DONATE TO HELP HONOR FALLEN BOXER FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ
Posted on | December 9, 2009 | No Comments
By Tony Penecale:
When I get fight articles from other writers, I usually only share them with others in the boxing community or other fans. I felt the need to share this one with a broader range of people as it truly is a heart-breaking story. I’ve known the author for a number of years as he spends every free moment in the sport of boxing and makes the Marian Anderson Recreation Center in South Philly (my old boxing gym) his home away from home.
When the sad news came out about the death of Francisco Rodriguez in a boxing match in Philadelphia, it hit harder than usual. Being involved so closely in the sport, I read about other boxing-related injuries or fatalities, many in places like Indonesia or Japan, and sometimes even in the Unite States but far away like Texas or California. This one being in Philadelphia really hurt. I was supposed to be at the Blue Horizon to see this fight live. Thankfully another commitment kept me from going.
I was at an amateur show at Lock Haven University in 1997 when a young man went down and suffered an epileptic fit. It occured during the afternoon prelim card and I was sitting front row when it happened. I’ll never forget the fear and panic as the doctors worked on him and seeing him carried from the ring on a stretcher being administered oxygen. And then having to climb in that same ring and do battle just a few hours later was extremely unnerving.
I never had the opportunity to meet Francisco Rodriguez but he was a boxer for all the right reasons, the main one being to provide a good life for his young daughter. Unfortunately, I never will have a chance to meet him. RIP Frankie.
HERE IS THE ARTICLE:
“THE MOUTHPIECE” TRIBUTE TO FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ
HERE IS HOW TO HELP:
Donate at least one dollar , the cost of a cup of coffee to:
The Francisco Rodriguez Fund – c/o National Republic Bank of Chicago
1201 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607
Telephone: (312) 738-4900
Drop a check or money order in the mail for any amount.
Please pass this article to all of your friends and encourage them to do the same.
Tags: Boxing > charity > death > Francisco Rodriguez > fund > George Hanson > Philadelphia > Tony Penecale
Cool COmbat Sports Links: Mixed Martial Arts, Wrestling, Boxing (12-08-09)
Posted on | December 8, 2009 | No Comments
UFC’s Kimbo Slice Slugs Out First Win In The Octagon
UFC Lightweight Clay Guida featured on tonight’s edition of Pro MMA Radio
NSAC’s replay leads Loveland native to UFC victory
Latino Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Find Home at Ring Of Combat- Part 2
Minnesota casino hosting MMA Cage event
Jones’s DQ loss won’t stop his ascent
Henderson and UFC part ways as fighter signs with Strikeforce
UFC’s Matt Hamill Suffered Dislocated Shoulder in Controversial TUF 10 Finale W Over Jon Jones
Hoffman: Wild man in the ring, great guy outside it
Pro wrestler among just minted citizens
Sushil to lead India’s charge at Commonwealth Wrestling
Clarkson, Glover, Cena join “Brother’s Keeper”
Hulk Hogan sues ex over bathroom fixture
Hulk Hogan: TNA going head-to-head with WWE
Knight moves: Noble wrestlers shoot for the moon
Atlantic City boxing showcases ‘Real Champions’ (Part 1)
Atlantic City boxing showcases ‘Real Champions’ (Part 2)
Khan Says Hatton Fight Is Possible
Promoters progressing as if Mayweather-Pacquiao a done deal
Ricky Hatton contemplates comeback but says ‘Amir Khan is not on my radar’
The Pride of Bolton: Amir Khan
Boxing: Cameron plots comeback trail
Pro Boxing Prospect Ritchie Carmack and MFS’ Nick Spohn to make pro debuts at TFC 15 on Dec. 18
PS Steve Ninvalle tipped as new Amateur Boxing head
The Boxing Canon: Best Fights of the Decade (Introduction)
A GREAT WEEK OF EAST COAST BOXING THIS PAST WEEK ON GFL
Posted on | December 8, 2009 | No Comments
Impressive wins by Tim Coleman, Jeremy Bryan and Steve Upsher Chambers highlight an all boxing Weekend from New York, Newark and Philly
NEW YORK (DECEMBER 7TH, 2009)—This past weekend, three big boxing events took place on the east coast that featured some of the best up and coming talent plus some former world champions in New York, Newark and Philly.
HUSTLER BOXING SERIES
The action kicked off on Wednesday night New York as Tim Coleman won the USBA Jr. Welterweight title with a controversial split decision over former world title challenger “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis. The c-feature saw a battle of undefeated welterweight prospect as Brad Solomon hooked up with “The New” Ray Robinson. The card was rounded out by two-time Heavyweight champion of the world, Shannon Briggs making his first ring appearance in almost two and a half years as he scored a devastating one punch knockout over Marcus McGee.
TO ORDER THIS GREAT EVENT FOR $4.99, CLICK:
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THE BRAWL IN BRICK CITY
Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan once again displayed why his moniker fits the bill after putting away Darren Fallen inside of two rounds last night in the main event of “The Brawl in Brick City” at Essex County College in Newark, NJ.
Both men took their time in the opening moments of fight, with Bryan patiently throwing jabs while Fallen tried using his reach advantage from the outside. Near the end of the first, Bryan decked Fallen with a short left hook, but the Philadelphian made it back to his feet to finish the round. Bryan picked up where he left off in the second, dropping The 18 fight veteran hard to the canvas with a huge right hand.
The game Fallen arose from the knockdown but was dropped between the ropes shortly thereafter following a strong combination, forcing his corner to throw in the towel at 2:35.
Italian import Floriano “Flash” Pagliara scored a minor upset in the co-feature after out hustling previously unbeaten junior lightweight Antonio “The Tiger” Espinosa. The fleet footed Espinosa had success early on by boxing and moving, but Pagliara’s constant pressure proved to be too much. Scores were 59-55 and 58-56 twice for Pagliara, who improves to 10-3 with 6 KO’s. Espinosa of nearby West New York, NJ, falls to 11-1 (1 KO).
Locals Tyre Roberts, Eddie Edmond and Alex Mendez each won four round decisions, while former amateur standout Juan Rodriques scored a highlight reel first round knockout with a monstrous right hand cross.
TO WATCH THIS FIGHT CARD FOR $4.99 CLICK:
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BLUE HORIZON BOXING—7TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY SHOW
In front of a near capacity house, Steve Upsher Chambers scored a very decisive unanimous decision over Doel Carrasquillo to cap off the 7th Annual Children’s Holiday at The Legendary Blue Horizon
Chambers, of Philadelphia mixed up his shots well as he featured hooks and crosses and jabbed very well but his punch of choice was the uppercut for which he used with precision and often during the fight.
The co-feature was a controversial draw as Loren Myers looked to have snapped the long winning streak of Gee Cullmer in an eight round Middleweight bout but two judges felt differently and the bout ended in a majority draw.
Myers pressed the action as Cullmer was very tired by the third round and was trapped against the ropes for much of the fight. Cullmer fought back and tried to make a fight of that and that may have won him a few rounds but it looked like the visitor pulled off the upset.
Former NHL tough guy, Nathan Perrott suffered three first round knockdowns and was stopped by debuting John Bolden at 2:09 of that opening frame.
Two Philadelphian’s, Charles Hayward (4 years) and Tim Johnson (2 years) came back from layoffs to score decision victories over Patrick Budd and Jonathan Felton respectively.
Jr. Middleweight, Darrell Jones (3-0) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision over Antonio Fernandez in a four round bout.
THIS COMING WEEK:
ASYLUM XXIV—FRIDAY NIGHT AT 8pm—FREE OF CHARGE
17 Big MMA fights that originate from the Raritan Center in Edison, New Jersey
TO WATCH ASYLUM FIGHT LEAGUE 24 FOR FREE, CLICK,
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MOOSIN—GOD OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS—FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 AT 8PM
For the first time on American Soil, This Korean MMA promotion feature some Eric “Butterbean” Esch plus appearances by Ashley Rivers, Brad Tidwell, Jae Young Kim, and Mu Bae Choi
To Order this event for $6.99–click
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Jeff Monson vs. Travis Fulton this Saturday on NESportsTV.com. After Fulton, Monson wants Fedor!
Posted on | December 8, 2009 | No Comments
Jeff Monson (31-9, 2 KO’s, 20 Submissions) vs. Travis Fulton (191-45-11, 61 KO’s, 124 Submissions) – MMA Heavyweight Fight
Live on www.NESportsTV.com December 12, 2009 7:30PM ET / 4:30 PM PT (Tentative)
$9.95 USD (International Conversion Rates Apply)
Podcast interview with Jeff Monson can be listened to on the Monson vs. Fulton events page on NESportsTV.com
Birmingham, AL – Former UFC Heavyweight title challenger Jeff Monson (31-9, 2 KO’s, 20 Submissions) is eyeing a return to the big leagues and a potential fight with top ranked MMA heavyweight Fedor Emelianko.
However, in order to get there he must face a stiff assignment when he meets 13 year MMA veteran Travis Fulton (191-45-11, 61 KO’s) this Saturday night on www.NESportsTV.com. The fight will be shown as an online PPV for $9.95 USD (International Conversion Rates Apply). It will be available both live and on demand afterwards.
“Most of the guys I fight I have the experience advantage on and obviously he’s had close to 300 fights, so that’s not the case in this scenario.” Said Monson about his opponent this Saturday.
“He’s a strong boxer and puncher”, Monson would add, “and he’s got a bunch of submissions.”
Fulton is a career fighter who has competed in 247 pro MMA bouts and 38 pro boxing matches. A resident of Cedar Falls, Iowa, he’s competed against former world champions Forrest Griffin, Rich Franklin, and Ricco Rodriguez in MMA. He has wins over recent “Ultimate Fighter” contestant Wes Sims and has fought to draws with UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn and former two time UFC title challenger Jeremy Horn.
As a professional boxer, Fulton has fought contenders such as Brian Minto, Chazz Witherspoon, Lou Savarese, and Rob Calloway. His boxing record is 14-24, with all 14 of his wins coming by way of knockout.
While not taking Fulton lightly, Monson is hoping to either return to the UFC someday or sign with Strikeforce. Monson defeated “Ultimate Fighter” winner Roy Nelson earlier this year. He also has wins over former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez and Pride Veteran Kazuyuki Fujita.
“We’re talking to Strikeforce right now and the hope is that at the end of the year to sign with them and have that match-up (against Fedor)”, said Monson, “that’s a fight I think I can win and it would be dream match-up for me.”
But first, Monson must beat Travis Fulton this Saturday on www.NESportsTV.com.
Tags: Fedor Emelianenko > Jeff Monson > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Roy Nelson > Strikeforce > Travis Fulton > UFC
FLOYD MAYWEATHER TO APPEAR ON HBO SPORTS’® JOE BUCK LIVE TONIGHT AT 10:00 PM ET
Posted on | December 8, 2009 | No Comments
New York City (December 8) – Pound-for-pound boxing great FLOYD MAYWEATHER will appear live on HBO SPORTS’® JOE BUCK LIVE tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 8 (10:00pm ET/9:00pm CT (and taped delayed at 10:00pm PT). Mayweather will join FOX Sports’ Michael Strahan on a panel where they will offer their opinions on pertinent topics in the sports world. The program will also include guest appearances by Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Pedro Martinez and NFL stars Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears and Brian Westbrook of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Unbeaten middleweight Michael Oliveira Next Brazilian Boxing Star in Making
Posted on | December 8, 2009 | No Comments
MIAMI (Dec. 8, 2009) – Unbeaten middleweight prospect “Chairman of the Board” Michael Oliveira (10-0, 8 KOs), the heir apparent to revered Acelino “Popo” Freitas, is the hottest thing to come out of Brazil since super model Gisele Bundchen.
There has been a noticeable void in Brazilian boxing since the wildly popular Freitas, 4-time world champion, hung-up his gloves for the final time nearly two years ago. The 19-year-old Oliveira is being positioned to replace Freitas in the hearts and minds of passionate Brazilian boxing fans in South America as well as those living in the United States.
Oliveira, living and fighting out of Miami, is unique among professional boxers, coming from an affluent family, attending Miami Dade Community College, and having only a two-match amateur career.
Boxing, however, was always in his blood. His late grandfather, Joao Oliveira, was an amateur boxer who sparred a few times with Brazil’s all-time greatest boxer, 3-time world bantamweight and featherweight champion Eder “Golden Bantam” Jofre (72-2-4, 50 KOs/1957-1976).
Michael once weighed more than 250-pounds but he now fights nearly 100-pounds lighter as a middleweight with plans to eventually drop down to junior middleweight.
Last week in Coral Gables (FL), Team Oliveira had a coming out party for Michael at Randazzo’s restaurant, owned by former world cruiserweight title contender Mark Randazzo, to celebrate Oliveira’s first year as a pro. Close to 100 attendees included family members, friends, celebrities, business executives, media, sponsors and fans.
“I can’t really explain that experience,” the present UNBC Latin middleweight champion said about last week’s party. “It was a special feeling to see myself in the eyes of people there. Most importantly, though, was to see the smiles on the faces of my family. I really enjoyed myself. I’m grateful to have the tremendous support I receive from everyone.
“I know I still have a long way to go, but someday I want to be world champion and help people understand that there’s more than soccer in Brazil. I want people all over the world to think boxing when they hear Brazil. I box because I love it. I also think it’s important to be a role model and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Oliveira has Hollywood-like, marquee looks but he still lives at home with his mother, two brothers, and father, Carlos, who serves as Michael’s promoter (Rumble Stars) and chief advisor. Oliveira has a fan-friendly, entertaining style that combines an aggressive attack featuring an array of powerful punches thrown with mean intentions. He regularly works out at Normandy Gym in North Miami and is trained by Danny Hawk.
“When Bernard Hopkins trained here (Normandy Gym) for his fight against (Kelly) Pavlik,” Carlos remarked, “he told me Michael has what it takes to be the next Oscar de la Hoya. Coming from a great champion like Bernard, I think that says volumes about Michael’s potential as a boxer, as well as his marketability.”
The journey has just begun for shooting star Michael Oliveira, who carries the pride of Brazil on his muscular shoulders. Go to www.MichaelOliveria.com for more information.
Tags: Acelino Freitas > amateur boxer > Bernard Hopkins > Boxing > Brazilian > Coral Gables > cruiserweight > Eder Jofre > FL > Joao Oliveira > Kelly Pavlik > Mark Randazzo > Michael Oliveira > USNBC
TAKEDOWN RADIO TV EPISODE 35
Posted on | December 8, 2009 | No Comments
Tags: Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Takedown Wrestling radio > TDR TV > wrestling
PHANTOM STREET FIGHTER MEDIA The 1st ANNUAL MLK WRESTLING TOURNAMENT 2009 MLK “All Hail King of the Mat Crowned”
Posted on | December 8, 2009 | No Comments
The 1st Annual 2009 Martin Luther King “King of the Mat” Invitational Championship finals lived up to its great expectation in showcasing the most spectacular matches in the Inland Empire area. The Toughest Wrestlers “Man up” to determine who could respond to the challenge “King of the Mat”! The MLK “King of the Mat” showcased some of the most talented wrestlers in the Southern California area.
Two King wrestlers were Crowned “King of the Mat”. Winners of the respected tournament included leaders of the pack, freshman sensation Matt L’Huiller at 103 and senior Cody Hancock at 130. Matt L’Huiller left nothing on the mat as he pinned his adversary Mehari Teweldebrahn in the finals. Cody Hancock had 3 falls with a major decision in the finals. The King Wrestling Program placed 14 wrestlers of it high court to finish as runner up tournament champions to team leader Paloma Valley.
The King Tournament finals featured one of the most outstanding 125 pounders in the State as well as the nation when Chris Mecate of Redlands East Valley high school dispensed of 4 CIF place winners including his teammate Nick Chavez in the finals. Mecate was also selected as the tournaments lower weight class MVP. Santiago’s Cody Smith was selected as upper weight MVP after pinning his opponent Pete Lopez, Tahquitz in the finals. CIF Champion Mat “Get Down with Dat” Guevara of Citrus Hills was another locale talented wrestler who was crowned Championship King of the Mat!
The crowd was further impressed with the inspirational MLK Junior Justin Williams who tragically lost his leg to Cancer at age 5 making his disability his ability in wowing the crowd with his heroic talents and courage in wrestling with one leg. Justin placed third as did team mates Giovanni Castillo, Karras Jackson, Zach Dale and Ryan Rosales. The Riverside wrestling community was delighted with the introduction of the next generation of Kistlers as King Freshman Harlan Kistler II placed fourth. Harlan Kistler II is the heir to the great Kistler tradition and one of the most successful wrestling families in the state of California and the nation.
Each year the MLK Wrestling Invitational invites select wrestling teams and their programs from around the state and the county in converging to the wrestling Mecca of Riverside to determine who is the Inland Empires toughest wrestlers! For your wrestling fan information many of the great champions of the MLK Invitational Tournament have developed from the grassroots wrestling organization of Kistlers Dungeon a youth wrestling program located in Riverside, Ca.
The tournament great success was due to its superior competition and its outstanding referees. Many were impressed with the fantastic medals and trophies as well as its excellent venue. Comments from many of the spectators and participant spoke very favorable of this tournament. Personality Shawn Goodsite electrified the crowd with his MC talents to move the crowd at the tournament. Each individual champion was crowned “King of the Mat”!!
Tags: King of the Mat > Martin Luther King High School > MLK Wrestling Tournament > Riverside > wrestling














