Final Quotes and Press Release For StrikeForce Challenger Series
Posted on | May 15, 2009 | No Comments
The 10 fighters who will appear on the premiere of Strikeforce Challengers tomorrow/Friday, May 15, on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT) made weight Thursday at the World Sports Cafe at Fresno, Calif.
In the main event of what will be a sensational event, undefeated lightweight Billy Evangelista (9-0) will fight hard-hitting “Iron” Mike Aina (11-6-1) in the inaugural, newly titled mixed martial arts series from leading MMA promoter Strikeforce and premium television network SHOWTIME. The five-fight telecasts airs at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
Strikeforce Challengers is a proving ground for up-and-coming MMA fighters. The series is designed to provide today’s top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised event.
Tickets for the Strikeforce Challengers event are on sale at the Save Mart Center box office and select Save Mart Supermarkets as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com). Doors open at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first live, non-televised, preliminary bout is 6:15 p.m.
In other SHOWTIME fights: Sarah Kaufman (8-0) of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, faces Miesha Tate (6-1) of Olympia, Wash., in a terrific women’s match at 135 pounds; Lavar Johnson (11-3) of Fresno throws down with Carl Seumanutafa (4-2), a Samoan based in San Francisco, in a heavyweight fight; Anthony “A Train” Ruiz (21-12) of Coarsegold, Calif., takes on San Antonio’s Aaron Rosa (11-2) in a light heavyweight bout and Bao Quach (15-9-1) of Huntington Beach, Calif., takes on Tito Jones (6-2) of Sacramento, Calif., in a featherweight scrap.
Non-televised fights: Ben Holscher (1-0) of Fresno vs. Cody Cantebury (1-3-1) of Sacramento at 160 pounds; Zoila Frausto (1-0) of Fresno vs. Avery Vilche (1-0-1) of Redbluff, Calif., at 125 pounds; Ousmane Thomas Diagne (debut) of San Jose, Calif., vs. Kaleo Kwan (7-9) of Kailua, Hawaii, in a lightweight fight; Fabricio “Morango” Camoes (9-4) of Brazil vs. Torrance Taylor (7-5-1) of Cleveland, Ohio and Chad Sutton (2-1) of Fresno vs. Spencer Herns (debut) of San Jose at 185 pounds.
(PHOTOS, FINAL QUOTES, BOUT SHEET PLUS WEIGHTS ATTACHED)
BILLY EVANGELISTA, MIKE AINA, SARA KAUFMAN,
MIESHA TATE, AARON ROSA, LAVAR JOHNSON & MORE
FINAL QUOTES AND WEIGHTS
What All 10 SHOWTIME Fighters Had To Say — Thursday, May 14, 2009,
Piccadilly Inn University Hotel, Fresno, California
“STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS’’
Premieres Tomorrow/Friday, May 15, On SHOWTIME; Telecast Begins at 11 p.m. ET/PT
FRESNO, Calif. (May 14, 2009)—The 20 fighters who will compete in the eagerly awaited mixed martial arts fight card tomorrow/Friday at the Save Mart Center here all made weight Thursday at the World Sports Café.
In the main event of what will be a sensational event, undefeated lightweight sensation Billy Evangelista (9-0) will fight hard-hitting brawler and BJ Penn protégé “Iron” Mike Aina (11-6-1) in the inaugural, newly titled Strikeforce Challengers series from leading MMA promoter Strikeforce and premium television network SHOWTIME. The five-fight telecasts airs at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
Strikeforce Challengers is a proving ground for up-and-coming MMA fighters. The series is designed to provide today’s top prospects with the opportunity to step-up their level of competition and demonstrate their ability in a nationally televised event.
In other SHOWTIME fights: Sarah Kaufman (8-0) of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, faces Miesha Tate (6-1) of Olympia, Wash., in a terrific women’s match at 135 pounds; Lavar Johnson (11-3) of Fresno throws down with Carl Seumanutafa (4-2), a Samoan based in San Francisco, in a heavyweight fight; Anthony “A Train” Ruiz (21-12) of Coarsegold, Calif., takes on San Antonio’s Aaron Rosa (11-2) in a light heavyweight bout and Bao Quach (15-9-1) of Huntington Beach, Calif., takes on Tito Jones (6-2) of Sacramento, Calif., in a featherweight scrap.
Tickets for the Strikeforce Challengers event are on sale at the Save Mart Center box office and select Save Mart Supermarkets as well as at all Ticketmaster locations (800-745-3000), Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and Strikeforce’s official website (www.strikeforce.com). Doors open at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first live, non-televised, preliminary bout is 6:15 p.m.
What the fighters said Thursday:
BILLY EVANGELISTA
“This is the first time I’ve had to deal with this type of attention, but I always feel I have to do more to stay unbeaten. The pressure is always there, but maybe there is a little more because this is in my hometown. I’m just going in to do my best and let it happen and see how it plays out.
“I learned during my three years in the army all about discipline, keeping my composure and learning to deal with people. I think those things help me prepare for a fight and for the fight itself. I know you just can’t go crazy and need to maintain your poise in the cage. I don’t get upset a lot like I did when I was younger, but still there is pressure.
“I’ve never seen Aina fight. I never watch tapes of my opponents. I like to focus on my fight and what I am doing. This sport is still evolving and fighters change their styles from fight to fight. So I don’t expect fighters to fight me like they did their opponent before.
“My friends, who are just trying to be helpful, tell me stuff, like ‘you know, Aina almost beat Nick Diaz’ and stuff like that, but it just doesn’t matter. I mean, I hear he is tall, so I guess I might have to fight on the inside more. Everybody says his Jiu-Jitsu is really good but we’ll need to see how fight goes.
“I think maybe my hands are faster than his but we’ll see. I know my Muay Thay is better so I will want to keep it standing and stay on the inside and deliver short kicks and uppercuts.’’
MIKE AINA
“This is obviously a big fight and the opportunity is great. This is why you train all those years — to be able to fight in the main event on SHOWTIME. It doesn’t get bigger than that.
“I really hope they don’t think I am a stepping stone because they are in for a big surprise if they do.
“Evangelista has a great record, but there are holes in every fighter’s game. I’ve watched tape on him and he is definitely vulnerable to some things.
“I plan to spoil his homecoming and win one for all my fans in my hometown in Hawaii, who have always been there and supported me. They are with me each and every time I step into the cage.
“This is a long trip for me and I did not come here to lose.’’
SARAH KAUFMAN
“My coach describes my style as ‘controlled crazy.’ I’ve never gone the distance but for me, punching is like a submission. But if I get into position, I would definitely try for a submission.
“I love MMA and I love to do this. It is fun and makes me happy.
“I won’t be surprised if she tries to take me down because I know she is good at wrestling. But I plan to stay on top, hit her lots and push the pace.
“This is a huge fight, but I am going to just do what I do.
“Being unbeaten always means a little more pressure but I’ve been in this from the beginning just to see what I can do and how far I can go.’’
MIESHA TATE
“I have hobbies like camping, snow skiing and cooking Italian food, but I really can’t see myself doing anything but MMA.
“This is a win-win situation for me. She’s established and has a name so this is a great opportunity for me to put the first blemish her first on her record. I know I’m the underdog, but no one thought I could beat Elaina Maxwell and I did. So I am going into this fight just like I did that one.
“I’ve been working on my stand-up since she’s known for it. I would be surprised if she tried to take me down, but I’ll be ready if she does.
“I’ve wrestled a long time and had probably over 100 matches. I guess my favorite subs are chokes of any kind. Arm bars are always fun. They come natural to me. So I have to guess getting her on her back is where she wouldn’t want to be.
“But in this fight, I know my mental toughness is a major key, along with pushing the pace and putting pressure back on her. She’s obviously very heavy-handed and the fact she never stops pushing forward are her strengths.
“But I’m going to engage. I’ve never really tested my standup so this is as good a time as any. She comes in squared and gets you backing up. My goal is to see how she reacts when I punch back. I am hoping that will work.’’
LAVAR JOHNSON
“I was off three years with a torn ACL but I feel great know. The main things in each and every fight of mine are always trying to relax and keeping my poise.
“Carl is a big strong guy who is going to try and take me down and ground and pound me, which is why I’ve been working a lot on my wrestling. I need to stay moving, stop his shot/takedown and gas him out.
“Being he’s a big guy, I’m going to try and make him tired. Hopefully, I knock him out while standing.’’
CARL SEUMANUTAFA
“I know I need to be more active, that I’ve waited too much in my last two fights, although I thought I should have got a draw in one of them.
“Johnson is a pretty good guy who’s aggressive but I feel like I’m stronger than him so I need to take him down and control him.’’
“I’m ready to fight but I’ve only had a week to train so I’d prefer to KO him and get it over. I train by myself in San Francisco but go to Texas to train when I know I have a fight.
“When I lost my first fight, I quit my job as a high school security guard to focus more on MMA. I’ll never forget that first loss because I learned such a big lesson. It made me want to train harder.’’
ANTHONY RUIZ
“I’ve been wrestling since the third grade but I’m always working to improve my ground game, which I think is good. My standup still isn’t there, but I seem to do OK, and I do seem to land sometimes.
“It’s important for me to stay within myself and not get wrapped up into the moment. It’s an aggression thing. If I get a little tired, I get sloppy. But I’ve still been effective. In this fight, I want to pull the trigger first, be aggressive while being relentless.
“My cardio has always been good so I want to push pace to the point where he is like, ‘will this guy every stop?’ I need to be the pitcher and try to deliver. I don’t want to be the catcher.
“It seems he has fought more seasoned opponents, but I’m not so sure Rosa has fought guys at my level. He’s 11-2, but he’s fought inferior guys.
“I’ve been through the ringer and fought some wars against a better caliber. The perfect scenario for me in this fight would be to standup, bang, get to where I am chasing him around the cage, take him down, lie on top and pummel him.
“I know I have lot of losses from submissions but it has been a long, long time since the last time I was submitted. I’ve never been knocked out.
“This is a very big fight for me and I’m very excited. I work as a fireman at the Madera-Mariposa-Merced fire department. All my captains and about 50 fire fighters will be on hand to watch.’’
AARON ROSA
“I feel I’m a lot better fighter than from the last time you saw me. My speed and the position of my hands and the way I hold them have definitely improved.
“I know he throws big punches but I’m not so sure his technique is that great. But I know I always have to beware and roll with the punches and counter. The guy has bursts of explosion, so I know I have to get off first.
“I’m really excited and totally ready. The fact Strikeforce is giving me this chance is tremendous and I am going to go for it. I won’t be reckless, but I am going to let in all hang out in there. Win or lose this is going to be a great fight and I am going to put on a show.’’
BAO QUACH
“I am really looking forward to Friday. The biggest thing for me in this fight and in all my fights is poise. I can’t just freak out or panic. I am fighting my third lefty in a row, so I’m used to them. I feel I am punching harder and better.
“I respect everybody outside the cage, but inside I hate them. I know he is a good boxer but I’ll stand with him if it comes to that.
“I don’t think he’s proved himself. I’ll be looking to take him down and use my lateral movement.’’
TITO JONES
“I only had three week’s notice but I’m in shape and ready to get it on.
“I’m a former Golden Gloves boxing champion who has trained with Roy Jones Sr. in Pensacola, Fla. I’ve learned so much from him: life lessons that I carry out today as well as fighting. I lost my Dad when I was 18 so Roy has been like a father figure. He’s taught me mental toughness.
“This is a great opportunity for me to fight a guy who will elevate me to where I want to be. I want to make it to the next level and I will after Friday. Quach was ranked 10th until that last loss so a win over him would be huge.
“Being half Filipino, I am looking for another vicious KO, like the one Manny Pacquiao. The people in the Philippines are always looking to look up to somebody, so if I can do a fraction of what Manny has, that would be great.
“Quach is a veteran with three times as many fights, so I know I can’t be overzealous and that I have to fight smart and not get crazy. I’m confident in my kickboxing. I feel like if I touch him, he’ll go back to his wrestling background. I don’t think he’s ever seen speed like me and I plan to capitalize on that.
“I tend to counter sometimes, but I know I need to take the initiative more and not let him dictate the pace. I’m a little nervous now but come game-time I’ll be fine. I am looking at this as my coming out party and looking to steal the show.’’
Mauro Ranallo will call the action from cageside with Stephen Quadros and Pat Miletich serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is David Dinkins, Jr., with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast info and more, visit the SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.
Friday’s non-televised fights: Ben Holscher (1-0) of Fresno vs. Cody Cantebury (1-3-1) of Sacramento at 160 pounds; Zoila Frausto (1-0) of Fresno vs. Avery Vilche (1-0-1) of Redbluff, Calif., at 125 pounds; Ousmane Thomas Diagne (debut) of San Jose, Calif., vs. Kaleo Kwan (7-9) of Kailua, Hawaii, in a lightweight fight; Fabricio “Morango” Camoes (9-4) of Brazil vs. Torrance Taylor (7-5-1) of Cleveland, Ohio and Chad Sutton (2-1) of Fresno vs. Spencer Herns (debut) of San Jose at 185 pounds.
About Strikeforce
Strikeforce is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, Strikeforce has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of Strikeforce, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Tags: B.J. Penn > Billy Evangelista > BJJ > California > Challengers Series > Fresno > Ismael Gonzalves > jiu jitsu > K-1 > Kim Couture > Lina Kvokov > Mike Aina > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Nam Phan > New York > Nick Diaz > Randy Couture > Ray Sefo > Save Mart Center > Scott Coker > SHOWTIME > Strikeforce
RAGE IN THE CAGE REPORT (5-15-09)
Posted on | May 15, 2009 | No Comments
RAGE IN THE CAGE #128
Fists of Fury ( no more slapping )
RITC 128 – Featuring
2X UFC Veteran and TUF 8 Finalist Vinny Magahaes
Eddie Arizmendi defending his RITC MW Title
Arizona vs Nevada Match ups
Punching and Kicking to Head in ALL Bouts
Desert Diamond Casino
Saturday May 16, 2009
Doors Open: 7:00 PM, Fight Time: 8:00 PM
Rage in the Cage tickets on sale at the Desert Diamond Box Office (
520-393-2799 or 866-DDC-Wins ) and through TicketMaster ( 1-800-745-3000
). Advanced tickets are $25, $40 and $100. $5 higher on fight day.
Effective immediately the AZ Commission has approved punching to the
head for all RITC bouts !!!
Get your tickets early to support this break-through event.
Fight Card:
Jacob Ortiz ( 190 ) vs Eddie Arizmendi ( 190 ) RITC MW Title
Vinny Magahaes ( 205 ) vs Leroy Fornoff ( 195 )
Adam Padilla ( 270 ) vs JoJo Thompson ( 280 )
Mike Dizak ( 155 ) vs Steve Maultsby ( 155 )
Eric Uresk ( 155 ) vs Alex Garcia ( 160 )
Jake Ramsey ( 190 ) vs Eric Heath ( 190 )
Gary Lehman ( 170 ) vs Gabe Rosa ( 165 )
Alexander Nogan ( 185 ) vs Jason Perry ( 185 )
Van Saunders ( 150 ) vs John Aguilar ( 145 )
Mario Montoya ( 155 ) vs Robert Gainey ( 160 )
Jamie Gutierrez ( 180 ) vs James Llanes ( 180 )
Desi Adager ( 170 ) vs Steve Hayes ( 170 )
Cody Brill ( 155 ) vs Charles Madrid ( 150 )
Michael Goodman ( 165 ) vs Andres Acuna ( 170 )
Glenn Parker ( 160 ) vs Nick Rhoads ( 165 )
Michael Parker ( 155 ) vs Nate Gelinas ( 145 )
Preston Leftwich ( 145 ) vs Joe Stojak ( 145 )
John Aguilar ( 145 ) vs Scott Shaver ( 135 )
Alternate: Afsheen Hayat ( 165 )
Fight Card subject to change
Upcoming Event:
RITC 129
Saturday June 6, 2009
Venue TBD
Casa Grande, AZ
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!
To stay up to date, use your cell phone and text ‘RITC’ to ‘46786’ and receive text messages for all RAGE IN THE CAGE up to date information!
GRUDGE Fight wear Presents
DESERT QUEST CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, May 30th 2009
BROADWAY REC CENTER
59 E. BROADWAY Rd, Mesa
Weight-Ins start at 9:00am / Tournament starts 12:00pm
Visit Rage in the Cage on the web ! www.rageinthecage.com for Fight Card information, FREE Tickets and to view RAGE IN THE CAGE fights for FREE!
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 the word “Remove” in the subject line and you will be deleted instantly.
Tags: cage fighting > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Rage in the Cage
FIGHT NEWS UNLIMITED COMBAT SPORTS SHOW (5-14-09)
Posted on | May 14, 2009 | No Comments
Tony “The Tornado” Penecale and “Rabble Rousin'” Rich Bergeron shoot the breeze about combat sports and all other sports in season:
Tags: Boxing > combat sports > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Rich Bergeron > Tony Penecale
ABELL – WILLIS LIVE TOMORROW NIGHT ON WWW.GOFIGHTLIVE.TV AT 7:30 PM EASTERN
Posted on | May 14, 2009 | No Comments
PHILADELPHIA (May 14, 2009)—Tomorrow night one of the hardest hitting heavyweights in the world, Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell returns to The Legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia to take on Billy Willis in an eight round slugfest that will highlight a seven bout card that can be seen exclusively on www.gofightlive.tv beginning at 7:30 pm eastern/4:30 pm Pacific.
Abell, one way or another is always in an exciting fight as evidenced by his record that reads 23-4 with twenty-two big knockouts. The native of Coon Rapids, Minnesota has scored three consecutive first round knockouts and looks to get back on the trek that just a year ago made him one of the most feared Heavyweights in America.
That won’t be easy as, despite a record of 12-13-1, the iron chinned Willis has been stopped just one time while facing a solid opposition.
Like Abell, Willis has won three in a row and looks to add the biggest name to his win column and a win over Abell would do just that.
The co-feature is a Jr. Middleweight battle between Gee Cullmer and Clarence “Sonny Bono” Taylor.
The show will also feature the much anticipated pro debut of Achmad Tuba.
Tuba has been the subject of many stories this week as he is a Muslim who is trained and embraced by a team of Jews from Israel.
The cost of this exciting 7 bout card is $5.99 and will begin at 7:30 pm eastern and will be called by Top Ranked Heavyweight contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers, Woman’s sensation Noriko Kariya and Marc Abrams
The card is promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions Inc.
Full card:
Joey Abell (24-3, 223 KO’s) –Billy Willis (12-13-1, 9 KO’s)—8 rounds Heavyweights
Gee Cullmer (15-1, 3 KO’s) – Clarence Taylor (13-21-3, 6 KO’s)-8 rounds Jr. Middleweights
Joselito Collado (7-0, 2 KO’s)-Darrell Martin (4-8. 1 KO)-6 rounds-Jr. Lightweight
Julias Edmonds (5-3)- Jose Tiburcio (3-1, 1 KO) 4 rounds Jr. Welterweights
Achmad Tuba (PD)-Vincent Batteast (0-0-1) 4 Rounds Jr Middleweights
Taneal Goyco (2-0, 1 KO)-Davit Davitshvilli (0-2) 4 rounds cruiserweights
Nakidi Ku-Ntima (PD) – James Pratt (2-4, 2 KO’s) 4 rounds Heavyweights
Tags: Billy Willis > Boxing > Daniel Maldonado > Don Elbaum > Galen Brown > Henderson > Joey Abell > Kentucky > Kevin Carmody > Minneapolis > Minnesota > Philadelphia > The Legendary Blue Horizon > Vernoca L. Michael
TAKEDOWN RADIO REPORT (5-14-09)
Posted on | May 14, 2009 | No Comments
Join the Takedown Wrestling Radio crew Saturday morning from 9-11 AM CST as we come to you live from our Brute Adidas studios in Des Moines, IA. This weeks guests include:
Brian Cimmins from Grapplers Quest will talk about the 2009 U.S. Nationals and All Star Pro Challenge in Morristown Pennsylvania.
Mark Cody, Head Coach of American University, will describe his incoming class of freshmen and his current squad.
Shane Jensen of TheWrestlingTalk.com, will join us to discuss all of the coaching changes that have happened and those yet to be completed.
Rich Bender, Executive Director of USA Wrestling will join us to discuss the upcoming World Team Trials sponsored by the United States Marines, to be held in Council Bluffs Iowa, May 30th and 31st.
“Big” John McCarthy will join us to talk about his Ultimate Training Academy in Valencia California. Find out how you can train with the stars of MMA.
We’ll also have some live updates from the Great Plains Regional in Waterloo and Randy Lewis’ improbable journey.
Join us Saturday Live for America’s Wrestling Radio program Takedown Wrestling Radio. 9 AM to 11 AM CST also at Takedownradio.com
Tags: Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > sports radio > Takedown Radio > wrestling
FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ KICK-OFF INTERNATIONAL MEDIA TOUR
Posted on | May 14, 2009 | No Comments
SUNDAY IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles, CA (May 14, 2009) – The “press tour” to official announce the mega-fight between Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez which will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and live on HBO Pay-Per-View, kicks off this Sunday, May 17 and will span two continents in six days with stops in Los Angeles, New York and London.
“Now that Floyd is back, we need to let the world know it,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “The fight against Marquez will be one to remember and I am looking forward to getting on the road so the media and the fans can really get a sense of how great July 18th will be for the sport of boxing.”
“Mayweather and Marquez are two of the best, therefore it is fitting that they will be making appearances in three of the best cities in the world,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “This fight has universal appeal with Mayweather stepping back into the ring and accepting the challenge of the great Juan Manuel Marquez. I know fans around the country and around the world will want to be a part of this unprecedented night of boxing.”
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 press tour will begin in downtown Los Angeles with a rousing fan rally for Marquez at “Placita Olvera” (Olvera Street), which is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument and known as the “birthplace” of the city of Los Angeles. Highly touted prospect Victor Ortiz and other Mexican-American fighters will be there to support Marquez and fans are encouraged to attend and show their support for Marquez as he prepares to face Mayweather, who recently came out of retirement after 16 months away from the ring.
The Los Angeles leg of the tour will continue on Monday, May 18 with a bevy of interviews for the fighters and an outdoor, open to the public, press conference in front of the Los Angeles Public Library Central Library downtown before the tour caravan jets across the country to New York for the tour’s next stop.
Immediately following the two days of media activities in Los Angeles, another two days worth of appearances in the Big Apple will be on tap, including a press conference at a site fit for a fight of this huge magnitude – the tallest building in New York – The Empire State Building. Mayweather, who is the King Kong of boxing, will stand with Marquez on the 80th floor of the world’s most renowned skyscraper to discuss their mega-fight which can only be described as a challenge of the tallest order in their respective careers. Following the press conference, a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity will be staged on the 86th Floor Observatory, which is host to over 3.5 million visitors per year.
Following New York, the fighters will fly across the Atlantic to Londonfor a whirlwind tour of the capital of the United Kingdom. With a press conference on Thursday, a Mayweather open workout on Friday and media appearances throughout, Mayweather and Marquez will spend two full days promoting this mega-event which will also be shown in the UK.
TOUR STOPS:
LOS ANGELES-SUNDAY, MAY 17 @ NOON PT
FAN RALLY
*OPEN TO THE PUBLIC*
PLACITA OLVERA (OLVERA STREET)
125 Paseo De La Plaza
Los Angeles, CA
LOS ANGELES-MONDAY, MAY 18 @ 2:00PM PT
LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE
*OPEN TO THE PUBLIC*
LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY CENTRAL LIBRARY
400 S. Hope Street (corner of Hope and Flower)
Los Angeles, CA
NEW YORK-TUESDAY, MAY 19 @ 11:30AM ET
NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE
*ACCREDITED MEDIA ONLY
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
350 5th Ave, 80th Floor
New York, NY
LONDON-THURSDAY, MAY 21 @ 2:00PM GMT
LONDON PRESS CONFERENCE
*ACCREDITED MEDIA ONLY
LANDMARK HOTEL, DRAWING ROOM
222 Marylebone Road, London
FRIDAY, MAY 22 @ TBD
MAYWEATHER AFTERNOON PUBLIC WORKOUT
*OPEN TO THE PUBLIC*
EAST LONDON BOXING GYM TBD
*DETAILS TO FOLLOW*
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.
Tags: Boxing > comeback > Floyd Mayweather > Golden Boy Promotions > Jr. > Juan Manuel Marquez > Oscar De La Hoya
Lashley bringing out “The Beast” in Sapp
Posted on | May 14, 2009 | 1 Comment
MMA PPV June 27in Biloxi, MS
BILOXI, Miss. (May 14, 2009) – Styles make fights and the June 27th main event match-up between contrasting MMA fighters, kick-boxer Bob “The Beast” Sapp and wrestler Bobby Lashley, features a potential instant classic of pure entertainment on the “Ultimate Chaos” pay-per-view event live from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi.
The 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, wants to brawl on his feet while the chiseled 6-3, 265-pound former WWE star Lashley (2-0), 3-time NCAA champion (1996-98) and 4-time All-America wrestler at Missouri Valley College, prefers to ground and pound.
“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 on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN and DirecTV for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
Sapp starred as an offensive lineman on the University of Washington’s football team, winning the prestigious Morris Award, and he was selected in the third round of the NFL draft in 1997 by the Chicago Bears. Bob turned to pro wrestling after football and was later recruited by PRIDE in Japan, where his incredible size, strength and bull-rush style made him an instant fan favorite. He went on to star in K-1 as well as become an actor, playing roles in movies like The Longest Yard and Elektra.
“This fight is what fight fans want to see,” Sapp said. “It’s intriguing and will be very entertaining. Bobby is bringing ‘The Beast’ out in me- I want to brawl. I’m the last person to say I’m a submission artist. I want to box. I’m a brawler. I’m going to come at him with my long arms and legs, punching and kicking. He’s going to come strong at me, trying to take me off balance, but I’ll come back with a straight right knee to his jaw and follow with a left hook. He’s never been hit by anybody like me. He’s new on the MMA scene. Bobby’s more or less a grounder and pounder who wants to slam me and hold me down. He’ll throw in some elbows and maybe some new, slick MMA moves. What’s left?
“I’m a huge test for him, which says a lot about Bobby. He has no fear of getting cracked real hard. It could be a flash knockdown or an accumulation of punches, which does worse damage and is tougher to get over. Bobby’s powerful, his slams are strong and he does have some pro wrestling moves. But I’ll be faster than he imagines. If he wants to be a star in MMA, he needs a more entertaining style of fighting, one that I’ve built by career on. I’m more of an entertaining fighter than typical MMA guy.”
After graduating from Missouri Valley College, Lashley joined the U.S. Army and was a 2-time Armed Forces Champion and 2002 Military Games Championship silver medalist. Two years ago, 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 made his MMA debut last December 13, stopping Joshua Franklin only 0.41 into the opening round, and March 21 he won a 3-round decision versus 37-fight veteran Jason Guida in Pensacola (FL).
“This fight is going to let fans in the U.S. know that Bob’s still around,” Sapp added. “I’ve been fighting for organizations all over the world, in a ring, not a cage. I want to go at it and make all my fights exciting. I’ll be training 20 days in a Judo center in Japan (for a DREAM show there in late May) and it’ll be the first time that I’m only training for an MMA fight – no movies, no television, just training everyday. It’s a great opportunity for me and American fans are going to see the real Beast.”
In a co-feature that could be the main event on most cards, former UFC title challenger and feared Brazilian striker, Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo (16-8-0), takes on controversial Dutch heavyweight Gilbert “The Hurricane” Yvel (35-13-3).
Dangerous lightweight Din “Dinyero” Thomas (24-8-0), star of The Ultimate Fighter 4, faces former KOTC and Gladiator Challenge champion Javier “Showtime” Vasquez; Canadian lightweight sensation Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (12-1-0) meets dangerous 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. lightweight Randy Hedderick, middleweight James Orso (3-2-0) vs. Colby McMahan (1-0-0), middleweight Danny Abbadi (3-4-0) vs. Lance Thomson (1-0-0), and welterweight Eric Bradley (2-1-0) vs. 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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Tags: Biloxi > Bob Sapp > Bobby Lashley > Mixed Martial Arts > MME > MS > Ultimate Chaos > WWE
Earthquake Predicted for May 19th – Bruce “Lionheart” Scott To Face “Buster” Keeton At Prizefighter 7
Posted on | May 14, 2009 | 1 Comment
For Immediate Release
London, UK – 14th May 2009
Scott, who is returning to the ring after a three year sabbatical from the sport, has been taking his preparations for the tournament very seriously. In addition to securing the services of one of London’s top boxing coaches, John Rooney, Jr. of the famed Gleason’s Gym London, near Tower Bridge, “Lionheart” has also been sparring with some of the UK’s top fighters including current British Heavyweight Champion, Danny “The Brixton Bomber” Williams, best known as the man that knocked out “Iron” Mike Tyson, to ensure he is fighting fit for the event.
When recently asked if he thought that being three years out of the ring may put him at a disadvantage Jamaica’s favourite son answered, “First of all, I think the lay off has been good for me as I’ve had a good rest, no stress, nobody around me stressing me going boxing, boxing, boxing. I just kick around and spend time with my kids and family. I’ve boxed for the World championship 3 times, I think that was good for me. If I win this (Prizefighter 7 tournament) I’ll get a shot at the British title again. I’ll get to fight Rob Martin and knock him out and then get to fight for a World championship again. It’ll be great if I win that. It’ll be magic.”
Like “Lionheart”, Keeton is a former multi title holder. During his near sixteen year professional career “Buster” has held both the World Boxing Foundation and World Boxing Federation Cruiserweight World titles as well as WBO Inter-Continental and BBBofC British titles.
This will be the third time that “Lionheart” and “Buster” have locked horns in battle. In their first meeting, at the York Hall in Bethnal Green in December ‘94, Scott knocked Keeton out in the second round. Almost six years to the day later they were to face each other again, this time in Keeton’s own back yard at the Sheffield Arena on the 16th December 2000, in a BBBofC British Cruiserweight title fight. After six rounds of brutal toe to toe combat “Lionheart” again finished off “Buster” with a devastating knockout punch.
On being drawn to face his old foe Scott said, “Ah, Buster, bless him. I knocked him out cold already, twice. Then again maybe third time lucky. Na, It will be third time lucky for me. I’m in good shape and intend to knockout old Buster again.
I want to knock them all out. Anybody come in the ring with me I’m gonna knock them out. I’m gonna let them know Bruce Scott is back. Then I’m going for the British Championship and knock Rob Martin out as well.”
Should “Lionheart” make this a a hat trick win over “Buster” Keeton he will then progress to the semifinal, later that evening, to face one of the other successful quarterfinalists.
The Prizefighter series is a knockout boxing tournament created by boxing promoter Barry Hearn and aired on Sky Sports. The format has an initial eight fighters compete in four quarterfinals with the chance of fighting their way into a final fight for a chance to win a main prize of ú25000. All contests take place on the same evening and consist of 3 x 3 minute rounds.
Take note now so you don’t kick yourself afterwards. Prizefighter 7 – The Cruiserweights is a don’t miss event and will be held at Earl’s Court Arena in West London on Tuesday 19th May 2009
Tickets cost ú25 (unreserved) and ú50 (reserved, ringside) and are available by calling 0870 264 3333 or 01277 359900.
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Tags: Boxing > British Cruiserweight Champion > Bruce Scott > cruiserweight > Danny Williams > Earl's Court Arena > Jamaica > John Keaton > John Rooney > Jr. > London > Mike Tyson > Prizefighter > Prizefighter 7 > Sheffield > WBU
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