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Jessica “The Ragin” Rakoczy Returns After One Year Layoff”

Posted on | April 20, 2009 | No Comments

April 20, 2009

Former WBC Lightweight world champion, Jessica “The Ragin” Rakoczy (29-3, 10 KO’s) returns to the ring April 23, 2009 at the Tachi Palace Casino in LemooreCA, in a rematch against New York, N.Y.’s Belinda Laracuente (23-24-3). Rakcozy took a year off while nursing her body as she was pregnant and gave birth on November 16th 2009, to a healthy 7 lbs 9 oz baby boy, whom she named Jesse Jr.

“Words can’t describe what its like being a mother for the first time.” said Rakcozy. “I’m very blessed to have Jesse Jr. in my life. I’m very appreciative to Christian Printup who stuck with me through this layoff. My goal is to comeback strong and prove to everyone that I’m an elite fighter. I can’t wait to get in the ring and perform to my best ability.”

In Rakoczy’s last fight against Cindy Serrano on April 17, 2008, Jessica won every round on all scorecards, proving she has the skills to compete at the highest level. With that victory, Rakoczy captured the NABF title, and looks to defend it come fight night with hopes of recapturing the WBC world lightweight championship.

The “Best of Both Words PFC/Boxing” card is promoted by the Palace Fighting Championships in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions. Tickets priced $60, $50, $40 and $30 are available at www.tickets.com or the Tachi Palace Box office by calling (559) 924-7751. For more information visit www.palacefightingchampionship.com or www.goosentutor.com.

Marianne “Golden Girl” Marston Fighting For U.S. Visa

Posted on | April 20, 2009 | No Comments

Team “USS” Cunningham

For Immediate Release

London, UK/Philadelphia PA, USA – 20th April 2009

Philadelphia Newspaper Lobby US Embassy Over Visa For British Boxer Marianne “Golden Girl” Marston.

British Super Bantamweight Marianne “Golden Girl” Marston, who was refused a visa in order to compete on the under card of Brian Cohen’s WBC Americas Light Heavyweight title fight on the 9th May at South Philadelphia High School, has learned that her plight has not gone unnoticed in the City that has been her adopted home for the best part of two years.

Journalist and boxing columnist Kerry O’Connor, who writes for Philadelphia newspaper Center City Weekly Press and Examiner.com, heard of Marianne’s plight and decided that something pro-active should be done to correct the matter. His solution was to start a campaign of support by encouraging readers of his column to write directly to the American Embassy In London to lobby them to reconsider Marianne’s visa application.

O’Connor wrote in his Philadelphia Boxing column on Examiner.com on the 17th April ôEarlier in the week, boxing fans said goodbye to the Golden Boy. Today, I’m reporting that we’re being denied the chance to say hello to the Golden Girl.

Marianne “Golden Girl” Marston, a Super Bantamweight boxer from London, England, was supposed to make her professional debut May 9th here at South Philadelphia High School.

However, after two years of playing by the rules, and filing proper paperwork with the American Embassy so she could come back and forth between Philly and London to train, the Embassy has denied her visa application.

O’Connor then provides his readers with further information regarding Marianne and her plight before suggesting to his readers, “If you’d like to see Marianne get her visa, let the US Embassy know! Send an e-mail titled: “Let Marianne box” to Special Consular Services at SCSLondon@state.gov”

The Wednesday 22nd April issue of the Weekly Press will feature a more in-depth article by O’Connor, including an interview with Steve “USS” Cunningham, to generate as much interest as possible in the campaign.

So what has made O’Connor leap to support Marianne and campaign on her behalf? “I found the circumstances surrounding Marianne’s denial of a visa to be very unfair,” said O’Connor. “She’s always abided by the rules regarding her travels between the UK and the States in the past, so to say she might not return to London after the fight is ridiculous. She is just as deserving of a chance to box in the States as Ricky Hatton. Let her have her dream. Let her fight.”

On learning of Kerry O’Connor campaigning on her behalf a very grateful Marianne said, “When I got a call telling me of the support coming from Kerry through his column I was blown away, I was speechless, what a truly wonderful thing to do.”

“In some ways I’m not surprised though as everyone there is so nice. Philadelphia is a very special place filled with such wonderful people. When I made the decision to train full time in America I had two choices, Philly or Los Angeles. What swung me to choose Philly was the people, they made me feel at home from the very first day I visited there. I know I was right to do so as they care about others. Kerry proves that, we’ve never met or spoken yet he has done this for me. Wow, that is something else.”

I can’t thank Kerry enough as I love Philly and can’t wait to get back…and fight.”

If, like Kerry O’Connor, you would like to help Marianne fulfill her dream to professionally fight in America please send an e-mail titled: “Let Marianne box” to Special Consular Services at SCSLondon@state.gov asking them to reconsider Marianne Marston’s visa application.

www.mariannemarston.com

For tickets and further details for the “Brawl on Broad Street” event on 9th May 2009 at South Philadelphia High School please contact:

Donna Cohen
ABBCorp, Inc. & Bionic Bull Enterprise
Tel: 215 755 8155

– END –

Biff Walizer Wins the Main Event at PA’s First Ever MMA Event

Posted on | April 20, 2009 | No Comments

Congratulations to Biff Walizer for defeating Rob Gaurino of Toms River, NJ Sunday at the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge in York. Biff won by 3rd round TKO in front of a sold out crowd at the Wisehaven Banquet and Expo Center. The fights marked the first MMA event in Pennsylvania and featured 17 fights abounding with local talent.

Next up for Biff is RIE-MMA’s Brotherly Love Brawl in Philadelphia April 30th. LionHeart fighters Paul Bradley and David Sachs are also on the fight card with Bradley being the main event. Tickets for the event can be ordered at rie-mma.com. Remember to use the following promotional codes when purchasing.

Paul Bradley: rie24
Biff Walizer: rie32
David Sachs: rie28

Aaron Williams heading to Germany for showdown against Cuban champ Hernandez

Posted on | April 20, 2009 | No Comments

PROVIDENCE (April 20, 2009) – Cruiserweight prospect “Awesome” Aaron Williams is in Las Vegas, sparring with unbeaten light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson, in preparation for his potential career-changing fight May 9 against former Cuban amateur champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez at Jako-Arena in Bamberg, Bayern, Germany.

Nine-time amateur champion Williams (19-1-1, 13 KOs), born in Cleveland and fighting out of Las Vegas, is trained by former light heavyweight champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, who is also getting Dawson ready for his May 9th rematch against Antonio Tarver.

The 23-year-old Williams is coming off a win by eighth-round knockout of David Williams last November in North Dakota, in which, Aaron was selected as “Fighter of the Night.”

Williams was living up to his nickname, “Awesome,” until he was caught by a punch he didn’t see and stopped last May by Jose Luis Herrera on ESPN. Williams, however, has rebounded nicely with two straight wins and now he’s stepping-up in class to face southpaw Hernandez, who lives and fights out of Germany.

“I’m going over there to win,” Williams said from training camp in Las Vegas. “I have to do what I do best and nothing else matters. Fighting him over there, once the bell rings, everything goes out the window. I know he’s highly rated but I take every fight the same. Sparring with Chad helps a lot because he’s a tall southpaw like Hernandez. I helped Chad get ready for his first title win and now we’re helping each other out.”

Hernandez’ lone loss as a pro was to former world champion Wayne Braithwaite by 12-round technical knockout a year ago. Presently riding a 4-fight win streak, Yoan Pablo is rated in the top 15 of all four major boxing organizations – WBC #9, WBA #12, WBO #13 and IBF #14.

“Aaron is a top prospect and this is the type fight he had to take and must win in order to become a legitimate contender and future world champion,” Williams’ promoter Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc.) said. “He’s a pleasure to work with and has a rich amateur pedigree. Training under Eddie and sparring with great fighters out in Las Vegas like Dawson have really helped Aaron develop. Beating a fighter overseas like Hernandez, who is rated high by so many major organizations, certainly should move Aaron right into the top 15 world cruiserweight ratings. He has monster-like power and learns every time out. CES is sending another of its young guns and top prospect to Europe and this fight can help make him a worldwide commodity in boxing.”

Go to www.cesboxing.com for more information about Classic Entertainment and Sports and Williams.

-CES-

SHO MMA: STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS SERIES DEBUT

Posted on | April 20, 2009 | No Comments

Undefeated BILLY EVANGELISTA vs. “IRON” MIKE AINA Headlines Inaugural Event For Up-And-Coming Fighters; Friday, May 15 From Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

Live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT

NEW YORK (April 6, 2009)—Undefeated lightweight (155 lb. limit) sensation Billy Evangelista (9-0) will fight hard-hitting brawler and BJ Penn protégé “Iron” Mike Aina (11-6-1) in the main event of the inaugural, newly titled SHO MMA: Strikeforce Challengers series from leading MMA promoter Strikeforce and premium television network SHOWTIME, on Friday, May 15 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

The SHOWTIME telecast will air live beginning at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) and feature up to five MMA fights including Kim “Sugar Free” Couture (1-1), wife of MMA legend Randy “The Natural” Couture, facing an opponent to be named.

SHO MMA: Strikeforce Challengers provides MMA’s hottest prospects with the opportunity to perform at a high level of competition in a nationally televised event.

“This is where the men—and women—will be separated from the boys, so to speak,” said Strikeforce founder and CEO Scott Coker. “The growth and future of our sport just got a turbo injection. For regional fighters and up-and-coming men and women looking to test themselves against other top prospects and get on the fast track to stardom, SHO MMA: Strikeforce Challengers is the place to do it. I can’t wait for this first event.”

Tickets for the first SHO MMA: Strikeforce Challengers event go on sale Monday, April 13 at 10 a.m. PT 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).

“I don’t know anything about my opponent, but it doesn’t matter because I know he’s going to try to take me out like everyone else has, so it’ll be my job to react to whatever he does,” said the 28-year-old Evangelista, who fights out of Fresno. “I’ve got a great team behind me and I’ve been training really hard so I’m not worried.”

A finely tuned Muay Thai technician and wrestling expert, Evangelista notched his last Strikeforce victory by turning the tides on road warrior Luke “Lil’ Hulk” Caudillo in a thrilling slugfest at Broomfield, Colo., on October 3, 2008. After being dropped twice with punches in the first round, a determined Evangelista battled back in the following two rounds to earn a unanimous decision.

Three and a half months prior to his conquest of Caudillo, Evangelista secured a key win over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert Nam Phan in Strikeforce action at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

The 28-year-old Aina has never been stopped over the course of 18 professional starts. Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, he has been a student of MMA superstar Penn for six years and has since developed a dangerous, hybrid fighting style that favors dirty boxing and kickboxing and is supported by a strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu foundation.

“It’s a big opportunity for me,” said Aina of the matchup with Evangelista. “Billy is no slouch. I’m expecting a really tough fight because we have similar styles. We both like to stand up even though we’re both also well rounded. I’m going in with a positive mindset and I’m ready to work hard in there.”

Aina nearly pulled off a stunning upset of superstar Nick Diaz when the two faced off in Hilo on September 15, 2007. Aina stalked Diaz in the early going of their matchup and got the better of Diaz in a few of their exchanges. By the third round, however, fatigue set in and Aina’s pace slowed while Diaz, known for his outstanding stamina, continued to dish out punishment before earning a split decision.

“I kind of wore out as the fight went on,” admitted Aina. “Nick stands up in front of you and doesn’t give you a break. I definitely think I won the first two rounds, hands down, but that’s why you can’t leave things in the hands of the judges. That fight definitely tested my character and helped bring my game to the next level.”

Since the loss to Diaz, Aina has reeled off two straight wins, his last being a first round submission of Ismael Gonzalves on August 9, 2008.

Couture made her debut with Strikeforce on November 21, 2008 against Lina Kvokov. Couture, who recently added K-1 superstar Ray Sefo to her team of world-class trainers, quickly overwhelmed Kvokov with punch flurries and knee strikes in the first round of their matchup at San Jose’s HP Pavilion. After Kvokov turned her back due to her inability to defend herself any longer, the referee ordered a stoppage at the 1:44 mark of the opening round, giving Couture a victory by way of TKO.

Save Mart Center doors will open at 5:15 p.m. PT on May 15 and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. PT.

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®.

Brawl On Broad Street

Posted on | April 20, 2009 | No Comments

9th May 2009

For Immediate Release

London, UK. & Philadelphia, PA, USA. – 20th April 2009

ItÆs On! – Philadelphia’s Fight Of The Year – Brawl On Broad Street.

Philadelphia’s very own Brian “Bionic Bull” Cohen (9-2) heads up an awesome 10 fight card when he faces Lafayette, Indiana’s Robbie “Taz Mexican Devil” Tovar (15-4-1) for the WBC Americas Light Heavyweight title at the Donna Cohen promoted “Brawl On Broad Street” event at South Philadelphia High School, Broad & Snyder, Philadelphia on the 9th May.

Cohen, who cuts an imposing figure due to his chiseled bodybuilder style physique, is odds on favourite to add another championship belt to his already impressive collection, which includes the USA Mid American, USA Mid West, NABC, C.A.M. Land Indiana State Light Heavyweight Titles, even though he failed to capture the WBC USBN title in his previous outing in January this year.

So why is Cohen such a sure fire bet? One thing for sure is it isn’t because his opponent a lame duck, anything but, as Tovar has an excellent pedigree and is a three time local champion at two different weights, Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight. The answer to this conundrum can be found elsewhere.

Firstly, Cohen’s January loss to Billy Bailey followed a freak asthma attack bought on by the 95 degree heat in the arena that day. Promoter, Donna Cohen, is taking no chances of a repeat scenario on the 9th May by having an air-conditioned trailer placed adjacent to the arena for Cohen on the day.

Secondly, and probably more relevant, is that out of the Cohen’s nine victories to date all but one were by stoppage within three rounds, with four of those being by way of knockout. Now thatÆs impressive stats and surely answers the question.

Supporting Cohen vs.Tovar will be a card packed with local talent including Super Middleweight Dennis Hassan (8-0), Heavyweight “Big” John Mercurio (2-0), Cruiserweight Pedro Martinez (3-2), Super Middleweight Dhafir “No Fear” Smith (20-19-6), Featherweight Paul Fernandez (4-2-1) and Middleweight “Mighty” Mike Tibberi (7-1)

In addition to the seven male fights there will also be three female fights, although unfortunately the highly anticipated and heavily publicized debut at this event of former World Champions, the legendary Smokin’ Joe Frazier and Steve “USS” Cunningham’s protege, British Super Bantamweight Marianne “Golden Girl” Marston will not be one of them due to the American authorities decision not to grant her a visa in time to take part.

Instead Donna Cohen has bought in an exciting replacement in the form of No. 8 ranked Welterweight Olivia Fonseca (2-2-2) in addition to Lightweight Lonnie Jackson Jr. (1-0) and the professional debut of Lightweight Liz Sherman.

For tickets and further details on “Brawl On Broad Street” at South Philadelphia High School please contact:

Donna Cohen
ABBCorp, Inc. & Bionic Bull Enterprise
Tel: 215 755 8155

– END –

NWA WISCONSIN SPRING SHOWCASE (FINAL LINEUP)

Posted on | April 19, 2009 | 1 Comment

So, now that you’ve had “the fever”, and thought that you had your fill of NWA wrestling action at All-Star Championship Wrestling’s Spring Fever, well, hold on to your hard hats, kiddies, because as they say in the infomercials, “but wait, there’s MORE!”

Just one short week after ACW’s Spring Fever, on April 18, NWA Wisconsin returns to Zileinski’s Ballroom in Pulaski (where Season’s Showcase featuring Marty Jannetty was held!) for Spring Showcase, the Night of Champions!

Every affiliate of NWA Wisconsin will be represented at the Night of Champions, and all the titles will be defended. This is an incredible lineup, and really displays the talent pool of NWA Midwest.

It is the intention of NWA Wisconsin owner Jason Jerry to have EVERY possible champion from NWA Midwest, All-Star Championship Wrestling, Dysfunction’ s Insane Championship Wrestling and Frank DeFalco’s Brew City Wrestling on this momentous show.

Here is the card:

-For the first time EVER, the Heavyweight Champions from ACW, ICW, and BCW will square off in a Triple Threat Match for a shot at the NWA Midwest Title on a future show! (current champions are Dinn T. Moore, Justin Dredd, & TC Washington, respectively)

-The NWA Wisconsin Tag Team Champions (currently The McCoys, Chase & Mickey) will face both the BCW Tag Team Champions (currently American History Next, Steve Stone and Hardcore Craig) and the ACW Tag Champions (currently Hood Money, J-Ca$h & Thomas Walton III, having defeated the Urban Assault Team last weekend in DePere) in a 3-way elimination style match.

-The NWA Wisconsin Heavyweight Champion (currently Mason Quinn) will take on Shane Hills, a former ACW heavyweight Champion, in a NO-DISQUAIFICATION rematch.

-The NWA Midwest Champion (currently Silas Young) will face 1/2 of the NWA WORLD Tag Team Champions, “Skullcrusher” Rasche Brown. Talk about a BIG challenge for Young! Rasche is big and far more agile than one would expect from a man of his size.

-The NWA Midwest X Divison Champion (currently “Playboy Troy” Walters) to face a #1 contender of NWA Wisconsin’s choosing, which has been announced to be former ACW Heavyweight Champion, “Cadillac” Nick Colucci.

-The BCW No Limits Champion Daryk St. Holmes will take on an opponent of ACW’s choosing, which has been announced to be Jerry Stylz.

-The ACW X-Division Champion (currently Chase McCoy) will take on an opponent of ICW’s choosing. If Chase McCoy possesses both the NWA Wisconsin Tag Team Championship and the ACW X-Divison Championship, he will be forced to wrestle twice.

-A 6-man match of ACW Legends featuring Adrian Lynch, Kevin Krueger, and Kujo vs. Sam Hayne, Horace the Psychopath, and their hand-picked partner, Arya Daivari (If that last name sounds familiar, it’s cuz he’s related to that other Daivari fella!)

Want to see your merchandise or your promotion in a comment? Drop us a line to ask how!

Don’t forget to support your local independent wrestling and MMA!
NWA Wisconsin presents Spring Showcase!< /a>

—
Shadow Fire Promotions, Inc.
“Your Chicago Source For Wrestling”
Visit us on the web at http://www.sfpincch icago.com
Post to our message board at http://www.sfpincch icago.com/ boards
Catalogue updates: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/SFPCatalog

UFC 97 RESULTS: Silva Disappoints in Rout, Liddell Loses by KO Again

Posted on | April 18, 2009 | No Comments

By: Rich Bergeron

Anderson Silva took 5 rounds to win a lopsided unanimous decision over Thales Leites on Saturday night in Montreal, much to the disappointment of fans in attendance who rained down chants of “bullshit” during one of the fight’s many lulls in action. The main event of UFC 97 was about as entertaining as most of Silva’s recent fights, as the lanky Brazilian MMA virtuoso has been virtually untouchable in his UFC career.

Leites looked mismatched from the jump, and he spent most of the fight on his back hoping Silva would tangle with him on the ground. Instead, Silva kept his distance most of the fight, used excellent head and body movement, and chose his punches and strikes very carefully. Silva’s unconventional striking abilities were impressive and crucial to the win, but his showboating, clowning, and refusal to wade in and finish the fight were crowd killers.

Still, the domination proved it is going to take someone incredible to dethrone Silva if anyone in the world even exists who can match his talent or challenge his complete skill set. Silva used his long reach and style to inflict massive punishment on Leites legs while he wasn’t throwing jabs, side kicks, head kicks, and other unorthodox but effective strikes. It is going to take someone a lot bigger, stronger, and more well rounded than Thales Leites to give Silva a real fight. Only time will tell if anyone currently in the UFC can really give this guy a run for his money, so until some freak of nature comes out of nowhere from some other organization and makes it to the UFC, this guy’s a lock against any fighter you put him up against.

Chuck Liddell’s road to retirement may soon be paved after his latest performance disappointed fans at UFC 97 who watched Liddell mount a huge early offensive only to get caught with a killer left hook that left him down and out on the mat with his head cut open and his eyes glazed over. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua looked horrible for most of the round, but when he connected solidly with a booming left hook, Liddell fell to the mat and could not recover fast enough to survive the few seconds left in the round. Relentless, adrenaline-boosted hammer fists from Rua finished Chuck off, and in the post-fight interview, Liddell would not rule out retirement but did not confirm it either, saying he would have to talk to some people and think things over before deciding what to do next.

He did look better than he has in a long time during the early moments of the round, but his fatal flaw proved to be his hands-down style. As we could all see from the Silva fight certain people can get away with that style, but you have to integrate some head and body movement to be safe. Liddell comes at opponents so squarely and with such a wide-open defense that anyone who can throw a decent KO punch always has a puncher’s chance. Although MMA and boxing are two different things and MMA style boxing is not nearly as defensive-based as regular boxing, Liddell shows signs of needing to go back to the basic first lesson of boxing defense: KEEP YOUR HANDS UP.

Dana White was one of the first people in the cage after the fight and looked to be telling Liddell that he put on a heck of a show for the fans and almost had it won. Lidell, although he did appear to be a bit angry at himself, showed no signs of disagreeing with the stoppage of the fight. While it’s likely Liddell will always have a home in the UFC as long as he wants to continue to fight, he may not want to hang on so long that he becomes a guy fighting on name recognition alone.

Here’s some links to more full fight results from all the UFC 97 action:

http://www.point-spreads.com/mma/041809-ufc-97-results-rua-kos-liddell-in-1st-rd.html

http://mmajunkie.com/news/14618/ufc-97-redemption-play-by-play-coverage-and-official-live-results.mma

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/ultimate_fighter/blog/2009/04/ufc_97.html

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