HALL OF FAME TRAINER FREDDIE ROACH GUIDES LATEEF KAYODE TO SHOBOX DEBUT ON FRIDAY, AUG. 6

Posted on | August 4, 2010 | No Comments

Kayode Takes On Alfredo Escalera Jr.;

Plus Unbeaten Bantamweights Chris Avalos and Chris Martin Square Off in Main Event

Live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT

From Grand Casino Hinckley, Hinckley, Minnesota

NEW YORK (Aug. 4, 2010) – ShoBox: The New Generation fans will see a familiar face in the corner of Lateef “Power’’ Kayode on Friday’s telecast from Hinckley, Minn., as perhaps the world’s most well-known trainer Freddie Roach will be coaching the undefeated upstart cruiserweight from Nigeria in a 10-round co-feature bout on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

The 50-year-old Roach, trainer of former world champions like Mike Tyson and Michael Moorer among many others, is the current trainer of seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. Roach first met Kayode after the boxer and his manager, Hollywood writer and director Steve Feder, dropped by Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, Calif., a couple of years ago. And Roach was immediately impressed.

“I like anyone with a work ethic and that’s what he has and that’s what you always like to see right from the start,” said Roach, who was named Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2003, 2006, 2008 and 2009. “That’s what I look for in people and that’s what I think ultimately will make him a better fighter: his work ethic and his desire to be the best.”

Kayode (12-0, 11 KOs) will seek his 12th consecutive knockout when he makes his ShoBox debut against Puerto Rico’s Alfredo Escalera, Jr. (18-2-1, 12 KOs), the son and namesake of the former world champion at the Grand Casino Hinckley. In the main event, world-ranked bantamweight Chris Avalos (16-0, 13 KOs), of Lancaster, Calif., will face California state featherweight and junior featherweight champion Chris Martin (18-0-2, 5 KOs), of Chula Vista, Calif., in a scheduled 10-rounder.

Roach could not make Kayode’s last fight, a non-televised undercard bout in Santa Ynez, Calif., in May. But he has no plans to miss Friday’s scrap. “I have made this fight a special priority even though I have two other fighters on other shows that night,” said Roach.

Roach began working with Kayode shortly before first appearing in his corner at a Hollywood Casino fight in late December 2008 in Inglewood, Calif. He said he noticed Kayode’s exceptional strength from the moment he first saw him spar. “He’s very strong and he’s very physical,” said Roach. “I have some heavyweights that won’t spar with him because they say he goes too hard.”

Roach has experience training bigger fighters and heavyweight champions but admits that larger guys are tougher to train.

“I’ve had bigger guys like Tyson and Moorer before. It’s hard work but it’s fun,” said Roach. “Lateef punches as hard as all those guys. I’ve trained some cruiserweights before but none like Lateef. He’s a true heavyweight. He punches like a heavyweight.”

The 6-foot-2, 27-year-old Nigerian grew up on the tough streets of the Surulere district of Lagos. After fighting as a heavyweight for his first 10 fights, this will be his third start at cruiserweight. He has said his goal is to become a cruiserweight world champion and Roach thinks that’s a very realistic possibility.

“I feel like if we win this fight on Friday night, it’s a step in the right direction for him to win his first world title,” Roach said. “We should be looking for a world title fight by the end of the year.”

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.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi, Kendall Holt, Timothy Bradley, Bernard Dunne, Yonnhy Perez, Yuri Foreman and Andre Ward.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, SHOWTIME 2 HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™ and FLIX ON DEMAND®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Channel™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

WELL GO USA ACQUIRES NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO LEGEND OF THE FIST: THE RETURN OF CHEN ZHEN

Posted on | August 4, 2010 | No Comments

PLANO, TX. (August 3, 2010) — Well Go USA announced today that it has acquired North American rights to Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen, starring Hong Kong’s biggest action star Donnie Yen (Ip Man, Ip Man 2, Seven Swords, Hero). The film was directed by Andrew Lau (Infernal Affairs, Confession of Pain), who also co-produced the film and served as a cinematographer alongside his frequent partner Ng Man-Ching. Gordon Chan co-wrote and co-produced the film, with John Chong serving as an executive producer and Donnie Yen as fight choreographer. The film is a co-production between Hong Kong film distributor Media Asia Films, Lau’s production company Basic Pictures, and Chinese film producer Enlight Pictures.

“Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen is a another key acquisition for us as we continue to build our library of important Asian films for the US market,” said Well Go President, Doris Pfardrescher. “The legend of Chen Zen has a long history in Hong Kong cinema and with Donnie Yen becoming as big a star in America as he is in Asia, we anticipate a lot of fan interest in Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen.”

“Doris Pfardrescher’s enthusiasm for Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen and its star, Donnie Yen, has been unparalleled,” said Fred Tsui, Assistant General Manager, Media Asia. “We are thrilled that Media Asia and Well Go can work together on this blockbuster and are convinced that with Well Go’s extensive distribution network and knowhow, this film can reach the largest audience base possible in North America.”

Seven years after the apparent death of Chen Zhen, a mysterious stranger arrives from overseas and befriends a local mafia boss. That man is a disguised Chen Zhen, who intends to infiltrate the mob when they form an alliance with the Japanese. Disguising himself as a caped fighter by night, Chen intends to take out everyone involved as well as get his hands on an assassination list prepared by the Japanese.

Previously, the character of Chen Zen has been played by the legendary Bruce Lee in Fists of Fury and Jet Li in Fist of Legend, among others.

Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen will make it’s world premiere as one of the opening night films at the 67th Venice International Film Festival in September. The film was also selected as the Special Presentation selection at the Toronto International Film Festival. Well Go is planning the North American theatrical debut of Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen in late Spring 2011.

About Well Go USA, Inc.

WELL GO USA, INC. (www.wellgousa.com) specializes in the acquisition and distribution of entertainment programs in the video, television and digital market throughout North American and South East Asia. Since 1993, Well Go has acquired and released hundreds of films and programs across all genres and continues to be a leader in film distribution by offering diversified and unique programs in a variety of formats.

About Media Asia:

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Media Asia Films (MAF) is one of Asia’s largest and most successful Chinese language film studios. Since its establishment in 1994, MAF has produced or co-financed over 50 Chinese language films, including City of Life and Death, Accident, The Warlords, Exiled, and the Infernal Affairs trilogy which spawned the Hollywood remake The Departed. The distribution arm of MAF, Media Asia Distribution (MAD), also handles a library of over 150 feature films. It has entered into output agreements with leading television stations in Asia and has also formed a joint-venture with China Film Group for the distribution of motion pictures in Mainland China.

Gold Medalist Luke Campbell To Guest On Steve Bunce’s Boxing Hour Thursday 5th September

Posted on | August 4, 2010 | No Comments

European Bantamweight Champion Luke Campbell, who is set to be back in action again this weekend at the Four Nations Challenge in Sheffield, will be a guest on Steve Bunce’s BBC London Radio show (94.9 & DAB @ 9pm) this coming Thursday evening.

Luke, who victoriously returned to international duties last week with a convincing 11-5 points win over China’s Jun Tan at the WBC Night Of Champions in Cardiff, made history by becoming the first British amateur boxer to secure a European title for 47 years when he was crowned the Bantamweight (54kg) Champion at the European Championships in Liverpool in November 2008.

His path to glory was not an easy one. In the quarterfinal he faced and defeated the Moldovan Olympic bronze medal winner, Veaceslav Gojan, before progressing to the final after an excellent 4-1 points victory over Germany’s Denis Makarov. The quietly spoken 21 year old, from Hull, then secured the Bantamweight (54kg) title by defeating the highly experienced Bulgarian Detelin Dalakliev. Even more impressive was that this was his event debut.

The previous English boxer to win a European gold medal was Frankie Taylor, who won the Featherweight (57kg) title at the Belgrade Games, Yugoslavia in June 1961, also at the same event Melbourne Olympic Champion, Scotland’s Dick McTaggart, won gold in the (Lightweight) 60kg class.

Speaking from his training base in Sheffield Luke said, “It’s been a great week for me. I got to return to international competition with a very good win. I also got to meet some of my boxing heroes in Cardiff. Meeting Roberto Duran was the highlight of the weekend. He’s my all time hero.

Now I’m going to be on Buncey’s show. I’m a big fan of Steve and really enjoyed being a guest on his Setanta show last year. It’ll be good to catch up with him again. I can’t wait.”

The BBC London Boxing Hour presented by Steve Bunce, and featuring European Gold Medalist Luke Campbell, is on BBC London 94.9 & DAB on Thursday 5th August at 9pm (GMT)

The Four Nations Challenge, featuring Luke Campbell, will take place at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield Saturday 7th (Semi Finals) & Sunday 8th August (Finals). This International Amateur Boxing Tournament features teams from Great Britain, China, France & Khazakhstan.

Tickets are now on sale, through Arena Ticket Shop – www.arenaticketshop.co.uk – for the Four Nations Challenge and are priced:

Outer Ring/ Balcony – £10.00
Ringside – £15.00
Weekend Outer Ring / Balcony – £17.50
Weekend Ringside – £25.00

VOTE FOR FIGHT TALK UNLIMITED’S CO-HOST TONY PENECALE IN PHILLIES PHAN PHOTO CONTEST

Posted on | August 3, 2010 | 1 Comment

A Message from Tony “The Tornado” Penecale:

I’m in an online contest which is coming down to votes (click on the above photo to vote for my snapshot) which I always hate because there is someone who is always able to pad the voting more than I can.

It is a Phillies Phan Photo contest and obviously mine is superior to the ones of ugly children. Of course mine is superior. I am in it wearing my cool hat! Well, I am losing in the voting and this does not make me happy. So I am asking you to vote for my photo. And send it to others so they can vote for me too. I will win a prize and there fore I will be happy! Thank you!

Marshall returns vs Haynes at SUMMERBRAWL

Posted on | August 3, 2010 | No Comments

RING OF FIRE MMA is the longest running promotion in the Rocky Mountain region. On Friday August 27th they return with the second annual SUMMERBRAWL event. Headlining the event will be a clash of two former TUF and UFC veterans as Eliot THE FIRE Marshall faces off against Josh BRING THE PAIN Haynes.

Marshall, who’s career was launched at Ring Of Fire, is happy about the return. “I’m really excited to be getting back in the cage and the Ring of Fire is a great step for me to get back in the UFC. I started my career here so I feel real comfortable fighting for the organization, and my hometown fans” said Marshall.

After going 5-1 in matches on ROF, promoter Sven Bean submitted Marshall as an applicant to the SPIKE Season 8 Ultimate Fighter. The BJJ Black Belt was picked up a cast member on the show. Following the show’s production, Eliot defeated cast mate Jules Bruchez at the TUF 8 Finale. He then faced Vinicius Magalhães at UFC 97, whom he defeated by unanimous decision. In September of ’09 he fought Jason Brilz at UFC 103, winning a split decision. Earlier this year Marshall faced former IFL Light Heavyweight Champion Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC LIVE: Vera vs. Jones. Marshall lost a split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27). Following the loss to Matyushenko, Marshall was released from the UFC.

Eliot makes no bones about wanting to return to the UFC, but hasn’t overlooked his upcoming opponent at SUMMERBRAWL. “Josh Haynes is a tough opponent. He is very durable and aggressive so it should make for an exciting fight! This is a very important fight for me. My goal is to get back to the UFC so this is the first step. I also want to show my fans and the MMA community a different and more aggressive style of fighting.”

It just wouldn’t be a ROF event without at least one women’s match on the card. Fresh off her Young Guns Championship victory at ROF 38, Michelle THE BOBCAT Blalock returns to competition. Blalocks skill set improves with each outing, and at ROF 38 she controlled her opponent for all 3 rounds. No small task considering her opponent was a world class wrestler. Now holding a 5-0 record in MMA, she is a force to be reckoned with. Michelle will be facing Marciea THE BLACK WIDOW Allen from Watertown, SD. Marciea is a freestyle fighter training out of the MMA Factory. She has a 3-1 record with 2 KO’s and is an incredibly conditioned athelete. Sometimes training three times a day, her natural athletic ability makes her a nightmare for opposing fighters. This non title fight will be contested at 130 lbs.

‘The Real Deal’ vs. ‘The Phenom’ cements co-main event Welterweight clash at the top of Retribution lineup in Brandon

Posted on | August 3, 2010 | No Comments

By MFC Staff

The Maximum Fighting Championship has added a hotly anticipated welterweight matchup to complete its co-main event for the upcoming MFC 26: Retribution card. Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford, returning to the MFC after a year-and-a-half absence, will face the stiffest test of his career as he takes on American Top Team product Douglas “The Phenom” Lima. The Ford-Lima matchup shares main-event status and tops the card that will air live on HDNet Fights with the recently announced lightweight title fight between reigning belt-holder Antonio “Mandingo” McKee and Brazilian challenger Luciano Azevedo.

“For the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, the Maximum Fighting Championship’s top priority will be making its own stars,” noted MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich.
“Ryan Ford and Douglas Lima have a great opportunity in the MFC to become internationally known hot commodities, and the same goes for guys like Luciano Azevedo, Tom Watson, and Ryan Jimmo. Even Antonio McKee, who has an incredible record and has not lost in seven years, can really step forward and make his name bigger than it has ever been before.”

Ford (12-2) is a former two-time challenger for the MFC welterweight title and is eagerly eyeing a return to the top of the organization’s 170-pound division. The Edmonton, Alberta, native is riding a four-fight winning streak coming into the matchup against Lima – the biggest of those victories being a first-round submission verdict over reality show competitor Tommy Speer back in March.

Ford began his mixed martial arts career under the MFC banner in 2007 and catapulted to the top of the ranks with his aggressive, crowd-pleasing style. A fan favorite, Ford worked his way into two title fights by taking out a list of tough opponents including C.J. Fernandes and Pete Spratt. Ford fell short in his two quests for the MFC belt, dropping a pair of hard-fought battles to rugged veteran Pat Healy.

Lima (14-4) has earned stoppage victories in 12 of his verdicts – four by knockout and eight by submission. The Goainia, Brazil, native, who has signed a three-fight contract with the MFC, trains under top-rated trainer Roan Carneiro at American Top Team’s Atlanta operation and is also an instructor at the camp.

A brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a devastating Muay Thai practitioner, Lima is a decorated competitor, holding multiple titles in the North American Grappling Association, and for the past two years has been considered one of the top young prospects in mixed martial arts. Lima has had two long runs of success in his MMA career, with five- and six-fight winning streaks to his credit.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster charge-by-phone (204) 726-3555 and www.ticketmaster.ca.

MOSLEY VS. MORA LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Posted on | August 3, 2010 | No Comments

Sugar Shane Mosley

“This is going to be a great night of fighting at the Staples Center.

“Mexican Independence Day is September 15. My birthday is September 7. I am transforming into a Mexican on that day.

“I’m very proud of my son. He has taken up the sport that I love. He’s been up there [Big Bear, CA] training with me every day and he’s actually helping me out.

“I’m happy to be able to get back into the ring. Sergio Mora is very fast and has a lot of ability. Both of us are very competitive. Regardless of friendship I know I want to win and he wants to win.

“It’s going to be a great night of fighting. The undercard is gong to be terrific.”

Naazim Richardson, Mosley’s Trainer

“I’ve watched Sergio Mora since he was a young amateur. He’s a great talent and I never thought he got the credit he deserved. Those guys on the Contender got a break; they didn’t even get the best of him.

“Shane has a huge following in Mexico also, that’s why he has the title the ‘King of California.’ I have always said that he is a great fighter because he’s had to face that Latino opposition.

“There’s no way you can underestimate Sergio Mora, but we have to put a game plan together to deal with this young man and we will.

“I don’t care if you’ve seen him recently or have not seen him for a while, if you went to a Shane Mosley fight you got up off your seat. He can take his worst night and still get you off your seat. You’re going to see an outstanding performance.”

Sergio Mora

“I had my own fight here five years ago and now I’m back.

“Only two fighters at this table have earned the word great and that is Oscar and Mosley, but there’s another fighter who will be known as great and that’s me.

“I’ve known Naazim since I was 16. Brother Naazim has always showed up all business. With him, Philadelphia is always in the house.

“The Contender was a huge part of my success, but with every blessing there’s a curse. I didn’t gain a lot of respect from people, but I deserve it.

“I want to be the first Mexican that beats Shane. I want all the support of the Latino community.

“We both went 24 rounds with the late great Vernon Forrest, that shows that styles make fights.

“I got my cuts, and struggled and came back from behind. I know what it’s like to fight in the lime light. This is for everyone in LA. To fight in the arena that the LA Lakers won [the championship] in is an honor.”

Dean Campos, Mora’s Trainer

“I’ve been with Sergio for six years. Fernando Vargas brought him in when he auditioned for the Contender; we knew he was the winner.

“He fights with a lot of heart. He fights in the tradition of champions who represent their people and their neighborhood.”

Saul Canelo Alvarez

“I’m glad to be on such an important card with such good fighters.

“It’s business as usual when I step into the ring…I fight with desire.

“I hope everyone comes out that night to watch because this is a really exciting night of boxing.”

Jose Chepo Reynoso, Alvarez’s Manager/Trainer

“This is a very important date. As Mexicans, we are celebrating the Bicentennial of Mexican Independence.

“He [Alvarez] is number one in Mexico and now we want to conquer the world. A big part of that is being successful here in LA.”

Victor Ortiz

“I am honored to be up here with the great Sugar Shane, Mora and Canelo. It’s a great stage to be a part of.”

“I want to recognize the fact that I started this new thing with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. I can definitely relate to these kids who have grown up the way I have.”

“David Rodela will be fighting on September 18 too and he’s like my big brother so everyone should come out and cheer him on as well.”

Danny Garcia, Ortiz’s Trainer

“We’ve had three good weeks [in camp] and we have six more weeks before the big fight and I think we’ll be ready.

“Victor has been training hard and he’s a hard worker. We’re doing hard work and we’re trying to get him ready. He is going to be 100 percent come fight night.

“The fans should expect a nice show. I think all of the fights are going to be the best.”

Juan Marcos Gutierrez Gonzales, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles

“The Mexican Consulate General and Mexican Government are very proud to join this effort. We are celebrating 200 years of Mexico and the Centennial of the revolution.

“This is not only the official event of the Bicentennial, but THE official sporting event of the month of September.

“For the first time we are taking the ceremony off the steps of the City Hall and bringing it here to LA Live.”

Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“It’s a great pleasure to bring such a wonderful card to Los Angeles. We can now call it the Mecca of boxing as it’s becoming the home of many great fighters and champions.

“The people who have family in Mexico can really embrace the Mexican celebration that will happen throughout the month of September.”

“Mosley has done it all, and he’s not finished yet. He’s one of those fighters we like to call a throwback fighter. Back from the day when fighters would get in the ring and put on a show. Fighters who would breathe, eat and live boxing. That’s why Mosley is so great.

“We are making Sugar Shane Mosley an official Mexican…he will be known as ‘Azucar’ Mosley.

“If anyone is counting out Sergio Mora, I believe you have another thing coming.

“You can’t forget that Mora beat a fighter who beat Mosley, Vernon Forrest. He beat Ishe Smith. He won the Contender and has moved on from that. He has become a force to be reckoned with at 154 pounds.

“Saul Canelo Alvarez is making his debut here in LA and a lot of people are looking forward to that. Saul is a Mexican sensation, filling up arenas and selling out fights. It’s a special treat to have a young and up and coming fighter among the greats like Shane, Sergio and Victor.

“I walked the streets myself the other day in Mexico where I watched Alvarez fight. I was asking people from all walks of life, ‘Have you heard of Canelo Alvarez?’ and everyone answers with a glowing face ‘He’s our next promise. He’s our next guy.’

“Victor Ortiz is a young man who hasn’t even scratched the surface when it comes to his potential.”

Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions

“Breaking news! This event is now going to be fully supported by HBO Pay-Per-View including having their production and broadcast team. This reinforces the strength of this event.

“When Alvarez recently fought in Mexico, there was an average between six and eight people per home were watching this fight. The fight got a 17.8 rating which is equivalent to 600,000 homes watched by 60 million people.

“We’re very proud to be the official Mexican Bicentennial event for the festivities here in Los Angeles.

“For 20 dollars, which is the lowest priced ticket, I’m convinced the event will be a quick sell-out.

“Come be a part of a great celebration here at the STAPLES Center.”

Dan Beckerman, COO of AEG and Staples Center

“I can’t remember when we’ve had such a great card top to bottom, from when the doors open to the main event.

“Whenever Shane fights at Los Angeles STAPLES Center something exciting always happens.

“I’ve watched Saul [Alvarez] on Youtube many times and I can’t wait to see him in person.

“The ticket prices are fantastic, a price for every fan.”

# # #

Mosley vs. Mora: “200 CELEBRATE AND DOMINATE” is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and DeWalt Tools. The 12-round junior middleweight bout is scheduled for Saturday, September 18 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif. The night will also feature Mexican Welterweight phenom Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. Carlos “Tata” Baldomir and “Vicious” Vivian Harris.

Tickets for Mosley vs. Mora, priced at $200, $125, $75 and $20, are on sale now and available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000. Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center box office.

“200: CELEBRATE AND DOMINATE” has a suggested retail price of $44.95 and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.aegworldwide.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/STAPLESCenterLA, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

TWO PROMISING PROSPECTS TO COLLIDE IN STRIKEFORCE WOMEN’S WELTERWEIGHT TOURNAMENT ‘RESERVE BOUT’ IN PHOENIX, ARIZ., ON FRIDAY, AUG. 13

Posted on | August 3, 2010 | No Comments

Colleen Schneider Will Face Liz Carmouche in Prelude to Four-Woman, Single-Elimination 135-Pound Tournament To Be Contested At Dodge Theatre, Live on SHOWTIME®

NEW YORK (Aug. 3, 2010) – Colleen Schneider and Liz Carmouche will tangle in the “reserve bout” in the first-ever STRIKEFORCE women’s single-elimination welterweight (135 pounds) tournament at STRIKEFORCE Challengers on Friday, Aug. 13, from Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz., live on SHOWTIME®. The match will take place during the non-televised undercard.

If a winner of a completed tournament semifinal fight cannot advance because of an injury or any other reason, they will be replaced by the Schneider-Carmouche winner.

STRIKEFORCE women’s welterweight contenders Miesha “Takedown” Tate, Carina “Beauty But The Beast” Damm, Hitomi “Girlfight Monster” Akano and Maiju Kujala will compete in the tournament. A draw to determine the semifinal matchups for the two-round tournament will take place at the Official Weigh-In on Thursday, Aug. 12. Each of the tournament tussles and the reserve bout are slated for three, 3-minute rounds.

The tournament winner will become the official No. 2 challenger in the STRIKEFORCE women’s welterweight division (behind Marloes Coenen). On July 23 on SHOWTIME, undefeated world champion Sarah Kaufman impressively retained her STRIKEFORCE crown with a third-round “power slam” KO over Roxanne Modafferi.

The winners of each semifinal bout on Aug. 13 will face off in the tournament final later that night, just before the main event matchup on SHOWTIME between Joe “Diesel” Riggs (32-12) and Louis Taylor (6-1) that will be fought at a catch weight of 182 pounds.

Schneider (0-1), of Oakland, Calif., by way of Syracuse, N.Y., trains with STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez at his El Nino Training Center in San Francisco. She moved to the West Coast in 2000 to attend University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in Physics and Astrophysics. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004.

“While at Cal, I met some people from the Taekwondo team who convinced me to come and try it, and I loved it,’’ Schneider said. “I did it for a few years there, and things kind of went on from there.’’

After seven years of Taekwondo, three years of Karate, two years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, two years of Muay Thai, several tournaments and countless unsanctioned fights, Schneider turned to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). She compiled a record of 4-0 in the amateurs before making her MMA pro debut on March 19, 2010.

“I am very happy to be fighting for STRIKEFORCE, which is the place to be right now in the women’s division,’’ said Schneider,’’ an aggressive striker known for her unorthodox kicks.

Carmouche (2-0) has triumphed in both her starts inside the distance. After winning by second-round TKO in her pro debut last May 29, she registered a second-round submission (armbar) over Margarita de la Cruz the following June 26.

A 25-year-old of Lebanese descent, Carmouche was born in Okinawa, Japan, and currently resides in San Diego. She spent seven years in the Marines in which she spent time fighting in the Middle East.

Carmouche currently trains at Undisputed Fitness and Training in San Diego with Manolo Hernandez and Baret Yoshida, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion.

Tickets for the STRIKEFORCE Challengers event are on sale at the Dodge Theatre Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (800) 745-3000, and online at www.livenation.com and www.strikeforce.com.

Dodge Theatre doors will open at 5 p.m. local time. The first preliminary bout will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the first main card bout will begin at 8.

The SHOWTIME telecast will begin at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast.)

STRIKEFORCE Challengers is a proving ground for up-and-coming MMA fighters. The series is designed to provide today’s top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised event.

About STRIKEFORCE
STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, STRIKEFORCE, sanctioned by ISKA, has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts (MMA) series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.

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