BLUE HORIZON REPORT: YORGEY NOTCHES ANOTHER WIN
Posted on | June 3, 2007 | 2 Comments
Blue Horizon Boxing Report – 6/1/07
Yorgey impressive in win over Aguirre
By Tony Penecale
The term “Blue Horizon Blue Plate Special” was coined by boxing analyst and former world champion Sean O’Grady when he worked as a color man for USA network’s Tuesday Night Fights series. The term described a spectacular slugfest in the small and often stifling-hot arena, which gave the Blue Horizon its “Legendary” moniker.
Although the weekly series on USA is no longer aired, the existence of the “Blue Horizon Blue Plate Special” is alive and well. The fans that jam-packed the 100 degree arena on Friday night were treated to a “Blue Plate Special” as Harry Joe Yorgey won a hard-fought unanimous decision over Edson Aguirre in the main event of a solid nine-bout fight card.
Yorgey, 154, Bridgeport PA, was returning to the Blue Horizon for the first time since 2004 when he suffered a broken jaw in winning a decision over Larry Brothers. Yorgey boxed well in the 1st round, landing spearing jabs against the aggressive Aguirre. After finding his range, Yorgey started to set down on his punches, landing hard counter right hands and uppercuts that while they sent Aguirre staggering, they did not deter him from coming forward.
Aguirre, 154, Greensboro NC via Mexico, found some success in the middle rounds, forcing Yorgey to the ropes and firing and assortment of punches to the head and body. Yorgey fought well off the ropes before getting his second wind in the 7th round and taking the control back from his tiring opponent. The 8th and final round saw some excellent two-way action with Yorgey getting the better of it, which had the fans on their feet at the bell, giving a standing ovation to both boxers for the excellent scrap.
All three judges had Yorgey winning the bout by scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 78-74. The popular Yorgey raises his record to 19-0-1 (9) while Aguirre, who won the respect of the Philadelphia crowd with his heart, skill, and sportsmanship, sees his record fall to 12-7-1 (2).
In the lead under-card bout, Dave Brunelli outboxed and outfought Aaron Lyons over six rounds. Brunelli, 218, Philadelphia used his advantaged in height and reach to keep Lyons, 231, Gulfport MS, on the outside and in punching range.
Brunelli was looking to rebound from a decision loss to Levon Warner in January against Lyons who was known for a one-round TKO over Joey Abell. Lyons tried to force the action in the first three rounds while Brunelli was content to jab and box from the outside. Lyons started to tired late in the 3rd which allowed Brunelli to throw a series of short punches from the outside.
Brunelli landed some good punches on the exhausted Lyons in the 4th and 5th rounds before coasting in the 6th en-route to a unanimous decision win by scores of 59-55 (twice) and 58-56.
Brunelli improves to 7-2 (3) while Lyons suffers his first defeat and is now 5-1 (4).
In Other Bouts:
Philadelphia’s up-and-coming lightweight prospect “Hammerin” Hank Lundy, 136, scored an impressive win over 50-fight veteran Reggie Sanders, 135, Fort Wayne IN. Lundy spent most of the first round trying to figure out Sanders awkward southpaw style, even switching southpaw himself, before settling down in the 2nd round and landing hard shots that put Sanders on his bicycle. The assault continued in the 3rd round where Lundy dropped Sanders with a vicious assault in the corner. Sanders was in clear survival mode during the 4th round, clinching and holding whenever Lundy got close. Lundy tried for the stoppage victory but also entertained the crowd by landing behind-the-back bolo punches as the round concluded.
Lundy took home the decision by scores of 40-35 (twice) and 40-34, improving his record to 6-0 (4) while Sanders dips to 12-39-4 (2).
Najee Murray, 160, Philadelphia, opened the card with a decision victory over Jason Collazo, 157, Patterson NJ. Murray kept his range early in the bout while Collazo was content to pose more than punch. Murray scored knockdowns in the 3rd and 4th rounds but failed to finish Collazo.
Murray was awarded the decision by scores of 40-34 (all three judges) and wins his pro debut and is now 1-0. Collazo, whose best offense was his menacing facial gestures, falls to 0-2.
Bryheim Douglas, 134, Philadelphia, fought to a majority draw Mondre Pope, 133, Norfolk VA in an entertaining scrap. Pope fought aggressively from his southpaw stance while Douglas sat down on effective right hands and hurtful body shots. Douglas kept the body attack through the 2nd round while Pope was less aggressive. Pope tried to rebound in the 3rd firing big punches while Douglas was content to land sharpshooter straight rights. Douglas tried to coast in the 4th while Pope was able to land some big punches.
One judge had Douglas ahead 39-37 but was outvoted by the other two who turned in scores of 38-38. This reporter favored Douglas by the score of 39-37, who now resides at 1-0-2, with his last two bouts ending in stalemates, while Pope, who was making his pro debut, is 0-0-1.
Rapidly improving Jacob Rodriguez, 174, Philadelphia, won a sloppy technical decision over Juergen Hartenstein, 175, Germany. The bout featured a lot of awkward action, including grappling and shoulderblocks. But when the actual punches were landed, it was all Rodriguez, as he repeatedly staggered his balance-challenged opponent. A clash of heads in the 2nd round caused a bad cut on Hartenstein’s forehead. Rodriguez had his opponent staggering badly in the 3rd and 4th rounds before the doctor was forced to stop the bout with Hartenstein’s face a crimson mask.
Since the cut was caused by a headbutt, it went to the scorecards, with Rodriguez winning by the score of 40-36 (all three judges). Rodriguez, who has a deceiving record, improves to 8-16 (5) while Hartenstein drops to 11-12-1 (2).
An entertaining female scrap was marred by a cut as Michelle Garland, 148, Philadelphia and Akima Stocks, 153, Newark NJ, were engaged in a crowd-pleasing slugfest. Stocks attacked from the opening bell and forcing the fight to Garland. Garland, while she was taking the brunt of the punishment, did land some good punches. The action picked up a notch in the 2nd round, with Stocks landing bombs, one of which knocked Garland’s mouthpiece into the lap of former light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion Michael Spinks, sitting in the 2nd row. During the sequence of the action, a headbutt opened a bad cut over Garland’s right eye which forced the doctor to stop the bout.
Since the bout did not complete three full rounds before the stoppage, it goes into the book as a “no-contest”. Garland, making her pro debut to honor her late brother, William Boggs, a Blue Horizon favorite, who was tragically cut down by street violence last year, has her record now at 0-0-1 while Stocks, who has the potential to be an exciting combatant in the female boxing scene is now 1-0-1 (1).
In a keep-busy tuneup bout, Derek Ennis, 154, Philadelphia, made quick work of the over-matched Mike McGuire, dropping him three times in the opening round, forcing the referee to stop the bout. Ennis was firing crisp and compact punches while McGuire flailed away with ineffective punches. The first knockdown came courtesy of a straight right. It got no better for McGuire, 161, Topeka KS, who was immediately felled by a left hook, and for the final time by another right hand.
Ennis improves to 12-1-1 (9) while McGuire falls to 5-17-1 (2).
For those who stayed for the “walk out” bout, they had the chance to yell “TIMBER” as Faruq Saleem, 248, Newark NJ, felled the 6’8” Wallace McDaniel, 289, Augusta GA, with a single uppercut, which caused the big man to hit the canvas with a resounding thud where he was counted out in less than one minute of the 1st round.
Saleem improves his record to 36-0 (32) and should be ready to take a step up against better opposition. McDaniel drops to 8-18-1 (4).
Aside from Michael Spinks, other notables in attendance included former heavyweight contender and movie star, Randall “Tex” Cobb, former featherweight world champion Calvin Grove, former USBA lightweight champion Ivan Robinson, former USBA middleweight champion Willie Gibbs, and up-and-coming prospects Eddie Chambers, Chazz Witherspoon, and Anthony Thompson. The next scheduled card at the Legendary Blue Horizon is scheduled for September 7.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OFFICIAL POST-FIGHT PRESS RELEASE
YORGEY WINS AGAIN AT BLUE HORIZON: FULL RESULTS HERE
Posted on | June 3, 2007 | 1 Comment
Yorgey pounds Aguirre in front of packed house at The Legendary Blue Horizon
Philadelphia (June 1st, 2007)—“Lighting” Harry Joe Yorgey thrilled a sold-out crowd by pounding Edson Aguirre over eight rounds to win a unanimous decision in a Jr. Middleweight bout to highlight a nine bout card at The Legendary Blue Horizon.
Yorgey, 154 lbs of Bridgeport, PA Hit Aguirre with every punch imaginable but the Greensboro, North Carolina native shook off the punches and continued to come forward and take some more punishment.
Yorgey was never in any danger as he cruised to the unanimous decision by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 to remain undefeated at 19-0-1. Aguirre earned his paycheck but is now 12-7-1
“I stunned him with the counter right hand and I saw him stumble. I saw him get knocked down a few times against Joe Greene and he kept getting up and kept fighting so I knew he was tough.” said a victorious Yorgey.
It was a special night at The Legendary Blue Horizon as the star-studded crowd which included former heavyweight champion Michael Spinks, HBO’s Harold Ledderman, Charlotte Bobcat owner Bob Johnson along with a Philadelphia boxing luminaries Eddie Chambers, Chazz Witherspoon and Anthony Thompson was treated to a great night of boxing which will be seen all across the country on local Comcast Sportsnet.
FULL RESULTS
Harry Joe Yorgey (19-0-1) 154 lbs of Bridgeport, PA UD 8 over Edson Aguirre, (12-7-1) 154 lbs of Greensboro, NC…Scores 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74
Furuq Saleem (36-0, 32 KO’s), 248 lbs of Newark, NJ KO 1 (1:01) over Wallace McDaniel (8-18-1), 289 lbs of Augusta, GA
Derek Ennis (12-1-1, 9 KO’s) 154 lbs of Philadelphia TKO 1 (2:03) over Mike McGuire (5-17-1) 161 ½ lbs of Topkea, KS
Dave Brunelli (7-2), 218 lbs of Philadelphia UD 6 over Arron Lyons (5-1) 231 ½ lbs of Gulfport, MS…scores were 59-55-, 59-55 and 58-56
Henry Lundy (6-0), 136 ½ lbs of Philadelphia UD 4 over Reggie Sanders (12-40-2), 135 lbs of Fort Wayne, IND…scores were 40-34, 40-34 and 40-35
Michelle Garland, 148 ½ lbs of Philadelphia and Akima Stocks, 153 lbs (1-0) of Newark fought to a no-contest after two rounds due to a cut suffered by Garland after round 2
Jacob Rodriguez, (8-16), 174 lbs of Philadelphia UD 4 Over Juergan Hartenstien. 175 lbs (11-12-1) of Germany
Bryheim Douglas (1-0-2), 134 lbs of Philadelphia and Mondre Pope (0-0-1), 133 of Norfolk, VA fought to a four round draw…Scores were 39-37 for Douglas, 38-38, 38-38
Najee Murray (1-0), 160 lbs of Philadelphia UD 4 over Jason Collazo (0-2), 157 lbs of Patterson, NJ…scores were 40-34 on all cards
LIAM HARRISON INTERVIEW
Posted on | May 31, 2007 | 2 Comments
Liam Harrison is currently one of the hottest tickets in Muay Thai. His confident, positive fighting style makes him a “must see” fighter and his strength and determination make his often top of the bill fights explosive and eventful occasions.
On May the 28th 2007 he gave Fight News Unlimited the privilege of an interview.
FNU: How old are you ?
LIAM: I’m 21, 22 in October
FNU: Where are you from ?
LIAM: I’m from Leeds (England) I train at Bad Company Gym in Leeds and Jitti Gym in Bangkok.
FNU: How long have you been involved in Thai Boxing ?
LIAM: About 8 years now, I started when I was 13 I had my first fight when I was 14.
FNU: How many fights have you had altogether ?
LIAM: My next one’s in a month at the Bad Company show at Leeds Town Hall that’ll be my 45th or 46th fight I’m not quite sure it’s around that.
FNU: How many of those have you won? What’s your record ?
LIAM: It’s about 38 wins, 2 draw, 5 losses I think something like that.
FNU: So who is it you’re fighting next month and how do you think it’ll go ?
LIAM: Numphon PK stereo, he’s currently the number one ranked lightweight at Rajadamnern stadium. It’s going to be a tough fight, I’ll have to be at the top of my game but I think I can beat him.
FNU: What accolades, titles have you got ?
LIAM: I’ve been ranked number one in Great Britain since I was 17, I’m in the WBC world rankings at number 12, I’m WPMF World Champion and before all those I won a British and European title as well.
FNU: What weight do you fight at ?
LIAM: My best weight’s probably 61.5 to 63.5 kg, but I have been known to take fights as high as 69 kg as well. My strongest weight’s probably 63 to be honest.
FNU: So at the age of 21 what do you see for the future ? How do you see your career as a fighter going ?
LIAM: Well there’s more money coming into the sport at the moment, so hopefully now even though I’ve had 45 fights it should just be taking off with money from TV coverage and sponsorship the sport is really starting to take a big step forwards. Hopefully with the money coming into the sport I can actually make a decent living from it.
FNU: What’s that, Muay Thai or K1?
LIAM: Both really. Although K1 is where the big money is, the money in Muay Thai is getting a bit better as well. I’ve got a couple of decent sponsors so I pick up a bit of money there. I was meant to fight K1 last month but the Japanese guy pulled out with only a week to go so it was bit late to find a replacement, but they are making a couple of new weight divisions in the K1 at 60 kg and 80 kg so hopefully if I can cut a bit of weight and see what happens at 60 kg and get in the mainstream over there in Japan.
FNU: Europeans are always going to be fighting more in Europe than in Thailand, you’ve fought in both places. What’s the difference to an outsider between fighting in Europe and fighting in Thailand ?
LIAM: Well fighting in Europe against another European it’s totally different, the Thai’s are just made different. They’re up every day from 6 or 8 years old training every day and night so when you come across a top stadium fighter in Thailand it is like clinching or hitting a piece of steel. They are absolutely the strongest people you will come across. If you are going to beat a top Thai you have to be on the top of your game. In Thailand it’s a bit different fighting out there when there’s two thousand gamblers cheering for the Thai they’ve bet money on as opposed to over here where you’ve got 200 people cheering you on, willing you to win. It’s a bit of a weird experience like the Lion’s Den.
FNU: How far have you got with your fights in Thailand ?
LIAM: I’ve had about 11 fights out there now. The only people I’ve ever lost to I’ve had five losses on my record and they’re all against Thais. I’ve had two against the current Rajadamnern Champion at 63 kg, I lost a Rajadamnern Champion from a couple of years ago, I’ve lost Duwao Comudorn who’s beaten Anuwrat (Kaewsamrit) twice and I was the only person ever to drop Duwao, he’s had 150 fights and fought all the big names, he’s never been down, I dropped him in the second round but he got himself back in the fight and won on points. I’ve never been stopped, I’ve never been beaten badly. I’ve always given a tough, close fight. It’s just when you come against the top Thais they’ve had 150 fights in every different style. They know how to win a fight, not just win it they can often just nick it, they know how to just pip you at the post without getting hurt, but I think with a few more fights under my belt I might be able to get the better of them. I think in a couple more years I will be beating these top names.
FNU: AS a fighter what do you see as your strengths ?
LIAM: I like to think I can adapt my game to any style, but to be honest my strong points are walking forward, strong punches, strong kicks. Against the Thai’s you’re not really going to out clinch a Thai, they’re so clever. A top Thai is very clever, you’re never going to out kick them, you’ve got to get them on their back foot. You have got to hurt them to beat them, dig in, dig your punches in, dig your kicks in that’s the way to beat them. There’s no westerner really out there who’s going to out point or outscore a top 10 fighter, you’ve got to just grit your teeth, walk forward and push and fight hard.
FNU: Who are your influences or heroes ? Who do you look up to ?
LIAM: In the last couple of years my current Thai trainers are Singdaeng Kietdee and Rajasak Sor Vorapin. After hearing their records 2 or three hundred fights, both of them were three time champions neither of them were ever knocked out. To go 200 fights and never get knocked out it’s ridiculous really when you’re thinking of punches elbows and knees all coming at you. My current favourite fighter who I look up to is Bukauw Por Pramot , Anuwrat Kaewsamrit, Bukauw’s currently doing well in the K1 at the moment, they’re the men I really aspire to.
FNU: What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t Thai boxing ?
LIAM: I used to be a really good footballer. I had trials at Leeds, Barnsley, and Sheffield Wednesday but I never quite made the cut. I still sneak in the odd game now and then, I know I shouldn’t because of injury. It would be something to do with sport anyway.
FNU: what are your interests outside Thai boxing ?
LIAM: It is my life really so when I’m not at the gym fighting I’m here training the other fighters and obviously I enjoy going out with my mates. I’m only 21 years old I enjoy going out, having the odd drink, the odd celebration when I’m not fighting but Muay Thai does take up my life to be fair.
FNU: What do you think you’ll do when you stop fighting ?
LIAM: Probably see how far I can go as a good teacher. Possibly one day open my own gym who knows, I’m just going with the flow at the minute see what happens.
FNU: Is there anyone you want to say hello to ?
LIAM: I’ll give a shout out to everyone at Bad Company, Richard Smith who brought me from a cheeky 13 year old when I walked into the gym to the World Champion that I am today.
DYNAMITE FIGHT INFO AND PHOTOS
Posted on | May 31, 2007 | 1 Comment
Photos: TOM CASINO / FEG
Four of the MMA fighters who’ll appear on EliteXC’s portion of Saturday’s SHOWTIME telecast at the Coliseum arrived in Los Angeles Wednesday.
Posing for headshots: Royce Gracie, Ido Pariente, Jake Shields, Nam Phan, Jonathan Wiezorek and Tim Persey.
Rising welterweight Shields will make his ProElite/EliteXC debut against Pariente and Wiezorek takes on Persey, a replacement for Antonio Silva, in a super heavyweight match.
The one-hour SHOWTIME telecasts begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The pay-per-view portion of Saturday’s “Dynamite!! USA” fight card will immediately follow (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). It will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME® PPV. Contact your pay-per-view provider to order “Dynamite!! USA .”
Tickets, priced from $10 to $1000, are on sale via Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com and the Los Angeles Coliseum box office.
DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT’S BROADWAY BOXING RETURNS TO GRAND BALLROOM AT MANHATTAN CENTER on JUNE 20
Posted on | May 31, 2007 | 1 Comment
SUMMER HEAT ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, WHEN DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT’S BROADWAY BOXING RETURNS TO GRAND BALLROOM AT MANHATTAN CENTER FEATURING JAIDON CODRINGTON VS. OMAR SHEIKA IN 10 ROUND SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT MAIN EVENT
***Edgar Santana Squares Off Against Harrison Cuello in co-featured 10 Round Junior Welterweight Contest***
New York, May 30—With summer right around the corner, it will be an evening of hot boxing action when DiBella Entertainment presents another installment of Broadway Boxing at the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center in New York City on Wednesday night, June 20, headlined by knockout artist Jaidon Codrington vs. Omar Sheika in the 10 round super middleweight main event.
“This is one of the best main events since the inception of Broadway Boxing three years ago,” said DBE president Lou DiBella. “It’s a superb action fight with much on the line for both fighters.”
Codrington (15-1, 11 KO’s), fighting out of Laurelton, NY, by way of Bridgeport, CT, faces a stiff challenge from the ring veteran Sheika (26-8, 17 KO’s) of Patterson in the super middleweight battle with a local flavor pitting New York against New Jersey.
The co-feature marks the return of fan favorite Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana (21-2, 13 KO’s) of Spanish Harlem against another local product, Harrison Cuello (12-5, 9 KO’s), of New York City , in a junior welterweight 10-round affair.
Santana, the Puerto Rican standout who has become a fixture on Broadway Boxing, has reeled off 16 consecutive victories, including 14 in a row in New York .
Broadway Boxing is sponsored by HBO Sports, and Gallagher’s Steak House.
The excitement of Broadway Boxing’s fights and the electricity of the crowds at the Manhattan Center have drawn the likes of celebrities and athletes such as Jay Z, Hilary Swank, Rosario Dawson, Fat Joe, Camron, Lennox Lewis, Jermain Taylor, Ricky Hatton, Tiki Barber and Tracy McGrady to name a few.
Tickets priced at $150, $100, $80, $60, and $40 for standing room only are available by calling DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577.
Ricardo Lopez: An Under-Appreciated Boxing Legend
Posted on | May 31, 2007 | 2 Comments
Ricardo Lopez’ legacy: is it really respected?
By Matt Yanofsky
Both Espn.Com and Eastsideboxing.com have released recent all time pound for pound lists. While both lists factored in multiple eras—ranging from the time of Jack Johnson to today’s Floyd Mayweather—one of the most well rounded and dominant fighters of any generation were left off both lists. I have always been one to defend the lower weight class champions. Many of them don’t receive the recognition they deserve due primarily to a lack of TV exposure. US boxing fans don’t really follow the lighter weight classes, as American pugilists are rarely seen fighting under 126 lbs.
Ricardo “Finito” Lopez, the longtime Strawweight king who had an incredible 21 defenses of his title as well as three defenses against former champions as a Junior Flyweight has had his legacy altered by fans and analysts citing his weight class as the reason. Lopez was frequently featured on Don King’s Pay Per View undercards and did face quality champions: opponents such as Rosendo Alvarez, Alex Sanchez, Ratanapol Sor Vorapin, and Zolani Petelo. In addition, Ricardo Lopez is one of only a hand full of what I call 5 tool fighters {speed, power, chin, defense and boxing ability}.
During his title reign, the 2007 Hall of Fame inductee was ranked in the Ring Magazine’s top ten pound for pound fighters but never peaked in the top half. I find it amazing that a man who retired 51-0 and fought everyone put in front of him was stiffed even by the “bible of boxing”.
I argue that Lopez is not only one of the top three or four fighters in the last 20 years, but one of the greats of any era. I rank him in the top 20 all time regardless of his weight class. A fighter with the talent and accomplishments of Lopez made him truly a special fighter that rarely comes around. Writers, fans, and historians need to give him credit. Many of Lopez’ fights can be seen on youtube.com including his masterful performances against Saman Sorjaturong, Rocky Lin, and Alex Sanchez. Those who have never seen him fight before and are fortunate enough to watch the tapes will watch the jaw dropping ability of one of boxing’s underappreciated greats.
STEELE CAGE ANNOUNCES THIRD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT
Posted on | May 31, 2007 | No Comments
Las Vegas, Nevada – May 30, 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), announce that they have added a third championship fight to their already stacked Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion to be held on July 7, 2007 (7/7/7) at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In addition to the previously scheduled championship fights featuring Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman (13-7-1) against Rob “The Rosedale Reaper” Kimmons (16-2) for the IFO Middleweight Championship and Brandon Shelton (15-1) versus Eric Payne (20-6) for the IFO Featherweight Championship, Steele and Oshins now announce that they have signed Wes “The Project” Sims (18-9-1) to fight Chris Guillen (34-7) for the IFO Heavyweight Championship. The fight card will be televised nationally and will be available in more than five million homes on HDNet (www.HDNet.com).
Sims and Guillen just fought each other in the main event of the Art of War 2 on May 11, 2007 in Austin , Texas with Guillen pulling the upset over Sims in a closely matched three-round decision. Most people expected Sims to win the fight because of his UFC experience and his seven-fight winning streak. “The fans love a good rivalry,” stated Richard Steele. “Guillen wanted to give Sims a rematch, and what better place to get it on than on national TV,” Steele continued. “And why not make it an even bigger event by putting the IFO Heavyweight belt on the line?”
In other news, David “The Crow” Loiseau has had to withdraw from this Steele Cage event because of an injury. Steele Cage has signed Amir Rahnavardi to fill in for the Crow to fight Chilo Gonzalez. Rahnavardi is a veteran fighter who has fought in Pride, the IFL, King of the Cage and the WEC.
Tickets for the 7/7/7 event, called Fireworks in the Cage, can be purchased online at www.orleansarena.com or by calling the Orleans Arena at 702-284-7777 or 888-234-2334. Ticket prices range from $45.00 to $175.00.
THE ICEMAN VS. RAMPAGE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
Posted on | May 30, 2007 | 1 Comment
BREAKING DOWN THE UFC 71 MAIN EVENT: WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY
By: Shawn Kovacich
Well as I’m sure you are already aware, the mixed martial arts world was KO’ed almost as quick as the right-handed hook punch that floored the fighter who many considered to be virtually unstoppable and easily, at least until this point, the most feared striker in the light-heavyweight division. Of course I’m talking about the featured fight of the evening during UFC #71 featuring Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
Liddell, who had several years ago been defeated by Jackson during a Pride fight in Japan, has been on a quest to avenge the only three (now four) losses in his illustrious career. The first two being to Randy Couture and Jeremy Horn. Both of which he avenged in stunning fashion in recent bouts. The third loss and now fourth, was to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
Now I have seen both men fight on numerous occasions and I have a very high regard for the capabilities of both. I have to admit that my heart was pulling for Liddell, but my gut instinct told me that Jackson was going to take it. Score one for the gut and zero for the heart.
As we all know, Liddell is primarily a stand-up fighter and should still be considered one of the most feared strikers in the light-heavyweight division. Even though he did suffer a “flash” knockout in this fight, this doesn’t appear to be a damaging knockout as far as long lasting effects are concerned, and shouldn’t affect his ability to strike with devastating knockout power in both of his hands.
Jackson, who is a highly aggressive brawler, is mainly known for his slamming abilities and his phenomenal “ground and pound” fighting abilities. Jackson is also extremely strong and has fought some very talented and tough opponents in the Pride organization.
What will follow is a detailed professional analysis of the fight from start to finish, concluding with some final thoughts concerning both fighters. Please keep in mind that these are my views from my own perspective of the events that transpired. They are by no means intended to shed any kind of negative or disparaging thoughts, words, etc. on either one of the fighters involved. I have a great deal of respect for anyone, and I do mean anyone, who steps onto the mat. So, with further ado let’s get started.
THE FIGHT:
From the opening bell, Jackson was clearly the aggressor as he ran across the octagon to confront Liddell. Throughout the entire fight, Jackson controlled the center of the octagon and made Liddell move about the outside edges. Jackson’s defensive skills with his hands were clearly evident throughout the entire length of the bout as he constantly had his hands up and elbows tucked in to his sides, which would have made any boxing coach grin with pride. Liddell, on the other hand, had his hands spread wide apart, leaving the entire front of his body open. His left hand especially was being held way too low and away from his head, which would ultimately prove to be Liddell’s undoing.
The first landing blow of the fight was a left leg roundhouse kick to the inside of Jackson’s left thigh. There didn’t seem to be much on this kick, and it appeared to be more of a feeling out type of blow rather than one thrown with dubious intent. Liddell didn’t immediately follow up on the kick, but he did after a few moments throw a couple of feeling out jabs at Jackson’s head while both he and Jackson moved about the octagon. None of these jabs connected.
Moments later, Jackson threw an ineffective left jab while Liddell threw an ineffective right hand. Neither blow landed. At this point, Jackson appeared to be a little frustrated at Liddell’s moving about the ring and dropped both of his hands and invited Liddell to come in and fight. Liddell responded with a lunging left jab that connected with little effect. Liddell followed this up with a right handed uppercut and a left hook. Both were again ineffective. Jackson countered these punches with a right hook followed by a left hook that were both strong and powerful, but neither landed with any real power.
Liddell threw a left jab that was fairly ineffective, and then mere moments later threw a looping left hook to the body of Jackson. This was not so much a mistake as was leaving his left hand and arm hanging down around his waist, rather than immediately returning it back to where it should have been throughout the entire fight—up around his head and his elbow in to protect the left side of his body.
Jackson capitalized on Liddell’s mistake and, after effectively defending himself from the looping left hook to the body, brought his right hand around and over the top of Liddell’s left arm in a picture perfect counter right hook to the side of Liddell’s head. This resulted in Liddell being knocked down, but not out as of the moment. However, this was soon rectified as Jackson pressed the attack and jumped on Liddell, landing two more solid right hands to the chin of Liddell, which momentarily knocked him out, causing referee “Big John” McCarthy to step in and stop the fight.
We now have a new UFC light-heavyweight champion of the world, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
THE KNOCKOUT:
Now there were two primary contributing factors that were directly responsible for the effectiveness of Jackson’s hook punch, one of which Jackson himself had absolutely no control over. That one contributing factor was provided by none other than Liddell himself. I have broken these two factors down by fighter and they are as follows:
Liddell:
If you watched the knockout closely, and boy I did numerous times with my Tivo, you can clearly see that Liddell had left his left hand and arm hanging down around his waist after throwing the looping left hook to Jackson’s body. This resulted in leaving the left hand side of his head completely open and vulnerable to attack. After many times reviewing this fight, I would surmise that the reason Liddell left his left arm hanging down was due to improper training and carelessness. I don’t know what Liddell was thinking leaving himself open like that knowing how powerful of a puncher Jackson is. It seems that Liddell forgot the number one rule of professional fighting, “Protect yourself at all times.”
Jackson:
He obviously took Liddell by surprise when he threw that beautiful right handed hook punch to the head. However, what some of you may not have noticed is the almost picture perfect defense he used to protect himself from Liddell’s looping left hook to the body which immediately preceded the right hook to the side of Liddell’s head. Jackson kept his hands up and elbows in throughout the entire duration of this bout and this proved to be instrumental in protecting himself from Liddell’s looping left hook to the body. That and ducking his head just prior to throwing his right hook around and over the top of Liddell’s left arm, which just so happened to be hanging down around his waist at the time, rather than being up around his head where it should have been.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS:
Here are my thoughts on how each fighter could improve upon their respective abilities concerning this particular fight.
Liddell:
1. Keep your hands up! I know this sounds simple and it is. I myself learned this the hard way on more than one occasion.
2. Utilize your own kicking ability better by actually throwing more than just one kick. You only threw a single solitary kick the entire fight, and it appeared to be more of a feeling out kick rather than one thrown with intent.
3. Throw your jabs with a purpose! Don’t just lightly flick them out for no apparent reason.
4. Don’t allow your opponent the opportunity to dictate the pace of the fight.
5. Learn and practice how to avoid getting hit while fighting in close proximity to your opponent and, when unable to avoid the punches, learn how to minimize their effect by taking them on the arms and rolling with the force of the punches.
Jackson:
I really am hard pressed to find any real flaws in Jackson’s performance. So having said that, the only thing I can really recommend at this time is to keep training hard and don’t rest on your laurels and you could be champion for quite a long time. Or until you go up against Dan Henderson.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Although this fight resulted in a loss for Liddell, I think you are going to see him come back even more dangerous than before as he has an indomitable spirit and will learn from the mistakes he made in this fight. However, I think it would be foolish to have him come back for a title shot right away. He should have a couple of tune-up fights first in order to regain his confidence and skill level before tackling either Jackson or Dan Henderson, who I pick to beat Jackson when their unification bout for the Pride and UFC titles comes up later this year. As far as Jackson is concerned, this was without a doubt one of his most impressive performances. Although I am picking Henderson to win their bout, I am fully expecting one of the best fights of the year in that match up.
TO CHECK OUT SHAWN’S BOOK SERIES ON THE KICKS OF MARTIAL ARTS GO TO: ACHIEVING KICKING EXCELLENCE
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