Brendan Ard (TDR) High School Wrestler of the Month April 2009
Posted on | May 5, 2009 | 1 Comment
Des Moines, IA- April 23, 2009- Brendan Ard of Watchung Hills High School in Warren, NJ has captured the TakeDown Radio (TDR) High School Wrestler of the Month Award for April 2009. The high school senior is the first two time State Champion in New Jersey, and becomes the eighth recipient of the national TDR award. Brendan is the first award winner from New Jersey.
Brendan won the 171 pound State Title in Atlantic City March 7-8, completing the season with a 37-0 record, while amassing a 139-11 career record. During the entire season, only one opponent scored a single takedown against him.
He began wrestling as a Freshman, where he competed at 171 pounds, despite weighing 155 pounds. Exemplifying undeniable teamwork and exhibiting amazing strength, he accepted the weigh class as both the 152 pound and 160 pound classes were occupied by top performing team mates, including a State Champion. He wrestled mostly heavier and older opponents, winning the District 12 title in 2006. “Brendan’s deep love for wrestling really kicked in during his Sophomore year, pushing other athletic pursuits like football and lacrosse aside”, described Watchung Hills High School Wrestling Coach Danny Smith. Brendan finished third in the state at 160 pounds his Sophomore year.
Throughout his life Brendan has been surrounded by athletic greatness. His father is NFL football legend Billy Ard, an All Century Team Member of the New York Giants, and a Super Bowl XXI starter in the game where the Giants won their first Super Bowl title. His fathers legacy and relationships in football allowed Brendan to work on conditioning with collegiate football standouts and certain NFL draft picks Lydon Murtha (Nebraska) and Joel Bell (Furman). “Brendan’s strength is amazing. He’s in the weight room at least three times a week, and does some very heavy lifting”, offered his father. Billy Ard is alumni of Watchung Hills High School himself, and father and son attended the same same elementary school as well.
The road to Brendan’s victorious record is paved with training at two particular elite institutions. He trained for years with Ernie Monaco at the Edge Wrestling School. He’s also logged unimaginable hours at Test Sports Performance, where his father helps college football players as they prepare for their migration toward the NFL drafts. Both schools are located in Martinsville, NJ.
Solid and dedicated academic preparation secured Brendan a wrestling scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, where he starts next Fall. He finishes high school with a graduating class of over 500 students, where his humility regarding both athletics and academics is symbolic of many successful wrestlers. He will most likely start at the 174 pound weight class at Wisconsin.
Since finishing the season as State Champ, he competed in the National High School Coaches Senior Tournament in Virginia Beach, VA., regularly hits the gym with diverse training regimens, and is learning Brazilian Jujitsu. He also won the New Jersey Courier News Wrestler of the Year Award.
TakeDown Radio, and all of the award sponsors, are very proud to select Brendan as April’s recipient. We know our award is an honor among many for this remarkable young man.
TakeDown Radio would like to thank the sponsors of the High School Wrestler of the Month Award. Without Resilite, W.I.N. Magazine, Brute adidas, Intermat, and Sunflower Wrestling Supply, the award would not be possible. We are all very pleased to place our support in some of the nation’s most promising youth.
Tags: Brendan Ard > High School Wrestler of the Month > New Jersey > Takedown Radio > Takedown Wrestling radio > TDR > Warren > Watchung Hills High School
ACHMAD TUBA, ISRAELI-MUSLIM, TO MAKE HIS PRO DEBUT AT THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON ON FRIDAY NIGHT, MAY 15TH
Posted on | May 5, 2009 | No Comments
PHILADELPHIA (MAY 4TH, 2009)—In the forty-plus years that boxing has taken place at The Legendary Blue Horizon, there have been many combatants that have fought in the ring that have interesting stories.
On Friday night May 15th, Achmad Tuba, who will be will be making his pro debut in a four round Jr. Middleweight bout , has an incredible story with beliefs that can give everyone hope for world peace.
Tuba, 21 years-old from the religious part of the world in Nazareth has persevered and has fought through more then most.
Tuba comes from an upbringing of poverty where he would sleep on dirt floors who found work in construction in the Holy Land.
Three times a week, Tuba makes a two and one-half hour trek to Tel Aviv, Israel to hone his boxing skills. He would spend multiple days at the gym as he would sleep in the ring until the next day’s training would begin.
Those aspects show what kind of dedication that Tuba has to become a professional boxer but the fact in a part of the world where Muslims and Jews do not get along to say the least, Tuba shows that there is a chance for world peace as Tuba, who is Muslim is embraced and is trained by a team of Jewish fighters in Tel Aviv.
Tuba has gone so far to say that he considers that team made up of promoter Ran Taal and undefeated cruiserweight Ran Nakash as his family. In fact it will be Nakash, who is a commander in the Israeli Army and also Tuba’s best friend, who will work his corner as he makes that pro debut on May 15th.
The card is promoted by Vernoca L. Michael and Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions Inc.
In the Main event, Knockout sensation, Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell (23-4, 22 KO’s) makes his return to The Legendary Blue Horizon when he takes on Billy Willis (12-13-1, 9 KO’s) of Houston in a eight round Heavyweight bout.
The undercard has been stacked with crowd pleasing bouts that will feature some emerging stars.
In an eight round Lightweight bout, Kevin Carmody (10-11-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on opponent to be named
In a eight round Middleweight bout of immense local interest, Gee Cullmer (15-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Clarence “Sonny Bono” Taylor (13-21-3, 6 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE
Fresh off his thrilling victory over Tyric Robinson, Julias Edmonds (5-3) of Philadelphia tussles with Jose Tiburcio (3-1, 1 KO) of Southbridge, MA
In a six round Super Middleweight bout, Ben Foust (12-0, 11 KO’s) of Jacksboro, TN will risk his gaudy undefeated record when he takes on battle tested Marcus Brooks (6-6, 3 KO’s) of Atlanta.
Ronald Cruz (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Bethlehem, PA battles Jesse Gomez (1-4) of New York in a four round Welterweight bout
Joselito Collado (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Queens, New York comes back to make his third Blue Horizon appearance as he takes on an opponent to be announced in a sis round Jr. Lightweight bout.
In a rematch of an April 3rd bloodbath, Taneal Goyco (2-0, 1 KO) and Davit Davitshvili (0-2) look to thrill the crowd once more in a cruiserweight bout scheduled for four rounds.
Russian Jr. Middleweight, Ruslan Khayrtdinov (2-0, 1 KO) takes on an opponent to be announced.
Rounding out the card will be a four round Heavyweight bout between Nakidi Ku-Ntima of Philadelphia making his pro debut when he takes on Kareem Wilson (0-3) of Washington, D.C.
These fights will be streamed live all over the world on www.gofightlive.tv
Ticket prices for this great night of boxing are $200 for Queen Seating, $125 for Presidential seats, $65 for VIP, $55 for Ringside, and $45 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling The Legendary Blue Horizon at 1-215-763-0500. Doors open at 6:30 PM / 1st bout begins at 7:30 PM
the Legendary Blue Horizon is located at 1314 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA
For more information, log on to www.legendarybluehorizon.com
Tags: Achmad Tuba > Atlanta > Ben Foust > Bethlehem > Billy Willis > Boxing > cruiserweight > Davit Davitshvili > Gee Culmer > heavyweight > Jesse Gomez > Joey Abell > Jose Tiburco > Joselito Collado > Julius Edmonds > junior middleweight > Kevin Carmody > Legendary Blue Horizon > Muslim > Nakidi Ku-Ntima > New York > PA > Queens > Ran Nakash > Ran Taal > Ronald Cruz > Ruslan Khayrtdinov > Russian > Sonny Taylor > Tanael Goyco > Tel Aviv > Tyric Robinson
Philadelphia Boxing Results – Blue Horizon – 5/1/09
Posted on | May 4, 2009 | No Comments
Mtagwa Beats Medina in a Slugfest
By Tony Penecale (Ringside)
This past weekend, the eyes of the boxing world were fixated on Las Vegas to see Philipino sensation Manny Pacquiao solidify his status as the best boxer in the world by beating Ricky Hatton. The main event between Rogers Mtagwa and Ricardo Medina at Philadelphia’s Blue Horizon had a similar quality to the most famous fight in Pacquiao’s native Philippines. In 1975, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier engaged in an epic slugfest known as “The Thrilla in Manilla”. Nearly 24 years later, Mtagwa and Medina tore into each other in such a ferocious manner that their fight could have been called “The Thrilla in North Phila”, capping off an excellent eight-bout Peltz-Promotions card at the legendary boxing venue.
Mtagwa Outslugs Medina
Coming off a “Fight of the Year” candidate against Thomas Villa in November, Rogers Mtagwa, 127, Philadelphia, took part in another thrilling slugfest, scoring a hard-fought unanimous decision over Ricardo Medina, 129, Mazatian Mexico.
Mtagwa started aggressively, pressuring Medina and firing an assortment of hooks to the body, which Medina was happy to oblige with hooks of his own. Mtagwa started to find his rhythm in the 2nd round and was landing the crisper punches throughout the round with Medina responding with a hard right to Mtagwa’s jaw to end the round.
The face-first action produced a head clash early in the 3rd round, with Medina sporting a cut over his left eye. Undeterred, Medina found success backing Mtagwa to the ropes and landing right hands. The action continued in the 4th with Mtagwa targeting Medina’s cut with right hands and both fighters exchanging punches after the bell.
Medina kept smothering Mtagwa throughout the middle rounds and each fighter had moments of success with Mtagwa regularly becoming aggressive in the last 30 seconds of each round. Suffering with another headbutt-induced cut, Medina landed a vicious right hand in the 7th round, briefly stunning Mtagwa who responded with a pair of right hands.
By the 9th round, Mtagwa’s left eye was nearly swollen shut, while Medina was bleeding freely from cuts over both eyes and a nasty gash under his left eye. Another furious exchange late in the round saw Mtagwa taking control and stunning Medina. Mtagwa nearly floored his iron-chinned opponent in the 10th and final round, landing a series of punches that sent Medina staggering across the ring. Mtagwa kept punching but Medina was able to hold on till the final bell.
Judges Benard Bruni and Alan Rubenstein scored the bout 98-92 with Pierre Benoist scoring 97-93, all for Mtagwa. With the win Mtagwa improves to 26-12-2 (18) while Medina falls to a deceiving 31-34-5 (17).
Wilson Blasts Leija
Kaseem Wilson is not universally regarded as much of a puncher, only scoring three knockouts in his previous eleven wins. But don’t tell that to Louie Leija. In a blink-and-you-will-miss-it performance, Wilson, 146, Philadelphia, blasted Leija, 147, San Antonio TX, in just over a minute.
Wilson opened by using his height and reach advantage to keep Leija at bay. Leija made a mistake of lunging in with a right and leaving his hands down, leaving himself open to a counter left from the southpaw, Wilson. Wilson’s left landed flush and after another punch, Leija found himself on the canvas. Upon rising, Leija found himself in a corner with Wilson reigning blows upon him; prompting referee Eddie Claudio to halt the contest in what many feel was a premature stoppage.
Wilson raises his record to 12-1-1 (4), while Leija dips to 21-11-1 (15)
Ellis Gets Split Nod Over Davis
In an interesting bout with some very curious scoring, Jerome Ellis won an 8-round split decision over Jamaal Davis.
After an intense staredown, Davis, 153, Philadelphia opened the bout boxing and using his quickness to offset the physically-stronger Ellis, 152, Irvington NJ. Ellis started imposing his strength in the 2nd through 4th rounds, using his power to win the exchanges and carry the rounds, while Davis was just not busy enough.
Davis finally found success in the 5th round as Ellis appeared to start tiring. “Tyson” Davis began boxing on the outside and leaping in with short hooks, similar in style, if not power, to the man whose namesake he uses. Those hooks finally took their toll in the 6th round, with Ellis stunned and looking on the verge of collapse, saved only by the tape coming loose on his glove on three occasions.
Davis stayed more consistent through the 7th round, like a baseball player hitting singles, while Ellis continually swung for the homerun but continually missed his target. Ellis was able to rebound in the 8th and final round, first by doing a fancy nip up after he slipped on the canvas and then pressing Davis throughout the final minute and landing the harder shots.
In what appeared to be a close fight, two of the judges had very one-sided scores. George Hill scored 79-73 for Davis. Benoist scored 80-72 for Ellis while Benard Bruni was more realistic with a 77-75 score for Ellis, awarding him the decision. Fight News Unlimited scored the fight even 76-76.
Ellis ups his record to 12-9-2 (10) with Davis falling to 9-5 (6)
Ferrante “Boom Booms” Pietrantonio
At first alert, you might have thought it was 1982 with a pair of Italian fighters, the hometown of Youngstown, OH, and the nickname “Boom Boom” all in one fight. But it is 2009, and the “Boom Boom” belonged to Tony Ferrante, not Ray Mancini, as he scored an exciting 5th round stoppage over Anthony Pietrantonio.
Ferrante, 174, Philadelphia, was quicker and crisper early, using his speed to outmaneuver the slower Pietrantonio, 172, Youngstown. After a slow opening round, Pietrantonio began to apply steady pressure in the 2nd round, and although Ferrante was landing the better punches, he was breathing hard.
Pietrantonio had a successful 3rd round landing a number of left hooks, causing a nasty welt under Ferrante’s right eye. Ferrante regained control in the 4th round, landing right hands and uppercuts, hurting Pietrantonio late in the round and sending him back to his corner on shaky legs.
Stunned and tiring, Pietrantonio landed a punch on the break early in the 5th round, drawing a warning from referee Shawn Clark. A fired-up Ferrante offered more than a warning, blasting Pietrantonio with several right hands, leaving him helpless on the ropes, where Clark stopped the bout 45 seconds into the round.
Ferrante remains undefeated at 7-0 (4) while Pietrantonio suffers his second defeat and is now 6-2-1 (5).
Vasquez Rocks Hurd
Victor Vasquez had a tougher-than-expected time against Linwood Hurd, surviving some rough moments and winning a hard-fought unanimous decision.
Vasquez started fast, stunning Hurd in the 1st round with a left hook and unloading punches with both hands. Vasquez continued the onslaught in the 2nd round and Hurd was faced with the decision of succumbing or firing back, choosing the latter and landing several hard punches against the defensively-challenged Vasquez.
The 3rd round was an offensive trade off with both fighters punching until and after the bell. The momentum seemed to be shifting in Hurd’s favor as he controlled the 4th round, with Vasquez tiring and showing severe swelling over his right eye.
Hurd continued to pressure Vasquez in the 5th round and the fighters freely exchanged power punches with Vasquez showing damage over his left eye. With the momentum seemingly in Hurd’s favor going into the final round, Vasquez found the strength to land a monster left hook and floor Hurd in a neutral corner. Hurd rose on unsteady legs and went into pure survival mode, even tackling Vasquez to the canvas, and was able to survive the round.
All three judges scored 59-54 in favor of Vasquez who improves to 9-3 (5), while Hurd falls to 2-2-3.
Flores Destroys Diaz
Anthony Flores came, saw and conquered in a short night against Carlos Diaz, scoring a knockout in 2:54 of the opening round and leaving Diaz on the canvas longer than the fight’s duration.
Flores, 128, Philadelphia, fought extremely aggressive, coming forward despite his five-inch height advantage, backing Diaz, 128, Tampa, with jabs and right hands. Diaz was able to throw only one meaningful punch, a left hook, before a steady diet of punching backed him into a neutral corner. Shortly after that, a right hand to the body and uppercut, left Diaz face-first on the canvas, where he was counted out.
Flores stays unbeaten at 8-0 (5) while Diaz falls to 10-19-4 (7).
Trader Workmanlike Over Esquilin
Frankie Trader kept his undefeated record intact with a comprehensive majority decision win over Luis Esquilin.
Trader, 130, Philadelphia, was tentative early, trying to figure out Esquilin’s southpaw style. Trader was able to win the first two rounds using lead rights, but was unable to get his punches off in combination, while Esquilin, 128, Philadelphia, threw only clubbing blows on the inside, but was otherwise inactive.
Trader had his best round in the 3rd round, briefly causing Esquilin’s knees to buckle with a right hand. After being relatively passive and giving up the first three rounds, Esquilin became very aggressive in the 4th, irking Trader with a punch on the break, and initiating the bout’s best two-way action.
George Hill scored the bout even 38-38 but was outvoted by Pierre Benoist and Alan Rubenstein, who both scored 39-37 in favor of Trader. Trader is still undefeated at 4-0 (1) while Esquilin falls below .500 at 1-2-1.
Butler Defeats King
In the evening’s final bout, Adrick Butler won a four-round majority decision over Dontre King.
Butler, 148, Philadelphia used his height early, keeping King, 147, Cambridge MD at the end of his jab and not allowing him to land counter punches. King was showing frustration as early as the 2nd round as he rushed in but was able to land no serious punches.
Butler landed his best punches in the 3 rd round with a solid left hook and body shots that put King on the defensive and forced him into retreat mode. King spent the entire 4th round moving in circles while Butler followed him around but failed to cut him off and land any significant punches.
George Hill curiously scored a draw at 38-38 but was vetoed by Bernard Bruni and Alan Rubenstein who scored 40-36 and 40-37 respectively for Butler.
Butler now resides at 2-1 while King falls to 1-4-1.
Tags: Anthony Flores > ANthony Pietrantonio > Boxing > Carlos Diaz > Dontre King > Frankie Trader > Jamaal Davis > Jerome Ellis > Kaseem Wilson > Linwood Hurd > Louie Leija > Luis Esquilin. Adrick Butler > Philadelphia > Ricardo Medina > Rogers Mtagwa > Tony Ferrante > Tony Penecale > Victor Vasquez
HELP KALIESHA “WILD WILD” WEST RAISE MONEY FOR KIDS IN NEED!!
Posted on | May 2, 2009 | No Comments
I hope you’ll help me help the families!
On Sunday, May 17th I’m going to be participating in the 14th Annual Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House RELAY FOR KIDS! It’s a Run/Walk through Sylvan Park open to kids, families and anyone who wants to come out and support the House! The money I raise will go to benefit the children and families of the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House. Please take a minute to visit my web page and make a donation to help me reach my fund raising goal!
Thanks for your support!
Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House
K”Wild Wild”West
www.myspace.com/prokaywest
www.kaystar.net
Tags: Baja California > Ceniz Meraz > Cota Boxing Promotions > Elie Duenas > Ensenada > Gabriel Martinez > Gymnasio Tigre Garcia > John Bray > Kay West > Manuel Leyva > Miguel Espino > Rodolfo Armenta > Rodrigo Juarez
MANNY PACQUIAO DEMOLISHES RICKY HATTON: Shows Floyd Mayweather Senior How To Achieve Success in Under Six Minutes
Posted on | May 2, 2009 | 2 Comments
By: Rich Bergeron
Somewhere in the boxing world Floyd Mayweather, Sr. is sitting down to a nice fat meal of roast crow. All the verbal jabs in the world couldn’t stop Freddie “The Joke Coach” Roach’s most promising protege Manny Pacquiao from treating Floyd Sr.’s best prospect Ricky Hatton like a punching dummy Saturday night in Las Vegas.
It took just one second under six minutes for Pacquiao to completely pick apart his enemy with picture perfect and potent jabs and hooks. He landed over 70 punches to Hatton’s 18 over the two rounds.
Hatton looked OK early in the first, landing some great hooks to Pac-man’s ribs in close. Pac Man was sloppy at first, but as soon as he found his target range, he took advantage of his superior speed, power, and accuracy. A right hook first dropped Hatton for a few seconds, but he appeared to be OK, but Pacquiao wanted a quick night and let Hatton know over the closing seconds, knocking him down again before the break with a series of lefts and rights as Hatton was backing into a corner.
Other than a few short inside hooks and a ringing straight right or left here and there, Hatton really didn’t look good at all. He came out strong again in the second only to completely wilt again. Pacquiao’s defensive shell could not be penetrated, and he walked through every punch that did land. There may be no other fighter in the history of the sport who has ever been as strong and as fast as Manny Pacquiao is right now. HBO Announcer Jim Lampley appropriately pointed out that the final knockout blow, coming just a split second after the 10 second mark of the second round, was probably the best ever in Pac-Man’s career. As far as sheer power goes. the punch might have knocked out any fighter. Pacquiao, probably with a lot of help from Roach, has absolutely mastered the left and right hook and knew those punches would be key to demolishing Hatton.
Ricky Hatton has never before been so incredibly ruined in a fight from start to finish, and over the course of two rounds his face was battered, beaten, and bruised with punches that were so fast you could barely see or count them. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for the CompuBox folks. Pacquiao strung combos together beautifully and targeted every punch to land with a purpose.
The question most people were probably asking after this fight, especially the boxing fans who wished it was more competitive:
“Who the Hell thought this would be a good idea?”
On our weekly radio show Tony “The Tornado” Penecale (congrats for getting on the winning prediction track again, Tony) and I discussed a half dozen more intriguing opponents for Manny. Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. now are all viable future prospects for Pac-Man. Whoever stands in front of Manny is going to have a very tough time, no matter what. I think he could even take Valuev on a good day. Floyd Mayweather may be back, but it might not be for long enough to put Pacquiao to the ultimate pound for pound test. If Pacquiao keeps busting big heads like he’s been doing, Floyd may never sign the deal, ala Antonio Margarito in Floyd’s earlier days.
One thing is certain in the wake of this fight, though: it is going to take an incredible effort to dethrone the Pac-Man from the pound for pound throne. There may not be another man alive today who can pull it off.
Tags: Bob Arum > Boxing > Las Vegas > Manny Pacquiao > MGM Grand > Richard Schaefer > Ricky Hatton > Top Rank > World Junior Welterweight Championship
MAYWEATHER VS. MARQUEZ PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES (FLOYD MAYWEATHER RETURNS TO THE SWEET SCIENCE)
Posted on | May 2, 2009 | 2 Comments
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
On his comeback:
“Credentials don’t lie and my record speaks for itself. I was in the sport 11 years and I was a champion for 10 years. I left on top, and I am coming back on top. I am ready to reclaim what’s mine.
“I am the king and no one has taken my crown.
“I am back because the sport of boxing needs me and the fans want me to. Everywhere I go, they go crazy.
“Some day someone might shut my mouth, but right now I am going to talk. I am the top dog and I am back in the spotlight.
“I am Pay-Per-View king. Oscar has some great numbers. But since I won that fight, so I get to count those.
“People keep asking me, who do you think is going to win tonight? Pacquiao or Hatton? Tonight any man can win. It’s a gamble. If you want some ‘for sure money,’ just put it under your mattress until July 18th and bet on Money Mayweather.
“When I go to the gym and lace my gloves, I think about both of my sons, both of my daughters and my mother and I try to be the best that I can be. I go out there and focus on what I’ve got to do. I am in tremendous shape. I have been running seven to eight miles a day. I am ready physically and mentally.
“If you lost before you can lose again. If you have never lost, than fighters don’t have the anecdote to beat you.
“I have to adjust. If you are a real fighter you will adjust and adapt. I am going to be smart. I have dominated every fighter they have put in front of me from 130 pounds on up. There have been fighters who are bigger than me, but I have made smart moves. My body has good chemistry and I am able to equal every fighter I fight.
“I don’t change for fighters, fighters change for me.”
On Marquez:
“He is a good small man but I am a great big man.
“I have never seen another fighter get knocked out three times and come back for a draw and honestly, in my opinion, Juan Manuel Marquez beat Manny Pacquiao twice.
“You know he is going to bring his A game and I am going to bring my A game.
“You can’t claim you are one of the best without fighting Mexican fighters.
“We want to show the world what you can do in a recession. De la Hoya- Pacquiao showed you what they could do in a recession.”
On Boxing:
“To everyone who is coming out and supporting boxing…we really appreciate it. Boxing is number one and the sport is here to stay.
“The main thing in boxing is that it takes skills. We have other sports that think they are bigger and better than us, but we make the most money. In other sports, you can come off of the street and be the best. In boxing you must dedicate yourself.”
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
“I am very excited for this fight. I want to thank Floyd Mayweather for giving me the opportunity to fight against him.
“Right now I want to be the best fighter and to be the best you have to fight the best.
“Pacquiao keeps running from me. And he doesn’t want to face me a third time he just keeps running away. So, I decided to fight the very very best and that is Floyd Mayweather.
“Mayweather has been out for almost two years and obviously I feel that I have an advantage. That is a long layoff.
“In those two years, I have had three very important wins against three very important fighters. That gives me the ultimate advantage.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“The king is back. This is truly one of the most anticipated returns in boxing for quite some time.
“Floyd is the face of boxing, the best fighter in the world. He left the best, and he is returning as the best.
“Floyd has been recognized as a global champion for a number of years. No matter where he goes, people always say the same thing, ‘Champ, when are you coming back?’
“With all of the achievements Floyd had achieved over the years, he is the only fighter who has truly transcended the sport. Starting out with Dancing with the Stars, the WWE (WrestleMania) and now we have the number one commercial out in the country. He has done so many things as a boxer, and now he is a true entertainer.
“Floyd has always had a tremendous amount of respect for all of the fighters out there. I know he has a lot of respect for Mr. Marquez.
(To Marquez) “You have to be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions
“I am getting used to being a promoter. It is fun and it doesn’t hurt.
“Let me tell you one thing when I fought Pacquiaio, the media kept saying ‘The bigger man is going to win.’ Can we believe now that the bigger man is always going to win?
“When I fought Floyd it was a competitve fight. When I fought Pacquiao he stopped me. When Pacquiao fought Marquez, Marquez beat him. I don’t care what people say. Don’t believe that the bigger man is always going to win.
“Juan Manuel Marquez can never ever be counted out…even if he is facing the number one pound-for-pound fighter.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
“Floyd Mayweather’s back and he’s back to fight the best. He is coming back not just to fight someone, but to fight the one numero uno…Juan Manuel Marquez.
“Marquez, who beat Manny Pacquiao not once but twice is right there at the top of the pound-for-pound list. Not to mention he owns the title of being called numero uno…simply the best.
“I am going to start calling Mayweather ‘Triple M’ which stands for Mainstream Money Mayweather. He has become not only one of the most recognizable fighters in the sport of boxing, but one of the most recognized athletes in the world.”
# # #
Mayweather vs. Marquez “Number One/Numero Uno” will take place Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT. Information on ticket availability will be made available shortly.
MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ:
“NUMBER ONE/NUMERO UNO”
SET FOR JULY 18 AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS
AND LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW
LAS VEGAS (May 2, 2009) – The boxing world received two gifts this week, not only the announcement that six-time world champion in five weight divisions Floyd “Money” Mayweather has returned to the sport, but also that he was immediately putting his undefeated record on the line when he faces the dangerous and highly touted five-time world champion in three weight divisions Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez in MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ “Number One/Numero Uno” on Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT. Mayweather’s return and the fight were announced today at a press conference at MGM Grand.
“That’s right. I’m back and you can all get ready for another chapter of the Mayweather experience!” said Mayweather. “I told my CEO Leonard Ellerbe from the start that I wanted to come back fighting the best fighters out there and Juan Manuel Marquez is one of the best in boxing today.”
“To be considered the best in the world, you have to fight the best, and I have made it clear even when Mayweather was away from the sport that he was the only man I really wanted to fight,” said Marquez. “I’m happy that he’s come out of retirement and accepted my challenge. Unfortunately for him, he might be sorry he came back at all.”
The summer showdown between Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO’s) and Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KO’s) will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions.
“Mayweather Promotions is proud to announce the return of Floyd Mayweather after a much needed rest,” said Ellerbe. “But he is coming back with a vengeance and clearly Marquez is a significant challenge for his return. It is going to be an extremely competitive and exciting fight.”
“Floyd Mayweather is back and Juan Manuel Marquez is ready to fight,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. “Mayweather is clearly making a statement by accepting this challenge to fight the dangerous Marquez in his first fight back. Having seen Floyd perform live in his two previous fights, I know a big challenge brings out the best him. Boxing is in for a great night on July 18th.”
“Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez has the potential to be one of boxing’s all-time great fights,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Not only are they two boxers destined for the Hall of Fame and two of the greatest technicians of this era, but they also both have a warrior’s spirit that comes out when they get tested. I know that they’ll push each other to the limit when they step into the ring July 18th.”
“MGM Grand is thrilled to host Floyd Mayweather’s return to the ring and welcome back the great Juan Manuel Marquez,” said Richard Sturm, President of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE. “We anticipate this to be one of the hottest fights of the year and look forward to the exciting night of boxing these two champions will deliver to the MGM Grand Garden Arena.”
“Floyd Mayweather is a special athlete and it’s heartening to see him return in such a big fight against an accomplished opponent in Juan Manuel Marquez,” said Ross Greenburg, President of HBO Sports. “Boxing fans will be intrigued by this mid-summer match-up.”
For these two future Hall of Famers, all that really matters is what happens when the bell rings on Saturday, July 18 and with Mayweather’s return to the ring in a quest to reclaim his pound-for-pound title by taking on Marquez, a man looking to add once again to his amazing legacy, this is a true mega-fight which will determine who is the premier boxer of this era.
Information on ticket availability will be made available shortly.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER RETURNS TO THE SWEET SCIENCE
Las Vegas, NV (May 2, 2009) – Sixteen months after one of the greatest fighters ever to grace the sport of boxing had his last fight and subsequently announced his retirement, the former six-time world champion and 2007 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year, Floyd “Money” Mayweather announced his return to the sweet science at a press conference today in Las Vegas.
“When I made my decision to retire last year, I felt like it was time for me to go as I had been boxing my whole life and felt like I had done all that I could do,” said Mayweather, whose success and popularity in and out of the ring made him a household name and one of the sport’s biggest attractions. “But after I had time to rest, enjoy life with my family and friends, I started to miss the competition and my fans. I am ready to return to boxing and give people another dose of the Mayweather experience.”
Much to the surprise of the sports world, Mayweather left the ring at the top of his game, having amassed an undefeated professional record of 39-0, 25 KOs and championships in five weight divisions. The then-recognized best pound-for-pound fighter in the world was coming off of back-to-back 2007 mega-performances with his historic May 5 victory over Oscar de la Hoya – in the highest grossing pay-per-view event in all of sports history – followed by his stellar December 8 tenth round knockout over the previously undefeated Ricky Hatton. These fights catapulted Mayweather near the top of the all-time money-earning list in the sport.
That same year, Mayweather’s star-power and crossover appeal were reaching new heights. His appearances on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars and his main event performance in the WWE’s WrestleMania XXIV helped to elevate his worldwide recognition to even higher levels. Proof of Mayweather’s staying power came with his recent appearance in an AT&T High-Speed Internet commercial that has been showing nationally, including multiple airings during CBS’s coverage of this year’s Masters Golf Tournament, despite him having been a retired athlete.
More importantly, while Mayweather stepped away from the sport, the world’s top fighters continued to ask to fight him and fans everywhere were asking for him to come back to the ring.
“I retired from the sport, but it was as if I had never made an announcement,” said Mayweather. “Fighters were constantly calling me out and fans would stop me all the time and ask me to make a return. It feels good to be back and trust me, I will deliver the same electrifying performances I always have throughout my career.”
Mayweather makes his return against the dangerous and highly-touted five-time world champion in three weight divisions Juan Manuel Marquez, who is rated among the top fighters in the world today and considered to be a very aggressive selection by Mayweather for his first challenge after his long layoff. The bout will take place on Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on HBO pay-per-view
“I am not wasting any time with a tune-up fight,” said Mayweather. “I’m going straight to the top. Marquez called me out immediately after his victory over Juan Diaz in February and now he gets his wish. What he is going to find out is that you should be very careful what you wish for.”
Mayweather continued, “the rest of those fighters who called me out can get in line too because they are going to get their chance…one at a time and slowly but surely. It’s going to be a great return and a wonderful ‘experience.’ Don’t blink – I’M BACK!”
Tags: Boxing > comeback > Floyd Mayweather > Golden Boy Promotions > Jr. > Oscar De La Hoya
Quick Hit Results From Blue Horizon Friday Night Fights
Posted on | May 2, 2009 | No Comments
Recap:
Rogers Mtagwa 10 Round Unanimous Decision over Ricardo Medina
Kaseem Wilson 1st Round TKO over Louie Leija
Jerome Ellis 8 Round Split Decision over Jamaal Davis
Tony Ferrante 5th Round TKO over Anthony Pietrantonio
Victor Vasquez 6 Round Unanimous Decision over Linwood Hurd
Anthony Flores 1st Round KO over Carlos Diaz
Frankie Trader 4 Round Majority Decision over Luis Esquilin
Andrick Butler 4 Round Majority Decision over Dontre King
Three vacant PFC titles on the line May 8
Posted on | May 1, 2009 | No Comments
LEMOORE, Calif. – If there is a theme for Palace Fighting Championship 13’s “Validation” fight card on Friday, May 8 at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, Calif., it will be ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. bellowing “Fighting for the PFC World Vacant …”
Four titles will be on the line, as the PFC heads outdoors in what’s being touted as one of the hottest mixed martial arts cards of the year.
And three of the championship bouts are for vacant titles.
The vacant PFC World Middleweight title is on the line when Oakland, Calif.’s Leopoldo Serao (15-7) meets Merced, Calif.’s Phil Collins (7-4).
Oakland, Calif.’s Dominique Robinson (14-2-1) will meet Brasilia, Brazil’s Carlo Prater (23-6-1) for the vacant PFC World Lightweight strap.
The PFC will finally crown a PFC World Flyweight champion when Scottsdale, Ariz.’s Pat Runez (5-0) takes on fill in Fresno, Calif.’s Anthony Perales (3-0).
Tickets can be purchased at tickets.com or charge by phone 1-800-225-2277 and at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino gift shop.
“Runez has really impressed me with not just his skills, but his cardio and his pace. Man, he doesn’t stop. That’s what I love about the flyweight division. At first people clowned us for opening up to flyweights and now you see other promotions catching on,” PFC Founder and President Christian Printup said. “These cats go fast and furious. I know the odds makers aren’t giving Perales much of a chance in this one, but the kid has solid wrestling, and has been training hard for the past year on his stand up. I like guys like him, because on short notice they step up and realize the opportunity being given to them and you know both of these guys want the belt. So, it’s going to be a war.”
No fighter has gone through more opponent switches in the last year than Runez, who defeated Hanford, Calif.’s Luis Gonzalez (3-1) in a tournament semifinal to reach the title bout, which was schedule for January.
But Thailand’s Rambaa Somdet (6-2) could not compete due a last minute injury following weigh-ins.
The flyweight title tilt was moved to May 8 and Runez was scheduled to face Las Vegas, Nev.’s Ulysses Gomez (3-1). But Gomez had to pull out due to an injury in training and Perales stepped in late to fill the void.
“I wanted to fight him back in January. The PFC contacted me then about filling in and I even cut five pounds the day of the fight to come in and fight him, but it didn’t end up happening,” Perales said. “I’m going to do what I have to do to win this title. I don’t know much about Runez… just that he is an explosive wrestler and has pretty good hands.”
Runez has quietly been making a name for himself out of Arizona Combat Sports and is expected to be one of the most sought after 125-pound fighters.
“I’m always training and ready. With the PFC now I’ve had a couple different opponent changes, but really that’s the sport. People get hurt all the time. We get calls all the time in our gym for people to take last-minute fights,” Runez said. “It makes it tough when you train for a specific fighter and things change. I really don’t know anything about this guy. He’s from California and I assume that he is just an all-around good guy. I’m confident in all aspects of my game.”
Robinson and Prater meet in what’s sure to be one of the most exciting and hard-fought contests on the card.
“I know Prater has been around the block if you know what I mean. He has a very good ground game and from what I hear is a nice guy and he keeps his chin way up in the air,” Robinson said.
“You can expect to see me standing and trying to take this guys head off and him trying to hold me and take me down like everyone does.”
Robinson has moved his way up the PFC ladder with a pair of impressive wins over Chuck Kim (6-7) and Takumi Nakayama (13-12-4).
“I don’t know much about (Robinson). My trainers looked at some of his stuff, but I just train,” Prater said. “You can expect a spectacle, a war, a classic title fight in every sense of the phrase.”
Prater should be one of Robinson’s toughest tests. Prater is coming of a World Extreme Cagefighitng loss to Brock Larson (25-2).
“Man, from an organizational view point I’m super excited for the Robinson/Prater fight for our vacant Lightweight Championship, because either guy will be a great representative of the PFC. Dominique is an ultra athletic guy. He has so much natural ability and he trains hard and pushes the pace. He initiates action and that stuff leads to winning fights,” Printup said. “Carlo Prater is definitely one of the best BJJ players in MMA and Fallen Angel will have to be cautious on the ground. Angel has the speed advantage and Prater will be bigger as he has mainly fought at 170. So, we’ll see how it shakes out but I know both guys are very hungry and both have a lot on the line.”
Prater will be making his PFC debut in this fight.
“I feel honored. I take this title shot extremely seriously and would like to thank the PFC for putting it together,” Prater said.
Robinson on the other hand, feels a little differently about fighting for the title. Prater was originally scheduled to fight Bakersfield, Calif.’s Brian Cobb (15-5), who vacated his PFC title to move on to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Robinson was added late and felt a bit slighted with Prater fighting for the title in his first appearance in the PFC.
“If Prater wasn’t in my spot and if I wasn’t taking the place of the champ that left I would feel great about fighting for the title,” Robinson explains. “The prestige of winning a belt from a promotion like the PFC is still high, but the whole ‘I earned this’ feeling is gone. Now it just feels like, ‘he’s here because our champ left’.”
Collins and Serao also both won eliminators of sorts to move into title position, as Collins won a unanimous decision against Lemoore, Calif.’s Kenny Ento (9-5) in November and Serao won a decision against North Highlands, Calif.’s Jaime Jara (21-6) the same night.
“Both Serao and Collins beat legit fighters to advance to this point. They are a contrast in styles and personally I think it’s going to be a very entertaining fight, because I know how badly both guys want to be champion,” Printup said. “The winner gets the winner of Doug Marshall and Jaime Jara in all likelihood. So, whoever does earn the belt is going have to be ready to get down.”
Collins, like most fights, is relishing his role.
“I’m going in this fight like the underdog… like I do all my fights,” said Collins, who has won three of his last four fights. “I will go in and try and hit him and hit him hard. We all know what he is going to try and do… grab me and take me down.”
Collins recently switched training camps and has battled through serious adversity to get to May 8th, but said he will do what he has always done and fight who the PFC puts in front of him.
“He’s really just another guy. A guy that the PFC put in front of me and I’ve always fought who ever they asked of me. They wanted me to go up to 205 and fight Doug (Marshall) and I did. They wanted me to rematch Kenny Ento and I did. Now I’m fighting for the title,” Collins said. “I’m training hard with a new team and camp and I’m more determined then ever to go out there and win.”
Serao recently snapped a 2-fight losing streak.
“I feel good about fighting for the title. I’m very happy to have a chance to fight for the belt. Winning the PFC championship belt would be one of the highlights of my career,” Serao said. “I’m really looking forward to this fight. The fans can expect more action. I’m in very good shape, and I’m hungry for a fight.”
In the main event, Visalia, Calif. middleweight Doug Marshall (9-3) battles veteran North Highlands, Calif.’s Jaime Jara (21-6) and in the co-main event Fresno, Calif.’s Casey Olson (9-2) takes on Las Vegas, Nev.’s Eddie Yagin (12-3-1) in a featherweight elimination bout.
Ensenada, Mexico’s Olaf Alfonso (8-10) will defend his PFC World Welterweight championship for the first time in a 5-round showdown with Santa Rosa, Calif.’s Kyle Pimentel (6-0).
In other bouts:
Visalia, Calif. lightweight Darren Crisp (6-3) vs. Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.’s Gabe Ruediger (11-5).
Bakersfield, Calif. lightweight Bryan Travers (11-1) vs. Houston, Tex.’s John Gunderson (18-6).
Sao Paulo, Brazil lightweight Marcelo Guidici (8-1) vs. Turlock, Calif.’s John Reedy (6-3).
Sacramento, Calif. lightweight Scott McAfee (7-1) vs. Oakdale, Calif.’s Bill Theofanopolus (3-1).
Fresno, Calif. bantamweight Cole Escovdeo (11-4) vs. Oakdale, Calif.’s Michael McDonald (7-0).
Huntington Beach, Calif. featherweight Erin Toughill (9-2-1) vs. Santa Rosa, Calif.’s Emily Thompson (4-0).
Doors open on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and fights start at 6:30. On Thursday, fans are encouraged to come out to the Palace and attend the official weighins, which take place on the third floor at The Den Sports Bar. The weigh-ins are for 21-and-older and no one under the age of 21 will be permitted to attend the weighins. Weighins are slated to begin at 4 p.m.
For breaking PFC news go to www.palacefightingchampionship.com. You can also find other PFC and Palace information at http://www.tachipalace.com.
Tags: Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Palace Fighting Championship
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