FIGHT NEWS UNLIMITED SEPTEMBER SPONSORSHIP SALE

Posted on | September 13, 2010 | No Comments

Fight News Unlimited is looking for two new sponsors at a cut-rate price of $500 for the year or $50 per month for prime advertising and social marketing services. This service regularly sells for $1,500 a year.

This sponsorship package will get your business a huge banner ad at the top of our blog and small banner ads on every major page of our site. We will also advertise your products or services on our multiple social site pages and in viral videos and bulletins we send out.

Additionally, you will get a :30 second spot on our weekly radio show that we broadcast on Blog Talk Radio every Thursday night at 8PM EST.

Fight News Unlimited ranks in the top million sites in the online universe and is climbing as we grow, expand, and make new link partnerships with other sites.

Please contact Fight News Unlimited Founder and Editor Rich Bergeron at 617-209-4325 or info@unlimitedfightnews.com to find out more or to book your new sponsorship slot today. We are looking for two solid sponsors at this rate, and whoever pays for their year in advance will get a $100 discount on the monthly rate and a free consultation with Rich on search engine optimization and an additional traffic analysis for your own site.

Fight Report: Barrett And Noble Reign Supreme – Ochieng, Jupp And Kurti Shine Bright At York Hall

Posted on | September 12, 2010 | No Comments

By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Barrett And Noble Reign Supreme – Ochieng, Jupp And Kurti Shine Bright At York Hall.

On Saturday night, In front of a sold out house at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, Ryan ‘Mr Attitude’ Barrett dramatically stopped Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander in the first round to lift the International Masters title and potentially a shot at the WBF Lightweight World title.

The three month war of words that preceded the showdown left no one in any doubt that there was no love lost between Barrett and Alexander, or that the fight was likely to be a brutal bloody affair. That aside no one really expected the fight to be concluded within just one round, after all Barrett had only four stoppage wins from his thirty previous outings, whilst Alexander had just one in fourteen.

Barrett, resplendent in black and red shorts bearing the legend ‘Welcome to Hell’, surprised everyone, including Alexander, by taking the fight straight to his opponent. As soon as the bell rang the tall southpaw strode purposely towards Alexander and let rip with a heavy opening salvo, Alexander ducked and weaved his way out of trouble and tried to slow Barrett up with a hit and run attack.

Barrett had no intention of letting his prey escape and took two long steps forward before letting rip with a flurry of shots followed by a swinging left that sent Alexander straight to the canvas.

Alexander still looked dazed as he rose to his feet, something that Barrett had clearly noticed as he went straight back on the attack forcing Alexander to duck and weave to try and avoid the constant onslaught. Barrett could smell blood though and just kept throwing both hands until the hapless Alexander was sent to the canvas for a second time in less than a minute.

Rising to one knee to take the count Alexander looked to his corner and awaited their instruction to rise to his feet. On the restart Alexander, who clearly needed a little more time to clear his head, danced his way out of the path of the rapidly advancing Barrett but in doing found the ring cut off and himself corralled in the corner. With nowhere to go Alexander covered up and prepared to absorb the inevitable assault. Alexander tried to weave and bob his way out but Barrett was having none of it and mercilessly threw bomb after vicious bomb to send Alexander crashing into the the referee’s legs before falling onto the canvas in a crumpled heap. Alexander climbed to his feet for the third time but referee Ian John-Lewis had seen enough and called an end to the proceedings after just one minute and thirty six seconds.

Following the bout the victorious Barrett said, “Yeah, I’m a man of my word, I said I wouldn’t lose to clowns like Mark Alexander. The difference in class showed tonight.

I knew Mark would come out and throw that right hand hook, I knew he didn’t like going backwards, so I worked on what we did in the gym. The first knock down I pushed him back with a double jabbed and then a half left hand, not even a full left hand, and sent him over. That was it he was in trouble from then.

I wasn’t worried if I did it in round one, I’d do it in two or later. I trained for ten rounds so I was ready for him.

What can I say, Steve’s (Steve Goodwin) a man of his word he gave me the shot and I’m a man of my word. He’s done good by me as far as I am concerned I don’t want to fight for any other promoter. Steve Goodwin’s my man. Now, if it gets sanctioned I’ll get to fight for the WBF title here in December.”

Whilst Steve Goodwin may have applied the legend ‘It’s Personal’ to the event due to the Barrett-Alexander rivalry but it was also highly relevant to the co headline British Masters Light Middleweight battle between Newmarket’s ‘Phat’ Pat McAleese and Barnsley’s Lee ‘Lightning’ Noble. McAleese and Noble had unfinished business to settle, having met and drawn on the Ricky Hatton promoted show at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre back in March.

McAleese beautifully controlled the early rounds utilising his full arsenal of punches to such effect that Noble could only respond with urgent jabs to keep the Newmarket man at bay. By the end of round six McAleese had clearly secured five, with just the fourth being a close affair. Early in round seven the tide began to change, following Noble letting rip with a beautiful right hook that shook McAleese to the core. Noble tried to capitalise but McAleese swiftly moved off the ropes even though his legs were less than stable. Noble’s confidence rose and he was able to pick off his opponent with wickedly quick jabs and combinations.

Round eight started see a tiring McAleese taking the fight back to Noble, who was happy just to whip out his hurting jab to keep McAleese at bay. Round nine was more of the same except McAleese had started to start getting a little more success. Late in the round McAleese dipped to let rip with a body shot but was caught with a lightning fast uppercut that stopped him in his tracks. Noble then just pushed his gloves against McAleese to send him crashing to the canvas just as the bell rang.

As the referee and medical team rushed to the unmoving McAleese’s aid Noble, clearly unaware that McAleese was out cold and in need to of medical assistance, ran across the ring, raised his arms and then goaded McAleese’s legion of fans, who had taunted him mercilessly throughout the fight, by shouting “Who’s the Daddy now?”.

After what seemed an age audible relief rang around the York Hall as McAleese finally showed signs of recovery and sat up. As his team lead him out of the ring, McAleese, ever the sportsman, stopped and climbed back into the ring to congratulate Noble on his victory.

Steve Goodwin may be one of the newest promoters on the circuit, but he is already proving he has what it takes to become a major player. So often these days the main event is the only fight on the card worthy of mention, It’s refreshing to go to an event with such a quality stacked undercard.

To support the two title fights Steve Goodwin put together a top class eight bout undercard that included a couple of bouts that on any other night would have rightly deserved headline status.

Top of the support card was the ever popular unbeaten Essex Cruiserweight Tony ‘The Conqueror’ Conquest against the hugely experienced Hastings Rasani.

Right from the start Conquest oozed confidence and made easy work of controlling the fight. As Conquest showcased his range of combinations Rasani just stood his ground, seemingly content to bide his time.

Conquest was savvy, using sharp attacks and swift movement to prevent Rasani being able to mount any sustained attacks of his own. After six rounds Conquest was rightfully declared the winner by a clear 60-54 points margin.

Preceding Conquest-Rasani was, in this writers view, the ‘Fight of the Night’ between Stoke Newington’s unbeaten light Middleweight Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng against Mansfield, Nottingham’s Alex Spitko.

Ochieng is one seriously classy fighter, his style and movement often compared to Floyd Mayweather. On Saturday ‘The Eagle’ put on a classic display of the art of boxing. Dominating from the very start Ochieng was able to pick off the heavier Spitko at will. His movement so sublime that Spitko must have thought his opponent was a phantom as his punches met just fresh air.

In round two Spitko somehow managed to corral Ochieng on the ropes and let rip with a flurry, all of which missed the ‘Matrix’ like moving Ochieng. In a flash ‘The Eagle’ turned the tables by fluidly spinning around Spitko before letting rip with a hurting salvo of his own. The crowd leapt to their feet as one cheering and clapping this awesome display.

Spitko became a moving punch bag in round three, the showman inside Ochieng came to the fore as he turned the volume up and danced around the hapless Spitko picking him off at will.

To the sound of “Eagle. Eagle, Eagle’ reverberating around the auditorium round four gets underway. Ochieng plays with Spitko like a cat with a mouse, giving him a little room to maneuver before closing the the escape route with a lightning quick jab. With just thirty seconds to go ‘The Eagle’ suddenly stops playing with his prey and goes in for the kill with a head and body combination that sends Spitko crashing to the canvas. Spitko made the count but the referee had seen enough and stopped the fight with just 19 seconds left on the clock.

Also at Light Middleweight, unbeaten Michael ‘The Zambezi Hitman’ Norgrove took an easy four round victory over Watford’s Iain Eldridge to secure his third career win. Norgrove showed his class and easily controlled the fight from start to finish.

Waltham Abbey unbeaten Welterweight Phil Gill put on a nice performance against Stretford’s Damien Turner to secure a 40-34 points decision to take his record to 6 (1KO)-0-1.

Bethnal Green’s own Jamie Arlain impressed on his pro debut out pointing the experienced Danny Dontchev 39-37.

Johnny Eames’, Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym, highly acclaimed recent signing 19 year old ‘Saint’ George Jupp thrilled the York Hall crowd with a boxing master class to secure a 40-36 victory over the experienced Pavels Senkovs.

From the opening bell ‘St George’ outclassed Senkovs with his slick long jab and fast hands. Even so it was clear as Senkovs had come to fight as he constantly tried to bully his way back into the fight. However Jupp showed that, even though he is a truly skilled boxer, he was quite happy to stand and slug it out when needed.

Woolwich’s Eder Kurti took the event’s ‘It’s Personal’ tag line to to heart, for his fight with ‘Dangerous’ Danny Goode.

Right from the start Kurti let rip with vicious hooks, Goode countered with heavy hands of his own. The first couple of rounds were slug fests, but by the end of the second Goode was starting to struggle keeping Kurti at bay.

Round three Kurti started fast landing a series of heavy shots that shook Goode to the core and setting his legs wobbling, Kurti kept up the pressure and sent Goode to the deck with a cracking right hand. Goode made the count but was soon overpowered by the advancing Kurti again. Less than a minute into the round Kurti let rip with a big right to the body that sent Goode to the canvas for a second and final time to secure a convincing stoppage victory.

The opening fight of the night was an equally exciting six rounder between Redhill, Surrey slugger ‘Dynamo’ Darryl Setterfield and the highly experienced Matt Scriven from Nottingham.

A full on war erupted, neither seemed willing to give up centre ground, both letting rip with every punch in their repertoire. The first few rounds were quite close affairs, with Setterfield coming out just on top, round four though signaled a slight turnaround for Scriven, following a cut appearing above Setterfield’s left eye.

Following some nifty work by cutman Jimmy Tibbs Setterfield came out fired up for the fifth to take full control for the rest of the contest and secure a well earned 60-55 points victory.

Goodwin Promotions next event ‘Judgement Day’ , will be on Saturday, December 4th and is headlined by Yassine El Maachi defending his International Masters Light Middleweight title. Judgement Day will also include, amongst others, the highly anticipated Featherweight clash between Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston and Lana Cooper, as well as the possible WBF Lightweight title fight featuring the new International masters Champion Ryan ‘Mr Attitude’ Barrett.

Lima stuns Ford at Retribution; McKee, Heath, Lewis among night’s big winners

Posted on | September 11, 2010 | 1 Comment

By MFC Staff

It wasn’t the homecoming party that Ryan Ford wanted, but it was the coming out party that Douglas Lima deeply desired.

Stunning a vastly partisan crowd in his opponent’s home town, Lima (15-4) scored a second-round submission victory over Ford (12-3) in the co-main event of MFC 26: Retribution held Friday night at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Edmonton, Alberta, and live on HDNet Fights.

Following an exciting back-and-forth opening round, Lima found Ford’s arm dangling after a takedown and smoothly transitioned into a tapout finish at the 48-second mark of the middle frame. From once unknown to instant title contender, it was a perfect turn of events for the ATT Atlanta product.

“I want the belt now,” declared Lima, who also secured the Submission of the Night award. “I was promised if I win this fight they will give me a title shot. That’s what I want – please.”

The victory was Lima’s third straight and put a halt to Ford’s four-fight string of success while also souring the much-ballyhooed return of Ford to the MFC where his promising career began.

While Lima positioned himself in the welterweight title picture, reigning MFC lightweight champ Antonio McKee left no doubt as to who wears the biggest crown in the organization. Much-maligned for his “boring” style and vowing to retire if his opponent could last the five-round distance with him, McKee (25-3-2) punished Brazilian foe Luciano Azevedo (16-9) with a wicked slam and then proceeded to demolish him with relentless ground-and-pound.

Two devastating elbows strikes carved a huge gash in Azevedo’s forehead and a after a brief check by the ringside physician, referee Frank Geric waved the fight to a rightful stoppage just 3:11 into the opening stanza. The victory was just McKee’s third TKO win of his career and the Lakewood, California, product not only retained his belt but remains unbeaten in his past 15 fights spanning seven years. Though only seven of his 25 career wins have been of the non-decision variety, this decisive verdict should serve some notice to McKee’s many critics that he can truly be an entertaining finisher.

“Whoever the MFC puts in front of me next, I’ll whoop their ass too,” said McKee. “I guess it’s not true – you can teach an old dog new tricks. And I want to thank (HDNet commentator) Guy Mezger for bringing the best out of me.”

Two other fighters made serious impacts at MFC 26, both ending their respective bouts with impressive knockouts. Despite spending much of the first round on his back, David Heath sent foe Solomon Hutcherson back to his corner after the opening five minutes with badly bleeding – and likely broken – nose. That was only the tip of the damage iceberg that was in store for Hutcherson.

Heath (16-6) brought a huge roar from the capacity crowd when he opened Round 2 with a spinning backfist that very nearly dropped Hutcherson. And moments later, Heath did put Hutcherson (11-7) down for good with a well-placed right hand and follow-up hammerfists that brought an explosive ending to the fight at 3:46 of the second round. The result, which garnered Knockout of the Night kudos for the Tulsa, Oklahoma, native, was particularly noteworthy for Heath as it was his first test in the middleweight ranks, dropping down from light heavyweight. While there’s still work to be done, Heath served notice that he is a serious threat in search of a title belt.

The same can also now likely be said of Dwayne Lewis, who redeemed himself for a poor showing at MFC 25 against Emanuel Newton by taking out Mike Nickels only 1:30 into their 205-pound contest. Lewis (12-5) dropped Nickels (8-4) twice with short uppercuts in the clinch and then pounded down Nickels for good with more sharp and heavy shots. Lewis, one of the organization’s most-popular figures, made a clear-cut case for a new multi-fight contract with his most-impressive outing since dusting off Marvin Eastman at MFC 23.

In another middleweight bout, Jesse “JT Money” Taylor (16-6) didn’t inflict a lot of damage, but kept positional advantage and went after enough submissions to easily pull away from brash Brit Tom “Kong” Watson. While his ring entrance electrified the crowd, Watson (12-4) was unable to unleash his vaunted striking attack under the relentless wear of Taylor’s well-executed game plan. All three judges scored the bout 30-26 in Taylor’s favour – Watson having been deducted one point in Round 1 for holding the ropes during takedown attempts.

The night’s televised card opened with two of the MFC’s newest young guns squaring off and it was Curtis Demarce (11-7) using a slick triangle choke to coax the tapout from Tyson Steele (6-1) at the 4:09 mark of Round 2.

Other results:

Ford Robertson def. Andrew Buckland – unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Aaron Berke def. Ryan Ballingall – tapout via rear-naked choke, 0:35 Round 2

Chad Freeman def. Theo Brisley – tapout via armbar, 3:04 Round 1

JOHN O’DONNELL AND TYSON FURY SCORE VICTORIES IN THEIR AMERICAN TELEVISION DEBUTS ON SHOBOX

Posted on | September 11, 2010 | No Comments

Brits Register Decision Wins Over U.S. Opponents from Legendary York Hall

LONDON (Sept. 11, 2010) – In front of an electric crowd at historic York Hall here, John O’Donnell and Tyson Fury scored decisive decision victories over their American opponents Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME®. O’Donnell outworked veteran Terrance Cauthen by a referee score of 118-112 in the 12-round welterweight main event while the undefeated Fury won a lopsided but exciting eight-round decision over Rich Power with a shutout score of 80-72 in the heavyweight co-feature.

In England, fights are scored by a single referee as opposed to the more popular three-judge panel.

O’Donnell (24-1, 11 KOs), of Shepherd’s Bush, Great Britain and Galway, Ireland, was more workman-like than spectacular as he triumphed against his toughest opponent to date in Cauthen (35-7, 9 KOs), of Trenton, N.J. Though neither southpaw possesses overwhelming power, both stuck to their game plans; O’Donnell worked the body with repeated right hooks and Cauthen, a 1996 Olympic bronze medalist, used combinations to win his only two rounds.

Sometimes known for incessantly running throughout a match, the intimate venue’s small ring made it tough for Cauthen to move around. Determined to dictate the fight’s pace, O’Donnell steadily came at Cauthen throughout and accomplished enough for referee Ken Curtis, of London, to award him the verdict.

At only 22, the six-foot-nine Fury (12-0, 9 KOs), of Manchester, England, showed promise by sticking with his long jab and landing big right hands for much of the 24 minutes. Though clearly outmatched, Power (12-1, 9 KOs) of Keego Harbour, Mich., displayed tremendous mettle throughout. Visibly exhausted by the last few rounds, Power never went down.

“Power was a bit more awkward than I expected,” Fury said. “He was slipping and sliding all over the place but I handled him well enough to win each round.”

“When I weighed in at 221, I knew I was in trouble,” said Power, who was outweighed by 40-plus pounds. “But I refused to give up and I think I proved to his crowd that I have heart and desire. I love to fight.”

Power’s last push for a momentum swing came by way of an incredible uppercut that knocked out Fury’s mouthpiece in the sixth round. Power’s punch, however, only seemed to anger Fury, who immediately responded by unloading a combination. The outcome came as no surprise to the fanatical, Fury-favoring crowd as referee Jeff Hindes, of Reading, England, raised Fury’s hand in victory.

After the fight, promoter Mick Hennessy offered, “It was a great night. I hope my boys pleased the SHOWTIME audience back in America.”

Fans can catch Friday’s action on SHO 2 on Monday, Sept. 13, at 10 p.m. ET/PT or On Demand from Sept. 13-Sept. 26.

ShoBox returns next Friday, Sept. 17, when world-ranked welterweight Freddy Hernandez takes on former World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion “Mighty” Mike Anchondo in the main event LIVE on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Primm, Nev.

Al Bernstein called Friday’s action from ringside with Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst. Gordon Hall is the executive producer of ShoBox with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. The event was promoted by Hennessy Sports.

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.

Lastest addition to Payback plus Guillet under contract

Posted on | September 11, 2010 | No Comments

DON’T FORGET TO TALK ABOUT OUR CONTEST “PREDICT THE WINNER”. A FEW HUNDREDS DOLLARS IN PRIZE!

September 9, 2010, Montreal – RINGSIDE MMA is proud to announce the addition of 2 action packed fights to Ringside 9: Payback, which will take place on November 13th, at the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau in Montreal. No less than 9 fights have been scheduled, including the main event welterweight title fight between UFC veteran Jonathan “The Road Warrior” Goulet against Chris “The Menace” Clements!

Joining the action will be Victoriaville native Kevin Morin (3-3-0). A member of Team Legion under head trainer Steve Claveau, Morin is coming off 2 straight losses, the first at the hands of long time rival Christopher Boisvert, while the last fight was by TKO against Jesse Gross. Many are still talking about his spectacular performance in his grudge match against Boisvert which went to a hard fought judge’s decision. In his opponent, Jason Saggo (2-0-0), Morin will face a fighter, born in Bolton, Ontario, who now trains out of Montreal under Kru Ashraf Alabouff from the highly respected Grant Brother’s Boxing. His 2 wins in his 2 professional fights have been come by way of submission, including a victory by rear naked choke against David Lafond at Ringside: Invasion in Quebec City in August. Now with a strong emphasis on Muay Thai during his training camp, who knows what surprises will be brought with him into battle. One this is for certain, this fight is sure to keep fight fans at the edge of their seats not knowing what could happen next!

For his part, Derek Gauthier (6-2-0) is coming off a loss which saw him lose consciousness for several seconds after being the victim of a devastating knock out by veteran Dustin Poirier in Poirier’s first match for Ringside this past June 18th. Thirsty for victory, Gauthier’s hunger will not be satiated until he is victorious after Iraj “Cold Blooded” Hadin (4-3-0). Hadin, who has been inactive since August, 2009, after losses to notable veterans Sean Pierson and John “The Bull” Makdessi, would love to make a statement in his return by not only getting back into the win column, but they beating a teammate of the last fighter who beat him, Makdessi.

Ringside MMA would also like to announce that it has come to a 1 year – 3 fights agreement with BTT Canada product Samuel Guillet (9-5). A native of Quebec, Guillet holds wins over the likes of Tyler Jackson, Jordan Mein, Kurt Southern and Jason Rorison, and has faced notables such as Jay Estrada, Mark Hominick, Luck Caudillo and Kajan Johnson. He is a welcome addition to the Ringside roster, being a fan favourite who leaves it all in the octagon. While he will not be on the yet untitled Ringside card scheduled for November 13th, fans will be able to see this well rounded veteran compete in early 2011.

Tickets for Ringside 9: Payment are on sale now via the OVATION network either by phone (TOLL-FREE) at 1-866-999-0089, or online via their official website at the following URL: http://www.ovation.qc.ca/liste.asp?Nom=Ringside+%28Payback%29&UID=5M7BLF44B4W0ODC7ATGT&Lang=EN

The MMA gala “Payback” will also be broadcast live on Canal Indigo! For more information on Canal Indigo, please contact your local cable distributor.

RINGSIDE 9 : Payback – CONFIRMED MATCHES
Date : November 13, 2010 – 7:30pm
Location : CENTRE PIERRE-CHARBONNEAU, MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC

170 – Jonathan Goulet vs Chris Clements
5 Rounds Ringside MMA Welterweight Championship Fight

170 – Alex Garcia vs Tyler Jackson
155 – Christopher Boisvert vs Lenny Wheeler
155 – Derek Gauthier vs Iraj Hadin
145 – Réjean Groulx vs Stephane Bernadel
155 – Kevin Morin vs Jason Saggo
205 – Martin Trempe vs Steve Bégin
135 – Maxime Fecteau vs Tommy Côté
135 – Éric Daigno vs Michael Pellerin

RingSide MMA is a proud partner of Bud Light (http://www.budlight.ca), of Razor Wear (http://www.razorwearclothing.com), KÄRV Clothing (http://www.karv.tv), of le Journal de Montréal (http://lejournaldemontreal.canoe.ca), of Bar Le Garage (http://www.barlegarage.com), of Québec Érotique (http://www.quebecerotique.ca), de Production Équinoxe (http://www.production-equinoxe.com) and of Litho Milles Iles Printing (http://www.lithomille-iles.com). For more information about RINGSIDE MMA, or of RINGSIDE: Payback, please consult the official website at http://www.ringsidemma.tv or contact Éric Champoux by email at eric@production-equinoxe.com as well as our media relations department at media@ringsidemma.tv.

FORMER STRIKEFORCE CHAMP JOSH THOMSON TO FACE DANGEROUS GESIAS “JZ” CAVALCANTE IN BATTLE OF WORLD-RANKED LIGHTWEIGHTS

Posted on | September 11, 2010 | No Comments

SATURDAY, OCT. 9, IN SAN JOSE, CALIF.

Nick Diaz To Defend Belt Against KJ Noons In Grudge Rematch;
Sarah Kaufman To Risk Women’s Crown Against Marloes Coenen
At HP Pavilion Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

NEW YORK (Sept. 10, 2010) – On a night when STRIKEFORCE will present a World Championship Doubleheader that includes a grudge rematch between defending welterweight champion Nick Diaz and KJ Noons, former STRIKEFORCE belt-holder and local favorite Josh Thomson (17-3) will meet world-ranked Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante (15-3-1) of Brazil in an important lightweight fight Saturday, Oct. 9, at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

The winner between Thomson and Cavalcante, both world-ranked at 155 pounds, could be next up to challenge STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez.

Healthy again after injuries sidelined him for 15 months in 2008-‘09, Thomson turned back a determined bid from game Pat “Bam Bam’’ Healy of Portland, Ore., to score a hard-fought, third-round submission in his most recent start last June 26 at HP Pavilion.

The popular, exciting, crowd-pleasing Thomson earned the victory over Healy in a tight, even match via rear-naked choke at 4:27 of the third despite injuring his ribs along the way.

In his first effort back after the lengthy layoff, Thomson, who shut out Melendez across five rounds to capture the STRIKEFORCE world 155-pound belt on June 27, 2008, lost a thrilling rematch to Melendez by the scores of 49-46 twice and 49-47 on Dec. 19, 2009, at HP Pavilion.

“Fans expect me to fight guys the caliber of JZ and so do I. I want to fight all the best lightweights,’’ said the 5-foot-10 Thomson, who turns 32 on Sept. 21. “Right now STRIKEFORCE has a bunch of top fighters at 155 pounds. There’s always going to be talk about a third fight with Gilbert, but that will come when the time is right.

“In the meantime, I need to keep taking it one fight at a time and I need to continue to win. There are plenty of great fights out there for me, and this is definitely one of them.’’

A prominent member of American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, Thomson is 9-1 in his last 10 starts.

It will be the eagerly awaited STRIKEFORCE debut for Cavalcante, a former consensus top five-ranked lightweight and two-time K-1 Hero’s lightweight Grand Prix champion who signed with the San Jose-based organization earlier this year.

Not unlike Thomson, Cavalcante has had to fight through injuries the last few years — most significantly, a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee that sidelined him for several months.

“I train very hard against very good guys every day,’’ said the 5-foot-8, 27-year-old Cavalcante, a top performer in Japan the last few years who is coming off a split decision victory over Katsunori Kikuno last July 10 at DREAM 15 in Japan. It was JZ’s first start in nearly 13½ months, the longest layoff of his career.

“I think I could have performed better in my last fight,’’ JZ said, “but it was my first in a long time and ring rust was a factor. But, now, I feel great and I’m excited to be able to get back to doing what I love to do.’’

After suffering his initial pro loss in his third outing in July 2004, Cavalcante went 12-0-1 before fighting a hotly disputed No Contest with former world No. 2-ranked lightweight, Shinya Aoki, in a March 2008 fight that was called due to illegal elbow strikes. Six weeks later, he dropped a decision to Aoki in a match in which the Brazilian sustained a severely bruised rib and tore cartilage in his costal area.

Cavalcante has performed in Japan for several years so he doesn’t figure to be intimidated by the surroundings when he faces Thomson on his home turf.

“I’m happy to be 100 percent healthy and fighting in America,’’ JZ said. “Once the bell sounds, it will just be Thomson and I in there. This is a tremendous opportunity to re-establish myself against a former world champion. The fight is very important. The winner could be fighting for the STRIKEFORCE title.’’

Tickets for STRIKEFORCE: Diaz vs. Noons II are on sale at Ticketmaster.com, at the HP Pavilion ticket office, or by phone at (800) 745-3000. Doors will open at 4 p.m. PT. The first live, non-televised fight is at 4:30 p.m.

Diaz (22-7, 1 NC) will defend against Noons (9-1) in the main event. Diaz, of Stockton, Calif., has not lost a fight since he faced Noons, losing via disputed first-round TKO on Nov. 7, 2007. He has won seven in a row. Noons, of San Diego, Calif., has won his last six fights, including the thrilling slugfest against Diaz that ended when a cageside physician halted the proceedings due to excessive cuts around Diaz’ eyes.

In the co-feature, undefeated STRIKEFORCE Women’s Welterweight World Champion Sarah Kaufman (12-0) of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, will make the second defense of her 135-pound title against No. 1 contender and Dutch superstar Marloes Coenen (17-4).

Another featured fight will pit an emerging star, up-and-coming Luke Rockhold (7-1), of Santa Cruz, Calif., against the vastly more experienced, 2000 Olympic Games wrestling silver medalist, Matt “The Law” Lindland (22-7), of Oregon City, Ore., in a middleweight (185 pounds) contest.

WORLD-RANKED FREDDY HERNANDEZ FACES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION MIKE ANCHONDO FRIDAY, SEPT. 17, IN PRIMM, NEV., ON SHOBOX

Posted on | September 11, 2010 | No Comments

Undefeated Cuban Phenom and 2004 Olympian Luis Franco

Meets Once-Beaten Wilton Hilario in ShoBox Co-Feature;

Live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT from Buffalo Bills Resort & Casino

NEW YORK (Sept. 10, 2010) – After registering the strongest victory of his career, world-ranked welterweight Freddy “El Riel’’ Hernandez (28-1, 1 NC, 19 KOs) of Lynwood, Calif., returns to the ring when he meets former world champion Mike Anchondo (30-2, 19 KOs) of La Puente, Calif., in the main event on ShoBox: The New Generation LIVE on Friday, Sept. 17, on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

One of the most talented amateurs to come out of Cuba in the past decade, 2004 Olympian Luis Franco (6-0, 5 KOs), puts his unbeaten record on the line against Wilton “Pretty Warrior’’ Hilario (12-1-1, 9 KOs), of Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic, in an eight-round super featherweight bout in the co-feature at Buffalo Bills Resort & Casino in Primm, Nev.

This will be the second consecutive main event against a former world champion and third appearance on ShoBox for the 5-foot-10-inch, 31-year-old Hernandez, a nine-year pro who hasn’t lost since February 2005.

“I’m moving up the ladder and making a name for myself but at this point of my career I know I can’t afford to lose,’’ Hernandez said. “I need to earn respect and the only way to do that is to keep winning, crack the top 10 and prove I can defeat the elite fighters at 147 pounds. I want to fight for a world title.’’

Last Feb. 5 on ShoBox, the World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 11-ranked contender scored a brutal fifth-round knockout over ex-world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop’’ Corley in Santa Ynez, Calif. In the most difficult assignment of his career, Hernandez broke open a close fight with one booming, dramatic right hand that left Corley flat on his back at 1:48.

“That was definitely my biggest victory,” said Hernandez, who was born in Mexico City. “To knock out an experienced former champion who never gets knocked out was great.’’

In his ShoBox debut Oct. 23, 2009, Hernandez survived a 10th-round rally to take a unanimous 10-round decision and snap a 12-fight winning streak over southpaw Damian Frias. Hernandez collected the World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino crown by three scores of 98-92.

Anchondo, a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight belt-holder, has steadily moved up in weight in recent years. The 5-foot-5, 28-year-old tipped the scale at 144 pounds or more for each of his three fights in 2009, all of which he won.

In his most recent outing, he eked out an eight-round split decision over previously unbeaten Mauricio Herrera last Dec. 4 at Santa Ynez on ShoBox.

“I’m looking forward to this fight because I know Hernandez is a tough fighter, just like Herrera was,’’ said Anchondo, who got the narrow nod over Herrera by the scores of 77-75 twice and 73-79. “He’s going to come to fight, which is exactly what I want and need.

“My whole career, there hasn’t been the right opposition in front of me. When I don’t see any challenges, I don’t challenge myself. But I’m excited and will be ready to go.”

Anchondo, who turned pro on May 6, 2000, captured the vacant WBO 130-pound with a unanimous 12-round decision over Julio Chacon on July 15, 2004, in Dallas.

Franco was a standout Cuban amateur, winning the majority of his 400 bouts. In 2000, at the age of 14, he won a junior world championship. Early on some of his toughest fights came against teammates, all of whom are off to fine starts as pros: Guillermo Rigondeaux is 6-0, Erislandy Lara is 13-0 and current World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight titleholder Yuriorkis Gamboa, whom he defeated twice in four amateur fights, is 19-0.

Franco retired from amateur boxing in January 2008 and defected from the island nation known for its boxing and baseball in 2009, leaving his wife and child behind in Havana. He turned pro on July 31, 2009.

As Franco’s career has advanced, so has the length of his fights. His first three bouts ended inside one round. The fourth fight went to the third, the fifth to the fourth. The furthest he’s gone – and the most difficult fight he’s had — came in his last start when he had to rally from a knockdown to score a fifth-round TKO over Yogli Herrera on Aug. 13 in Tampa, Fla.

The 5-foot-8 Franco got dropped from a left hook in the third. But he rebounded to deck Herrera in the fourth with a right hand to the temple. In the fifth, Franco dropped Herrera again, this time with a counter left hook, and the match was stopped at 2:52.

Given his past success, it is not surprising that Franco feels he’s prepared for the division’s upper echelon. “I’m ready to take on all the top guys,” he said. “I want to fight Juan Manuel Lopez and Gamboa again. I fought Gamboa as an amateur. I fought Lara and Rigondeaux as an amateur. I can fight anybody right now. I came here to rip heads and I’d like to fight for a world title before my 10th fight.”

Hilario, a boxer-puncher who doesn’t mind mixing it up, went 8-0 after going pro in September 2005, boxed an eight-round draw and then manufactured a four-fight winning streak before suffering his first defeat on a 12-round decision to heavily favored Martin Honorio last March 5 in Temecula, Calif.

A resident of Saint Louis Park, Minn., Hilario has competed consistently well in Minnesota and in the Midwest. Two of his finest performances came in back-to-back fights before Honorio. Hilario secured a dominant eight-round decision over southpaw Leon Bobo in a pleasingly aggressive performance on Nov. 13, 2009, in Hinckley, Minn. He scored a fifth-round TKO over Allen Litzeau in an All-Minnesota showdown the previous April 18 in Minneapolis.

The 5-foot-10, 27-year-old Hilario came up short in his first step-up but the experience he got from going the distance with Honorio, unquestionably the most seasoned and talented opponent he’s faced, could prove invaluable against a virtually untested Franco.

“I learned so much from that fight and I’m confident I’ll put it to use in my next fight,’’ Hilario said. “This is a great opportunity I’m getting. I look forward to fighting on SHOWTIME and giving Franco his first loss. A win puts me right back to where I need to be.’’

Doors of Star of the Desert Arena will open at 5:30 p.m. PT with the first bout at 6. Tickets are $10 and $50. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.primmvalleyresorts.com . The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC.

Curt Menefee 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.

Where to Purchase Shark Fights 13 PPV

Posted on | September 11, 2010 | No Comments

Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs. Prangley
Saturday, September 11, 10pmET/7pmPT

Where to purchase “Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs. Prangley” Pay-Per-View:

The “Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs. Prangley” PPV is available on iN DEMAND, AVAIL-TVN, Dish Network, Bell TV Canada, and Viewers Choice Canada.

Dish Network will be carrying the Shark Fight 13 PPV broadcast for residential as well as commercial service. Check your local listings for more details!

On Saturday, September 11, MMA fans will be treated to a fight card loaded with compelling match-ups! The star-studded roster is stacked with top contenders, such as promotional champion Trevor Prangley, UFC veteran Keith Jardine, judo champion Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, and Nebraskan striker Houston Alexander. The action- packed night also features British striker Paul “Semtex” Daley as he takes on American Top Team stand-out Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal. Order “Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs. Prangley” on Saturday, September 11, live on Pay-Per-View!

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