STEELE CAGE TV SCHEDULE
Posted on | July 12, 2007 | No Comments
Steele Cage Promotions 7/7/07 MMA Event HDNet Television Schedule:
Marvin Eastman vs. Rob Kimmons IFO Middleweight Championship Fight and More
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Las Vegas, Nevada – July 11, 2007 – Hall of Fame Boxing Referee Richard Steele and Steve Oshins, co-owners of Steele Cage Promotions, LLC (www.steelecage.com) and the International Fighting Organization, LLC (IFO), are pleased to announce the television schedule for their recent Fireworks in the Cage mixed martial arts promotion held on July 7, 2007 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The ten-card bout featured three IFO world title fights. The July 7th event will be shown as two separate ninety-minute television shows on HDNet (www.hd.net), the high definition network co-owned by Mark Cuban. The shows will be available in more than five million homes. The entire Fireworks in the Cage HDNet television schedule is available at www.hd.net/fightnight.html. Steele Cage President Richard Steele stated, “We are excited to have a television contract with HDNet and Mark Cuban. The national exposure from his network has led to an amazing amount of national media exposure as the media and fans who missed the Fireworks in the Cage event now want to see what the hype is all about.”
The first half of the event will premiere on HDNet Friday, July 13th at 10:00pm EST and will be replayed Saturday, July 14th at 1:30am EST and again at 5:00am EST. This portion of the fight card will include the Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman (14-7-1) vs. Rob “The Rosedale Reaper” Kimmons (17-3) fight for the IFO Middleweight Championship which has been called the 2007 fight of the year.
The second half of the event will premiere on HDNet Friday, July 20th at 10:00pm EST and will be replayed Saturday, July 21st at 1:30am EST and again at 5:00am EST. This portion of the fight card will include the Chris Guillen (35-7) vs. Wes “The Project” Sims (19-10-1) fight for the IFO Heavyweight Championship.
About Mixed Martial Arts: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) encompasses many different styles of fighting in which a wide variety of fighting techniques are used, In addition to Steele Cage Promotions and the International Fighting Organization, other popular MMA organizations include the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), PRIDE Fighting Championships, Strikeforce, BodogFight, the International Fight League (IFL), EliteXC and World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC).”
LAMON BREWSTER ADDRESSES HIS POOR PERFORMANCE AGAINST KLITSCHKO
Posted on | July 12, 2007 | No Comments
Lamon Brewster speaks on Wladimir Klitschko Fight
By Knockout Publicity
“Relentless” Lamon Brewster, 33-4 (29 KO), is currently at home in Indiana resting up following his unsuccessful attempt to repeat his knockout ways over IBF Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. For the first time, he speaks on trainer Buddy McGirt’s decision to stop the fight in the sixth round and his future plans.
“I didn’t think that being off for 15 months would affect me,” says Brewster. “The first time I fought him, I was off for 13 months. The difference is that last time I was in the gym training. Coming off of the eye injury, it was difficult because I couldn’t train. I was rusty, even though I had a good training camp.”
Of the decision to stop the fight, Brewster says, “I did the best I could. I realized that it’s better to live to fight another day. Buddy made the decision to stop the fight. I was saddened by it, but what could I do?”
Even while fighting in his opponent’s hometown, Brewster didn’t feel he’d be at too big a disadvantage. There were some quirks here and there, however. “The fans were cool with me up until the fight. I expected to hear some boos from the Klitschko fans in Germany. The worst thing was when the fans were throwing trash at me as I was leaving. That was uncalled for.”
Brewster suffered a much-publicized eye injury during his previous bout with Sergei Lyakhovich, a detached retina that required three surgeries to repair. The injury didn’t play a significant role in the fight.
“I didn’t feel bothered by it. Naturally I thought about it when I was getting hit with the jabs. I didn’t want to mess around and re-injure the eye.”
Lamon didn’t note any improvements in Wladimir’s skill level, but does feel that “he fought a better strategy” this time around.
Ever the sportsman, Lamon gives all the credit to Wladimir Klitschko for his victorious performance. “I rank him number one in the division. Until I can prove once again that I’m number one, he is the top heavyweight.”
“I think Klitschko should get the recognition he deserves. After the first time we fought, everyone was saying that he was a bum. He’s not a bum, I was just the better man that night. People say he had a weak chin because he got knocked out by Corrie Sanders, but Sanders is a big puncher.”
Lamon plans to return to the ring in three months for a tune-up bout to shake off the ring rust, followed by one more fight. After that, he wants a rubber match to settle the score with Wladimir. “This time next year, since we’re tied 1-1, let’s do this again to settle the score.”
In a third fight, Brewster says he’d apply more pressure to force Klitschko to fight more than he did Saturday night.
To the detractors, Brewster implores them to stay tuned.
“Keep watching. You can think I’m washed up if you want to. Look at Wladimir, what did they say about him when he got stopped? It doesn’t mean I’m washed up. It was his night, God Bless him. But I’ll see you again.”
As for his fans and supporters, Brewster assures the best is yet to come.
“I would like to apologize to anyone who had faith in me and supported me. I was mentally and spiritually ready for this fight. I can understand if you’re mad at me, but give me a chance to prove myself again. I will be back with a vengeance.”
BIAS FAVORED OVER MALDONADO FOR PFC TITLE AT 145 POUNDS
Posted on | July 12, 2007 | 1 Comment
Bias is heavy favorite over unknown Maldonado
LEMOORE, Ca. — Oroville California’s Shawn Bias doesn’t necessarily feel like the favorite for his featherweight title showdown with Minnesota’s Aaron Maldonado at the Palace Fighting Championship’s “Step Up” card on July 19th.
Bias believes it will take some hard work for anyone to claim the 145-pound title and hold it for long in the PFC.
“Overall, it’s one of the toughest divisions out there,” said Bias, who has enjoyed success in the first two PFC shows and is arguably the most exciting fighter to step into the PFC ring.
“The guys in this division are so agile and they still have some knockout power,” he added. “There’s a lot of talent out there and anyone that wants the title in this division is really going to have to work for it.”
Bias (10-4) had a string of seven wins snapped by Brian Cobb at Gladiator Challenge’s “Best of the Best” in May. Cobb (8-4) defeated Bias by rear-naked choke at 3:20 in the first round of a lightweight tournament.
Cobb went on to defeat John Reedy (2-2) by rear-naked choke to win the tournament.
But the PFC still had their sights set on Bias to challenge for the featherweight crown.
“Shaw Bias is the best featherweight fighter not already fighting for a major organization. He is dangerous, charismatic and the crowd just loves the kid,” Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino Entertainment Director Christian Printup said. “He may not be the biggest featherweight out there but pound-for-pound he’s as dynamic a fighter as you’ll ever see in the 145-pound division.”
Although Bias was an easy and obvious choice to vie for the featherweight title, Maldonado (4-1-1) is a virtual unknown on the West Coast.
“It’s not surprising that the PFC would bring some one in like him,” Bias said.
“Christian is always looking for the best fighters all over the Nation. This guy has a really good record.”
And Maldonado already holds a belt.
“Maldonado is the X-factor. Really, in the tape we’ve seen on him he shows a tremendous will to win, a great… make that an outstanding chin… and a willingness to trade punches and kicks without hesitation,” Printup said. “He’s a big guy for the 145-pound division and we’re excited to bring him out here to the PFC.”
Maldonado, who is formerly of Visalia, is the EFX Full Contact Cagefighting 145-pound champion.
“Bias will be the toughest opponent I’ve faced,” Maldonado said. “I don’t like to win by decision. I’m excited, happy, scared and honored to be fighting for the title.”
The pair will square off in a title bout that is slated for five, 3-minute rounds.
“I think this is going to be that classic matchup where whoever can dictate the tempo and style of fight will win. I see Bias as the better grappler and I see Maldonado as having a size and strength advantage in the clinch and standing up,” Printup said. “It’s a great fight and I’m very happy that one of these two guys will represent the PFC as the World Featherweight Champion.”
Bias can finish a fight from any position. At PFC 1 in January, Bias defeated Stockton’s Brandon Jinnies (2-5) by technical knockout at 1:36 in the first round. He followed with a submission win over Chico’s Giovanni Encarnacion (0-1) by guillotine choke in the first round at PFC 2 in March.
“I watched one of Maldonado’s fights and I’m not really sure how old it was, but it didn’t look like he had much wrestling,” Bias said. “I think that I will have an advantage on the ground. But I want to stand and bang with him.
“I’m excited for this title fight. I’ve wanted this ever since I came to the PFC. At the Palace they really know how to treat their fighters and this is a great show.”
Maldonado believes that “heart, training, maturity, sportsmanship, my family and my home town of Visalia close by to cheer me on,” will help carry him through the fight.
Also featured next Thursday night in front of a sold-out, capacity crowd is a main event between Lemoore’s Chris Botelho (4-2) and Bakersfield’s Josh McCartney (1-1) in a welterweight eliminator.
Sacramento’s Dave Espinosa (3-0) takes on Porterville’s Shawn Klarzcyk (5-1) for the vacant bantamweight championship.
In other bouts:
— Fresno’s Casey Olson (4-1) takes on Jinnies in a lightweight bout.
— Lemoore’s Kenny Ento (6-2) fights Palika Drummondo (2-3) at middleweight.
— Calousa’s Ruben Villareal (11-13-3) takes on Tulare’s Rafael Del Real (4-5) in a heavyweight bout.
— Las Vegas’ Dewey Cooper and Adam Smith of Venice Beach are slated to tangle in their pro debuts at light heavyweight.
— Las Vegas’ Angelo Antuna (4-0) challenges Palmdale’s Seth Dikun in a featherweight fight.
— In a welterweight fight, Lemoore’s Mickey Martinez (2-0-1) battles Bakersfield’s Robert Breslin (3-6-1).
— Sacramento’s Mark Munoz (0-0) makes his light heavyweight debut against Elk Grove’s Donny Easterling (0-2).
— In a featherweight bout, Fresno’s Ralph Lopez (2-0) meets Sacramento’s Louie Moreno (1-2).
— Lemoore’s Elvis Franco makes his pro featherweight debut against Anahiem’s Scott Brommage (0-2).
— Visalia’s Mike Cook (3-1) tangles with Bakersfield’s Paul Mince (4-3) in a heavyweight bout.
— Coalinga’s Mario Rivera (3-4) meets Bakersfield’s Joe Chaidez (2-0) in the welterweight division.
— Sacramento’s Jeremy Freitag (4-5) returns to action at the Palace against Philadelphia’s Lamont Lister (3-2) in a light heavyweight showdown.
— In a bantamweight eliminator, Jason Georgianna (3-0) takes on Visalia’s Brandon Miller (2-0).
—In a last minute addition to the card, Brazils’ Cleverson Dezonet (1-1) will meet Visalia’s Bobby Rivas, who will be making his professional debut, in a welterweight bout.
Weigh-ins are slated for Wednesday, July 18th at 4 p.m. at The Den Sports bar located on the third floor of the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino. Fight fans are encouraged to come see their favorite fighters.
Doors open for the fights on Thursday, July 19th at 5:30 p.m. with the first fight slated for 6:30 p.m.
For more breaking PFC news log on to www.palacefightingchampionship.com.
HOPKINS VS. WRIGHT: PENECALE’S PREVIEW
Posted on | July 12, 2007 | 3 Comments
HOPKINS VS. WRIGHT
** In-Depth Preview and Analysis **
By Tony Penecale
Only 13 months after he vowed retirement, Bernard Hopkins is set to return as he takes on Ronald “Winky” Wright, in a battle that pits two of boxing best tacticians against each other. Will it be an exciting encounter or a defensive bore when they step into the ring? Is Hopkins making a mistake by coming out of retirement to battle a boxer that most others try to avoid? Will this be another step up for Wright or will he be just another name on Hopkins Hall of Fame resume?
AGE, RECORD, AND STATS
Hopkins: Age: 42 years old
Record: 47-4-1 (32 Knockouts)
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 174 ** Weight for last bout (6-10-06)
Reach: 75”
Wright: Age: 35 years old
Record: 51-3-1 (25 Knockouts)
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 159 * * Weight for last bout (12-2-06)
Reach: 72”
RING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hopkins: IBF Middleweight Champion (’95-‘05)
WBC Middleweight Champion (’01-‘05)
WBA Middleweight Champion (’01-’05)
WBC Welterweight Champion (’97-’99, ’00)
WBO Middleweight Champion (’04-’05)
Ring Magazine Middleweight Champion (’01-’05)
IBO Light Heavyweight Champion (’06-Pres)
Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Champion (’06-Pres)
Pound-for-Pound #1 Boxer (’02-’05)
Wright: IBF Junior Middleweight Champion (’01-’04)
WBC Junior Middleweight Champion (’04)
WBA Junior Middleweight Champion (’04)
Ring Magazine Junior Middleweight Champion (’04)
STYLE
Hopkins: Is no longer the fighter who would apply pressure from the opening bell, winging right hands and left hooks until his opponent succumbed. That version of Hopkins evolved into the patient boxer-puncher seen today several years ago. Uses footwork and works angles well to keep opponents moving and off-balance, dictating the pace with his jab and opening up opportunities for his sharp straight right and left hook. Once in close, will attack the body and use rough-house tactics on the inside, including low blows and elbows. Is also a very tough and physically strong fighter.
Wright: A southpaw defensive master, content to parry his opponent’s offense and retaliating with sharp counter punches. Will stand flat-footed in front of opponents and works best when his opponent initiates the action. Keeps a high guard and uses gloves well to parry punches before countering with a sharp right jab and straight left hand.
STRENGTHS
Hopkins: * Student of the Game – There is not a style today that Hopkins hasn’t seen. From his early career in Philadelphia clubs all the way to his PPV main events, Hopkins has faced and defeated all types of styles including a number of world-class southpaws.
* Defense – Trying to land a clean punch, much less a combination, on Hopkins is like trying to hold water in your hands. Hopkins will block, slip, and parry most punches that come his way, but his best defensive maneuver is the “shoulder roll” where he will make his opponent miss by rolling with the punch and then fire back with a right hand or uppercut at his wide-open adversary.
* Confidence – Hopkins believes that he can handle any opponent at any weight. He is fearless in the ring and will not back down. Often times, his steely demeanor will have opponents unnerved and already beaten when they step into the ring.
Wright: * Ring Generalship – Wright is rarely out of position. He is a master in the ring. He knows how to frustrate opponents and forcing them into mistakes.
* Defense – Hitting Wright with clean punches is just as difficult as hitting Hopkins. Wright’s primary form of defense is his gloves. He holds them high to his face, similar to a peek-a-boo stance and uses them to create a defensive stance that is hard to penetrate.
* Jab – Wright might possibly posses the best jab in boxing. While it may not be sharp as Oscar De la Hoya’s or Jermain Taylor’s, it is often more effective as Wright is more consistent with it. Adding the dimension that his jab is coming from a southpaw stance makes Wright’s jab more difficult to defense.
WEAKNESSES
Hopkins: * Too Patient – Hopkins likes to work from the outside and pick his shots. Often times, he waits too long and opponents are able to steal rounds. He gave away early rounds in his bouts against Roy Jones, Oscar De la Hoya, and Jermain Taylor before rallying late. In the case of both Taylor bouts and the Jones bout, it was too late and Hopkins ended up on the losing side of the decision.
* Enemies – Hopkins has a reputation of making enemies, whether it is battling with promoters, arguing with broadcasters, or throwing an opponent’s flag on the ground. While this often doesn’t equate to an in-ring weakness, it does leave a sour taste in the mouth of many officials, and can be very influential in close fights.
* Fading Power – The younger version of Hopkins was capable of taking out an opponent with one punch like he did to Steve Frank and Joe Lipsey. Those who stood up to his punches were issued frightful beatings. The modern version of Hopkins doesn’t carry the same pop in his gloves. Only one of his last five wins has ended inside the distance.
Wright: * Punching Power – Wright has never been seen as much of a puncher. His last stoppage win came in ’02 and most of his wins inside the distance came against overmatched opponents early in his career.
* Coasts – Wright will coast from time-to-time. He will throw his hands up and dare his opponent to throw punches, but while blocking their offerings, he will smirk and wink, but not punch back, which allows close rounds to go in the other man’s favor.
* Strength – Wright was a solid junior middleweight just a few years ago but never very physical. Coming into this bout, he will be at a significant size and strength disadvantage.
TRAINING & PREPARATION
Hopkins: With regular trainer Brother Nazim Richardson recovering from a stroke, Hopkins will be working for the first time with legendary Freddie Roach, setting up camp in Los Angeles. Hopkins will also be assisted by former opponent (and middleweight titlist) John David Jackson who helped formulate the game plan against fellow southpaw Antonio Tarver last year.
Wright: Wright has set up camp in Las Vegas with another legendary trainer, Dan Birmingham, who he was worked with the majority of his career, starting from his early days in Tampa.
BEST PERFORMANCES
Hopkins: * Felix Trinidad (9/29/01) – Hopkins was the IBF and WBC middleweight champion coming into this unification bout but he was overshadowed by the Puerto Rican superstar and a 3-1 underdog going in. While he promised to match Trinidad in a rough and dirty fight, he shocked everyone, especially Trinidad, by boxing early and building a commanding lead. Trinidad was visibly frustrated going into the latter half of the bout and attacked without abandon. Hopkins took full advantage and punished Trinidad with a variety of powerpunches, wobbling him at the end of the 10th before finishing him in the 12th to become the unified champion and owner of the Sugar Ray Robinson trophy.
* Glen Johnson (7/20/97) – At the time, it looked like this bout was a masterful win over a boxer with an undefeated albeit padded record. It has become more impressive considering that Johnson has since won versions of the light heavyweight title and scored a spectacular knockout over Roy Jones. Johnson came into the bout with an impressive punch, solid chin, and rugged determination. But it was all Hopkins from the opening bell as he dished out a frightful beating on the inside. Hopkins continued the assault each round, forcing the referee to visit Johnson’s corner several times, before finally halting the contest in the 11th.
* Robert Allen (2/6/99) – In their first encounter, six months prior, Allen had greatly troubled Hopkins with his physical southpaw style before an aggressive Mills Lane attempt to break a clinch resulted in Hopkins falling out of the ring and spraining an ankle. Before the rematch, Allen boasted that Hopkins had taken the easy way out and would be dethroned in the rematch. The Hopkins that entered the ring was focused and seething and punished Allen without mercy, knocking him down in the 2nd and 6th rounds. Allen’s only chance was to try and initiate a disqualification by flopping every time Hopkins landed on his waistline. Another brutal volley in the 7th forced the referee to stop the bout, amid protests from Allen’s camp, to which the referee responded “I don’t see him (Allen) complaining.”
* Antonio Tarver (6/10/06) – This was billed as Hopkin’s retirement bout and he was stepping up to a big challenge, taking on the naturally larger light heavyweight champion. Hopkins, coming off of two decision losses to Jermain Taylor, was an underdog coming in, with many of the experts predicting a Tarver win, citing that Hopkins looked lethargic in his last several bouts. The Hopkins that stepped into the ring against Tarver was a muscular 174 and he looked rejuvenated, outboxing and outfighting Tarver throughout, scoring a flash knockdown, and dealing out punishment over the last three rounds, forcing Tarver to hold on to the final bell, only to see Hopkins seize his title with a one-sided decision.
Wright: * Felix Trinidad (5/14/05) – Trinidad had come out of retirement hoping to land a bout with De la Hoya, Hopkins, or Mosley. By process of elimination, he accepted a bout with Wright and was favored going in. But it was all Wright from the opening bell, as he befuddled Trinidad with his defense and peppered him with counterpunches. Trinidad had no answer for Wright’s jab and was shut out over the distance. The final punch numbers told the story as Wright landed 262 punches (185 jabs) to Trinidad’s 58 punches (15 jabs).
* Shane Mosley (3/13/04) – Mosley was coming off a win over De la Hoya when this bout to unify the junior middleweight titles was signed. Mosley’s speed and athleticism was negated by Wright’s superior size and defense. Wright was able to land his jab, left hand, and body shots, hurting Mosley in the 10th and winning a comfortable decision.
* Fernando Vargas (12/4/99) – It is not often that a “loss” is seen as one of a fighter’s top performances but that is exactly the case in Wright’s controversial loss to Vargas. Vargas was looking for an easy title defense as he was preparing for a super fight with Ike Quartey. He picked the wrong opponent in Wright, who came right to Vargas, backing him up, and got the better of most exchanges, before fading late and letting Vargas steal the last few rounds. While the decision went in the champion’s favor, most felt that Wright should have been awarded the decision.
* Jermain Taylor (6/17/06) – Following two close wins over long-time middleweight champ Hopkins, this was a chance to Taylor to show that he was indeed the new blood in the division by taking on the #1 contender in Wright. But it was Wright who made the statement, outpunching Taylor throughout, even backing him to the ropes and landing straight lefts. While Wright was able to land at a higher volume, the naturally larger and younger Taylor was able to land the heavier punches in and exciting contest. The split draw verdict was disputed as many thought Wright deserved the decision and title.
QUESTIONS
Hopkins: * Even with Freddie Roach in the corner, will the absence of long-time cornerman Brother Nazim Richardson adversely affect Hopkins?
* Is Hopkins rapidly declining with his win over Tarver more a case of the larger man’s struggles to make weight and lack of focus due to movie commitments?
* Can his legs and stamina hold up if Wright sets a brisk pace?
* Is he still as motivated as he was coming up as an anti-establishment fighter with a king-sized chip on his shoulder?
Wright: * Will Wright be able to handle Hopkins crafty style and frequent dirty tactics?
* Is he moving up too high in weight against a naturally larger and stronger opponent?
* Does he have the power to backup and discourage the iron-jawed Hopkins?
* If he falls behind early, what gameplan will he look to employ?
PENECALE PREDICTION
Going into this bout, it is either predicted to be a tactical bore-fest that will entertain only the true boxing geeks or a surprisingly exciting back-and-forth action-filled battle. While it will be no Gatti-Ward or Castillo-Corrales, it will be a better bout than many expect. Hopkins is unfamiliar in the role of the underdog, which he is in this bout, and that will motivate him. Wright is no stranger to motivation and knowing this bout has a lot riding on it will have him equally as motivated coming in.
The early rounds will be slow-paced as Hopkins will look to work the angles and probe openings with his jab and right hand. Wright will stand in front of Hopkins, flat-footed, parrying punches and looking to land his jab and straight left.
Throughout his career, Hopkins has beaten more top-notch southpaws than any other fighter on the planet today. He will use that experience to keep himself in proper position. His lead right hand, which was his primary weapon against Tarver will break through Wright’s guard, and he will follow up by getting close to Wright, landing body punches on the inside, and roughing him up.
Wright will have his moments and he will land his share of jabs and straight lefts. But, unlike his other opponents who were clearly affected and discouraged, Hopkins will be neither. The bout will see a good flow of momentum as both boxers will take turns countering each others counter punches.
Most of the close rounds will be decided by one prevailing factor. Hopkins likes to defend by slipping and rolling with punches. Wright is more adapt at holding his guard high and blocking punches with his gloves and arms. With his punches landing on Wright, even if they are not clean, scoring punches, many close rounds will be in Hopkins favor.
Going into the late rounds, Hopkins will have a slight lead, forcing Wright to open up his attack. He will score but Hopkins will pivot out of most danger, instead of backing up like Taylor and Mosley did, and fire counter right hands.
The chance of this bout ending inside the distance is remote, unless something unusual happens. In a combined 107 bouts, neither has been stopped or ever really beaten up. This bout will go to the scorecards. It will be Hopkins work over the close rounds that will win him a close decision. Wright will move back to middleweight where he will campaign for the winner of September bout between Jermain Taylor and Kelly Pavlik, or maybe a bout with a rebounding Edison Miranda. Hopkins will talk retirement again but will try to secure a bout with Roy Jones, Glen Johnson, or a comebacking Felix Trinidad.
8 COUNT’S SUMMER SIZZLE SET FOR FRIDAY THE 13TH
Posted on | July 12, 2007 | No Comments
Chicago’s 8 Count Productions has finalized plans for SUMMER SIZZLE, an outstanding night of professional boxing set for the Congress Theater this Friday night, July 13th. Tickets for can be purchased in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800.
The newly remodeled Congress Theater is conveniently located minutes from downtown Chicago at 2135 N. Milwaukee, just one mile west of the Kennedy Expressway by way of the Armitage Ave. exit.
Doors for this event open at 5:30pm with the first bell at 6:30pm. For additional information on the Congress Theater, please visit their website at www.congresschicago.com
Said Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, “We’ve got seven terrific bouts which gives Chicago fight fans a great opportunity to see boxing hottest prospects and rising stars.”
“In the main event, both Cardenas and Lorenzo are staples of SOLO BOXEO and true warriors who will fight to the end. Hilario’s a terrific looking prospect but he’s in very tough with Martinez in the co-main.”
“On the undercard we’re thrilled to bring back Francisco Rodriguez who’s always been very popular in Chicago. Ivan Rodriguez and Vineash Rungea is a rematch of a terrific bout which ended in a draw last year at the Aragon.”
“Miguel Angel Garcia is the younger brother former lightweight champion Roberto Garcia and I know Top Rank is very high on this kid.”
“Fonfara is a real skilled young Polish kid who’s built a huge following but he’s in very tough against Joshua Rodriguez who had that crushing knockout earlier this year over Gustavo Palacios at Cicero Stadium.”
“Rounding out the card is George Esho who’s making his pro debut against Johnny Parker, a tough kid from Indiana.”
“We’re also have a drawing for tickets to our next show, WAR FOR 4!, the big event
at the Allstate Arena on August 4th.”
SUMMER SIZZLE is 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated along with TCF Bank and TECATE Beer. The SOLO BOXEO broadcast will be viewed in more than 42 US markets and 70 foreign countries.
The full SUMMER SIZZLE card is as follows;
Baudel Cardenas vs. Francisco Lorenzo, ten rounds, super featherweights
Wilton Hilario vs. Juan Carlos Martinez, eight rounds, super featherweights
Ivan Rodriguez vs. Vineash Rungea, six rounds, super bantamweights
Francisco Rodriguez vs. Alejandro Garcia, six rounds bantamweights
Miguel Angel Garcia vs. Manuel Sarabia, six rounds, super featherweights
Andrzej Fonfara, vs. Joshua Rodriguez, four rounds, junior middleweights
George Esho vs. Johnny Parker, four rounds, junior welterweights
The Master of Ceremonies for SUMMER SIZZLE will be the internationally recognized voice of Latino boxing, Lupe Contreras.
The open to the public weigh-in for this event will be held at Chicago’s Club Aquarius at 7pm on Thursday, July 12th. Club Aquarius, featuring some of the finest Mexican food in Chicago, is located at 2459 N. Pulaski on the Northwest Side of Chicago.
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.
To view the poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxinggym.com
CREATING CONTENDERS SINCE 1997
WBC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TURMOIL
Posted on | July 12, 2007 | 1 Comment
WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS
July 11, 2007 – Mexico City.
From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
“Due to the fact that the WBC heavyweight champion of the world, Oleg Maskaev of Russia, has refused, through his representative, to sign the contract to fight mandatory challenger Samuel Peter of Nigeria, the President of the African Boxing Union, Houcine Houichi, has sent a recommendation for the WBC to not only continue in court on the case presented by the champion’s representative, but to also unfreeze the heavweight championship by immediately ordering an interim heavyweight world championship between Samuel Peter and the highest rated available contender in the WBC ratings, according to the WBC rules and regulations, while the court case by Maskaev’s representative is resolved.”
MICKY WARD AND MARKY MARK PAIR UP FOR CHARITY PROMOTION
Posted on | July 12, 2007 | No Comments
Ward, Wahlberg and Labor Unions Team Up In Fight For Children Legendary boxing warrior “Irish” Micky Ward has joined forces with celebrity actor Mark Wahlberg and Labor leaders throughout the country, to support and assist inner-city children in making their dreams become a reality.
They will host their first group event, an evening of amateur boxing on July 25th at the 2nd Annual Boston Labor’s Fight Night at the Roxy in Boston. The private event with a limited number of corporate sponsorships still available, will include an open bar, hors d’ouvres, raffles, live auctions, silent auctions, giveaways, and the opportunity to meet the many celebrity attendees!
Ward got involved with these fund-raising events two years ago, when he attended the 4th Annual Chicago Labor’s Fight Night with Arturo Gatti. Since that evening he has formed “The Team Micky Ward Charitable Foundation” and currently plans on doing two such events a year with The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation – with the other event to be held in Chicago. In the three events they have put on thus far, Ward has raised over $200,000, with the money having been dispersed to various charitable organizations throughout the country.
With the addition of Mark Wahlberg’s support, the future promises an even greater amount of success. “I may be retired from boxing, but I haven’t stopped fighting yet,” Ward states. “The Team Micky Ward Charitable Foundation has now teamed up with Wahlberg and the Labor Movement in an effort to help the inner-city youth whenever, and wherever, possible. Anyone that’s ever seen me fight, knows that I gave one-hundred-percent inside the boxing ring, and
I will continue to do so for this tremendous cause.
Now that I have joined forces with the Unions, Mark and everyone involved with the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, this is a fight that we won’t lose!”
Mark Wahlberg began the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation in 2001. Since the inception of the Foundation, Mark with the help of friends and family has since dedicated countless hours of his time in striving to help inner-city children to overcome their financial circumstances and attain their dreams. Whether it be taking hundreds of children camping in Martha’s Vineyard, feeding 700 needy families in South Central Los Angeles on Thanksgiving, or picking up the tab for the cost of field trips for middle-school children in Hackensack, New Jersey, Mark is always at the ready, when it comes to making himself available to help children in need.
Ward’s life after boxing has brought about many new ventures, to include his capacity as a boxing trainer. Currently, Ward is winding down training camp with Arturo Gatti, as Gatti prepares for his upcoming, July 14 bout with Alfonso Gomez. Arturo enlisted the assistance of Ward, bringing him in as head trainer for his HBO showdown with Gomez, putting the final touches on the real life Rocky story. Amongst his many post-boxing endeavors, Ward is currently awaiting a Paramount Productions movie based on his life and boxing career. The movie, which is to aptly be named “The Fighter,” is slated to begin filming sometime this year, with Mark Wahlberg slated to play the part of Micky.
For further information on the July 25th 2nd Annual Boston Labor’s Fight Night, to include sponsorship opportunities and donations, please contact Courtney Church at 617.450.0600, or via email @ courtney@corinthianevents.com
For more information on the Mark Wahlberg Youth Organization or to make a donation to this worthy cause please visit www.markwahlbergyouthfoundation.com.
Contact
Patrick Kelley
Punch Out Publicity
pkelleypr@gmail.com
XYIENCE SHAREHOLDERS CONFERENCE LETTER
Posted on | July 11, 2007 | 3 Comments
Fight News Unlimited recently received the following letter from one of our inside sources. We have been gathering new leads and hearing new rumors–such as the possibility Chuck Liddell may sue Xyience–to add to our series. Something is certainly peculiar with the lack of the Xyience name in recent advertising campaigns. The company’s entire focus seems to have shifted to the Xenergy brand. Whatever the explanation for that tactic, the company is obviously up to something there. In addition to the following letter, dispatches and phone calls from Billy Pike (Xyience founder’s brother) have been coming in to sources and to Fight News Unlimited. Here is the most recent communication received from William Pike, Jr.:
“On 7/11/07, remor
Changed my mind! I wouldn’t pay $5 for you co*@suckers to do anything…Give it up! You are worthless and useless and nobody wants your fu@#ing help you freaks! Why don’t you paste this email on your site you fu&%up.”
Certainly sounds like someone is a bit angry. At any rate, the following letter describes a shareholder’s conference and mentions some interesting tidbits, giving the conference the aura of a forum to suck more funds out of the pockets of investors. Nobody really knows what Xyience has in mind as far as settling their debts, moving past the bevy of lawsuits they are involved in at the moment, and putting together an effective roadmap to go public. Whatever they have planned to get out from under their recent troubles, it is going to have to be a well-orchestrated, complicated, and comprehensive campaign to turn the sinking ship around. I wish all the current investors luck in receiving any real return on their investments.
XYIENCE SHAREHOLDERS’ LETTER:
June 21, 2007
Dear Shareholders :
We are excited to hold the first Annual Investor Conference July 11th and
12th at the Red Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. As many of you know,
Xyience has gone through a number of changes in the past year both in terms
of leadership and shift in focus on business strategy with the launch of
Xenergy. As part of the new management team leading the company through its
next evolutionary phase, we wanted to take the opportunity to provide
shareholders with an update of the company’s current status as well as
provide an overview of the long-term vision and strategic roadmap. On a
positive note, we are optimistic that the strength of our brand, the
reception of our products in the marketplace, and our relationship with the
UFC continues to bode well for the potential of becoming a leader in the
space. However, not unlike many start-up companies, we do continue to face
significant challenges — both operationally and financially — and we
believe this open communication is an important step in managing shareholder
expectations.
This conference will be a great opportunity for you to meet management, ASK QUESTIONS, and present concerns in smaller forums prior to The Annual
Shareholder Meeting which will take place sometime in the third quarter of
this year following completion of the Company’s 2004-06 Financil Audit.
Wednesday, July 11th
——————————
Session #1 9:15 am – 10:45 am
Session #2 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Session #3 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Thursday, July 12th
—————————
Session #1 9:15 am – 10:45 am
Session #2 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Session #3 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
We look forward to meeting you and the opportunity for you to learn more
about Xyience. Advanced reservation is required and ONLY current
shareholders are invited. Please contact Nina at 702-430-5400. Sessions are
limited to no more than 20 investors and they are on a first come , first
served basis.
Best Regards,
The Xyience Management Team
Tags: advertising > Chuck Liddell > fight news > interesting tidbits > investor conference > Letter > name > new leads > news > news unlimited > Nobody > recent advertising campaigns > remor > roadmap > series > Session > sinking ship > something > William Pike > Xyience
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