Hofstra’s Head Coach Tom Shifflet Earns 4 Year Extension, Talks to TDR TV

Posted on | September 28, 2010 | No Comments

WRES: Shifflet Given Four-Year Contract Extension

Courtesy: Hofstra Athletic Communications

Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University Head Wrestling Coach Tom Shifflet has been given a four-year contract extension to coach the Pride through the 2013-14 season, Director of Athletics Jack Hayes announced Monday.

Shifflet, who became the 10th head wrestling coach in University history in May, 2006, has recorded a 47-30-4 record in four seasons with the Pride. In addition, Hofstra has captured three Colonial Athletic Association championships with 13 student-athletes claiming individual conference titles. He has also coached a total of 24 Pride wrestlers to the NCAA Championships including seven or more Pride wrestlers in three of the four years. As a team, Hofstra has placed in the top 15 in two of the championships and Pride wrestlers have earned All-America honors six times during his tenure.

His first season as the Hofstra Head Wrestling Coach in 2006-07 was one for the record books. Shifflet directed the Pride to an 18-4-2 dual record, a final record season ranking of ninth, the program’s sixth straight Colonial Athletic Association championship and the school’s seventh consecutive conference title, an upset victory of top-ranked Minnesota in November, a sixth-place finish at the NWCA National Duals and, most importantly, a seventh-place finish at the 2007 NCAA Championships in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Along the way, the Pride developed four All-Americans, seven conference champions including the CAA Wrestler of the Year and the Rookie of the Year. For Shifflet’s efforts, he was named the Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year.

In 2007-08 Shifflet directed the program to its 11th consecutive winning season with a 13-8 overall record and a 6-0 conference while leading Hofstra to its seventh straight CAA wrestling championship and eighth consecutive conference title. Along the way the Pride faced 13 Top 25 opponents and posted victories over #4 Iowa State, #13 Edinboro and #22 Old Dominion. Hofstra placed third at the Southern Scuffle, 10th in the Cliff Keen-Las Vegas Invitational, first in the CAA Championships with three conference champions and seven national qualifiers, and 15th in the NCAA Championships with two All-Americans and the Gorrarian Award winner.

In 2008-09, Shifflet, faced with a rebuilding season, captured the University’s ninth consecutive conference championship with three individual champions, posted a 10-6 dual record and a 5-1 mark in the CAA and sent eight wrestlers to the NCAA Championships in St. Louis. He was also named CAA Coach of the Year. Last season was a year filled with injuries to starters in three weight classes while a fourth was red-shirted as the Pride struggled through a 6-12-2 season. Nonetheless, three Pride wrestlers qualified for the NCAA Championships in 2010.

Shifflet came to Hofstra after four seasons as head wrestling coach at UNC Greensboro. His tenure at UNCG was marked by annual improvements in recruiting, recognition and success. He also created and organized the annual 35-team Southern Scuffle wrestling tournament, which is one of the largest and more competitive Division I regular season tournaments in the country. During his tenure at UNC Greensboro Shifflet recorded a 32-32 dual meet record and had nine wrestlers qualify for the NCAA Championships.

A three-time All-American and a four-time national qualifier as a student-athlete at national powerhouse Edinboro University from 1992 through 1995, Shifflet began his coaching career as an assistant at Georgia State University in1995, helping the Panthers post back-to-back winning seasons, and develop three conference champions and four NCAA qualifiers.

In 1997 Shifflet left Georgia State to begin a five-year tenure as an assistant coach at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. During his time with the Big Red, Shifflet coached 24 NCAA qualifiers, three NCAA All-Americans and helped head coach Rob Koll to a pair of Ivy League championships in 1999 and 2001. More importantly, Cornell was also consistently ranked among the nation’s top-15 programs. His final Big Red recruiting class placed fifth at the 2006 NCAA Championships in Oklahoma City.

PRIZEFIGHTER FINAL CLASH ON CARDS FOR SPROTT AND SKELTON

Posted on | September 28, 2010 | No Comments

Line-up change opens the door for old rivals to fight for title on October 9

Matt Skelton and Michael Sprott could meet in the final of Prizefighter Heavyweights IV after line-up alterations ahead of the October 9 fight night at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

The pair have fought twice previously with Skelton coming out on top on both occasions, and now the withdrawal of three fighters has led to a change in the draw, meaning the old foes are on course for a third showdown in the final live on Sky Sports.

Sprott will be hoping to gain revenge for those defeats but faces a tough opening encounter with Danny Hughes, who got off the canvas against Audley Harrison in their semi-final of the third edition of the Prizefighter Heavyweights before losing to the eventual winner by unanimous decision.

“Danny will be a hard fight, he’s up and coming and he showed heart after getting dropped by Audley last time,” said Sprott. “If I come through this then who knows what might happen but this is going to be explosive and anything could happen as there’s been some real shocks in Prizefighter in the past so I’m fully focused on my bout with Danny.”
Skelton will open the nights action against Londoner Ali Adams, with the victor in that fight facing the winner of the second bout of the night between Kevin McBride, the Irishman who was the last fighter to beat Mike Tyson and Franklin Egobi, the Tooting fighter who replaces Michael Holden.

The winner of the Sprott and Hughes clash will face either unbeaten Irishman Declan Timlin – a 7-0 fighter who replaces Carl Baker (damaged shoulder) – or Shane McPhilbin, the 24 year-old Nottingham boxer fighting for the fourth time in his career who replaces Chris Burton, who suffered a recurrence of an arm injury during sparring.

PRIZEFIGHTER HEAVYWEIGHTS IV DRAW

Matt Skelton v Ali Adams

Kevin McBride v Franklin Egobi

Michael Sprott v Danny Hughes

Declan Timlin v Shane McPhilbin

VIP and Ringside tickets are sold-out for Prizefighter Heavyweights IV but there are a limited number of unreserved tickets available from Matchroom Sport which can be purchased by calling 01277 359900.

ZACH SHEAFFER NAMED ASST. WRESTLING COACH at Clarion

Posted on | September 28, 2010 | No Comments

Zach Sheaffer, 24, a former All-America heavyweight wrestler at Pitt, has been named assistant wrestling coach at Clarion University, it was announced today by Clarion A.D. Dave Katis.

Sheaffer replaces former Assistant Ethan Bosch, who stepped down from the position over the Summer.

“We’re really excited to have Zach on board,” said Clarion head wrestling coach Teague Moore. “Zach brings a great energy into our program. He’s young, has a great passion for the sport, and combined with his All-American abilities, will help take us to the next level.”

Moore, who begins his fifth season at Clarion, has worked very hard to return the Golden Eagles wrestling program back to its glory days of the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s. Clarion was 8-8 last year, defated two top 25 ranked teams, and placed third at both the EWL and PSAC Championships.

“We hired Zach as the new head assistant coach because he showed us that his desire to win and his goals of motivating college wrestlers to succeed in the classroom and on the wrestling mat proved to me that he was the right candidate for the job.”

Sheaffer, a native of Carlisle, Pa. and Cumberland Valley High School, had a high school career record of 135-29, including a 48-1 record his senior year (2004). He finished third at the PIAA Championships in 2003 and 2004, and was a two-time district and regional champion. A three-time PIAA Qualifier, he also won the “Beast of the East” Tournament.

Moving on to the University of Pittsburgh, Sheaffer wrestled for veteran head coach Rande Stottlemyer from the 2004-05 season through the 2008-09 campaign. As a freshman heavyweight in 2004-05 he posted a 25-13 overall record, was an EWL Champion as a true freshman and an NCAA D-I Qualifier.

Zach red-shirted 2005-06, then came back in 2006-07 to post a record of 25-12, won the W&J Open and placed third at the Cornell Body Bar Invite.

In 2007-08 Zach was 35-11 overall, placed 6th at the prestigious Midlands Open and won his second EWL title, qualifying him for the D-I Nationals. Zach was 1-2 at nationals as a junior.

In his senior year Sheaffer reached the ultimate, an 8th place finish at the NCAA Div.I Nationals and an All-America placing at heavyweight. Zach finished the year with a 22-10 overall record, placed second at the Midlands Open and was 4th at EWL’s, while ending his career with an overall record of 107-46.

Zach received his degree from Pitt in 2009 and earned a degree in U.S. History. Last year (2009-2010) he was an assistant wrestling coach at Limestone College, before coming to Clarion.

“I am very excited to be here at Clarion and part of this wrestling program,” said Sheaffer. “I look forward to making a strong contribution to the team including working with our upper weights, working closely with our student athletes, providing quality leadership and providing an energy and passion that I feel for the sport of wrestling.”

Clarion starts its 2010-11 wrestling season on November 6th hosting the Clarion Open.

CLARION NOTES: Sheaffer joins Clarion head wrestling coach Teague Moore who is bringing Clarion’s NCAA Division I Program and tradition back to life … The Golden Eagles were third at EWL’s and PSAC’s last year, while sporting an 8-8 dual meet record… Clarion notched wins over top 25 teams Old Dominion (20-18) and North Carolina (25-19). Moore, 34, is preparing to begin his 5th year at Clarion … He is a native of Pittsburgh and North Allegheny High School… Moore had impressive wrestling credentials … He was a three-time PIAA placewinner including a runner-up in 1993, a third pace ending in 1994 and State Champion in 1995. He also was a three-time PA. State Freestyle Champion (1993-95), a three-time Junior National Freestyle Champion (1993, 94, 95) and National High School Champion in 1995… At Oklahoma State Teague was a four-year starter at 118-pounds for the Cowboys. A 4-time NCAA Division I National Qualifier, he was a three-time Division I All-American (1997-99), including an NCAA National Championship in 1998. He also placed third at nationals in 1999 and 4th in 1997. Teague was a Big 12 Champion in 1997 and 98 and runner-up in 1999. He posted a career record of 118-25 and was 15th in career wins at Oklahoma State at that time… Moore placed third at the US Olympic Trials in 2000, he won the US Open National Championship at 55KG in 2002, was a national team member and runner-up at the World Team Trials. In 2003 he was a National Team Member, was a Silver Medalist at the World Cup and placed third at the World Team Trials and the US Open Nationals. A National Team member in 2004, Teague placed third at the US Olympic Trials and at the US Open…Wrestling internationally, he was University World Champion (@ Tokyo, Japan) in 2000, Manitoba Open Champion in 2001, Yasar Dogu Champion (Ankara, Turkey) in 2002, Manitoba Champion again in 2004 and second at the Ulan Ude, Russian International Open, among others.

Bellator Bound Ferrid Kheder Knocks Out UFC Vet Berger, Talks to TDR TV

Posted on | September 28, 2010 | No Comments

35 year old French born MMA fighter Ferrid “Hurricane” Kheder is a world-class champion judoka and mixed martial artist. He had a tremendous weekend in Canada in his KO win against multiple time UFC veteran Steve “The Red Nose Pitbull” Berger. He also sports a KO victory over recent Shine Fights champ Drew Fickett and has previously taken UFC welterweight contender Paulo Thiago to a decision. His current record stands at 18-5 winning 13 of his last 14 fights.

Now Bellator lightweight Ferrid Kheder looks to begin his quest for the title with a solid resume of fighting experience. The 35-year-old former Olympian is battle tested to say the least.

Kheder began training judo at the age of four and, over the course of his 25-plus-year career, has won 13 national titles, eight continental medals and two continental titles in Europe. He joined the French National Team in 1993 at the age of 18 and eventually represented that country at the 2000 Olympics, where he finished seventh. Shortly after the Olympics, he moved to the Tunisian National Team, where he stayed until 2004.
In October 2006, six years after his Olympic bid, Kheder made his official transition to MMA with a Round 1 submission (arm bar) that earned him his first professional win. Since then, he has quickly compiled a solid 16-5 MMA record. Since beginning training under the highly touted Shawn Tompkins, Kheder has won 11 of his 12 fights.

During his career, Kheder has competed against top flight competition such as Paulo Thiago and Daisuke Nakamura. With the tournament looming ahead, Kheder will look to summon his advanced knowledge of Judo to neutralize his opponents by any means necessary – using his tactical striking and submission abilities to advance his way through a division of young eager fighters.

The 35-year-old Kheder was born in France to a Spanish mother and Tunisian father. He holds a third-degree judo black belt as well as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt. Kheder had briefly trained in Sydney, Australia alongside Bellator’s World Middleweight Champion, Hector Lombard. He moved to the United States in 2007 and joined Team Tompkins a year later. He now trains at Tompkins’ TapouT gym in Las Vegas.

P.S. Here is a great highlight video of Ferrid:

Find Ferrid Kheder on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/ferridhurricanekheder?ref=search

UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT, ISAAC RODRIGUES LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM

Posted on | September 28, 2010 | No Comments

RODRIGUEs LOOKS TO REMAIN UNDEFEATED THIS SATURDAY WHEN HE TAKES ON SAMUEL MILLER AT THE TURNING STONE CASINO THAT WILL BE BROADCASTED LIVE ON WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VERONA, NEW YORK (September 28, 2010)—This Saturday night at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort, undefeated r Middleweight prospect, Isaac Rodriguez will look to capture the WBC/USNBC championship when he tussles with Samuel Miller in a twelve round main event that will highlight a seven bout card.

Rodrigues of Brazil moved to the city of Belem at the age of seventeen where he took up boxing. Unlike most boys in the South American country, Rodrigues has no aspirations of being a soccer star.

Rodrigues has an uncle who was a boxer and that facilitated him, towards the sport and he amassed a amateur record of 51-4.

Rodrigues was inspired by Brazilian mega-star Acelino “Popo” Freitas and his uncle had a relationship with famed trainer Oscar Suarez, who ironically trained Freitas and the connection was made for Rodrigues to further his career in the United States.

Rodrigues won his first eight professional bouts in his native Brazil before making his American debut on April 28, 2007 on the undercard of Freitas unification showdown with Juan Diaz.

“There are not of experienced fighters in Brazil”, said Rodrigues
“I have learned a lot from every fight and fighter that I see”, continued Rodrigues, who describes his style as a fan friendly boxer/counter-puncher.

Rodrigues won three straight in the United States before heading back to Brazil.

Just months after Rodrigues won the WBO Latino championship, unfortunately for Rodriguez, Suarez passed away.

Luckily Rodrigues had a strong team behind him as Suarez’ wife Marie took over reigns as the manager.

“I have been around the sport for twenty-three years doing everything in the background”, said Marie Suarez.

“I understand the business. If I were a fighter, I would be a world champion”

“I know that Isaac is world championship material and we feel that we have a very sellable product. He is a very good kid and extremely humble and we believe he has what it takes to go all the way.”

New trainer Francisco Guzman has been brought in to work with Rodrigues and the soon to be twenty-six year old continues to get better every day.

Working with Marie Suarez is long time and respected boxing man, Dave Escalet.

“This is a big fight to see where Isaac fits in the middleweight division”, Said Escalet.

“With the new trainer, we are taking this one fight at a time and we think that by the end of 2011, Isaac will be ready for anybody in the top-ten”

When Rodrigues is not training, he spends his time in his adopted home of West Berlin, New Jersey where he likes to cook, play cards and watch American Football.

In the exciting co-feature, local favorite Brian Miller will take on Ikem Orji in an eight round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Miller of Schenectady, New York is undefeated with a record 8-0-4 with three knockouts and is known as a hard working customer who will fight anybody at anytime.

Miller has signature wins over Broderick Antoine and a split decision win over Danny McDermott (8-1-1). He is coming off a draw with tough Italian Floriano Pagliara (10-4) on September 11.

Orji of Laurel, Maryland via Nigeria has a record of 6-3 with two knockouts.

Like Miller, Orji is willing to fight anyone with close losses to prospects Anthony Flores (6-0); Isaac Suarez (6-0).

Orji scored a mild upset when he scored a fourth round stoppage over Andrew Farmer (13-1) this past March 6th.

Orji dropped his last bout as he lost a unanimous decision to Rod Salka (11-0).

The rest of the card features some very good local prospects.

In a six round Welterweight bout, Kenny Abril (9-3-1, 5 KO’s) of Rochester, NY takes on Francisco Ginorio (7-6-2, 2 KO’s) of Palm Bay, Florida.

In a six round ladies Featherweight attraction, Jackie Trivilino (4-2-1, 1 KO) of Pittsburgh, NY takes on Jennifer Scott (2-2, 2 KO’s) of Warren, Ohio.

In a four round Middleweight bout, Stephen Scott (4-1) of New York takes on undefeated Deferson LeGrand (3-0, 2 KO’s) of New York, NY
In a battle of debuting Lightweights, Jermell Tyson will tussle with IIlyas Aksabaez of Brooklyn, NY.

Rounding out the card will be Cruiserweight Brian Clookey (2-0, 1 KO) of Chase Mills, NY will take on Rayshawn Myers (2-4, 2 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are just $30, $45 & $60 and can be purchased at The Showroom Box office by calling 1-888-833-SHOW (7469) and all Ticketmaster outlets by calling 315-472-0700

The entire fight card can be viewed LIVE worldwide on www.gofightlive.tv.

The Turning Stone Resort and Casino is located at
5218 Patrick Rd
Verona, New York 13478
(315) 361-7711

Maximum Fighting Signs 4 Fight Deal with Razak Razor Al-Hassan September 28.2010

Posted on | September 28, 2010 | No Comments

‘Razor’ sharp signing

Al-Hassan to tangle with Lewis in light heavyweight bout at MFC 27

By MFC Staff

Razak Al-Hassan has a plan he wants to put in motion. To do so, the hard-hitting 28-year-old has decided to make it happen in the Maximum Fighting Championship.

Fresh from signing an exclusive four-fight deal, Al-Hassan (10-2) has agreed to make his debut at MFC 27: Breaking Point in a showdown against crowd-favorite Dwayne “D-Bomb” Lewis (12-5). The fight will be one of the featured bouts on the HDNet-televised main card of the event slated for Friday, November 12 at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Edmonton, Alberta.

Al-Hassan, who trains under Duke Roufus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been searching for the right platform to showcase his talents and desire to succeed. “Razor” feels that finally the search is, at long last, over with and now it’s his time to shine.

“The MFC is one of the best organizations anywhere and I’m coming there to establish my legacy in this sport and to become one of the best 205-pounders around,” said Al-Hassan.

First and foremost when it comes to building that legacy is for Al-Hassan to be the kind of fighter he wants to be. It’s a unique blend of strategy and explosiveness.

“Being in this sport it’s an opportunity to be exciting. It’s not just good enough to win and not be exciting,” he explained. “That doesn’t do anything for the sport and it doesn’t do anything for the fans. Look at a guy like Jon Fitch. He’s a good fighter but he’s not exciting. Personally I don’t want to watch that guy fight.

“You’ve got to find the right balance between putting on a good show, being someone the fans want to watch fight. You don’t want to be reckless but you don’t want to be too cautious either and just win. I think I’ve found that balance and everyone – me and the fans – are going to walk away happy.”

Al-Hassan is not only proud of what he’s already accomplished and what’s to come in his career, but he is also steadfastly proud of heritage. His parents moved to the United States from Ghana to pursue their own education, and Al-Hassan was born into a home with strong values. A visit to his parents’ home country in 2003 reaffirmed Al-Hassan’s strong support system.

“It was a great experience,” he recalled. “The majority of my family is still there – uncles, aunts, cousins. It was really important for me to do that. I’m proud of what my parents did and proud what we’ve done.”

Al-Hassan’s growth as a fighter since turning pro in late 2006 would reach its ultimate peak with a title in the MFC. That is not just part of Al-Hassan’s legacy plan but a mission he intends on completing with astounding results.

“To hold the first title of my career in the MFC would be huge,” he said. “I want to go through my opponents in the same dominating style that someone like Antonio McKee has – only be a little more exciting, but to have that same kind of reign. I’m confident with everything I’m going to do that when it’s all said and done I’m going to be one of the best 205-pounders ever.

“This is the right platform for me to do it. I’m going to be able to showcase myself perfectly in the MFC and on HDNet. It’s a great shot for me.”

Al-Hassan is a winner of three straight fights with seven of his 10 career wins coming inside the first round. Seven of Al-Hassan’s victories have come via submission including four by rear-naked choke.

Lewis has won eight of his last nine fights and rebounded from a loss to Emanuel Newton by demolishing Mike Nickels in just 1:30 at MFC 26. Eight of Lewis’s 12 victories have come by KO/TKO including the fight that pushed him into the upper echelon of the division – a first-round destruction of Marvin Eastman at MFC 23.

Tickets of MFC 27 are going fast and are available through the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 and via Ticketmaster at MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “blocked::http:” claiming to be www.ticketmaster.ca and charge-by-phone at (780) 451-8000.

TDR TV now at 4.5 Million Homes with Addition of Cable 9 In NE Ohio

Posted on | September 28, 2010 | No Comments

Takedown Wrestling Media announces Distribution Deal with Western Reserve, bringing weekly amateur wrestling News program to NE Ohio

For immediate release Contact: Scott Casber, Takedown Wrestling Media: (515) 707-8657

Des Moines, Iowa Takedown Wrestling Media and Western Reserve Cable’s Channel 9 have established a relationship that will bring the popular TDR TV amateur wrestling program to over 50,000 homes in the NE Ohio area 3 times per week.

The first broadcast of TDR TV on Channel 9 in NE Ohio will be Friday October 15th at 5:30 PM Fridays, 10 PM Saturday nights and 11 PM Tuesday nights. (Check your local listings for availability on additional channels.)

TDR TV is a 30-minute weekly TV show that covers all aspects of amateur wrestling in the U.S. Host Scott Casber updates viewers on the latest developments in high school, college and international wrestling, conducts insightful interviews with the sport’s top wrestlers and coaches, and shares his passion for the “oldest and greatest sport” in a fun, fast-paced show. TDR TV is already available on the Mediacom cable TV system serving six Midwestern states, Time Warner Sports NY, Comcast Cable in Tennessee and can be viewed online at www.TakedownRadio.com and at over thirty other affiliated amateur wrestling web sites.

“The NE Ohio area is a hotbed for championship wrestling at both the high school and collegiate levels,” said Channel 9 Managing Producer Jeff Cole. “We are pleased to be adding Takedown Wrestling Media’s news program, TDR TV, for all of our subscribers who appreciate this outstanding and demanding sport.”

Casber, founder of Takedown Wrestling Media, said, “This is an important step forward for the athletes, coaches and fans of wrestling across the country. Western Reserve Cable’s Channel 9 is a respected name around the country. They understand wrestling fans and the need for promotion of the sport in order to continue its positive growth. This is a special opportunity to partner with Channel 9 in the distribution of TDR TV. We understand the responsibility we have in this undertaking and will do our best to present wrestling in a positive manner.”

“Western Reserve Cable’s Channel 9 will present our weekly TV program throughout the prime wrestling hotbed in Ohio where collegiate wrestling got its start more than a century ago, and is home to a number of great programs at Kent State, The Ohio State, Cleveland State, Ohio and many others,” said Casber. “In addition, we’ll now be seen in the part of the country that features some of the best prep and high school wrestling programs in the nation.”

Oliveira fighting Spina for himself & legacy

Posted on | September 28, 2010 | No Comments

‘Last Man Standing’ show Saturday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (Sept. 27, 2010) – Three-time world title challenger “Sucra” Ray Oliveira steps into the ring Saturday night (Oct. 2) for the first time in five years against WBA No. 6 rated light heavyweight contender Joey “K.O. Kid” Spina in the 10-round main event headlining the “Last Man Standing” card in Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.

“Last Man Standing” is being presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Foxwoods Resort Casino.

“Ray came to me saying he wanted to make a comeback to get three more wins to retire with 50,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield explained. “Ray Oliveira is a real warrior, one of my favorite fighters, so I told him to get 100-percent cleared medically and I’d make it happen for him. He did get cleared, but Ray didn’t want an easy fight. He doesn’t have one, either – far from it. Joey Spina is one of the biggest punchers, pound-for-pound, in boxing. But that’s what Ray wanted and he’s looked great in the gym.”

“My career really took off when Jimmy Burchfield started promoting me,” Oliveira noted. “I went to Mr. B telling him what I wanted to do and he said for me to just get cleared. I started with him and I’m going to finish with him. I want to win my 50th but against tough opponents. I love Joey; he’s a good friend, but business is business. I’ve fought friends before. Kevin Kelly and I were on the national team for three years. We were very close friends, like brothers, but I had to move up in weight and ended up fighting him. We both said, “Let’s do it,” and we had a war. I lost the first fight by one point and we fought again the next two years, too. We were still good friends after the fights. Hey, I’d fight my mother if I had to. Just put somebody in front of me and I’ll hit ‘em.

“I’m already on weight – 168 pounds. Joey knows I always give 100 percent and he better know that he can’t get away with being only 80 percent against me. I have nothing to lose. All I have to do is go 10 rounds. I’m going 10 and winning the fight. Joey’s already lost this fight. He can’t look me in the eyes in stare downs and he’s talking about fighting MMA. He already has plan B for after our fight when he loses. All of the pressure’s on him because when he loses, his boxing career is over, which is why he’s talking MMA. He knows.”

Oliveira, 41, established ESPN records for most punches thrown in a fight and the popular boxer also was a former IBU welterweight, NABF light welterweight and New England lightweight champion. Oliveira defeated former world champion Vince Phillips at Foxwoods in 2000 and also holds victories against former world titlist Charles Murray (twice), as well as Saul Duran, Vivian Harris, and Tracy Spann. “Sucra” is battle-tested, having been in against world champions Ricky Hatton, the late Vernon Forrest, Jake Rodriquez and Zack Padilla.

Spina (25-1-2, 17 KOs), fighting out of Providence, puts his undefeated Foxwoods record (6-0, 5 KOs) on the line, fighting at Fox Theater for the first time since his signature victory to date in 2006 against Jesse Brinkley, former star of The Contender, Season One television reality show. Spina stopped Jesse Brinkley with a vicious body shot in the 11th round of a fight Joey trailed so badly he needed a knockout to win. Brinkley is now preparing to challenge IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute for the world title Oct. 15. Spina, who is coming off of a 10-round draw last October against former world champion Lou Del Valle, also holds wins against former world champion Carl Daniels, Jay Pina and Anwar Oshana.

“Boxing has been losing fans because boxers just want to do the business part – they didn’t want to fight!” Oliveira concluded. “They want a sure win and always ask about the money, what color gloves – really, what color gloves? Let’s fight…that’s the kind of guy I am. I didn’t want an easy fight, no catch weights, just give me the fight. All that should really count is pleasing the crowd and that’s what I’ve really missed. It’s also what I want to bring back to boxing. MMA isn’t more exciting than boxing but MMA gives its fans what they want and they buy it. When I fight, I fight, and there’s no holding in there. I’m licking my chops for this fight.”

New England super middleweight champion Vladine “Mr. Providence” Biosse (8-0, 4 KOs), a former University of Rhode Island football player, faces upset specialist Ariel “Iron” Espinal (8-15-3, 4 KOs) the 6-round, non-title fight co-feature.

Fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are David Bauza (5-0, 3 KOs), of Hartford, vs. Chris “Freightrain” Overby (9-13, 2 KOs); New Haven super lightweight Edwin Soto (4-0-1, 2 KOs) vs. Trenton Titsworth (3-9-1, 2 KOs); Stamford (CT) light heavyweight Ahmad Mickens (1-0) vs. Naseem Dean (2-2); hometown favorite Karen Dulin (1-6), a super bantamweight from nearby Mystic, vs. Katarina “Kat” De La Cruz (0-4-1); New Haven super middleweight Greg McCoy (1-1-1) vs. Reynaldo Rodriguez (5-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of Woonsocket (RI); Hartford super featherweight Joseph “Chip” Perez (4-0, 1 KO) vs. Ernest Butts III (0-1); Byfield (MA) featherweight Derek Silveira (2-0, 1 KOs) vs. Phillip Bernette (0-1); and New Haven’s promising featherweight prospect Luis Rosa Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $40.00, $60.00 and $100.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254) or Foxwoods (800-200-2882), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com, or in person at Foxwood’s box office.

For more information contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Foxwoods Resort Casino (www.foxwoods.com). Doors open at 6:00 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

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