EliteXC card features five fights with fast endings

Posted on | April 7, 2008 | No Comments

SUGANUMA WINS IN 15 SECONDS; CAMOES, BASZLER,
SANTANA, QUACH ALSO VICTORIOUS
ON EXCITING, CONTROVERSIAL ELITEXC FIGHT CARD

Saturday, April 5, 2008, at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

Table Mountain Casino, Friant, California

FRIANT, Calif. (April 6, 2008) – There were highlights aplenty during the latest EliteXC presentation of ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series Saturday on SHOWTIME at the Table Mountain Casino.

In a tough, hard fight, undefeated Giva “The Arm Collector’’ Santana established what is believed to be a mixed martial arts world record with his 10th consecutive victory by first-round submission, all by – what else ? — arm bar.

Comebacking Fabricio “Morango” Camoes was sensational in his EliteXC and United States debut, Shayna “The Queen Of Spades’’ Baszler was phenomenal – again – and underrated Bao Quach won his seventh straight in a match he took on two day’s notice.

But fans and viewers were left with a sour taste after an eagerly anticipated main event was stopped – most agreed, prematurely – by the referee 15 seconds after it began.

Once-beaten Po’ai Suganuma (9-1), of Hilo, Hawaii, was declared the winner over previously undefeated Jared Hamman (10-1) of San Bernardino, Calif., in a fight most felt should have been allowed to continue at least for a few more seconds.

Suganuma had rocked Hamman with a right hand, and then the Hawaiian dropped him with a beautiful right knee to the face. But a moment before he could pounce and land what potentially might have been the finishing blow, or blows, he was pulled off by the referee and declared a TKO winner.

“No one likes to win in controversial fashion,’’ Suganuma said. “I thought I had him dazed but I don’t think he was completely out. I was a little surprised the ref did what he did but only because I wanted to hit him again. If he wants to fight again, that’s fine with me. Let’s do it.’’

The generally gentleman-like Hamman, a college football coach, was lived afterward. “I am so mad right know,’’ he said. “I don’t know what happened or why it was stopped. I wanted to keep fighting. I felt I could keep fighting. I don’t want to make excuses. I absolutely want a rematch.’’

A return match will definitely be made, EliteXC Live Events Vice President Jared Shaw promised. “You can bet there will be a rematch in the near future,’’ he said. “No one is more concerned for a fighter’s safety than we are, but this fight was just stopped too soon.’’

There was no controversy in the four other televised fights that aired on SHOWTIME at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). The card was the third in three weeks for Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, Elite XC – all on SHOWTIME — and fifth in 29 days.

Camoes (10-4), a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who was making his first start since Oct. 7, 2006, registered a scintillating 3:30, first-round TKO (strikes) over Joe Camacho (10-14-3) of Los Angeles in a 160-pound fight.

“I worked hard for this but did not think it would end that fast,’’ said the talented Camoes, who resides in San Diego Calif., and once went 27 minutes with Anderson Silva before losing.

“But I am very happy. I wanted to give a spectacular showing for the fans. I thank EliteXC and all involved for giving me the opportunity. I came to the United States to fight for the belt. I look forward to fighting anybody that will get me closer to achieving my goal.’’

Baszler (11-4) of Sioux Falls, S.D., scored her fourth consecutive first-round victory when she submitted (neck crank) Keiko “Tama Chan’’ Tamai (16-15) at 2:05 of a dazzling 140-pound skirmish.

The rapidly improving, confident Baszler, who enters the cage with a guitar, struck all the right chords as she dispensed another splendid performance in what may have been the fight of the night.

“I really wanted to give the fans something to think about and talk about later and I think I did,’’ said Baszler, who overcame a quick start from Tamai to dominate. At one point, Baszler brought the crowd to their feet with a reverse body slam.

“I wanted to stand more, and probably could have done a little more a lot faster, but I was under control,’’ Baszler said. “I expected her to come out aggressively. It’s time for others in my weight class to realize that when they enter the cage to face me they are entering my world.

“I am ready to fight anybody next and would love to fight Tara LaRosa again.’’

Santana (12-0) of Irvine, Calif., submitted southpaw Matt “Luke Duke’’ Lucas (9-1) of Phoenix, Ariz., at 4:49 of the first round in a battle of unbeatens at 185 pounds.

“I feel great but this was definitely one of my toughest fights,’’ said Santana after adding another arm to his mantle. “He is a great fighter, but I got him.’’

In the telecast’s opening fight, Quach (13-8-1) of Irvine, Calif., scored a 55-second, first-round TKO (strikes) over Doug Evans (6-3) of Anchorage, Alaska, in a bout at 140 pounds.

Quach avoided an early takedown attempt by Evans, landed two big right hands that dropped Evans and then pounced on him and landed two more shots before the ref stepped in.

“No way I thought it would go that quick,’’ said Quach after registering his second consecutive minor upset on ShoXC. On Jan. 25, 2008, he won a unanimous three-round decision over Bobby McMaster. “I am always ready for anything and to fight anybody.

“Maybe with this win, people will start taking me a little more seriously.’’

The SHOWTIME fights were scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds with the exception of Baszler-Tamai, which was slated for three, 3-minute rounds.

In non-televised bouts, exciting, crowd-pleasing Melanie “The Shadow’’ La Croix (2-0) of Los Angeles registered an impressive 2:58, first-round TKO (strikes) over Melissa Vasquez (3-3) of Ft. Wayne, Ind., in a non-stop action scrap at 140 pounds; Brent Cooper (2-0) of Irvine, Calif., scored an impressive 1:30, first-round TKO over Jaime Iracheta (0-1) of Fresno, Calif., at 185 pounds; and Roberto Vargas (2-0) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., submitted (shoulder lock) Telly Sanders (0-1) of Fresno at 1:53 of the third round in a highly competitive clash at 165 pounds.

In other non-televised fights, “Cool Hand” Luke Riddering (1-0) of San Luis Obispo, Calif., scored a 1:53, first-round TKO (strikes) over Yasser Pezzat (0-1) of Fresno in a give and take slugfest at 170 pounds; Tony “Kryptonite’’ Lopez (5-2) of Huntington Beach, Calif., made like Superman as he scored a 1:09, second-round TKO (strikes) over Terrell Dees (2-1) of San Francisco at 265 pounds; and up-and-coming Lucas Gamaza (2-0) of San Francisco won a hard-fought unanimous three-round decision (30-27 twice and 29-28) over Devin Howard (1-10) of La Habra, Calif., in a 175-pound contest.

Non-televised fights were scheduled for three, 3-minute rounds with the exception of the Howard-Gamaza and Dees-Lopez fights, which were set for three, 5-minute rounds.

Pre- and post-fight interviews were shown only at ProElite.com. Fighter Pages are below.

SHOWTIME announcer Mauro Ranallo called the play-by-play for ShoXC with Stephen Quadros, The Fight Professor, serving as color analyst. The executive producer of ShoXC is David Dinkins, Jr. with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. Friday’s card will re-air as follows:

DAY CHANNEL

Monday, April 7, 10 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME

Wednesday, April 9, 12:15 a.m. ET/PT SHOWTIME

The telecast also will air on SHOWTIME On Demand from Tuesday, April 8-May 5.

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 for televised bouts: Hamman (http://jaredhamman.proelite.com), Suganuma (http:/poaisuganuma.proelite.com), Camoes (http:/fabriciocamoes.proelite.com), Camacho (http:/joecamacho.proelite.com), Baszler (http://shaynabaszler.proelite.com), Tamai (http://keikotamai.proelite.com), Quach (http://baoquach.proelite.com), Evans (http://dougevans.proelite.com), Santana (http://givasantana.proelite.com), Lucas (http://mattlucas.proelite.com).

Fighter pages for non-televised bouts: Sanders (http://tellysanders.proelite.com), Vargas (http://robertovargas.proelite.com), Pezzat (http://yasserpezzat.proelite.com), Riddering (http://lukeriddering.proelite.com), Iracheta (http://jaimeiracheta.proelite.com), La Croix (http://melanielacroix.proelite.com), Vasquez (http://melissavasquez.proelite.com), Cooper (http://brentcooper.proelite.com), Howard (http://devinhoward.proelite.com), Gamaza (http://lucasgamaza.proelite.com), Dees (http://terrolldees.proelite.com), Lopez (http://tonylopez.proelite.com)

About ProElite, Inc.

ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with 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 [elitexc.com]. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of MMA enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM

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 is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. 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®.

Isaac Rodrigues earns title belt with hard fought victory!

Posted on | April 6, 2008 | No Comments

Brazilian middleweight prospect now owns WBO “Latino” crown.

By Mike Indri

Retired Boxers Foundation

April 5, 2008

Most sports fans would not be able to tell you the three boxers that hold portions of the world heavyweight crown these days…that question might even stump the Schwab!

It takes a real boxing fan to rattle off Ruslan Chagaev (WBA), Sam Peter (WBC) and Wladimir Klitschko (WBO & IBF) as the current kings of all the heavyweights.

So you can imagine the relative obscurity that so many young and talented, yet vastly underexposed fighters are plagued with, while also battling to survive in the most physically demanding, viciously dangerous and financially difficult sport for any aspiring athlete.

This past Thursday night Isaac Rodrigues took a major step towards achieving his dream of becoming a world champion when he battled ten long, hard rounds against a truly formidable opponent, earning a unanimous decision victory and becoming the World Boxing Organization’s “Latino” middleweight champion.

The result of this fight, which was held in Brazil, was not broadcast on an ESPN sports program, or any sports news program. The news didn’t even make it onto any boxing website.

I was informed by the proud trainer of Isaac Rodrigues – Oscar Saurez, one of the premier trainers and finest people in all of boxing.

Best known for his handling of now retired world champions Prince Naseem Hamed and Acelino Freitas, as well as Paterson native Omar Sheika (who is slated to take on Elvir Muriqi next month in Atlantic City), Saurez has trained the best in boxing and is excited in what he sees with Rodrigues.

“He (Rodrigues) has got what it takes, and works real hard,” exclaimed Saurez, “it was a very evenly matched fight, very competitive. Isaac’s boxer/puncher style and his landing many combinations late in the fight was the difference.”

According to Saurez the bout was even going into the later rounds. Pitted against the very tough and dangerous Pablo Nieva, who was 16-2, with 14 knockouts, coming into this fringe title match, Rodrigues caught his strong foe with a lethal combination that hurt and dropped Nieva to the canvas in round eight. Obviously damaged, only the bell was able to save the gutsy slugger. From that point on the Belen do Para fighter took control of the ten round bout and in front of his hometown Brazilian fans pelted Nieva with both hands. With the impressive win Rodrigues stays perfect and improved to 13-0 (9 KO’s). The new WBO Latino middleweight champion hopes this big win, albeit not witnessed by anyone outside of his native country, along with his new title and championship belt can muster up some attention to his legitimacy as a bona fide challenger to any of the world champions.

Building champions is nothing new to Saurez who boasted about Jose “El Gallo” Reyes, a stable mate of Rodrigues, who won the WBO Latino lightweight title last week with a destructive fourth round knockout win against the usually granite chinned Mexican Ivan Valle, seen by many on Telemundo.

Valle, who had only been stopped once before in his career, against the heavy-handed Humberto Soto (08/12/2006 TKO 4), fell to 26-7-1, while the new champ improved to 22-4. The big knockout was the Puerto Rican fighter’s ninth in his stellar career.
Extremely proud, but earning that right by truly caring about his fighters, as well as teaching them to fight to their highest level, Saurez beamed “Jose (Reyes) knocked him out. Soto stopped him (Valle) – but we knocked him out cold!”

Growing up I was able to watch boxing regularly on national television. We saw talented prospects develop into great fighters, BEFORE they were champions.

We were treated to the greatness of Ali-Frazier-Foreman and Holmes, when being the world heavyweight champion was the biggest honor in all of sport.

Any Saturday afternoon it might be Ron Lyle-Renaldo Snipes-Bob Foster-Duran-Arguello-Sugar Ray-Mancini or Marvelous Marvin, and it didn’t cost us $54.99.

Boxing is still great, and while the upstart MMA may now be slightly ahead on the scorecards, by the twelve and final round boxing will prevail – while MMA may yet tap out. Let’s just try to respect our sport’s two greatest assets: the fighters and the fans. Then maybe we will get to see the up and coming future, like an Isaac Rodrigues, and follow him and root for him on his demanding, difficult and dangerous journey to greatness.

Mike Indri can be reached at…RBFNJMIKE@aol.com

MY WORLD OF SPORTS TO CO-SPONSOR “ARMAGEDDON”

Posted on | April 6, 2008 | No Comments

THE BIGGEST MIXED MARTIAL ARTS MATCH-UP EVER TO HIT COLORADO

(Denver, CO: April 5, 2008) Live from the Denver Coliseum Saturday Aril 12, 2008-it’s Armageddon WFC style.

It’s the ultimate smackdown. My World of Sports (MWOS), Home of Sports’ Biggest Fans, is hosting Armageddon-one of the Worldwide Fighting Championship’s (WFC) most exciting Martial Arts Cards events ever. Witness firsthand the superstars who walk away with the championship belt, and the losers who are left on the mat in defeat.

Battle lines have been drawn and Armageddon promises to deliver in this take-no-prisoners spectacle. The Main event-former champ Wesley “The Cabbage” Corerria battles Jeff “Big Diesel” Ford for the Heavyweight tile. Fighting for the WFC Middleweight Belt-seasoned Vet Shonie Carter takes on Colorado’s own John Cronk. And Lightweight Steve “The Razor” Sharp Defends his title belt against “The Warlock”-5’6″ Superstar Matt Ver Halen. Also on the card-Damon Clark goes head-to-head with 6’2″ Hall of Famer Dan “The Beast” Severn.

Get ringside seats from your living room today! Visit: www.MyWorldofSports.com and register to see the WFC Pay-Per-View event live in full screen HD for only $19.95. Tickets and information are available at http://myworldofsports.com/ and www.thewfc.com, or by calling (855) 454-2626.

ABOUT MY WORLD OF SPORTS

My World Of Sports (MWOS) and their website www.MyWorldofSports.com, boasts a viral video and social network that brings together a worldwide community of sports fans and athletes to create a global sports team online. The site features comprehensive sports news, information, and user generated sports-related content. MWOS is able to provide full screen, On-Demand video of live events for its users through the technology of Vividas-the industry leader in providing seamless HD video despite bandwidth limitations and without the need to install software.

For more information about My World of Sports, please email Eileen Koch at Eileen Koch & Company (Eileen@eileenkoch.com), call (310) 441-1000, or visit http://www.eileenkoch.com.
—
Reed Lucas
Chief Technology Officer
MyWorldofSports, Inc.

ENTHUSIASTS FIND COURTSIDE SEATS ON MYWORLDOFSPORTS.COM- THE WEB’S ULTIMATE SPORT FAN’S DESTINATION

(Los Angeles, CA: April 5, 2008) What do four die-hard sports enthusiasts do when they get no satisfaction? They build the YouTube of sporting sites and annihilate what’s left of any geographic boundaries to bring the power of the dugout to the layman.

The Retired Boxers Foundation lead by Alex Ramos, head of boxing relations for MyWorldofSports Inc. is a proud partner
of www.myworldofsports.com. Together the two have made possible the promotions of the sport of boxing in a new and unique way.

Welcome to the InterWeb-where the People have stormed the field and stripped themselves of the boring, disposable, and inconsequential static to create the real voice of the People for the People and by the People. Ringside, stadium, or playing field-sports fans have finally fired the self-named pundits and commandeered the mic to generate the engaging, relevant content people really want to read.

Similar to the world’s most popular networking sites, such as YouTube for the aspiring artist, and MySpace for the coffeehouse diarist, MyWorldofSports.com caters to the sports fan that demands a more genuine interactive experience. The site, created by sports fans, for sports fans-features comprehensive sports news, the forum to exchange information amongst users, and a points program that allows members the opportunity to share in advertising profits in the form of attractive prize winnings.

With up-to-the-minute game and team information, myworldofsports.com is one of the most comprehensive, fan-friendly sites on the Net today. Navigation-friendly and easy to access, this site keeps serious fans on top of their game. Football, baseball, basketball, wrestling, hockey, golf, soccer, auto racing-even the Olympics. If it’s happening-it’s happening on MyWorldOfSports.com.

This is one site worth the price of admission. Once a member, sports fans gain entrance into a new kind of online sporting. At MyWorldofSports.com, users become an integral member of an online community unlike anything we’ve seen to-date.

MyWorldOfSports.com redefines how fans communicate, how they stay informed, and why. The site acts like one massive sports team where users world-wide experience a level of ‘teammate’ camaraderie that leaves them feeling like they’re on a first-name basis with their favorite athletes. Introducing an array of site options and interests, this is the social network for the sports fan who wants to feel the dirt under his fingernails.

Sports fans unite. For everyone from the die-hard sports enthusiast to the weekend warrior, myworldofsports.com is certain to offer up the interactive experience that’s been missing from online sporting communities until now-all sports, all the time-leaving sports fans everywhere wiping the sweat from their brows, and begs the question: How’d the dirt really get under their fingernails?

BOXING
http://www.myworldofsports.com/search.php?search=boxing&search_type=s

FIGHTERS WANTED: MMA RECRUITER CLASSIFIEDS

Posted on | April 6, 2008 | 1 Comment

Ammys – Cleveland, OH – April 25th

Fight Club Warriors Inc. is looking for Amateur Fighters in all weight classes to fill spots on their upcoming fight card April 25th in Cleveland, OH. This is the perfect way to start your MMA Debut or ge extra experience. Fighters must have proof of a current physical & health insurance. No Registration Fee!

Events held every 3rd Saturday of the month.

If you are interested in fighting on this card contact:

Donald D. Dawson

216-374-0794

——————————

155lb & 170lb Ammys – Newprot, KY – April 19

MAYHEM FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS is looking for Amateur 155lb and 170lb Fighters to fill spots on their upcoming fight card April 19th in Newport, KY. Fighters must less than 3 amateur wins to be considered.

If you are interested in fight please contact

Adam Brown

midevilpromotions@insightbb.com
www.myspace.com/mayhemfighting

————————–

Ammys – Brandenburg, KY – July 12th

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

Bernard Hopkins Conference Call Quotes

Posted on | April 6, 2008 | No Comments

BERNARD HOPKINS CONFERENCE CALL

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Kelly Swanson: Thank you everyone for joining us today for Bernard Hopkins conference call. As everyone is well aware we are soon approaching Hopkins v. Calzaghe Battle of the Planet in the Planet Hollywood Ring this Saturday, April 19 in Las Vegas and live on HBO. Tickets are still available and we’ve noticed a very swift pick up in ticket sales but there’s still some available. Tickets are still available by calling 866-US FIGHT or online at planethollywood.com. Regarding credentials if anybody has any questions with regard to credentials you can contact Steve Flynn at SFEPR 702-889-2704. And I quickly just want to mention we are in final stages of our fight week’s schedule. We actually have a very packed and full fight week schedule starting on Monday with the fighter’s grand arrival into Planet Hollywood, followed by media workouts with both fighters on Tuesday. The press conference will be on Wednesday. Wednesday night we have a special Planet Hollywood World Movie Premier that the media will be invited to. That’s 88 Minutes staring Al Pacino and that is the world premier so that’ll be a lot of fun. And then on Thursday we will have trainer round tables. Friday will be the weigh in and extra – and of course on Saturday the fight. And Planet Hollywood is also planning to have boxing movies playing both on Tuesday and Thursday nights in the media center for something extra to do which I think is great and ties in with their entry into boxing themselves. So we’re looking forward to being at the Planet Hollywood for fight week and both fighters are ready to go. And now before I turn the call over to Bernard Hopkins I would like to welcome to this call Oscar de la Hoya who is here today as the promoter for Golden Boy Promotions, the President of Golden Boy Promotions and Oscar will make an opening statement and then he who is taking time out of his training will return to his training and we will go forward with Bernard. So Oscar if you’d like to please start.

Oscar de la Hoya: Thank you very much Kelly. As we all know Bernard Hopkins is the legend in the sport and a future Hall of Famer. He’s a former Middleweight Champion reigning for over a decade with a record 20 consecutive defenses. He right now is the current Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Champion. A title he captured with a very, very impressive – one of the most impressive wins – in recent time against Antonio Tarver in 2006. And the most recently defeated with a dominating performance against Winky Wright in 2007. And so now at the young age of 43 he will put his title on the line against Joe Calzaghe. He’s one of the best Super Middleweights of the world. This fight will be live on HBO Championship Boxing from the Planet Hollywood Ring live from the Thomas and Mack Center April 19. So you don’t want to miss that special event that Planet Hollywood will be putting together. So it is my pleasure now to introduce to you from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he has a record of 48 and 4 with 32 knockouts and that is Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins.

Bernard Hopkins: Thank you Oscar. I’m here and glad to get this conference call over. This means the next step to counting down to April 19.

QUESTIONS:

Dan Rafael,

ESPN.com: Bernard yesterday or I guess on Tuesday Joe talked on his conference call about his motivation for the fight. Coming to the United States to fight for the very first time was a big deal for him. Moving up in weight to fight a Light Heavyweight and win the Championship there was a big motivation for him.

And I wonder Bernard at this stage of your career what is motivating you to go on and to take these types of fights?

Bernard Hopkins: Prove the nay-sayers wrong. Prove that the “so called” experts they’re wrong, at least with Bernard Hopkins. I made a career of making people’s mouths drop on super-fights like this. This is something that – this seems to tickle my fancy I’ll say; just something that I like to do. I like to look at some of the media faces when they just look like they’ve just seen Jesus walk on water. So to me it’s a personal gratification and it’s also, you know, my way of proving that everybody’s entitled to an opinion and I respect their opinion but I might not agree with it. But at the end of the day it just gives me the power to show that anything is possible. Anything can happen. That’s my motivation.

Chris Murray,

Philadelphia Tribune: Look one of the things that Joe Calzaghe said, you know, during, you know in his conference call with us the other day is that he is not necessarily intimidated by your record against southpaws and against left handed fighters and all that. What is it about his style that makes him unique or is he just another one of those guys who – is he just another left handed fighter?

Bernard Hopkins: To me he’s just another left handed fighter. So he just, you know, just happened to be not African American or not Spanish or not Mexican. You know me I don’t get a chance to get in the ring and to share my talents on another landscape of this nature but that’s the only difference. I mean I’ve been around the best southpaws and trained with the best southpaws before I even became champion in Philadelphia. One of them is one of my assistants here in camp. His name is John David Jackson and you know I consider the best southpaws in my era. So again and, you know, this statement just analyzing with I’ve always looked at when I go up against any title defense or any challenge in my whole career. I look at this guy compared to that guy and analyze well is this guy slicker as a southpaw than Joe was or this guy hit harder than Joe or does Joe hit harder than this guy. And that it’s different here but nobody’s the same but it – I don’t see anything that I could say wow I should be intimidated myself. And so, you know, I don’t do the traditional thing that people say that you should do when you fight southpaws. Far as keep my left foot outside of their right leg or foot so I can be on that angle of my right hand, left foot – my style I’ve been told by southpaws and one of them is John David Jackson and a few other guys I’ve fought one of them Robert Allen twice. I have an orthodox style that a southpaw is confused with me. Because they never see it coming – and they never see it coming and when you have a loosey goosey offense – because Joe’s defense is his offence and his offence is his defense. I love a guy that punches because now I don’t have to do too much work like a Winky Wright fight. I gotta get the turtle to stick his head out the shell. This case is great. This guy likes to fire. He has a high punch output. I love that. It’s a great opportunity. The more he punches the greater the opportunity and that’s what I like and that’s why I say this is no comparison to fighting a Winky Wright, where you got to figure out the puzzle and try to trick him to punch. This situation where I got a guy that’s what seven years younger, 36, that’s going to throw 1,000 punches around, or so it’s been reported. So I would love that. I just hope that he don’t change his game all of a sudden, you know, maybe during the game of his boxing career. I just hope he throws these thousands of punches. I doubt it after a full fight like the two or three rounds – I doubt if he’s going to throw these punches – but I just hope that he do that because that will leave a lot of great opportunities for Bernard Hopkins to really shine come April 19.

Chris Murray: Let me ask you this question that I know you’ve answered the question a thousand times before but, you now, I’ve seen fighters over the years in their 30s in their 40s. They get old in the ring and what have you no matter how good a shape that they’re in and what have you. You know how do you mentally and physically fight, you know, I guess kind of prepare against that? It seems like father time is always lurking in that corner.

Bernard Hopkins: Well not with me. Father time is whether you’re an athlete or not an athlete. Father time is always around. I think I’m just special.

Ashley Fox,

Philadelphia Inquirer: How have you ratcheted up your training regimen since I saw you about three or so weeks ago?

Bernard Hopkins: Since you were out here about two or three weeks ago? Well obviously it got to the fine tuning. And of course we’re still two weeks away. I will tell you the same sparring partners that were here didn’t last so we got fresh ones in a week ago and they holding up as of now but we still have a few days left of really letting it all loose. But everything is fine. Everything is great. I’m up in the mountains in L.A. and getting, you know, once a week and just, you know, mentally and physically letting everything come in to play. And, you know, Mackey Shilstone and I was up 5:30 West Coast time this morning doing our regular routine. And, you know, I got, you know -3:00 excuse me – training and, you know, my vitamins, my food and, you know, everything is a military. When I say military everything is by the clock. And timing is everything. You know it’s just like you’re in the ring. Guy throw a punch you throw a punch, who gets there, who has the right timing gets the point, gets the victory. And that’s what this fight is all about – timing, relaxing, then fight, then go, then go. And that’s basically the difference between two weeks ago to now is that now we’re in that fine tuning stage of this keeping everything where it’s supposed to be until we land this plane down the runway.

Ashley Fox: And you’re feeling pretty good?

Bernard Hopkins: I’m feeling great. I’m feeling like when April 19 comes that people really going to have to say to themselves we have to put Bernard Hopkins achievements and legacy in a special place where we can call for others who might, who might now, be in that category as time go on. And I’m not just saying fighters I’m saying athletes period in any sport. Like a Michael Jordan. You know like the Mohammad Ali of the world, like Sugar Ray Robinson. You know, these Joe Lewis, these guys you mention but there’s so many great fighters that will never be in an elite group. They going to have to do that to Bernard Hopkins. Being as I respect people’s personal pound for pound. I’m not bigger than boxing but I’m bigger than that right now and especially after this victory come April 19. And I don’t want anybody to get that misunderstood. I respect people’s opinion. Everybody has they own pound for pound list. It’s not about that with me at this stage right now. Because what I’m ready to pull off April 19 with another undefeated fighter – remember I destroyed three known Hall of Famer undefeated fighters. Come April 19 people going to have to put me in a whole new different category. Maybe that Icon type thing. The Icon is really special to me. Legend already got that. Icon is – that’s the climax, you can’t get any higher than that.

Francis Walker,

BlackAthlete.com: You’re 43 and a lot of people based on your age their picking you to lose this fight so what else is new? At this stage of your career is it more difficult to prepare your body for a grueling training camp? I mean what’s different about it?

Bernard Hopkins: Only that would be true only if I had a reckless living life. I think that, you know, what I’ve done in the 20s, what I’ve done in the 30s prepared me to be able to stand out amongst the norm. No I don’t have no special magic, you know, and anybody just listening I’m letting, you know, from right now that I don’t have no special water in the bottle. I don’t have no special resume that I do. I just live right, treat my body right like any other person, sports or non-sports, want to do it. I just take care of my body. The worst damage a person – a fighter or even a person that’s just everyday living – is shorten your life by your lifestyle. My lifestyle, yes and my talent, plays a role but I’m no fool. It’s not just I’m that good. Some would want me to think that but I ain’t a fool. It’s all above that comes with being a guy that has longevity in what he do.

You know I mean Brett Favre went out on top in his 40s. It’s not unusual but it is considered rare because people don’t fight to live to physically be on top of their game less they embarrass themselves past 35. And that’s understand that Joe Calzaghe is not 26 he’s 36. And that is considered not a spring chicken in boxing but we live in different times now. When Ali and Joe Lewis and Ray Robinson and all those guys that come up – I mean they didn’t have the high tech sneaks and the high tech equipment, the vitamins, the this and that. You know they didn’t have the Mackey Shilstone’s of the world at that particular time. To me they was the greater athletes.

And listen I’m proud of everything that I accomplished but when I go back and I look at basketball and I look at when they had Chuck Taylors on back in the 60s and the 70s and compare with the athletes can have today with the luxuries of high tech equipment, sneakers that can make them jump two to three more inches. I mean, you know, it’s a no-brainer to me that, you know, why shouldn’t we have the luxury of extending our career in 2008 in this era in the last 30 years where we have so much to take our careers. Even with the food. Even with the choice of lifestyle. Why shouldn’t we have the leverage or if you follow it why shouldn’t you have that luxury to be able to extend the impossible of most people thinking two or three or four more years into any career whether its football, basketball or boxing. I’m just a product of what you do in your 20s. Like mom always say or somebody that you respect always say what you do in your 20s, what you do in your 30s health wise reflects in your 40s and your 50s and your 60s and your 70s and your 80s. I am a poster boy of that.

Stefan Guerrero,

BBC Wales: Joe’s trainer Enzo Calzaghe has had two world title defeats in the past month with Enzo Maccarinelli and Gavin Reese. How do you think that’s going to sort of affect the mindset within their camp?

Bernard Hopkins: I’m just thinking giving them a hint of what’s to come. It’s not a good year for him. I mean we all go through those clouds. You know I had my clouds and, you know, everybody go through those clouds. That’s what makes you who you are. Then see how they bounce back the following year. It’s not a good year for him.

Stefan Guerrero: Joe’s also said that he’s going to slow down on his punches. You talk about his loosey goosey style a little bit earlier on he says he’s going to slow down and go for the power a bit more. Are you surprised by that?

Bernard Hopkins: I’m not surprised what he’s going to do. Well it seems he keeps flipping and flopping. Nobody knows what anybody going to do until we get in that ring. You know my job is to change anything he does anything he wants to do my thing is to make him change it. And the only way we going to do that is you have physical contact. We’ll all be champions if we can talk our way to a championship. But that’s the great thing about boxing. I can’t help – nobody can help me and nobody can help Joe so all he says is great. So I mean, you know, I take the opposite what he says because if he really meant what he was going to do he, you know, probably wouldn’t tell me or you for you to tell me so I just think it’s the way it is. I’m a long time profession in his career. I’ve heard it all. You know when you’ve been in the game for 20 something years with 20 defenses as a Middleweight – I mean there’s nothing in the game I haven’t heard. There’s no style I haven’t seen. So I mean what else do I expect, you know, I could continue to try to explain to people that I’ve been in the game since 1988. I’ve been champion before Joey became a pro. Look at the records. Look at the dates. So I heard all the game. I heard all the bullshit. So I don’t mind hearing it again long as I stay in the game that’s part of the game that’s part of the promotion that’s part of the hype. But as far as I’m concerned right now I did a lot of talking. I’m on the phone doing a conference call because that’s the way business is supposed to be and I’m mature now where I know I have to promote because I am a promoter. I have a company that I ought to represent with respect so my thing is I’m on this phone basically because this is what – I have to do it. But basically I wouldn’t want to talk to nobody until April 19 when the fight’s over with and just say not that I told you so where are y’all going to put me in history? I’ve topped my last two fights at Light Heavyweight. That’s what I would want to do to be honest with you. Rest up in the bed until 3:00 West Coast time and just pray to God that we could skip some days and get right to April 19. I’m going to prove that Joe is an ordinary Joe and the reason he didn’t leave Europe is because he feared his worst nightmare. Coming to the United States and getting his ass whooped by Bernard Hopkins. That’s what’s going to be exposed so help me God.

Robert Morales,

LA Daily News: Listen I was wondering of all the victories that you’ve had have you ever stopped to ask yourself or thought about which is your biggest victory in your mind in your heart? What victory that you have had has impressed you the most?

Bernard Hopkins: I will go back and I will say the victory that touched me the most – and you probably can remember this as you’ve been following me this long – I’m going to go back over ten years. I know you’re probably shocked because that eliminates Tito and eliminates the Oscar fights. I’m going to go back and I’m going to mention this fight and if you remember this fight it was about will, it was about heart, and it was about willing to leave my country and go abroad. And prove that I’m championship quality. Segundo Mercado, Quito, Ecuador in 1995. They in the heat of battle in Peru at that particular time country to country and it was hostility. I got there less than 48 hours well documented didn’t have time to acclimate to the climate. Other fighters like Simon Brown, Frankie Lyles, a few other guys was already there weeks before me. Looked at me like I had two heads. Why would I come in so late? I survived two knock downs – if you remember this fight – I come back I knocked him down and I got a draw in Ecuador fighting an Ecuadorian. So it might surprise everyone that listen to that little speech but its reality and the record shows and it’s there. That was a fight that any knowledgeable person around the world that seen that fight promoter, fan or media had to think for one second that we got a guy that’s going to rise up amongst boxing and be considered great. And here I am ten plus years ago. That fight there showed me and showed probably a lot of other people that I’m going to be around for a long time. And it came to pass. So that was the most important fight to me not actually a big fight but it was a fight that made – it built character for me.

Robert Morales: And of course you stopped him in the 7th Round four months later.

Bernard Hopkins: Four or five months later I stopped him in Landover, Maryland in the United States you’re correct. Unlike Joe he wants a day in his career if he could but he was forced to come to the United States. Not doing me a favor, I did him a favor. Not only give him 50% of the money. I did him a favor. He had to come here by HBO’s contract his third fight had to come here. I just happened to be the old Godfather waiting at door number one when everybody else that I helped eliminated and he couldn’t do anything but fight Bernard Hopkins. If you read his book – which I did it’s very interesting – he never thought that he would fight me again. And he mentioned that “I wish I would had been there to fight Bernard Hopkins but since he retired, blah, blah, blah.” Because he thought that he was going to be able to have that quote and never have to deal with The Executioner. But I came out of retirement. And trust me a lot of people including business people in boxing said oh you know what. The worst nightmare is that Bernard Hopkins will come out of retirement and spoil more plans for what they got set up for other things. I’m messing up – but seriously that’s what kept me alive in boxing because I know I’m messing up and I ain’t going to get into details but I know that I’m messing up a lot of plans by still being in boxing. I’m beating the wrong people. It started with Tarver. Winky Wright, the two Jermain Taylor fights everybody knew what that was. He’s eliminated now the same people that praise him they talking about it. A short time changes so much in this business. So I got the biggest boss to take to (me) and they don’t even fear him because they don’t believe in him but I got the biggest – I got the biggest boss hands around my shoulders and I’m just sitting here just, you know, having fun but I’m serious. And I can’t wait until after April 19 when I look across that particular aisle that separated from the fans and it’s just the aisle where they sit at with their computers and they typewriters. And they see that same look that I saw when I beat Tarver. I made it look easy but the most profound statement before that fight and I told most of the media that’s listening to me now I said no only am I going to shock y’all and beat y’all but I’m going to do it easy. What do you mean? So I’m telling you now. Don’t be surprised when I make this look easy and I make him look amateur. And that’s what I’m going to do but it’s going to be punishment first because that’s in his blood he won’t quit. Probably going to have to save him. His father’s going to have to save his son because he loves his son. It ain’t training fighters this is son and father. Then trainer and father. So remember I said this on the line so nobody going to say I’m making it up after the fact. I’m telling y’all now I’m putting y’all on notice and a lot of people on the phone now heard me say this before how many times was I wrong? And how many times was I right?

Chris Murray,

Philadelphia Tribune: Bernard if you’re victorious in this fight and everything who else is out there? I mean you’ve basically climbed every mountain in this sport in terms of fighters. Who else would be out there once you get past Joe Calzaghe?

Bernard Hopkins: When I get past Joe Calzaghe I will really, really will have to make a big, big announcement. Heavyweight division is not in my circle any more because Moscow was the guy that I wanted. Thought that that would be a perfect match for me and there’s no other guys that’s too big that holds the title. I ran out of opponents. And when you go look for a fight it’s like being in the neighborhood you normally pick on the person that you shouldn’t have picked on? I’m not going to be in that position because now I’m looking for a fight then having something to fight for. There’s a big difference. And so, you know, whether I want to retire or not I think I’m force to retire because I ran out of opponents. When I mean run out of opponents I mean first of all I’m not going in there to dance with no guy 24, 25 years old. I don’t pick on nobody unless they 35 and up. So, you know, there’s no one in the game at a high level to be able to satisfy my cravings around. I’ve eliminated – I done ran out of really quality names to fight to be honest with you. And so, you know, is it a sad thing that I can retire on top? No. But, you know, it’s a thing where I know that Bernard Hopkins is going to win this fight and I’m going to win this fight big. And then I’m going to go and do the things that the company needs my undivided 24 hours or whatever day it takes to sign more fighters to Golden Boy from Golden Boy East. And, you know, definitely spend time with my family and do things in the city as you know in Philadelphia, you know, we got a new mayor. We got things turning around in that city and I want to be a part of that. Maybe a political future for Bernard Hopkins. I have a lot on my table to not get bored to be honest with you. So I’m going to have to make that come in a second. Look I’m 43 years old so at the end of the day trust me I know I got a body and I’ve been told I got a body and Mackie tells it all the time, you know, Bernard they don’t know you’re 43. But I know you’re body and I know this test and I know how you run and I know what numbers you get and I know how your heart rate drops down so calm after a hostile workout. You got a 28, 29 year old body but they think you’re 43, and that helps. So I consider 43 to be a time where it’s time to back up. It’s time to do this. It’s time to smell the roses. I just bought a house recently that there are many things that I want to accomplish with that. And enjoy that 17,000 square feet house on 5.5 acres. I’m going to enjoy that. I waited late in my career to really buy the biggest purchase, you know, I got property, rental property, I had a nice house, still got a nice house but I waited late to really buy something that I always wanted late in the game and I want to sit back and enjoy that. So I find something to, you know, to be able to take that void, you know, that middle spot of not being able to box anymore or to train anymore and every year you get older so, you know, it’s not my choice no more. It’s nothing I can do about it. It is what it is.

Chris Murray: Would you say that if you were to lose this fight by decision or whatever?

Bernard Hopkins: It’s the same no matter what. You know lose, win or draw. I can win a fight and know in my heart that, you know, I’m done. It’s a desire and a will to prove that I can do it and to prove to others that you’re wrong again. People might say well Bernard, you know, you be 100 years old trying to prove people wrong but people’s going to think the way they want to think and have they opinions to do that and that’s it. But, you know, they got to stop with me, you know, because no matter what you do in life there’s going to be somebody saying that you, you know, yeah but you could have did this, yeah but you could have did that so you can’t satisfy everybody. So you know win, lose or draw and I never like to add all those in there – my thing is win – but if things don’t go my way it’s the same one way or the other because I’ve ran out of opponents. I have nothing to be ashamed of I have everything to be grateful for. And I’ve done what most fighters and most people couldn’t imagine doing. I done surpassed most people’s expectations on what Bernard Hopkins personal life will wind up being. And definitely my athletic – definitely in my professional life. And they will have to find a place to put Bernard Hopkins in history. And I don’t say that to be bragging I don’t say that to be cocky. I think that when it’s all said and done with the stamp of approval of Bernard Hopkins winning impressively undefeated southpaw fighter that they made up to be great is going to be a profound statement. This fight here surpasses Tarver fight because Tarver had flaws. He had a loss before. Tarver – Tarver it was unique because it was history because Ray Robinson couldn’t pull off what I pulled off. That’s the unique thing about it but this one – this one is a little bit more spicy. This one is a little bit more spicy. It’s another undefeated fighter like a Felix Trinidad. It’s another undefeated fighter like a guy I fought named Blaine Johnson and nobody even talks about when he’s 30 and 0 and I knocked him out. You know you don’t even hear that. That means to me some media don’t even talk about that fight. But I say that at the end of the day my worst critics will have to pay homage to my legacy.

Ramon Aranda,

411mania.com: Now, you know, you’re in another fight that obviously a lot of writers are picking you to lose which seems kind of like the norm now days I think but besides proving the doubters wrong, I mean what else motivates you right now at this point in your career for this fight especially after accomplishing so much already?

Bernard Hopkins: I made two – that is 99.9% of it to be honest with you. Absolutely because, you know, if I didn’t have that I don’t think I’d even be on the phone talking about a press conference because there probably wouldn’t be no fight. I mean this is what kept me – they’ve been my biggest supporter in taking my body through, you know, aching pains. I wake up with a cramp here and a pain there and this and that. To be honest I don’t camouflage that. You know I just deal with it. I’m a professional. So when, you know, and I don’t, you know, I usually when I was ignorant or I was emotional which is the worst thing you can be in anything – whether its business table whether it’s in the ring – is that I used to try to convince people who didn’t agree with me why I’m not old and why I’m not, you know, going to lose a fight even when I was in my 20s and 30s. And I really, really it took me a little while but I really realized late in the game that it’s their opinion but how can I now make the most respected person in boxing analysts or, you know, judge or reporter wrong? And at the end of the day found out I was wrong. There’s a lot of them that will come up to you and say Bernard hey man I picked you to lose man and you shocked me man and you won. And I respect those who do, but then you get some that don’t even come to the damn press conference after the fight. Or they come but they stand in the back if you’d have lost they’d have been up front. So to me those –the ones that have – they separate their jobs from having a personal agenda. You know whether or not I like this guy it ain’t about liking a fighter. It’s about writing a story for the fans where your credibility comes into play. And so I know I got these persons out there and I see them and I smile and shake their hands and they know who they are. But you know what they help me to be honest with you so why would I fight with them? They’re entitled to their opinions we live in America. I’m entitled to my opinion. I’m entitled to say what I feel like I need to say because that’s just the way I feel. Everybody might not agree with it but that’s the way I feel. Hey we don’t live in a third world country where they take you out the house and hang you by a tree. So if we want the luxury when it benefits us then we have to accept myself – and I have to accept that when people don’t agree with me I don’t have to get upset. How can I prove to them? Go in there and prove them wrong. That is my motivation. Listen I’m 43 years old getting up 5:30 in the morning West Coast time. I mean why would I put my body is the question I think that probably maybe somebody want to ask but I’m going to take it away from them. The answer is at 43 years old I’ve done well with my money I made great investments; I’m still a coupon clipping guy. I’ve still got a Costco in my wallet – Costco card. Why would I put my body 5:30 in the morning when I could be sitting somewhere drinking a virgin strawberry daiquiri in Miami in one of my properties and here I’m in with this manic guy named Mackie Shilstone who’s getting me up at 5:30 in the morning and he’s 57 and he’s running 880s with me. And anybody knows what 880s means. You feel like your heart is coming out of your chest. And I’m sparring with three or five spar partners who are 15 years younger than me maybe younger with careers and records who’s throwing – Joe throw 1000 punches around – say they’re throwing close to that but its four different spar partners so you put 100 punches around for four guys add that up. That’s almost 400. And I don’t get out the ring they get in the ring. They bring one guy in one guy out I stay in the ring. So people that’s listening to this understand this is in me. This ain’t about buying another car another house. This ain’t about actually a payday. This should tell people that how that they mind might be clouded by some other things that I’ve said or that they’ve seen that they did that they disliked. They should just understand he put all that stuff to the side. This man is 43 years old and I know how it is to take that much dedication to prepare for any fight. But it got to be just as difficult and to do that at this stage in my career. And you know what? That’s because it’s in me and I’m in this to win it. I’m not in this for the emotions of it. I’m in it to prove that with me and inspire others that 43, 42 anything in your 40s and up is not a death sentence if you take care of yourself before you become 40. Especially if your 40 then start taking care of yourself now. And I’m the poster boy for that.

Ramon Aranda: Now with the same token do you think that if it would have been the opposite way say you would have been pumped up as the face of boxing, you know, being the guy that everybody always picks to win. Do you think if your career would have went that route that you would have probably had a shorter career or gotten bored earlier with it at all?

Bernard Hopkins: Probably so. Because when you are that particular poster boy and you’re that particular guy that they want you to win whether its TV whether its – and I say TV based on what revenue you bring, what excitement you bring, what ratings you bring – all that counts. Then you got the promotion of the promoter, they got the promotion of who they write about. See the prime example is Jermain Taylor and I wish I had another name to mention. I do have another name. He’s from Philadelphia. And right now he’s damn near homeless. His name is David Reeves who won a gold medal. See the worst thing can happen to some athletes especially boxers. They will give you this false security and give you something that you really ain’t ready for right now. A title. Jermain wasn’t really ready for that title and he made a few dollars and I hope he’s done well by it. But it’s nothing like experience and there’s nothing like taking you through those curves to understand that this is going to make you keep the title when you get there. This is going – but this microwave mentality – yes I said microwave not oven microwave society or business where they don’t care about longevity. They care about the dollar. They care about let’s get this title by any means necessary well the man got to defend it. Now here I am at 43 this guy is supposed to have beat me where my career and where his career at? See I just have patience I just prove them wrong and I stay and challenge them. Behind a plate they’re going to have to put me and they might not follow it. I’m still cool with that. But there’s going to be a place other than pound for pound because right now its surpassed that right now. Everything I do or everything I did to surpass oh Bernard do you think if you beat this fighter you should take this fighter? Somebody asked me the other day from the media. I’m not going to put them on blast but I say why would I shortchange myself like that? Don’t disrespect the pound for pound. Everybody got their own limits. Everybody got their own pound list. I said its past that baby. I said you thinking like that, that’s short minded thinking. I’ve surpassed that. Come April 19 Bernard going to show again that all these years that I’ve been in the game, 40 something years old. Y’all got something special amongst us so just enjoy it while I’m here. Enjoy April 19 because it could be the last great fight you see from Bernard Hopkins for some and the Executioner for others.

Bernard Fernandez,

Philadelphia

Daily News: You know when you were talking about this being possibly your last fight because you still got gas in the tank but, you know, where else is there to go? I don’t know – I know you’re an Eagles fan and follow the NFL but this sounded a lot like a couple weeks ago with Brett Favre. Came within one game of going to the Superbowl He had a great year at 38 and just said, you know, I think this is it, you know, he obviously could have played another year maybe another couple years. But now that I’m throwing this out I mean do you kind of like liken your situation of where you are now to where Brett Favre was when he decided maybe it’s time to step away?

Bernard Hopkins: It’s slightly different in a way because with Brett Favre I think it’s a situation where, you know, football and boxing is obviously different but there are some similarities there. I think more with me than with Brett Favre is that, you know, even though they came so close – I think three out from being in the Superbowl but maybe four – with me it’s just that there’s no other person that they can bring to me that’s realistic. I ain’t talking about a Heavyweight. There’s no one on the bottom from 60 there’s no one at 70 that can bring what I need to be motivated for this fight. Other than the Joe Calzaghe’s. Because I mean I have to be honest with myself there’s no (unintelligible). And Bernard, if I start getting in the ring strictly based on money then I won’t hire a guy like Mackey to go do something at (the) store. I won’t go spend extra money bringing (Freddie) in got (John Nazeen) got John David Jackson. Hey I got a payroll that’s pretty hefty with these guys. I didn’t do that to lose. If I am coming somewhere to lose, wouldn’t I save as much as I can? So my thing Bernard, is that if it was people that are in the game that can bring a reason for me to do it, other than money, I would do what Foreman had done. Stay around until about 45 or 46 and I said it before and I’ll say it now. If I wanted to I could fight another three or four more years. I know Bernard that people will say “Well why would you do that?” Because A) I can and second) tell me and show me other than looking at my age. Am I embarrassing myself? No. Am I winning? Yes. So you tell me “well you should quit because you’re 45.” You should quit because you’re 43. So I should die? I should just roll over and get a fat stomach go to Miami and sit on the beach because I’m 43? This is 2008, 43 in the 70s is not the 43 now. And so the reason that I came to this Bernard, is I just ran out of people to beat. I just ran out of people to beat. I ran out of people that could bring that thing that’s in me that I can say I’m going to prove someone wrong again. If that’s not there Bernard a big part of my motivation, a big part of my psyche, a big part of the way I get up, the way I hike through the pain in the morning, the way I fight – I don’t fight running – but I have got to get up at 5:30 crack of dawn. If I don’t have that Bernard, I won’t be Bernard. I won’t be me. I train like I fight and I fight like train. And if one thing is missing out of my 20 plus year career I’m doomed. I’m literally doomed.

Bernard Fernandez: I almost feel like you ought wear a number 4 Packer’s jersey into the ring.

Bernard Hopkins: Yes, the Packers, for Brett huh? The Iron Man I call him. They call him the Iron Man.

Bernard Fernandez: Yes he played the game with, you know, a…

Bernard Hopkins: Finesse.

Bernard Fernandez: and joy that you’ve brought to boxing, you know.

Bernard Hopkins: Bernard and anybody that’s listening, when you see it is perks in being a veteran that survived the scraps and the bumps and the wear and tear that boxing can bring on you. But also it is rewards in it. See because guys like myself and Brett Favre and other older athletes that came before me – the Jerry Rick and guys like that – we know how to finesse our wins. We know how to finesse our wins because everything ain’t all – when you’re young you’re running through the door – when you’re older you twist the doorknob then open then walk through. You get smarter. You get more finesse. You get more technical about anything you do because you know that you can’t step on a minefield. And that’s the difference between young and (life) and being older. The choices you make, the way you do things, they way you take care of your body it changes compared to when you was 20 and 30 and now I’m 40. I just wanted to put that out there and next question.

Garrett Davies,

Daily Telegraph

(London): Since we sat in that press room when Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather told me you were going to be the modern day Paul Revere. I’m so delighted we’re nearly there now because the British sure are coming. You say that your worst critic will pay homage to your legacy like Joe Calzaghe who is a Super Middleweight Champion for ten years you were a Middleweight World Champion for ten years. Do you agree that this is as much a defining fight for you as it is for him?

Bernard Hopkins: I will hope so. I will hope so for him because that spells that you are going to have a great article to write and American writers are going to have a great article to write. When you have that atmosphere out there of two sides then the rope got to snap in the middle because there’s going to be pushing from one side to another. And to me that’s a great thing to have. And there’s also a great thing to have when you’re going up against an opponent that he also has a personality where he can talk and I don’t have to carry the whole promotional quotes and sound bites. So to me he’s already doing the right thing. He’s already doing what he’s supposed to do. He has his legacy to prove and bring to the people’s attention that maybe don’t know over here in the United States like they know mine. By the same token you’ve got to understand that the old poppy Hopkins he called me or Mary Poppins, she was a very, very powerful lady if you know the story about Mary Poppins. And if anybody knows the story about Mary Poppins other than the disrespect of him calling me a woman but he called me Poppy so he can’t be calling me a female. But if you know the history of Mary Poppins which was one of my favorite bedtime stories when I was small she was a powerful lady. She had magical powers with that umbrella. Come April 19 I’m going to be glad that I was called Mary Poppins. Because the history of Mary Poppins is nothing to laugh about.

Ashley Fox,

Philadelphia Inquirer: I just want to be clear. Are you saying that this is going to be your last fight?

Bernard Hopkins: Easily could be yes. Nothing else to – nobody else to fight to bring this type of energy and motivation out of me. There’s no one out there. I’ve cleaned out my closet. There’s nothing in here. There’s no motivation to fight anybody else unless it’s just for money and I never, never went in there based and predicated on money. My track record shows it. My business decisions showed it when I left millions on the table, when I got crucified for it and wound up (throwing) bigger deals later on down the line but no. I would not go in the ring based and predicated on 100% motivation is money.I have to have a reason to be able to say why I’m doing this. Because that gets me through the training. The training is something that I need to get through on a proper way to prepare to win. And if I don’t have that which was in my 99% ace in the hole for my 20 plus career. I would never, never appreciate that and never disrespect that. Then I’m doomed. I put myself in the line of danger even further.

Ashley Fox: But you said …

Bernard Hopkins: I’ll say it will be because there’s no one else there on the horizon and, you know, to put the cart in front of the horse and start looking for other things then you looking for the wrong things. And right now Joe Calzaghe is the only guy on the planet that’s over 35 years old – that’s important – and that’s part of my demands. And no one out there beyond him that I can see that’s worth doing this – taking my body through what I have to do being away from my family for six or seven weeks. You know as you get older every year you get to thinking differently than last year. At least I do. I don’t know maybe some people think different I don’t know. But, you know, you can only go to the well so many times and get water. You go there one time there ain’t no water there because you already took it out. I’m going to the well April 19 because there’s a bucket left.

Andreas Hale,

Fightnews.com: Considering all the factors coming into this fight the age, the title experience, the championship fights, the British versus America thing going on here. Is there another fight that you recall that you had more to prove in your career?

Bernard Hopkins: Yes.

Andreas Hale: Which one would it be? Is this that fight or is there another one?

Bernard Hopkins: No there’s another one. The Trinidad fight.

Andreas Hale: The Trinidad fight?

Bernard Hopkins: Yes.

Andreas Hale: It was bigger why?

Bernard Hopkins: It’s because he was better known worldwide. Trinidad was undefeated, known as a dangerous left hook. I think I was a 5 to 1 or 6 to 1 underdog. No one in the media game that I can remember – at least I ain’t going to say any one – I’d say about 80% of the media had me losing. First it was around at press conferences some falls before then. It’s 9/11, 20,000 people under one roof in New York City of all places. It was tense a moment, but also it was a moment of standing out amongst, you know, any possible thing that I can dream of accomplishing on the most important fight, the most important year of my legacy. Had to be one of the saddest days of America. So while people are rejoicing some are stunned still. So it was a thing that I had to fight through adversity. I had to fight through was humanly was normal for anybody to have a letdown. I rose. I rised up. I rised up at the worst scenario case. So when you have this type of education and you have this type of experience and you have this type of trials and tribulations that make you a man. Let’s not even talk about penitentiary. Let’s not even talk about upbringing. Let’s not talk about that. I’m going to let you beat me? When it gets to those points and you see five rounds or six rounds or you get hit with a good shot or something happen that’s not in your favor. And you look across the ring and you look across at everybody and you say did I go through all this to let this happen? That’ the reason you fight man. Everybody don’t have that because everybody didn’t live that fortunately and unfortunately I had the best of both worlds. And come April 19 Joe is going to witness something that he didn’t witness with Joe (unintelligible). He didn’t witness with any other guy that he’s fought that he thinks that makes him great. Compared to my resume. It’s going to be totally different and when it becomes different to him the fights over. When it becomes different to him the fight is going to be over that night.

COUNTDOWN TO HOPKINS-CALZAGHE

Posted on | April 6, 2008 | No Comments

PREMIERES SATURDAY, APR. 12 ON HBO

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

HBO Sports is presenting a thirty-minute special analyzing the upcoming HBO World Championship Boxing matchup between two of boxing’s most accomplished fighters: Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe. Their long-awaited showdown is set for Saturday, Apr. 19 in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center and will be carried live on HBO.

The special “COUNTDOWN TO HOPKINS-CALZAGHE,” which will feature fighter profiles, expert analysis and forecasts for the light heavyweight matchup, will premiere on the main service on Saturday, Apr. 12 immediately after the HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast from Atlantic City which begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT.

Hopkins (48-4-1, 32 KOs), a Philadelphia native, looks to remain undefeated at light heavyweight following unanimous decision victories over Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright in his first two fights at 175 pounds. Calzaghe (44-0, 32 KOs), a native of Newbridge, Wales, makes both his light heavyweight and U.S. debut following a stellar 10-year run as world super middleweight champion. Both fighters enter this intriguing showdown with high expectations of putting a glowing exclamation mark on their star-studded ring careers.

The countdown special will also be available to HBO ON DEMAND subscribers 24 hours a day starting Monday, April 14 through Monday, April 21.

Additional HBO replay dates:

Sunday, April 13 @ 12:00 p.m.

Monday, April 14 @ 9:00 a.m. & 11:50 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16 @ 10:30 a.m. & 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 17 @ 12:30 p.m.

Friday, April 18 @ 5:05 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 19 @ 3:30 p.m.

Additional HBO2 replay dates:

Tuesday, April 15 @ 4:30 p.m. & 2:10 a.m.

Thursday, April 17 @ 10:00 p.m.

Friday, April 18 @ 12:20 a.m.

Saturday, April 19 @ 11:00 a.m.

All times are ET/PT.

Friday’s EliteXC/ShoXC Final Quotes & Weigh-In Pics (5); Quach Replaces Reis

Posted on | April 4, 2008 | No Comments

BAO QUACH REPLACES WILSON REIS;
SHOXC FINAL QUOTES AND THOUGHTS

Friday, April 4, 2008,
The World Sports Café, Fresno, California

Streaking Bao Quach of Irvine, Calif., will seek his seventh consecutive victory in a fight he took on two day’s notice when he faces Doug Evans of Anchorage, Alaska, in one of the five SHOWTIME-televised fights tomorrow/Saturday on ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series (live on SHOWTIME, 11:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) at Table Mountain Casino at Friant, Calif.

Quach (12-8-1) is a replacement in the 145-pound match for Wilson Reis, who failed to turn in his paperwork on time to the California State Athletic Commission.

In his ShoXC debut on Jan. 25, 2008, at Atlantic City, Quach registered an impressive, upset three-round unanimous decision over Bobby McMaster (8-3) of Boston Mass.

Other televised fights include: undefeated Jared Hamman (10-0) of San Bernardino, Calif., vs. once-beaten Po’ai Suganuma (8-1) of Hilo, Hawaii, in the main event at 205 pounds; Shayna “The Queen Of Spades’’ Baszler (10-4) of Sioux Falls, S.D., vs. Japan’s Keiko “Tama Chan’’ Tamai (16-14) at 140 pounds; Fabricio “Morango” Camoes (9-4) of Brazil vs. Joe Camacho (10-11-3) of Los Angeles at 160 pounds; and Giva “The Arm Collector’’ Santana (10-0) of Irvine, Calif., vs. Matt “Luke Duke’’ Lucas (9-0) of Phoenix, Ariz., at 185 pounds.

Non-televised bouts: Promising Melanie La Croix (1-0) of Los Angeles vs. Melissa Vasquez (3-2) of Ft. Wayne, Ind., at 140 pounds; Jaime Iracheta (debut) of Fresno, Calif., vs. Brent Cooper (1-0) of Irvine, Calif., at 185 pounds; Telly Sanders (debut) of Fresno vs. Roberto Vargas (1-0) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., at 165 pounds; Yasser Pezzat (debut) of Fresno vs. Luke Riddering (debut) of San Luis Obispo, Calif., at 265 pounds; Tony Lopez (5-2) of Huntington Beach, Calif., vs. Terrell Dees (2-1) of San Francisco, at 265 pounds; and Devin Howard (1-0) of La Habra, Calif., vs. Lucas Gamaza (1-0) of San Francisco at 175 pounds.

The SHOWTIME fights are scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds with the exception of Baszler-Tamai, which is slated for three, 3-minute rounds.

Non-televised fights are scheduled for three, 3-minute rounds with the exception of the Howard-Gamaza and Dees-Lopez fights, which are set for three, 5-minute rounds.

Fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews only at ProElite.com. Fighter pages are below.

What the fighters had to say:

JARED HAMMAN:

“The day after I beat Aaron Rosa in my first fight on ShoXC, they had a homecoming party for me and my players gave me a Gatorade bath. To get doused like that was definitely surprising and very cool. I still coach football (at the University of Redlands) but train mostly in Los Angeles in the off-season.

“I feel I’m coming into own, that my striking is way better and that I’m defending better. My takedown defense and getting up from the ground has improved a lot, too, but it all has to do with my training.

“I actually feel better for this fight than I did against Rosa. I don’t know if anyone could tell but I gassed in that fight because I was not 100 percent going in. That is not the case this time.

“The fighting game is still new to me. I never planned on getting into MMA. I wanted to be a coach so I could develop athletes into players and men. But I was looking for something else to do in the off-season, and this just came along. I got involved and it just took off.

“I am willing to take a risk, make a mistake and do what it takes to win a fight. I never have a real game plan. For me, it is all about adapting and making my opponents do what they don’t want to do. I want to make them as uncomfortable in there as I can.

“I’m constantly thinking and trying to stay focused. The more intense I am beforehand the better. It gives me confidence. I try to break down guys energy-wise any way I can. I know I’m going to take a few punches along the way, but I can feel when I break somebody’s will. Once that happens, I turn it up an extra notch.

“I may not be the most naturally talented fighter, but I have a lot of overall skills and, just like in football, I go as hard as I can until the whistle blows. That’s the way I train and fight. I give 100 percent 100 percent of the time.

“I constantly attack. I am not a defensive kind of guy. There is no way I will quit in a fight. You are going to have to knock me out or choke me out.

“I don’t like to sound mean or like a tough guy; in fact, some say I am too nice. Well, I am glad they think like that.’’

PO’AI SUGANUMA:

“Hamman is very aggressive, likes to get into your face and is undefeated, but I feel I’m a little stronger and a little more technical. He has a lot of heart, but so do I, and that may be what it comes down to.

“I do MMA because it is fun. Some guys do it because they are angry at the world, and that is fine if that works for them. But two things I always try to do in a fight: one is to perform, the other is to have fun.

“I fell into MMA by accident when I lived in Japan. I’d always been a gym rat and wrestled, but I had nothing to do in Japan and got so bored, I started working out. And, now, here I am.

“I am looking forward to a great fight.’’

FABRICO CAMOES:

“I am more excited about making my debut in America on SHOWTIME that I have ever been before. I want to grow up with EliteXC.

“I am not worried about the layoff. I always train and fight with tough guys in Brazil. My cardio is excellent. I am prepared to fight 15 minutes very easily so I am ready.

“I believe to be successful you need to have desire. It’s how hard you work, what you do in training that makes the difference inside the cage, whether a fight is hard or easy on you.

“Skills are important, of course – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is my strong point, but desire, for me, is the key.

“I work hard because I know you need to be a complete fighter in MMA. You need to learn and know all the disciplines for the various styles of opponents. I got the confidence to compete in MMA from my experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which I started when I was 14.

“Camacho has experience and is a good standup fighter, but I do what suits me best, so I am going to try and take him to the ground. I feel my ground game is excellent, but I can fight standup too.

“I may surprise everybody and knock him out.

“I competed in my first tournament at 17 – it was bare knuckle and I and went almost three full 10-minute rounds (actually 27 minutes) before losing.

JOE CAMACHO

“It’s an honor to be given an opportunity to fight on this card on SHOWTIME. I work very, very hard and now I have a change to showcase my skills on a major platform.

“I know he is going to try and take me down. Well, let him try. He’s not the only one in this fight with a black belt. I have one, too. I am ready to go and spring the upset of the night.’’

SHAYNA BAZLER

“Respect for women’s MMA is growing all the time and I am very happy for that, especially where I live in Sioux Falls where fans are getting smarter and more and more have accepted what I love to do.

“But I want to be most exciting fighter in all of EliteXC. I want to be the one they tune in to watch on SHOWTIME. I want to be exciting and put on a great show and leave an impression. I want to give the crowd something to talk about later. I am here to make a point.

“Before, I felt like it was just an honor for me to fight on these shows. But, now, I believe this is my world and that the girls I’m fighting are coming into my world. I am a lot more aggressive than I used to be. Now, I take control. I’m no longer passive like I once was.

“I’ve won all my fights by submission and I feel I’m going as good now as I ever have. I’m comfortable on the ground and in my standup. I’ve been on a new weight training program and feel a lot stronger. The way I feel now, the only way I will lose is if I do it to myself. I won’t submit. Submission defense is one of my greatest strengths.

“Tamai will look to try to do a lot of fun things, but she won’t have fun for very long. There’s nothing she does that I am not better that. I want to set the pace and land often and hard. Once I get her on the run, I’ll go in for the kill. Whether it is a short fight or a long one, my advice to those watching is: don’t blink.

“Saturday is my dad, Skip’s birthday, so I am dedicating this fight to him.’’

KEIKO “TAMA CHAN’’ TAMAI

“I love to entertain the fans and pump them up. I love to get the crowd going. One major difference between fans in Japan and the United States is the fans here get involved in the fights right away.

“But I am not going to change. I am willing to take risks to put on a show. I want everybody to get their money’s worth.

“I feel I am better than my record shows. A lot of my recent fights have been against opponents much bigger than me.

“I’m very familiar with Shayna and know she is an excellent fighter. This is going to be a very tough fight, but I have my confidence.’’

MATT LUKAS:

“I coach MMA in the first YMCA in the U.S. to do it – in Queencreek, Ariz. My whole family teaches. My dad was a wrestling coach. My passion is to be a coach. But I learn from my students, too.

“I have a lot of respect for Santana and know he’s extremely good on the ground, but I am ready for him. My cardio is great. I can go 15 minutes with no problem. My gameplan is such that if I need to adapt, I am able to.

“I know I have to neutralize his Jiu-Jitsu, but it is hard to hold me down. I’ve competed against and have a lot of experience against world-class Jiu-Jitsu guys.

“This is a great matchup and a pivotal fight for both of us. The key for me is to play it smart and adapt when I have to. I just want to keep going and fight for the world title.

“I don’t expect it to be my toughest fight, but it might be. But I expect to win. I do not plan to let him put my arm on his mantle.’’

GIVA SANTANA:

“This is going to be a very good fight between two fighters who are unbeaten. I’m not saying it is going to be easy, but I am confident I will win.

“I like to take my time and be patient. People know what I can do from the ground and on my back, but I never just say I’m going to take a guy down. I work very hard on being a versatile fighter. I want to take it to the ground, obviously, but I can win a standup, too. But people won’t realize it until they see it.

“Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is still involving in MMA – there are a lot of different things going on – and you may see it in this fight.

DOUG EVANS:

“I think it’s going to be a quick fight and that I am going to overwhelm him. He is taking this fight on short notice, so I want to get him into deep waters as soon as possible.

“I plan to come out very aggressively and try and take him down, and then throw punches from all angles until I get through his guard and the referee pulls me off.

“I am not looking past Bao, but if I can apply pressure and stay on top of him early, I don’t think he can be a serious threat to me. I feel very good about this matchup. He’s strong and tough, but I think I’m a little better at every level. I don’t think he can beat me anywhere.

“I like to use wrestling, but I have put a lot of emphasis on my standup. It had been my weakness but now it is getting better and better.

“Coming from little shows in Alaska to this kind of fight on ShoXC is thrilling for me. My wife is having a huge party at our house. I know a lot of folks back home will be watching.

“At first, I didn’t think I belonged at a higher level in MMA, but I proved myself to everyone, including me. I now have confidence and know there is a place for me. I feel great and fighting at 145 is perfect for me.

BAO QUACH :

“I’m in the gym seven days a week, always in training and in shape and I always want to fight, so I took this fight. Evans has fought a couple good, tough fights, but I think I can pick him apart and beat him even on short notice.

“Although I’ve been winning and my confidence is good, I know I can still improve and do more things – although in this fight I may not be able to do as much as I could if I had more time to prepare.

“But I have worked really hard and I feel I have become a much better all-around fighter. Still, I don’t think I get the respect I should because of my record. The negative comments I read about me only serve to motivate me more.

“I always go into a fight feeling I have something to prove. But I win this, on two days’ notice, and that will get people’s attention. It may even make them change their opinion of me.’’

Fighter pages for televised bouts: Hamman (http://jaredhamman.proelite.com), Suganuma (http:/poaisuganuma.proelite.com), Camoes (http:/fabriciocamoes.proelite.com), Camacho (http:/joecamacho.proelite.com), Baszler (http://shaynabaszler.proelite.com), Tamai (http://keikotamai.proelite.com), Quach (http://baoquach.proelite.com), Evans (http://dougevans.proelite.com), Santana (http://givasantana.proelite.com), Lucas (http://mattlucas.proelite.com).

Fighter pages for non-televised bouts: Sanders (http://tellysanders.proelite.com), Vargas (http://robertovargas.proelite.com), Pezzat (http://yasserpezzat.proelite.com), Riddering (http://lukeriddering.proelite.com), Iracheta (http://jaimeiracheta.proelite.com), La Croix (http://melanielacroix.proelite.com), Vasquez (http://melissavasquez.proelite.com), Cooper (http://brentcooper.proelite.com), Howard (http://devinhoward.proelite.com), Gamaza (http://lucasgamaza.proelite.com), Dees (http://terrolldees.proelite.com), Lopez (http://tonylopez.proelite.com)

MATYUSHENKO, FABIANO, HIERON RETAIN TITLES AT IFL NEW JERSEY

Posted on | April 4, 2008 | No Comments

All Three Champs Defend Belts

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., April 4, 2008 – International Fight League titleholders Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko (Belarus), Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Jay “The Thorobred” Hieron (Freeport, N.Y./Las Vegas) each retained their respective titles at the IFL event at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J. in front of 5131 spectators this evening.

Matyushenko weathered a strong first round by Jamal “The Suit” Patterson (Jersey City, N.J.), then punished the challenger with a series of right hands before the bout was stopped with 30 seconds left in the second round.

Fabiano, known for his world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expertise, stunned Shad Lierley (Seattle) with a solid punch just 37 seconds into the first round to record the KO.

Hieron dominated the entire round against Mark Miller (Chicago), finishing the round with a ground-and-pound until the referee stepped in for the TKO.

In the camp vs. camp competition between Miletich Fighting Systems and American Top Team, LC Davis (Kansas City, Mo.) of MFS scored a knockout of Rafael Dias (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) with just seconds remaining in the third round of a very competitive featherweight bout. ATT’s welterweight Emyr Bussade (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) won a second-round submission via kneebar over Jesse Lennox (Cedar Rapids, Iowa). The light heavyweight bout between Carmelo Marrero (Douglasville, Pa.) and Mike Ciesnolevicz (Williamstown, Pa.) was ruled a no contest when a cut from the head of Marrero from an inadvertent head butt would not stop.

In addition to Matyushenko vs. Patterson, in the bouts between Midwest Combat and Renzo Gracie Academy, Gracie’s Jim Miller (Sparta, N.J.) scored a unanimous decision over Bart Palaszewski (Wonder Lake, Ill.) in a highly entertaining lightweight bout; Brad Blackburn (Olympia, Wash.) turned around a welterweight bout in which he was trailing with a third-round KO over Delson Heleno (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).

The night started with a non-title bout between light heavyweights, with IFL veteran Alex Schoenauer (Las Vegas) claiming a split decision over Brendan Barrett (Tuckerton, N.J.). In another non-title bout, Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (London, Ontario) scored a narrow but unanimous decision over Nate Lamotte (New Hampshire).

IFL East Rutherford, N.J.
Friday, April 4, 2008

Non-Title Bouts
205 lbs.: Alex Schoenauer (Las Vegas) def. Brendan Barrett (Tuckerton, N.J.) via decision (split) after three rounds
155 lbs.: Chris Horodecki (London, Ontario) def. Nate Lamotte (New Hampshire) via decision (unanimous) after three rounds

American Top Team vs. Miletich Fighting Systems
145 lbs.: LC Davis (Kansas City, Mo.) def. Rafael Dias (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) via KO (strikes), 3:56, 3rd
170 lbs.: Emyr Bussade (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) def. Jesse Lennox (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) via submission (kneebar) 1:25, 2nd
205 lbs.: Mike Ciesnolevicz (Williamstown, Pa.) vs. Carmelo Marrero (Douglasville, Pa.), no contest

Midwest Combat vs. Renzo Gracie Academy
155 lbs.: Jim Miller (Sparta, N.J.) def. Bart Palaszewski (Wonder Lake, Ill.) via decision (unanimous) after three rounds
170 lbs.: Brad Blackburn (Olympia, Wash.) def. Delson Heleno (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) via KO (strikes), 1:50, 3rd

Championship Bouts
205 lbs.: Vladimir Matyushenko (Belarus) def. Jamal Patterson (Jersey City, N.J.) via TKO (strikes), 3:35, 2nd
145 lbs.: Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) def. Shad Lierley (Seattle) via KO (punch), 0:37, 1st
170 lbs.: Jay Hieron (Freeport, N.Y.) def. Mark Miller (Chicago) via TKO (strikes), 2:10, 1st

About the IFL

International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.

« go back — keep looking »

SEARCH OUR BLOGS

Search for:

SEARCH THE WEB

Subscribe in a reader



US Money Reserve

Bodybuilding fitness software: Gain weight & build muscle fast.

Photographers - Boston, MA



PRO-SEBLOG.COM: EMPOWERING ORDINARY PEOPLE TO PRACTICE LAW ON THEIR OWN BEHALF

CLICK HERE TO ORDER AN AWESOME SELF-HELP LEGAL COURSE

MARKETINGBOSS.INFO: MARKETING TIPS FOR YOUR SITE & BUSINESS

Boxing Live

RING GIRLS

OUR SPONSORS

Categories

Categories Select Category A.J. Vittone  (4) Affliction MMA  (60) amateur boxing  (12) Amateur MMA  (3) BAMMA  (4) Bareknuckle Boxing  (10) Bellator  (64) BJJ  (37) Blogroll  (9,763) Boxing  (5,785) Cage Fighting Xtreme  (39) Cage Rage  (2) Capiello Promotions  (2) CBS  (17) Charlie Schmidt  (7) CHARLIE WARD  (7) Clay Smith  (3) COMPANY PROFILES  (10) Darren McElligott  (5) Dissipline  (3) Dominic Lavin  (6) EliteXC  (172) Fight Previews  (178) fight videos  (7) Fighter Interviews  (80) Fightzone TV  (16) Full Force Productions  (7) Gina Carano  (8) gofightlive  (32) grappling  (91) Groupon  (1) HDNet FIGHTS  (130) Holli Yargo  (29) IFL  (38) IFO  (16) Investigative Reports  (44) Jack Bratcher  (46) Jerky.Com  (1) jiu jitsu  (17) Joe Ball  (8) John Martinez  (9) Judo  (6) K-1  (3) karate  (10) Keisha Morrisey  (2) kickboxing  (25) King of The Cage  (5) KNOCKOUT NATION  (4) Kristie L. Groves  (2) Kristin Van Zee  (2) M-1  (37) Mark McCoy  (3) martial arts  (80) Matt Yanofsky  (83) Matthew Brothers  (4) MaxFights  (13) Melissa Hatch  (2) MFC  (89) MFL  (3) Michael Fountain  (4) Midwest MMA  (41) MIKE INDRI  (21) Mixed Martial Arts  (3,406) MMA  (3,405) mma agents  (4) MMA RECRUITER  (59) Moosin: God of Martial Arts  (1) movies  (16) Muay Thai  (60) NAGA  (3) other interviews  (16) PALACE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS  (54) PATRICK MCELLIGOTT  (46) Politics  (1) Post fight reports  (109) Predictions  (11) press conferences  (28) press releases  (298) Prizefighter  (86) ProElite  (136) Pure Combat  (9) Rage in the Cage  (48) Reality Fighting  (5) Rich Bergeron  (157) ring girls  (22) Ring of Fire  (43) Rocky Marciano  (2) Round 5  (9) Ryan Christensen  (6) seperated at birth  (4) Shaun McCoy  (5) SHOWTIME SPORTS  (177) SportFight  (6) Steele Cage  (16) Strikeforce  (395) Striking Technique  (14) submission fighting  (3) sun sports  (7) Tachi Palace Fights  (11) Takedown Radio  (413) The Ultimate Fighter Series  (21) Tony Penecale  (117) Tri-State Cage Fighting  (9) Tristan Yunker  (5) UFC  (478) Uncategorized  (75) Untamed  (12) USFL  (2) War  (7) WEC  (10) White Chocolate Management  (3) White Collar Brawler  (1) women’s boxing  (115) Women’s MMA  (16) World Championship Fighting  (23) wrestling  (1,117) WWE  (7) Xtreme Arm Wrestling  (1) Xyience  (75) Yamma  (3)

JOIN FIGHT SPACE ONLINE

About

This is an area on your website where you can add text. This will serve as an informative location on your website, where you can talk about your site.

Subscribe to our feed

Search

Admin

• Register
• Log in
• Wordpress
• XHTML