Floyd Mayweather To Cover Cost of National Golden Gloves Tournament Of Champions
Posted on | April 1, 2008 | No Comments
Superstar Boxer and Entertainer To Donate $140,000 To Pay For National Competition Taking Place May 5-10 in Fighter’s Grand Rapids, MI Hometown
Las Vegas, NV (April 1, 2008). . . Boxer and entertainer Floyd Mayweather is giving back to the sport that launched him to superstardom. Mayweather recently announced that he will pay the projected operating budget for the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions taking place in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan from May 5 through May 10. The tournament is being hosted by Michigan Golden Gloves, the non-profit organization through which Mayweather took his first steps to launching what is now recognized as one of the most highly decorated careers in the sport of boxing. Mayweather, who plans to attend the tournament’s opening ceremonies on May 4, is ecstatic about helping out.
“This is an opportunity to recognize the organization that got my career started,” said Mayweather. “If there is anything worth putting my money towards it is the Michigan Golden Gloves, who have been helping kids excel in the sport of boxing for years. I truly believe and hope there is a kid out there can be as good, if not better than, me.”
Mayweather’s manager Leonard Ellerbe flew to Grand Rapids today and presented the West Michigan Sports Commission with a Mayweather Promotions check for $140,000—the entire operating budget for this year’s tournament—during a lunchtime ceremony held in downtown Grand Rapids.
“Floyd wanted to financially support the program he started his amateur boxing career with and acknowledge their long-standing and deep commitment to young fighters throughout the state looking to find a career in the sport,” said Ellerbe. “He feels he is in the position he is in today because of the Golden Gloves Tournament and his amateur success in the Michigan boxing program.”
In addition to covering the cost of the event, Mayweather’s generosity will now make it possible for Tournament officials to extend gratuitous tickets to under-privileged kids in the area, who would have been unable to pay to watch the three-day event.
“Floyd is our Oprah Winfrey, our “Big Give”, and we are in awe of his financial commitment to the tournament,” said Dave Packer, Executive Director of Michigan Golden Gloves. “Not only can we give some deserving kids tickets to attend, but his generosity will enable us to take the proceeds from the tournament and continue our work with amateur fighters in the State who could end up having a career path similar to his.”
Before become boxing’s pound-for-pound best, Mayweather won three national Golden Gloves Tournaments in three weight-classes in the only three years he competed in the tournament—1993, 1994, and 1996. His path to national success started when he was 16, when he won his first Golden Gloves Tournament in Little Rock, AR. During the three years he competed, never lost a single bout.
The Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions, taking place at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, is an annual event that crowns the best amateur boxers from around the country. The tournament is held at a different location each year and is open to all non-professional boxers age 16 and over. Notable winners of the national tournament have included Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Mayweather’s schedule next opponent Oscar de la Hoya.
The Tournament of Champions is controlled by the Golden Gloves Association of America, Inc. and is planned, promoted and directed by Golden Gloves Charities. Winners from the regional Golden Gloves tournaments go on to compete in the annual national competition, the Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions.
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“REAR NAKED CHOKE” TO PRODUCE LIVE PRE-FIGHT INTERNET RADIO SHOW BEFORE IFL EVENT ON APRIL 4
Posted on | April 1, 2008 | No Comments
Two-Hour Ringside Broadcast Highlights Week of Izod Center Preview Shows
NEW YORK, April 1, 2008 – “The Rear Naked Choke, Featuring Joe & Ted,” an Internet radio program which focuses on the International Fight League (IFL) in delivering a unique perspective and insight into the entertaining culture of the burgeoning world of mixed martial arts (MMA), will broadcast a live two-hour program from ringside at the IFL event at the Izod Center in E. Rutherford, N.J., on April 4, beginning at 5 p.m. Listeners can tune in at www.joeted.com.
The program, which will feature a variety of IFL athletes and coaches and other MMA personalities, concludes a week of IFL-themed programs. Hosts Joe Rizzo and Ted Takvorian will also air special Rear Naked Choke episodes on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
The Rear Naked Choke broadcasts weekly on Mondays at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT). Focusing on the IFL, Joe & Ted provide the inside scoop for the fans and the pros. The RNC offers fighters, coaches and legends of the sport a break from the rigors of training and a place to kick back for a few laughs, riff about what makes them interesting, and maybe even talk some trash. All shows stream live, feature an interactive chat room, and are available for listening or downloading any time through www.joeted.com.
Dozens of IFL coaches and athletes and other MMA personalities have appeared on past programs, including Bas Rutten, Renzo Gracie, Pat Miletich, Randy Couture and Ken Shamrock.
The RNC also features special event coverage with shows on location, including the ringside live stream leading up to the opening bell. For more info on how to listen live and participate in the chat, go to http://www.talkshoe.com/blog/index.php/help/.
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.
IFC Draws a Royal Flush with Blush Boutique Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas for the Official Launch Party to Kickoff their First Annual Celebrity Poker Tournament
Posted on | April 1, 2008 | No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IFC will host A-List Celebrities at Blush
Las Vegas, Nevada – March 3, 2008 – The International Fighting Championship, LLC (IFC) announces that the Blush Boutique Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas will serve as the official launch party prior to the First Annual Celebrity Poker Tournament on Saturday, May 24. An all-star cast from Vin Diesel to Ice Cube will be in attendance. The IFC will host the poker tournament the following day at the Orleans Hotel & Casino.
“Blush is the perfect spot for us to give our star studded guest list the red carpet treatment. It is one of the most intimate and hottest clubs in Vegas today, and we’re excited that Blush will kickoff our exciting weekend,” said IFC CEO, Rico White. “Our goal is to team up with the best of the best in everything we do, and with Blush, we have done that once again,” added White.
”We are definitely excited to host the hottest launch party for the hottest new Celebrity Poker Tournament in town,” said Sean Christie, Co-Owner of Blush Boutique Nightclub.
About the International Fighting Championship, LLC, Las Vegas, Nevada.
The IFC is a live Mixed Martial Arts show produced in North America. The International Fighting Championship plans to have 10 shows for 2008 and 12 shows in 2009. The next live event will be held in Las Vegas Nevada. The IFC’S mission is to produce the most exciting, highest-quality fight shows in North America and to develop superstar up and coming talent to compete on the world stage. The IFC plans a strong marketing campaign in Sports publications, e-wire broadcasts, T.V. and Radio commercials, street promotional teams, billboards, press releases etc. The IFC features a strong ownership and a depth of management experience across a spectrum of live event sports, television production, and strategic business partnerships.
About Blush
Casino developer Stephen A. Wynn and renowned night club operator Sean Christie have partnered to create Blush, the first boutique nightclub in Las Vegas. The 4,500 square-foot club has an ambiance of sensual elegance in a rich palette of deep green, chocolate brown, gold and shimmering metallic hues. It features a lit onyx dance floor, provocative contemporary paintings, an open-air patio and a crème lantern ceiling sculpture which creates a vibrant light display that comes alive nightly. In addition to banquettes, bottle service and a draped and private VIP Room for up to 25 people, some playful amenities have been added like purse drawers at each seat and personal lockers for belongings.
Blush features an eclectic mix of music – rock n’ roll, hip hop and house – from Music Director and Resident DJ Mighty Mi. Table reservations (702-770-3633) are highly recommended, with free admission to local ladies and service industry professionals nightly. Visitors cover is $30. Blush is open nightly at 9 p.m. and located off the main casino floor of Wynn Las Vegas Resort and Country Club.
KAY WEST SHINES IN MEXICO
Posted on | April 1, 2008 | No Comments
March 30, 2008 — Female sensation Kaliesha “Wild Wild” West continued to shine this weekend as she impressed fight fans in Mexico with a 2nd round TKO over Flor Verdugo at the “Gimnasio Tigre Garcia” in Ensenada, B.C., Mexico.
West controlled the fight from the beginning landing jabs at will and hitting Verdugo with power punches that made the crowd go into a cheering frenzy. Heading into the second round West continued to catch Verdugo with a barrage of punches that finally made the referee halt the bout for Verdugo’s protection. The bantamweight prospect’s record improved to (8-0-0, 1 KO) and extended her fight streak to 8 wins in a row.
When Kay was asked about her thoughts on her experience in Mexico she stated that, “It wasn’t what I expected. The fans out in Mexico are great and the atmosphere was crazy. It’s so much different down there, I really liked fighting in Mexico, I think it’s better than fighting in the states. I definitely want to go back!” The bout was brought to you by Cota Boxing Promotions.
Tags: Baja California > Ceniz Meraz > Cota Boxing Promotions > Elie Duenas > Ensenada > Gabriel Martinez > Gymnasio Tigre Garcia > John Bray > Kay West > Manuel Leyva > Miguel Espino > Rodolfo Armenta > Rodrigo Juarez
ESPINO VICTORIOUS IN BAJA, RETAINS TITLE
Posted on | March 31, 2008 | No Comments
March 30, 2008 — WBC CABOFE middleweight champion Miguel Espino successfully defended his title on Saturday with a dominating performance over Eliu Duenas at the “Gimnasio Tigre Garcia” in Ensenada, B.C., Mexico.
The former Contender TV series star came on strong in the 3rd round with devastating body punches to knock down Duenas five times in rout to a TKO.
Duenas came out strong throwing haymakers the first two rounds and tried to smother Espino. Espino dropped Duenas with a body shot early in the 3rd round and continued to put pressure on him. The fight fans in attendance rose to their feet and cheered on the champ as he continued to try and put holes in Duenas body until the referee halted the bout.
When manager/trainer John Bray was asked about Espino’s performance, Bray said that “I was really happy with Miguel’s performance tonight. Miguel is getting ready to fight for a world title this year. In preparation for that, he showed a lot of composure and took the guy down. He is becoming an “A” quality body puncher.” The bout was brought to you by Cota Boxing Promotions.
INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE RETURNS TO CONNECTICUT ON MAY 16
Posted on | March 31, 2008 | No Comments
NELSON, McGIVERN, SCHULTZ TO DEFEND TITLES AS INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE RETURNS TO CONNECTICUT ON MAY 16
Two New Camps Join Team Quest, World Class Fight Center In Bouts at Mohegan Sun Arena
NEW YORK, March 31, 2008 – Two IFL stars, Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) and Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) will make their second respective title defenses and another, Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) will make his first when the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., with a minimum of nine bouts scheduled for Friday, May 16. HDNet will have live television coverage of the event.
Tickets are on sale beginning today via www.ticketmaster.com, the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office, and by telephone at 860-886-0070.
The night will also mark the IFL debuts for the Bomb Squad, a Northeast-based camp which will take on Mario Sperry’s World Class Fight Center from Las Vegas, and for Team Prodigy, an Ohio-based camp which will battle Matt Lindland’s Team Quest of Portland, Ore.
In the title bouts, Nelson will defend his heavyweight belt against UFC veteran Branden Lee Hinkle (Weirton, W. Va.). Nelson won the title in December at Mohegan Sun with a knockout of Antoine Jaoude, then defended with a decisive first-round TKO over Fabiano Scherner in Las Vegas in February. Schultz will battle Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) for the lightweight crown. Schultz also won his title in his last visit to Mohegan Sun in December, bouncing Chris Horodecki from the ranks of the unbeaten, then earned a decision win over John Gunderson in Las Vegas in February to defend. McGivern, one of the most improved fighters in the IFL, took the middleweight belt from Matt Horwich in February and has won three of his past four bouts.
Other bouts of note include the Bomb Squad’s John Howard (Boston) against WCFC’s Marcello Salazar (Brazil) and Danillo Villefort vs. Mike Massenzio (Paterson, N.J.).
Team Quest’s three competitors, who will take on three fighters from Team Prodigy to be announced, are all IFL veterans: Zac George (Norman, Okla.), Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) and Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.).
IFL Mohegan Sun
Friday, May 16, 2008 (order TBD)
World Class Fight Center vs. Bomb Squad
170 lbs.: Marcello Salazar (Brazil) (1-0 IFL, 7-1-2 MMA overall) vs. John Howard (Boston) (0-0, 8-3)
185 lbs.: Danillo Villefort (0-0, 6-2) vs. Mike Massenzio (Paterson, N.J.) (0-0, 10-1)
155 lbs.: TBD
Team Prodigy vs. Team Quest
155 lbs.: TBD vs. Zac George (Norman, Okla.) (1-1, 12-2)
185 lbs.: TBD vs. Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) (6-4, 21-10-1)
205 lbs.: TBD vs. Aaron Stark (Portland, Ore.) (2-2, 5-4)
Championship Bouts
265 lbs.: *Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) (5-1, 12-2) vs. Branden Lee Hinkle (Weirton, W. Va.) (0-0, 13-9)
185 lbs.: *Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) (6-4, 12-5) vs. Dan Miller (Sparta, N.J.) (1-0, 7-1)
155 lbs.: *Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb. (6-2, 19-9-1) vs. Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) (3-0, 9-2)
*Current Titleholder
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.
Jaffa Ballogou Set For A Comeback!
Posted on | March 31, 2008 | No Comments
For Immediate Release
Former WBC Super Middleweight International Champion and WBA title challenger Jaffa “The African Assassin” Ballogou 45-6 (39 KO’s) has announced he will to return to the ring in the near future. Ballogou, who had been sidelined by promotional issues since his last fight in June 2006 is close to inking with a new promoter and plans to set his sights on the best Light Heavyweights in the world.
“I have been on the shelf for a few years so my comeback will be exciting! I also have a new manager who has opened some doors for me. I need all the boxing fans to have confidence in me because “The African Assassin” can still do this! I have already begun training and my plans are to clean house in the Light Heavyweight division so once the opportunity arrives, I know I can make some serious noise at 175 lbs!”
Team Ballogou plans to make an announcement shortly about specifics of his return but in the meantime, fans can contact Jaffa at Myspace.com/JaffaBallogou
FIGHTERS WANTED: MMA RECRUITER CLASSIFIEDS
Posted on | March 31, 2008 | No Comments
Xtreme Cagefighting Championships is looking for Amateur fighters in all weight classes to fill spots on their upcoming May and June 2008 fight cards in Michigan. If you would like to fight on these card up must have HIV, Hepititis B and C blood work completed before you can fight.
May 3rd – Emerald Theater
May 17th – The Crofoot
May 30th – Jackson
June 13th – Walled Lake
June 14th – Harleyfest
If you are interested in fight on these cards contact:
Matt Flynn
248-202-4MMA
www.livemmafights.com
www.myspace.com/ultimatemmafacilty
155lb Pros – Georgia – Late May
AFL/BULLET FIGHT GEAR is looking for 2 very high level 155 pro’s for possible fights with Junior Assuncao and Diego Saraiva. The promotion is a joint venture between the AFL and Bullet Fight Gear. The exact date and venue can’t be released until it is voted on by the GAEC next week, but this will likely be the biggest event in Georgia’s MMA history. This event should take place in late May of 2008. Pay will be in the neighborhood of $1000/$1000 plus travel. We would prefer fighters within driving distance of GA, but all will be considered.
If you are interested in fighting on this card please contact:
Tony Metcalfe
E-mail = tmet30066@yahoo.com
Pros & Ammys – Ohio – July 12th
Fight Club Warriors is looking for Pro, Amateur, Male and Female MMA Fighters in all weight classes to fill spots on their upcoming fight card July 12th in Ohio.
If you are interest in fighting please submit the following info to:
Donald Dawson
216-374-0794
ddawson@nomostrugglinent.com
*Submit a Recent Picture in shorts (women short & tank top).
*Short Bio (name, age, location, experience, and what you hope to accomplish)
*5min video of you in action (Tape, DVD, or CD Rom) or 5 min telling us why you want to join FCW inc.
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