SportFight XIX POST-FIGHT REPORT
Posted on | May 7, 2007 | No Comments
Press Release
Story and Photos by Greg Peterson / Greg’s Photography Inc.
SportFight XIX
Cinco de Mayhem
Saturday, May 5, 2007 in Portland, Oregon at the Rose Garden Arena, Matt “The Law” Lindland and Randy “The Natural” Couture once again produced an incredible night of fights. SportFight XIX, otherwise known as “Cinco de Mayhem” gave the audience everything they could want in a mixed martial arts event. There were 11 fights on the card that included a highly anticipated Main Event rematch between Enoch Wilson vs. Travis Bush. By the end of the night there were 2 KOs, 4 Tapouts, 3 Referee stoppages, 1 disqualification for biting, and 1 unanimous decision. Out of 11 fights only one went to judges score cards and once again it was the Main Event between Wilson and Bush. These two warriors previously battled at SportFight 18 in a fight that went the distance and ended in a draw. This time around the judges unanimously decided that Travis Bush pushed the action and received the win to become the new SportFight Champion.
The Co-Main Event could definitely be considered Mayhem. Everyone knew that Ed Nuno vs Eddy Ellis could only result in an all out war. Both fighters have displayed their skills and abilities in previous SportFights, and by doing so have built an incredible fan base. The SportFight fans were almost evenly split on who they wanted to win and cheered the fighters thru the entire fight. There was never a dull moment in this fight, both fighters exchanged kicks and punches. Ellis did get a couple of takedowns and caught Nuno in a rear naked choke that seemed to be the end of the fight. However, Nuno escaped the choke and reversed the action with his well known “Bam Bam” style and Knocked Out Ellis at 4:53 of Round 2. The new SportFight Welterweight Champion is Team Quest’s own Ed “Bam Bam” Nuno, and no one was happier than the former Welterweight Champion and Team Quest teammate Chris “The Professor” Wilson, who retired his belt due to being signed by the IFL.
Other Mayhem fights of the night included a submission by Team Quest’s Jon Krohn over Whisper Goodman. Krohn once again proves that he is a warrior in 205 lb. weight class and continues to give the crowd what they want….huge takedowns, amazing strikes, and nonstop action that included the final arm bar submission.
The Blake Fredicks vs James Birdsley fight could only be described as Mayhem. These two battled evenly exchanging punches, takedowns and reversals that kept the crowd on their feet. At one point Birdsley released a barrange of punches, Fredicks dropped his guard and smiled to the crowd and let Birdsley’s punches land. After taunting Birdsley, Fredicks started landing his barrage of punches and knocked out his opponents mouth piece several times. In the third round, while Fredicks was trying to secure an arm bar, Birdsley bites Fredicks inner thigh. Once Referee Dave Hagen was made aware of the bite and the doctor confirmed it, Hagen immediately disqualified Birdsley and informed him that was completely unacceptable. Definitely a Mayhem ending to what was a nonstop action fight.
For the first time in SportFight history, a fighter was taken out of the ring by medical personnel on a stretcher. An interesting fact when considering out of 19 SportFights and over 200 fights, this was the first competitor to be taken out of the ring on a stretcher, especially considering how often that happens in other professional sports. Tim Sternod vs Mike Pierce was shaping up to be a great fight when Pierce got his third huge takedown and Sternod landed with his arm behind his head. Sternod immediately started screaming and doctors came to his side to discover his left arm was broke just below the shoulder. This was an unfortunate loss for Sternod, hopefully he will recover and return to the ring for another battle.
Other results are as follows:
Round 1 Josh Bennett referee stoppage victory over Paul Waremecki
52 sec. of Round 2 Rear Naked Choke win for Dave Culbertson vs Tyson Jeffries
1:21 of Round 1 Steve Storwick KO over Greg Thompson
Round 1 Jon Clift defeated Casey McEuin
1:42 of Round 1 Peter Aspenwal victorious over Lynn Bently by tap-out
1:53 of Round 1 Travis Bell by Rear Naked Choke against Rob Stalcup
Randy Couture and Matt Lindland bring SportFight back to Portland on Saturday September 8, 2007. As always log on to www.sportfight.tv and www.gregsphoto.com for results and more info on SportFight.
Tickets for June 2 MMA Extravaganza in LA on Sale
Posted on | May 7, 2007 | No Comments
Dynamite!! USA Tickets Available to Fans This Week
Tickets for June 2 MMA Extravaganza on Sale at
Ticketmaster and the LA Coliseum Box Office Starting Friday, May 4
Los Angeles, May 4, 2007 – Fans looking to take part in mixed martial arts history will have the opportunity to reserve their spot beginning this Friday, when tickets to FEG’s “Softbank presents Dynamite!! USA in association with ProElite” will go on sale via Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com and the Los Angeles Coliseum box office.
Ticket prices for the June 2 event at the LA Coliseum will range from $10 to $1000, depending on seating location. Approximately 90,000 seats will be available on the field and throughout the majority of the stadium bowl, with the exception of limited blocked sections on each end for restricted viewing. In the stadium bowl, seats in the upper sections will sell for $30, with the exception of the west end, which will be $10. The lower bowl will sell for $60 in most areas and $30 in the west end. On the field, tickets will run at $100 on the outer rim, $250 in the middle section and $1,000 at ringside.
Main events on the Dynamite!! USA fight card will include 7-foot-2 South Korean giant Hong Man Choi, aka “Techno Goliath,” who will face off against former NCAA and WWE wrestling champion Brock Lesnar. Also joining the card on June 2 will be mixed martial arts legend Royce Gracie and Johnnie Morton, a former USC Trojan wide receiver and NFL star.
“We went to great lengths to put together matchups that are historic and compelling for Dynamite!! USA,” said Sadaharu Tanikawa, CEO of FEG. “From the immense popularity of MMA events in the U.S. and our consistent demand overseas, we expect seats at the Coliseum to fill up quickly in the coming weeks.”
Dynamite!! USA will begin at 5:00 p.m., PT, with a fight undercard that includes ProElite’s EliteXC fighters Jake Shields, Antonio Silva and Gina Carano. The main fight card will begin shortly thereafter.
Dynamite!! USA marks the first FEG event on U.S. soil and the inaugural MMA contest in the LA Coliseum’s 74-year history. FEG’s Heroes MMA events in Japan and Korea have routinely sold out major arenas and stadiums, including the 74,000-seat Tokyo Dome.
The SHOWTIME® PPV fight card, which begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, will feature up to six fights, with co-main events. Prior to the pay-per-view, SHOWTIME will televise the three undercard bouts, free to SHOWTIME subscribers from 9-10 p.m. ET/6-7 p.m. PT. For pay-per-view pricing and ordering information, viewers should contact their local cable or satellite provider.
About FEG
Formed in 2003, FEG, Inc assumed the role of K-1 Corporation in production and management of K-1 events that at the time were enjoying 13 years of success. In addition to K-1 Events, FEG, Inc’s goal was to expand the company’s presence into the world of Mixed Martial Arts as it saw the overwhelming demand from the viewers and fans. In 2005 FEG, Inc started the production of the Hero’s events in Japan. Under the current corporate structure, FEG, Inc is responsible for the production and promotion, as well as all other aspects of business from fighter contracts to event marketing of both the K-1 and Hero’s (Mixed Martial Arts) events all over the world.
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™. 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.
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite, Inc. is an entertainment and media company dedicated to producing world-class sporting events and empowering the participation of athletes and enthusiasts. ProElite, Inc. fosters the growth of the core principles of competition – Pride, Spirit, Honor and Sportsmanship. ProElite, Inc. owns the following brands and companies: EliteXCTM (mixed martial arts live event production), and ProElite.com (online community that provides content and tools for martial arts enthusiasts).
FINAL QUOTES AND WEIGHTS FOR SHOBOX MAY 4, 2007
Posted on | May 4, 2007 | No Comments
EDDIE CHAMBERS & DOMINICK GUINN,
CRISTOBAL ARREOLA & MALCOLM TANN
FINAL QUOTES AND WEIGHTS
Thursday, May 3, 2007,
Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada
“SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION’’
Friday, May 4, 2007; Telecast Begins at 11 p.m. ET/PT
In the 10-round co-feature, Los Angeles’ native Cristobal Arreola (L, 235 pounds) will be out to prove that he too belongs among the best young American heavyweights. Arreola, 19-0, 17 ko’s, will face Arizona’s Malcolm Tann (230 pounds, 23-2, 12 ko’s), a late replacement for the injured Devin Vargas.
Undefeated “Fast” Eddie Chambers (28-0, 16 KOs) faces Dominick “The Southern Disaster’’ Guinn (28-4-1, 19 KOs) in the 10-round main event Friday, May 4, 2007, on “ShoBox: The New Generation” (live on SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
In the second half of the heavyweight twinbill, undefeated, hard-hitting Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola (19-0, 17 KOs) will meet streaking “ShoBox’’ alum and late replacement, Malcolm “The Show Stopper’’ Tann (23-0, 12 KOs). Tann, who has never been knocked out, has won seven in a row and 15 of 16. The six-foot-six Tann is subbing for Devin Vargas, who withdrew earlier this week after he hyper-extended an elbow during sparring.
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Chris Byrd will serve as special guest commentator on the telecast, joining “ShoBox” announcers Nick Charles (blow-by-blow) and Steve Farhood (color analyst). The event will be presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and originate from Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.
NOTE: WEIGHTS – Chambers weighed 214 pounds at Thursday’s weigh-in.; Guinn tipped the scale at 222. Arreola weighed 235, Tann 230.
EDDIE CHAMBERS
“I’ve been taking my time since turning pro, taking a little step up each fight, and I have been brought up perfectly. This is obviously another big step, but these are the kinds of fights guys like me are supposed to take. I really feel, especially after my last few fights, that I have developed into a legitimate contender.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I am looking really forward to Friday, but there is no way I take Dominick Guinn lightly. Just a couple years ago, they were saying the same kind of things about him that they are saying about me now. Maybe more so, in fact, with him. Many felt Guinn would be a world champion.
“He is still a great, very dangerous fighter and is as technically sound as one can be. I expect him to come out eagerly and strongly. I don’t think he moves as well as he once did, so hopefully I can exploit that.
“I feel pressure, but the kind of pressure that is necessary for this type of fight. This is a great chance for Guinn to make a name for himself again and restore some of the notoriety he once had. This is going to be a great fight, a really hard fight. But I am confident I will win.
“I am grateful for SHOWTIME for giving me the chance to show what I can do. ’’
DOMINICK GUINN
“I am really ready to go and get it started again. As long as the lights go on, it’s ‘Showtime.’
“Chambers is a good fighter, slick and fast. I have nothing bad to say about him. He is an incredibly nice guy. But I have worked harder for this fight than any in a long time, and have been able to go about my business with a clear mind. That wasn’t always the case before.
“I have some losses, but I don’t feel as if I have ever been beaten. It never comes down to what the other guys did, but what I didn’t do. I beat myself by not letting my hands go.
“Chambers’ team is making a big mistake fighting me. They think they are getting the Dominick that doesn’t throw punches. But, everyone will see. This is the new and improved Dominick, not the old one.
“I am ready to fight 10 hard rounds.’’
CRISTOBALL ARREOLA
“Tann is talking about how we were supposed to fight before, and how I pulled out on him, but I never got that memo. I don’t know what he is talking about. But he can say what he wants. Honestly, I know he is a big guy, but I have not paid a lot of attention to him. I’m just happy to be fighting and keeping busy.
“It doesn’t matter who I fight because I am always ready. I love being able to train and look forward to a fight. I hate just sitting around the house with nothing on tap.
“I feel it is a privilege for people to consider me a top prospect. They always bring up the fact that I am a Mexican heavyweight, but, really, I do not think about it that much. I do know that once the fight starts, it doesn’t take much for the Mexican to come out of me.
“My focus always is on winning and putting on a show for the fans in attendance and those watching on television. I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform well for the fans. I want three or four more fights this year and then go after the top guys. I am willing to take my time, but I don’t want to wait too long.’’
MALCOLM TANN
“This is big – really big and a great opportunity for me. I was going to fight on this card anyway so I am in shape. Arreola was supposed to fight me Feb. 9. I gave up my Christmas holiday to stay in training for me. Then, he decided he didn’t want to fight.
“So, yes, I have some unfinished business. I am very confident and extremely prepared. This is the first time in two years I will enter a fight totally injury-free.
“Arreola is a pressure-fighter but the guys he’s been with him have allowed him to be that way. Let’s see how he reacts against me. He can try to pressure me all he wants, but I am going to fight back.’’
COLISEUM CARNAGE LIVES UP TO ITS NAME!!
Posted on | May 1, 2007 | 4 Comments
FIGHT SPORT GLOBAL’S INAUGURAL BROADCAST A HUGE HIT!
UPSETS AND CLOSE COMPETITION MAKE FOR A THRILLING FIGHT CARD
By: Rich Bergeron
“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.”
SHAKESPEARE’S HENRY V
Iowa’s best fighters showed resilience and persistence in outclassing a few seasoned veterans of the sport of mixed martial arts at Saturday’s Coliseum Carnage event in Ames, Iowa.
There were several stunning, epic battles on the incredible Fight Sport Global Network and Extreme Contact Fighting card. A few established fighters who have already appeared in UFC events wound up wading through serious trouble spots against a few relative unknowns in the sport. Some of the more experienced competitors were either seriously tested or completely overwhelmed by local talent coming in with tremendous heart and “N’tensity.”
Nobody performed better than “Team N’tensity” fighter Tom “To Da Top” Ahrens, who took on UFC Veteran John “Hurricane” Halverson and escaped submission after submission while chipping away and dominating with timely takedowns and clean striking.
Ahrens, who always walks around just about as charged up as he is in the ring, promised in the pre-fight interview that this fight would be his best moment in the sport so far. A highly animated character sporting a Mohawk for the fight, Ahrens was so slippery during the match that it almost seemed as if he’d spiked his hair up with Vaseline.
With the crowd chanting his nickname to add to his natural motivation to succeed, Ahrens took it right to Halverson in the first frame. It was a complete battle from the start, and Halverson left his sword and shield at home. He did manage to land a decent knee to the face of Ahrens early, but then he floundered during his first submission attempt, a guillotine, which Ahrens squirmed out of to secure the takedown.
Lacking a significant ground and pound game, Ahrens eventually lost control trying to take Halverson’s back. Halverson wound up reversing and sat atop Ahrens’ back near the end of the first round. Slipping the legs in position, Halverson rained down some serious shots as Ahrens covered up. Though he earned a little revenge by landing a few well placed blows, it was the rear-naked choke he locked up in the closing seconds that seemed to be the most promising development. Instead, Ahrens made it to the bell and earned a fresh start in round two.
The second stanza went back and forth and to-to-toe, but Ahrens once again put on the more dominant show of force. He beat Halverson bloody and kept right on slipping out of chokes and submission attempts. The two traded some incredible shots, but it was Ahrens who landed the more brutal blows.
The third round started out with both fighters going right at each other again, and Halverson wound up falling on his back early. Ahrens let him up rather than risk getting caught in another submission hold. Both fighters traded some vicious roundhouses and leg kicks. Finally, Halverson saw an opening and went for another guillotine. Ahrens slipped out once again.
What happened in the closing seconds of the third round is truly what makes the sport of mixed martial arts so incredible. Announcer Scott Casber rattled off the remaining time in the round a few times as Ahrens got himself in trouble late. With the crowd chanting “to the top” the whole time, Ahrens had control on top and only a few seconds to go until he would have walked away with a unanimous decision. Then, the unthinkable happened.
Halverson pulled off a deep triangle choke, squeezing tighter and tighter as Casber counted down from ten. There were about three ticks left when Ahrens, who refused to tap out, went limp and lost consciousness. The ref stopped the contest in the nick of time to give Halverson the last second win. Ahrens and his fans were shocked but still had plenty to be proud of based on the true grit, tremendous heart, and tenacity he showed.
The Halverson vs. Ahrens match solidified what became the theme of the whole event. Considering that all the best fights featured local or regional stars pitted against established, experienced professionals, it seemed as if the hungrier athletes all seized their shots to shine. They all pushed the action and fought tight matches.
Shane “Kryptonite” Wessels provided the upset of the night by absolutely destroying Victor “Superman” Moreno—proving the superhero really did have a weakness. The two welterweights fought a back and forth battle early on, but Moreno tired out later in the match and couldn’t generate any consistent offense.
Moreno managed to cut open Wessels’ face in the first round, but Wessels just kept bulling forward through some potent right hands. Wessels looked as if he might be headed to the canvas if he didn’t mount his own assault. Moreno landed one huge right hand that rocked Wessels, but it never stopped his pursuit. He just kept moving forward.
During one exciting exchange of punches and knees, Wessels turned the tide and dropped Moreno to the canvas. Wessels jumped right in and tried to end it right there, almost getting caught in an arm bar in the process. Moreno spent the rest of the first round fighting well off his back.
In the second round Moreno landed a flying knee, but later Wessels wound up taking Moreno’s back and slipping in a rear naked choke. Moreno wriggled out expertly only to find himself in deeper trouble as Wessels pounded on him.
Finally, Wessels sunk in an Achilles lock that made Moreno tap out as soon as Wessels grabbed a good grip on Moreno’s ankle. Wessels more than lived up to the one-fight nickname he gave himself. It couldn’t have been scripted better in a comic book.
Even Josh Neer, one of the most recognizable names on the card, almost ended up on the short end of an upset. Tyson Burris had Neer a bit surprised during the first few moments of their fight. Burris had a guillotine sunk deep, and Neer looked tempted to try and slam Burris to the canvas at one point. Instead, he simply set his opponent on the canvas gently, afraid to hurt his own neck while trying to break Burris’ grip. He just methodically held his breath and worked his way free.
Clearly only a vast amount of previous experience in similar situations and his brute strength allowed Neer to squeeze his way out of danger. He then exploded with smothering punches that forced the referee to stop the contest. He admitted after the fight that he was worried about tapping out for a few moments before he did work out of the hold.
The fight of the evening had to be Mike “Mini Van” Van Meer’s gutsy and gritty display of fighting against journeyman fighter Kyle Olsen. Coming into the match super confident and way more chiseled than the round-bellied Van Meer, Olsen quickly realized that you can’t assess any fighter based on appearances. Van Meer put himself through a rigorous cardio-vascular exercise routine in preparation for the bout, and it certainly showed in his incredible stamina.
Olsen tried a few kicks early, only to end up grappling with Van Meer until they both crashed to the ground and Van Meer wound up on top. “Mini Van” proceeded to land a series of hammering shots until Olsen squirmed out and escaped back to his feet.
Finally given an opportunity to attack and maybe score some late points, Olsen went right after Van Meer. He slammed his opponent against the cage door and leaned into him as the final seconds of the first frame ticked away. Suddenly the cage door flew open, sending both men tumbling onto the concrete floor of the coliseum. As the crowd reacted to the bizarre turn of events that left Van Meer lying incapacitated on his back for a few uneasy moments, the round-ending buzzer sounded.
The freak accident resulted in a long time between rounds as Van Meer turned out to be alright and able to continue. Not only was he capable of going on, he also had enough left in the tank to dominate the remainder of the fight.
There were several even exchanges through the opening minute of the second round, and Olsen found his own burst of energy and aggression early. Van Meer bulled through it, though, taking several well-targeted hooks to the face with no sign of withering. He came back with roundhouse rights and lefts, leaving Olsen bleeding heavily from the nose by the end of the second round.
Round three started slow, with both men choosing to play a more defensive role and waited a long time to engage. They traded leg kicks and not much else until they wound up in close combat where Van Meer inadvertently booted Olsen in the groin. Coming off the break, Van Meer connected with a nice right hand and then took a few shots of his own after Olsen connected with a kick.
Rather than take his chances standing up with a suddenly inspired Olsen, Van Meer worked for the takedown and secured it, going back to what he knows best: the ground and pound. He closed out the round in control and won 30-27 on all judges’ cards.
Iowa State Student Rudy Papakee faced XCF Heavyweight Champion Dan Hutton in another amazing fight. Hutton valiantly weathered a storm of accurate and powerful blows from Papakee to emerge from the first round still standing, but the punishment caught up with him in the second frame.
Papakee threw a few right hands in the first round that might have dropped a full grown grizzly bear, but Hutton kept on coming at him trying to land his own roundhouses. Papakee simply managed to land the more accurate shots as they traded leather all over the ring.
Papakee used huge knees and wild, raging punches to completely dominate the last remaining moments of the round. The eager student fighting in front all of his fans on his home campus would not be denied. He wound up confining Hutton between himself and the side of the cage as he landed an array of serious shots right up to the buzzer.
Hutton had no answer for his opponent in the short second round. Papakee dominated every aspect of his game and laid the punishment on thick. He had the advantage all the way through—from ground and pound to grappling—connecting with several significant strikes. The referee finally called a halt to the action when it seemed Papakee would knock Hutton out cold if the fight went on any longer. The fact that Hutton withstood all those phenomenal blasts without going down for the count left Papakee in admiration of his opponent after the match.
“He’s got a head of granite,” Papakee told the crowd in his post fight comments.
Coliseum Carnage clearly lived up to its name. Not only were there several back-and-forth, tight match-ups, but there were also a few vicious brawls in which cuts became a major factor in the outcome. The overall blood loss was probably about the same as what might have resulted from a typical match between a gladiator and a charging lion in the heyday of the Roman Coliseum.
The camera crews and the broadcast team made the internet pay-per-view experience even more tremendous, literally offering home viewers the feel of being in ringside seats. Color commentary included Pat Miletich offering his insight along with the Joe Roganish stylings of T. Scott’s post fight interviews, which gave the whole event a professional character.
Stay tuned for a complete wrap-up of the night’s action in addition to some video highlight and ringside photographs
Tags: Ames > Colliseum Carnage > Dan Hutton > Dave Herman > Des Moines > IA > Iowa > Iowa State > John Halverson > Josh Neer > Kyle Olsen > Mike Van Meer > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Pat Miletich > Rudy Papakee > Scott Casber > Shane Wessels > T. Scott > Tim Scott > Tom Ahrens > Tyson Burris > Victor Moreno > wrestling
MALCOLM TANN TO FIGHT CRISTOBAL ARREOLA
Posted on | May 1, 2007 | 1 Comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MALCOLM TANN TO FIGHT CRISTOBAL ARREOLA
Winner of Seven Straight, “ShoBox” Alum Replaces Injured Devin Vargas
In Eight-Round Heavyweight Co-Feature on Friday, May 4, 2007, at 11 p.m. ET/PT
NEW YORK (May 1, 2007) – Malcolm “The Show Stopper’’ Tann (23-2, 12 KOs) has signed to fight hard-hitting, undefeated heavyweight Cristobal “The Nightmare” Arreola (19-0, 17 KOs) in an eight-round bout Friday, May 4 on “ShoBox: The New Generation,” it was announced Tuesday.
Tann, who has never been knocked out, replaces Devin Vargas, who was forced to withdraw after hyper-extending his elbow during a recent sparring session. The six-foot-six-inch, 28-year-old Tann has won his last seven fights in a row, and 15 of his last 16.
In the “ShoBox’’ main event, undefeated “Fast” Eddie Chambers (28-0, 16 KOs) will face Dominick “The Southern Disaster’’ Guinn (28-4-1, 19 KOs).
The doubleheader, presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions from Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., will air on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
Tann, of Chandler, Ariz., by way of Seaboard, N.C., will make his second “ShoBox” start. In a smashing debut, he scored two second-round knockdowns en route to an impressive second-round technical knockout over previously unbeaten Leroy Childs (11-0 going in) on April 1, 2005.
A late bloomer, Tann went 57-14 in the amateurs and won the 2002 National Golden Gloves title as a super heavyweight. He began boxing during a six-year stint in the Air Force in which he was a senior airman during “Operation Enduring Freedom” in Afghanistan.
“A couple guys and I were in the community room,’’ he said. “This guy had some boxing gloves and we put them on and started swinging. I dropped everybody. It was sort of like the ‘Toughman’ of our hall. Everybody said I should take up boxing, so I did. And hey, look what it has blossomed into.’’
Tann is coming off of a six-round majority decision over Wade Lewis on March 9, 2007, at Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Chris Byrd will serve as special guest commentator on the telecast, joining “ShoBox” announcers Nick Charles (blow-by-blow) and Steve Farhood (color analyst). The event will be presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and originate from Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.
For information on “ShoBox: The New Generation” and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, including complete fighter bios, records, related stories and more, please go the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing.
(more)
2-2-2
TANN SUBS FOR VARGAS IN “SHOBOX’’ CO-FEATURE –MAY 4, 2007
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically-acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, “ShoBox: The New Generation” has featured young talent matched tough. The “ShoBox” philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz (interim) and Robert Guerrero.
Posted on | May 1, 2007 | No Comments
Gunn to return vs Antoine Barrett June 9th in Virginia!
For immediate release
Former WBO Cruiserweight title challenger Bobby Gunn 16-3 (13 KO’s) of Hackensack, New Jersey returns to the ring June 9th at the ABC Sports Complex in Fairfax, Virginia. Gunn will be facing southpaw veteran Antoine Barrett 13-8-1 (7 KO’s) of Paterson, New Jersey. The fighters will meet at a catch weight of 180 lbs. Gunn is still hoping to fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion and will now be campaigning in the Light Heavyweight division. Gunn is also a former IBA Cruiserweight champion and hopes to fight for IBA Light Heavyweight title shortly.
When asked about his title fight vs Maccarinelli, Gunn said “To be honest, the fight was cut so short and with the training I had I was ready to fight immediately. It bothered me that I did not have a chance to fight they stopped it very prematurely much like the fight later that night between Joe Calzaghe vs Peter Manfredo. I guess that night the Yanks didn’t have lady luck on their side!
Bobby was also asked about being stripped of his IBA Cruiserweight title. “I was under the impression that my title was not the line during the Maccarinelli fight. I was told win lose or draw that I would have the title when I came back but obviously I was lied to by someone I thought I could trust but unfortunately, I learned the hard way.
The card is being promoted by Han Kim and tickets can be ordered by calling 703-909-8077.
MMA COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN
Posted on | May 1, 2007 | No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN
MMA Leader ProElite Partners with Bombo for Documentary Focused
on Fastest Growing Professional Sport in America
(LOS ANGELES) May 1, 2007 – ProElite, Inc. [PELE.PK], a leader in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) that produces world-class, professional MMA events through its EliteXC division and a MMA social community through ProElite.com, and Bombo Sports & Entertainment, LLC today announced the closing of a deal to exclusively feature top EliteXC fighters in an upcoming feature-length documentary produced by Bombo for theatrical release. The deal was negotiated between ProElite, Inc.’s COO William Kelly and Eric Ficksman, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, and Steven Bram, COO, of Bombo Sports & Entertainment. Pre-production has commenced with a delivery date in September 2007.
The feature-length documentary will take a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most talented and exciting fighters in mixed martial arts, which is the fastest growing sport in the United States. Cameras will follow six to eight EliteXC fighters both in and out of the ring. With unprecedented access, Bombo will show MMA fans rare glimpses into the lives of these multi-faceted athletes.
“Theater audiences around the world will soon see through the eyes of these world class fighters why mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in America,” said Doug DeLuca, CEO of ProElite, Inc. “This film will help promote our EliteXC athletes and continue to propel the sport of MMA into the mainstream consciousness. We are thrilled to be partnering with an award winning production company like Bombo Sports & Entertainment for this exciting film.”
“Audiences who are interested in action-packed adrenaline films will love this film,” said Steven Bram, Chief Operating Officer at Bombo Sports & Entertainment. “The film will capture the essence of the MMA world through back stage access as well as a uniquely personal look at what makes these athletes tick.”
Furthermore, ProElite.com, which has built a comprehensive and inclusive online community for MMA fighters, fans and organizations, will stream content, including the behind-the-scenes material and previews, to their users as well as drive the theatrical release at a grass roots level. ProElite.com is capitalizing on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts and has built a community of enthusiasts around the world through video and blogging tools, social networking and exclusive fight content.
ProElite, Inc. is based in Los Angeles and Bombo Sports & Entertainment is based in New York.
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About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite, Inc. is an entertainment and media company dedicated to producing world-class sporting events and empowering the participation of athletes and enthusiasts. ProElite, Inc. fosters the growth of the core principles of competition – Pride, Spirit, Honor and Sportsmanship. ProElite, Inc. owns the following brands and companies: EliteXCTM (mixed martial arts live event production), ProElite.com (online community that provides content and tools for martial arts enthusiasts), and LifeLogger (top-rated internet blogging site and mobile application developer).
About Bombo Sports & Entertainment, LLC
Bombo is an innovative production company specializing in documentaries on sports stars and teams. It has built a reputation as one of the most respected producers of film and television sports documentaries by creating uniquely human looks at the lives and efforts of top athletes and teams. Bombo has released films on Manchester United, Liverpool, England Rugby, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Eagles, Shaquille O’Neal, Andre Agassi and many others.
ABU DHABI COMBAT CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP BROADCAST ON PRO-ELITE
Posted on | May 1, 2007 | No Comments
For Immediate Release
PROELITE.COM TO BROADCAST ABU DHABI COMBAT CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP TO GLOBAL AUDIENCE WITH ITS FIRST TIME EVER ONLINE PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT
The Two-Day Premier Showcase of Grappling Competitions Begins May 5
Includes Super Fight Card of Roger Gracie Versus Ricardo Arona
(LOS ANGELES) April 27, 2007 – ProElite.com, the comprehensive and inclusive online community for MMA fighters, fans and organizations, announced today it will bring the prestigious Abu Dhabi Combat Club “Submission Wrestling World Championship” to a global Internet audience for the first time May 5 – 6, 2007. The live broadcast stream from the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, New Jersey will begin noon EST/ 9:00 a.m. PST on both days
This ProElite.com and OntheMat.com Pay-Per-View presentation over two days will feature selected fights from over 75 male and 30 female fighters that include grappling’s cream of the crop from Brazil, Australia, France, Japan, Canada, Portugal and the United States. Visitors to ProElite.com before May 5 will be able to purchase the two-day event, unlimited viewing, for only $19.99, a $5 discount to purchasing May 5 or after.
Besides the two days of live fights, fans will be treated to bonus coverage that ranges from behind-the-scenes interviews to the pre-fight weigh-ins on May 4. Through ProElite.com’s powerful blogging tools, fans can connect to discuss the fighters and event in real time.
The featured “Super Fight,” scheduled for May 6, will have current Absolute Division winner Roger Gracie battling against Ricardo Arona, who replaced an injured Dean Lister on the card. Due to contractual obligations during ADCC 2005, Arona was unable to defend his Super Fight title against Lister and now he’s back in this epic match-up with Gracie.
“There is no grappling event in the world that is as exclusive as the invitation-only ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship,” said Kelly Perdew, President of ProElite.com. “ADCC is a high-caliber brand with a world class event and we are privileged to be aligned with them. This tournament occurs once every two years, making it a can’t-miss event that will not disappoint.”
ADCC has staged the Submission Wrestling World Championship since 1998 with 2007 marking its 7th presentation of the biennial event. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was imported to Abu Dhabi, UAE from the United States when Sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nayan studied in San Diego, California, and brought back Jiu-Jitsu master Nelson Monterio, Jr. to found the ADCC. The event has grown into the most prestigious of all grappling events, offering the largest purses in the discipline.
“Our goal with ADCC World Championship is to bring together the best the fighting world has to offer under one roof,” said H.E. Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Abu Dhabi Combat Club. “No one in the MMA online community understands this better than Kelly Perdew and ProElite.com. With their advanced streaming broadcast and social networking capabilities, they will introduce this event to a whole new audience.”
ProElite.com continues to deliver MMA fans live streaming video of some of the most compelling fights in the sport. Besides giving ADCC Championship its Internet debut, ProElite.com presented a classic doubleheader of Cage Rage Championships 21: “Judgment Day” from Wembley Arena in London, England and No Limits: “Proving Grounds” from The No Limits Event Center in Irvine, Calif. on April 21. ProElite.com is able to capitalize on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts and build a community of enthusiasts around the world through video and blogging tools, social networking and exclusive fight content.
A DVD of the event will be available at FightMarket.com.
ProElite, Inc. and its ProElite.com division are headquartered in Los Angeles.
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About ProElite, Inc. (www.proelite.com)
ProElite, Inc. (PELE.pk) is an entertainment and media company dedicated to producing world-class sporting events and empowering the participation of athletes and enthusiasts. ProElite, Inc. fosters the growth of the core principles of competition – Pride, Spirit, Honor and Sportsmanship. ProElite, Inc. owns the following brands and companies: EliteXCTM (mixed martial arts live event production),and ProElite.comTM (online community that provides content and tools for martial arts enthusiasts).
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