HOPKINS TO GO OUT TO PASTURE AS BOXING BROADCASTER

Posted on | April 4, 2009 | No Comments

Still a talker, but with a new career

Posted: Friday April 3, 2009
Chris Mannix >
INSIDE BOXING

Bernard Hopkins has rarely been at a loss for words. As a fighter, he would hold marathon press conferences — while only answering a couple of questions — filling reporters’ notebooks with carefully crafted quotes and remarkably insightful anecdotes. So it’s only natural that Hopkins’ newest career involves him talking.

Meet Bernard Hopkins: boxer, promoter and, now, broadcaster.
On Saturday, Hopkins will make his pay-per-view debut in the broadcast booth when he sits ringside for Golden Boy’s “Lightweight Lightning” show (HBO PPV, 9 p.m.) in Austin, Texas. The card features some of boxing’s top, young 135-pounders, including hard-hitting Edwin Valero, who will take on Antonio Pitalua for the vacant WBC title, and Michael Katsidis, who will be looking to regain his contender status after back-to-back losses to Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz last year.

While all eyes will be on the fighters, ears will be tuned into Hopkins, who, after years of calling out the likes of Roy Jones Jr. and Joe Calzaghe, now has his sights set on commentators Lennox Lewis and Larry Merchant.

“A lot of commentators — [former] boxers and non-boxers — are going to be out of a job when I get comfortable,” said Hopkins. “I’m a quick learner. I study. You have seen how I dedicate myself when I fight. Can you imagine the dedication I’m going to put into this?”

As a fighter, Hopkins’ résumé is impressive: a 10-year reign as middleweight champion, 20 successful title defenses and a brief stint wearing the light heavyweight crown.

However, his broadcasting résumé is a little flimsy. ESPN tapped him as a studio guest for three “Friday Night Fight” events and dispatched him ringside for another. Even including the countless times he has mimicked Howard Cosell in the mirror — (“Frazier is smoking, Ali is poking!” Hopkins crooned) — his credentials are limited.

With the challenges of a career outside of the ring ahead of him, Hopkins sounds like a man content to leave his life inside the ring behind him. Hopkins has not fought since dismantling Kelly Pavlik last October, and a planned fight against cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek was scuttled after the two sides couldn’t agree to terms.

“There is a great chance you won’t see me fight again,” said Hopkins. “That’s not bad. You got to see one of the greatest fights of my career [against Pavlik]. Every football player who has won rings will say it’s great to win one on the way out.”

And Adamek? Is Hopkins disappointed that he couldn’t win a title in a third weight class?

“Not at all,” he said. “Adamek and [promoter] Kathy Duva should be disappointed. They had a chance to fight a 44-year-old legend that he doesn’t have on his résumé for a half-a-million dollars.”

To some, half a million may seem like chump change for a recognized champion. But Hopkins is quick to tell otherwise.

“I fought William Joppy [in 2003] and I was a champion with 16 title defenses,” he said. “I made $300,000. Let’s keep it real — outside of the Polish race, who knows Adamek? Ask the nearest Mexican about Adamek and they will ask, ‘who?’ He beats Hopkins, he’s marketable. I beat Adamek, so what? At the end of the day, some promoters negotiate for themselves first and think about the fighters second. That’s what happened here.”

While Hopkins won’t rule out a return to the ring, he has set a June deadline to either find a fight or walk away for good.

“The clock isn’t on my side,” said Hopkins. “It’s hard to start this old cart engine up and shine like I shined against Kelly Pavlik. I’m no fool. I’m financially secure and I have a nice family. That’s enough.”

Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye Blockbuster Heavyweight Match-up Inked

Posted on | April 2, 2009 | No Comments

The World Heavyweight Championship fight of the year is on

Months of negotiations have come to an end and the highly expected heavyweight fight is determined: IBF, WBO and IBO World Champion Wladimir Klitschko of the Ukraine (52-3, 46 KO’s) will defend his titles against David Haye (22-1, 21 KOs) of London on June 20.

Bernd Bönte, Managing Director of Klitschko Management Group: “I am glad that these extremely difficult and long negotiations are over and we are able to present the fight that boxing fans all over the world want to see. Both Wladimir and David are known as superb punchers and a fight over 12 rounds will be very unlikely to happen. It is going to be an unforgettable spectacle. The venue of the fight will be announced soon.“

Both opponents met several times at public events before showing their rivalry. Especially the 28-year-old Haye used every possibility to attack Klitschko. Recently, he posed with Wladimir’s cut off head in an English lifestyle magazine.

Wladimir Klitschko: “I am used to being attacked by my opponents before a fight. But David is top of the list of crudity. He has to pay the bill for it and I promise it will be painful.“

David Haye: “Klitschko’s last opponents were cowards. I will knock him out and take his belts to my hometown London. And that is not all: I will also go and get Vitali’s belt! None of them can stop me. The new World Heavyweight Champion will soon be David Haye!“

David: “The Hayemaker“ Haye was the dominating figure in the cruiserweight division of the last years holding the WBC, WBA and WBO titles. Both of his first two heavyweight fights Haye won without going the full distance. Last November he stopped former world title challenger Monte Barrett in round 5. Haye’s impressive record is 22 wins (21 by KO) and one defeat only.”

It is Wladimir Klitschko’s 16th World Heavyweight Championship. Klitschko was the first after nine years who unified heavyweight titles last year. The Olympic gold medalist of Atlanta 1996 has a record of 52 wins (46 by KO) with three defeats.

The fight will be broadcasted worldwide. In Germany hosting channel will be RTL, HBO will show the fight in the US and Setanta covers in England.

NAKASH AND BRUNELLI READY FOR BLUE HORIZON BOUT TOMORROW (BRUNELLI ON TONIGHT’S FNU COMBAT SPORTS SHOW)

Posted on | April 2, 2009 | No Comments

PHILADELPHIA–Ran Nakash (Left) and Dave Brunelli pose in front of Famous 4th Street Delicatessen as they posed off in anticipation of Friday night’s Cruiserweight showdown at The Legendary Blue Horizon. 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

Photo Free for use–Credit Lewis Bleiman/Blue Horizon Boxing Promotions Inc.

WE ALSO HAVE DAVE ON OUR RADIO SHOW TONIGHT IN THE 9:00 PM HOUR!! TUNE IN HERE TO LISTEN LIVE WITH THE WIDGET ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE. ALSO APPEARING WILL BE BOXER TONY FERRANTE.

“LIGHTWEIGHT LIGHTNING” OFFICIAL PUBLIC WEIGH-IN TOMORROW! FRIDAY, APRIL 3rd 12:00 PM CT

Posted on | April 2, 2009 | 1 Comment

Darrell K Royal- Texas Memorial Stadium
(Red McCombs Red Zone Food Court)

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

WHO: Main Event/Televised Bouts:

EDWIN VALERO vs. ANTONIO PITALUA

JESUS CHAVEZ vs. MICHAEL KATSIDIS

CARLOS HERNANDEZ vs. VICENTE ESCOBEDO

JULIO DIAZ vs. ROLANDO REYES

*All under card fighters to weigh-in after televised bouts

WHAT: Official “Lightweight Lightning” WEIGH-IN

NOTE: Weigh-in is open to the public. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.

WHEN: Friday, April 3rd

11:30 a.m. – Media Arrival

12:00 p.m. – On Scale

WHERE: Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (Red McCombs Red Zone Food Court)

Food Court located off of E. 23rd St; enter Gates 14 & 16

Parking is available in the San Jacinto Parking Garage. Media to contact Kelly Brademan for more information on parking. Please see map below.

FACTS: “Lightweight Lightning,” which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines on April 4th at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX, will air live on pay-per-view beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT with a suggested retail price of $39.95. The unprecedented four-bout pay-per-view card features Edwin Valero vs. Antonio Pitalua in a 12 round bout for the vacant WBC World Lightweight Crown, Jesus Chavez vs. Michael Katsidis in a 10 round lightweight bout, Carlos Hernandez vs. Vicente Escobedo in a 10 round lightweight bout and Julio Diaz vs. Rolando Reyes in a 10 round lightweight bout.

TICKETS: Tickets priced at $200, $100, $75, $50, $35 and $25, are on sale now, and may be purchased at the Frank Erwin Center box office, by phone at (512) 477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or online at TexasBoxOffice.com. Tickets are also available at Texas Box Office Outlets including select H-E-B stores located in Austin and surrounding areas.

THE FOLLOWING DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE ON ALL TICKET PRICES: $5 off with coupon available at participating Fiesta Mart, Gold’s Gym, and Hooters locations and on Pizza Hut Box Tops; 2 for 1 tickets for UT students, faculty, staff and Military available at the Frank Erwin Center Box Office with valid I.D.; 20% off for groups of 10 or more. Groups should call the Group Sales Department at (512) 232-4343. Convenience charges may apply. All information is subject to change.

Boxing Star Bernard Hopkins To Appear On MTV’s “MADE”

Posted on | April 2, 2009 | 1 Comment

Episode Set To Air For First Time This Saturday At 2PM EST On MTV

April 2, 2009, Philadelphia, PA…Bernard Hopkins, a future hall of famer and one of the biggest names in the sport of boxing, will appear in a new episode of the MTV series “MADE” airing this Saturday, April 4th at 2pm EST. Hopkins, spends a day with the Denver high school student Matthew Rodgers, and inspires him to reach his goal of becoming a boxer.

Later that night Hopkins will appear as color commentator, alongside longtime boxing announcer Barry Tomkin and Ring Magazine’s Doug Fischer, for the Golden Boy Promotions’ Lightweight Lightning pay-per-view boxing event, featuring Edwin Valero vs Antonio Pitalua, from the University of Texas’ Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. The four bout pay-per-view starts at 9:00pm ET and fans can call their cable operators for more information.

Best of the West GRAPPLING TOURNEY April 26th

Posted on | April 2, 2009 | 1 Comment

This years Best of the west is promising to be as fun filled and action packed as the years previous! With the Pan Am’s just passing we are all in top shape and with the weather nice and warm it is the perfect reason to shed the gi and have motivation to stay in top shape. With the stress of the tough times what better way to build team commaradarie and relieve the stress by training hard and jumping in a tournament to let it all go. WIn or Lose. we are winners for having the courage and ambition to step up and challenge ourselves.

Best of the West 2009

The city of Long Beach in California is commonly referred to as “The International City” due to its cornucopia of diverse ethnic inhabitants. On Sunday, April 26th, 2009, Long Beach will bring further meaning to its nickname, when competitors trained in every grappling discipline from around the world, will descend upon the sunny seaside city. The World Grappling Games (WGG) will be the reason for this torrent display of grappling fervor, as it hosts its fifth installment of its annual “Best of the West” no-gi submission grappling championships. The 5th annual “Best of the West” championships are set to take place at the Long Beach City College – Hall of Champions.

Throughout the past decade, the prestigious WGG events have attracted the top submission experts in the world. Grappling legends such as Marc Laimon, Dean Lister, Leozinho Vieira, Margarida, Alberto Crane, and Cassio Werneck. The next generation of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Ryron Gracie and Ralek Gracie. The new breed of American jiu-jitsu stars in Rafael Lovato Jr., Scott Bieri, Sim Go, Jeff Glover, Bill Cooper, Baret Yoshida, Nam Phan, Rick Macauley, Mike Fowler, and Ryan Hall. UFC superstars like B.J. Penn, Tony DeSouza, Diego Sanchez, Keith Jardine, Jeff Monson, and Ricco Rodriguez. Top female grapplers like Gazzy Parman, Leka Vieira, and Nori Avellan. Even the OnTheMat.com’s very own Scotty Nelson and Danny Do Nothing have competed ‘On The
Mat’ at various WGG events.

Now the next generation of grapplers will test their skills and look to establish their names in the same manner as their predecessors at one of WGG’s flagship events, the “Best of the West”. Just as its name suggests, it will serve to determine exactly whom the best no-gi submission grapplers are in southern California, which is the Mecca to jiu-jitsu and submission grappling in this country. The event will host divisions for competitors of every skill level in children, teen, women, men, and executive divisions. There will also be open weight (absolute) divisions held at the conclusion of all weight classes in that division with only the Novice and Beginner open division being combined. This will give every competitor, coach, and spectator the opportunity to gain a complete grappling experience in a safe, fun, inexpensive, and competitive atmosphere. So rest up, train hard, and we’ll see on the mats at the “Best of the West” on Sunday, April 26th!

Hall of Champions Long Beach City College 4901 East Carson St. Long Beach, CA 90808

Registration open!

Come to Fight or Come to Watch, Just Don’t Miss the Show!

The following information is available at http://grapplingtournaments.com or by downloading the event package. The link is below.

· Fees
· How to Enroll
· Coaches Registration Information
· Weigh-in locations and information
· Tournament Schedule
· Accommodations
· Detailed Rules
· Online Registration Form

Best of the West

April 26th – Sunday

10AM – 6:00PM

Long Beach City College
4901 East Carson St.
Long Beach, CA 90808

Spectators (All Day Passes Available at the Door) $10

World Grappling Games has been hosting the highest caliber of tournaments since 1998. With over 45 tournaments under our belt, this event is sure to be well ran and a fun time for all.

OntheMat was also established in 1996 and has established itself as the premiere grappling authority to date. Being involved in every stage of grappling OntheMat has the experiance and savvy to help make this event one of the best ever!

See you on the mat!

Click Here to register Now

3 ways to Register
Enrollment (3 options) Pre-Registration:

1) Mail a signed Registration Form along with a money order or check made payable to: GTA Tournaments and mail to: 15833 Chemical Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 (Note: Mail-in registration must be postmarked no later than Saturday April 20th)

2) Register online: (Credit Card or Pay Pal) (Note: Online registration must be completed by Wednesday April 22nd)

3) Night before or day of Registration:
Our Price: $60

DANNY “SWIFT” GARCIA BACK IN ACTION APRIL 11 IN LAS VEGAS

Posted on | April 2, 2009 | 2 Comments

Press Release For Immediate Release

April 2, 2009

Philadelphia’s undefeated Jr. Welterweight prospect, Danny “Swift” Garcia (11-0, 7 KO’s), makes his way back to the ring April 11, 2009 on the Winky Wright vs Paul Williams card set to take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas NV. Garcia will square off against Puerto Rico’s Edwin Algarin in an eight round bout.

“I’m getting great experience and I’m improving on my skills as a fighter every time I step in the ring.” said Garcia. “I’ve learned a lot in my last few fights as I’ve been getting solid rounds. I’m happy with the way career is being handled and I look forward to another great show.”

Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and managed by Shelly Finkel, Garcia, who recently turned 21 on March 20th, is one of boxing’s rising young stars. For more information on Danny Garcia visit www.shellyfinkel.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com.

Tickets for the explosive matchup, priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50 are now on sale and available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Wright vs. Williams, a 12 round middleweight bout which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Winky Promotions and sponsored by Southwest Airlines. The bout will air live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00pm ET / 7:00pm PT.

2 SNMMA titles on line in “Extreme Beatdown”

Posted on | April 2, 2009 | No Comments

April 11 at Apache Gold Casino in Arizona

PHOENIX (April 2, 2009) – Two Sovereign Nations Mixed Martial Arts (SNMMA) titles will be on the line Saturday night, April 11 in “Extreme Beatdown” at Apache Gold Casino, located five miles east of Globe in San Carlos, Arizona.

SNMMA links federally recognized tribes throughout the United States and Canada. SNMMA’s mission is to develop, promote and help regulate mixed-martial-arts in a fair and professional manner by federally recognized tribes that are sovereign nations.

Sponsors include MTX Audio, Respek MMA Fight Gear, Catch 22 Sports Grill, and Hacienda Harley. Highlights of “Extreme Beatdown” will be taped and later shown on HD Net’s Inside MMA Show.

Arizona favorite Yaotzin Meza (11-4-0), fighting out of Phoenix and representing Southwest MMA, battles former Arizona high school wrestler Jamie “The Headhunter” Schmidt (7-2-0), of Denver, in the main event (5 five-minute rounds) for the first SNMMA featherweight title.

In the first SNMMA super heavyweight match (266-pounds or more), local hero Chance “King of the Street” Williams (6-2-0) fights in front of his Globe (AZ) hometown fans against Las Vegas invader Brice Ritani-Coe (2-0-0) in the co-feature (5-five minute rounds).

“We are looking forward to bringing a new brand of MMA to the Phoenix area and Apache Gold Casino,” Extreme Beatdown promoter Jon Hegre said. “We feel fighters should be paid what they are worth and fans deserve good fights. The SNMMA sanctioning body is bringing a nationwide spotlight with these two title fights and we are proud to be associated with them.”

In a special female 112-pound catch-weight attraction, Phoenix’ hybrid MMA/boxing star Elena “Baby Doll” Reid (2-0-0), who is a 2-time world boxing champion with a 19-5-6 (5 KOs) pro record, faces Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson (7-2-0), from Albuquerque.

The first SNMMA champion, heavyweight Chris Tuchscherer (16-1-0), a former 2-time NCAA, Division II All-America wrestler from Fargo (ND), will be in action in a non-title match against an opponent to be determined.

Also on the undercard is Phoenix bantamweight Jesse “Arturo” Moreng (8-1-0) vs. Brandon Miller (3-3-0), of Fresno (CA); Phoenix light heavyweight Jesse “Kid Hercules” Forbes (8-3-0) vs. Shane De Zee, of Minneapolis; Phoenix middleweight Ray “C4” Steinbeiss (11-5-0) vs. Chris Hugh (6-2-0), of Bismarck (ND); Phoenix lightweights Chris Gruetzemacher (0-2-0) vs. Josh Gaskins (4-1-0); Phoenix middleweight Jeremy Larsen (3-1-0) vs. Jeff Horlatcher (6-16-0), of Globe (AZ); York (ND) heavyweight Seth Harrison (2-1-0) vs. TBA.

All fights and fighters are subject to change. All fights excluding the two SNMMA title matches are 3 five-minute rounds.

Tickets, priced at $20.00 (bleachers), $30.00 (floor) and $50.00 (ringside), are available at the Apache Gold Gift Ship (1.800.272.2438 X3277) or at www.TicketWeb.com (21 years of age or older requirement to attend). Go to www.ApacheGoldCasinoResort.com or www.snbcmma.com for additional information. Doors open at 6 PM/MST, first bout at 7 PM.MST.

OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN – OPEN TO PUBLIC

The official weigh-in for “Extreme Beatdown” will be held Friday, April 10 at 11 AM at Catch 22 Sports Grill (18725 North 32nd St., Phoenix, Arizona 85050 – 602.482.9222 – www.catch22phx.com).

SNMMA

SNMMA is committed to serving the communities and advancing the lives and economic situation of all Native people, as well as all professional MMA fighters, in a positive and professional manner. For more information about Sovereign Nation Mixed Martial Arts call 701.6277539, go online at www.snbcmma.com, or write to SNMMA, P.O. Box 5, Parshall, ND 58770.

-SNMMA-

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