Nabil Khatib Interview
Posted on | February 6, 2011 | No Comments
PROSPECTS LUIS FRANCO & LATEEF KAYODE ESCAPE WITH CLOSE VICTORIES IN FIRST SHOBOX OF 2011
Posted on | February 5, 2011 | No Comments
Catch The Replay On Tuesday, Feb. 8 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHO 2
SANTA YNEZ, CALIF. (Feb. 4, 2011) – Facing the toughest opponent of his short professional career, undefeated featherweight prospect and Cuban Olympian Luis Franco eked out a close split-decision victory over the extremely tough and powerful Leonilo Miranda in Friday’s main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME® from Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif.
In an equally close and hotly-contested co-feature, Freddie Roach-trained Lateef Kayode’s consecutive knockout streak ended at 14 when he scored a unanimous decision over the game and determined Nicholas Iannuzzi.
Heading into the bout with Miranda, Franco (9-0, 5 KOs) and his camp thought they were just one step away from a title shot. But, in what has become characteristic for prospects in dangerous matchups on ShoBox, Franco got the toughest test of his career and barely escaped with a victory, scored 97-94 Miranda, 97-93 Franco and 96-94 Franco.
In the first round, Miranda (26-3, 25 KOs) scored what appeared to be a legitimate knockdown that was ruled a slip by referee Marcos Rosales. Franco came back strong in the next few rounds, establishing his game plan and landing an assortment of solid combinations. In what may become an early Round of the Year candidate for ShoBox, both fighters came out blazing in the fifth and exchanged a series of blows that hurt and dazed both parties.
Franco and Miranda cooled down a little in the sixth and seventh before steeping on the gas to close out the fight in the ninth and tenth rounds. Throughout the bout, Franco employed a more tactical approach and a stronger defense, while Miranda used a more crowd-pleasing, aggressive and wild game plan.
“Miranda hits very hard, but I felt I worked faster than him,” said Franco, who claimed he was not hurt in the first round and that the referee was correct in ruling it a slip. “It was a close, even fight. He has lots of experience. We studied video and wanted to keep the fight tactical.”
ShoBox color commentator and boxing expert Steve Farhood scored it a draw.
“The positive for Franco was that he ended up fighting the other guy’s fight and had the heart to eke out a win,” Farhood said. “The negative is the same criticism as before – that Franco hasn’t shown the ability to punch with power.”
A frustrated and disappointed Miranda pleaded his case for a rematch following the decision.
“It was a close fight,” Miranda said. “I thought it was at least a draw. He ran and I kept looking for him in the middle of the ring. I know I could beat him the next time. I wanted to fight but he kept running.”
Kayode (16-0, 14 KOs) came into the bout as one of the most talked about prospects in boxing and riding a staggering KO streak before he ran into Iannuzzi, who was tough both physically and stylistically for the Nigerian-born Hollywood resident.
Entering the fight, Iannuzzi (16-2, 9 KOs) knew he couldn’t stand in front of Kayode and trade punches. So the Tampa resident danced and moved to avoid shots, often lunging in to throw quick jabs and combos before either locking up or jumping back out of harms way.
Clearly frustrated, Kayode was unable to fight his game, and, for just the second time in his career, he was pushed to the distance, scored 98-91, 97-92, 95-94.
“The decision is fine,” Kayode said. “It was a good fight. I learned more from going the distance.
“Everyone has a different style and he tried to pull me to his. He was running too much. He would jab and run back, but he wasn’t hurting me with his combos. He was running and grabbing so I couldn’t hit the body.”
Kayode’s legendary trainer was also frustrated with the fight but remained optimistic.
“We had a little trouble with his style,” Roach said. “It’s a learning experience. Lateef blocked a lot of the shots and I think he landed the harder ones.
“It’s a good learning experience fighting a guy like this and it will help him in the long run. We don’t expect the knockouts, when they come it’s a bonus.”
Farhood believes that Iannuzzi may have revealed a chink in the seemingly perfect cruiserweight prospect.
“We found a hole in Kayode’s armor that we hadn’t previously seen on ShoBox which is his inability to hit a mover,” Farhood said. “The fact that Lateef was so ineffective in a small ring punches holes in the idea that he is ready for a world title fight.”
Iannuzzi, who was fighting outside of Florida for the first time as a professional, believed he had the right game plan but could have executed it a little more effectively.
“I fought as hard as I needed to, but I could have done a little better,” Iannuzzi said. “You can’t stand in front of a big puncher. I could take some of his shots. I’m tough; I’m the first to guy to go the distance with him in a long time. I’m a true cruiserweight – that guy is a heavyweight. Not many people thought I could get past five with him.”
While both Franco and Kayode were both somewhat disappointed in their performances and may not be as close to a world title shot as they thought they were entering Friday’s bouts, Farhood believes the tough tests should be learning experiences.
“Both Franco and Kayode needed to take a step back before they take two steps forward,” Farhood said. “They are fortunate to remain unbeaten in fights where lessons were learned.”
Friday’s fights will be available On Demand beginning Monday, Feb. 7 and ending Sunday, Feb. 20.
Bernardo Osuna called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and Antonio Tarver serving as expert analysts. Gordon Hall was the executive producer of ShoBox with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.
Tags: Auto > decision > decision victory > distance > draft > draw > few rounds > fight > Freddie Roach > Luis Franco > prospect > Resident > round > SANTA > santa ynez > ShoBox > split decision > tactical approach > time > title > undefeated featherweight > wild game
COMCAST SPORTSNET PHILADELPHIA TO FEATURE BERNARD HOPKINS IN BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDITION OF “NET IMPACT PHILLY”
Posted on | February 5, 2011 | No Comments
Special to Air on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia this Monday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m. and on The Comcast Network Wednesday, February 16 at 7 p.m.
Philadelphia, PA (Friday, February 4)…Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins will be featured this Monday, February 7 (6:30 p.m.) on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia’s monthly magazine program “Net Impact Philly” as the sports network celebrates Black History Month by profiling some of the city’s most influential African-American athletes. The program will re-air on The Comcast Network on Wednesday, February 16 (7 p.m.), which airs across the country in 14 select local markets.
The feature will give a behind-the-scenes look into Hopkins’ life as a 46-year-old boxing legend and amazing success story. Cameras captured Hopkins in the gym as he prepared for his fight against Jean Pascal this past December and continued rolling while he performed his continuous work in the local community. From Hopkins’ days as a troubled young man to his unmatched boxing accomplishments, “Net Impact Philly” tells the story of this true Philadelphia champion.
The program will also profile former Temple University Men’s Basketball Coach and Hall of Famer John Chaney and Trayvon King, a junior and star point guard at Martin Luther King High School in Philadelphia.
“I am honored to be part of Comcast Philly’s celebration of Black History Month,” said Hopkins. “Being a Philadelphian is a big part of who I am. I am proud of my roots and I hope that my story can be a positive influence for youth who are growing up in a similar situation as I did to go out and make a negative into a positive.”
Tags: African > Auto > black history month > celebration of black history > celebration of black history month > city > comcast network > Comcast SportsNet > comcast sportsnet philadelphia > draft > Executioner > February > Hopkins > hopkins life > Impact > john chaney > LIFE > magazine > Philly > star point guard > story
Cage Fury Fighting Championships Returns Tonight!
Posted on | February 5, 2011 | No Comments
Hoss Promotions proudly announces the return of Cage Fury Fighting Championship (CFFC) under the leadership of newly named president, Rob Haydak. A former Division 1 wrestler with an extensive and successful background in executive business, Haydak is excited to bring CFFC back to prominence. “I agreed to take on the role of President for two reasons,” said Haydak. “First, the reputation of CFFC and the shows that they put on in the past were second to none. We want to continue that tradition. Second, our new home for at least 8 shows in Atlantic City is going to be the place to be in 2011. I’ve been privileged to get to know the owners and management team first hand, they bring a level excitement that is contagious.”
CFFC is fully prepared to make a big splash in the mixed-martial-arts (MMA) world in 2011 with at least 8 events scheduled beginning early February in Atlantic City, New Jersey. These events will be televised and the CFFC buzz has already generated interest in other markets across the United States. Don’t miss out on this new venture and be prepared to “feel the fury” once again.
About Cage Fury Fighting Championship:
Cage Fury Fighting Championships (www.cffc.tv) is a pioneer in bringing prominent and elite MMA talent to the east coast beginning in 2006. Not only did CFFC bring feared street fighter Kimbo Slice’s first foray into MMA in 2007 with an exhibition match against former boxing heavyweight champion, Ray Mercer, the organization has also help launch the careers of several MMA stars. These include UFC veterans Jim Miller, Dan Miller, John Howard, Tamdan McCrory, Dante Rivera and former Bellator FC Champion Lyman Good.
Tags: Auto > Bellator > boxing heavyweight champion > business > cage fury fighting championship > cage fury fighting championships > CFFC > draft > executive business > fight card > fighting > Fury > home > Hoss > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > president > Ray Mercer > tamdan mccrory > TONIGHT > wrestler
Black Widow Harley-Davidson presents Florida Heritage Wrestling!
Posted on | February 3, 2011 | No Comments
Saturday, February 12, 2011
11:30AM to 2:30PM
Admission is free!
Located at 2224 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, FL, 33948
Scheduled matches include:
“American Muscle” Tank Abrams vs. Mark Zout
Josh Rayne vs. Robert Cook III
Luke & Rich, The James Boys vs. Michael Patrick & Fidel Sierra “The Cuban Assassin” w/ Fantasy
Raymond Snow vs. “The Tokyo Monster” Kahagas w/ The Masked Superstar
“The Scum Of The Earth” Brian Brody & Joey Saint w/ Rusty Brooks vs. Phil & Sean, The Heartbreak Express w/ The Masked Superstar
Buck Quartermaine vs. UWF Champion, Rob Minion
Also featuring special guest Ring Announcer, “Voice of EA Sports MMA Video Game” Shannon Rose!
There will also be live music, food, merchandise vendors and dealer specials on all Harley-Davidson parts, accessories and apparel!
Tags: Auto > brian brody > buck quartermaine > draft > fantasy > February > florida heritage > food merchandise > heartbreak express > james boys > Kahagas > Luke > masked superstar > port charlotte fl > RICH > Robert > rusty brooks > Saturday > SCHEDULED > scum of the earth > Tank
LUIS FRANCO & LEONILO MIRANDA LATEEF KAYODE & NICHOLAS IANNUZZI FINAL WEIGHTS AND QUOTES
Posted on | February 3, 2011 | No Comments
TOMORROW, Live on SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT
NOTE: WEIGHTS (Feb. 3, 2011) – Undefeated featherweight prospect and former Cuban Olympian Luis Franco and knockout artist Leonilo Miranda both weighed in at 126 pounds during Thursday’s weigh in at Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif.
Franco (8-0, 5 KOs) will square off with Miranda (26-2, 25 KOs) in his toughest test to date in the 10-round featherweight main event of ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, Feb. 4, LIVE on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Lateef Kayode (15-0, 14 KOs) tipped the scales at 199 pounds and Nicholas Iannuzzi (16-1, 9 KOs) measured 198 pounds for their 10-round cruiserweight co-feature. The crowd-pleasing and Freddie Roach-trained Kayode will be looking for his 15th consecutive knockout against Tampa’s Iannuzzi.
One of boxing’s fastest rising prospects, Franco is on the inside track to challenge for a world title in 2011. The No. 9 rated World Boxing Organization (WBO) prospect, Franco is aiming to continue to step up his level of opposition in the coming year.
Miranda who has an impressive KO ratio, will be fighting in the U.S., where he holds a 1-1 record, for just the third time.
In a division controlled by Europeans, Kayode is America’s No. 1 cruiserweight prospect and on the USA Today and ESPN.com 2010 top prospects lists. Ranked No. 6 by the World Boxing Classic (WBC) and No. 4 by the WBA, Kayode is coming off a sixth-round knockout of Ed Perry in the Dec. 3 ShoBox main event. Kayode, who lives in Hollywood by way of Lagos, Nigeria, is training at the famed Wild Card Gym under Roach, who will work his corner on Friday.
The telecast will originate from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif., and will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC.
What the fighters had to say on Thursday:
LUIS FRANCO:
“I think he’s (Miranda) knocked out guys who just stood in front of him. We won’t be doing that.
“I won’t have an issue fighting a southpaw – I fought plenty as an amateur.
“I’m going to do my fight and stick to my plan. Hopefully, it will be enough.
“If I get hit in the ring I’ll hit you back and hurt you. I’m not worried about his power.”
LEONILO MIRANDA:
“We’ve been sparring with guys that have a lot of speed and power to get ready for Franco. I sparred with (Charles) Huerta and dominated him.
“I’m coming to fight 10 rounds, but I have the punching power to change the fight at any time.
“We’ll try for the KO if it’s there.
“Both losses helped me gain experience. I learned to train the right way from them.”
LATEEF KAYODE:
“We took a week off after the last fight and a day off for Christmas. We’ve basically been in the gym the whole time.
“These knockouts have been a blessing for me. I’m aggressive. If I land a good shot I’m not going to stop. I’ll keep coming until the KO comes, until they are down.
“I learn a lot from my trainer (Freddie Roach). He’s made me more patient. I now know I don’t need to go for the knockout early.
“The more you hit me the more you’re looking for trouble.
“I don’t know much about this guy. I’ll just do my own thing and let it come.”
NICK IANNUZZI:
“This is a dream come true, something I’ve been working for since I was a little kid. Lateef is just another obstacle in my destiny. Nothing personal, but he’s just someone I need to get past.
“I can do it all. I can brawl, counterpunch, adjust.
“I see some weaknesses in him that I can expose. There will be some chances for me in there. I pretty much know what to expect with him.
“I feel like I have more experience as a pro than he has. That will be a difference maker.
“My only loss was good for me. It was a huge stepping stone for me and I won’t let it happen again. I learned a lot from it.
“I feel like he’s going to have a rude awakening soon, very soon.
“I need to be smart against him. I know he has some knockout power so I need to be smart.
“No offence to Freddie Roach, but he can only do so much. He’s not in the ring with him.”
Bernardo Osuna will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and Antonio Tarver serving as expert analysts. Gordon Hall is the executive producer of ShoBox with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.
Tags: Auto > Chumash > Chumash Casino Resort > cruiserweight > draft > fight > Freddie Roach > Gary Shaw > kayode > knockout > lagos nigeria > LEONILO > Luis Franco > prospect > round > ShoBox > undefeated featherweight > way > weights > Wild Card Gym > World Boxing Organization
MEET THE STRIKEFORCE HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNEY PARTICIPANTS!
Posted on | February 3, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Alistair Overeem > Andrei Arlovski > Auto > Brett Rogers > champion > Clue > dj clue > Doors > draft > former heavyweight champions > heavyweight world > Jitsu > Jiu > Josh Barnett > participants > Roseland Ballroom > scott ferrall > sergei kharitonov > Street > Strikeforce > tournament > West
“INSIDE MMA” MAKES LIVE DEBUT AT THE UFC WEIGH-INS THIS FRIDAY
Posted on | February 3, 2011 | No Comments
HDNet takes MMA fans inside “UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort” with LIVE on location coverage- Tomorrow Night at 7:00 p.m. ET
DALLAS (February 3, 2011) “Inside MMA” is on the road this week with LIVE coverage of the “UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort” weigh-ins from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten will be joined by Urijah Faber, Anthony Pettis, and Mike Goldberg to break down the fights and Ron Kruck will interview Saturday’s combatants as they step off the scale. Joe Rogan will emcee the event.
“HDNet is committed to taking our viewers inside the sport like no other network,” said Mark Cuban, Chairman of HDNet. “LIVE on-site coverage of MMA’s biggest events is a cornerstone of that commitment and we are excited to present ‘Inside MMA’ LIVE at the UFC weigh-ins for the very first time.”
The Super Bowl™ Saturday event in Las Vegas is a UFC tradition, annually featuring one of the best fight cards of the year. “UFC 126” is no exception with one of the deepest cards in recent memory. In the main event of the evening, Anderson Silva defends his UFC Middleweight Title against Vitor Belfort, plus Forest Griffin meets Rich Franklin and Jon Jones takes on Ryan Bader.
“Inside MMA – UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort Weigh-ins” airs LIVE this Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET on HDNet. The program will replay in its regular time slot later that night at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Tags: Anderson Silva > Auto > Bas Rutten > Chairman > draft > emcee > fight cards > Joe Rogan > location > location coverage > MAKES > mandalay bay in las vegas > Mike Goldberg > MMA > network > road > Rutten > scale > time > ufc weigh ins > Urijah Faber > Vitor Belfort
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