Fan favorite Sonya Lamonakis added to ‘East-West Showdown’ card; Berto-Ortiz headlines April 16 at MGM Grand at Foxwoods
Posted on | March 30, 2011 | No Comments
NEW YORK, NY (Mar. 30, 2011) – Popular female heavyweight Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis has been added to the April 16 “East-West Showdown” card, featuring World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Welterweight World Champion and undefeated star Andre Berto against WBC # 5 rated challenger “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
“East-West Showdown: Berto vs. Ortiz” is presented by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Golden Boy Promotions. The bout will be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing starting at 9:45 PM/ET 6:45 PM/PT. The broadcast kicks off with Amir “King” Khan (24-1, 17 KOs) defending his WBA Super Lightweight World Title against Paul “Dudley” McCloskey (22-0, 12 KOs) from the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England.
Lamonakis (4-0, 1 KO), a native of Greece, is a sixth-grade teacher at Harlem’s Family Academy who trains at the famed Gleason’s Gym in New York City. A four-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Sonya was a field hockey and softball player at Springfield College in Massachusetts. She has been a professional boxer since last June and, in her most recent fight, March 12 on the Sergio Martinez-Sergiy Dzinziruk card, also at MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods, she won an entertaining six-round unanimous decision against previously unbeaten Tanzee Daniel. Lamonakis will be matched in another six-round bout against an opponent to be determined.
“Sonya is an all-action fighter who attracts a lot of fans,” promoter Lou DiBella said. “She has done very well and we’re happy to get her right back in action. Fight fans love watching her fight. ‘The Scholar’ is one of the most exciting female fighters out there today.”
Lamonakis will take on an opponent to be announced.
Tickets are priced at $350, $200, $125, and $65 and went on sale today through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.
For information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.
For information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, on twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing or Victor Ortiz @VICIOUSOrtiz.
Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing and on twitter @hboboxing.
Tags: Andre Berto > Auto > champion > com > draft > fight > Foxwoods > Golden > Golden Boy Promotions > Golden Gloves Champion > Grand > gym in new york > HBO > mashantucket connecticut > MGM Grand > paul dudley > sixth grade teacher > today > visit > wbc welterweight > World Boxing Council > www
UFC NEWSLETTER: TUF’S NEW SEASON STARTS TONIGHT
Posted on | March 30, 2011 | No Comments
Lesnar & Dos Santos Arrive On An All New Season Of The Ultimate Fighter
Heavyweight contender Junior dos Santos leads a team of seven welterweights against former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar’s own squad of UFC hopefuls – premieres TONIGHT at 9pm on SPIKE in the US & Sportsnet in Canada
Tickets Start At Just $25 For Strikeforce: Diaz vs Daley In San Diego
Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz defends the title against Paul Daley, plus Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez takes on Tatsuya Kawajiri – live Saturday, April 9 at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, CA
| STRIKEFORCE Challengers – on Showtime – Friday, April 1 – Stockton, CA STRIKEFORCE Diaz vs Daley – on Showtime – Saturday, April 9 – San Diego, CA UFC 129 St-Pierre vs Shields on Pay-Per-View – Saturday, April 30 – Toronto, ON |
Tags: Arrive > Auto > casino center > contender > draft > fighter > former heavyweight champion > heavyweight > heavyweight contender > lightweight champion > NEW > newsletter > Paul Daley > SEASON > Sportsnet > Start > Strikeforce > title > Ultimate Fighter > valley view casino > welterweight champion > welterweights
Ring Wars IV Lights Out (5/14/11)
Posted on | March 30, 2011 | No Comments
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RING WARS IV “LIGHTS OUT” To register for Ring Wars IV Lights out – CLICK HERE – or call or text 302-409-0685
Fighter Registration has already begun. These fighters are currently registered to compete 5/14/11:
Female – Light Welterweight 132.1 lbs. – 139 lbs Kelli Scroger 5-2 International Mahel Hamroun 2-1 International
Female – Heavyweight 159.1 & Over Nicole Zanzoth 1-0 International
Male – Super Lightweight 132.1 lbs. – 137 lbs. Nick Perez Open Class – International, Sanshou –Title Fight
Male – Welterweight 142.1 lbs. – 147 lbs. Rich Legg 4-0 International, Sanshou –Title Fight Anthony Boyd 4-1 International Zack Beam 3-1 International
Male – Super Welterweight – 147.1 lbs – 153 lbs. Patrick McGartland 0-0 Thai
Male – Light Middleweight – 153.1 lbs. – 159 lbs. Konal Sayal Champion – International –Title Fight Enrique Hernandez 0-1 International Brian D’Amato Open Class – International, Sanshou, Beginner Thai
Male – Middleweight – 159.1 lbs. – 165 lbs. Hiroshi Perera 5-2 Thai
Male – Super Middleweight – 165.1 lbs. – 172 lbs. Jonathan Komula 0-0 International, BJJ
Male – Light Heavyweight – 172.1 lbs. – 179 lbs. Parris Robinson 2-1 International
Male – Super Heavyweight – 215.1 lbs. and above
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3301 Lancaster Pike Wilmington DE 19805 |
Tags: Auto > BJJ > champion international > draft > hiroshi > kelli > lancaster pike > Nate > perera > rich legg > Super Middleweight > title fight
MMA Links (3-30-11)
Posted on | March 30, 2011 | No Comments
| MMA Fighting Stances: Mixed martial arts intelligence from the cage and ring USA Today Among mixed martial arts‘ core audience, the program generated household ratings of 2.3 for men ages 18-to-34 and 2.2 for men 18-to-49. It was Saturday’s most-watched cable TV show for those demographic groups, Spike said. With an overall household … See all stories on this topic »
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| Tuesday’s top picks from the USA TODAY network USA Today Cro Cop(Low Kick): A retrospective on the career of mixed martial arts legend Mirko Filipovic. • Roundtable (MMA Torch): Following his second straight UFC loss, where does Antonio Rogerio Nogueira go from here? • Long way to go(MMA Valor): Bobby … See all stories on this topic »
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| (Big) John McCarthy explains when is it time to put an end to the punishment Winnipeg Free Press TORONTO – Mixed martial arts fans have long heard referees tell fighters “We went over the rules in the back.” So what do they actually say in the dressing room? “When I talk to them in the back, I’m going to talk to them about when I’m going to stop … See all stories on this topic »
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| Horodecki has youth in his corner in MMA London Free Press By Morris Dalla Costa The London Free Press The baby-face jokes are something London’s Chris Horodecki has had to put up with since he began his mixed martial arts career. It’s a favourite topic in online comments. “How come his face never caught up … See all stories on this topic »
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| Mixed Martial Arts fighter Chad Livingston’s next bout close to home Sebastian Sun LUCIE — Chad Livingston had to make a long drive to Louisiana for his first mixed martial arts fight. Travel will be a little easier when Livingston fights in Xtreme Cage Fights’ The Rise of the Warrior 2 at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center on Saturday … See all stories on this topic »
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| The Bam Theory: MMA’s First Great Movie? Heavy.com Comedy (satire) But it is safe to say that mixed martial arts is probably not very high on that list. Frazer, a director and writer, has embarked on a unique journey to bring MMA to the silver screen with “The Bam Theory.” And Lynchburg has served as the launching pad … See all stories on this topic »
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| MMA pro debut looms for Gowlett Sault Star Ray Gowlett makes his professional debut in mixed–martial arts fighting on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at King of the Cage Underground 66 at Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Gowlett, of Sault, Ont., is one of four local fighters taking part in the … See all stories on this topic »
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| Jeanson wins mixed martial arts match The Union of Grass Valley Lisa Jeanson, owner of Powerhouse MMA Training Center in Grass Valley, recently won her secondmixed martial arts match. Jeanson, 42, won her match March 19 at Red Hawk Casino in Placerville by using a rear naked choke at the one minute mark in the … See all stories on this topic » |
Tags: Auto > cable tv show > draft > fighter > fighting > free > household ratings > Livingston > March > martial arts fans > martial arts legend > medical suspensions > Mirko Filipovic > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > MMA News > news > press > report > Sault > Ultimate Fighting Championship > winnipeg free press
Graham Earl’s Belfast Show Postponed
Posted on | March 30, 2011 | No Comments
Former WBU Lightweight World Champion, turned promoter, Graham Earl announced earlier today that this Saturday’s ‘Fists of Fury’ event, at the King’s Hall in Belfast, has been postponed,
The event, which was to be headlined by current WBU Lightweight World Champion Willie Limond versus Jay Morris, was intended to showcase many of the Belfast boxers Graham recently signed.
On making the announcement Graham said, “I’m really disapointed that we have had to postpone Fists of Fury, it had all the makings of being a really fantastic show.
It’s been one of those weeks, various circumstances conspired to put the show at risk early in the week, but when we started to get fighter injuries as well we couldn’t see any other option, but to postpone the show.
We’re disappointed for the fans, who had been showing their support and getting behind the local fighters. We’re disappointed for all the fighters that were going to take part, especially the lads that were going to be debuting.
We’re hoping to reschedule the show for later in the year, unfortunately it can’t be for a few months as we already have shows scheduled for the coming months.”
It is expected that Graham Earl will be announcing a revised date for Belfast in the near future. In the meantime Graham Earl Promotions next show will be at York Hall in London on Saturday 7th May 2011.
Tags: Auto > Belfast > boxers > circumstances > draft > fantastic show > fists of fury > lads > Promoter > s hall > Showcase > World Champion
HOLT TO FACE DIAZ MAY 13 AT CHUMASH AND LIVE ON ESPN2
Posted on | March 30, 2011 | No Comments
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Tags: Auto > boxing world > champion > Chumash Casino Resort > coachella california > consecutive losses > draft > ESPN > espn2 friday night fights > face > fight > Gary Shaw > impressive careers > loss > Promoter > resort > round > rudy cisneros > santa ynez california > shot > TAKE > World Champion
SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC SEMIFINALISTS ANDRE WARD & ARTHUR ABRAHAM, HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER CHRIS ARREOLA PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
Posted on | March 30, 2011 | No Comments
Tuesday, March 29 at Sisley Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oak, Calif.
LOS ANGELES (March 29, 2011) – Super Six World Boxing Classic Semifinalists Andre Ward and Arthur Abraham participated in a press conference on Tuesday at Sisley Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks, Calif., to formally announce their May 14 showdown at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., live on SHOWTIME®.
Ward will defend his WBA Super Middleweight title against the European superstar and former world champion to kick off the Semifinals of the groundbreaking tournament. Abraham, who is in the middle of training for the fight, was not able to attend the press conference from his home base in Berlin, Germany and joined via video conference.
The Ward-Abraham winner advances to the tournament Finals against the winner of the Carl Froch–Glen Johnson Semifinals showdown. The winner earns instant bragging rights as the world’s No. 1 168-pound fighter.
The talented Ward (23-0, 13 KOs), of Oakland, Calif., has emerged as the tournament favorite after impressive triumphs in Group Stage bouts over Mikkel Kessler and Allan Green, as well as Sakio Bika.
Abraham (32-2, 26 KOs) entered the Super Six as a favorite alongside Kessler. But after emerging from Group Stage 1 as the points leader with a knockout over Jermain Taylor, he is now trying to bounce back from consecutive losses to Andre Dirrell and Froch in Group Stages 2 and 3, respectively.
Also participating in the press conference was a noticeably slimmed-down Chris Arreola. The heavyweight world contender and popular Southern California slugger will try to stay on track for another opportunity of a world championship when he takes on Nagy Aguilera in a non-televised undercard bout.
The event is co-promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, Antonio Leonard Productions and Sauerland Event and sponsored by Corona.
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, March 30, and will be available for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets, starting on March 30, at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.Ticketmaster.com as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets by calling 1-877-234-8425.
What the fighters, promoters and trainers had to say on Tuesday:
DAN GOOSSEN:
“The Home Depot Center is a great, great venue for boxing. When that place is packed it’s rocking. Tickets go on sale tomorrow and it’s going to be a great event.
“To me, no matter how the Super Six has progressed I think it’s a tremendous concept for boxing. I think everyone learned how tough it is to make great fights amongst the world’s best fighters.
“It sometimes takes years and years to put together a fight that people want to see. It has taken some time but it has been worth it. No fighter has escaped without a tough fight. We have the Semifinals kicking off on May 14 and the Finals later this year.
“No matter the time period we still have the Finals right around the corner. The winner will be a star.
“Last time I saw Chris like this was five years ago. When everything is said and done, I don’t think there is a better heavyweight out there when he’s doing the things he needs to do.
“I always thought the fight with Chris was more outside the ring than inside the ring. You have to be dedicated and willing to push yourself. I wanted everyone to see Chris with their own eyes, not to tell you in a press release. This is the new Chris Arreola.”
ANDRE WARD:
“I’m fired up as always. I’m not buying into people saying that Abraham is not the same. I know Arthur and his team are preparing for a storybook ending but it won’t be at my expense. I’m ready to defend my title.
“It’s the same story every time – people doubting me and asking if I’m ready. I think people forget that I have a family to feed. I need to win just as badly as anyone else. I have two more fights before I’m the best super middleweight in the world and I plan on winning both of them. It’s as simple as that.
“In my preparation I’m probably giving him more respect than he deserves. My job is to put him away from the opening bell. My job is to make him feel the same way he felt right after the Carl Froch fight as soon as possible.
“On May 14 we have 12 rounds to get to know each other. That’s what I’m looking forward to.
“I want to be the last man standing. I always knew it was in me to succeed. I didn’t come this far for no reason.
“I had to grow up real fast in this tournament or I was going to go home early. And I didn’t want to go home early.
“It’s great to be on the same card as Chris. He has the heart of a champion.”
ARTHUR ABRAHAM:
“I’m looking forward to May 14 and having a great fight. I am feeling OK. I was a little sick but I just started training again and I should be fine.
“We are getting ready for a good fight. The tune up fight didn’t give me as much as I wanted but it was OK. It was good to get back in the ring and get that feeling.
“You’ll be surprised on May 14. It’s not my style to make big predictions. I want to show you inside the ring.
“I know he is the favorite but that motivates me even more. Over history many favorites have crashed down.
“I don’t want to speak about what went wrong in the past. I want to focus on Andre. I will use my heart, my fists, my body and my hands to defeat Andre.
“I feel confident in my trainer – I’m happy with him. If I wasn’t I wouldn’t still be training with him.
“I look forward to coming over to the U.S. I will give 120 percent. Together, with the Armenian fans, I will win the title and reach the finals.
“The Armenian fans will motivate me. That makes this fight more special for me. I will not disappoint them.
“We will win on May 14 and then we’ll win the final.
“I’m looking forward to coming back to America. But I’m mostly looking forward to returning to Germany with a victory and putting on a great fight.”
VIRGIL HUNTER (Ward’s trainer):
“We’re in full-tilt now in camp. We have a great game plan. More than anything, we want to make sure we make a statement and give you something to write about.
“I’d like to say that Arthur is scared to come here and face Andre face-to-face, but it’s a long trip over here. I understand.”
CHRIS ARREOLA:
“I do look a little bit better. The main thing with being 30 years old is you only have a little window of opportunity and it’s time for me to do it. I let everyone down when I showed a lack of dedication to the sport and I look forward to showing myself again.
“The main thing is after my last fight I didn’t go back to living like I used to. I’m a family man now. I’m good and just living the life.
“I can train at home without all the distractions. I’m more focused and dedicated.
“The turning point was around December. I realize that 2010 and 2009 were terrible. It was my fault. Now it’s about what I want and what I’m supposed to do to win. No more games.
“I’m 20 or 30 pounds ahead of the game, so I’m not worried about weight anymore.”
HENRY RAMIREZ (Arreola’s trainer):
“Obviously, you can see that Chris is at a lower weight. The biggest fight with Chris has been outside of the ring. The maturity is finally catching up with the physical ability. The sky is the limit for Chris and the best is yet to come.”
For more information on the Super Six World Boxing Classic including exclusive photos, fight highlights and interviews, plus to view all episodes of the acclaimed documentary series FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, please visit the website at www.WorldBoxingClassic.com
ABOUT SUPER SIX WORLD BOXING CLASSIC
The inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic is a ground-breaking, six-fighter tournament from SHOWTIME Sports® featuring the class of the super middleweight (168-pound) division from around the world. All bouts in the Super Six tournament will be contested under the Unified Rules of Boxing. Each boxer fights three bouts against different opponents in the field in the points-based Group Stage of competition (Win – 2 pts with a 1-pt bonus for KO/TKO; Loss – 0 pts; Draw – 1 pt.). After the Group Stage, the four fighters with the highest point totals will advance to the single-elimination Semi-Finals. The winners of the Semifinal bouts will advance to the Finals and fight for the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup.
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 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, SHOWTIME 2 HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™ and FLIX ON DEMAND®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Channel™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Tags: Andre Ward > Arthur Abraham > Auto > Chris Arreola > consecutive losses > draft > fight > Group > heavyweight contender > home depot > Home Depot Center > Kitchen > March > pound fighter > SEMIFINALISTS > showdown > sisley italian kitchen > title > tournament > winner > winner advances > WORLD
ROUFUSPORT NAMED AMERICA’S TOP MMA GYM
Posted on | March 30, 2011 | No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2011
BY VERSUS.COM
(Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA): Roufusport is proud to announce that it has been named America’s Top MMA Gym by Versus.com. Chosen by the fans, Roufusport beat out the well-respected Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the finals for the honor. The Milwaukee-based fight gym also topped Grudge Training Center and American Top Team en route to capturing the title.
The full story can be read here: http://www.versus.com/blogs/mma-beat/americas-top-mma-gyms-tournament-bracket/
The other gyms considered included Black House Team, American Kickboxing Academy, Xtreme Couture, Team Quest, Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts, Nova Uniao, Renzo Gracie Academy, and Tristar Gym.
Roufusport is home to MMA fighters such as UFC heavyweight star Pat “HD” Barry, UFC lightweight title contender Anthony “Showtime” Pettis, rising UFC featherweight star Erik Koch, and UFC featherweight prospect Daniel “Danny Boy” Downes.
Roufusport head trainer Duke Roufus had this to say regarding the accolade: “We were very proud just to be considered amongst the best gyms in America, so to be named the best…it’s quite an honor. Congratulations are definitely order to all the gyms in the contest.”
For more information on Roufusport, please visit http://milwaukeemma.com/
About Roufusport
Roufusport is run by famed kickboxer and MMA trainer Duke Roufus and his business partner Scott Joffe. It is a world class brand that includes a state-of-the-art training facility, fight team, and MMA promotion, the North American Fighting Championship. Roufus is one of the most recognizable striking and MMA coaches in North America, and is considered to be one of the top trainers of Muay Thai kickboxing outside of Thailand. Roufus is the head coach of the Roufusport Fight Club team, which includes UFC stars Alan Belcher, Pat “HD” Barry, Anthony “Showtime” Pettis, Erik Koch, and “Danny Boy” Downes. Former students include former UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver, The Ultimate Fighter season one star Stephan Bonnar, and UFC veterans Ben Rothwell, Matt Mitrione, and Eric “Red” Schafer. Roufus and Joffe operate the Roufusport Martial Arts Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Tags: Academy > american fighting championship > American Kickboxing Academy > Auto > draft > duke roufus > Erik Koch > fight > fight gym > gracie jiu jitsu academy > immediate release march > Jitsu > Jiu > March > MMA > nova uniao > Pettis > Renzo Gracie Academy > title > trainer > Versus > Xtreme Couture
















