TDR HIGHLIGHTS BLACK WRESTLERS
Posted on | February 12, 2008 | No Comments
TAKEDOWN WRESTLING RADIO EXPLORES THE HISTORY AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF BLACK ATHLETES IN COLLEGIATE AND INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR WRESTLING
Des Moines, IA- February 11, 2008- TakeDown Radio, a ten year old program on KXNO 1460 AM, Des Moines Sports Station, will celebrate Black History Month by dedicating a special two hour program exploring the black experience throughout the history of amateur wrestling in America. The Saturday, February 16 program includes interviews with many of the athletes, coaches, and officials responsible for advancing the role of African Americans within the sport.
“TakeDown Radio has long been committed to acknowledging and celebrating diversity. We believe this program provides the ideal opportunity to reflect on the rich contributions of African Americans to wrestling, sports in general, and America as a whole”, stated Scott Casber, TakeDown Radio founder and on-air commentator. This is the first time an entire TDR program is dedicated to a single topic. Also, the program is being filmed and will become part of a traveling exhibit with the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, based in Stillwater, OK.
The roster of interviews, conducted in TDR’s Des Moines based Clear Channel studio and by phone, is a virtual who’s who of the top Black athletes participating in the sport over the past 50 years. While wrestling is generally considered among the oldest organized sports in the world, African Americans really didn’t compete in the sport until nearly the beginning of the 20th century. Restrictions in many high school associations prohibited blacks from wrestling as recent as the 1950’s. The advancements that were made since then are tremendous and wrestling now ranks second to track and field in terms of the total number of titles held by African Americans.
Some of the personalities on the Saturday, 9:05 AM to 11:00 AM program include.
* Carl Adams-Three time NCAA All American, two time national champion, and current coach at Boston University.
* Mike Allen- Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Officials from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the first Black official to earn the award.
* Chris Campbell-Two time NCAA Champion and Olympic Bronze Medal winner.
* Bobby Douglas- Coaching legend with 429 dual meet wins to his credit. Former Iowa State head coach, as well as leading Arizona State to a NCAA title
* Kevin Jackson- Olympic freestyle Gold Medal Winner
* Leroy Kemp-Three time NCAA Champion and three time World Champion
* Kerry McCoy-Two time NCAA Champion, Olympic Bronze Medal winner, and current Coach at Stanford
* Simon Roberts-First Black Iowa High School State Champion, holds Big Ten and NCAA titles.
Wrestling, long a sports mainstay in Iowa, has gained growth and increased interest recently. Arkansas added over 40 high school wrestling programs last year, Grandview College announced the formulation of a new program, and international interest in American wrestling continues to rise.
TakeDown Radio is available throughout the world via the internet through streaming, archived programs, and pod casts. Broadcasts can be found at http://www.takedownradio.com. TakeDown Radio is also syndicated in Europe and Australia at http://www.matchannel.com.
Takedown Radio is made possible through corporate and collegiate sponsorships, including over 25 schools and universities as well as many of the top brand names associated with wrestling.
Visit http://takedownradio.com for complete details.
KEVIN JOHNSON, RAY “BOOM BOOM” MANCINI, LUC ROBITAILLE AND JOSE SANTOS HEADLINE SUPERSTAR HONOREES AT 17TH ANNUAL SPORTS LEGENDS AWARDS
Posted on | February 11, 2008 | 1 Comment
Public Invited to Spinal Cord Research Benefit Dinner on Saturday, February 23
Downtown Los Angeles, For The Paralysis Project of America
Traditional Memorabilia Auction Expanded To Feature 10-Day Online Bidding Opportunities Beginning Tuesday, February 12 at www.paralysisproject.cmarket.com
LOS ANGELES (Feb. 8, 2008) – Basketball’s Kevin Johnson, boxing’s Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, hockey’s Luc Robitaille and thoroughbred racing’s Jose Santos will return to the limelight on Saturday, Feb. 23, when these memorable sports superstars are honored and their spectacular careers celebrated at the 17th Annual Sports Legends Awards at The Omni Hotel in Los Angeles. Johnson will be presented with the annual John R. Wooden Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Paralysis Project of America’s annual awards ceremony, benefiting spinal cord research, is open to the public. Serving as the event’s emcee will be veteran sportscaster and sportswriter Diana Nyad, a Hall of Fame distance swimming standout in her own right, who was an honoree in 2007.
Also being honored will be Hall of Fame motocross champion and ESPN Supercross analyst David Bailey, who will receive the 2008 Bill Shoemaker Award for media awareness of the spinal cord injured and for his public advocacy for a revolutionary new safety device to be worn by motocross racers – the Leatt Brace.
Tipping off the evening’s festivities at 5:45 p.m. is a reception, featuring autograph opportunities with current and former Sports Legend Award honorees, as well as a sports memorabilia auction and Diamond Bar and Big Screen TV raffle. The dinner begins at 7 p.m., followed immediately by the Sports Legends Awards presentation at 8 p.m.
For the first time in the event’s 17-year history, bidding in the sports and entertainment memorabilia auction officially begins with an Online Auction running Tuesday, Feb. 12 (5 a.m. PT) through Thursday, Feb. 21 (5 p.m. PT) at www.paralysisproject.cmarket.com. It concludes with the Live Event at the Sports Legends Awards ceremony between 5:45-8 p.m. PT on Saturday, Feb. 23.
Sports Legends Awards honorees are selected annually for their contributions to sports by The Paralysis Project of America’s Business and Sports Councils. Headed by co-chairmen Bob Seagren and Gary Stevens, the Sports Council includes former Sports Legends Award winners Pepper Davis, Jim Hill, Rafer Johnson, Jim Knaub, Jack Kramer, Ann Meyers Drysdale, Joe Morgan, Don Newcombe, Bill Sharman, Al Unser, Rogie Vachon, Jamaal Wilkes and John R. Wooden.
“The 2008 class of Sports Legends are superstar athletes who continue to display the heart of a champion,” says Catherine Lepone, executive director of The Paralysis Project of America. “Their participation is a tribute to those who have suffered a life-altering injury that challenges their ability to walk or compete in sports activities as they once did.”
“This year’s honorees are not only sports heroes but outstanding citizens, and we’re extremely thrilled that the public will have a tremendous opportunity to meet and mingle with their favorite sports greats during our 17th Annual event,” says David G. Geffen, president of The Paralysis Project of America Board of Directors.
“We’re also opening up our sports and entertainment memorabilia auction to a wider online audience beginning February 12,” Geffen adds. “We’ll have a wide collection of memorabilia available at www.paralysisproject.cmarket.com, and all proceeds from the auction will continue to directly support important fund raising efforts for spinal cord research.”
A few of this year’s Sports Legends auction items will include: an exclusive two-ticket package to the IRL’s 2008 Indianapolis 500 that includes two Gasoline Alley pit passes and lodging donated by former Sports Legends honoree Andy Granatelli, as well as numerous group ticket and luxury box packages for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Kings, L.A. Avengers and L.A. Galaxy. Tickets to the 2008 Prime Time Emmy Awards also will be on the auction block.
2008 Sports Legends Awards Honorees
Johnson, born in Sacramento, Calif., broke the school scoring record at the University of California, Berkley, en route to his selection in the 1987 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. After one season, “KJ” was traded to the Phoenix Suns where he spent the remaining 12 seasons of his illustrious NBA career. The 6-1 point guard became a three-time NBA All-Star, four-time NBA All-Pro and Most Improved Player (1989), as well as a gold medalist on the U.S. World Championship team in 1994. He posted a career average of 17.9 points and 9.1 assists per game, and retired in 2000 as one of only four players in NBA history to average 20 points and 10 assists per game in three different seasons. During his 13-year NBA career he compiled 6,711 assists, but that total has been far surpassed off the hardwood thanks to his generous commitment to the well being, education and future of young people. While competing in his third NBA season, Johnson created the faith-based St. HOPE Foundation (www.sthope.com), an organization to assist the inner-city community of Oak Park in his hometown of Sacramento. Today, St. Hope serves more than 2000 children, and in the last 15 years has been responsible for renovating nine buildings, providing 282 jobs through 14 new businesses, and opening multiple charter schools with a total of more than $11 million in development.
Mancini, from of Youngstown, Ohio, followed in the footsteps of father Lenny, a 1940s lightweight boxing contender. A former Junior Olympian and successful amateur with a 43-7 record and 23 knock outs, Mancini entered the professional ranks at 18, when he won his first fight, knocking out Phil Bowen in the first round on Oct. 18, 1979. His all-out offensive fighting style and quick and decisive knockouts led to his “Boom Boom” nickname, and also caught the attention of major television networks where his career was heavily featured. In 1981 he won the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Lightweight Championship belt from Jorge Morales, and a year later he captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) Lightweight Championship from Art Frias. Mancini retained the WBA title until 1984, when he was upset by Livingstone Bramble. He also lost the rematch in 1985. He retired from the ring in 1993 with a professional record of 295-5 with 23 KOs. At the height of his ‘80s success, Mancini parlayed his notoriety into an acting career, which he immersed himself in during and after his retirement, including appearances in numerous television shows and films, as well a producing credits for films such as “Turn of Faith” (2001).
Robitaille, a native of Montreal, Québec, and current Los Angeles resident, ranks as the highest scoring left wing in National Hockey League (NHL) history and the all-time Los Angeles Kings leader in goals scored. A future member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and an eight-time All Star, Robitaille retired following the 2006-07 season as one of the greatest players in NHL history after a 19-year professional career, compiling 1,394 points (668 goals, 726 assists) in 1431 career regular season games with the Kings, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins. In 159 playoff games, including a run to the 2002 Stanley Cup with the Red Wings, he totaled 127 points with 58 goals and 69 assists. Originally drafted by the Kings in 1984, Robitaille became the first King to win the Calder Cup Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year, and later joined legendary Wayne Gretzky in leading the Kings to the club’s first Stanley Cup Finals in 1993. That season, Robitaille served as captain and set league single-season records for most goals (63) and points (125) by a left wing, marks that still stand. With 14 of his 19 seasons spent in a Kings uniform, his popular No. 20 jersey became only the fifth to be retired in club history on Jan. 20, 2007. Currently, he serving in his first season as L.A. Kings President, Business Operations, and along with his family, recently created the Shelter for Serenity, a disaster relief project that benefits victims of the Gulf Coast hurricanes (www.shelterforserenity.org).
Santos, a current Florida resident, first raced horses at Club Hipico de Concepcíon at age 14 in his native Chile, before moving to the United States in 1984 at age 23 where his career blossomed. He became the top money-winning jockey four consecutive years between 1986 and 1989, winning the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 1988. He is a seven-time winner of Breeders’ Cup races and was victorious in the 1999 Belmont Stakes aboard Lemon Drop Kid, leading to his selection by his peers as the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award recipient. In 2003, Santos nearly pulled off the coveted Triple Crown, riding Funny Cide to wins at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes but finishing third in the Belmont Stakes. Santos’ career ended in 2007 in a three-horse racing accident in New York’s Aqueduct Racetrack that resulted in five broken vertebrae, a broken sternum and several broken ribs. Although he had designs on a return to racing later that year, doctors persuaded him to retire, which he did on July 30, 2007. A week later he was inducted into the Racing Museum’s Hall of Fame, after compiling career totals of 25,928 mounts, 4,083 wins and earning of $188,561,787, ranking him No. 11 on the all-time jockey rankings list.
Bailey, a native of San Diego, is the step-son of former professional motocross standout Gary “The Professor” Bailey. Turning pro in 1979, the 18-year-old Bailey rapidly became one of the leading young motocross riders and eventually earned a factory sponsorship by Honda for the 1982 season. In 1983, he captured his first American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) national victory in the Anaheim Supercross, and went on to win the AMA Supercross and AMA 250 National Motocross titles. The 1986 season marked the best of his career, when he competed in three series, Supercross, 250cc and 500cc motocross, winning 500cc series and finishing runner up in the other two. Tragically, his career was cut short when he crashed in a practice session in Lake Huron, Calif., just before the start of the 1987 season. The accident left Bailey with significant spinal cord damage, and he became paralyzed from the waist down. He withdrew from the industry and sport he loved for seven years before re-emerging in 1994 as a supercross commentator for ESPN. In 1999, Bailey was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Today, he continues his role as a TV broadcaster, and also serves as the spokesperson of the Full Circle Foundation (www.fullcirclefoundation.com), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping others with spinal cord injuries and contribute to finding a cure. For the past year, Bailey also has made a passionate plea to the top riders in the sport of motocross to start wearing the Leatt Brace, worn around the neck and shoulder to reduce the range of motion in the neck that a rider may endure during a severe crash. The goal of this device is to reduce the amount of paralyzing injuries that have seemed to have surged in recent years.
Nyad, a graduate of Lake Forest College and 2007 Sports Legends honoree, was arguably considered the greatest long-distance swimmer in the world for 10 years (from 1969-1979). In 1979, she stroked the longest swim in history, making the two-day, non-stop, 102.5 mile journey from the Island of Bimini (Bahamas) to Florida in a world record that still stands today. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1986, the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2003, and the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. In the 1980’s, Nyad embarked upon an illustrious career in television, radio, and print. She has served as a senior correspondent for Fox Sports News, hosted her own show on CNBC, and announced numerous sporting events for ABC Sports including three Olympic Games.
Complete ticket information for the 17th Annual Sports Legends Awards can be obtained by contacting Nicole Levitt of the Wide Angle Group at (310) 397-9267.
Net proceeds benefit The Paralysis Project of America (www.paralysisproject.org), founded by the parents of young people paralyzed by spinal cord injury, along with others dedicated to finding the ultimate cure for paralysis.
KIMBO VS. TANK FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE
Posted on | February 11, 2008 | 1 Comment
KIMBO-TANK FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE
___________________________________________________________________________________
Kimbo Open Media Workout, Final Press Conference And Weigh-In On Tap
As Countdown Continues To EliteXC’s Sensational “Street Certified” Live MMA Event
This Saturday, Feb. 16, at BankUnited Center in Miami; Tickets Remain On Sale
Kimbo Slice, the Perrine, Fla. native and incredibly popular YouTube legend who has become a superstar in Mixed Martial Arts, will face long-time nemesis and MMA Icon, the hard-hitting, fast-talking David “Tank’’ Abbott, in the main event of “Street Certified” this Saturday, Feb. 16, at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.
Tickets for a spectacular 10-bout event, presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s EliteXC, start at $35 and are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the BankUnited Box Office at the University of Miami.
Doors open Saturday at 7 p.m. The first fight is at 7:30.
In addition to Kimbo-Tank, Antonio “Big Foot” Silva, a Brazilian who lives in Coconut Creek, Fla., and is considered one of the world’s top heavyweights, meets Ricco Rodriguez, of Staten Island, N.Y., England’s James “The Colossus” Thompson battles Brett Rogers, of St. Paul, Minn., in a heavyweight match, Australian Kyle “The Ozzie” Noke, the bodyguard of the late Steve “Crocodile Hunter’’ Irwin, meets Scott “Hands Of Stone’’ Smith, of Sacramento, Calif., in an excellent encounter at 185 pounds; and Edson “Little Tiger” Berto, of Tampa, Fla., faces Yves Edwards, of Conroe, Tex., at 160 pounds.
Other fights will include Rafael Feijao, of Brazil, vs. John Doyle, of Allentown, Pa., at 205; Mike Bernhard, of Miami, vs. Lorenzo Borgameo, of Miami, at 170; Eric Bradley, of Las Vegas, Nev., vs. Mikey Gomez, of Orlando, Fla., at 170; Mario Rinaldi, of Miami, vs. Dave Herman, of Indiana at 265; and Jon Kirk, of Houston, vs. Yosmany Cabezas, of Tampa, Fla., at 185 pounds.
The Fight Week Schedule:
Wednesday, Feb. 13
Kimbo Open Workout – 2:30 p.m. ET
1420 Northwest 23rd Ave.,
Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 33311
(Note: Building has the words “TV Brazil” on it)
Thursday, Feb. 14
Final Press Conference — 3:30 p.m.
Bernie Kosar’s Steakhouse
5960 SW 70th Street
(2 Blocks West of U.S. 1 on 70th)
South Miami, Fla. 33143
(305) 669-5130
Friday, Feb. 15
Weigh-In – 5 p.m.
Holiday Inn, Coral Gables
1350 South Dixie Highway
Coral Gables, Fla. 33146
(305) 667-5611
HDNET FIGHTS TO PRESENT UPCOMING EVENT FEATURING KIM COUTURE
Posted on | February 11, 2008 | No Comments
“HDNet Fights Presents: The Debut of Kim Couture” to air exclusively on HDNet
Friday, February 29
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DALLAS (February 11, 2007) – Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights, announced today that HDNet will feature exclusive coverage of Kim Couture’s debut fight. Kim is the wife of MMA legend Randy “The Natural” Couture. Her debut will occur in a Boxing/Muay Thai Smoker, a mixed martial arts event, to be held at the Xtreme Couture Gym in Las Vegas, NV.
“HDNet Fights: The Debut of Kim Couture” will air on HDNet on Friday, February 29 immediately following the network’s LIVE IFL event.
The event will feature up to 8 fights – each fight will consist of three two-minute rounds.
“It is great to be able to put business affairs aside the last month and focus exclusively on getting ready for this fight,” said Kim Couture. “The whole Xtreme Couture gym is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase new and up-and-coming athletes.”
“We’re looking forward to carrying this event exclusively,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “This event will give fans insight into where it all starts for fighters – earlier in the evening we will broadcast the live IFL event taking place in front of 6,000 fans and then we’ll show the contrast by going to the Smoker at Xtreme Couture in front of 300 fans. And, for the many fighters making their debut at the Smoker (including Kim Couture) this is their chance to shine on national TV!”
Kim Couture will also appear as a guest on this Friday’s installment of HDNet’s “Inside MMA,” hosted by Bas Rutten and Kenny Rice. She will be joined on the program by Randy Couture and MMA fighter, Gina Carano. “Inside MMA” airs Friday, February 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET exclusively on HDNet.
For more information on HDNet Fights, please visit www.hdnetfights.com
About HDNet Fights
HDNet Fights (www.hdnetfights.com) is one of the leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organizations in the country. Founded by Mark Cuban, HDNet Fights promotes, produces and airs over 24 live MMA events annually for broadcast on HDNet. HDNet Fights is unique as a unifying force in the MMA industry partnering with leading promoters, including M1, Sportfight, IFL, Ring of Combat and others to offer the quality match-ups and productions that MMA fans demand.
Founded in 2007, HDNet Fights is led by CEO Andrew Simon while company operations are handled by Dallas MMA legend and former UFC champion, Guy Mezger.
HDNet (www.hd.net) is the home for HDNet Fights and is the leader in offering live MMA broadcasts and the leading news and information show for MMA fans, “Inside MMA”.
In addition, HDNet provides viewers with the best in original news, sports, music and entertainment programming. From “Dan Rather Reports”, to championship sports coverage from the NHL, NASCAR and Major League Soccer to “Guys Night In” every Friday and the HDNet Concert Series every Sunday, HDNet offers great programming with the world’s best picture quality.
Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager and COO Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner
Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit www.hd.net.
If you don’t already have HDNet, call your local cable, satellite or video provider and order it today!
GARCIA READY FOR WEC DEBUT
Posted on | February 11, 2008 | No Comments
For World Extreme Cagefighting 145-pound fighter Leonard Garcia the path he is about to tread couldn’t be clearer: rebound after a tough year and prove that he belongs on the big stage of mixed martial arts in a new weight class and become a contender.
Starting out 2007, Garcia was building on an impressive 9-1 record when he got the call to join the Ultimate Fighting Championship in April. It was a dream fulfilled that quickly turned unpleasant.
After a rough loss to rising superstar Roger Huerta, Garcia rebounded two months later to get his first UFC win against Allen Berube, but then lost for the second time in the promotion, this time to Cole Miller in September.
In need of a change, he decided to make the move down to a more natural 145 pounds, followed by a move to the WEC, and now he looks to build upon his early promise and make 2008 his year.
“I was excited about being able to fight a guy as tough as Roger (Huerta), but this year I hope to do more,” said Garcia. “Last year I got my name out there, and I feel l should accomplish more than I did.
“Now that I’m going to be at 145, I think it is going to allow me to get to where and do the things I was supposed to do at 155. Last year it was good to get my name out there, but this year is the year I’m going to work towards achieving my goals and get a title somewhere.”
According to Garcia, the move down in weight has gone extremely well and has proven to be very beneficial.
“It’s always been my natural weight class to fight at 145,” he explained. “I used to weigh maybe 152, 153 the day before the fights anyway, so it’s just losing seven more pounds water weight anyway, so I think this will be good for me.
“I’m a little bit faster and I look leaner. Strength-wise everybody thinks I feel stronger now than what I did. I’m doing more push-ups, pull-ups, and cleans, so I’m getting a lot stronger now at 145 than I was at 155.”
Now in a new weight class and promotion, Garcia faces a similar task to that which he had when he made his UFC debut last year; he has to take on an explosive, high energy, top caliber opponent in Hiroyuki Takaya.
“Hiroyuki is a tough guy, so I think that this is going to be one huge step in my career,” he commented. “I don’t think it’s going to be the only step, but I think it’s a pretty big jump coming into the weight class and fighting a guy as high-profile as him.”
As Garcia explains, he feels the fans will get their money’s worth when it comes to this match-up of similarly styled fighters.
“I think he’s a smaller, Japanese version of me – he goes for it and so do I – I think this is going to be a perfect fight for both of us,” said Garcia. “I think the fans shouldn’t blink during this fight, (because) they’re going to see a high-paced impact fight.
“We’re kind of like the old school 1940’s boxers, we’re just going to stand in front of each other and go. I think that’s what the fans are going to see, a good old fashioned slugfest.”
With a new weight class and promotion and an impact fight to prove his skills, Leonard Garcia looks to make Feb. 13 a night to remember in front of his new adopted hometown crowd of Albuquerque, N.M.
“I want to thank all the fans back home in Lubbock, Texas; all the fans here in Albuquerque; Pittman’s Jiu-Jitsu; Greg Jackson’s academy; and all my other sponsors,” closed out Garcia. “To the fans, just letting you know that on paper this looks like Fight of the Night. Don’t blink; don’t take your eyes off the fight for one second, because you’ll miss something.”
“I’m going to give you all everything I’ve got. I don’t know what he’s bringing to the table, but he better bring everything he’s got, because I’m bringing mine.”
MIAMI RAPPER PITBULL SET TO APPEAR AT FEBRUARY 16th ELITEXC EVENT
Posted on | February 11, 2008 | No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GOLD-SELLING MIAMI RAPPER PITBULL TO PERFORM
DURING ELITEXC’S SPECTACULAR MMA EVENT
SATURDAY, FEB. 16, AT BANKUNITED CENTER
Local Favorite and YouTube Legend, Kimbo Slice, Faces Tank Abbott
In Main Event of What Will Be an Exciting Evening of Fights and Music
LOS ANGELES (Feb. 11, 2008) – From the stage to the cage, without missing a beat.
Pitbull, a hugely popular, gold-selling Miami-based hip hop superstar, will perform during EliteXC’s highly anticipated Mixed Martial Arts event in Miami, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 16, at BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.
The main event will feature Miami’s YouTube legend, Kimbo Slice, against MMA pioneer and fellow street brawler, Tank Abbott, of Huntington Beach, Calif., but the opportunity for the hometown fans to witness live the extraordinarily talented Pitbull is worth the price of admission.
Since he burst on the national scene as a featured performer on Lil Jon’s double platinum selling album Kings of Crunk in 2002, the phenomenal Pitbull has had three smash albums — his gold-selling debut M.I.A.M.I (2004), El Mariel (2006) and the recently released The Boatlift (2007).
The Boatlift showcases Pitbull’s lyrical prowess as he crusades through 18 tracks penning clever and captivating rhymes on each song. Pitbull has created an incredibly diverse album ranging from R&B-influenced sounds like the first single “Secret Admirer” featuring Lloyd, to hypnotic club banger “Go Girl” teaming with Trina and Young Boss, and current Afro-Cuban melodic single “The Anthem” with a bombastic chant by Lil Jon. “The Anthem” is No. 15 on the Top 40 Rhythm chart and breaking big on Mainstream Top 40 (Pop) radio.
Cuban-American MC Pitbull surpassed gold status for more than 500,000 copies sold of his debut album M.I.A.M.I.: Money Is A Major Issue in the United States. The accomplishment gave Pitbull the biggest-selling bilingual hip-hop debut since Cypress Hill’s 1991 self-titled debut, and put him in the rare category of Latino rappers who have achieved major success in English-language radio. In addition to being the No. 1 Latin artist on MySpace, Pitbull unleashed his sophomore album El Mariel in late 2006 spawning the No. 1 Latin Rap hit, “Dime”.
Tickets for a 10-bout event start at $35 and are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the BankUnited Box Office. Doors open at 7 p.m. ET; first fight is at 7:30.
Besides an exciting heavyweight brawl between Kimbo (1-0) and Tank (9-13), a tremendous undercard will include Antonio “Big Foot’’ Silva (9-1), who lives in Coconut Creek, Fla., vs. former UFC champion Ricco Rodriguez (27-7), of Staten Island, N.Y., Australian Kyle “The Ozzie’’ Noke (11-2), the bodyguard of the late Steve “Crocodile Hunter’’ Irwin, vs. Scott “Hands Of Stone’’ Smith (12-5), of Sacramento, Calif., Edson Berto (13-4-1), of Tampa, Fla., vs. Yves Edwards (32-13-1) of Conroe, Tex.
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
Pitbull resources
www.myspace.com/pitbull
www.pitbullmusic.com
MIDWEST CAGE CHAMPIONSHIP 12 REPORT
Posted on | February 11, 2008 | No Comments
For Immediate Release
TITLE FIGHT, DIVERSE FIGHT CARD COMBINE TO WOW MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA) FANS AT MIDWEST CAGE CHAMPIONSHIP 12: GORMAN VS. SHUTT ON MARCH 7, AT 95KGGO/BUCCANEERS ARENA
February 11, 2008-Des Moines, IA- Midwest Cage Championship (MCC), the Des Moines based fight promotion company that was selected by Elite Fighter Magazine as one of the top ten up and coming promotions in the US, returns to the Bucs arena with an amazing line up of fights.
In the main event, Iowa native Will Shutt travels from his Oregon training base to defend the MCC Flyweight belt against Tim ” the Psycho” Gorman. Gorman has only one loss on his record, and won all of his other fights in the first round. Shutt is a proven crowd pleaser, and while the roar of the crowd may be strongly behind him, Gorman has upped his training in the likely event this fight will go beyond the first round. Both fighters are equally committed to becoming the victor of this title fight, with the certainty to excite and entertain the spectators.
In another featured fight, contrasts in fighting styles and attitudes become evident when Clive Police Officer Danny “the Badger” Anderson confronts veteran fighter Cory “Tha Projekt” Simpson. Anderson, making his MCC debut, could be considered classically trained in grappling and combat sports, where Simpson is more a product of the streets. Anderson is anxious to make his mark and to provide an example how the good guys finish first, and with definitive wins. Simpson, no stranger to interaction with law enforcement, is committed to walking away free and triumphant from this match up.
Paul Bird makes his return to fighting after a nine-month layoff due to a serious injury. Bird squares off against renowned brawler Nick Walker, the only defeat Bird has suffered in his pro career. Birds training with UFC vets Jeremy Stephens and John Halverson is required to provide the chance to win against Walker, a man who clearly owns a warrior spirit, and has exhibited the ability to take as much, if not more, than he dishes out.
Submission expert, Ronnie “The Warfrog” Britt, is undefeated and owns one of the top win records in professional MMA. Britt, known for the surgical precision of many of his moves, faces the extreme strength and physicality of Bryce Teager. At 42 years old, Britt will also face a much younger opponent. Both men are equally committed to winning, and the combined skill and strength of these fighters promises fireworks as they step closer to an MCC belt.
Tickets for the Friday, March 7 show are available at the 95KGGO/Buccaneers Arena box office, by phone at 515-278-9757, and online at http://www.midwestcagechampionship.com. Ticket prices range from $25-$50. VIP tables can be purchased by calling 515-229-8566.
PRIMER ROUND MAGAZINE NEWSLETTER
Posted on | February 11, 2008 | No Comments
2008 is here and Primer Round Magazine is ready to bring you another exciting year of boxing coverage. To kick things off, we proudly present three-time world champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz as our feature cover story. In an exclusive interview, the Texas native discusses his early upbringing, successful career, the upcoming showdown with Nate Campbell and his quest to unify the lightweight titles. Everything you want to know about the undefeated champ is right here in this issue.
Our informative content provides post fight recaps such as Floyd Mayweather’s destruction over Ricky Hatton, Nonito “Flash” Donaire’s domination over Luis Maldonado, and more. Plus all the upcoming major bouts including the rematch between Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Jose Celaya, and after two grueling slugfests, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez are out to settle the score once and for all when they meet at the Home Depot Center in March.
In the Women’s Boxing Corner we present Elena “Baby Doll” Reid the WIBA and IFBA flyweight champion. Remember to check out our popular “Best Bet” section in which we give predictions of upcoming title fights, as well as the new “Prospect on the Rise” section, dedicated to boxing’s up and coming stars. And we can’t forget our Chica Primer Round for this Month, the lovely Evelina Salvi.
To our subscribers and sponsors, thank you for your continued support. We are dedicated to bring you another 10 great issues this year. Please let your family and friends know about us and receive a discount on your next yearly subscription. Collect your PRM copy today and join us as a part of boxing history!
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