UFC 97 FULL CARD ANNOUNCED
Posted on | March 14, 2009 | No Comments
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is proud to confirm the remaining bouts of an already stacked card as Krzysztof Soszynski, Brian Stann, Cheick Kongo, Antoni Hardonk, Steve Cantwell, Luiz Cane, Denis Kang, Xavier Foupa-Pokam, Nate Quarry, Jason MacDonald, David Loiseau, Ed Herman, Mark Bocek, David Bielkheden, Ryo Chonan, TJ Grant, Eliot Marshall, Mike Ciesnolevicz, Sam Stout and Matt Wiman join Anderson Silva, Thales Leites, Chuck Liddell and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua for UFC 97: Redemption, live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada on Saturday April 18, 2009.
Tickets for UFC 97 are sold out, but UFC 97 will be available live on pay-per-view on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, Bell ExpressVu, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.95 for standard definition or high-definition broadcasts (where available).
After competing on Season 8 of The Ultimate Fighter, Poland’s Krzysztof Soszynski (fighting out of Temecula, Calif. via Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) parlayed that experience into a second-round submission victory over Shane Primm in December. But now the 31-year-old light heavyweight will face the toughest test of his career in former World Extreme Cagefighting® light heavyweight champion Brian Stann (fighting out of Scranton, Pa.). Mixed martial arts is a respite compared to the pressure the 28-year-old Stann faced when his Marine unit was ambushed in Iraq in 2005. Stann, then a 2nd Mobile Assault Platoon leader, and his troops thwarted the two-week assault as every American soldier survived the attacks. Now Stann makes his UFC debut against the experienced Soszynski.
Don’t blink when Cheick Kongo (fighting out of Paris, France) and Antoni Hardonk (fighting out of Weesp, Holland) touch gloves. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Kongo is a devastating striker that is coming off two consecutive knockouts against Dan Evensen and Mostapha Al Turk. If there is a fighter in the heavyweight division that will probably look to stand-and-trade with the 23-4-1 striker it will be Dutch kickboxer Antoni Hardonk. Knocking out his last three opponents all inside of two rounds, Hardonk, like Kongo, looks to be the best he’s ever been.
There is no ceiling on the career of 22-year-old Steve Cantwell (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada). The former WEC® light heavyweight champion ended his UFC debut by referee stoppage when he had Razak Al-Hassan’s arm in a precarious position during their December fight. Now the Long Beach, California native focuses his attention to another rising star in Luiz “Banha” Cane (fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil). The 27-year-old with a 10-1, 1 NC record boasts TKO wins over Jason Lambert and Rameau Sokoudjou in his last two fights.
An Alumnus of Season 8 of The Ultimate Fighter, Eliot Marshall (fighting out of Boulder, Colo.) had an impressive first-round submission against Jules Bruchez in his UFC debut last December. Now the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and Franklinville, N.J. native will look to improve his MMA record to 7-2 when he faces versatile light heavyweight Mike Ciesnolevicz (fighting out of Bettendorf, Iowa). The 29-year-old Ciesnolevicz impressed UFC fans by moving up to heavyweight to fight Neil Grove at UFC 95 and only needing 1:03 to heel hook the massive heavyweight for the submission victory. Now the Miletich-trained fighter and Harrisburg, Pa. native moves back to his normal weight class to take on “The Fire.”
With an impressive 31-11-1, 2 NC mixed martial arts record, Denis Kang (fighting out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) brings plenty of experience to the UFC’s middleweight division. Fighting for the first time in his home country as a UFC fighter, Kang will have to be well prepared when he goes toe-to-toe with Muay Thai wrecking ball Xavier Foupa-Pokam (fighting out of Paris, France). Even though he’s regarded as a top striker, the 27-year-old Foupa-Pokam has won three of his last five fights by submission.
A veteran of nine fights in the OctagonTM, Nova Scotia’s Jason MacDonald (fighting out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) dominated the last time the UFC visited Montreal. In 2008, the 33-year-old middleweight earned a TKO victory against Joe Doerksen at UFC 83. Now “The Athlete” looks to defend his home turf against heavy-handed puncher Nate “The Rock” Quarry (fighting out of Gresham, Ore.). The UFC veteran is known for throwing hands, as four of his five UFC wins have come via knockout.
What a time to return to the Octagon for Montreal native David Loiseau (fighting out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada). The 29-year-old is a veteran of seven UFC bouts and last fought for the organization in 2006. The dangerous striker will face a talented, well-rounded mixed martial artist in Ed Herman (fighting out of Portland, Ore.). The Vancouver, Washington born fighter looks to get back to his 2007 form, when he won three fights in a row.
Coming off an impressive submission victory against Alvin Robinson at UFC 91 is Toronto native Mark Bocek (fighting out of Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada). The 27-year-old lightweight and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt will truly be tested if the fight hits the ground against Sweden’s David Bielkheden (fighting out of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil). The Brazilian Top Team trained fighter also holds a BJJ black belt and looks to use the momentum from the decision victory in his last fight against Jess Liaudin to earn his second straight win.
One of the handful of fighters that holds an MMA win over current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, 32-year-old Ryo Chonan (fighting out of Yamagata City, Japan) is a veteran of 24 professional fights. The always exciting welterweight looks to improve his
record to 16-9 when he faces experienced grappler TJ Grant (fighting out of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia). The 25-year-old Calgary native has earned submission victories in 12 of his 13 wins, and is making his UFC debut.
As the first fight on this stacked card, Canadian Sam Stout (fighting out of London, Ontario, Canada) looks to get the Montreal crowd in a frenzy from the start. The 24-year-old Muay Thai practitioner enjoys a good standup battle but will have to be prepared to take on the well-rounded Matt Wiman (fighting out of Dallas, Texas). The Dallas fighter is coming off a breakthrough year in 2008, and he plans on carrying that momentum into 2009 when he faces Stout.
About The Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship® is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, Bell ExpressVU, SaskTel MaxTM, Shaw Pay-Per-View, Viewers Choice, and WOWOW in Japan, and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world. For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit ufc.com or uk.ufc.com or ufcespanol.com.
Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, ZuffaTM, The OctagonTM and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners.
Tags: Anderson Silva > Antoni Hardonk > Brian Stann > Cheick Kongo > Chuck Liddell > David Bielkheden > David Loiseau > Denis Kang > Ed Herman > Eliot Marshall > Jason MacDonald > Krzysztof Soszynski > Luiz Cane > Mark Bocek > Matt Wiman > Mauricio "Shogun" Rua > Mike Ciesnolevicz > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > Nate Quarry > Ryo Chonan > Sam Stout > Steve Cantwell > Thales Leites > TJ Grant > UFC 97 > Xavier Foupa-Pokam
Cestus Fighters Gomez, Luna Jr and DuBois to Fight on ESPN FNF Under Card March 20 in Laredo Texas
Posted on | March 14, 2009 | No Comments
By: Cestus Press
On March 20, 2009 , the Laredo Entertainment Center in Laredo, Texas , will be packed with boxing fans as ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” boxing series invades the beautiful gateway city for a night of unforgettable fights. The event is promoted by Banner Promotions and features Mexican warrior Fernando Beltran Jr., Russian banger Ruslan Provodnikov, tough Ji Hoon Kim and undefeated, former 2008 United States Olympian, Demetrius Andrade. What further makes the card a must-see for fans from Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico , is the addition of three of Cestus Management’s fighters Rodolfo “ BABY COBRA” Gomez, Robert “NIGHTHAWK” Luna Jr., and James “QUICK DRAW” DuBois.
Gomez and Luna have already wowed boxing aficionados and showcased their immense talent to Laredo fans by producing electrifying performances before the local contingent which caused an immediate buzz. James DuBois is a known Texas boxing star with an all action style that is always entertaining to fight fans. With all three as part of the non-televised portion of the under card, the live audience in attendance is sure to experience a great night of explosive fights.
Gina Iacovou, Cestus Management’s CEO , said, “This is a great card and great event for Laredo as the fans there really know their boxing. By Banner Promotions bringing ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, the fans are guaranteed an awesome evening of boxing. Also, the local fans will be able to enjoy their own fighters like Rodolfo ( BABY COBRA) Gomez, Robert (“NIGHTHAWK”) Luna Jr. and James (“QUICK DRAW”) DuBois, so I’m sure that this fight card will be one that will not be forgotten in Laredo.
Mike Michael, who is the Founder of Cestus Management, said, “We (Cestus) are very happy to be involved in an ESPN Friday Night Fights undercard and would like to thank Art Pelullo and his team at Banner Promotions for their support. Michael continued, “this night of boxing in Laredo is going to be hardcore. Just look at the fight line up as you have Fernando Beltran Jr. in the main event and a fully loaded undercard with Ruslan Provodnikov, Ji Hoon Kim and the up-and-coming former U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade. Add in the Cestus fighters “BABY COBRA” Gomez, “NIGHHAWK” Luna Jr. and “QUICK DRAW” DuBois and the action will be nonstop.”
For ticket information contact the Laredo Entertainment Center ticket office, located at 6700 Arena Boulevard , Laredo , Texas ; Ticket prices start at just $7, plus facility fee.
Cestus Management Makers of Champions represents fighters of distinction from across the world. For further information about the company, its fighters, media or otherwise please visit www.cestusmanagement.com.
Tags: Art Pelullo > Banner Promotions > Boxing > Cestus > Cestus Management > Demetrius Andrade > ESPN > Fernando Beltran > Friday Night Fights > Gina Iacovou > James DuBois > Ji Hoon Kim > Jr. > Laredo > Mexican > Mexico > Mike Michael > Nuevo Laredo > Robert Luna > Rodolfo Gomez > Ruslan Provodnikov > Russian > Tamaulipas > Texas
BOXING IN DORCHESTER, MA TONIGHT!
Posted on | March 14, 2009 | No Comments
The AFO is branching into boxing, sanctioning one of two title fights on Celtic Pride Boxing’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend pro boxing card.
Promoters Mark Porter and Packy Collins of Celtic Pride Promotions, in association with Mark Vaz Boxing, will be presenting it’s second annual St Patrick’s Day Boxing Show at the Dorchester Armory on Saturday, March 14 at 7pm.
The main event will feature Dublin’s Patrick Hyland putting up his undefeated record against Nicaragua’s Carlos Guevara, 12-8-1 (9). Guevara lost a close decision to Orlando Cruz for the IBA title in Puerto Rico last year, and brings tremendous punching power and determination into the fight.
Hyland, at 15-0 with 8 knockouts is one of 3 brothers fighting professionally out of Dublin, Ireland. Hyland will be making his second consecutive appearance on Celtic Pride’s St. Patrick’s Day show, and facing the most dangerous opponent of his career.
The co-feature, for the American Fighting Organization’s first championship belt will showcase young prospect Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan of Dublin taking a huge step up in competition against veteran Jimmy LeBlanc of South Boston. At only 6-0, O’Sullivan faces the far more experienced boxer, a veteran of 31 professional fights and coming off an impressive first round knockout of Luther Smith, as well as an impressive roll in “Gone, Baby, Gone” as a gangster in the hugely successful movie filmed in Boston.
2008 US Olympic Team Alternate Danny O’Connor (4-0, 1ko) from nearby Framingham, MA will make his first appearance as a professional in his home state, facing the tough Charles Wade of Philadelphia.
O’Connor, who last Friday opened the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights broadcast in a thrilling 4 round bout has all the elements of a future star.
Venturing down from the north shore will be Lawrence’s popular Eddie Caminero, 5-0, with 5 knockouts, as well as 18 year old Alexis Santos, both trained by Sean Farley. Santos willl make his pro debut against Steve Jaegar of North Attleboro. At 19 years old, Santos will be the youngest boxer on the show, facing the strong and durable Jaegar, who brings 20 amateur fights and 3 mma bouts experience into the ring with him. Caminero was slated to face tough Steve Detar who will be unavailable due to personal issues.
Also: Dan Conway, Quincy, MA vs Raphael Jaszdebski of Atlantic City.
Justin Palau, Taunton, MA vs Antonio Chavez-Fernandes, Brockton, MA (0-0), 147 pounds.
Eddie Hyland 11-1, Dublin, Ireland vs TBA
For information or tickets, please contact Mark Vaz at 508 746-0176
Tags: Alex Santos > Antonio Chavez-Fernandes > Atlantic City > Boxing > Brockton > Caminero > Carlos Guevara > Celtic Pride Promotions > Dan Conway > Danny O'Connor > Dorchester > Dorchester Armory > Eddie Hyland > ESPN2 > Framingham > Gary O'Sullivan > IBA > Justin Palau > MA > Mark Porter > Mark Vaz > Mark Vaz Boxing > Massachusetts > Nicaragua > North Attleboro > Packy Collins > Puerto Rico > Quincy > Raphael Jaszdebski > St. Patrick's Day > Steve Detar > Steve Jaegar > Taunton
“Beatdown 4” MMA show Mar. 21 @ 4 Bears Casino
Posted on | March 13, 2009 | No Comments
MANDALAY BAY TO HOST CLOSED CIRCUIT VIEWING FOR PACQUIAO VS. HATTON – “THE BATTLE OF EAST AND WEST”
Posted on | March 13, 2009 | No Comments
Additional MGM MIRAGE Properties To Host Limited Closed Circuit Seats
Tickets On Sale Now
LAS VEGAS (March 13) – Mandalay Bay will host closed circuit viewing in conjunction with the upcoming “The Battle of East and West” between MANNY “Pac Man” PACQUIAO and RICKY “The Hitman” HATTON. The championship bout, scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at MGM Grand Garden Arena, will be produced and distributed by HBO-Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The Mirage, TI, Monte Carlo, Circus Circus, Luxor and New York-New York also will host a limited number of closed circuit seats.
Tickets for the closed circuit telecast are priced at $50, not including handling fees. All seats are general admission and are now on sale at each individual property’s box office outlets or by phone with a major credit card at (866) 799-7711. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.
Two of boxing’s biggest stars will meet in the ring for what could be the year’s biggest boxing event. Five-division world champion MANNY “Pac Man” PACQUIAO and IBO and Ring Magazine World Junior Welterweight champion RICKY “The Hitman” HATTON will fight for Hatton’s World Junior Welterweight titles Saturday, May 2 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Pacquiao vs. Hatton – “The Battle of East and West,” a 12-round bout for Hatton’s IBO and Ring Magazine World Junior Welterweight titles, is promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with MP Promotions and Hatton Promotions, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines.
HBO Sports’ acclaimed reality franchise “24/7” will return with the premiere of the four-part series PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7 on Saturday, April 11 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.
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Tags: Bob Arum > Boxing > Las Vegas > Manny Pacquiao > MGM Grand > Richard Schaefer > Ricky Hatton > Top Rank > World Junior Welterweight Championship
Figueroa gets shot against Bailey in April 3 IBF title eliminator
Posted on | March 13, 2009 | 1 Comment
NEW YORK (March 13, 2009) – NAB light welterweight champion Frankie “El Gator” Figueroa (20-2, 13 KO’s), now known as Gator Figueroa, gets the opportunity that he’s worked hard for on April 3 when he takes on former BO light welterweight champion Randall Bailey (38-6, 34 KO’s) in an IBF title eliminator.
The winner between BF No. 3 rated Bailey (No. 1 and 2 are unrated) and No. 6 ranked Figueroa, shown live on ESP from Memphis, will earn a title shot against BF champion Juan Urango.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity for me and I’m very happy that the fight has been made,” Figueroa said from his Miami-based training camp. “I want to thank my promoter, Square Ring and its CEO, John Wit, and my manager, Sal LoNan, for making this happen. Nothing is going to stop me from winning this fight. I’ve been training hard, first at Mike Boyle’s (Training and Conditioning in Winchester, MA), and now in Miami with my former head trainer, Reggie Martinez, who is back in my corner. I can already tell the difference in my strength and conditioning. My sparring partners tell me I’m faster and have more pop. That’s all I needed to hear.”
Bailey has more experience than Figueroa, who has a 12-fight win streak dating back to 2004, having defeated the likes of Demarcus Corey, Carlos Gonzalez, Hector Lopez, Rudy Martinez and DeMetrio Cembalos. Bailey’s a knockout-artist who has stopped 34 of 38 victims, but Figueroa has never been knocked out as a pro. The 34-year old Bailey, 3-4 in world title fights, has been knocked out twice by Miguel Cotto and Disobeys Hurtado. Randall lost a split decision in a 2007 BF title eliminator to Herman Gourd.
“Bailey has had his time but now it’s Gator time,” Figueroa added. “Bailey’s a great fighter. I’m not going to slam him; I’m preparing for him and will do my talking in the ring. I’m not looking past Bailey, but I am thinking about Urango because my goal is to be world champion. In order to achieve that, I have to get past Bailey to get a title shot against Urango.”
Figueroa is also rated No. 11 by the BC and No. 14 by the WA. The 30-year-old Puerto Rican-American was born in Spanish Harlem, where Frankie was a 2-time New York City high school wrestling champion (14-0 as a senior). He was nicknamed, “El Gator” (The Cat), because he was the only one quick enough to catch a cat that was a mascot at his original gym in the Bronx.
For more information about Frankie Figueroa visit his web site at www.teamgato.com.
-FF-
Tags: Boxing > brooklyn > Emanuel Augustus > Frankie Figueroa > Gavin Rees > Jr. > Las Vegas > Massachusetts > Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning > NABF > New York > Randall Bailey > Roy Jones > Sal LoNano > Winchester
‘USS’ Cunningham Steams In To Support Enzo Maccarinelli
Posted on | March 13, 2009 | No Comments
Team ‘USS’ Cunningham
For Immediate Release
Philadelphia, PA. USA – 12th March 2009
Former IBF World Cruiserweight Champion, Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham gives his view on this weekend’s big battle at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester between Wales’ Enzo ‘Big Mac’ Maccarinelli and American-based Brit Ola ‘Kryptonite’ Afolabi for the interim WBO Title.
World No. 2 ranked Cruiserweight ‘USS’ Cunningham, who had offered to step in and face Maccarinelli after Johnathon Banks backed out of their planned date to face Cunningham’s former foe and current IBF champion, Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek, relishes the thought of No. 5 World ranked ‘Big Mac’ being victorious as he said. “Man, I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to fight Enzo on the fourteenth. It would have been a great fight. I really want to fight in England, the fans there are awesome, just like the
Polish fans, they’re so enthusiastic.
That aside, this is going to be a real banger of a fight. Ola (Afolabi) is an underrated talent. I don’t think this will be as easy as Enzo thinks. Word is Ola can really battle, he’s no walk over. No disrespect to Ola, I’m hoping that Enzo wins though, so he gets a shot at Victor (Emilio Ramirez – Current WBO Champ).
After my fight with Wayne (Braithwaite) I’ll get the rematch with Tomasz (Adamek) I still know I am the best Cruiserweight. My motto is “Two Time In ’09”, I will get my title back, then I’ll go to unify the belts. I’ll be going after all the champions, I’d like nothing more than the first being against Enzo in England. Shoot, that’ll be the fight of the Century.”
The contracts for the IBF World Cruiserweight Title eliminator bout between Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham and Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite have been signed and the fight will take place in St Louis, Missouri sometime in the very near future. The winner earns the right to face current IBF Champion Tomasz ‘Goral’ Adamek later in 2009.
– END –
Tags: Boxing > cruiserweight > David Haye > Enzo Macarinelli > Steve Cunningham > Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite
LIONHEART TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP
Posted on | March 13, 2009 | No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2009
Contact:
Chad Dubin
LionHeart
chad@lionheartfighters.com
814.280.1982
LionHeart Professional Management & Promotions, Inc. in conjunction with LionHeart Brands, LLC is proud to announce the establishment of the “LionHeart Training Scholarship Fund”
State College, PA – After 3 months of fundraising and coordination, we are pleased to announce the establishment of a very unique opportunity in today’s world of developing MMA athletes. The LionHeart Training Scholarships will help to fast track a developing fighter’s skills by taking them completely out of the workplace and keep them in a gym where they can learn and train MMA as their full time job. We feel this tool will provide a very competitive advantage to any serious athlete aspiring to become a great professional fighter.
The LionHeart Training Scholarships are available to only serious athletes from any background, that are willing to dedicate their lives to becoming great fighters. Each scholarship would pay for all of the living, training and travel expenses the athlete would incur for at least one full year. The fund is currently big enough to be able to award at least 15 FULL scholarships every year to candidates that apply and meet the proper criteria.
Chad Dubin, owner of LionHeart Professional Management & Promotions, believes the scholarship fund allows fighters to fully focus on their training:
I’m excited about the establishment of this fund! I’m convinced that in today’s extremely competitive world of MMA, it’s almost impossible to succeed at the highest level if you also have to worry about working a regular job and paying the bills. Five years ago it was possible, but today it’s a much different sport. Today you must be an expert at four different martial arts disciplines and that requires a ton of time. The catch 22 is a dilemma that many up and coming professional fighters struggle with: how do you afford to train full time and develop into a fighter ready for the big leagues and for big dollars, when you are still fighting in the small venues with small purses? Unless you have wealthy parents that will support you, or you win the lottery, it is a dilemma with many up and coming fighters.
Chad went on to say:
Our goal is to find the right athletes, that are not posing as tough guys, but are willing to sacrifice and dedicate their lives to being great professional fighters. We want to take these athletes out of the 40 hour workweek and put them into the gym for 40 hours a week. Athletes with the proper mental toughness and dedication, in this environment, will develop at a faster pace as fighters and enable them to reach their goals in a much shorter timeframe.
Any athletes, or trainers with aspiring fighters, that are interested in more details about the LionHeart Training Scholarship Fund can contact Chad Dubin at 814-280-1982 or chad@lionheartfighters.com
LionHeart Website
Tags: Lionheart Gym > LionHeart Professional Management & Promotions > LLC > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > scholarship














