McGuigan: Guts and determination key to Prizefighter win
Posted on | June 21, 2010 | No Comments
Irish legend says super-middleweights must dig deep on June 30
Barry McGuigan has called for the Prizefighter Super Middleweights to match the heart and strength of Willie “Big Bang” Casey when the aim to lift the trophy on Wednesday June 30, live on Sky Sports.
Irish legend McGuigan was ringside when Casey stormed to victory in the super-welterweights the last time Barry Hearn’s eight-man, one night tournament was staged at York Hall, Bethnal Green – and as the super-middleweights take to the venue in a week’s time, the former world champion said they had to match his countryman’s determination if they want to pocket the £32,000 winner’s cheque.
“Casey had three brutal fights but he’s a tough kid and his strength and guts earned him the win and that’s what these guys have to come up with,” said McGuigan. “Preparation for the night is so important – you have to change your training, go for three rounds flat out, get out for a couple of minutes and then go again for three rounds.
“It’s about building up your powers of recovery, it’s a lot different from the pro game normally as you are looking to pace yourself, looking to increase the pace depending on how your opponent handles both the pressure and your skills. Tactically it’s flat out then stop so training is the key, but it’s great for the fans to watch and the fighters love it too.”
McGuigan believes that fighters fresh from the amateur game could have an advantage with the three three-minute round format suiting their level of experience.
“It is interesting that Jon-Lewis Dickinson won the cruiserweight night – the fact that he wasn’t long out of the amateur game he could easily revert back to the sprint-stop-sprint-stop sort of style, I think that’s what you have got to do when you are preparing for Prizefighter,” said McGuigan.
“Coming from the amateurs to the pros you tend to slow down a bit, particularly with the 4x2s as opposed to the 3x3s, what you do is try to get them to slow down a bit, become a little bit tighter defensively, drop your pace but keep the explosiveness.”
Casey came out on top of what has been described as the best Prizefighter to date and McGuigan believes that the 28 year-old
“I thought Casey coped brilliantly with the format,” said McGuigan. “He’s a tough kid, a real throwback. He’s very strong, determined lad and despite coming in at the death he didn’t care about who he was fighting, his self-confidence shone through and it was definitely the best performance I’ve seen in Prizefighter, on what was the most competitive event so far too.
“The format is a great recipe but I don’t think any of the other nights have produced the intensity that the super-bantamweights did, and Willie was a deserved winner, especially after having to fight a fresh fighter in the final but still managing to win convincingly. He can go on to do some big things, no doubt about that. He’s got a good team behind him and he’s very driven.”
Joining McGuigan at the last outing for Prizefighter was Carl Frampton, one of the fighters the Irishman now manages who defeated Ian Bailey in his most recent bout on June 10. Slough’s Bailey was a reserve for the super-bantamweights and Frampton scored a points victory over him to make it six wins from six. McGuigan believes he has a real prospect on his hands in the 23 year-old from Belfast, and said he wouldn’t rule out any of his fighter’s competing for the Prizefighter crown one day.
“Carl was great against Bailey who is a tough kid with just one stoppage against his name and that was through injury,” said McGuigan. “Ian’s tough and durable with a good defence so I’m happy that Carl never lost a round, winning five and drawing one, you can’t get much better than that. It gave him an idea of what it’s like going six rounds against a kid who is not going to give up, that’s the sort of lessons that guys need to learn coming from the amateur game into the pros. He showed his variety and his punching power, which he still had in the sixth round. There’s little things that we need to adjust but his future looks very bright.
“Whether any of my boys fight in Prizefighter depends on the stage of their careers and the fighter that they are, but it’s certainly a brilliant learning curve and can open so many doors,” said McGuigan.
The Prizefighter Super Middleweights sees public vote winner Tony Salam from London joins Dudley’s Sam Horton fresh from his title fight with James DeGale, former British Masters champion Eddie McIntosh, Unbeaten Welshman Jeff Evans, Northampton’s Paul David, Waltham Abbey’s Daniel Cadman, Peter Fedorenko from Sheffield and the youngest ever boxer in Prizefighter, 19 year-old Patrick Mendy, in gunning for the title – tickets are available now at £35 (unreserved), £60 (ringside) and £100 (VIP) – call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900
Tags: Barry McGuigan > Boxing > Irish > London > Prizefighter > Sky Sports > Super Middleweights > Willie Casey
Matthew Marsh Gets Commonwealth Title Shot On 23rd July
Posted on | June 21, 2010 | No Comments
Former British Super Bantamweight champion Matthew Marsh is to fight for the vacant Commonwealth (British Empire) belt against unbeaten prospect Kris Hughes. The Marsh-Hughes title clash is scheduled to be on the undercard of the Frank Maloney promoted IBF Super Bantamweight World Title fight between Steve Molitor and Jason Booth at the Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear on Friday 23rd July.
Following a sparring session, with former British and European Bantamweight Champion Ian ‘Dappa’ Napa, at the Ultrachem TKO Gym in Canning Town, Marsh took a little time out to speak about the surprise news, “I’ve only just found out today the fights on. I’m really pleased to get another chance at the Commonwealth title.
I see Kris box against Ian (Ultrachem TKO Gym mate Ian Bailey). He’s a good kid who knows what he’s doing. But I’ll find a way to beat him.
I’m in the gym today as usual. I’ve been training and sparring anyway but I’m stepping it up now. I’m really happy and just want to get in there.”
Marsh’s long time trainer/manager Johnny Eames, who was by Marsh’s side throughout, added, “I’m obviously pleased to see Matthew get back in the mix for a title.
I was a little upset with the decision when he lost the British title challenge to Jason Booth, but fair play to Frank Maloney he promised us another title shot and has come up with with a title fight for Matthew. Which is more than other promoters have done for Matthew in his career. He has been kept on the back burner by other promoters and match makers.
I see this as a great opening for Matthew. A fight that he should win, the kid he’s fighting is a good southpaw whose unbeaten in eleven. It could prove to be a tricky fight as Kris is so tall but I feel that Matthew has the desire and ability to win.”
The Matthew Marsh versus Kris Hughes for the vacant Commonwealth title is at the Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear on Friday 23rd July 2010, on the undercard of the Frank Maloney promoted IBF Super Bantamweight World Title bout between Steve Molitor and Jason Booth .
Also on the Sky Sports televised show will be Nigel Wright versus Dean Harrison for the English Light Welterweight title.
Tickets for the event are available from www.frankmaloney.com
www.ultrachemtkogym.co.uk
Event Report: Summer Fight Night Explosion, York Hall on 19th June 2010
Posted on | June 21, 2010 | No Comments
Report By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
Promoter Steve Goodwin came up trumps again on Saturday night with his ‘Summer Fight Night Explosion’ show at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London. The only downer being the cancellation of the main event,Yassine El Maachi versus Dee Mitchell, due to El Maachi, who recently recovered from a virus that kept him out of training for ten days, having a WBC African title shot next month in Morocco.
The rest of the card more than made up for the disappointment though. With El Maachi out the main focus fell on former English Super Featherweight Champion Ryan Barrett and Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander, who are due to face each other in a title battle at the Steve Goodwin promoted “It’s Personal” show at the York Hall on September 11th.
Barrett was the first of the pair in action, against Jason Nesbitt. Right from the first bell the former champ’s class shined through, controlling the ring with ease, picking off the highly experienced Nesbitt with sharp jabs and crisp combinations. It was good solid performance by Barrett to take the victory by a 60-54 points margin.
Alexander’s fight, against Sid Razak, followed Barrett-Nesbitt. Everyone was anticipating a repeat of Alexander’s explosive, four knockdown, performance over Michael ‘Simply’ Devine back in April. Instead Alexander took a more cautious approach, in some ways emulating Barrett’s game plan over Nesbitt. Alexander didn’t seem to get into full flow until the third round, but when he did he just plain outclassed Razak.
Rounds four to six were lively affairs, with Razak pressing hard and Alexander responding in magnificent fashion. ‘The Flash’ we all know suddenly appeared, dancing around picking off Razak at will with slick jabs, super fast combinations and some serious showmanship that got the crowd really going. Razak responded by throwing bombs which Alexander just slipped aside before letting rip with more wicked jabs and hooks. Whilst the expected knockout finish didn’t appear Alexander had clearly thrown down the gauntlet to Barrett.
Next up was Duke McKenzie’s undefeated protégé Tony Owen, against the highly experienced Kristian Laight. Owen put on a boxing master class, controlling the fight both on the inside and outside and able to display his full arsenal of lightning fast punches. A great win for Owen, by a 40-36 points margin, who is one of the middleweight divisions most exciting new prospects.
Whilst the preceding bouts were all top class, action filled affairs, the fight of the night award has to go to the middleweight contest between the debuting John Brennan last minute replacement Chris Brophy. What a fight, non stop toe-to-toe action, with both combatants constantly landing clean, heavy shots on each other. The seriously entertaining fight was rightly declared a 39-39 draw.
Almost as exciting, as Brennan-Brophy, was the following Middleweight clash between Michael Norgrove and Ryan Clark. Norgrove was looking to build on his maiden victory back in April. What he clearly hadn’t expected was the fast starting of Clark, who shot out of the blocks to take the fight to the newcomer. Norgrove responded well but was constantly being caught by wicked overhand rights and hooks. Throughout the four rounds the two protagonists gave as good as they took, with neither backing down. The end result was declared a 39-38 victory to Norgrove, who now has a 2-0 record, but could so easily have been a declared a win for Clark or even a draw.
The final fight of the night, between Marco Stephenson and Ultrachem TKO Gym’s Matt ‘FireFighter’ Jack, was another cracker with both combatants going at it hammer and tongs throughout. Like the previous fight the result could have gone either way, or given as a draw, but the referee see it as a victory for Stephenson by a 39-38 points margin.
The other two results on the night were:
Adam Battle(debut) beat Danny Donychev(2-21-0) 40-36, 4×3 Welterweight.
Bradley Evans(4-0-1) beat Karl Taylor(16-138-7) 60-54, 6×2 Lightweight
Steve Goodwin took a big risk putting on the ‘Summer Fight Night Explosion’ during the World Cup. Whilst the York Hall was not sold out he did manage to attract a good size crowd by putting on such a quality card.
Goodwin Promotions next event, at the York Hall on September 11th, is set to be even bigger, more spectacular affair featuring Ryan Barrett versus Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander for a major international title (TBA), ‘Phat’ Pat McAlees also in a possible title fight and Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s protégé Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston’s UK debut against the experienced Lana Cooper.
Tags: Bethnal Green > Boxing > London > Summer Fight Night Explosion > York Hall
Martial Arts Association International Seminar Report
Posted on | June 21, 2010 | No Comments
By: Hermann Harms
“Each other instead of against each other”
This is the motto of the Martial Arts Day 2010 brought together in the big Sporthall in Kirchhellen / Germany some 600 martial artists. Grandmaster Hermann Harms and his wife Chalam were guests of honor at this martial arts event.
Over 600 participants and many visitors had found their way to Bottrop-Kirchhellen to the Großseminar the Martial Arts Association International (MAA-I) to workout together . More than 30 art teachers struggle proven in over 20 Martial Arts show their skills. “There are often great rivalry between the associations and styles,” said Head Master Bernd Höhle from the German headquarters of the MAA-I. “The Martial Arts Day to counteract this and we promote the friendship between the clubs.” Since 1964, the association works, the 800 clubs are connected, in this sense. For the third time took place in the Martial Arts Day, which focuses on learning and communication.
“This event is one of the world’s most important and the largest in Germany,” rejoiced Headmaster’s Höhle on the success of the seminar. This is an excellent opportunity to look outside the box and to be inspired by neighboring martial arts styles. On three fields at the same 45-minute teaching were held in which the visitors could also participate actively.
The Gelsenkirchen Grandmaster Hermann Harms and his wife Chalam were charged guests of honor at this martial arts event. As part of the Martial Arts Day will be held the annual sports awards, here are earning members / athletes / martial artists in a ceremony before a large audience honored.
Grandmaster Hermann Harms received the “Achievement Award” for his work in the martial arts. In addition, his women Chalam Harms for their years of commitment to Budo with the “Budo Award”. Both spouses have already demonstrated in the 70’s years together
http://www.jiu-jitsu-gelsenkirchen.de/pageID_4538189.html
www.jutsu-akademie-harms.de
http://www.freewebs.com/hermannharms
http://www.freestyle-gelsenkirchen.de/page:vereine:vshow:ge-jutsuakahar
Johnson-Jeffries Centennial Gala tickets available
Posted on | June 21, 2010 | 1 Comment
Grand Sierra Resort event will feature rare fight footage, boxing celebrities and memorabilia from historic 1910 bout
RENO, NEV. (June 18, 2010) — A limited number of free tickets are available to a July 2nd gala celebrating the centennial of one of boxing’s greatest bouts — the Johnson-Jeffries 1910 heavyweight fight.
The gala will run from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Grand Theatre of the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno. Guests will be able to mingle with boxing writers and historians, local dignitaries, and the families of Heavyweight Champions Jack Johnson and Jim Jeffries during the gala.
A 30-minute documentary featuring rare footage of the bout and the preparations for the historic fight will be presented by Wayne Rozen, author of America on the Ropes, and co-emceed by Al Bernstein and Rich Marotta.
The film will recount the events surrounding the title fight between Jack Johnson, the nation’s first African-American World Champion, and Jim Jeffries, “The Great White Hope.” Johnson defeated Jeffries in 15 rounds to retain his heavyweight crown on a custom-made boxing ring in downtown Reno in front of more than 20,000 spectators.
The boxing match was more about social equality and racial politics than jabs and upper-cuts — a history that Let’s Get It On Promotions CEO Terry Lane said the centennial gala will celebrate.
“Before the live boxing and the other centennial events, we wanted to set aside a special moment to recognize the social and cultural legacy of one of the world’s greatest fights,” said Lane, who is organizing the event.
Memorabilia from the 1910 fight, including the original fight bell and a portion of the ring mat, will be displayed at the gala. Appetizers from the Grand Sierra Resort’s feature restaurants will be served.
Gala tickets are limited. To receive a free ticket, e-mail tiffany@letsgetitonboxing.com.
For more information on history of the Johnson-Jeffries fight and a full list of events during the three-day centennial celebration, visit www.johnsonjeffries2010.com.
Tags: Boxing > Jack Johnson > Jim Jeffries > Johnson vs. Jeffries > Nevada > Reno > Sierra Resort and Casino
T-N-T AT THE TROPICANA: TUA VS. TWO GUNZ SATURDAY JULY 17TH
Posted on | June 21, 2010 | No Comments
On Saturday July 17th, Star Boxing returns to the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ with a sizzling heavyweight showdown, when David Tua (51- 3-1, 43 KO’s) squares off against and Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett (34-9, 20 KO’s) in what is expected to be an all-out war of heavy-hitting, former world title challengers.
“We had great success with our show at the Tropicana back in March and we are expecting an even greater event this summer featuring this can’t miss heavyweight showdown,” stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing. “With David and Monte you have two heavyweights who both are going to leave everything they have in the ring. Both of these guys have very heavy hands, and will look to trade big shots from the moment that bell sounds to start round one. Anytime you have two guys of this nature going toe-to- toe, you just know you are in for a special treat. I am looking forward to fistic fireworks at the Tropicana on the Atlantic City boardwalk come July 17th.”
The heavy-handed Tua (WBO #2), who is promoted by Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing, is unbeaten in his last fourteen contests since dropping a decision to former IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd in 2001. Tua is one of the most dynamic punchers in heavyweight history, holding knockout victories over former heavyweight champions, John Ruiz (KO1), Oleg Maskaev (TKO11), Hasim Rahman (TKO10), and Michael Moorer (KO1).
After two-year hiatus from the ring, Tua returned in October of 2009, in his home country of New Zealand, to blow out fellow New Zealander Shane Cameron (23-1, 20 KO’s) in the 2nd round, picking up the WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight title, and WBO Oriental heavyweight title in the process. In his last outing in March of this year, Tua won a dominating twelve round unanimous decision over perennial heavyweight contender, Friday Ahunanya. Tua is hoping a win over Barrett sets himself up for another crack at the heavyweight championship.
MONTE “TWO GUNZ” BARRETT
Barrett, who holds victories over previously unbeaten contenders and Owen Beck (24-0), Dominick Guinn (24-0), as well as Tye Fields (41-1), is looking to get back into the win column after suffering a hard fought decision loss to highly regarded Russian prospect Alexander Ustinov (20-0, 16 KO’s) in December of last year.
Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by calling (609) 340-4000. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City.
ABOUT STAR BOXING:
Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com.
ABOUT TROPICANA CASINO & RESORT:
The Tropicana Casino & Resort is a 24-hour gaming destination located on the beach and Boardwalk. Featuring more than 2,100 rooms and suites and home of The Quarter, a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex, Tropicana is the premier resort in Atlantic City. With more than 20 restaurants, 25 shops, 12 bars and lounges, 2 pools, an IMAX Theatre and a spa, Tropicana is consistently rated as the “Must-See Attraction” in Atlantic City. For more information, visit the new official Web Site at www.tropicana.net For more exclusive discounts, current information, pictures, and video, be sure to check out the Tropicana on the Web at www.facebook.com/TropAC or follow us on Twitter twitter.com/TropicanaAC.
Tags: Boxing > David Tua > Monte Barrett > New Jersey > Star Boxing > Tropicana > Tropicana Casino
WORLD’S NO. 1 MMA FIGHTER FEDOR EMELIANENKO, HEAVYWEIGHT SUPERSTAR FABRICIO WERDUM
Posted on | June 21, 2010 | No Comments
Media Conference Call Highlights
The world’s greatest pound for pound fighter Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko, top-ranked Brazilian superstar Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum and STRIKEFORCE CEO Scott Coker participated in a national media conference call to discuss the highly anticipated showdown in the main event of a STRIKEFORCE and M-1 GLOBAL co-promoted Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. on Saturday, June 26, live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
The event will mark the first time in MMA history that the No. 1 male and female fighters in the world will step into the cage on the same night. Fedor, long considered the world’s top pound for pound fighter, will share the spotlight with female wrecking machine Cris Cyborg, who will defend her STRIKEFORCE Women’s World Middleweight (145 pound) Championship against Jan “Cuddles” Finney.
M-1 GLOBAL’s Fedor will look to gain revenge three and a half years after the 32-year-old Werdum, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, defeated Fedor’s brother Aleksander, via submission (arm triangle choke) in the first round (3:24) of a bout in 2006.
Simply referred to as “Fedor” by millions of fans around the world, the 6-foot, 235 pound Russian has become the most dominant MMA fighter of all-time since he began his professional career 10 years ago.
During an eight-year tenure in MMA, Werdum has conquered a number of other superstars, including reigning STRIKEFORCE World Heavyweight Champion, Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem, Antonio “Big Foot” Silva and UFC stars Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon “The Truth” Vera.
Here are some highlights of what the fighters and Coker had to say on Friday.
FEDOR EMELIANENKO:
“I’m very happy to be back and fighting in the United States. I’m honored to be fighting Fabricio Werdum and I expect a great fight on June 26.
“It does not matter that he has a victory over my brother. I feel no vengeance because of that. I plan on fighting for myself and for my country.”
Why do most of the fighters who have fought Fedor end up losing the next time they fight?
“I don’t think that the fighters defeat themselves before they get into the cage with me. I think that from my experience the fighters I have fought have all trained hard and come in prepared. As far as how they do in their next fight, I don’t feel there is any mystique or mystery to it. I just think that every person is different on how they handle defeat and how they handle their career.”
What does your future hold with Strikeforce?
“I don’t want to look too far ahead. Right now I’m just looking forward to this fight with Fabricio Werdum. Right now we have two more fights left with this relationship and if everything goes well and we feel good about the relationship I don’t see why we wouldn’t want to extend that.”
What do you think about some of the other top heavyweights in the world like Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem and that most of them are bigger in size than you?
“Size and strength doesn’t always define the ability for a fighter to perform in the cage. These particular fighters are all some of the top heavyweights in the world and I have seen their fights and they all perform extremely well and have a lot of talents. But size does not define how well they would perform against me.”
What does define a great fighter?
“I think what defines a great fighter is someone who performs well in the cage. Someone who makes the right decisions during fights; fights fair and respects the sport and as a result gains the respect and the admiration of true fans of the sport of mixed martial arts. Someone who shows good skill and technique and preparation for a fight. Not someone who just relies only on his strength and size but also their abilities in the fights.”
What is left for you to accomplish? Do you have an interest in entering politics after your career ends?
“Well, I’d like to finish my career without any losses and at that point we’ll see what God has planned for me. While I’m an athlete and while I’m fighting I will not pursue a career in politics. What happens after that we’ll see. But I don’t have an intention to do both at the same time.
“I do feel that there is a pressure and a demand for me to keep fighting and for me to keep getting back into the ring. Right now I’m OK with that and after each fight I balance whether I should continue or whether I should stop. Until I feel that I am not effective or not getting out of the sport what I want then I will make the decision to stop.
“It was unpleasant that the fight kept getting postponed and I had to change my training because of it but it had nothing to do with me. I was looking forward to fighting in April and it was unpleasant that I wasn’t able to fight then.”
How do you react to your critics like Dana White?
“I often get secondhand information and my friends will tell me stuff because I don’t pay attention to it or seek it out so that’s how I usually get information to what people are saying. As far as my reaction, I don’t have any reaction. I don’t respond to any compliments of criticism. It’s not something that’s very important to me and I don’t really like to seek out information on what people are saying about me. I’m more interested in spending quality time in my everyday life with my family and friends than cruising the Internet or listening to rumors or call-outs.”
Is your hand healed that you broke in the Rogers fight?
“Everything is fine. Thank you for asking. I didn’t break the hand. It was a dislocation in my thumb and it has healed great.”
UFC heavyweights Shane Carwin-Brock Lesnar fight the following week. Which fight should people watch and why?
“I’m not a UFC fan so I would invite all the fans to watch our fight because we are not in the UFC.”
Asked later to clarify that, Fedor said:
“What I meant to say is that I’m not a fan of watching their fights. Compared to a lot of commercials and the promotion and the anticipation of their fights compared to a lot of the shows I’ve seen there seems to be a lot of negativity in them. So I’m just not a fan of watching their programs. How the fights are presented and the actions and behavior of some of the fighters of the UFC. It takes away from the sport.”
FABRICIO WERDUM:
“I’m very happy to be fighting. I am very happy that Scott Coker believes in me. I’m sure that June 26 is going to be the happiest day of my life.
“This was the best training camp of my life. On June 26 I just have to do the same thing that I did in my training to be victorious.
“I’m not worried about the judging (if it goes to a decision). I think they will make the right decision and will be raising my hand after the fight.”
Why do most of the fighters who have fought Fedor end up losing the next time they fight?
“I think the mental preparation, or lack of mental preparation sticks with them for their future fights. A lot of fighters who have faced Fedor have already lost the fight before ever stepping in the cage with him because Fedor has proven himself to be the greatest in the world.”
How did the delay in the fight hurt your mental focus?
“It’s not been easy but I have been able to maintain that mental focus because the opportunity to fight the world’s greatest heavyweight doesn’t come around every day. I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole career and it’s finally here.”
What has been Fedor’s key to success?
“I have watched Fedor’s fights for his entire career. I think the thing that impresses me the most is his ability to always win. I come from a camp and background, however, that believes in fighting my game and not worrying about my opponent.
“I believe Fedor’s ground game is terribly underrated because he is so used to knocking people out.
“It’s a great honor for me to fight the No. 1 fighter in mixed martial arts such as Fedor. It’s a great inspiration and a motivating factor for me to step into the cage with a man like this.”
SCOTT COKER:
“This is a great matchup. You have the No. 1 fighter in the history of mixed martial arts fighting the No. 1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu heavyweight fighter and Top 10 heavyweight in the world. In mixed martial arts anything can happen at any time. One wrong move by either of these guys and it will result in victory for the other. Does one have to win by submission or knockout to get a fair decision? No, I don’t think so.”
How are ticket sales going?
“I think we are over the 10,000 mark now. I think we’ll have a packed house. We have a great fan base here and I think we’ll have a full house. Now that MMA is mainstream we have a big area in the Bay Area to pull from. I think people will be coming from all over. L.A. and the Central Valley. Cung Le will make a difference. He’s a great fighter and has a great presence here. My goal is always to sell out but HP holds 18,265 so that is our goal, but anything over 15,000 is respectable.”
What do you think of the UFC counter-programming with Strikeforce?
“They run their business how they do and we run our business the way we do. We’ll let them keep doing it and running the business the way we do. We had a fight between Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg last summer and it was the highest rated MMA show ever on Showtime, even beating all of Kimbo’s fights. It was great for MMA and great all around. There’s room for everyone. We’re just going to keep plugging along and doing our part.”
Tickets for STRIKEFORCE and M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Werdum are on sale at the HP Pavilion box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) as well as www.strikeforce.com. For more information, please also visit www.M-1GLOBAL.com.
Tags: cage fighting > Fedor Emelianenko > Fedor Emelinaneko > fighting > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Scott Coker > Strikeforce
ON SALE NOW HEAT XC 5 LIVE JULY 16 th EDMONTON CANADA
Posted on | June 17, 2010 | No Comments
Tags: Canada > Edmonton > fighting > Heat XC > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA
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