SHOWTIME SPORTS® SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON MIXED MARTIAL ARTS WITH NEW INSTALLMENT OF FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers

Posted on | October 22, 2009 | No Comments

Premieres Tuesday, Nov. 3, 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®;

For The First Time Ever, Film Crew Captures The Athlete, The Family Man and The Mystique of MMA’s # 1 Fighter, Fedor, in Russian Training Camp

NEW YORK (Oct. 22, 2009)—In the wake of the critically acclaimed debut of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, SHOWTIME Sports® turns the spotlight to mixed martial arts with FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers.

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will feature unrestricted access to one of the most enigmatic professional athletes of today, Fedor Emelianenko and his next opponent, the undefeated Brett Rogers, as they prepare to headline “STRIKEFORCE/M-1 Global Saturday Night Fights” to be broadcast LIVE on Saturday, Nov. 7 (9:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will premiere on SHOWTIME® on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. The CBS Television Network will also make the show available to its 203 affiliated stations for broadcast in advance of the fight.

From director Ron Yassen, who is embedded in Fedor’s training camp in Stary Oskol, Russia: “Fedor is beyond captivating as a fighter, and more so, as a man. It’s a pure joy to film him so intimately as he strives for perfection in life and sport with grace and charm. While training for this most important match, he kindly opened up his life to us in and out of the ring, without the ego that often comes with being the very best at one’s craft.”

Produced in conjunction with Roadside Entertainment, FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will showcase both fighters as they prepare for this historic fight. Nov. 7 marks the first time Fedor, widely considered the sport’s No. 1 fighter, will appear in front of a national broadcast television audience. Despite his iconic status within the sport, Fedor (30-1) remains shrouded in mystery, living and training in seclusion in a remote mining village in Russia far away from the spotlight afforded the sports’ very best.

Rogers lives and trains in Minneapolis, and enters the fight with an impressive 10-0 record after most recently dismantling former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. Rogers, a quiet, soft-spoken giant outside the cage, who earlier this year quite his job as a tire technician at Sam’s Club, has the opportunity of a lifetime to dethrone the sport’s greatest in front of a national television audience.

“The response to our inaugural episode of Fight Camp 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic chronicling the boxing tournament has been overwhelming,” said SHOWTIME Sports General Manager Ken Hershman, who commissioned the project. “Because of the subjects involved—the mysterious world champion set to fight a man living the American dream—we had to turn our lens in this direction. Special thanks to M-1 Global and STRIKEFORCE for affording us a level of access to both men that has been unparalleled in their respective careers.”

Scott Coker, president of STRIKEFORCE, added, ”This is a one of a kind opportunity for fans to go behind the scenes and take a close look at the extraordinary, number one fighter in the world – Fedor – and his opponent who has become a symbol of The American Dream.”

Below are the air dates and times for FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME 2®.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 9:30p (premiere) SHO

Tuesday, Nov. 3 10:00p SHO2

Wednesday, Nov. 4 11p SHO2

Thursday, Nov. 5 10p SHO2

Friday, Nov. 6 10p SHO2

Saturday, Nov. 7 4:30p SHO

Note: all times ET/PT

FIGHTMONKEY.INFO PREVIEW STORY: BIG MEDIA NOT FIGHTING URGE TO HOLD ONTO BALLOON BOY STORY AS LONG AS POSSIBLE

Posted on | October 21, 2009 | No Comments

Fight News Unlimited will be unveiling a new humor site soon dedicated to a fighting slant but made up entirely of humor and satire. Like many who were caught up in watching the Heene family spaceship the day the “Baloon Boy” saga was born, I found myself glued to the TV waiting to see what would happen next. I thought a good piece to announce Fightmonkey.info’s pending arrival would be a profile of the media’s frailty and inability to fight the urge to make the whole 2-time Wife Swapper Heene family reality TV stars once again. These folks now have exposure on just about every channel with a news team despite the whole incident being a suspected hoax.

From the moment the balloon left the ground, the press salivated over the whole thing, even after it became apparent there was no boy in that balloon at all. Every channel seemed to be broadcasting this aluminum-foil weather balloon like Astro-boy was gonna pop out once it landed. Falcon Heene was nowhere to be found until he allegedly walked into the family living room like nothing ever happened. He’d been in the attic of the damn garage the whole time, we were told. Now, because the whole fam damily made the interview rounds on all the big stations and got the spotlight back, their fame has hit the stratosphere. Even though it’s more of a notorious fame than a “hey, I’d love to meet those folks” fame, the train wreck goes on.

It’s time to fight back for the media and boycott all stations who profile the Heene family for more than five minutes a day of coverage. This stuff is getting really ridiculous. Now they’re digging into every piece of footage they can find with the Heene family in it. The old Wife Swap episodes are coming out of the woodwork. The worst Richard Heene moments are being revealed from those disasters. I watched one of them myself where he throws a drink in the new wife’s face. The guy is off the handle crazy. It’s clear he’s brainwashed the whole family into thinking they are alien offspring.

Let’s just make sure nobody gets the message from all this massive exposure that the Heene method of fame seeking is a proven winner. When the addiction to reality TV creates this kind of passion for the spotlight, maybe the fact that Wife Swap featured these folks twice is a little suspect, too. Some news clips I’ve seen now defend the show and say it’s helped some families. Clearly it’s made the Heene family get a horrible case of blue balls for the feeling of that free film set hookup.

At some point we have to force Falcon Heene and his whole batshit crazy family off the airwaves. We have to speak out for banishing “balloon boy” from all public discussion.

Don’t compound the problem, all you media moguls out there. Shut down the coverage. Call it a day. Stop beating this dead horse. If I have to watch little Falcon puke into a piece of Tupperware one more time as Daddy Heene never takes his eye off the camera for more than a few seconds, I think I might fight my TV. At what point do all you saps realize this family is playing you all like a fiddle and getting exactly what they want out of this?

The Heenes already won. Their criminal issues will go away. They’ll get a book deal, move the family ranch, and live in obscurity somewhere free to experiment with whatever geekery they feel the urge to perpetuate. But, who really gives a flying saucer what happens to these folks? I mean, really?

C’MON SHEEPLE, SNAP OUT OF IT! Let’s forget about the Heenes and fight the urge to keep watching the train wreck. Boycott stations that spend too long on the subject and change the channel whenever a story about the whole fiasco comes on.

Let’s fight the power of the media to peel the egg off its face by trying to convince us the aftermath is better than the actual hoax. Balloon Boy is Bunk, and if I have to print bumper stickers I will, but then again, that would only make the bugger more famous. This family’s fifteen minutes of fame was over long ago. Let’s remind the media to keep fighting the urge to give these reality TV addicts more of a fix.

It’s time for us to stand up for a more responsible media and urge news outlets to seek out more valuable stories. At this point, with the economy in such a precarious position and so many other pressing issues in the world, why are we spending so much time talking about this bunch of bozos anyway? There’s a long list of topics I’d rather hear about than the story of a deranged family hyped up on TV exposure and getting more than they can handle right now thanks to our gullible media conglomerates.

Isn’t there a WAR ON SOMEWHERE?

I don’t want to turn on CNN in three months and find out John Gosselin is fighting Richard Heene in a celebrity boxing event. This “Balloon Boy” saga is a demon baby spawned by reality TV. The fanatical urge of this mentally unbalanced group of people to get back on the airwaves is a really sad case of reality being stranger than fiction. Maybe we need to think about regulating this fledgling Reality TV industry at this point if this is the kind of end result we’re going to get out of it. We are quickly finding out that too much reality TV can ruin your life, kind of like being a child TV star has done to so many young actors. The Reality TV Genre may never die, but if we all don’t band together and boycott all this Balloon Boy BS, Falcon and his whole family might get another crack at it. Never has it been more important to let the media know you’re fed up.

Tell your local media outlets to cover the DOW, cover the latest car chase, cover the latest typhoon, earthquake or tornado. Cover anything but these ignorant junkies for fame who don’t deserve one second more in any spotlight but the one wielded by the authorities coming to arrest them.

Cool Combat Sports Links: Mixed Martial Arts, Wrestling, Boxing (10-21-09)

Posted on | October 21, 2009 | No Comments

UFC 104 Back In L.A. With Machida and Shogun!

Machida’s pursuit of perfection

World’s most popular ref, ‘Big’ John, getting the shaft

Get Your MMA Overdose Here

Arena Rumble II: Mixed martial arts comes to Yakima

CBS Takes Fedor Emelianenko vs. Brett Rogers Ad Campaign to YouTube

Ultimate Bet Sponsors MMA Connected Television Program

Salmon Fined For Lack of Aggression

Rothwell fight a blessing for Velasquez

Poached Salmon: Former UFC fighter suspended and fined for fishy fight fiasco

Snoop Dogg Guest Hosts WWE, Fails To Smackdown Ratings [Video]

Iowa Wrestling releases schedule

Longtime CHS wrestling assistant named to Hall

Olympic wrestler Tribble dead at 67

Booker T Reportedly Finished with TNA Wrestling, New Details

Kim Couture Insists Pro Wrestling Shoving Match Was Real

TNA News: TNA wrestler gloats about TNA swiping Nigel McGuinness from WWE

Wrestling: CR South’s Dziewa changes mind and picks Iowa

Boxing Contender Jesse Brinkley Comments On Super Six Results

Star Boxing Brings Out The Military Guns For Rye Town Fight Card

Pacquiao vs. Cotto: The Firepower Mega-fight

Matchroom Boxing: Prizefighter Light Welterweight December 4 In London

3-time world champion boxer Fernando Vargas to promote shows in Lindsay

Hard Hitting On Froch-Dirrell

TELESCO & MITCHELL LOOKING TO FOLLOW IN FOOTSTEPS OF PAST GREATS

David Haye-Cocky Chancer or Tactical Genius

Boxing Club facing KO in just eight weeks

Will President Obama Issue Posthumous Pardon for Nation’s First Black Boxing Champ?

Mayweather Jr. To Benefit In Pacquiao-Cotto Tiff

Super Middleweight Rankings Updated After Super Six Begins

ALFARO READY FOR DEMARCO; WBC Lightweight Interim World Championship On The Line

Posted on | October 21, 2009 | No Comments

MANAGUA, NICARAGUA (OCTOBER 22, 2009)–With 10 days left before his combat with WBC #1 challenger Antonio Demarco (22-1-1, 16 kos) of Mexico, former WBA world lightweight champion and current WBC #2, José Alfaro (23-4, 20 kos) is putting the finishing touches on his training regime. His training which has included some very violent training sessions with some of the top Nicaraguan talent is exactly what Alfaro needs in his quest for a second world title crown.

“The road to success is a hard one. That is why I have been training like a mad man in the gym. Demarco is an excellent boxer, I have seen a couple of his fights but he will have to give it his all if he plans to stop me from getting that title. I have a little more experience than him therefore I have been training to be able to show up in the best physical shape of my life. A strong presentation here will open up a whole bunch of opportunities for me” comments Alfaro.

Alfaro has been participating in three to four hour training sessions to get into the best shape of his life. The training is paying off as he looks physically much stronger than before. This has also helped Alfaro keep his weight down as he is already 4 pounds away from the required weight. His sparring sessions have been very intense trading punches on a regular basis with some very talented boxers such as Santos Benavides (16-2-2, 13 kos), Moises Solis (15-1, 12kos), Wilfredo Acuna (13-5, 9 kos) and former amateur stand out and Panamerican bronze medal winner Eduardo Mendoza (5-0, 5 kos) among others.

“My training sessions are very exhaustive with four minutes rounds and 30 second rest periods. Every two rounds a new boxer comes in. All this training forces me to constantly be putting pressure on my opponent. I cant afford to have a bad round. Demarco is hungry as well therefore, I guarantee that this will be a war” comments Alfaro.

The Demarco vs. Alfaro show down will be the second fight in importance in a fight card being promoted by Don King this October 31st in Las Vegas at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. The headliner will be Agbeko vs. Perez. Both fights will be shown through Showtime.

McGirt on Historical Mission at Crossroads of Career

Posted on | October 21, 2009 | No Comments

VERO BEACH, Fla. (October 22, 2009) – At the tender age of 26, super middleweight James McGirt Jr. already finds himself at the crossroads of his professional boxing career, but is still prepared to make a strong run at becoming the first son of a world champion father/head trainer (James “Buddy” McGirt) to also capture a major world title.

“We’re going to make history together,” McGirt recently said between training sessions at his father’s well-known gym in Vero Beach. “Everything is cool. I’m definitely the new James — more serious about boxing and willing to work even harder, in and out of the gym. I have only one more chance. I have to do what I need to do in order to be world champion.”

How serious? The former junior college basketball star with the 21-2-1 (15 KOs) ring record, who often played pick-up games to stay in shape, hasn’t “balled” in six months.

“He’s finally matured and understands what it takes,” his father, former 2-time world champion and Trainer of the Year, “Buddy” McGirt, explained. “We can talk until we’re blue in the face, but since the (Patrick) Perez fight (6-round win by majority decision on May 22, 2009, in Lincoln, R.I.), he’s found himself. He showed a lot in his last fight (WTKO4 vs. Anthony Pietrantonio on Sept. 2, 2009 in Syracuse, N.Y.). James has a new attitude. He was never comfortable fighting at middleweight. He wanted that, so we had him fighting at 162 to 163, but it took too much out of him making weight. Now, he’s back at super middleweight and comfortable.

“James was training and sparring with Antonio Tarver and now Glenn Johnson. He saw how other guys did against them. I was away for a few weeks and Antonio called to say how much of a difference he saw in James. Tarver can really put it all together and Glenn puts heat on you. It was a great experience for James. He’s really come along

way. What a difference a year has made. He understands what it means to have the McGirt name; his opponents work harder to try and beat him and me. You can feel James’ attitude change by just being around him.”

McGirt, a southpaw from Brentwood, N.Y., who lives in Vero Beach, was riding high since making his successful pro debut in January of 2004, winning his first 18 pro fights until April 11, 2008, when he took on the son of another former world champion, Carlos De Leon, Jr., on ShoBox. McGirt had De Leon out on his feet at the end of the sixth round, but he didn’t listen to his father’s advice about being patient and was caught by a punch in the seventh. His first pro loss was devastating, but he came back 3 ½ months later against former IBO middleweight champion Raymond Joval (37-4) in the main event on an ESPN Friday Night Fights show in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. James won a unanimous 10-round decision and moved into the No. 8 spot in The Ring magazine’s ratings.

But James didn’t take his next opponent, Marcus Upshaw (8-3), seriously in what was supposed to be a “stay busy” fight. Instead, it ended in a disappointing 10-round majority draw. In his next bout, McGirt lost a career-changing unanimous 10-round decision to battled-tested Angel Hernandez (28-7) on ESPN. It was a controversial decision that many felt McGirt deserved, yet James didn’t follow his game plan and dropped a decision in a fight that never really should have been close. It was a redemption fight, at least going in. Immediately following the loss, his promoter, Lou DiBella, released him.

McGirt signed a few months later with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., but in his listless fight against the aforementioned Perez, it appeared that McGirt didn’t have any fire left in his belly. He suddenly grew up, however, and came back with a strong performance against Pietrantonio. Now James is ready to make his mark in the super middleweight division against one of top fighters not tied up in the World Boxing Classic tournament.

“This is the new James McGirt,” Burchfield claimed. “I thought he looked fabulous in Syracuse and I believe he’s ready for anybody in the top 10. We’d really like a title shot at the new WBO champ, Robert Stieglitz. James has a quality team (manager Dennis Witherow and ‘Buddy’) and he knows what he has to do – crisp punching, combinations and always be mentally ready.”

“James does have a new focus at 168 and he’s changed his lifestyle, too. We had a very serious discussion after the Perez fight and it all hit home for him,” his manager, Dennis Witherow noted. “He went right back to the gym after his last fight and he’s improving everyday working with some of the great fighters in Buddy’s gym. We want Stieglitz.”

James was born to box, even though his father wouldn’t let him when he was young. He grew up going to the gym with his father and watching fighters such as George Foreman, Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whitaker, Felix Trinidad, Bernard Hopkins, Terry Norris and so many more. He always wanted to be like his dad, who didn’t train his son until he turned pro in 2004.

His training and sparring sessions with the likes of Tarver and Johnson are invaluable. “I’ve picked up a lot of experience just being in the ring with them,” James admitted. “I’ve been smart. Fighting veterans like that, you have to prove yourself. I’m not playing in there. If I see an opening, I punch. Few young fighters have opportunities to work with champions like them and learn something new every day. Now it’s my time.”

-JM-

FightZone TV To Sponsor MMA World Expo, NYC’s 1st Mixed Martial Arts Show This Weekend, October 24 & 25 At Jacob Javits Center

Posted on | October 21, 2009 | No Comments

Mixed martial arts is on the cusp of mainstream sports and although it is still illegal to compete in the state of New York, the MMA World Expo is positioned to prove just how large the MMA fan base truly is in NYC and why it is the world’s fastest growing sport. FightZone TV is proud to be a part of this MMA milestone event.

Excitement is growing as the MMA community is getting ready to convene in Midtown Manhattan this Saturday and Sunday, October 24th – 25th at the historic Jacob Javits Center in New York City. For the 1st time in NYC history an event dedicated exclusively to the sport of mixed martial arts will gather legions from the martial arts disciplines including: Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Boxing, Wrestling, Muay Thai and dozens more for business opportunities, networking and learning.

Autograph and Photo Signings:
On Saturday, October 24th meet world-famous UFC Fighter and former Pride Champion, Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (Session 2) and former TUF cast members: Pete Spratt, Phillipe Nover and Pete Sell (Session 1). On Sunday, October 25th meet 9-time UFC World Welterweight Champion, Matt Hughes (Session 4) and current TUF Season 10 members Darrill Schoonover and Justin Wren (Session 3). Autograph and photo sessions are $20/session and include headshot and photo op with each fighter. Other celebrity appearances include: Rich Celementi, Everlast booth # 211, Kit Cope, Leonard Garcia, Duane Ludwig and Scott Jorgensen, Bodybuilding.com booth # 200. More celebrity fighters TBA.

Live Presentations by Expert Athletes & Coaches
Martial arts masters from various disciplines will demonstrate their signature styles in front of an audience of fans and fellow athletes for 2 hours each exhibit day. Among the celebrity presenters will be Judo Legend, Jimmy Pedro; Jiu-Jitsu Phenom, Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro; Muay Thai Master, Kru Phil Nurse; World-Renown BJJ Teacher & Competitor, Marcelo Garcia; Olympic Gold Medalist & American Top Team’s Head Boxing Coach, Howard Davis Jr.; UFC, World and Olympic Champ, Mark Schultz; Martial Arts Hall of Famer, Maurepaz Auguste; Contender Asia Coach, Thanongsak Sor. Plantalae; 3rd Degree Machado Black Belt, Marcos Santos; Internationally renowned Strength & Conditioning Coach and Judo Olympian, Dr. Rhadi Bullard Ferguson; 2-Time Olympian Judo Specialist, Taraje Williams-Murray; BJJ Black Belt and Pan American Super Heavy Champ, Fabio Clemente displaying world class skills on the center mats for all to watch.

Educational Sessions
Offering education about the sport, in fact, is one of the key goals of the MMA World Expo. On tap for the weekend event are educational sessions, which will appeal to a broad range of attendees-from those just discovering the sport’s excitement to experienced athletes. “We also hope state legislators will pay a visit to attend our classes -and come to realize that this is a healthy form of competition, enjoyed by a wide spectrum of state residents-and that the ban on competitions should be removed as quickly as possible,” said event founder and director, Paul Paone.

One of the educational highlights, in fact, is a panel discussion entitled, “The Future of MMA”, which will include the Chairwomen of the New York State Athletic Commission, Melvina Lathan, discussing the road to the sport’s legalization. Mixed martial arts training and business seminars will also be offered and will include topics on: “Nutrition for the MMA,” “Fighter Injuries: Prevention & Treatment,” “Preparing to Compete,” and “Business Round Table Discussion for MMA Business Owners.”

MMA Marketplace
Designed for both on-the-spot-sales and business-to-business interaction, the MMA World Expo will feature an exhibit hall filled with vendors representing virtually all aspects of martial arts products, supplies, services and schools. Business-only hours for wholesale buyers are scheduled for 9 am – 11 am of each day followed by 9 hours of consumer exhibit time. Meet with event sponsors: Bodybuilding.com, Zebra Mats, Princeton Brain & Spine Care, FightZone.TV

Exhibitors Include: Alliance BJJ NYC Inc., American Top Team, BAMF Mouthguards, Battle of the Coasts, Bioage, Combat Sports International, Everlast MMA, Defense Soap, Dr. Adam Silk DC, Dymatize, Elite Plus Fitness, Ferguson Marketing Systems, Fighter Warehouse NY, GlideBoxx, Knockout Athletics, KNP Marketing & Travel, KRU Training, Marcelo Garcia BJJ Academy, Martial Arts Development Corp., Merrill Lynch, MET-Rx, MMADogma, Modern Gladiator Fight Gear, Modern Martial Arts, Moriah Herbs Corp., NeuLion, New York Jiu Jitsu, NYBJJ Academy, PowerBlock Dumbbells, Pro Muay Thai Gear.com, Red Arme, Ring To Cage Fight Gear, Split Lip Gear, Take On Productions, The Vitamin Shoppe, Ind., 92.3 NOW, The WAT, US ARMY, US Grappling, USA Wrestling/Grappling, Warrior House, Woldorf USA Inc. and more TBA.

Affordable and Accessible

“We also designed the show to be as affordable and value-packed as possible”, said Paone. “With general admission ticket prices at just $25 per day, we are removing any financial barriers for our attendees. And locating the show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in midtown Manhattan means accessibility to millions by public transportation alone–not to mention, we are reachable within 30 minutes of 3 international airports for out-of-town guests.”

For more info on the Expo visit: www.mmaworldexpo.com or visit www.FightZone.TV

Behind The Scenes With the Boondock Saints

Posted on | October 21, 2009 | No Comments

By: Rich Bergeron

A stone’s throw from the Custom House clock tower in downtown Boston, The Black Rose Irish Restaurant and Bar became the temporary media hideout of the Boondock Saints II cast and its Director Troy Duffy on Monday, October 19, 2009. Thanks to some lucky connections, I wound up there on the second floor and sat down for a one-on-one interview with the brother Saints themselves: Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus. A special thanks to the great PR lady for arranging my time with the cast (you can see her buzzing about in the background of the first interview video below).

The 2nd floor space at the Black Rose is cozy and accommodating, and it was the perfect backdrop for generating some buzz about the upcoming sequel’s release on October 30th. Billy Connolly was in attendance at the session to complete the McManus family trio. Connolly took a few cat-naps on a corner bench seat between tapings and interviews with local press. His natural Scottish brogue and booming voice cultivated through so many years of doing great stand up comedy permeated the interview I watched before my own. That sit down session was done pool style, and the reporters and interviewees were seated across a couple small tables from each other. The whole crowd spent the time firing questions and answers back and forth and letting everyone get an opportunity to talk or inquire about the film making process and more.

Connolly’s comedy was a topic of the general conversation at one point, and the cast all agreed there was a laughter overload during the scenes Billy took part in or generally whenever Billy was around on set. I didn’t catch the question, but Connolly also went off on a funny tangent about both the dangers and draws of being adept at gun fighting. Spotted with Flanery and Reedus out and about in Boston by a fan of the movie, he told the reporters he mockingly drew imaginary weapons from his vest on them to their delight. He confessed he’s always wanted to pull a pistol out from the small of his back on somebody, just to do it. He lamented the fact that he didn’t get to do that in the sequel. Though the Della Rocco character gets “The Funny Man” label in the first film, it is Connolly who is the real funny man playing a maniacal assassin on screen. The irony of that fact alone is funny.

As Connolly passed by me later he looked to me for instructions, but I’d just been told Flanery and Reedus were going to sit with me and everyone else was going to shoot a video with some other media folks on the other side of the floor. You can actually hear the director of the film crew yelling for quiet at the beginning of my 70s style surveillance video below (sorry about the quality, it was dark, and I need a new camera).

Before I even arrived I started hearing the buzz about the Boondock Saints team doing an interview on Fox News that morning. All the press had to wait downstairs for about 20 minutes before being invited up to their media enclave (they were in the middle of filming something we were told).

Being the ever-patient person I am and content with being the fly on the wall for a while, I waited my turn and agreed to interview just two of the actors instead of everyone when the timing got tight. Just when Norman Reedus reached for his pack of Parliament Lights and put one in his mouth, halfway out the door the PR lady hailed him back. It was time for my questions, she told him. He begrudgingly came back. I had to laugh when the beginning of the video showed Norman motioning to opt out of the interview as I looked at my sheet of questions. I was asking Flanery a question about his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Reedus clearly thinks the interview is going to be all about fighting. You can tell he still wants to bail out for a smoke until I start asking him questions. It was funny to see him at the end of the session when he realized I taped our time, albeit badly.

You can see Meghan in the background jostling her two cell phones and keeping everything else in line and as on schedule as she can. Flanery is on the left of the screen, and Reedus is on the right. I tried for the life of me and couldn’t get any real color in the videos or any better detail through the editing process. My Film Noir adaptations will have to do. I’m releasing the first two videos with this story and will release a third audio-only portion of the end of the interview with my review after the release of the film. Stay tuned for more.

It’s been 10 years since the first movie skipped the box office and became a simmering video sensation. Boondock Saints gave fans the best Troy Duffy and the whole crew had to offer, and the best compliment I’ve heard for the original is that there is absolutely no wasted time in it. Every instance of that film in which you start to wonder why something is being shown or why some action is going on, an answer soon follows in the natural flow of the movie. For instance, one may wonder what’s up with Della Rocco’s cat getting a close-up until it gets blown to a pulp against the wall a few moments later by Rocco’s own accidental pistol shot. Although some feline fans may be revolted, most people laugh knowing no cat has actually been harmed. It is these moments of twisted humor and some additional anti-Hollywood type tweaks that make the original so unique and so raw.

Some things in the original are done on purpose in a reverse juxtaposition. We see the aftermath of murder scenes first, the day after the carnage. Only after the scene is analyzed do we see the actual “crime” play out. It is a movie that breaks all the rules for all the right reasons and comes out as a real independent triumph. Duffy wrote the screenplay during breaks and off time from touring with his band. The plot and the concept came from the writer/director living right across the hall from a crime scene where a woman was murdered by a known drug dealer and justice was apparently not so swift.

I watched “Capitalism: A Love Story” Before attending a special screening of “All Saints Day.” I can’t get into detail about the Saints sequel just yet, but I can tell you I could see a lot of characters in that Michael Moore documentary who could use some real life Saints sent after them to set things straight. There looks to be indications that some more Saints films will follow, especially if the original’s cult following and plenty of new fans flock to the theaters to see this one. Though there were no Oscars or real critical acclaim for the first film, it is a true study in film making and provides an example of what a driven person can do with a great team. Troy Duffy was able to write and direct that project, and he proved himself worthy of wearing both hats and created a gem that now lives on with the sequel which he also wrote and directed.

Although not by any means meant to motivate people to engage in more vigilante behavior, the series sends a message. Reedus hits on that when asked about the similarities between his real persona and the character he plays. He points to how he stands up for his friends just like Murphy does in the movies. Society has a tendency to blur right and wrong, and the Boondock Saints were created to try to remind us the line between the two should not be crossed. Even if the righteous Saints don’t actually exist, these movies remind the viewer that Karma can really be a bitch and crime really doesn’t pay.

The first film’s courtroom scene really hit a nerve with me considering all my troubles having to be my own vigilante lawyer against Xyience and the Fertitta Brothers after my investigative reporting hit a nerve. I actually used an online clip of that courtroom scene to market my “XyienceSucks.Com” page at one point. In reality I’ve never had to set foot in a courtroom for my own case, but I’ve been able to participate by phone. The case has been going on for two years already, and I’m doing fairly well considering I don’t have a lick of formal legal training. Uncovering the mess that led to the lawsuit and building my case over these past couple of years made me feel sort of like a civil vigilante. The work needed to be done, the message needed to be sent to these financial crooks, and the real lawyers wouldn’t do it unless they could have a hefty paycheck up front.

I first saw Boondock Saints during the first year of my case. My cousin Donny, the perennial film buff, insisted I watch it and that I would really appreciate it. I was an instant fan. The sequel did not let me down. We’ll have more on that later. As a native Bostonian, it was flattering to know Duffy decided to make the McManus brothers the adopted sons of Beantown. I was really surprised to find out that neither actor playing the brothers has any real direct connection to the Boston area. Both professed that they are true fans of the city, though. Thanks to both Reedus and Flanery for taking time to talk with me, and I hope they get a chance to have another reunion for part three, but this time let’s hope we don’t have to wait another 10 years.

Our Boondock Saints II Bonanza will continue once we get beyond the release date. For now you can enjoy the above video and part two of our sit-down session in Boston below:

Gomez rocks Perez in a huge stunner

Posted on | October 21, 2009 | No Comments

MANAGUA, NICARGUA (OCTOBER 21, 2009)–After more than a year of inactivity, two time former IBF world champ Luis Perez (25-4, 16 kos) returned to action in his home country of Nicaragua against fellow countryman Sergio Gomez (14-5, 10 kos). What was supposed to be a welcome back party for Perez soon turned into a nightmare as a highly motivated Gomez took the action straight to Perez.

Gomez, a former three time Central American amateur champ, showed signs of his potential by putting on a boxing clinic. Perez had no answer for Gomez’ jab, straight lead right and left hook combinations. His lateral movement and smart boxing left Perez without any answers.

After losing the first round, Perez came back with fury evening up the score in round two. From then on it was all downhill for Perez as Gomez started connecting sharp combinations to the head. The fight was stopped after four rounds by referee Enrique Portocarrero after witnessing the destruction a series of straight rights hands created over the eyelids of Perez.

It was Perez’ first fight since his unsuccessful bid to become a champion in three different weight classes when he lost against Panamanian fighter Ricardo Cordoba in an attempt to gain the interim WBA super bantamweight title. Clearly the lack of activity hurt Perez as he was out of distance, had no reflexes and looked clumsy at times, much different than the Perez who made various defenses of his world title.

The Perez vs. Gomez fight can be seen courtesy of Nicaraguan promotion company PRODESA at:

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2374768

The full fight card will be transmitted at a soon to be announced date for the whole world via specialized boxing fight site: www.gofightlive.tv

« go back — keep looking »

SEARCH OUR BLOGS

Search for:

SEARCH THE WEB

Subscribe in a reader



US Money Reserve

Bodybuilding fitness software: Gain weight & build muscle fast.

Photographers - Boston, MA



PRO-SEBLOG.COM: EMPOWERING ORDINARY PEOPLE TO PRACTICE LAW ON THEIR OWN BEHALF

CLICK HERE TO ORDER AN AWESOME SELF-HELP LEGAL COURSE

MARKETINGBOSS.INFO: MARKETING TIPS FOR YOUR SITE & BUSINESS

Boxing Live

RING GIRLS

OUR SPONSORS

Categories

Categories Select Category A.J. Vittone  (4) Affliction MMA  (60) amateur boxing  (12) Amateur MMA  (3) BAMMA  (4) Bareknuckle Boxing  (10) Bellator  (64) BJJ  (37) Blogroll  (9,763) Boxing  (5,785) Cage Fighting Xtreme  (39) Cage Rage  (2) Capiello Promotions  (2) CBS  (17) Charlie Schmidt  (7) CHARLIE WARD  (7) Clay Smith  (3) COMPANY PROFILES  (10) Darren McElligott  (5) Dissipline  (3) Dominic Lavin  (6) EliteXC  (172) Fight Previews  (178) fight videos  (7) Fighter Interviews  (80) Fightzone TV  (16) Full Force Productions  (7) Gina Carano  (8) gofightlive  (32) grappling  (91) Groupon  (1) HDNet FIGHTS  (130) Holli Yargo  (29) IFL  (38) IFO  (16) Investigative Reports  (44) Jack Bratcher  (46) Jerky.Com  (1) jiu jitsu  (17) Joe Ball  (8) John Martinez  (9) Judo  (6) K-1  (3) karate  (10) Keisha Morrisey  (2) kickboxing  (25) King of The Cage  (5) KNOCKOUT NATION  (4) Kristie L. Groves  (2) Kristin Van Zee  (2) M-1  (37) Mark McCoy  (3) martial arts  (80) Matt Yanofsky  (83) Matthew Brothers  (4) MaxFights  (13) Melissa Hatch  (2) MFC  (89) MFL  (3) Michael Fountain  (4) Midwest MMA  (41) MIKE INDRI  (21) Mixed Martial Arts  (3,406) MMA  (3,405) mma agents  (4) MMA RECRUITER  (59) Moosin: God of Martial Arts  (1) movies  (16) Muay Thai  (60) NAGA  (3) other interviews  (16) PALACE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS  (54) PATRICK MCELLIGOTT  (46) Politics  (1) Post fight reports  (109) Predictions  (11) press conferences  (28) press releases  (298) Prizefighter  (86) ProElite  (136) Pure Combat  (9) Rage in the Cage  (48) Reality Fighting  (5) Rich Bergeron  (157) ring girls  (22) Ring of Fire  (43) Rocky Marciano  (2) Round 5  (9) Ryan Christensen  (6) seperated at birth  (4) Shaun McCoy  (5) SHOWTIME SPORTS  (177) SportFight  (6) Steele Cage  (16) Strikeforce  (395) Striking Technique  (14) submission fighting  (3) sun sports  (7) Tachi Palace Fights  (11) Takedown Radio  (413) The Ultimate Fighter Series  (21) Tony Penecale  (117) Tri-State Cage Fighting  (9) Tristan Yunker  (5) UFC  (478) Uncategorized  (75) Untamed  (12) USFL  (2) War  (7) WEC  (10) White Chocolate Management  (3) White Collar Brawler  (1) women’s boxing  (115) Women’s MMA  (16) World Championship Fighting  (23) wrestling  (1,117) WWE  (7) Xtreme Arm Wrestling  (1) Xyience  (75) Yamma  (3)

JOIN FIGHT SPACE ONLINE

About

This is an area on your website where you can add text. This will serve as an informative location on your website, where you can talk about your site.

Subscribe to our feed

Search

Admin

• Register
• Log in
• Wordpress
• XHTML