HAWAII SAYS ALOHA TO ELITEXC
Posted on | August 29, 2007 | 1 Comment
MAKING GIGANTIC WAVES IN HAWAII:
SHOWTIME AND ELITEXC TO PRESENT
BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN STATE HISTORY SATURDAY, SEPT. 15
“Ninja” Rua Defends Against Robbie Lawler; EliteXC Stars Nick Diaz, Jake Shields, Gina Carano
Featured On “Uprising” Fight Card From Honolulu Live On SHOWTIME At 10 P.M. ET/PT
ProElite.com Live Streaming Undercard Bouts Announced;
To Take Place Immediately Following SHOWTIME Telecast
NEW YORK (Aug. 28, 2007) – In less than seven months, ProElite’s respected live fight division, EliteXC, has gained the reputation for delivering consistently competitive, thrilling and memorable live Mixed Martial Arts events that showcase the world’s top fighters.
Under the watchful eye of Live Events President, Gary Shaw, EliteXC and SHOWTIME already have produced many significant accomplishments and has made MMA history on a couple of occasions; the most noteworthy of which: EliteXC is the first and only MMA organization on premium television.
On Saturday, Sept. 15, at Oahu, Hawaii, EliteXC will establish another first when it presents the most significant MMA event in Hawaiian history and the initial collaboration between EliteXC and Hawaii-based promoters and former rivals, ICON Sport and ROTR (Rumble On The Rock). The remarkable event will feature an explosive five-fight telecast airing live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) followed by four fights streaming live at the premier mixed martial arts social networking and entertainment site, ProElite.com.
In an excellent championship main event, Murilo “Ninja” Rua will make his initial EliteXC title defense against always-dangerous ICON Sport titleholder, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler.
One of the top pound-for-pound fighters in MMA, the well-regarded Nick Diaz will make his anxiously awaited EliteXC debut and first start in six months when he faces Hawaiian star Mike Aina in the “Uprising” semi-main event at Blaisdell Arena.
Diaz trains with Cesar Gracie’s camp in California. Aina is a member of BJ “The Prodigy’’ Penn’s camp in Hawaii. Their clash will be the second of two gripping Team Gracie vs. Team Penn matchups.
The other Gracie vs. Penn matchup will pit Gracie’s talented, streaking top-10 welterweight, Jake Shields, against Penn’s Renato “Charuto” Verissimo.
The Golden Girl of MMA, sexy Gina Carano will face tough-taking Tonya Evinger in a 140- pound fight while Joey Villasenor and fellow tough guy Riki Fukuda will collide at 185 pounds in the telecast’s other bouts.
With the exception of the championship bout, “Ninja” vs. Lawler, all of the televised bouts are slated for three, 5-minute rounds.
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SHOWTIME, ELITEXC PRESENTS BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN HAWAII HISTORY – SEPT. 15, 2007
The popular Ninja (14-7-1), who’s aggressive style makes for scintillating scraps, rallied from a first-round knockdown to capture the first EliteXC 185-pound crown with a second-round TKO over Villasenor on June 22, 2007, at San Jose, Calif.
After getting dropped in the opening round, Ninja landed a flurry of punches early in the second before decking Villasenor with a right hand counter. Rua rushed in on the downed opponent and landed several more unanswered blows before the referee halted matters at the 1:05 mark.
“I am really looking forward to fighting again and fighting for the second time with EliteXC,’’ said the crowd-pleasing ‘Ninja,’ whose strategy will be take the fight to the ground. Ninja possesses power and a good all around game, but he is weakest at standup, which is Lawler’s strength.
“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,’’ said ‘Ninja.’ “This will be a great fight.’’
Ninja is a jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai black belt. He and his brother, Mauricio (“Shogun’’), are members of the Brazilian Hall of Fame.
Long regarded as one of the world’s top middleweights, Lawler (14-4, 3-1 in ICON sport) is known for utterly destroying opponents with an aggressive, almost reckless style. Of his 14 victories, Lawler has recorded 11 knockouts with his machine-like power punches,
In an excellent performance, Lawler, of Davenport, Iowa, registered a fourth-round knockout over UFC and Pride veteran Frank Trigg to earn the ICON Sport middleweight belt on March 31, 2007.
A fan favorite who puts as much heart and bad intentions behind his punches and lethal flying knee attacks as anyone could expect, Lawler was supposed to defend on June 30, 2007, but he separated his shoulder and the fight was cancelled. This is his first fight since. “I am ready now,’’ he said. “Let’s go.’’
Highly revered by MMA fans, Diaz owns a win over Lawler and has challenged Frank Shamrock. “I watched his last fight and no disrespect intended, but I think I would whoop his butt,” Diaz said.
Diaz, of Stockton, Calif., will be making his EliteXC debut after fighting some of the sport’s biggest names during a three-year stretch (2003-2006).
“We’ve kept our word about signing fighters and letting them fight in other organizations,’’ Shaw said. “I think this a great move for Nick. He wasn’t happy or doing well in the UFC; now he can be one of the top dogs.
“As everyone knows, EliteXC is getting better and better. Nick’s still young and a great fighter.’’
A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Diaz will be entering the cage for the first time since an impressive gogoplata submission victory over Takanori Gomi in a Fight of the Year candidate that wound up going into the books as a no contest.
For his return, Diaz will compete as a lightweight. When he submitted Gomi in February 2007, he fought as a welterweight.
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SHOWTIME, ELITEXC PRESENTS BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN HAWAII HISTORY – SEPT. 15, 2007
Aina (8-5-1) specializes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing. He may not have a lot of name recognition, but he is better than his record indicates and owns victories over Rick Screeton, Rosco McClellan, Albert Rios and Kaleo Kwan.
Like Diaz, Aina has never turned down a fight and wants to brawl. “I’m tough,” Aina said. “Standup is my strength, but over the years, I’ve become pretty well-rounded. I can do pretty much everything well, so I’m comfortable anywhere.’’
The Hawaiian trains at Penn’s gym in the former oven room of a cracker factory, which has produced a multitude of up-and-coming fighters hoping to emulate the proprietor.
“It’s opened things up for me,’’ said Aina, a mechanical technician by trade. “My skills have improved by leaps and bounds. I came here a few years ago, and I’m continuing to learn. Over the years, I’ve stayed pretty consistent and I’m looking to just keep going.’’
Shields, of San Francisco, is undefeated since December 2004. If triumphant against “Charuto,’’ Shields may get a shot at the first EliteXC welterweight championship in his next outing. In a division that worldwide is top-heavy in talent, Shields is considered one of the best at 170 pounds.
“Charuto is a tough veteran I’ve been looking forward to fighting,’’ said Shields, who has upended Yushin Okami, Hayato “Mach’’ Sakurai and WEC welterweight champ Carlos Condit and recently called out Frank Twigg. “I was supposed to fight Charuto about a year ago so I’m happy it’s finally going to happen.
“This is the kind of fight true fans of ground fighting should really appreciate. We are two good grapplers. But I have been working on my stand up and I’m sure he’s been doing the same.”
Verissimo, a jiu-jitsu black belt, is considered one of the top Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors in the world. Charuto, which means cigar in Portuguese, is hoping to smoke Shields.
A former world title contender, Verissimo has been in against the best, including Carlos Newton, Matt Hughes and Trigg. This will be his first start since March 2007 when he defeated Lars Haven by TKO. That fight was his first since returning from a self-imposed nine-month retirement.
“It was too important to me to stay away from fighting, especially in Hawaii,” said Verissimo, who is known for accepting bouts only against top-ranked opponents. “I wanted to come back in a good way and show everybody that I could still compete.’’
“Charuto’’ was raised in Rio de Janiero, but moved to Hawaii 10 years ago to become a blackbelt instructor. One of his students was BJ Penn. When Penn started competing in the Octagon, Renato also became involved in MMA. Ironically, Penn trained Verissimo during the latter stages of his retirement.
“I just kept training hard with BJ and then I felt like I wanted to compete again,’’ he said.
One would be hard pressed to find an athlete in any sport whose star has risen as far and as fast as the incredibly popular, personable Carano (4-0), who is signed to a multi-year contact with EliteXC.
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SHOWTIME, ELITEXC PRESENTS BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN HAWAII HISTORY – SEPT. 15, 2007
Since a breakthrough performance during EliteXC’s debut event on SHOWTIME in February–her epic victory over Julie Kedzie came in the first nationally televised women’s bout—Carano spent the following months pursuing various outside the ring ventures, including doing fight commentary, interviews, photo shoots and starring in Oxygen’s “Fight Girls” reality television series.
It’s apparent the moment you meet Gina that she’s the epitome of strength; a strong woman by any measure you elect to use: mentally, spiritually and physically. Yes, she is more than a pretty face.
Carano, 24, of Las Vegas, was slated to fight June 2 but contracted an intestinal virus while shooting the Oxygen show in Thailand. She was hospitalized a week for dehydration.
“I’m healthy now and feeling great,’’ said Carano, who trains at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. “I was feeling better a week before the June 2 fight, but that wasn’t enough time so I had to withdraw.’’
Carano, who got national notoriety for her quote — “We’re not hitting tennis balls. We’re hitting people. Isn’t that more exciting?” — knows better than to underestimate the rugged Evinger.
“I don’t take anyone lightly,’’ Gina said. “I know I’ve got a big target on me, so I don’t care what a person’s record is, I’m going to train hard and be completely healthy for it.’’
Gina had better be fit.
Evinger (4-2, 4 KOs), of Oak Grove, Mo., is regarded as one of the meanest, roughest, toughest athletes in MMA. Her family owns a racetrack, but she doesn’t horse around in a cage.
The confident, fast-taking Evinger, a slammer and banger in the truest sense, doesn’t come to merely win, but to dominate and destroy. A nationally recognized former grappling champion who participated in the Pan American Games, she has been wrestling 13 years, training in jiu-jitsu for four years and kick-boxing for three.
“This fight could make my career, so I want to win bad.’’ said Evinger, who moonlights as a construction worker at a cement factory. “I can’t tell you yet how she’ll take a loss because I don’t know exactly how tough she is. I guess I will find out soon enough.
“Hopefully this will be an exciting fight all around with me winning. My wrestling is the stuff so all I have to worry about is beating my opponent’s standup. I can take her game away and I think that is the most important part. I want to throw and I know Gina will, so we’ll see who has the heavier hands.
“I love to knock opponents out and that’s what I’m going to do, but I will never risk a fight on a KO if I have a submission available. Either way, Carano had better take a good look in the mirror before the fight because she won’t be able to recognize her face when I am done with her.’’
A dedicated athlete, Villasenor lives, breathes and eats MMA. He is never in a dull fight, and will be looking to regain his winning ways against the often-avoided Fukuda.
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SHOWTIME, ELITEXC PRESENTS BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN HAWAII HISTORY – SEPT. 15, 2007
“Fukuda is a guy nobody wants to fight, but this is a fight I want and I am looking forward to,’’ said Villasenor, of Albuquerque, N.M., who impressively defeated David Loiseau on Feb. 10, 2007, on SHOWTIME, but lost to “Ninja” by TKO in his last start. “I am ready to prove that the result of my last EliteXC battle was a fluke.’’
A five-time King of the Cage champion and former IFC light heavyweight champion, Villasenor established a record for fastest knockout in an MMA fight, a four-second victory over Hank Weis in 2004. “On Sept. 15, I will prove I am back and show what I am really all about,’’ Villasenor said.
Fukuda does not speak English but his talent and skills speak volumes. Some feel, while still untested, he is legitimate championship material.
Up to now, a guy with a solid wrestling background has been his own worst enemy. Fukuda may be too good for his own good. The talented yet still unknown is too strong for the up and comers, and too risky a proposition for the established guys.
“All I can do is wait for the fights and beat the guys they put in front of me,’’ said Fukuda, who trains at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose. “Eventually, my time will come and the top guys will have to fight me.’’
In his EliteXC and SHOWTIME debut last Feb. 10, Fukuda looked like a future star en route to dominating Chris Gates en route to a first-round submission due to strikes.
“We are very excited about EliteXC working together with ICON and Rumble On The Rock to bring this type of tremendous fight card to the islands on Sept. 15,” Shaw said. “Working together is works and we are going to prove that with a card aptly titled ‘Uprising.’
“This cage fight card from top to bottom could easily be a pay-per-view event. But EliteXC was committed to bringing its first fight card to the islands at no additional cost.”
“ICON was the originator of this sport in Hawaii, but there is no question that ROTR were the innovators,’’ ICON president Patrick Freitas said. “ROTR came in and definitely raised the bar. Now the two of us, Hawaii’s two largest arena organizations by far, are coming together for the first time.
“The collaboration of these two juggernauts has been a long time coming. At one point, for the longest time, we were our biggest rivals. But now, we are working together with EliteXC to put on what will be Hawaii’s biggest MMA extravaganza. Fans are in for a great night of fights on Sept. 15.’’
Offered JD Penn, who heads up ROTR: “This is a natural step up in the process of ROTR. We always had our eyes on the biggest prize. And, for now, this is it. With the expertise from both our groups, ROTR and ICON Sport, and EliteXC, we have the makings of becoming an unstoppable force in MMA.
“I am really looking forward to the first of our many collaborations, and I know fans on the island and viewers on SHOWTIME are, too.’’
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SHOWTIME, ELITEXC PRESENTS BIGGEST MMA EVENT IN HAWAII HISTORY – SEPT. 15, 2007
EliteXC announcer Mauro Ranallo will call the play-by-play with Stephen Quadros and Bill Goldberg serving as color analysts. The executive producer of the telecasts will be David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
Immediately following the SHOWTIME telecast, ProElite.com, the premier mixed martial arts social networking and entertainment internet site, will once again be streaming additional live fights.
Immediately following the SHOWTIME telecast, ProElite.com, the premier mixed martial arts social networking and entertainment internet site, will once again be streaming additional live fights.
ProElite.com Live Streaming Fights
(Card Subject To Change)
Middleweight (185 pounds)
Kala Kolohe Hose vs. Jeff “Pee Wee” Cox
Middleweight (185 pounds)
Mark Kurano vs. Jose “Bomber” Diaz
Bantamweight (135 pounds)
Mark Oshiro vs. Nui Wheeler
Welterweight (170 pounds)
Brandon Wolfe vs. Chad Klingensmith
For more information on EliteXC, ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series and other MMA-related stories, including bios, videos, photos, stats and more, please visit www.SHO.com/Sports, ProElite.com, and EliteXC.com.
About Pro Elite, 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. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of mixed martial arts 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® TOO™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND™ and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. 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. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.
TAKEDOWN WRESTLING RADIO WEEKLY RUNDOWN: SHERK AND BIG JOHN WILL BE GUESTS
Posted on | August 29, 2007 | 1 Comment
America’s Wrestling Radio talk show is now heard around the world. From our Mobile Brute Adidas Studios now broadcast on the following internet outlets: Takedownradio.com, KXNO.com, Matchannel.com, Mat-magazine.com. Please be sure to join our live broadcast each and every Saturday as we talk to the worlds greatest athletes. Wrestlers and MMA competitors alike join us each and every week. You should too! TDR is available LIVE, Archived and pod cast as well. Have it sent directly to your iPhone. Check out Takedownradio.com for more details. Anthony Porcelli will join us for this special show.
This week we hit the road with the Mobile Brute Adidas TDR Studios to the home of the NFL Packers, Greenbay, Wisconsin-
9:05 Joining us will be Sean Sherk- 34 yo Wrestler, UFC Star, Coach, athlete- Sean is an Excellent wrestler with great conditioning, very strong. Record 35-2-1 155 pounds, 5 ft 6 inches
Sean Trains with Greg Nelson, Marty Morgan Mpls Martial Arts Academy
record-
Win Hermes Franca Unanimous Decision UFC® 73 STACKED 07/07/2007 5 5:00
Win Kenny Florian Unanimous Decision UFC® 64: UNSTOPPABLE 10/14/2006 5 5:00
Win Nick Diaz Unanimous Decision UFC 59: Reality Check 04/15/2006 3 15:00
Loss Georges St-Pierre Technical Knock Out UFC 56: Full Force 11/19/2005 2 2:53
Loss Matt Hughes Unanimous Decision UFC 42: Sudden Impact 04/25/2003 5 5:00
Win Benji Radach Stoppage (Cut) UFC 39: The Warriors Return 09/27/2002 1 4:16
Win Jutaro Nakao Unanimous Decision UFC 36: Worlds Collide 03/22/2002 3 5:00
Win Tiki Ghosn Submission UFC 30:The Battle On The Boardwalk 02/23/2001 1 4:47
9:40 Teague Moore (OK St. 1999″)- Head Coach at Clarion University, Teague has been very busy this last summer with camps, clinics and recruiting. Let’s catch up with the blue chipper and see what he has in store for us with his new team this fall. Has his coaching style changed over the last year? If yes, how?
10:05 Big John McCarthy- The venerable senior official of the UFC will join us to discuss broken arms, champions, the cage event we’ll be working together on Oklahoma City on the 28th of September, the influx of the top NCAA Champions, the condition of MMA across the board.
10:20 John Rizzuti of Inside Texas Wrestling joins us to discuss all that’s going on in Texas and Oklahoma Special Fight Date set for Sept 28th Featuring Rosholt, Hendricks, Eric Bradley, Paul Bradley, Roller and more. For more information visit Teamtakedownfighters.com
10:55 Maureen Roshar- Mississippi Belle 2 Wild Rose Casino contests etc. Featured in dsm register last cruising season
The wrestling season is almost upon us and we are set to take to the road across the country. We’ll be announcing our travel schedule soon. Are you on it? If not feel free to give me a call. There are only a few dates left so call soon. Thanks!
Bobby Czyz Night to be held at Bliss Lounge in Clifton, NJ on Sept. 7
Posted on | August 29, 2007 | 4 Comments
BY: Patrick McElligott
On September 7, the Bliss Lounge in Clifton, NJ will be hosting “Bobby Czyz Night.” This benefit, which is open to the public, will raise funds to help out the former world champion, who was seriously injured in an automobile
accident in April. Larry Holmes and Chuck Wepner will co-host the event.
The story of Bobby “Matinee Idol” Czyz’s professional boxing career began with a car accident. He had earned a place on the 1980 US amateur boxing team that would attempt to carry on the Olympic tradition of the legendary 1976 team. A week before the team left for Poland, Bobby was injured in an automobile accident. This kept him from traveling with the team, all of whom died in the tragic March 14 plane crash in Poland.
The 18-year old turned pro a short time later. Within six months, it became apparent that Bobby was not looking to pad his record with easy fights. He would challenge more experienced undefeated contenders like Tommy Merola and Danny Long – and he TKOed both of them.
In January, 1982, he faced undefeated middleweight contender Robbie Simms. Bobby won a unanimous decision over Simms, and was being considered as a potential challenger for Simms’ brother, Middleweight Champion Marvin Hagler. Czyz stayed busy with three more victories over mid-level competition , before meeting Mustafa Hamsho.
Hamsho was a tough contender. His record was 34-2-2 at the time. I knew him from his early days, when he used to fight in Binghamton, NY, including his loss in his pro debut. His only other loss was to Hagler. He was about nine years older than Bobby, and was just too strong for him. Hamsho won a 10-round decision, and after decisioning Wifred Benitez, would challenge Hagler a second time. (Other than the loss in his pro debut, Mustafa would only lose to three world champions.)
Bobby had been weakened by making the middleweight limit, so he moved up to light heavyweight. He put together eight impressive victories, including a unanimous decision over tough Murray Sutherland, the USBA light heavyweight and IBF super middleweight champion.
On December 26, 1986, Bobby TKOed undefeated David Sears in the first round, to win the IBF light heavyweight title. He defended it twice, before losing it to Charles Williams on October 29, 1987.
For the next few years, Bobby Czyz was able to defeat some top contenders, but lost two shots at the light heavyweight title. WBA champion Virgil Hill decisioned him in 12; and IBF champion Williams TKOed him for the second time.
In 1991, Bobby moved up and won the WBA cruiserweight title. He held the title until 1994, when he was stopped by undefeated David Izeqwire. Bobby recognized that it was time to retire, and after hanging up the gloves, he took a job as commentator for Showtime. Czyz, a proud member of Mensa, was one of the best boxing commentators ever. He understood the sport in a way that only those who have been in the ring can. And he had a lot of respect for those men who are brave enough to get into that ring.
Czyz, like so many before him, became convinced that he could still compete with the top fighters. He made a comeback as a heavyweight (though one fight was promoted as being for the WBU’s super cruiserweight title). He won two fights, and then was TKOed by Evander Holyfield in 5 rounds, and by Corrie Sanders in 2 rounds.
The Sanders fight was in 1998, the year that Bobby’s problems with alcohol became apparent. He had a series of DUI cases: one in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2003. The legal system had been cutting Bobby breaks, which resulted in a lot of bad publicity. He lost his job with Showtime, and Bobby Czyz was out of the public eye until April of this year, when he almost died in a fiery car crash.
Bobby Czyz has some financial difficulties, and he needs our help. If you are unable to attend the benefit, but would like to help, please send a contribution to: Bliss Lounge; 955 Allwood Road; Clifton, NJ, 07012; attention: Joey Barcelona. For more information, contact Emily Tan at: EmilyEmilyTan@aol.com , or at 917-318-3758.
I’m hoping that you will join me in sending a contribution to help Bobby Czyz. It doesn’t matter if you can afford to send $5, $50, or $500 – it all adds up. It lets the man know that the boxing community cares about him.
Thank you.
TAVORIS CLOUD BEATS UP ON HERRERA TO IMPROVE TO 16-0
Posted on | August 28, 2007 | No Comments
World ranked light heavyweight Tavoris Cloud scored a brutal fifth round knockout of Jose Luis Herrera this past Friday night in an outstanding battle that had the huge crowd at Chicago’s Congress Theater on their feet for the duration. With the win, Cloud ran his perfect record to 16-0 with 15 knockouts while Herrera moved to 14-4 (14KO’s).
The dominating performance by Cloud continued to show why he is amongst the hottest prospects in boxing as he was able to display his world class power, excellent skills and technique, a terrific chin and the ability to deal with adversity after a head butt from Herrera open a bloody cut over his left eye in
the fourth round.
Said Cloud about his performance, “He was a pretty tough guy with decent power. A couple of times he drilled me, but I was able to withstand it. I’ve got a solid beard when I need it.”
Continued the modest and soft spoken Cloud about his preparation for the fight, “It’s about seven weeks of hard training down in Miami away from my family for each fight.”
About the head butt Cloud said, “He was fighting dirty the whole time, hitting me low, coming in with his head after throwing his right. After the break between rounds four and five, I stepped on the gas and got him out of there.”
In regards to his future the Tallahassee native stated, “I’m going to rest for a few weeks and give the cut time to heal. Hopefully I’ll be back by November, December the latest. I want to keep moving up in the rankings towards a world title shot, hopefully in 2008.”
Cloud is currently ranked #12 by the IBF and # 15 by the WBO. He is promoted by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.
For additional information on Tavoris Cloud’s big win, please visit the following links.
http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/news/archives/00003495.htm
http://www.15rounds.com/boxing/News/2007/08/cloud-082407.php
http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=10051
The next 8 Count Productions world class boxing event, “PRIDE” takes place on Friday, September 14th at the Congress Theatre. For tickets please call 312-226-5800 or visit their web site at www.8countproductions.com
8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1997 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.
EUROPEAN BOXING REPORT
Posted on | August 28, 2007 | 1 Comment
Yesterday Arena Box Promotion won purse bids for the WBC Int´l heavyweight titlefight between Oliver McCall and Juan Carlos Gomez Arena announce today that the fight will land in Berlin October 19 – if McCall don´t relinquish the title that is. Gomez beat McCall back in 2005 but then tested positive for cocaine and got suspended. He is now promoted by Arena and back in Hamburg where he started his procareer and became WBC champ at cruiser despite a well documented wild lifestyle. McCall upset Sinan Samil Sam last time out.
Arena Box Promotion´s show in Luebeck will now be headlined by Roman Aramian vs Alexander Sipos for the Int´l German middleweight title. The German Federation, the BDB, wants the German heavy champ, 44-year old Andreas Sidon to retire after his 47 second knockout loss to Odlanier Solis in but Sidon wants to continue. The case could end up in court. If not stripped and license revoked Sidon will as previously announced take on Konstantin Airich. If Sidon is forced to retire Airich will face an opponent to be announced for the vacant title. Solis and Yuriorkis Gamboa are on the undercard but not Yan Barthelemy who from now on will fight out of Florida.
WBA lightheavy champ Stipe Drews is rumored to be facing Tito Mendoza next. No date or site set though.
Danish jr middle Reda Zam Zam will be trained by Mikkel Kessler´s trainer Ricard Olsen for his important return fight with Venezuelan Carlos Donquiz September 14 in Horsens. Donquiz stopped the then highly ranked and undefeated Zam Zam in the first round in March in Copenhagen.
French veteran Morrade Hakkar is moving up to supermiddle and have relinquished his position as co-challenger for the vacant EU middleweight title. Who the other challenger, Finland´s Amin Asikainen will fight instead isn´t clear yet.
Labbaas Box Promotion, headed by Jan Eliasson, make their debut December 1 in Tidaholm, Sweden, with a pro/am show headlined by debuting heavy Roddy Benjaminsson.
Kobe Vandkerkhove and Domingos Nascimento clash for the BeNeLux welterweight title October 7 in Aalst, Belgium. Big Dutch heavy Andre “the Intruder” Jansens is featured on the undercard.
Finnish heavy Sami Elovaara face once decent Estonian Valery Semishkur September 28 in Stockholm in a supporting bout to Asikainen vs Touzet.
EBU fly champ Andrea Sarritzu will defend the title October 12 on a OPI 2000 promotion. Neither site or opponent have been decided.
Tobia Loriga and Luca Michael Pasqua clash for the vacant Italian jr middle title on the Di Rocco vs Lauri bill September 21 in Livorno.
COUTURE COMES OUT ON TOP EVEN AFTER SUFFERING A SMALL FRACTURE AGAINST GONZAGA
Posted on | August 28, 2007 | No Comments
“Nightstick” Fracture Leaves Couture in a Splint
By Holli Yargo Hearne
Age is just a number, or so many have said about mixed martial arts’ 44-year-old icon Randy Couture. Couture, after a year’s retirement, returned to the octagon claiming to be a stronger, better fighter than ever. He proved himself after taking a unanimous decision win over Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia to secure the UFC Heavyweight Championship title. He is the first person to win a title after being inducted into the UFC hall of fame.
In case anyone was concerned that Sylvia was just having a bad night or that Couture just got lucky, the Army veteran and Olympic finalist then took on Gabriel Gonzaga to defend the belt that no one thought he’d win in the first place. Not only did he win the fight by TKO, he once again bulldozed right through his larger opposition.
The spectacle took a turn for the worse for the Brazilian when the two gladiators fell to the mat, with Couture’s head inadvertently breaking Gonzaga’s nose. With the contender’s breathing now hindered, The Natural was able to capitalize on his opponent’s dwindling cardio. By the third round, Gabriel Gonzaga tried to throw a head kick similar to the one he used to knock out Mirko Cro Cop but Couture barely flinched as it connected to the side of his face and left forearm. Before the round ended, the American hero took the younger man’s back and pounded him to a TKO win.
It wasn’t until the next day at his chiropractor’s office that Couture realized that head kick had more power than it appeared. X-Rays confirmed his left ulna was fractured, known commonly as a “nightstick fracture,” leaving the champion with his forearm in a splint. It is uncertain how this will affect his plans for a movie appearance being shot in South America.
The UFC has not announced who “Captain America” will face next to defend his belt. Whoever it is had better not come into the cage thinking the young guy can take the old man. He’s proved that even at the age where most athletes have long been retired, he’s still a stud.
PUGILISTS AND POPCORN FORUM AT SEAPORT MUSEUM ON SEPT. 18
Posted on | August 28, 2007 | No Comments
FIGHTING IRISHMEN: CELEBRATING CELTIC PRIZEFIGHTERS 1820-PRESENT HOSTS PUGILISTS AND POPCORN FORUM ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, FEATURING ON THE WATERFRONT AUTHOR BUDD SCHULBERG; BOXING LEGEND “IRISH” MICKY WARD; BOXING PROMOTER LOU DIBELLA; ACTOR TONY LOBIANCO; AND FEMALE FIGHTER MAUREEN SHEA
What: Pugilists and Popcorn Forum on boxing cinema presented by Fighting
Irishmen: Celebrating Celtic Prizefighters 1820-Present in association with the South Street Seaport; film clips and lively discussion on Hollywood ’s fascination with the sweet science.
Who: On the Waterfront author Budd Schulberg; legendary boxer “Irish” Micky
Ward; boxing promoter Lou DiBella, actor Tony LoBianco, female boxer
Maureen Shea; moderator Jim Houlihan, curator of exhibit (speakers subject
to change).
When: Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Where: Tour
South Street Seaport Museum
12 Fulton Street
Panel Discussion
Downtown Association
60 Pine Street
Subways: 2,3,4,5,J,Z or M to Fulton Street ; A or C to Broadway-Nassau.
Time: 6:00 PM tour, 7:30 PM Panel discussion
Tickets: $35 and $50 VIP (vip ticket also includes private tour or exhibit;
refreshments included in price of admission)
Contact: Carol Rauscher, 212-748-8776, crauscher@southstseaport.org
Panelists will include: Tony LoBianco- Played Rocky Marciano in the film “Marciano”. “Irish” Micky Ward- Champion fighter, currently a trainer. A movie entitled “The Fighter” is currently being made starring Mark Wahlberg & Matt Damon, who will portray Micky in his life story. Maureen Shea- Undefeated female contender; she trained Hilary Swank for the Academy award winning movie, “Million Dollar Baby”. Lou DiBella- Boxing promoter, appeared as himself in the 2006 movie “Rocky Balboa”. Budd Schulberg- Author, screenwriter of “On the Waterfront” and the “The Harder They Fall”. Please no jeans or sneakers.
SHAUN GEORGE CALLS OUT GLEN JOHNSON
Posted on | August 28, 2007 | No Comments
By Knockout Publicity
Recently, a press release was issued in which Glen Johnson called out the likes of Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Chad Dawson and Clinton Woods. Johnson claimed to be feared and ducked by the division’s best. In that piece, Johnson failed to mention one fighter, a boxer whose name he avoids repeating as if it invoked The Candyman: Shaun George.
“Those guys are preocuppied,” says George, 15-2 (7 KO), of Johnson’s choice of opponents. “They’re doing their own thing right now. It’s clear they don’t want to fight you. I’m willing and able. You’re calling them out, well I’m calling you out. Let’s make it happen. Stop ducking and dodging. You have a date coming up, I want in.”
“He knows fighting me is a mistake,” continues George, who is promoted by Hall of Fame Promotions. “When it all comes down to it, he’s fighting for the money. Why would you want to fight a guy like Roy Jones Jr, somebody you already knocked out? If I beat somebody, I’m never thinking twice about that guy. You think you’re one of the best, you think you’re the toughest, your presser says you’re aging like fine wine, well then step up to the plate.”
Shaun George hoped to fight Glen Johnson on ESPN2 in July, only to see Johnson select Fred Moore. Hall of Fame Promotions’ phone calls were repeatedly ignored by Team Johnson, depriving the fans’ of an exciting main event.
“I respect him as a fighter, but I would put him down. Glen Johnson wouldn’t last the whole distance. There are certain intangibles in his style, certain things that I’ve noticed. Everybody thinks he’s aging like fine wine, but the dude is slipping. I want to expose that. If he steps in the ring with me, I would end his career.”
Shaun George also mentioned undefeated Chris Henry, 21-0 (17 KO). “I heard Chris Henry is calling out everyone, well Daddy’s home. He opened up his mouth, so I want him. He’s a decent fighter, he can box and punch a little, but I’m willing to step in there with him. My motivation is that he has the NABF and NABA belts, and I want them.”
Shaun George had words for Antonio Tarver too, a man he holds open disdain for.
“He has no heart. He lacks character. I don’t like the way he acted after the fight with Elvir Muriqi when he tried to kick somebody out of the ring. He has no respect. He doesn’t want to be a fighter anymore, he wants to be an actor. I don’t consider him a fighter anymore. If he has a problem with what I’m saying, tell him to get in the ring, too.”
While Glen Johnson and Chris Henry wait for the division’s elder statesmen to give them money fights, remember Shaun George is here and ready.
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