Lashley calls fight against Sapp “Battle of the Giants”

Posted on | May 21, 2009 | No Comments

MMA PPV June 27in Biloxi, MS

BILOXI, Miss. (May 21, 2009) – Fresh off his 24-second destruction of Mike Cook, former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley called his June 27th showdown against Bob “The Beast” Sapp in the “Ultimate Chaos” pay-per-view event headliner, live from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi, the “Battle of the Giants.”

Ultimate Chaos,” presented by Prize Fight Promotions and Fight Force International, in association with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum, Treasure Bay Casino and Budweiser, 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 6-2, 255-pound Lashley, 3-time NAIA wrestling champion at Missouri Valley College, is an incredible physical specimen. Bobby joined the U.S. Army and was a 2-time Armed Forces Champion and 2002 Military Games Championship silver medalist. Two years ago, the chiseled Lashley became a WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) superstar, joining Donald Trump at Wrestlemania 23 in a bet against WWE president Vince McMahon. Lashley won the match and helped Trump shave McMahon’s head in the ring.

Bobby’s third pro MMA fight was a major hit last weekend as he displayed tremendous power submitting Cook, who had taunted the unbeaten Lashley by wearing a pro wrestling-type mask into their fight, with a near spine-snapping Guillotine choke. Bobby looked like a much more polished MMA fighter than he did in his previous three-round decision against Jason Guida.

“He tried to get in my head but I wasn’t going to let him,” Bobby explained. “He probably saw that the opponent in my previous fight had gotten a little in my head, but I learned from that experience and just shrugged it off this time. I trained hard and knew I was ready for that fight. My cardio was great and I worked on my boxing. I’ve reached a level of validation. When he put that mask on, I was only concerned with being validated to my opponent. The WWE thing will always be there, whether I have three or 300 MMA fights, but I’m glad that I have that WWE fanbase.”

Lashley fights a larger man for the first time in MMA action when he steps into the cage against an imposing 6-4, 350-pound Sapp (10-3-1), who played in the NFL for four years before becoming an iconic combat fighter in Japan, where he starred in PRIDE and K-1.

“Most heavyweights (in MMA) weigh 230-240 and that’s the size of guys I’ve fought,” Lashley said. “But I’m fighting a huge opponent in this coming fight. This guy must have weighed 370 at the press conference. Even if he gets down to 340, he’ll still outweighs me by around 85 pounds. Sapp’s really aggressive and I know he’s going to come out hard. He won’t be able to go through me, though. He’s strong but his weakness is in the gas tank, even though I know he’s training hard for this fight. It’s going to be a good fight.

“We liked this fight when it was first offered. When I fight there’s always been a ‘but’ after it. It was a good fight but …….fill in the blank. Well, I’m fighting a bigger guy who’s popular overseas. I don’t think this fight will go long. It certainly won’t be a long, drawn-out fight. There will be a lot of heavy blows, lots of banging – ‘Battle of the Giants!’ I’m training right now back home in Colorado. I like working in the altitude but I’ll probably make a brief trip to train (with American Top Team) in Florida where there are a lot of big guys at our fight club. I may have to stack three guys up (to simulate Sapp, Bobby jokingly said). I have some big guys here I’m training with. They not be quite as big as Sapp, but they’re big, very strong and have heavy hands like Bob.”

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

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

Posted on | May 21, 2009 | No Comments

We return to the Brute Adidas Studios of TDR for another episode of America’s Wrestling Radio program. The World Team Trials are coming up May 30th and 31st in Council Bluffs, Iowa and hope you all plan on being there to see some incredible action and to witness history.

This week we are joined in studio by: Father / Son duo from Chicago, Illinois. Michael Johnson, Sr. and Jr.
You must hear this story. Fantastic!

9:05 Brian Smith- Head Coach of Missou joins us to discuss wrestler health and room treatment, recruiting and coaching changes.

9:20 Mark Matzek- Augsburg’s new Head Coach. He was interim for a while, but no longer. What pushed him over the top for Joel Swenson?

9:40 Tom Borrelli- Head Coach of the Chips of Cent. Mich- Importance of the off season, International competition and recruits, recruits, recruits.

10:05 Georges “Rush” St. Pierre- The UFC welterweight champion from Montreal, Quebec, Canada holds a current record of 18-2. St-Pierre puts his belt up for grabs against Brazilian knockout artist Thiago “Pitbull” Alves on July 11th in las Vegas, Nevada at UFC 100. Georges is having a logo contest for his fans. www.gspfightclub.com

10:20 Joe McFarland- Head Coach of Mich. Wolverine Wrestling. Brand new building is moving closer to completion and what a facility. Joe will talk to us about that and Andy Hrovat’s Olympic aspirations.

Join us each week for America’s Wrestling Radio program 9 to 11 AM for TDR. Find us at 1460 KXNO (Iowa) and at Takedownradio.com and Kxno.com and later in the day on Supertalk 1570 (Flint-Saginaw) from 7 to 9 PM. Let us hear from you. Svideoman@aol.com.

Scott Casber
1460 KXNO in Iowa- Super Talk AM 1570 in Michigan- KRRW Minnesota
LiveSportsVideo.Com- IntermatWrestle.Com- Matchannel.Com- KXNO.Com- Mat-Magazine.Com
TakedownRadio.Com
A Proud Member of the College Wrestling Network
515-707-8657

ROBERT ‘THE GHOST’ GUERRERO HEADLINES ESPN’S “FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” AGAINST JOHNNIE EDWARDS AT HP PAVILION IN SAN JOSE JUNE 12, 2009

Posted on | May 20, 2009 | No Comments

UNDERCARD FEATURES UNDEFEATED WORLD CLASS PROSPECTS IN DANNY GARCIA, TWINS CARLOS AND JUAN VELASQUEZ, ASHANTI JORDAN AND ELOY PEREZ

Casey and Robert

LOS ANGELES, MAY 20 – The pride of Gilroy, California, former two-time world featherweight champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, returns to HP Pavilion at San Jose on June 12th to fight in front of his Northern California fans in the main event of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” against Johnnie Edwards.

“We are excited to bring Robert back to his loyal hometown fans,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “He has a huge fan base there and I know they’re going to come out in force to cheer him on.”

“It’s always nice to fight close to home and when I hear those fans roar, it feels like I can knock out anyone,” said Guerrero. “I’m looking to make a statement and I expect to put on a great show for my fans on June 12th.”

The co-featured bout pits rising junior welterweight star Danny Garcia against Pavel Miranda in an eight round clash. Also in action in separate bouts on June 12th will be hot undefeated prospects Carlos Velasquez, Juan Velasquez, San Francisco’s Ashanti Jordan, Eloy Perez of Salinas and San Jose’s Anthony Johnson.

Guerrero vs. Edwards, a 10 round junior lightweight bout that headlines a hard-hitting night of world-class boxing, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The ESPN “Friday Night Fights” livetelecast beginning at 10pm ET / 7pm PT will be broadcast on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN360.com.

Tickets, priced at $100.00, $75.00, $50.00 and $25.00, go on sale to the public on Friday, May 22nd at 10 AM PT at the HP Pavilion Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Unbeaten since 2005, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (23-1-1, 16 KO’s) has been getting better and better with each passing fight. A two-time owner of the IBF World Featherweight Championship, the 26-year-old defended his title twice before deciding to test the waters at 130 pounds in 2009. In his two 2009 bouts, he stopped Edel Ruiz in 43 seconds and had a no decision rendered in his March contest with Daud Yordan when an accidental clash of heads cut Guerrero, making him unable to continue. On June 12th, Guerrero aims to show a national television audience that he’s ready for a title shot at junior lightweight.

A native of Aiken, South Carolina, former United States Marine Johnnie Edwards (15-4-1, 8 KO’s) has the talent and discipline to go far in the fight game. For proof, just look at his big wins over former world champions Eric Aiken and Freddie Norwood. After some ups and downs in his pro career, the 29-year-old is back on track and looking for big things in 2009 and beyond.

One of Philadelphia’s finest, 21-year-old Danny Garcia (12-0, 7 KO’s) has the fight world waiting in anticipation every time he steps between the ropes. Unbeaten in 12 pro fights, the former U.S. Olympic team alternate has been upping his level of competition with each bout and is ready for the next test in his career in the form of Tijuana, Mexico’s Pavel Miranda (16-3, 8 KO’s). The 21-year-old Miranda has kept up a frantic pace in the fight game since turning pro at 16 and on June 12th, the former WBC Youth champion plans on pushing Garcia harder than he’s ever been pushed before.

Opponents for Carlos Velasquez, Juan Velasquez, Ashanti Jordan, Eloy Perez and Anthony Johnson will be announced shortly. For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.

Next Era of Mixed Martial Arts Ushered In by New Fight Company in Historic Venue

Posted on | May 20, 2009 | No Comments

Des Moines, IA- May 20, 2009- MaxFights, the newly formed professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fight promotion company, announced its first event as well as details on the company today. MaxFights-Des Moines, the registered company name, has organized a wealth of partners, collaborators, and contributors representing much of the rich history of MMA and live event promotion in Central Iowa.

MaxFights primary partners, Scott Casber and Chris Arns, were owners in two previous MMA companies, and are involved in other synergistic entities in sports promotion, including broadcasting and talent management. In forming MaxFights, new investors in concert promotion and consumer advertising are included as well.

MaxFights guiding philosophy is one of inclusiveness, embracing all experienced and worthy fighters, regardless of associations or affiliations. MaxFights first event on Friday, June 19 features fighters from a wealth of organizations including the UFC, M1, IFL, and other fight promotions in Iowa and the Midwest. MaxFights staff, officials, announcers, and ring girls are well known here and represent some of the best talent and greatest experience in those categories.

The June 19 fight card was assembled by MaxFights Match Maker, and Iowa MMA mainstay, Brian Green. Among ten total bouts, one co-main event matches UFC vets James Giboo against Jason Gilliam, in only the third time in Iowa where two UFC warriors have faced each other. The remaining co-main event pits M1 vet Steve Carl against IFL vet and fan favorite, Victor Moreno. Carl recently returned with a victory in Belarus, Bulgaria where M1 Team North America swept the event with five unanimous wins. Other bouts deliver instantly recognized names including a rematch between Jeff Carstens and Paul Bird. Bird was seen on Spike TV’s latest season of The Ultimate Fighter and Carstens just competed in the second ever sanctioned event in Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). Carstens intends to avenge his previous loss to Bird. Other featured bouts include Chuck Parmelee vs. Demi Deeds, Jason Medina vs. Red Worthington, Chris Perez-Van Dam vs. Cory Simpson, and Timmy Gorman vs. Cody Van Cleveren.

Based on an exclusive agreement with the historic Val Air Ballroom, MaxFights supplies a warm and inviting home for MMA fans. Max fights also arranged a co-promotion with a top amateur association for monthly events at the Val Air, thus providing a proving ground and launch pad for fighter to build their experience, working toward the pro ranks. Other initial co-promotional partners include the Iowa Barnstormers and Budweiser among many others. The official weigh-in event and the event after party will be held at Komodo Club, located at 214 3rd Street in downtown Des Moines.

“The collective experience of the team we’ve assembled includes nearly every component, dynamic, and personality related to MMA in Central Iowa,” described MaxFights owner/partner Scott Casber. “Our roots can be traced as far back as possible. Whether it was the early amateur days here, any venue you can name, celebrities attending local events, or many of the fighters that have gone on to national and international careers, somehow we’ve been involved. Our team gained valuable experience and built important relationships, and we’re thrilled to bring everything together in one place and at the same time,” confirmed Casber.

MaxFights will produce a minimum of eight events at the Val Air in the next twelve months. Tickets for the June 19 event are on sales now and can be purchased at the Val Air box office, on-line at http://www.maxfightsdm.com, or by calling 515-223-6152. Complete detail on MaxFights can be found at http://www.maxfightsdm.com.

HDNET ANNOUNCES TIME CHANGE FOR COVERAGE OF “HDNET FIGHTS PRESENTS: OLYMPIA DREAM 9 FEATHERWEIGHT GRAND PRIX, 2nd ROUND”

Posted on | May 20, 2009 | No Comments

Event now begins at 5:00 am ET, Tuesday, May 26

WHAT: HDNet will broadcast exclusive coverage of “HDNet Fights Presents: OLYMPIA DREAM 9 Featherweight Grand Prix, 2nd Round 2009,” early Tuesday morning, May 26, at 5:00 a.m. ET LIVE from the esteemed Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa, Japan.

MMA fans can catch former MLB slugger Jose Canseco who will be making his mixed martial arts debut in the open weight competition entitled the “Super Hulk” Tournament vs. 7-foot-2 and 330-plus pound Hong-Man Choi from Korea.

Gegard Mousasi, Mark Hunt, and Bob Sapp will also compete in first round action in the “Super Hulk” tournament.

DREAM 9 will also feature the second round of its Featherweight Grand Prix including a highly anticipated bout between Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto and Joe Warren, plus Jason “Mayhem” Miller meets Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza for the vacant DREAM Middleweight Title.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 26 at 5:00 a.m. ET (early morning) on HDNet with an encore presentation to air Friday, May 29 at 10:00 p.m. ET

MAYWEATHER VS. MARQUEZ PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Posted on | May 20, 2009 | No Comments

MAYWEATHER VS. MARQUEZ PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

May 18, 2009 – Los Angeles, CA at the LA Public Library
May 19, 200 9- New York City, NY at the Empire State Building

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“July 18th you are going to see the best Floyd Mayweather, because I am truly back.”

“My uncle Roger and I, we have a tremendous game plan, and I’m going to be more than ready for this fight. Training camp is going amazingly well. I am weighing in around 146 or 147 and I know I will be ready on July 18th.”

“Marquez is a great Mexican warrior who is going to be in tremendous shape. He is a hell of a guy and he is a hell of a fighter.”

“I like to hit, but I don’t get hit. Marquez hits and gets hit. He seems used to it and still comes out on top 90 percent of the time.”

“I expect a great fight. If Marquez is aggressive it could turn into a brawl and that is exactly the type of fight fans love to see.”

“I want to be the best. They say to be the best you have to beat the best and Marquez is one of the best in this sport.”

“I’ve got nothing but love for the Mexican fans; they are some of the most loyal fans in boxing. Mexican fans really know boxing inside and out.”

“I can’t wait for this fight, and I am really dedicating myself to be ready for it.”

“Please continue to support boxing. July 18, make sure you tune in. It’s going to be a hell of a fight. I’m not overlooking Juan Manuel Marquez, and I hope he’s not overlooking me. He knows I’ve been off awhile so he might think I’m rusty, but I’m not. I’ll be ready.”

JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ

“I am preparing myself mentally and physically for this fight.”

“When Golden Boy Promotions asked me do you want to fight Floyd? I said ‘yes let’s do it.’ I don’t like easy fights.”

“I know that this fight very important for my career and for my life, and I am going to be fully prepared on July 18th.”

“I have a tough fight with Floyd, I’m training right now and will go up to the mountains to build muscle for the fight. It isn’t exactly my weight but that only means I’ll have to eat more Tacos, Burritos and Carnitas.”

“My fans here and all of my fans in Mexico will help me come out on top, the support they have showed today and at the fan rally yesterday has been amazing.”

“Everyone knows I don’t like to talk outside of the ring, I do all of my talking inside of the ring.”

ROGER MAYWEATHER, Trainer of Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“I know what’s going to happen, and I’m sure all of you know what’s going to happen.”

“Marquez is a good boxer, but in boxing it’s about more than being good. Anyone can be good, but there are only a few out there that are great, and Floyd is a great boxer.”

“The best boxers in the world come from where I’m from, the Midwest. Floyd is also from there so you know he’s one of the best.”

“It’s going to be a great fight and I know that this guy over here [Floyd] is going to come out on top.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Now that Floyd is back, he has come back to take his crown. He is coming back to be the best out there and to be the best out there you have to beat a fighter like Marquez.”

“Marquez fought two great fights against Pacquiao, and in the eyes of many beat him both times.”

“As soon as tickets go on sale (this Friday), you need to get them because it is going to be a tremendous fight.”

“Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has the greatest global impact of any fighter. In 2007 Floyd fought in the two biggest fights of the year.”

“The reason Floyd is back is because he is in love with the sport; he’s always been in love with it.”

“No matter where he goes, fans are always coming up to him asking, ‘When are you coming back?’ Well, he’s back now and is ready for this tremendous challenge.”

“He has a lot to prove. There are always the naysayers out there who say he cant get back on top.”

“He represents boxing to its fullest.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“This fight will pit the best fighter from the United States against the best fighter from Mexico.

“Styles make fights and Marquez’s style will beat Floyd’s on July 18th. With the support of all his fans, Marquez will come out on top.”

“I don’t care what people say, Marquez beat Pacquiao. He got knocked down three times and came back to win every round after that.”

“Mayweather has beaten everyone he has ever fought. He retired as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and now he’s returning to fight one of the best fighters in the world.”

“Marquez has already been training in the mountains, and he is ready to go.”

“This is truly a fight that the fans want to get behind. In my eyes, Mayweather is the best in the world, who is about to meet the number one Mexican fighter in the ring to duke it out and show who is truly number one.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Fight fans around the world have been waiting for this for a long time. Floyd said he is coming back to fight the best and Juan Manuel Marquez is the best.”

“Juan is one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport today on July 18th he will be carrying the hopes and dreams of 160 million people on his back, the people of Mexico.”

“Floyd Mayweather is the undefeated and undisputed pound-for-pound champion. He is the number one pay-per-view star. With 250 million dollars, that is a quarter of a billion dollars, in receipts from his last two fights, Floyd Mayweather is definitely a star.

“July 18 is going to be the biggest pay-per-view event of the year. It’s called number one because everywhere you look you are surrounded by the best.”

(To Floyd) “On behalf of the millions of fight fans around the world, thank you for coming back. You really bring energy to the sport of boxing.”

“Even when he wasn’t fighting he was a tremendous asset to the sport of boxing.”

“Floyd talks the talk, but he does walk the walk as well? He has a huge group of people who love him and adore him and respect him for his accomplishments. Then he has the ‘haters.’ The people who cant wait to see him lose, but the good news is that both of those people will buy the pay-per-view.”

“This really is the showdown between Number One and Numero Uno.”

ROSS GREENBURG, President of HBO Sports

“Floyd Mayweather, the mouth that roared, is back and he is going into the lions den.”

“I have seen Marquez in the ring and in rounds 6-12, you better watch out.”

“Move over Paris Hilton and the Kardishians; Donald Trump, empty out the boardroom, and survivors get off the island because Money Mayweather is back on 24/7 and the first episode premiers June 27th.”

“We will load you up again with 24/7’s all access. We are always excited when Floyd Mayweather is part of the series. We are also excited to go down to Mexico to join Juan Manuel Marquez. All access 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Whatever it takes, we will be there.”

MARK TAFFET, Senior Vice President of HBO Sports and HBO Pay-Per-View

“The year 2009 is shaping up to be a fantastic one for boxing. In January, we had a great fight in Margarito vs. Mosley. Then we had Marquez vs. Diaz, which was an impressive fight, and a few weeks back we had Pacquiao vs. Hatton.”

“In Mayweather vs. Marquez, we have one guy that is returning to the ring while the other is more ready than ever. One that is representing the United States and the other that has Mexico on his back. One has had six world championships in five weight classes and the other has held five world championships in three weight divisions.”

“Mayweather vs. Marquez is one of those events you will not want to miss.”

BOB HALLORAN, Director of Sports, MGM MIRAGE

“Representing the MGM Family and having this fight at the historical MGM Grand Garden Arena, we are elated.”

“We have now had a long association with Golden Boy Promotions, Richard Schaefer and Oscar de la Hoya and they keep making better and better fights.”

“We’ve had both fighters fight at the arena a few times before and every time we did they had some great fights. I don’t think there is any question that this will be a sellout.”

# # #

Mayweather vs. Marquez: “Number One/Numero Uno,” is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.

The Mayweather vs. Marquez pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Marquez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.HBO Pay-Per-View® a division of Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO®, HBO PPV® and related programs, channels and services are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.

KEA BOXING RETURNS THIS SATURDAY

Posted on | May 20, 2009 | No Comments

KEA Boxing returns this Saturday, May 23 with Memorial Weekend Boxing in The Woodlands. Fights start at 7:30 doors open at 7:00.

The fight card is set to be:

Jason Gavern vs Willie Perryman

Antonio Espinosa vs Ron Boyd

Anthony Cusumano vs Nathan Francis

Clinton B Douglas vs Jean Ramos

April Richards vs Natoya Ervin

Isouf Kinda vs Damon Antione

*All Bouts subject to Change

$10.00 discount to ALL ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY MEMBERS

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS GO TO WWW.KEA-BOXING.COM

SHOWTIME® AND STRIKEFORCE PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Posted on | May 19, 2009 | No Comments

ANDREI ARLOVSKI VS. BRETT ROGERS ADDED TO JUNE 6 CARD

ROBBIE LAWLER, JAKE SHIELDS, PHIL BARONI,
JOE RIGGS, KEVIN RANDLEMAN, MIKE WHITEHEAD

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO.

“LAWLER Vs. SHIELDS” — June 6

Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT

ST LOUIS (May 19, 2009) – Showtime Networks Inc. and world championship mixed martial arts (MMA) event promotion Strikeforce hosted a press conference Tuesday to discuss their highly anticipated June 6 “Lawler vs. Shields” fight card live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Scottrade Center.

Highlights from the press conference at Scottrade included an announcement by world-famous emcee Jimmy Lennon, Jr. that former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (15-6) will make his Strikeforce debut and square off with undefeated prospect Brett “The Grim” Rogers (9-0) in an Affliction sponsored fight during the live televised portion of the fight card.

Knockout artist “The New York Badass” Phil Baroni (13-10) lashed out verbally about his welterweight showdown with powerhouse Joe “Diesel” Riggs (29-10) and former UFC Heavyweight Champion and two-time NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion Kevin “The Monster” Randleman (17-12) was highly animated about returning to action for the first time in over a year to face “Iron” Mike Whitehead (23-6) in a light heavyweight matchup on the star-studded card.

“Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (16-4) and Jake Shields (22-4-1), who will square off with each other in the main event at a catch weight of 182 pounds, were all business during the affair.

In addition, St. Louis Blues NHL hockey star and avid MMA practitioner, Cam Janssen, made a guest appearance and addressed the media and fans in attendance as did unbeaten local MMA star Jesse Finney, who will see action on the non-televised portion of the June 6 card.

What the fighters had to say:

PHIL BARONI

“Really, there’s not much to say. Joe’s 25 years old and he’ll have his day. On June 6, I’m knocking him the (expletive) out. I’m going to (expletive) him up bad. I’m going to bust him up the whole (expletive) fight. It’s up to him how long he wants to last. Whether he wants to last one round or he wants to last three – I’m going to (expletive) him up.”

“Never mind being in shape. I’m not thanking anybody for being here. Any promotion that has me, it’s lucky for them. No one’s kissing anyone’s asses. I’m just ready to fight and beat the (expletive) out of him.”

“He looks like he’s been overtraining. I’d say he’s about maybe 155 (pounds). You don’t look like that big at 170 right now. Something’s wrong with him.”

“I asked my agent – I said ‘hey get me a southpaw to fight.’ My agent’s pretty stupid. He said ‘What’s that? He didn’t know what a southpaw was. So, I said “It’s a (expletive) left-handed fighter. I’m real good at fighting lefties. Lefties are made to order for me. They eat straight right hands and I’ve got a pretty (expletive) big one. I’m going to put it right on his kisser.”

“It’s do or die for me and I ain’t (expletive) ready to die. I got a lot of fighting left in me. Joe’s young. I’m a man now and I think he’s a boy. Someday I’ll probably commentate for Joe when he’s fighting for a world title. This is my time. I’m going to take care of my business and that starts with Joe and everyone else at 170 pounds with Strikeforce.”

JOE RIGGS

“Phil is one of those guys who people have written off a couple of times in his career and he’s always come back strong. He’s a high risk fight and a tough guy. I have a lot of respect for him. On June 6, it’s going to be a great fight, but there’s no way I’m losing that fight. I guarantee it.”

“Both of us kind of have the same style – wrestling and boxing – and we’re heavy handed. So, there’s no real advantage anywhere. You just have to prepare for the fight. It’s whoever’s trained harder and I don’t think anybody else has trained harder than me for this fight.”

“This is the absolute best shape I’ve ever been in in my life. I’ve spent many, many days in the gym training in the gym for this fight. I think about it every day and every night.

KEVIN RANDLEMAN

“On June 6, there’s absolutely no reason for me to lose – and there’s no excuses – win or lose, there’s no excuses. Period. I’m 100 percent healthy and I’m an animal again. So understand. The Monster’s back.”

MIKE WHITEHEAD

“Kevin talks a lot of trash. We’ve heard in Vegas, on the radio, him talking this and that. The guy was invited with his wife to my house for Christmas dinner this year so it’s kind of funny that he’s talking about me. But if that’s what you guys need, it’s cool. Just let him do the talking and I’ll do the walking.”

“We’re both wrestlers, we’ve both got power in our hands. Look for fireworks. I’m ready for the fireworks too, so let’s do it.”

ROBBIE LAWLER

“I really don’t have much to say, but I think it’s going to be a good atmosphere here. St. Louis is a great sports town and I’d like to put on a good show.”

“I train for everything and work on every skill so I’ll be ready. Jake’s a real good grappling opponent, but for every fight I’m working on all aspects so it’s not that big of a deal.”

“I wouldn’t really compare myself to (Mike Tyson). I just like to go out there and finish people so that’s what I try to do.”

JAKE SHIELDS

“This is my first fight for Strikeforce. I’m excited to be a part of the main event. This is a phenomenal card. I can’t wait to get out there and mix it up. Robbie always brings it and I’m coming to bring it so it’s on.”

“I feel great. It’s a move up in weight, but I’m not really too concerned about it. Robbie’s strong and big, but I’m not that small. I always cut weight to 170 so I actually get to eat and lift weights. I’m not going to be huge for the weight, but I don’t feel that small either so I don’t think it’s going to be much of an issue.”

“I don’t have an exact strategy but, at some point, it would be better to go to the ground for me, but I’m not afraid to stand and bang either.”

Also featured during the live telecast on June 6 will be a 180 pound catch weight matchup between superstars Nick Diaz (19-7) and Scott “Hands of Steel” Smith (16-5). Both fighters are coming off of outstanding victories on April 11. Diaz stopped four-time world champion Frank Shamrock in the second round of the main event and Smith scored a third round knockout on Benji “The Razor” Radach.

Tickets for Strikeforce: “Lawler vs. Shields” are on sale at the Scottrade Center box office as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), and Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com).

Doors at the Scottrade Center will open for Strikeforce: “Lawler vs. Shields” at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, June 6. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 7 p.m.

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