The Challenge of a Lifetime: Facing FEDOR EMELIANENKO in the Ring

Posted on | June 23, 2009 | 1 Comment

SEAL BEACH, California (June 23, 2009)—Watching Fedor Emelianenko “made me nervous tonight,” said Josh Barnett about Fedor’s bout with Andrei Arlovski at Affliction’s “Day of Reckoning”. Barnett will face Fedor on August 1st at Affliction M-1 Global’s “Trilogy.” He is probably wondering, like all fight fans and fighters on earth: can Fedor be beaten or is he invincible? The single loss on Fedor’s record is often disregarded as evidence of his vulnerability, since it was due to a cut resulting from an accidental (and illegal) elbow by Tsuyoshi Kohsaka. Even with this one debatable blemish on his record (he went on to later beat Kohsaka in a follow-up match), Fedor is the most revered heavyweight in the world by fighters and fans alike.

Fedor is one of those rare fighters that has staying power who consistently outperforms his competition. One of the things that makes Fedor a legend is his resilience. Fedor takes a beating and keeps on beating his opponents—he has been dazed by Kazuyuki Fujita’s right hook, broken his hand on Gary Goodridge’s head, been suplexed by Kevin Randleman, fought off the impressive ground skills of Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, recovered from Mirko Filipovic’s brutal lefts to the face, endured Mark Hunt’s keylock, reversed Matt Lindland’s attempted bodylock takedown, overcome the giant Tim Sylvia, and survived the boxing skills of Andrei Arlovski. In the end, whether or not he has taken some blows, Fedor prevails over his opponents and deals out the final punishment.

Fedor always has the better game plan, and more importantly, he sticks to it. Besides great strategizing and level-headedness in the ring, what makes him such an effective fighter? The heavyweight doesn’t seem to have any discernible weaknesses to exploit. He offers equal parts of technique, adaptability, calmness under pressure, toughness, resilience, stamina, aggressiveness, patience, and commitment. Perhaps more than anything, Fedor is a master of capitalizing on his opponents’ lapses in judgment, finding a sliver of an opening and blowing it up into defeat. But Fedor does not stop there; he tends to stop challengers where they are most dangerous.

A favorite pastime for fight fans is to engage in long conversations (or message threads) contemplating this question: just what would it take to take this guy down? Many who have had to face the champion have found this pursuit futile. No one has been able to break Fedor’s complete control in the ring. According to his friend and up-coming opponent, Josh Barnett, “Fedor is a great thinker in the ring. And he always keeps control of the other fighter. It is all within his control. If he wants to take a break he can. If he wants to push the pace he can. He is in complete control.”

The Affliction M-1 Global “Trilogy” card, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and presented by Affliction and M-1 Global, in association with Donald J. Trump, has been separated into two live broadcasts on the same night. A one-hour special will air on HDNet starting at 7:30 PM/ET (4:30 PM/PT), followed by the sensational Pay-Per-View event, “Trilogy,” commencing at 9 PM/ET (6 PM/PT).

Tickets for Affliction M-1 Global’s “Trilogy,” ranging between $50.00 and $600.00, go on sale June 8th at Honda Center Box Office (1.714.704.2500), and also online at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticket Master outlets (1.714.740.2000).

Affliction

Already a mainstay for the most elite athletes, heaviest bands, A-listers and the fashion conscious, Affliction Clothing’s ability to set the bar high in fashion is evident in its collection’s indulgence of style and design, focus on quality, and its trademark series of divinely executed, dark and powerful themes. (www.afflictionclothing.com)

M-1 Global and M-1 Challenge

M-1 Global has been one of the leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organizations in the world for over a decade. International MMA stars who have fought under the M-1 banner have included Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Aleksander Emelianenko, Keith Jardine, Alistair Overeem, Yushin Okami, Ben Rothwell, Mike Pyle, Melvin Manhoef, Roman Zenstov, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Omar Suloev, and Chalid Arrab, to name a few. (www.m1mixfight.com)
The Trump Organization

The Trump Organization encompasses global real estate development and global licensing, sales and marketing, property management, golf course development, entertainment, entertainment and product licensing, brand development as well as restaurants and event planning. Donald J. Trump is the Chairman and President of the Trump Organization, a privately held company in New York. (www.Trump.com)

Golden Boy Promotions

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by Oscar de la Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions currently has over 60 fighters under contract, from future hall of famers Bernard Hopkins, Sugar Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez, to current world champions Ricky Hatton, David Haye, Joel Casamayor, Israel Vazquez and Gerry Peñalosa. Also included on the company’s roster are top contenders Jeff Lacy, Juan Diaz, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Jhonny Gonzalez, Librado Andrade, Rocky Juarez and Rey Bautista; 2004 Olympians Abner Mares, Vicente Escobedo and Rock Allen; and highly regarded prospects Danny Garcia, Jermell Charlo, Hylon Williams and Carlos and Juan Velasquez. (www.goldenboypromotions.com)

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O’Connor Back Boxing in Boston

Posted on | June 23, 2009 | No Comments

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (June 23, 2009) – Highly active unbeaten prospect Danny O’Connor fights in his first scheduled 6-round bout Saturday afternoon (5:00 PM/ET start) in a junior welterweight Special Attraction against 30-fight veteran Sebastien Hamel at The Roxy in Boston’s famed theater district. The popular Irish-American will be in his seventh fight in eight months since turning pro last September.

“I’m excited to be fighting in my first 6-rounder,” O’Connor said. “It’s going to be a good experience, especially in Boston, where there will be a lot of my people. There’s no additional pressure on me fighting a home, though. I appreciate seeing and hearing all of the support, knowing they came to see me fight.”

2004 U.S. Olympic Team alternate O’Connor (6-0, 2 KOs) was impressive in his last fight, easily winning by 4-round decision against 22-fight veteran Travis Hartman on April 25 at Foxwoods. “I felt very relaxed in my last fight,” Danny noted. “It was like a day at the office. I’m really starting to feel confident. I’m going rounds and not feeling tight or anxious. Obviously, I was in great shape, and I’ll be in even better shape for this fight having been in a full strength-and-conditioning program for the first time with my coach, Eric Cressey. All of my work is going to kick-in this fight. I’m in the gym sparring 6, 8 and even 10 rounds. Sparring isn’t the same as fighting, but I’m ready to go six in this fight if it goes the distance. Each fight I’m learning and improving.”

The 24-year-old O’Connor, who defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz a year ago in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet, will fight closer to his Framingham (Mass.) home in front of hundreds of family, friends and fans at The Roxy.

“We’re looking forward to Danny’s first 6-rounder because that’s what separates the men from the boys in professional boxing,” O’Connor’s head trainer and co-manager (with Rob Valle) David Keefe remarked. “We’re moving forward. We have been busy and Danny is ready to move up.”

“We are proud of Danny and the progress he has made,” Seminole Warriors Boxing (O’Connor’s promoter) Leon Margules added. “The people in the Boston area should enjoy seeing the continued development of their great young prospect.”

Tickets, priced at $40.00, $55.00 and $75.00, may be purchased in advance in the Framingham area at Pepperoncini’s (486 Concord St.) or in the Rhode Island area by calling 617.803.8726.

For more information about Danny O’Connor go online to www.dannyoconnorboxing.com.

-DO-

Godfrey plans to ground Hawk in July 10 ESPN2 FNF main event

Posted on | June 23, 2009 | No Comments

PROVIDENCE (June 23, 2009) — NABF and SNBC cruiserweight champion, Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey, plans to showcase his arsenal of skills July 10, headlining ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, against unbeaten Shawn “The Sioux Warrior” Hawk.

In a battle of full blooded Native Americans, Godfrey (18-1, 10 KOs), rated No. 6 by the WBC and No. 7 by the IBF, is a Wampanoag who will be fighting in the 10-round main event against a Sioux, Hawk (18-0-1, 16 KOs).

The 28-year-old Godfrey, rated No. 10-ranked by The Ring magazine, has had his three most impressive performances fighting on ESPN FNF, knocking out Emmanuel Nwodo, Felix Cora, Jr. and Shaun George.

“I’ve got to prove to everybody watching on national television and others overseas that I am what I say – the best cruiserweight in the world without a world title,” Providence native Godfrey said. “I’m fighting a tough opponent like Hawk on ESPN gives me a step up in terms of being recognized as one of the top five names in the cruiserweight division.

“It’s a dangerous fight because Hawk is unbeaten, 16 knockouts in 18 fights. He doesn’t know how to lose. He’s training with all the confidence that he’s going to show everybody on national television that he’s a top cruiserweight. But he’s never fought anybody with my skills in the amateurs, pros or even sparring. On July 10th everybody will see.”

For more information about CES, its shows and fighters, go on line to www.CESBoxing.com.

-CES-

July 11th 2009 – Cage Fighting at The Troxy, London. E1 0HX

Posted on | June 23, 2009 | No Comments

Ultimate Challenge UK

HEAT on July 11th is shaping up to be one of the best fight cards assembled in the UK this year, as once again Ultimate Challenge continue to raise the standard in match making.

Richard Griffin versus Scott Jansen promises to be an all out war as both men go looking for a decisive and explosive win in the UK1 bout. Both men have great striking ability and should keep the fans on the edge of their seats.

Brad Wheeler versus Dino Gambatesa will be a technical battle between two great wrestlers, who are well versed in all attributes of MMA. Brad is coming off a great win against Wesley Murch, where he took some serious punishment but retained his composure and won with a text book triangle. Dino is coming off a loss to Brad Pickett but not before he inflicted some serious damage to Brad’s ribs and was in no way outclassed by the cage Rage and Ultimate Challenge veteran. This is a fight for the MMA purists and will not disappoint.

Jake Bostwick versus Alex Reid is another great UK1 match up that has the potential to be an out and out war. Both men have devastating striking power and both will be keen to put on a show. Both fighters have great supporters and will raise the roof with their vocal support when both these men enter the cage.

Jack Mason will be looking to continue his winning streak against the tough, Dorlan O’Mally. Jack is rapidly becoming a fighter to watch as his powerhouse ground n pound style seems unstoppable, but will face a tough test against O’Mally. O’Mally has been in against the likes of Tom Watson and Ed Smith and will certainly be no pushover. This will be a hard hitting contest.

Ricky Andrews versus Dyson Roberts will prove to be an intriguing battle as Ricky makes his comeback after a horrific knee injury sustained while training. Ricky will be looking to start his comeback with a victory, but will face a resilient opponent in Dyson Roberts. Dyson, who came through the “Fighting Hurts” reality show, has proven himself to be a more than capable fighter with some great victories under his belt. This could be fight of the night with both fighters having a point to prove.

Luke Smith versus John Joe Ellis is rapidly becoming the most talked fight in the Grand Prix. The trash talk on the various internet mediums has been red hot as the build up to this fight reaches boiling point. Both men have devastating hands and knockout power that can be delivered in a split second. John Joe is coming off the back of his devastating 9 second demolition of Marcus Thomas, while Luke scored a decisive victory over Dragos Voiculescu with a textbook rear naked choke. Both men come from a boxing background and will be looking for a knockout win to take them through to the Lightweight Final. If there was ever a fight where you couldn’t afford to blink, this is it.

Wesley Johnson will be facing a late replacement in the shape of Ale Harvey, after the unfortunate pull out of Jamaine Watkins. Wesley will be looking to make his way to the final and extend his winning streak, while Alex will be looking to grab his opportunity and stake his claim to a first Grand Prix win. Both these fighters have an unbeaten record and will look to maintain it.

Jamaine Facey versus Nigel Whittear will be a match up between two men that are comfortable, whether the fight stays standing or goes to the floor. Jamaine will be looking to bounce back from his disappointing loss to Michael Pastou at the last event, where he showed great striking ability, in what was a three round war. Nigel Whitear also suffered his last loss to Michael Pastou and will be looking to re establish himself as one of the leading Welterweights in the UK.

Max Henchey versus Giorgio Andrews will be a great Featherweight match between two tough opponents, who will give it everything in the cage. The London Shootfighter, Andrews will be looking to cement his place as one of the leading Featherweights in the UK, while, Henchey will be looking to bounce back from a loss at his last outing.

Dominic Plumb will be looking to create another stir after his explosive victory against Mark Brown at Ultimate Challenge- Unstoppable, which lasted an unbelievable 22 seconds. His opponent Joe Holder will be raring to go after the pull out of his opponent the day before they were due to fight and is looking to make a statement and put himself into contention as one of the young up and coming Welterweights in the UK.

http://www.ultimatechallengeuk.com/heat.html

DREW FICKETT VS SHANNON RITCH @ RAGE IN THE CAGE #129

Posted on | June 23, 2009 | No Comments

RAGE IN THE CAGE # 129
Eastern Invasion
Saturday June 27, 2009
Globe, AZ
Doors Open: 6:00 PM, Fight Time: 7:30 PM

2115 US-60 Globe, AZ ( next to Fry’s )

Special Guest: Brigade Freestyle Motocross star Vince Morgan will provide a spectular display of high-flying motorcycle stunts while jumping over 100 feet ramp to ramp as intermission entertainment.

Rage in the Cage tickets start at just $25. $5 higher on fight day. A spectacular card is in place for when RITC makes its Globe debut. In the Main Event, local Super Heavyweight Adam Padilla fights rugged veteran Vince Lucero for the vacant RITC SHW Championship. Padilla has two quick first round submissions in the past two months. One of those wins was against Lucero’s teammate and friend. Lucero has vowed revenge is his quest for this coveted title.

In a featured show-down match up to unofficially determine the best welterweight Arizona has produced, 7X UFC veteran Drew Fickett faces Pride and K-1 veteran Shannon Ritch. Both combatants have been fighting MMA for over 10 years and have over 150 fights between them. Local fighter and former RITC MW Champion Jeff Horlacher takes on David Barnes in a regional Championship bout.

Local fighter Robert Beraun, who has a decision win and a decision loss against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez takes on fearsome Super Heavyweight JoJo Thompson.

Effective immediately the AZ Commission has approved kicking and punching to the head for all RITC bouts !!!

Don’t miss this exciting hardcore show featuring up to 14 bouts and an exciting FMX show as well.

Fight Card:

Adam Padilla ( 270 ) vs Vince Lucero ( 300 ) vacant RITC SHW

Championship
Drew Fickett ( 170 ) vs Shannon Ritch ( 175 ) UFC veteran vs Pride /K-1 Veteran
Jeff Horlacher ( 170 ) vs David Barnes ( 170 ) RITC Eastern WW Championship
Robert Beraun ( 240 ) vs JoJo Thompson ( 275 )

Jeff Pelts ( 190 ) vs Kevin Moore ( 185 )
Andy Perez ( 170 ) vs Aaron Caryl ( 170 )
Jason Long ( 235 ) vs Mike Zanski ( 250 )
Keith Dixon ( 150 ) vs John Paul Valdez ( 150 )
Josh Stockman ( 190 ) vs Jake Ramsey ( 190 )

Robert Biggs ( 160 ) vs Carl Jones ( 160 )
Justin Fletcher ( 195 ) vs Mike Moritz ( 200 )
Ty Upshur ( 145 ) vs Manny Morales ( 145 )
Jordon Kinnison ( 185 ) vs Dellan Langellier ( 180 )
Brent Agee ( 135 ) vs Brandon Martinez ( 135 )

Alternates: Brian Ingram ( 180 ), Robert Patterson ( 135 )

Fight card subject to change.

Directions:

US 60 ( 70 miles East of Phoenix ). Approximate driving time from Phoenix is less than 90 minutes.

Upcoming Events:

RITC 130
Saturday July 18, 2009
Gila River Casino
Chandler, AZ

RITC 131
Friday July 24, 2009
Thunder Raceway
Show Low, AZ

RITC 132
Saturday August 1st, 2009
Casa Grande, AZ

RITC 133
Saturday August 15, 2009
Santa Ana Star Casino
Albuquerque, NM

RITR 5
Saturday August 22, 2009
Hilton Hotel
Mesa, AZ

RITC 134
Saturday September 12, 2009
Desert Diamond Casino
Tucson, AZ

RITC 135
October 17 or 24, 2009
AZ State Fair
Phoenix, AZ

RITC 136
Saturday November 14, 2009
Desert Diamond Casino
Tucson, AZ

RITR 6
Saturday November 21, 2009
Hilton Hotel
Mesa, AZ

Visit Rage in the Cage on the web ! www.rageinthecage.com for Fight Card information, Venue Directions, FREE Tickets and to view RAGE IN THE CAGE fights for FREE!

If interested in competing in RAGE IN THE CAGE, please contact John Petrilli at john@rageinthecage.com.

Note: You are receiving this information because you have been identified as either a member of the RITC events. If you no longer wish to receive this info, simply respond to ritc@rageinthecage.com with word “REMOVE” in the subject line and you will be deleted instantly.

GRUDGE Fight wear presents
DESERT QUEST CHAMPIONSHIP
July 11th 2009
Grappling Championship

Weight-Ins start at 9:00am / Tournament starts 12:00pm (Same day weight Ins)

Event Directions to the tournament: From I-10 (North or South) -Take US 60 East – Take Ramp toward S. Country Club Dr. (AZ-87) – Go 0.3 mi – Turn left on S. Country Club Dr. – Go 1.4 mi – Turn Right on Broadway Rd. – Go 0.1 mi – Turn Right on Broadway Rd. – Go 0.6 mi – Arrive at 59 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa, on the right. From loop 101 (North or South) – Take ramp onto US-60 East – go 2.9 mi – Take Ramp toward S. Country Club Dr. (AZ-87) – Go 0.3 mi – Turn left on S. Country Club Dr. – Go 1.4 mi – Turn Right on Broadway Rd. – Go 0.1 mi – Turn Right on Broadway Rd. – Go 0.6 mi – Arrive at 59 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa, on the right..
For tournament information: Please contact (602) 819-1216 or E-mail: ritc@rageinthecage.com www.desertquestchampionship.com / www.rageinthecage.com

RITC Training Centers
Call now!!! And receive a free week of training either the Tempe or Chandler locations. (480) 782-6800 or ritc@rageinthecage.com
Join now for only $500.00 for one year of unlimited training!

DEREK “POOH” ENNIS ADDED TO PACKED JULY 10TH CARD AT THE ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA

Posted on | June 23, 2009 | No Comments

PHILADELPHIA (June 22, 2009)— What was already looking to be one of the hottest cards in Philadelphia in 2009 just got a lot stronger as rising Jr. Middleweight, Derek “Pooh” Ennis was added to a huge night of boxing on July 10th at The Arena in South Philadelphia.

Ennis, of Philadelphia boasts a record of 17-2-1 with twelve knockouts will engage in an eight round Jr. Middleweight bout against an opponent to be announced and will serve as the co-feature on the card promoted by Blaine Garner’s Shalyte Entertainment.

Ennis is on a roll as he has racked up five consecutive victories with three coming by knockout and is looking to get back in the ring after a couple of unforeseen circumstances have canceled his last two bouts.

Ennis was scheduled to fight Joshua Onyango this past Friday night in Sailsbury, Maryland when Onyango was in an automobile accident on his way to the weigh-in.

Ennis successfully made the 154 pound limit and is in great shape and ready to ride the momentum of the win streak.

In Ennis last bout, He scored an eight round unanimous decision over Clarence “Sonny Bono” Taylor on January 16th in the same Arena ring.

“To add Ennis to this card that was already creating a talk in the press with Ferrante and Bailey is a feather in the cap as he has the goods to a long way”, said promoter Blaine Garner.

“Add in Derrick Webster, Coy Evans, Olivia Fonseca and Jackie Davis and without a doubt the fans will go home knowing they saw a great night of boxing.”

In the main event, Tony Ferrante of Northeast Philadelphia risks his perfect record of 7-0 with four knockouts as he takes on the “Philly Upset specialist”, Billy bailey in an eight round Light Heavyweight bout for the WBF United States Light Heavyweight title.

Ferrante is on a three fight knockout streak which includes his last outing when he stopped Anthony Pietantonio (6-1) in five rounds on May 1st at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

Bailey is no stranger to pulling off upsets in Philadelphia. He has a record of 8-3 with three knockouts which includes his last outing where he stopped Philly’s own Brian Cohen (9-1) in Cohen’s backyard of South Philadelphia.

The native of Bakersfield, California has been in with prospects Roger Cantrell (12-1) and Brandon Gonzalez (4-0) so many in the Philadelphia fight scene believe this is a pick’em fight.

The co-feature will be a six round Super Featherweight affair between Coy Evans of Philadelphia and the durable Darrell Martin of Baltimore.

Evans has a record of 4-0-1 with his last outing being a four round unanimous decision over Jose Espinal (5-3-1) in Brooklyn, New York on February 2nd.

Although he is from Baltimore, Martin is more or less a Philadelphia fighter as six of his thirteen (4-9, 1 KO) fights have come inside the Philadelphia city limits.

Martin scored his career best win when he stopped Jules Blackwell (8-1-2) in three rounds last December at The Legendary Blue Horizon.

The ladies will be front and center on July 10 as two big bouts featuring females will take place.

Jackie Davis, 1-0 with one knockout will look to build on her pro debut knockout on March 13th when she battles Rachel Clark (2-1, 2 KO’s) of Colombia, South Carolina in a four round Welterweight bout.

The very Popular Olivia Fonseca (2-2-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia returns after a ten month hiatus when she takes on the capable Lisa Bolin (2-2, 2 KO’s) of South Carolina in a four round Welterweight bout.

Fresh off his exciting pro debut on May 8th, Derrick Webster (1-0) of Glassboro, New Jersey will take on Roger Locklear (1-2) of South Carolina in a four round Middleweight bout.

In a battle of pro debuting Heavyweight, Kareem Harrison of Philadelphia battles Winston Thorpe of North Carolina.

Also making his pro debut will be Angel Ocassio in a four round Lightweight bout.

THE ARENA IS LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF SWANSON AND RITNER STREETS IN SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

Tickets for this exciting night of boxing cost $45 for advanced; $60 for Ringside; $65 for VIP and can be purchased by Calling The Arena at 267-687-7560; Shalyte Promotions at 215-287-7949 or Le Crown Barbershop at 215-927-5027

THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON JULY 8TH AND A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT IS EXPECTED THIS WEEK

TRIP TO BOXING HALL OF FAME INVOKES GREAT HISTORY OF PUGILISM IN AMERICA

Posted on | June 22, 2009 | 1 Comment

By: Patrick McElligott

The ride to Canastota is one of my favorite parts of the annual Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend. It is an opportunity for me to take my children on a trip back in time, driving through the villages and hamlets where some of our relatives once lived. I’m also able to point out different places where, long ago, local men engaged in what was, at the time, the most popular sport. A couple places where professional fights took place; some where there were once amateur bouts; and also, in Sherburne, NY, a site where a number of boxers who would go on to hold world titles, engaged in “bootleg” matches.

There are a number of farms along the roads between the communities. We see some cattle, and huge corn fields. And a farmer cutting hay. There are far fewer “family farms” in upstate New York than there were when I was young. Few jobs offer a teenager who is hoping to make his mark in boxing the benefits that farm-work does. It’s a long way from one of these fields to the fast pace of city life, much less a title fight at Madison Square Garden. But it just that trip that the great Carmen Basilio made more than half a century ago.

This is the 20th year of inductions into the Hall of Fame. As we pull into a parking lot, and walk towards the main building, I’m reminded of how it was when I first brought my sons – then little boys – to the induction ceremonies. We have made the trip to Canastota most of the years in between, and the effort that Ed Brophy and others have invested in making the Hall of Fame what it is today has really paid off. Every boxing enthusiast owes it to him or herself to make the trip.

It makes for a great “family adventure.” My son Darren, now 22, and daughters Chloe, 15, and Darcy, 11, made the trip with me this year. They know the story of how one day, in New York City, the great boxing champion Sugar Ray Robinson snubbed a young man named Carmen Basilio. And, of course, the price that Robinson eventually paid for his arrogance.

The first Robinson vs Basilio fight was held on September 23, 1957, at Yankee Stadium. The ring from Madison Square Garden was brought to the legendary baseball stadium, and on that Monday night, Carmen Basilio made history. That ring, of course, is now part of the Boxing Hall of Fame’s outstanding collection of the sport’s “artifacts.” My kids and I spend time watching how the fans at the Hall of Fame react when they look at the ring, and we listen to numerous older fans talk about what fights they watched take place inside it. After a while, Darren wants to have a photograph of him and I standing in front of the ring; his sisters take a dozen.

Outside, we have the opportunity to have Angelo Dundee and co-author Bert Sugar autograph “My View from the Corner.” Darren waited for 45 minutes, after a friend at the show told us that Angelo would be signing his book. He also gets George Kimball to autograph his copy of George’s 2008 classic, “Four Kings.”

On Sunday, we have the opportunity to talk to a number of fighters who are attending the induction ceremony. There is a fascinating mixture of past greats and of today’s top boxers: Billy Backus and Kermit Cintron; Emile Griffith and Paul Williams; Leon Spinks; Greg Haugen; the great Carlos Ortiz; and more.

One thing led me to recognize the very different ways that people experience the Hall of Fame There were three gentlemen walking by me. I immediately recognized one as Don Fullmer, one of the toughest guys I’ve ever seen fight. I lifted my camera, and although he was listening closely to his friends, he noticed. He stopped while I took the picture, then reached over to shake my hand and say, “Hey, sorry if I broke your camera,” before catching up with the others.

A couple guys politely asked me who Don was. I said that he was Gene Fullmer’s brother, who fought against warriors like Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, Virgil Atkins, and Emile Griffith – and that he decked Nino Benvenuti. They said they hadn’t heard of him. A while later, I saw the same fellows taking photos of a couple actors (my son said that one was from a tv series, the other some movies). Perhaps I should have told them that Don Fullmer once was in a movie, “The Devil’s Brigade,” with Bill Holden and Cliff Robertson. But, I’m sure that they were as pleased to interact with the actors, as I had been to talk with one of the men that defined “toughness” in the ring when I was young.

Towards the end of the afternoon, Darren and I had a chance to talk with Marlin Starling. As always, he spends a good bit of time walking though the crowd, mingling with the fans. It had been two years since we last spoke with Marlin, and when he posed for some pictures, he grinned and raised a fist towards Darren, and told me, “I notice this son of your’s is getting big.”

On the ride home, we talked about what a great time we had at the Boxing Hall of Fame. One of the things that we decided to do was have Darren help me prepare a series of reviews of the best books on the sport. Between us, we have quite a large collection, and I think that they play a large role in both recording the history and providing insight to boxing fans. Just as other forms of media – television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the internet included – are important, so are books.

Thus, my columns here will include reviews by Darren and I. His writing style is about the same as my own, as is his perspective. However, his energy level is greater, and so I expect that we will be able to provide a steady series of book reviews that I believe will be of interest to boxing fans here. We will start with the most obvious choice: Gary Youmans’ book on Carmen Basilio, “The Onion Picker.” After that, we’ll go through a variety of the classics, as well as some of the lesser-known, but very important, works on boxing history. I hope that you will enjoy them.

Darren McElligott (right, standing) and Bert Sugar (left, sitting)

Darren and Marlon Starling

Darren and Angelo Dundee

Lyons untamed on “Ultimate Chaos”

Posted on | June 22, 2009 | No Comments

Lashley-Sapp headlines Saturday night’s MMA PPV show in Biloxi, MS

BILOXI, Miss. (June 22, 2009) – Long before the bright lights come on for Saturday night’s “Ultimate Chaos” pay-per-view card, live from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi, 21-year-old Austin Lyons will make his MMA mixed martial arts pro debut against John Harris.

Harris, fighting out of Memphis, is a former high school football player at Dyersburg, Tennessee, who will be 90-pounds lighter in the cage than his playing weight on the gridiron. The 250-pound defensive end will fight Saturday night as a welterweight.

The spotlight, however, will be shining on former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley (3-0-0) and K1 and PRIDE combat fighting legend Bob “The Beast” Sapp (10-4-1), who will bull-rush each other in their highly anticipated super heavyweight main event headlining “Ultimate Chaos, presented by Prize Fight Promotions and Fight Force International, in association with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum, and Treasure Bay Casino.

“Ultimate Chaos” is being produced and distributed by Gotham MMA and Integrated Sports at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in the United States and Canada on cable and satellite Pay Per View via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV, Bell TV, Shaw, Star Choice and Viewer’s Choice for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. The show will also air internationally to viewers outside of North America on www.gofightlive.tv.

Veteran blow-by-blow announcer Col. Bob Sheridan and colorful mixed-martial-arts heavyweight Seth “The Silverback” Petruzelli lead the PPV broadcast team that also includes color analyst Bray Deavours and ringside reporter Dave Ferguson.

Meanwhile, Lyons will be proudly fighting in front of his parents, girl friend and some friends. He couldn’t be happier being in one the opening acts for the star-studded PPV card.

“I’ve been thinking about it lately,” he said, “and I’m going to be star-struck with all of the big names on the card. I’m going to feel like I’m walking on the red carpet. I’m looking forward to meeting all of them and, hopefully, making valuable contacts for my MMA career.

“I started MMA training five years ago, competitively fighting about 2 ½ years ago, and had an 11-2 amateur record. When college football didn’t work out for me, I remember going to an MMA show and seeing heavyweights fight up close. I’m only 5-9, 5-10 and I knew I couldn’t fight those guys. I weighed about 240-pounds at that time. I’ve been working out and eating right ever since then and now I weigh about 160. I’m a free-style fighter, good on my feet and the ground. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

In the co-feature, 3-time UFC heavyweight title challenger Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (16-8-0) meets Dutch knockout artist Gilbert “The Hurricane” Yvel (35-13-1) in an intriguing match-up. Former King Of The Cage and Gladiator Challenge lightweight champion Javier “Showtime” Vasquez (12-2-0) takes on The Ultimate Fighter 4 star Din “Dinyero” Thomas (24-8-0), while 4-time World Muay Thai title-holder William “The Bull” Sriyapai (12-4-0) faces highly-regarded Canadian lightweight prospect Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (12-1-0)

Also fighting on the card is Waachiim “NativeWarrior” Spirit Wolf (5-4-0) vs. welterweight Brett Cooper (9-4-0); middleweight Colby McMahan (3-1-0) vs. James Orso (8-3-0); Affliction vice president Tom Atencio (1-0-0) vs. pro debuting lightweight Randy Hedderick; veteran middleweight Lance Thomson (4-2-0) vs. The Ultimate Fighter 3 star Danny Abbadi (3-4-0); Belfast, Northern Ireland brawler Colin McKee (3-2-0) vs. welterweight Eric Bradley (2-1-0), 2-time All-America wrestler and 2003 NCAA boxing champion at Penn State. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $25.00 (limited discount seating), $40.00 (general admission) and $55.00 (premium reserved seating) and sale at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and all TicketMaster outlets.

For more information go to www.theultimatechaos.com or www.mscoastcoliseum.com. Doors open at 5PM/CT, first fight 6 PM/CT, and the first PPV fight is at 8 PM/CT.

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