly consolidated Station Casinos under the banner of Fertitta Colony Partners (FCP): FCP is a company formed by Frank J. Fertitta III, chairman and chief executive officer of Station; Lorenzo J. Fertitta, vice chairman and president of Station; and Colony Capital Acquisitions, LLC, an affiliate of Colony Capital, LLC..

The new business entity left behind a situation not all that different from the Xyience bankruptcy. Multiple lawsuits resulted, and the recent public reporting of the financial condition of Station Casinos reveals the who, what, and why:

WHO SUED:

Roessler v. Station Casinos, Inc., et al., Case No. A532637;

Filhaber v. Station Casinos Inc., et al., Case No. A532499;

Traynor v. Station Casinos, Inc., et al, Case No. A532407;

Goldmann v. Station Casinos, Inc., et al., Case No. A532395;

Griffiths v. Station Casinos, Inc., et al., Case No. A533806; and

West Palm Beach Firefighters’ Pension Fund v. Station Casinos, Inc., et al., Case No. 07-A536211.

WHY THEY SUED:

On June 1, 2007, the plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated class action complaint (the “Amended Complaint”) in the District Court against Station, Station’s directors, Frank J. Fertitta III, Lorenzo J. Fertitta, Blake L. Sartini and Delise F. Sartini, Colony Capital, LLC (“Colony”), Colony Capital Acquisitions, LLC (“Colony Acquisitions”) and FCP. The Amended Complaint alleges that Station’s directors breached their fiduciary duties to Station and its stockholders. The Amended Complaint also alleges that Frank J. Fertitta III, Lorenzo J. Fertitta, Blake L. Sartini, Delise F. Sartini, FCP, Colony and Colony Acquisitions knowingly aided and abetted the Company’s directors in breaching their fiduciary duties to the Company’s public stockholders. The Amended Complaint sought an injunction preliminarily and permanently enjoining the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or closing the Merger transaction, and demanded that the plaintiffs be awarded their costs and disbursements incurred in connection with this action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses.

WHAT HAPPENED:

In November 2007, in order to resolve the litigation and avoid further cost and delay, the Company and the individual defendants, without admitting any wrongdoing, entered into a global stipulation of settlement with plaintiffs (“Proposed Settlement”). Pursuant to the Proposed Settlement, the Company made supplemental disclosures in its Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on July 9, 2007, to address certain claims raised in the Consolidated Action. As part of the Proposed Settlement, plaintiffs’ counsel applied to the Court for an award of attorneys’ fees in the amount of $1.9 million, inclusive of costs and expenses. The Company agreed to pay the fees and expenses on behalf of all plaintiffs as awarded by the court in an amount up to $1.9 million.

On December 11, 2007, the District Court preliminarily approved the Proposed Settlement. Thereafter, notice of the Proposed Settlement was disseminated to more than 31,000 former shareholders of Station and published in the Wall Street Journal (national edition), the Los Angeles Times and the Las Vegas Review Journal.

None of the former shareholders objected to the terms of the Proposed Settlement. Consequently, at a hearing on February 11, 2008, Judge Mark R. Denton of the District Court approved the Proposed Settlement of the Consolidated Action.

Station dodged that bullet only to face another uprising from its own former employees:

On February 4, 2008, Josh Luckevich, Cathy Scott and Julie St. Cyr filed a class action complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, Case No. CV-00141, against Station Casinos. The plaintiffs are all former employees of the Company. The complaint alleges that the Company (i) failed to pay its employees for all hours worked, (ii) failed to pay overtime, (iii) failed to timely pay wages and (iv) unlawfully converted certain earned wages. The complaint seeks, among other relief, class certification of the lawsuit, compensatory damages in excess of $5,000,000, punitive damages and an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses to plaintiffs’ counsel.

The latest class action complaint is peculiar to say the least when matched up with some choice quotes from Lorenzo Fertitta that I discovered on the spring of 2007 CLASS NOTES PAGE FOR NYU’S STERN BUSINESS SCHOOL:

“Of all the success we’ve had with Station Casinos, I am most proud to have been selected by Fortune magazine as one of the top 100 companies for whom to work,” said Fertitta. “We were ranked at number 18 and are up there with industry giants Nordstrom and Google. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is to surround yourself with good people and treat them right. Being ranked as one of the top 100 companies to work for was validation for me that we’re doing just that.”

Hypocritical though it may seem now when looking back at that statement in light of the employee suit, an even bigger whopper came later in his remarks. The follow up Lorenzo offered was just plain ironic:

“Asked to offer insider’s tips on gambling to his fellow alumni, Fertitta stepped outside his professional persona and exclaimed, ‘Yes, stop doing it! I took finance with Professor Aswath Damodaran and know that there are better ways to get a return, dollar for dollar.’”

Seems hard to believe a man who owes his fortune to gambling and casinos—built off the backs of previous generations of similar (and sometimes much more devious/illegal) business interests—would advise anyone not to gamble.

It appears there may be trouble ahead for Station Casinos because so many people seem to be taking Lorenzo Fertitta’s advice. Recent Station financial reports reveal that there may be trouble ahead for the heavily leveraged corporation. (see www.secinfo.com/dVut2.t26p.htm)The reports point the finger of blame at the state of the national economy, the credit and mortgage crises, and the conditions of the merger. Here’s a snippet:

“Our high leverage and debt service obligations could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations. As a result of the Merger, we are highly leveraged. Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond our control. While we believe that we currently have adequate cash flows to service our indebtedness, if our economic performance were to deteriorate significantly, we may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to enable us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.”

The Fertittas are facing other threats due to their interests in Zuffa. Brothers Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta III own 90% of Zuffa, LLC which includes the UFC, WEC, and what’s left of PRIDE. Illustrating a common theme of complaints lodged against the famed casino magnates, a lawsuit filed by former PRIDE owners cites “fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing” regarding the deal that ultimately resulted in the death of the premiere MMA league. The suit came on the heels of Zuffa’s own suit against the PRIDE principals, and the fight ahead promises to get pretty ugly.

The litigation all revolves around agreements reached between PRIDE and Zuffa in mid-April to late May of 2007. The PRIDE complaint explains:

“As a result of the world-class reputation that Sakakibara created with the PRIDE brand, numerous entities were very interested is purchasing PRIDE. Included among these interested purchasers were the Fertittas. Although Plaintiffs had numerous “suitors” for PRIDE, Plaintiffs ultimately selected Defendants as the buyer for PRIDE. Although the financial amounts offered by other suitors would have exceeded that offered by the Defendants, Plaintiffs sold PRIDE to the Defendants. The biggest reason for such decision was the Defendants’ insistence and promise to keep the PRIDE brand as a global top-level brand.”

Those involved in the Xyience situation as investors ratifying the Fertitta infusion of capital in November of 2007 also trusted the billionaire businessmen to maintain and build on the Xyience brand. Instead, they bankrupted Xyience and broke all their promises. Though they have a long list of excuses for why they ultimately dismantled PRIDE, Zuffa originally came out publicly with Dana White claiming they would create a “Superbowl” type event every year by coordinating both leagues and keeping both running strong. Also like Xyience, the litigation regarding PRIDE alleges that the plan all along was to destroy the business to enrich the players who made the deal happen.

Remember that the $350 million senior secured credit facility Zuffa received in the summer of 2007 paid for the PRIDE purchase while also providing huge dividends to the Fertitta brothers and Dana White. Yet, despite Dana White being the front man for Zuffa and spouting promises about what would happen to PRIDE, according to the Sakakibara suit it was primarily the Fertitta brothers who made the most significant vows to make the marriage happen during October, 2006 negotiations:

“During the negotiations, Lorenzo J. Fertitta told Sakakibara that for the sound growth of the entire mixed martial arts industry over the course of the next 20 to 30 years, it was essential for both PRIDE and UFC to have the same owner who would manage and maintain these two brands from a position akin to a commissioner so that appropriate order and rules could be created to protect fighters and maintain and expand the market. Based on these comments made by the Fertittas, Sakakibara was pleased that the Fertittas’ seemed to share a sincere concern and understanding for the industry and the PRIDE
brand. This sincerity proved untrue based on subsequent events.”

The lawsuit claims Dana White’s culpability in the deal only came later when he allegedly revealed the true motives of Zuffa for acquiring PRIDE:

“Dana White, the president of Zuffa, was present during the initial negotiations, and later stated that the goal of the entering into the transaction with Plaintiffs was acquiring PRIDE fighters and PRIDE’s video footage of prior PRIDE fights.”

Having denied several other interested parties the opportunity to purchase the league, the asset purchase agreement signed on April 17, 2007 stipulated a requirement that PRIDE be maintained as a top-tier MMA brand. The lawsuit alleges that the sale only went through (at a much lower price than other entities offered) because the former PRIDE owners were confident Zuffa would fulfill all their promises. The suit goes on to explain that there has not been a single PRIDE show since the sale and all former PRIDE employees were fired. The Japan offices closed as a result.

In addition to problems with the sale stipulations, the suit also outlines issues with the consulting agreement signed by the parties:

“While Defendants made the immediate payment portion of the Consulting Fee due to Plaintiffs, as well as three (3) Monthly Consulting Fee payments, the last monthly payment paid by Defendants to Plaintiffs was the August, 2007 payment. Defendants have not made the required Monthly Consulting Fee payments since that time. Plaintiffs have demanded payment of the Consulting Fee through letters or emails to Defendants dated October 3, 2007, October 10, 2007 and October 17, 2007, and in a Notice of Default dated November 20, 2007. Defendants have refused to pay the Consulting Fee, either on a monthly basis or in a lump sum as required by the Consulting Agreement.”

Zuffa apparently refused those payments due to the lack of background checks done on the plaintiffs in the Sakakibara suit. The lawsuit claims those checks are actually not required as part of the consulting agreement. Though mentioned in the sale agreement, the checks were designed for those former PRIDE employees retained by Zuffa after the sale, and the Sakakibara suit plaintiffs were allegedly never meant to be actually employed by Zuffa at any time. There is a gray area regarding Sakakibara’s own requirement to pass background checks, but the plaintiff claims that under Nevada Gaming Commission rules he actually obtained a license based on sufficient checks of his background that revealed he has never committed a crime.

Despite the lack of any connection between Zuffa’s operations and the Nevada Gaming Commission beyond the Fertittas being operating owners of Station Casinos, apparently there is some argument as to whether or not the former PRIDE officials should have been subject to the background checks required by Nevada Gaming Commission regulations.

Ironically, the complaint was actually filed on April 2, 2008 and dated April 1, the same day that the Xyience “auction” resulted in a purchase agreement being signed by Manchester Consolidated Corporation. The complaint seeks at least $10 million in damages.

A hearing will be held on April 28th regarding Dream Stage Entertainment’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit brought against the former PRIDE owners by Pride FC Worldwide Holdings, LLC (the entity created by Zuffa upon purchasing PRIDE).

To make matters worse for Zuffa and the Fertittas, the Randy Couture debacle rages on in three separate proceedings, including one that is now destined to be decided in the Texas courts due to HDNet’s involvement. Dallas Mavericks Owner and HDNET Pioneer Mark Cuban (see above picture) entered into the fray against Zuffa with the intention of helping free Couture from his contract in order to help make the Couture vs. Fedor fight happen under the banner of his MMA league. An order filed on April 9th granted a remand of the dispute to the 193rd Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas.

Despite instigating so much suffering and victimizing so many innocent people, the brothers Fertitta are still firmly in control of an empire worth billions. They even allegedly shortchanged the same people who helped them sustain that empire by toiling at their casinos day after day. Past victims tried various attempts to hold these men accountable for their financial transgressions, but so far even civil litigation has fallen short of taking them to task. While poised to get away with their latest round of fraud in a court system that may be more friendly to them than any other litigant in Nevada, the Fertittas truly live in the lap of luxury.

Take a look for yourself at the mansions they occupy (according to PRIDE suit address listings for the brothers):

LORENZO’S HOUSE

Frank’s Old House (Dana White Lives There Now)

FRANK’S New Neighborhood

As another famous crooked millionaire might say: “Only in America.”

Stay tuned for further reports focused on Xyience’s ongoing bankruptcy situation and the aftermath of the recent sale of Xyience’s assets to Manchester Consolidated Corporation.

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HOPKINS HOLDS MEDIA DAY IN LOS ANGELES AS TRAINING WINDS DOWN FOR APRIL 19 SUPER FIGHT AGAINST JOE CALZAGHE

Posted on | April 10, 2008 | No Comments

LOS ANGELES (April 10, 2008) . . . . Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins opened the doors of his training camp in Pasadena, California today and showed the media a sample of his rigorous training schedule. Hopkins, who did a full workout, was in a terrific mood and had this to say to the members of the press assembled ringside.

“I think that saying I can manipulate my opponents is an insult to my abilities and takes away from them too. I feel you should just look at my professionalism and know that I have been able to master the sport of boxing and hone the skills I have been able to develop, mold and maintain. The only thing that I am going to get in his head is this left and right hand.

“Basically I know what I am doing and no one can take that away from me.

“I don’t have a college degree but I have an education in life. I am a graduate of life.

“When you see me on April 19, you will once again say—how does he do it?

“The only difference I feel from now and several years ago is that I have more gray hairs in my beard and my running time is a little later—Instead of running at 5am, I now go at 6:30am.

“I brought in Mackie because all I hear about is how Joe throws 1000 punches around. I’m not crazy. I getting ready for those 1000 punches a round and have to ready to hit him 1000 times too.

“But let me ask you something, all they say is 1000 punches a round but they never say anything else about those punches.”

ABOUT HOPKINS VS CALZAGHE

Hopkins vs. Calzaghe “Battle of the Planet,” will take place on Saturday, April 19 from the Planet Hollywood Ring in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tickets, priced at $1500, $1200, $450, $350 and $250, are now on sale and may be purchased by calling 866-USFIGHT or online at planethollywood.com.

Presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Frank Warren’s Sports Network and the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink and Affliction Clothing. The match-up will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET / 6:45 p.m. PT.

BATTLEQUEST fighter Ian Berg

Posted on | April 10, 2008 | No Comments

for immediate release:

April 8th, 2008

Denver, CO

www.COLORADOFIGHTEVENTS.com presents BATTLEQUEST 8: TAPOUT!

On Friday April 11th, BATTLEQUEST returns to the Denver area with its eighth installment entitled TAPOUT!.

In the evening’s sole Title bout, the fast rising talent Ian Berg returns to the cage. Colorado Fight Event’s Ann Dain recently spoke with Berg.

” Ian Berg will be looking to improve his win-loss ratio to 5 – 1 on Friday night at Battlequest when he takes on Vadiano LaLuz for the Battlequest Middle Weight Championship match-up at 185 lbs. Berg’s last fight was at Ring of Fire on December 1st 2007 when he experienced his first loss on a technicality. Such a loss, however, does not discourage this competitor as he is a true fan of the sport and highly respectful of the athletic skills that it takes to develop mastery in the ring.

By day, Ian is in his third year as a Physical Education and Health teacher at the elementary school level of Kindergarten through 5th grade. He didn’t originally share the true reasons why he would occasionally show up in the classroom with a cut or a black eye but eventually he had to confess his passion for the sport to his students when one of them “outed” him after seeing him at a match. Berg made sure that he emphasized to his students that this form of competition was a discipline and not a free-for-all. His new status as MMA competitor has raised the already popular teacher to a level of celebrity amongst the student body.

Ian Berg attracts attention both in and out of the ring. When asked how long he has been participating in mixed martial arts, it has only been about 2 years although his story that brings him to today is anything but sedentary. Ian had wrestled in high school and then wrestled and played football at the University of Wisconsin in LaCrosse. The move to MMA came following an approach from Stand-Up Coach, Vick Brabo who had been watching Berg in his part-time position as a Personal Trainer at Ballys. Brabo made his introduction like that of a talent scout. Vick had been looking to develop a small team of MMA competitors and his study of Berg made it clear that Berg had the ingredients to be successful. Berg, Robert Martinez and Benito Hernandez are currently are the three members of Team Danger under Brabo. They have developed a significant entourage of gawkers and fans as they spar at the same Ballys where Berg was discovered. Berg also trains with Mike Sullivan out of Fuse Box.

Ian is 28 years old and single. He is very much the outdoorsman who likes to go elk hunting and fly fishing when opportunities and time will allow. He doesn’t know much about his up-coming Battlequest opponent, Vadiano LaLuz but that has not dampened his excitement about the upcoming Friday night match-up. Berg has been training hard and looks forward to the challenge of stepping back into the ring. He respects this sport and the graciousness of opponents he has faced in the past. Berg looks forward to bettering his already excellent record when preparation and opportunity collide in the ring at Softball Country Friday night.

The Cat Albert-Krystal Macatol bout will be a part of the BATTLEQUEST 8: TAPOUT! event. The 12 bout fight card will feature some of the area’s top fighters. The event will take place at the Softball Country Sports Pavilion at 2101 West 64th Avenue. Doors will open at 6:30 and the first bout starts promptly at 7:30 pm.

BATTLEQUEST is known as a breeding ground for new talent and is the feeder show to the popular RING OF FIRE Championship Fighting promotion.

Mijares-Munoz Super Flyweight Title Unification on PPV

Posted on | April 10, 2008 | No Comments

Salado-Miranda co-feature May 17 in Mexico

GOMEZ PALACIO, DURANGO, Mexico (April 10, 2008) – WBC champion Cristian Mijares and WBA title-holder Alexander “El Explosivio” Munoz will fight May 17 in the first super flyweight unification title bout in more than 10 years, headlining the “Noche de Campeons” pay-per-view event live from the Auditorio Centenario in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico.

“Noche de Campeones,” promoted by KO Entertainment in association with DiBella Entertainment, will be produced and distributed by Integrated Sports for live viewing in the United States (9 PM/ET) on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN, DirecTV and DISH Network, as well as on The Fight Network in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

The 12-round co-feature pits Mexican warriors Omar Salado and Julio Cesar “Pingo” Miranda in a WBC flyweight elimination bout.

“A worldwide show like this has never happened in Mexican boxing history,” promoter Nacho Huizar said. “The main event is going to be a war. Mijares is a great fighter; a technician who is very dangerous, too. Munoz is a big puncher. It’s going to be a classic fight.”

Mijares (34-3-2, 14 KOs), who has been boxing professionally since 1997, captured the WBC Interim title on September 18, 2006 by 12-round split decision (114-113, 114-113, 113-114) against Katsushige Kawashima (30-4) in Japan. The crafty Mexican southpaw successfully defended his WBC Interim belt the following November in Mexico, winning a 12-round unanimous decision (118-109, 117-110, 116-111) versus Reynaldo Lopez (28-3-2), and won his rematch for the WBC outright championship on January 3, 2007, stopping Kawashima (30-5) in the 10th round.

Mijares burst upon the global scene a year ago with an impressive, one-sided victory by unanimous 12-round decision (119-109, 118-110, 117-11) on PPV against popular, colorful Jorge “Travieso” Arce (46-4-1, 35 KOs) in San Antonio. “I didn’t doubt that I’d beat Arce,” Cristian noted, “but I didn’t think it would be that easy. I’d like to unify the super flyweight titles and then look to the bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions, maybe against Wladimir Sidorenko or Jhonny Gonzalez.”

Currently riding a 24-fight unbeaten streak with 23 wins and one draw, Mijares attributes his success to a combination of a winning attitude, preparation and maximum sacrifice. Now one of the most popular and exciting all-around boxers in the world, Mijares has made four successful title defenses since defeating Arce against, in order, Terrei Kikui (215) by 10th round TKO, Frank Gorrjux (16-7) in the opening round, and Jose Navarro (26-3) via a 12-round decision on February 16 in Las Vegas.

Venezuela-native Munoz (32-2, 27 KOs) is a 2-time WBA super flyweight champion, first winning the coveted belt in 2002 with an eighth-round stoppage of Celes Kobayasho. Munoz made three winning title defenses against Eiji Kojima twice (KO2 and TKO10), sandwiched around a 12-round decision versus Hidenobu Honda (26-2), before losing a 12-round decision and his title belt to Martin Castillo (26-1) in 2004. Munoz won the WBA Fedelatin super flyweight crown in a WBA title eliminator, but Castillo won their 2006 rematch by 12-round split decision.

Munoz regained his WBA super flyweight title on May 3, 2007, taking a dominating 12-round decision from Nabuo Mashiro (9-0) in Japan. In a pair of title defenses, “El Explosivo” retained hos belt with 12-round decisions against, respectively, Kuniyuki Aizawa (13-1-1) and Katsushige Kawasjima (32-6) this past January in Japan.

Unbeaten former WBA Fedelatin super fIyweight champion Salado (19-0-2, 11 KOs) fought a 12-round draw with Ulises Solis (22-1-1) for the IBF light flyweight title in 2006. Salado is rated No. 6 by the WBC and The Ring, as well as No. 11 by the WBA. Miranda (25-3-1, 18 KOs) is ranked No. 3 by the WBC.

Mexican middleweight champion Ruben “Cloroformo” Padilla (15-2-1, 14 KOs) is scheduled to fight in one of two other 10-round PPV bouts against an opponent to be determined.

Slated to fight on the live undercard are other Mexican boxers such as undefeated super lightweight Antonio “Canitas” Lozado, Jr. (14-0, 14 KOs), lightweight Ricardo “Camaleon” Mijares (9-0, 8 KOs) and welterweight Ivan “El Ruso” Pereyra (1-0, 1 KO). All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

-KOE-

German education for American Boxer Matt Godfrey

Posted on | April 10, 2008 | No Comments

PROVIDENCE (April 10, 2008) – NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-1, 9 KOs) has been boxing professionally for four years, after a lengthy amateur career, but his ring education reached another level last month in Germany, albeit in defeat.

As the No. 1 rated contender in the World Boxing Council, Godfrey was matched against No. 2 ranked Rudy Kraj in a 12-round WBC Title Eliminator to determine the WBC’s mandatory challenger to title-holder David Haye. Kraj won a unanimous 12-round decision by scores of 117-111, 116-113, and 115-113.

Fighters react differently to adversity, especially a first loss; they generally come back stronger than ever because of the experience or fold-up and end-up nothing more than a club fighter. The 27-year-old Godfrey says he’s learned valuable lessons about himself and boxing that will help make him a world champion in the not too distant future.

“I went overseas to fight Kraj in his backyard,” Godfrey said. “I got through a difficult fight and learned a lot that I hadn’t experienced in my first 16 pro fights. I proved that I can dig down and go 12 hard rounds. I also learned that I have to become a lot meaner and more aggressive. I can’t just rely on my boxing ability, being ‘Too Smooth,’ and just looking good in the ring. I need to bite down, push forward and take the fight away from my opponent – like Vinny Paz did – instead of just boxing around in the ring.”

“The loss wasn’t devastating to his career,” Godfrey’s manager Bret Hallenback explained, “as long as he’s learned and that depends on how he comes back. It’s too early to say right now, but it’s no more than one loss, and I strongly believe he learned a lot. One thing he learned is that he’s not invincible, which will put pressure on him in future fights. It was a huge eye-opener for him. Matt has to be aggressive and use the skills and power he definitely has. It was an education. He took a loss, not a beating, and I have no doubt that he learned a valuable lesson. We need to get him into a big fight to prove his last fight wasn’t the norm, but more of a fluke, and an education for him.”

Godfrey was second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, compiling a 194-23 amateur record, including six national championships — four open tournaments highlighted by the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge).

His most notable wins as a pro were devastating stoppages of highly-touted prospects Shaun George and Felix Cora, Jr. on national television of. Matt was riding high until he fought Czech Republic native Kraj in Germany.

“I was terribly disappointed with my first loss, but now I realize that all champions (not named Floyd Mayweather or Joe Calzaghe) lose at some point. It isn’t the end of the world, as long as you learn from a loss, and I’ve learned a lot. I know what I’m capable of and I just have to put it all together. I still believe I’m the best cruiserweight in the world. I can’t wait to fight again. I went back into the gym right away and I’ve been working as hard as if I was preparing for a fight. I want to fight the top guys, on television, and get back to where I belong.”

Once rated No. 1, Godfrey dropped to No. 7 after his loss, which surprised Godfrey’s promoter, Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.). “I don’t understand why he’s rated any lower than No. 3,” Burchfield noted. “He lost a close 12-round decision to the No. 2 guy and dropped all of the way to No. 7? I don’t get it. Matt won the championship rounds. He took over the fight but started off too slow and ended-up finishing just a little short. There’s no question that this experience is going to make him an even better fighter.”

FOUR OF PHILLY’S BIGGEST SPORTS TALKERS TO GUEST RING ANNOUNCE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON

Posted on | April 9, 2008 | No Comments

PHILADELPHIA (April 10 , 2008)—In what is already shaping up to be a great night of boxing at The Legendary Blue Horizon, Four men who talk sports for a living, including two former NFL stars will join Philly’s number-one ring announcer, Larry Tornambe as guest ring announcers this Friday night.

Former Philadelphia Eagle and currant sports anchor of NBC-10 Vai Sikahema, Former Eagle and currant NFL Analyst for FOX Sports Brian Baldinger, ESPN ace-reporter Sal Paolantonio and former voice of Drexel Basketball Tom Mezza will fulfill lifetime dreams and entertain the crowd.

The card, promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions Inc. will be headlined by a Heavyweight bout that turned into a grudge match between Joey Abell and Philly’s Maurice Wheeler.

Wheeler upped the ante on Thursday as at a press conference as Wheeler tried to get under Abell’s skin by mocking the knockout artist from Minnesota. Wheeler then gave Abell a box that was filled with some products that only woman use once a month.

Abell shot back and said he will do all the talking with his two fists on Friday night.

The ten-bout card will feature Philly favorites, Gee Culmer taking on Mustapha Johnson. Steve Chambers, Simon “One Punch” Carr and Swedish import Anders Holmberg will be featured on a packed undercard.

The card will begin at 7:30 pm and will be broadcasted all over the world on www.gofightlive.tv

Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500 or by logging on to comcasttix.com. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM

The Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA

For more information, log on to www.legendarybluehorizon.com

RAGE IN THE CAGE REPORT

Posted on | April 9, 2008 | 2 Comments

RAGE IN THE CAGE TV

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Featuring RAGE IN THE CAGE, RAGE IN THE RING, DESERT QUEST CHAMPIONSHIP events, and Fight interviews Featuring UFC, RAGE IN THE CAGE Veterans

RAGE IN THE CAGE-108- Xtreme Cage Fighting

Friday, April 11th 2008

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RAGE IN THE CAGE-109

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TDR this Wk- Martin, Freidenberg, Art Weiss, Steenlage, Hipps, Bross, Jay Hieron

Posted on | April 9, 2008 | No Comments

We return to the Brute adidas TDR studios this week in Des Moines for another exciting and informative show. This week we’ll take a look at history, what’s current and even the future, yes I said the future. On a very bright note, we set a record for the total number of listeners who tuned in the broadcast from St. Louis and the Championships of the NCAA. We blew away our best numbers from last year with no technical difficulties. Thank goodness. Thanks to ALL of our sponsors and to our valued listeners who have listened and even watched us grow over the years. This is wrestling and we ALL are warriors of this sport. Thanks again!

Scheduled on the show this week-

Steve Martin- Head Coach of Old Dominion, Steve is credited with the rebound of wrestling at the Monarchs home. Along with his assistants he coached ODU to a good finish. James Nicholson, ODU’s newest All-American, wrestled in the 7th place match up against Brandon Precin (Northwestern) on Saturday morning, falling to the Wildcat grappler 5-2. Nicholson comes home with the 8th place finish in the 125-lb weight class at the 2008 NCAA Tournament while the Monarchs posted 10 total team points good for a tie at 35th place. Nicholson and Precin matched up earlier in the season with Precin taking the win 4-2. After winning three bouts in his first NCAA Tournament appearance, Nicholson matched up with the Northwestern wrestler again, and the result was nearly the same. Still, Nicholson’s 3-3 tournament was the best ever under head coach Steve Martin and ODU’s best since 1995.

The last All-American for the Monarchs was Nick Hall at heavyweight 13 years ago. Nicholson became the 22nd All-American in program history as he helped tally 10 team points to finish in a tie for 35th place ahead of perennial powers Oklahoma and UT Chattanooga.

Bart Freidenberg (Fry-den-berg) Director of the Ohio Tournament of Champions. Joins us to discuss this years huge event that will be held at the Columbus Convention Center – in Columbus, OH. April 26th. There’s still time for kids and coaches to get registered for this the largest 1 day tournament in the world. Check out their web site for more information- Ohiotofc.com next year date change (April 25, 2009)

Arthur J. Weiss- Largely known as “The father of Pennsylvania High School Wrestling” joins us to uncover the history of our sport in the Keystone state. He coaches for over 25 years and enjoyed undefeated seasons 13 of 14 years. A big thank you to Norm Palovcsik for helping to make this happen. Norm is one of the great historians of this sport. Much of what we know today Norm has uncovered and been able to piece back together.

Bob Steenlage- Iowa’s first 4 Time Mat Champion. Now Iowa’s First 4-Time Mat Champion is Available to Iowa Schools Iowa’s first four-time state wrestling champion Bob Steenlage is available to Iowa schools for assemblies and speaking engagements. Steenlage won his four prep titles, wrestling for Britt from 1959 through 1962 and now lives in Wisconsin. He delivers an inspiring message of hope, overcoming personal and imposed hurdles, coping with peer pressure, setting goals, and decision making for audiences of upper elementary through high school. He is the subject of author Mike Chapman’s book, “Fighting Back.” The book chronicles Steenlage’s life including achievements, growing up in Britt, his education at West Point and military service in Vietnam. Chapman notes the trauma of war and its effects and how Steenlage came to grips with ensuing problems that led to his passion for helping today’s youth. Call the Wrestling Museum at (319)-233-0745 Limited supply with a few left.
He can be reached in writing at W24418 Holcomb Coulee Rd.; Galesville, WI 54630-8411, or calling 608/323-2065.

Andrew Hipps- Ace writer and founder of Revwrestling.com joins us to discuss the season, His observations of the NCAA’s and wrestling in general. Andrew is one of the truly good guys in the sport. It’s a pleasure to have him back on TDR. He should have some interesting perspectives. Tune in and check him out.
Jason Bross- The Wrestling Coach Monsignor Farrell HS (volunteer) on Staten Island, NY. Wrestled for SUNY Albany, NY. at 118lbs. Also specialized in Greco. His cause, our cause is Pinning Down Autism. He’s hosting and Holding the 2nd annual Takedown Tournament and BBQ for Autism. Wrestling this neurological disorder is a daily task and now affects 1 of 150 children born in the USA. Why?
Jason’s 7 year old son, Dylan has mid level version of Autism. Jason, takes Dylan to practice, to tournaments, trips and has him around wrestling and wrestlers on a frequent basis. Guess who it helps most? The kids. The wrestlers have embraced Dylan and now know more about this disorder. Opening eyes and hearts to the greater good. Visit Pinningdownautism.com

IFL Champion, former Hofstra Wrestler “The Thorobred” Jay Hieron has enjoyed considerable success in the IFL, combining his exceptional wrestling skills with an ever-improving striking game. He became the IFL’s first welterweight champion after defeating Delson Heleno in the finals of the World Grand Prix in December of 2007.

A Long Island, N.Y.-native, Hieron was a junior college All-American wrestler before deciding to try his hand at MMA. He moved to Las Vegas and began training at Xtreme Couture, where he quickly began down the path to becoming a complete mixed martial artist.

Hieron is one of the most athletically gifted fighters in the IFL, and his work ethic has ensured that his conditioning is never in doubt. Alongside other Team Tompkins teammates, he has helped make the gym a destination for fighters everywhere looking to improve their skills. Now a champion in the IFL, he is the man to beat in the 170-pound division.

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