Lineups announced for USA Wrestling All-Star Dual Meet at NCAA Championships on March 17

Posted on | March 11, 2011 | No Comments

For immediate release, March 11, 2011

 

The lineup has been finalized for the USA Wrestling National Team All-Star Dual Meet that will be held as part of the festivities at the 2011 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia, Pa.

The event is set for Thursday, March 17, between the first and second sessions of the NCAA Championships, on the competition mats in the Wells Fargo Center. It is free of charge and NCAA fans will not have to leave their seats to enjoy the action.

There are seven matches as part of the All-Star Dual Meet. It opens with an exhibition bout between two of the United States top freestyle wrestlers, followed by a six-match USA vs. The World Dual Meet.

There is a strong U.S. college connection among the participants. All nine U.S. wrestlers were highly successful college wrestlers, and four of the international competitors also were talented wrestlers in U.S. college programs.

The opening freestyle exhibition match at 55 kg/121 lbs. will feature Americans Troy Nickerson and Nick Simmons. Nickerson was a 2009 NCAA champion and four-time All-American for Cornell. Simmons was a four-time All-American for Michigan State. This is Nickerson’s first match since his college career ended in March 2010.

The first match in the USA vs. The World Dual Meet will be in Greco-Roman, and will feature 2005 World bronze medalist Justin Ruiz of the United States against 2006 World champion Mohammed Abdel Fatah of Egypt. Ruiz was a two-time All-American for Nebraska.

The first freestyle match will be at 60 kg/132 lbs., featuring Derek Moore of the United States against Franklin Gomez of Puerto Rico. Moore now competes for the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. Gomez competed in the 2010 World Championships for Puerto Rico. Moore was the 2007 NCAA champion for UC Davis. Gomez was a 2009 NCAA champion and three-time All-American for Michigan State.

The 74 kg/163 lbs. freestyle bout will feature Ryan Morningstar of the United States against Muzafar Abdurakhmanov of Uzbekistan. Morningstar was a two-time All-American for Iowa and Abdurakhmanov was an All-American for American in 2006.

Next is a freestyle bout at 84 kg/185 lbs., featuring Keith Gavin of the United States against Jaime Y. Espinal of Puerto Rico. Gavin was a 2008 University World bronze medalist. Espinal was a 2010 Pan American silver medalist. Gavin was a 2008 NCAA champion and two-time All-American for Pittsburgh.

The match at 96 kg/211.5 lbs. will showcase J.D. Bergman of the United States against Israel Silva of Mexico. Bergman competed in the 2010 World Championships, and Silva competed in the 2009 World Championships. Bergman was a three-time All-American for Ohio State, while Silva was an NCAA qualifier for UT-Chattanooga.

The final featured bout will be at 66 kg/145.5 lbs., with Brent Metcalf of the United States facing Heinrich Barnes of South Africa. Barnes placed seventh in the 2010 World Championships and has competed in three Senior World Championships. Metcalf was a member of the 2010 U.S. World Team. Metcalf was a two-time NCAA champion and three-time NCAA finalist for Iowa. Barnes was an All-American for Oregon State in 2009.

“Any time we can get international competition in preparation for the upcoming World Championships, it is great for our program,” said USA Wrestling National Freestyle Coach Zeke Jones. “This is our training phase, and it’s good to have international matches here on U.S. soil. What greater place is there to showcase our future World and Olympic champions than at the NCAA Championships? This may be the only place where we can showcase international wrestling and American folkstyle at the highest level side-by-side.”

This is the second straight year that a USA Wrestling exhibition will be provided free of charge to wrestling fans who are attending the championships. At the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Omaha, Neb., USA Wrestling hosted a Big Ten vs. Big 12 Challenge.

For more information on the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, visit
NCAA.com/wrestling

USA WRESTLING NATIONAL TEAM ALL-STAR DUAL MEET
At Philadelphia, Pa., March 17

U.S. Freestyle Exhibition
Freestyle 55 kg/121 lbs. – Troy Nickerson (USA) vs. Nick Simmons (USA)

USA vs. the World Dual Meet
Greco-Roman 96 kg/211.5 lbs. – Justin Ruiz (USA) vs. Mohammed Abdel Fatah (Egypt)
Freestyle 60 kg/132 lbs. – Derek Moore (USA) vs. Franklin Gomez (Puerto Rico)
Freestyle 74 kg/163 lbs. – Ryan Morningstar (USA) vs. Muzafar Abdurakhmanov (Uzbekistan)
Freestyle 84 kg/185 lbs. – Keith Gavin (USA) vs. Jaime Y. Espinal (Puerto Rico)
Freestyle 96 kg/211.5 lbs. – J.D. Bergman (USA) vs. Israel Silva (Mexico)
Freestyle 66 kg/145.5 lbs. – Brent Metcalf (USA) vs. Heinrich Barnes (South Africa)

DILKS: PRIZEFIGHTER WIN WILL PROVE I CAN STILL MIX IT

Posted on | March 11, 2011 | No Comments

Liverpool fighter determined to get it right in second pop at Prizefighter

Carl Dilks says he will banish the memory of his cruel semi-final defeat in his last Prizefighter outing when he lines-up in the Super-Middleweights II in Liverpool’s Olympia on March 23.

Dilks defeated Bob Ajisafe in the quarter-finals of the Light-Heavyweights event in February 2009 and faced Darren Stubbs in the semi-finals. The Liverpool fighter was announced the winner of the bout only for the result to be reversed while he was backstage after a mix-up with the scorecards.

The 27 year-old has since beaten Carl Drake before losing to James DeGale last September – but he still has a bitter taste in his mouth from his semi-final defeat to Stubbs and is determined to make up for it live on Sky Sports in front of his home crowd.

“I think I have a score to settle with the competition in a way, I truly believe I won that semi-final,” said Dilks. “I still think I was blatantly robbed of the chance to smash Tony Oakey up in the final but you live and learn.

“To be announced as the winner and then go into the changing rooms and be told they got the scorecards mixed up and you’ve lost was gutting. Having the chance to fight in the final for the trophy and a lot of cash taken away from me like that was tough to take. I’ll just have to make sure that I win the fights clearly and leave nothing to chance.”

Dilks fought Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale at Birmingham’s LG Arena in a British title eliminator and although he got under the skin of the Londoner in the build up, DeGale’s pace surprised Dilks and he was stopped in the first round.

“Prizefighter is my way back into title contention after the DeGale fight,” said Dilks. “There are some good fighters in this and I’ve got a point to prove to show that I can mix it at the top level in the super-middleweights.

“The DeGale loss was a hard pill to swallow. The kid is class – the speed he has is unreal and I think I was more shocked at how fast he was than anything and I froze a bit. I loved the attention before the DeGale fight though and I truly believed that I was going to go in there and smash him up, but on the night it never happened for me.”

The Liverpool Olympia will be packed on the night and with fellow Liverpudlians Robin Reid and Tony Quigley in the line-up, Dilks is looking forward to rising to the occasion on a special night for boxing in the city. Quigley and Dilks travelled to Sky Sports studios in London together for the promo shoot and could potentially meet on the night, but despite a close friendship and previous working relationship, Dilks says both men will be focused on the title and £32,000 winner’s cheque.

“The atmosphere is going to be electric – it’s going to be a fantastic night for all the boxing fans in Liverpool and I’m really looking forward to being a part of it,” said Dilks. “Tony and I are really good friends, so if we have to meet hopefully it’ll be in the final – but we both know its business first, friends second. Tony was in my corner in my first Prizefighter appearance but we can step in the ring, go to war then when the fight is over we’ll have a hug and be mates again.”

Dilks, Quigley and Reid are joined in the line-up by former World Champion Adrian Dodson, unbeaten Welsh prospect Tobias Webb, Sheffield duo Wayne Reed and Patrick J Maxwell and Leicester hitter Jahmaine Smyle.

Tickets for Prizefighter Super Middleweights II at Liverpool Olympia on Wednesday 23 March are available from Matchroom Sport priced £30 unreserved, £50 ringside and £100 VIP – to buy call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.

1st Annual NY/NJ Charity Challenge!

Posted on | March 11, 2011 | No Comments

What:    The NY vs NJ All Star Dual Meet presented byThe Adam Frey Foundation and Pinning Down Autism, who will share in the proceeds.
When: Friday night March 11th

Where: Bergen Catholic HS, Oradell,  NJ.

Time: Doors open at 6 PM. Dual meet Starts at 7PM.

Information: Each team is bringing top talent, which will include several state champions and nationally ranked wrestlers.

Donation is minimum $15, with 100%of the total proceeds going to The Adam Frey Foundation and Pinning Down Autism charities.

This will be an annual event which will include corporate sponsorship opportunities in years to come. Come one and all!  Please forward this announcement to your wrestling contacts in the NY Metro area who may also wish to attend.  Take part in Some of the best wrestling anywhere for two great causes. It’s A true win-win!!

Come on down and spread the word. Call with any questions: 917-414-2688

Sincerely,

Jason Bross

Founder, Pinning Down Autism

 

Hermes Franca enters Conquer fray; Veteran lightweight to face Drew Fickett at MFC 29

Posted on | March 11, 2011 | No Comments

 

Another talented veteran has been added to the ever-deepening talent pool of the Maximum Fighting Championship’s lightweight division. Hermes “The Unreal” Franca (20-9) has signed a multi-fight deal with the organization and is slated to make his debut at MFC 29: Conquer on Friday, April 8 in the co-main event against Drew “Night Rider” Fickett (41-12). The bout is subject to OAC approval.

The 36-year-old native of Fortaleza, Brazil, had originally signed with the MFC two years ago, but decided instead to enter into retirement from fighting and focus on training students in Jupiter, Florida. But with a change of heart, Franca re-emerged in the past few months and readily agreed to finally hit the MFC frontier.

“I’m very intrigued to see what Hermes can do in the MFC, and especially with him meeting Drew Fickett in his first fight,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “Hermes is extremely talented as his record shows, and I have made it very clear that I believe Fickett is one of the world’s best fighters at 155 pounds.

“This matchup is going to be very exciting, fast-paced, and I’m sure a very wild crowd-pleaser.”

A pair of impressive eight-fight winning streaks highlight Franca’s resume. The five-foot-six fighter opened his career with eight straight victories including first-round submissions of both Mike Thomas Brown and Ryan Diaz, a decision win over Rich Crunkilton, and then a devastating second-round TKO of Japanese standout Caol Uno.

The second outstanding run of Franca’s career was bolstered by several wins over big-name rivals. After dispatching of Gabe Ruediger by way of knockout in only 36 seconds, Franca went on to post armbar submission wins over both Nate Diaz and Jamie Varner before rounding out the eight-fight run with a second-round stoppage of Spencer Fisher. Another important victory in Franca’s career came in late 2008 when he scored a decision verdict over bitter rival, fellow Brazilian, and former jiu-jitsu instructor Marcus Aurelio.

Fickett, who fights out of Tucson, Arizona, ran his current winning streak to five with a slick and tidy armbar submission of Matt Veach just 36 seconds into their matchup at MFC 28. Fickett also holds a win over Franca’s former training partner Kurt Pellegrino.

Tickets for MFC 29: Conquer are on sale now at www.caesarswindsor.com and www.ticketmaster.ca.

 

Mixed Martial Arts Links (3-11-11)

Posted on | March 11, 2011 | No Comments

MMA News 3/10: Jon Jones, Shogun Rua and Georges St Pierre vs Anderson Silva Bleacher Report A bit of a slow mixed martial arts news day on Thursday March 10. Here is what Bleacher Report has for you as far as a recap goes: Jon Jones announces he is through talking about Rashad Evans. Georges St. Pierre talks about the possible “superfight” … See all stories on this topic » Bleacher Report

MMA LubbockOnline.com Now the up-and-coming Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter will get a chance to show it was no fluke. He’ll be in against another seasoned veteran today, taking on Californian Matt Horwich in a middleweight main event of Shark Fights 14 at Fair Park … See all stories on this topic »

First Badass Posters for Gavin O’Connor’s ‘Warrior’ with Tom Hardy First Showing Pride & Glory director Gavin O’Connor shot a mixed martial arts drama a few years back (early 2009) called Warrior – we were actually one of the first to report that he was making it. Although its finished, they’ve been holding onto it for a while, … See all stories on this topic »

UFC 128 Fight Card: Jon Jones, Urijah Faber and the Most Creative Fighters Bleacher Report Let’s face it: sometimes the same old same-old just gets boring in mixed martial arts. The same nostalgic routine happens in just about every single fight– people take down others, they stand and jab, they try to isolate a body part to no avail. and … See all stories on this topic » Bleacher Report

Exclusive: UFC looking to return to Chicago after 3 year absence Chicago Sun-Times BY JOHN SILVER jsilver@suntimes.com Mar 11, 2011 12:09AM UFC 90 at Allstate Arena on Oct. 25, 2008, was a big hit with fans of mixed martial arts. | Tasos Katopodis~Getty Images After an absence of almost three years, the Ultimate Fighting Championship … See all stories on this topic »

Kit Cope Trains with Diaz Brothers, Claims No One in MMA Will Stand with Him Bleacher Report A decade after his Mixed Martial Arts debut, with a host of kickboxing world championships to his credit and a lifetime spent in gyms from Idaho to Thailand and back again, what drives the Arizona native to keep strapping on the 4 oz. gloves? … See all stories on this topic » Bleacher Report

New Supremacy trailer shows sexy side of MMA Examiner.com A new trailer for the recently announced fighter Supremacy MMA was released today (view it on the left). Female MMA fighters Felice Herrig and Michele Gutierrez sit down in the video to discuss a recent photo shoot they did for the game which is ironic … See all stories on this topic »

Edgar-Maynard III lands in Vegas Fight News On Memorial Day weekend, they will get five more to prove to the world who the top 155-pound fighter in mixed martial arts truly is, as they meet for the third time in the main event of UFC® 130: Edgar vs. Maynard III, live from the MGM Grand Garden … See all stories on this topic »

MMA fighter Doug Bolanes killed in Framingham crash MetroWest Daily News Bolanes, 22, a former captain on the Framingham High football team and an up-and-comer in mixed martial arts fighting, was killed early yesterday morning, police say, when his car crashed into a tree on Central Street. “He could always make his … See all stories on this topic »

Right Leg Hospital, Left Leg Cemetery. Is It the End of an Era? Bleacher Report Since 1996, Mirko Cro Cop has made his mark on combat sports and since 2001 he has been involved with mixed martial arts. Once known as the most feared striker inMMA, now his ability to pull the trigger is being questioned. … See all stories on this topic » Bleacher Report

 

Blogs 1 new result for mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts fight nights in Mumbai | CNNGo.com By Kanika Parab and Mansi Poddar Full Contact Championship fight nights are where Bollywood and Mumbai go to see action movies in real life, with real punches and kicks — Preity Zinta and Tabu love it. CNNGo Mumbai – All RSS Feeds – http://www.cnngo.com/city/all/all/mumbai/all

 

Web 1 new result for mixed martial arts

Megumi Fujii Details Extensive 2010 Injuries, First MMA Loss … On October 28, 2010, Megumi Mega Megu Fujii suffered the first defeat of her storied mixed martial arts career. That Fujii was able to compete at all in … www.mmarising.com/…/megumi-fujii-details-extensive-2010-i…

 

Diamond Elite’ Final Press Conference Quotes: Sergio Martinez, Sergiy Dzinziruk, Andy Lee, and Craig McEwan

Posted on | March 11, 2011 | No Comments

MASHANTUCKET, CT (Mar. 10, 2011) – The final “Diamond Elite” press conference was held today at Comix in Foxwoods Casino Resort. The WBC Middleweight Diamond Championship showdown, featuring 2010 Fighter of the Year Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk, will be on HBO World Championship Boxing along with Andy Lee vs. Craig McEwan in a “Celtic War.” All four fighters and representatives from their respective camps were in attendance.

Below are quotes from the participants:

Lou DiBella, promoter of Martinez and Lee: “I think it’s going to be a tremendous night of boxing. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the property. Foxwoods is great and it’s been a pleasure working with the staff here.”

“This will be on television – HBO Sports – and it’s a very competitive card with the two fights on TV real TV fights. Sergio Martinez is the Fighter of the Year and had the Knockout of the Year. He’s fighting a guy who is a technically sound fighter with a great jab and defense. Sergiy will find out that he’s not in with just another fighter. I expect a very competitive fight.”

“I want to thank our sponsors: Corona, the Dominican Republic Tourism Board and Hennessey.”

“We have as terrific undercard off TV with some terrific fighters. We have a female heavyweight from New York, Sonya Lamonakis, fighting another fighter from New York (Tanzee Daniels). If you like women’s boxing, this is going to be a war.”

“This sport needs everybody pulling together. We’ve had four major promoters working together without a single problem. That’s how to elevate boxing and bring it back.

“We’re having ‘Celtic War’ five days before St. Patrick’s Day. I’m proud to promote Andy Lee. The winner of this fight will establish himself for the fighter he is. It’s the first opportunity for Craig and Andy on HBO and its stage and legitimacy.”

“My partner and one of the best judges of talent in the world is Sampson Lewkowicz. He scours the world looking for the next Sergio Martinez.”

“Some people will be a little surprised – Gabriel Sarmiento won’t be in Sergio’s corner because of a personal issue. His brother, Pablo, will be in Sergio’s corner. He’s trained Sergio before. Gabriel ran the camp until the final day of camp last Friday.”

“It’s no secret that I didn’t like this fight. HBO twisted my arm but I give them credit. This is the best possible opponent in the world to fight Sergio. Sergio agreed to fight him despite giving up his middleweight belt. He wants to leave a legacy of fighting the best and there’s no doubt that Sergiy is the best 154-pounder in the world.”

“This is what’s at stake (Diamond belt). It costs about $50,000 and has diamonds all over it. The stakes are big.”

“This (Martinez) is one of the most talented athletes and people I’ve ever worked with. Sergio is concerned with people and he has a sense of community and integrity. His nickname, ‘Maravilla,’ marvelous and he is indeed, marvelous.”

“Sergio promised me to speak in English at the next press conference. He has a great teacher and he’s done a great job.”

Sergio Martinez: “I thank HBO, WBC, my promoter, advisor, trainers Gabriel and Pablo, and my team. This Saturday you will see the best Sergio Martinez. This fight is for Argentina.”

Kery Davis, HBO: “We really have a special night of programming with the premier of the Runnin’ Rebels documentary immediately followed with world championship boxing starting at 10:30 eastern, 7:30 pacific. Sergio was a relatively unknown boxer but he beat Kelly Pavlik and followed that with unquestionably the Knockout of the Year against Paul Williams. Sergio is good looking, intelligent and he has charisma. The sky is the limit for him. He is fighting the challenge of his life. Many feel Sergiy Dzinziruk is the No. 1 154 pounder in the world. He is relatively unknown. When you put the best middleweight in the world against the best junior middleweight in the world, you should never apologize, and we don’t. Lee and McEwan are trying to make names for themselves and statements. They’re looking forward to fighting the winner of the main event. Sergio and Sergiy are stepping-up to take the challenge. Sergiy is stepping-up in weight. Sergio is fighting the toughest guy. We’re looking forward to a great night of programming.”

Scott Butera, Foxwoods Resort Casino, President & CEO: “Here at Foxwoods, we have a long-standing tradition with the sport of boxing and have hosted some of the boxing world’s most high profile fights and some of the world’s greatest athletes. As North America’s largest resort casino there are few venues in the Northeast more fitting to host this World Middleweight Championship bout featuring Sergio Martinez and Sergiy Dzinziruk than MGM Grand at Foxwoods and our world-class MGM Grand Theater. The event’s equally exciting undercard, dubbed the ‘Celtic War,’ pits the Andy Lee and Craig McEwan.

“And we have a ‘Who’s Who’ of industry vets on property for the big event, including Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, Arthur Pelullo of Banner Promotions, and Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Promotions, as well as none other than Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

“We’re always thrilled to showcase Foxwoods to a national audience, and HBO’s live broadcast of Saturday’s event will provide a great vehicle for us to do just that. We’re grateful to everybody in this room. Let’s have a great night on Saturday.”

Robert Diaz, Golden Boy Promotions: “This is what boxing is about – four promoters working together to give the public two great fights. McEwan is in a tough fight but he’s more than ready. I can tell you that for a fact. He is fighting for his family, country and himself. Remember, there years ago what happened not too far from here (Lee was knocked out by Bryan Vera).”

Craig McEwan: “This is a big stage for me. I’m ready to put on a big show and show everybody what I’ve got. Andy’s a great guy but Saturday is business. Afterwards we can go out for a pint. I’ve always wanted the (WBC) green belt and this fight will get me one step closer to that.”

Andy Lee: “Everything has been said. Craig, I know well, but I have a job to win this fight. Afterwards we can be friends. I’ve trained 100-percent and want to thank Sugar Hill and Roger Lee. I’ve had the best camp ever, in Florida, with a lot of sparring and conditioning. We’ve left no stone unturned.”

Gary Shaw, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “This is a tremendous fight, deserving to be at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. I’m happy because it is a great fight. I want to thank HBO for putting Sergiy on their card because he’s truly a great fighter. It may not turn out the way Lou and his team think.

“I am a cancer survivor. If you’re over 40, get a PSA test. It saved my life and it could save yours.

“To Lou and Sampson, thanks for taking this fight and I give a lot of credit to them because Sergio had the opportunity for an easier fight. But they took the challenge and I have a lot of respect for Sergio. I represent the best 154-pounder in the world, the single best in the world at 154 pounds, and he wanted this fight. It’s a big step up; up in weight for the fight, and they didn’t want it. I know at the end of the day, no matter what Sergio and Sampson say, it is an impossibility to knockout Sergiy. We will leave here with a win; I guarantee it!”

Artie Pelullo, co-promoter of Dzinziruk: “I’ve put on more than 30 shows at Foxwoods since 1992. HBO and Ross Greenburg have a heckuva fight. They went out of their way to make it. They have the two best: best middleweight and best junior middleweight, who doesn’t know how to lose. It’s going to be great – two guys who know they need to win to move on. Boxing rewards you for winning and both know everything’s on the line. After Martinez knocked out Paul Williams, the fight we get is against the best middleweight in the world. We called Sergiy and he said make the fight. Both are in harm’s way. It’s going to be a very good show because they both know they have to win.”

Sampson Lewkowicz, advisor of Sergio Martinez: “This is my first time here at Foxwoods and it’s wonderful. HBO chose this fight because it’s the best money can buy. Gary Shaw says he guarantees he’ll win the fight. His partner, Artie Pellulo, didn’t say that. Sergio Martinez, if he doesn’t knock him out, he will beat him up. He went from 154 to 160 to be the best. There was no catch-weight because the champion is a middleweight. Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez is the champion of the people, champion of the press; the champion of everybody on earth, inside and outside the ring. I am so proud to be part of this team.”

Pablo Sarmiento, trainer of Sergio Martinez: “Every training camp for Sergio gets better than the last. Saturday you will find out that it’s the best Sergio you’ve ever seen. The challenger is a great fighter and we respect him.”

Sergiy Dzinziruk: “I want to thank everybody for this opportunity and Sergio Martinez, especially, for the opportunity to fight in such a big fight. It’s a dream come true for me. I’m very excited. It’s going to be a great fight and I will be victorious at the end of the night.”

Bob Yalen, representing the WBC: “On behalf of the WBC, Jose and Mauricio, to Sampson, Sergio on behalf of the year you had, and Lou for promoting such a great fighter and fighter, let me present these plaques to all three of them.

“I’m a historian. I don’t think people realize how great a fight this is in the ring. Argentina and Europe have a great history of middleweight fighters. The Ukraine has built a great history. These are two great fighters. I thank HBO for allowing it to happen and Foxwoods for bringing it here.”

“DIAMOND ELITE FACT SHEET”

 

WHAT: “Diamond Elite” professional boxing show

 

BOUTS:

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL DIAMOND MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS — HBO

SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ                                 SERGIY “Razor” DZINZIRUK

WBC Emeritus & The Ring Middleweight Champion      WBO Light Middleweight Champion

2010 Fighter of the Year                                              The Ring #8/1996 Ukraine Olympian

Oxnard, CA by way of Argentina                                   Hamburg, Germany by way of Ukraine

46-2-2 (25 KOs)                                                            37-0 (23 KOs)

 

“CELTIC WAR”

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 10-ROUNDS – HBO

ANDY LEE                                                                    CRAIG McEWAN

WBA #5, WBC #13/2004 Ireland Olympian                  WBO #12, WBC #20

Detroit, MI by way of Ireland                                        Hollywood, CA by way of Scotland

24-1 (18 KOs)                                                              19-0 (10 KOs)

WBC YOUTH FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 ROUNDS

JAVIER “El Abejon” FORTUNA                                   DERRICK “Dynamite” WILSON

La Romana, Dominican Republic                                  Fort Myers, FL

13-0 (10 KOs)                                                              8-1-2 (2 KOs)

 

6 ROUNDS – FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS

SONYA LAMONAKIS                                                   TANZEE “Sweet Tea” DANIELS

4-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion                 5-Time New York Golden Gloves Champion

Turner Falls, MA by way of Greece                                Brooklyn, NY

3-0 (1 KO)                                                                    4-0 (1 KO)

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

THOMAS “The French” DULORME                             GUILLERMO VALDES

Carolina, Puerto Rico                                                    Miami, FL

9-0 (8 KOs)                                                                  12-2 (3 KOs)

4 ROUNDS – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

SEANIE MONAGHAN                                                   BILL “Steel” CUNNINGHAM

Long Island, NY                                                            Jackson, MS

5-0 (4 KOs)                                                                  5-8 (4 KOs)

 

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ABRAHAM LOPEZ                                                        ANDREW “Drama” JONES

Oxnard, CA                                                                   Buffalo, NY

1-1-1                                                                            0-3-1

(ALL FIGHTS AND FIGHTERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

WHEN: Saturday, March 12, 2011

 

WHERE: MGM Grand at Foxwoods

 

PROMOTER: “Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. “Celtic War: Lee vs. McEwan” is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

 

BROADCAST: The main event and co-feature will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 PM/ET / 7:30 PM/PT.

 

TICKETS: $450.00, $250.00, $125.00, $75.00 and $50.00 on sale through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office, online atwww.mgmatfoxwood.com, calling MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1.866.646.0609, or in person at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office.

 

INFORMATION: Doors open at 7 PM/ET, first bout at 7:30 PM/ET, first HBO fight at 10:30 PM/ET.

 

For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.

 

 

RELENTLESS: COTTO vs. MAYORGA UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Posted on | March 11, 2011 | 2 Comments

Tommy Z, Baltimore Ravens Safety and Former Notre Dame Standout:

I’d Like to Thank MYSELF… Because I’m the One Getting Punched in the Face

Steward Declares Cotto – and Not Trinidad – Biggest Boxing Hero in Puerto Rico

Foreman Looks to Hone Matador Skills Against Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak

LIVE on SATURDAY, MARCH 12 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME PPV®

NEW YORK (March 10, 2011) – Although all the participants at today’s RELENTLESS: Cotto vs. Mayorga undercard press conference managed to keep their shirts on, the fighters offered up some interesting commentary in anticipation of theMarch 12 SHOWTIME PPV event on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Also on hand Thursday morning for a media roundtable discussion were the trainers of Cotto and Mayorga, Emmanuel Steward and Al Bonanni, who made some of the day’s most intriguing assertions and recollections. See below for highlights.

Yuri Foreman:

“I’m really tired about the questions about my knee. My knee has been fixed. It’s in my past. Now I’m concentrating on the future.”

“Pawel Wolak definitely lives up to his ring name ‘Raging Bull.’ That’s what he brings. Three and half thousand years ago when the Jews finally came out of Egypt, they experienced great spiritual events: splitting of the sea, they heard God speaking. However, after a few weeks, they built a golden calf and they’ve been punished. Obviously, raging bull… golden calf… it’s not really all that great for the Jews. I’ve been training very well, very hard, like always. Hopefully, I’m going to be –  on Saturday – a matador.”

Pawel Wolak:

“I’m very excited and very happy. This is a huge challenge but I’m up for it because I had a great camp. This is a huge shot for me and my family. I’ve got people coming for this fight. I’m ready. The bigger the challenge, I get up for it. My conditioning is ridiculous. I‘m definitely going to fight hard. Yuri, thanks for accepting the fight. Listen, that’s it. I’m just happy. I’m happy to be here. I want to fight. I’m in Vegas. I love it!”

Tommy Zbikowski, Baltimore Ravens Safety:

“It’s an honor to be back. It’s an honor to be fighting for Top Rank and Mr. Arum. Everyone seems to be thanking who they think is important so I’d like to thank myself because, at the end of the day, I’m the one getting punched in the face and I’m the one doing the training. So hopefully, you’ll enjoy what you see on Saturday night.”

Richard Bryant:

“I want to thank God for giving me the ability to do something that I really love. This is a dream to be able to be able to box at MGM. I know Tommy boxed his first fight at MSG so he’s kind of used to this. He’s a world class athlete. I give him all the respect in the world for all he’s done but I didn’t come here to lose. At the end of the day, I hope we don’t leave it up to the judges.”

Miguel Vazquez:

“This is a big fight card that I’m excited to be a part of. I’m ready and prepared to defend my world title and show everybody that I’m the best. I know my opponent is tough and this is going to be a tough fight. It won’t be easy, by no means. I’m going to be victorious by the end.”

Lenny Zappavigna:

“I’m really looking forward to having the shot to fight for the IBF world title. This is a dream for me. I’ve trained really hard. I’m 100 percent prepared. I’m fit.”

Steward:

“Cotto is the biggest hero in Puerto Rico. I thought [Felix] Trinidad was the biggest hero but even with those losses (to Antonio Margarito and Manny Pacquiao), Cotto is the biggest hero in that country. He holds the Madison Square Garden (attendance) record. Let’s say his next fight took place at the Garden, whether it was with Margarito or something like that, he’d break his own record.”

Bonanni:

Bonanni has trained Mayorga on and off for years. After experiencing a few too many antics in camp, Bonanni recalled leaving…

“I always had enough money to walk away from aggravation and I always had a bad enough temper to shoot somebody…so I left. Mayorga is tough.”

The fight week media week concludes tomorrow with the official weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The weigh-in will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 6 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).  Ines Sainz and Jim Hill will host the half-hour program that will also include fighter interviews. The telecast will be available in High Definition and produced by Top Rank. In addition to the broadcast, a live stream of the weigh-in will be available at sports.sho.com andwww.toprank.com/TRLivestream.

Cotto vs. Mayorga will be promoted by Top Rank, in association with Cotto Promotions, Don King Productions, Tecate and MGM Grand.

The Cotto vs. Mayorga pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95. It will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD.  For Cotto vs. Mayorga fight week updates, log on to www.sports.SHO.com or www.toprank.com

 

USO Tour Packs a Punch as Boxing’s Biggest Ambassador, Former Ten-Time World Champion Oscar de la Hoya Leads Team of Fighters to Visit Troops in Middle East

Posted on | March 11, 2011 | No Comments

 

Up-and-Coming Pugilists Adrien Broner, Danny Jacobs and Seth Mitchell Along to Deliver a Touch of Home to Service Heroes From Left to Right: Seth Mitchell, Danny Jacobs, Oscar de la Hoya & Adrien Broner visit the troops in the Middle East on the USO Tour.

Twitter Pitch: @GoldenBoyBoxing’s @OscarDeLaHoya, @ajtheproblem21, @DanielJacobsTKO & Seth Mitchell support the troops on @the_USO tourhttp://bit.ly/gVNxsA   ARLINGTON, VA. (March 10, 2011) – Boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya, who has a storied ring career and a history of performing community service, recently added a new title to his list of accomplishments – USO celebrity volunteer.  The 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist and former 10-Time World Champion in six weight divisions is currently participating in his first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour to the Middle East.  Joining De La Hoya are some of boxing’s most exciting up-and-coming fighters in Adrien Broner, Danny Jacobs and Seth Mitchell. Details: ·        The group kicked off their tour by lifting the spirits of more than 500 service members stationed in Kuwait.  Busy signing autographs, sharing boxing techniques and extending their appreciation to America’s heroes, so far the fighters have visited Camp Arifjan and are scheduled to visit more bases over the next few days. ·        This is the first USO tour for all four boxers. ·        De La Hoya earned the nickname “The Golden Boy” after taking home a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.  Additionally, the acclaimed boxer is a ten-time world champion in six weight divisions including junior lightweight, lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight. ·        De La Hoya, who currently serves as President of Golden Boy Promotions and counts his Los-Angeles based Oscar de la Hoya Amino High School, the Cecilia Gonzalez de la Hoya Cancer Center and theOscar de la Hoya Children’s Medical Center, both located at the White Memorial Hospital, as several of his many community projects. ·        Broner, an undefeated lightweight from Cincinnati, Ohio, holds a 20-0 record with 16 knockouts.  On March 5, 2011, he scored his most impressive victory to date in capturing the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight title by defeating former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon. ·        Jacobs, from Brooklyn, New York and a 2003 Junior Olympics National Boxing Champion, currently holds a 22-1 record with 19 knockouts.  He has held both the North American Boxing Organization as well as the North American Boxing Federation middleweight titles. ·        Mitchell, from Brandywine Maryland, is undefeated as a heavyweight and a former standout Michigan State linebacker.  He holds a 21-0-1 record with 14 knockouts.  In his most recent fight on March 5, 2011, he shut down his opponent Chales Davis in under two rounds, further proving himself to be the United States’ best hope for a heavyweight world champion, the most recognized position in the sport. Quotes: Attributed to Oscar de la Hoya: “As a professional boxer I know what it’s like to have your mind and body pushed to the limit, and can relate to how our troops must feel.  The difference is when they are out here fighting for us, they don’t get a break between rounds or to rest between fights, as they are on call and ready to defend our country at a moment’s notice.  This USO tour is an eye-opening and very humbling experience for me.  I can’t believe what sacrifices these guys are making and I only hope they know how much I appreciate their service.” Attributed to Adrien Broner: “I’m a fighter, I get paid to take a hit but I’ve met some ‘real’ fighters out here on my USO tour.  I have to admit, compared to what I have learned our troops go through every day, I think my kind of toughness is different from theirs.  I don’t think I know anyone as tough as they are.”   Attributed to Danny Jacobs: “Man, what an experience!  I didn’t know what to expect on this USO tour, but now that I’ve been here for a few days, all I can say is ‘WOW!’  I’ve met some unforgettable people that are doing so much over here and am looking forward to meeting even more.”   Attributed to Seth Mitchell: “I have nothing but respect for our men and women in uniform and I thank the USO for giving me the opportunity to go out and show them my appreciation. So far, this tour has been awesome and I can’t wait to return back home and tell everyone about it.”

Social Media and Other Web Sites:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/the_USO, http://twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,http://twitter.com/OscarDeLaHoya, http://twitter.com/ajtheproblem21,http://twitter.com/DanielJacobsTKO and http://twitter.com/ArmedForcesEnt

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theUSO, http://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, and http://www.facebook.com/ArmedForcesEntertainment

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/USO4troops and http://www.youtube.com/afechannel

Web: http://www.uso.org, http://www.goldenboypromotions.com/ and http://www.armedforcesentertainment.com

Blogs: http://blog.uso.org/

 

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