POPPIES “TACHI KID” MARTINEZ TO FACE FLAVIO CARDOZA THIS SATURDAY
Posted on | March 20, 2009 | No Comments
Press Release March 20, 2009
Hybrid Fighter Looking To Stay Undefeated
Hybrid MMA fighter/Boxer, Poppies “Tachi Kid” Martinez (2-0, 1 KO), is looking to stay undefeated when he returns to the ring March 21, 2009 at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills Ca. Martinez will face Flavio Cardoza in a scheduled four round bout.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase my boxing talent to those watching in attendance,” said Martinez. “I come to fight every time I step in the ring. The transition from mma to boxing is coming along well. I feel I’m my boxing is getting better every day I to go to the gym. This fight will be another learning experience. I’m excited”
Poppies Martinez is promoted by the Tachi Palace’s Christian Printup in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions. For more information on the Tachi Palace visit www.tachipalace.com.
Tags: Beverly Hills > Boxing > CA > Christian Printup > Falvio Cardoza > MMA > Playboy Mansion > Poppies Martinez > Tachi Palace
Watson promising Knockout Performance
Posted on | March 20, 2009 | No Comments
Craig Watson is determined to make boxing fans sit up and take notice by knocking out John O’Donnell when they contest the Commonwealth Welterweight title in London next month. The two clash in front of the ITV4 cameras on a Hennessy Sports show at the York Hall on April 11th and Watson is forecasting an early night.
Despite winning the Commonwealth title in 2007 Watson remains best known to many boxing fans for dumping Amir Khan on the canvas in the amateurs but he’s determined to add another stoppage win to his highlight reel next month against O’Donnell.
“I feel I’m still a little bit under the radar and I’m definitely an underrated fighter,” said the 26-year-old. “This is a good chance for me to prove just how good I am with a big fight live on TV. O’Donnell’s a very good boxer but he hasn’t been in with anyone like me and I honestly believe I’ll walk right through him.
“I’m feeling as strong as an ox, I’m throwing 400 punches a round in training and I think I’m going to outwork him, out muscle him and stop him early on. I’ve watched him and he’s got good hand speed but he’s not very strong and that’s my department.
“I’ve been working on applying controlled pressure and I don’t think he’ll be able to withstand that. I’ve beaten decent fighters like Ali Nuumbembe, Michael Lomax and Matthew Hatton but he hasn’t really beaten anyone yet.”
Watson’s career has been stop start of late with a number of recent fights falling through. However despite having not fought since a comprehensive win over Matthew Hatton last May he doesn’t believe ring rust will be an issue.
“Being out of the ring for almost a year isn’t ideal obviously but I’ve had very good sparring for this one so my timing feels spot on right now. It’s been a frustrating time for me with fights falling through. I’ve had bad news after bad news but I’m raring to go for this one. I’ve trained like a demon for it and I’m just itching to get in there now.”
The all southpaw battle will have fight fans split down the middle in what on paper looks to be a real 50 – 50 affair but Watson says he has no problems fighting a fellow “lefty”. “Michael Lomax is a tall southpaw just like O’Donnell and I beat him easy. I bashed him up over 8 rounds and he went on to win Prizefighter after that. I was really just a light welterweight back then but I’ve matured and grown into the weight now and feel a whole lot stronger now. This is a real chance for me to shine and take my career to the next level.
Watson v O’Donnell headlines a fantastic line-up of championship boxing at the legendary York Hall in Bethnal Green. In the chief support bout Lenny Daws meets Peter McDonagh for the English Light Welterweight title while Steve O’Meara and hot prospect, Bradley Evans also feature on the undercard. Tickets are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.
Tags: Amir Khan > Bethnal Green > Boxing > Bradley Evans > Commonwealth Welterweight title > Craig Watson > Hennessy Sports > John O'Donnell > Lenny Daws > London > Michael Lomax > Prizefighter > Pter McDonagh > southpaw > Steve O'Meara > York Hall
Froch flies the flag for Great Britain
Posted on | March 20, 2009 | No Comments
Carl Froch stands alone as Britain’s sole World boxing champion and the WBC Super Middleweight title holder doesn’t plan on giving up that status any time soon. The Cobra makes the first defense of his title next month when he travels to the U.S. for a mega fight with former undisputed middleweight champ, Jermain Taylor.
Froch’s April 25th date at The Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut is seen as a risky assignment by many but Froch says he’s in the business of taking calculated risks. “Winning the World title at home in Nottingham was the proudest moment of my career but there’s no point staying at home and defending your title against nondescript challengers. You need to step out of your comfort zone and I really want to lay down a marker in the sport by taking on and beating the best.
“With the greatest respect to some of the other British guys who’ve held titles recently not many people outside of their own homes would have considered them genuine world champions. Being the World Champ is about being the very best in your weight division and taking on all comers to prove that. That’s why I’m putting it all on the line and going to the States to take on Taylor. It’s all about making a statement and proving to people that I am the best super middleweight on the planet.”
Froch says that winning a world title has actually increased and not diminished his hunger for success. “When some people win a world title they start thinking they’ve made it and start looking for a cash out payday. They lose that edge but I’m hungrier than ever right now. I’ve worked my whole career to get to this point and now that I’ve become a World Champion I just want to push on and prove beyond doubt that I’m one of the best out there pound for pound.”
Froch is certainly in no doubt that the famous green WBC belt will be returning home to Nottingham with him after his fight with Taylor. “Jermain’s a very good fighter, you don’t unify the middleweight titles and beat Bernard Hopkins twice without being a good fighter but I simply believe I’m the better man and deep down he knows that too, that’s why he had to be forced into taking the fight.
“He’s talking about going to war and shutting me up but lets face it does he really want to get into the trenches with someone like me? He’s going to find out very quickly in there that I can walk the walk as well as talking the talk because this is a major showcase for me to put the World on notice just what I’m all about.
Tags: Boxing > Britain > Carl Froch > Foxwoods Resort Casino > Jermain Taylor > WBC Super Middleweight title > World Champion
MMA Fighting comes to Spirit Mountain Casino with SportFight XXV
Posted on | March 20, 2009 | 1 Comment
Josh Queen takes on DJ Linderman in a Heavy Weight Title Fight on April 3
Grand Ronde, OR – Spirit Mountain Casino debuts one of many MMA events April 3rd with SportFight XXV. This action-packed night of mixed martial arts features an 11-bout card with two title fights.
Josh “The Machine” Queen (12-0 amateur, 2-0 professional), a fast-striking freestyle fighter from Idaho, takes on DJ “Da Protégé” Linderman (11-0-1 amateur, 3-0 professional) a freestyle fighter from California, in a 5-round heavyweight title fight.
Portland’s own Tyson Jefferies (8-3 amateur, 2-0 professional), a versatile freestyle fighter goes head-to-head with Mario Meiranda (2-0 amateur, 6-0 professional), a grappling, wrestling and jiu-jitsu style fighter from Rio de Janeiro in a 5-round title fight.
SportFight, founded in 2003 by Matt Lindland and Randy Couture, is the leading mixed martial arts promotion in the northwest and has produced a number of fighters for major MMA organizations including the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pride FC, K-1, the International Fight League, BodogFIGHT and Elite XC.
Tickets for the debut MMA event at the Spirit Mountain Casino Events Center are on sale now for $25, $35, $50, $75 and $100 through Star Tickets Plus. Tickets can be purchased online at starticketsplus.com or by calling (800) 585-3737. With a seating capacity of 1,744, excellent seats can also be purchased at www.spiritmountain.com or at the casino Coyote Club desk. The first bout is scheduled for 8 p.m.; the doors open at 7:00 p.m.
The remaining fight card is as follows: In a 3-round professional bout, Chris Ensley takes on Daryl Fenner, Ed Nuno faces off with Lloyd Woodward, Daryl Cutler vs. Matt May, Josh Bennet against Ryan Pope, and Chris Yee vs. Nathan Wallner. k
About Spirit Mountain Casino
SMC opened its doors in October 1995. Named as Oregon’s #1 visitor destination for over a decade, Spirit Mountain offers the most dynamic gaming and entertainment options in the region. The casino is located just 90 minutes west of Portland, nestled in the Willamette Valley’s coastal range.
Presenting the largest and most diverse gaming options in the Northwest, Spirit Mountain offers Nevada-style slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, pai gow, keno and bingo throughout its spacious 90,000-square foot casino.
With 254 tastefully decorated rooms, including 14 elaborate suites, Spirit Mountain Lodge provides comfort and exemplary service for its overnight guests.
Whether it’s fine cuisine at its signature Legends restaurant, enjoying Oregon’s largest buffet at Cedar Plank, or trying one of the other food outlets, patrons have a variety of high-quality dining options.
Spirit Mountain Casino is an enterprise of The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. For more information, please visit www.spiritmountain.com.
About SportFight
Founded in 2003 by Matt Lindland and Randy Couture, SportFight is the leading mixed martial arts promotionin the northwestern United States. Together with its subsidiary brands, “Proving Grounds” and “Clash at the Casino,” SportFight has produced more than 30 live MMA events in Oregon, Nevada and Colorado.
SportFight was Oregon’s first sanctioned mixed martial arts promotion and has served as a showcase for many of the sport’s emerging stars and best-known veterans, such as Sean Sherk, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Jeff Monson, Chris Leben, Ed Herman, Gesias “JZ” Calvancanti, Paul Daley, Chael Sonnen and Dennis Hallman. Furthermore, SportFight has graduated fighters to every major MMA organization, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pride FC, K-1, the International Fight League, BodogFIGHT and Elite XC.
Check out SportFight TV every Saturday at 10 pm on Comcast SportsNet. SportFight has an extensive library of event footage and highlight compilations that are available on DVD at Wal-Mart, Hollywood Video and many other retail locations. For more information, visit www.sportfight.tv.
#####
Tags: BodogFIGHT > Chris Ensley > Chris Yee > Daryl Cutler > Daryl Fenner > DJ Linderman > Ed Nuno > EliteXC > FC > heavyweight title > IFL > Josh Bennet > Josh Queen > K-1 > lloyd Woodward > Mario Meiranda > Matt Lindland > Matt May > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Nathan Wallner > PRIDE > Randy Couture > Rio de Janeiro > Ryan Pope > Spirit Mountain Casino > Sportfight XXV > Tyson Jeffries > Ultimate Fighting Championship
ALERT: NEW START TIME – 1AM PT, FOR “HDNET FIGHTS PRESENTS: WORLD VICTORY ROAD: SENGOKU 7”
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | 1 Comment
HDNet to air exclusive coverage LIVE from Japan,
Friday March 20 at 1:00 a.m. PT
The LIVE broadcast of “HDNet Fights Presents: World Victory Road: Sengoku 7” on HDNet has been delayed by one hour. It will now begin at 1AM PT / 4AM ET, instead of the originally scheduled time of 12AM PT / 3AM ET.
The fight card features Hatsu Hioki, Hideki Kadowaki, L.C. Davis, Nick Denis, and twelve other combatants in the first round of the Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix – plus undefeated Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal takes on Ryo Kawamura in the main event of the evening.
An encore presentation will be broadcast as scheduled on HDNet at 10 PM ET / 7 PT on Friday, March 20.
About HDNet
HDNet (www.hd.net) is a network that is original, thinks independently and delivers
unique content and provocative, authentic programming that appeals to men of all ages, delivered in true high definition.
HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report,” and the Emmy Award winning “Dan Rather Reports,” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant – telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.
HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts through HDNet Fights. HDNet Fights partners with leading MMA promoters including Affliction, DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live mixed martial arts events than any other network and HDNet’s “Inside MMA” is the hottest mixed martial arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.
HDNet also delivers the world’s largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring “Art Mann Presents,” “Vegas Confessions,” “Deadline” and “Get Out!” HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. “NASA on HDNet” presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.
Only HDNet Movies delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow and Eric Bana.
Upcoming Sneak Previews include “The Great Buck Howard,”starring Colin Hanks, John Malkovich and Tom Hanks, and “HarlemAria,” starring Damon Wayans.
In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies presents viewers with over one hundred films and an average of twenty-five “HD Premieres” each month. HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.
HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.
Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit www.hd.net.
Tags: 2008 Lightweight and Middleweight Grand Prix > Denis Kang > DREAM > Dream 1 > Dream 2 > FEG > Gegard Mousasi > Gesias Calcancanti > Hayato Sakurai > HDNet FIGHTS > Joachim Hansen > Kazushi Sakuraba > Mark Cuban > Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic > Mitsuhiro Ishida > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Ronaldo Souza > Shinya Aoki > Tatsuya Kawajiri > USA
Edwin Rodriguez stops Patrick Thompson in 2nd Round of Worcester, MA Boxing Match
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
WORCESTER, Mass. (March 19, 2009) – Undefeated middleweight/super middleweight sensation Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez had a very successful “Homecoming,” stopping 30-fight veteran Patrick Thompson for only the second time in his career in Thursday night’s main event at historic Mechanics Hall.
“Homecoming,” promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Manfredo’s Gym, was taped live as part of DiBella’s “Broadway Boxing Series,” which shot in New England for the first time.
The 23-year-old Dominican Republic-born Rodriguez, living in Worcester, improved his perfect pro record to 10-0 (7 KOs) with a second-round technical knockout of Thompson (15-14-1, 5 KOs), who went the distance with notables such as present IBF mandatory middleweight title challenger Giovanni Lorenzo, John Duddy, Joe Greene, Vanes Martirosyan, Sechew Powell, and Ishe Smith. Thompson had been stopped only once, 5-½ years ago, by Alfonso Gomez.
Ryan Kielczewski (4-0), 2008 National Golden Gloves runner-up, registered his first knockout as a pro when his lightweight bout against Aaron Chavez (2-2) was halted in the third round. Middleweight prospect Philip Jackson Benson (3-0), 2-time New York Golden Gloves champion remained unbeaten with a third-round TKO of Dameon Mitchell (0-2).
Also on the undercard, 3-time Irish national amateur champion Steven Ormond (3-0) made a successful U. S. debut when Jonathan Ocasio (0-4) was unable to continue after one round. Welterweight Dustin Reinhold (1-0) had an impressive pro debut, defeating Valdrin Muriqi (0-1) by fourth-round TKO, while light heavyweight Valar Boise won his pro debut via a second-round TKO against Houston Crayton (0-4).
“Homecoming” Results
Light Heavyweights
Valar Boise (1-0, 1 KOs), Providence, RI WTKO2 (2:17) Houston Crayton (0-4), Brockton, MA
Super Middleweights
Edwin Rodriguez (10-0, 7 KOs), Worcester, MA WTKO2 (2:11) Patrick Thompson (15-14-1, 5 KOs), Lincoln, NE
Middleweights
Philip Jackson Benson (3-0, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY WTKO2 (1:32) Dameon Mitchell (0-2), New York, NY
Super Welterweights
Dustin Reinhold (1-0, 1 KO), Fall River, MA WTKO4 (0:42) Valdrin Muriqi (0-1), New York, NY
Lightweights
Steven Ormond (3-0, 1 KO), Dublin, Ireland WTKO2 (2:17) Jonathan Ocasio (0-4), Philadelphia, PA
Featherweights
Ryan Kielczewski (4-0, 1 KO), Quincy, MA WTKO3 (2:44) Aaron Chavez (2-2, 0 KOs), Vero Beach, FL
-30-
Tags: Boxing > DiBella's Broadway Boxing Series > Edwin Rodriguez > fighting > Foxwoods > MA > Mafredo's gym > Mechanics Hall > New England > Patrick Thmpson > Worcester
Maloney’s Heavyweight Prospects In Action At Newham
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
Two of the most promising heavyweight prospects in Britain will be in action this Friday, March 20 on the undercard of the Ian Napa vs. Malik Bouzaine European bantamweight title fight show at Newham Leisure Centre in London.
Larry Olubamiwo and Tom Dallas both turned professional last year with promoter Frank Maloney and have each hammered their way to perfect records after three bouts.
30 year old Olubamiwo has earned his “War Machine” nickname in brutal fashion as the 6’4, 260 pound Hackney resident hasn’t allowed a rival to see the finish of a fight, producing three KO’s against seasoned journeyman opposition.
At Newham Leisure Centre this Friday, Olubamiwo, 3-0 (3), will meet what will likely be his stiffest challenge to date, in the form of opponent Mick O’Connell, who will be making his pro debut.
In contrast to Olubamiwo, who only had 11 amateur bouts, 34 year old O’Connell had a long and glittering career in the unpaid ranks, winning 135 bouts, seven Combined Services titles as a Royal Marine, an ABA title and a Commonwealth Games silver medal to go with two stints as England team captain.
If Olubamiwo allows O’Connell to make their contest a boxing match, it’s unlikey he’ll have the tools to compete with the Plymouth man but “The War Machine” didn’t get such a sobriquet from trying to outslick adversaries in the ring.
Olubamiwo’s promotional stablemate Tom Dallas, 3-0 (1), will face 37 year old Swindon novice “Big” Ben Harding, 2-1-1 (0), in a scheduled four rounder.
Towering above opponents at 6’6, Dallas made expert use of his height and reach advantages in the amateurs, racking up an junior ABA championship and nearly capturing an ABA super heavyweight title.
As a pro, Dallas hasn’t lost a round in three contests. The 230 pound 23 year old from Chatham is coming off a second round stoppage of Howard Daley in which Dallas looked to be in possession of the full arsenal, battering his quarry with an unrelenting two-fisted barrage.
At 6’3, 265 pounds, Harding is no small problem for Dallas, but that hasn’t stopped the Kent prospect from promising to deliver another resounding performance in victory.
Frank Maloney Promotions presents the Bantamweight Championship of Europe as reigning titlist Ian Napa defends against Malik Bouziane along with full undercard support at Newham Leisure Centre in London, England on Friday, March 20, 2009.
Tickets, priced at £80 for Ringside and £35 General Admission, are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508.
Sky Sports will televise the action live on SS2 at 10PM.
For further information or press credential requests contact ftm.press@gmail.com.
Larry Olumbamiwo and Tom Dallas photos ©Jane Warburton/MMG and are free for use only with credit given to same.
Tags: Boxing > European bantamweight title > Frank Maloney > Ian Napa > Larry Olubamiwo > London > Malik Bouzaine > Newham Leisure Centre > Tom Dalls
Samuel Peter Taking the Hard Way Back to the Title
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
Former WBC Heavyweight Champion Samuel Peter (32-2, 23 KOs) is a man of his word.
After losing his title to Vitali Klitschko last October in Germany, the powerful slugger vowed to redeem himself by taking on the best the division has to offer on his road back to the top.
And to prove he means what he says, Peter will jump right back into the thick of it against once-beaten and IBF #3 rated “Fast” Eddie Chambers (33-1, 18 KOs) on March 27 at the Nokia Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, California, and televised live on ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights”.
“Samuel Peter has decided not to play safe for even one fight. Who else in the heavyweight division would choose an opponent like Eddie Chambers for his first fight back since losing the title?” asked Peter’s promoter, Dino Duva of Duva Boxing. “Eddie Chambers has only lost once in his career in a respectable performance against Alexander Povetkin. And he has beaten Calvin Brock, Derric Rossy and Dominick Guinn among his 33 wins. ”
Chambers, 3-0 against solid opposition since the Povetkin fight, has a slick style and busy jab that could present problems for Peter. “This is hardly a tune-up fight for Samuel,” Duva continued. “Eddie Chambers is #3 in the IBF; Samuel is #5. The winner of this matchup will almost surely move very close to a mandatory title shot.”
Having proclaimed his mission to bring excitement to heavyweight boxing since early in his career, Peter has never shied away from big matchups. In addition to facing both Klitschko brothers, “The Nigerian Nightmare” sought out James Toney and beat him (twice) and knocked out Oleg Maskaev to win the title.
“Samuel had a terrible night against Vitali and he’s sworn to himself and his fans to make up for it by only taking meaningful fights against top opponents. Eddie Chambers has tremendous hand speed and technique and he makes for a very intriguing match. I commend Samuel for choosing to come back against one of the world’s top contenders this way. Once again, the heavyweight division is looking to Samuel Peter to bring back the excitement and he intends on rewarding his loyal fans by regaining the title very soon.”
“This is a very important fight for Samuel’s career,” admits Peter’s manager Ivaylo Gotzev, “and a lot of experts call it a very dangerous fight for him coming back. After he proves them wrong, he will re-establish himself as one of the top heavyweights in the world. It’s only a mater for time before he fights for the title again where he will prove what happened in Germany was a fluke.”
Tags: Boxing > California > Calvin Brock > Derric Rossy > Dino Duva > Dominick Guinn > Duva Boxing > Eddie Chambers > ESPN Friday Night Fights > Ivaylo Gotzev > James Toney > Los Angeles > March 27 > Oleg Maskaev > Samuel Peter > Vitali Klitschko














