Figueroa following in path of Ward & Malignaggi
Posted on | January 26, 2009 | No Comments
LAS VEGAS (January 26, 2008) – Veteran boxing manager Sal LoNano has brought his fighter, NABF light welterweight champion Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa (20-2, 13 KOs), in from his Bronx home to the Boston area for a five-week training program at the famed Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning in Winchester, Massachusetts.
LoNano is having Figueroa follow in the same path two of his better known fighters, “Irish” Micky Ward and former IBF light welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi, also traveled with tremendous results.
“In Frankie’s last few fights I noticed something wrong on his right side,” LoNano explained. “He was switching around to the right side (Figueroa is a southpaw) because he was in some pain I brought Micky and Paulie to Boyle’s because it’s the best finding physical weaknesses of pro athletes. A physical therapist evaluated Frankie and found the problem – intertwined cartilage in his right knee and a weak back. I knew something was wrong and it’s great they found out what I knew was wrong from watching him in fights and the gym.
“Boyle’s is the place to go for any athlete trying to get back on the right track. ‘Gato’ will work there and get strong, just like Micky and Paulie did, developing muscles not normally used in the fight game. For example, when Frankie threw a jab it didn’t have any power behind it because of his knee and back. He’ll work with his trainer at Boyle’s to correct the problem. Frankie will be back 100-percent, not 80 or 90 percent, and be ready to go to training camp in Vero Beach (FL) for four weeks prior to his next fight.”
Figueroa will workout at Boyle’s three days a week, two hours a day, for five weeks. After each session he is massaged-out and off days Frankie does light boxing-related workouts at a nearby gym.
“After one day of testing I realized that they’re very serious professionals,” Frankie said. “I was surprised because I thought the testing would be a lot of jumping and pulling. I’m expecting a big improvement and increases in my power, balance and speed. I’m for any edge that will help me reach my goal of becoming the undisputed light welterweight champion of the world. I take life as it comes; I’m humble but confident. I’ve won three titles (NABF & New York State light welterweight and WBC Intercontinental welterweight) but my job won’t be complete until I’m world champion. This strength-and-conditioning program is going to help me get there.”
Nicknamed “El Gato” – 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, Frankie is now promoted by Roy Jones. Jr’s Square Ring.
The 30-year-old Figueroa, a Puerto Rican-American born in Spanish Harlem, was 2-time New York City high school wrestler, 14-0 as a senior, who didn’t start boxing until eight years ago after taking advice from a friend. A U.S. Army veteran rated No. 5 by the IBF, as well as No. 10 by the WBC and No. 14 by the WBA. Figueroa hopes to be matched in April against former world champion Randall Bailey in an IBF light welterweight title eliminator.
Figueroa, coming off of an 8-round decision last November against veteran Emmanuel Augustus, has won his last 12 fights and is unbeaten for the past four-plus years.
For more information about Frankie Figueroa visit his web site at www.teamgato.com.
-FF-
MMAagents Forms Strategic Alliance with Joe Lear, President of Big Boxing, Inc!
Posted on | January 26, 2009 | No Comments
PRESS RELEASE
Huntington Beach, CA – Ken Pavia, president of MMAagents, announced today a strategic alliance with Joe Lear, president of Big Boxing, Inc. In 2001, Lear became internationally known for creating and innovating Back Tattoo Advertising in the sport of boxing. Lear’s tattoos grew medium-sized companies, like GoldenPalace.com, into mega industry leaders, while at the same time, injecting millions of dollars of revenue into the sport of boxing. In later years, with the help of Pavia, Lear integrated his advertising tattoos into the sport of Mixed Martial Arts resulting in the same phenomenal results. Now the strategic alliance of MMAagents and Lear plan to introduce several new, recession friendly, marketing and advertising plans to bring new companies and revenue streams into Mixed Martial Arts.
“There is a recession going on and everyone is feeling the squeeze. In response to the current conditions, MMAagents and I have joined forces to create low cost marketing campaigns with extremely high returns. The new, innovative programs include teams of at least 10 fighters, representing a single brand: in the media, in the gym where they train, in their online communities and at special events, for periods of three months or more. This team approach has been done in the past, but never encompassing so many aspects of the MMA lifestyle, with prices starting at a welcoming $5,000 a month.”
“Its important for the sport in general, to offer these types of marketing plans. Our innovative plans could be compared to a government stimulus package, bringing new businesses and revenue into the sport,” says Pavia. “In times of a recession, it is common practice for companies to cut back their advertising budgets in order to remain in the black. With prices this low and programs spanning several months, and not just event by event, it could be said these are recession-proof plans.” Pavia concludes “In the end, everyone wins: new companies can invest with ease, the fighters get great exposure and the sport continues to grow, even in this economy.”
Tags: Black Tattoo Advertising > Goldenpalace.com > Ken Pavia > MMAAgents
Chagaev’s hit list: Drumond, Valuev (again) and then the Klitschkos
Posted on | January 26, 2009 | No Comments
Feb. 7 Chagaev-Drumond PPV card live from Germany
HOBOKEN, N.J. (January 26, 2009) – WBA heavyweight “Champion in Recess” Ruslan “White Tyson” Chagaev has all of his boxing ducks, so to speak, lined up in a row but first he has to get past unbeaten No. 10 rated Carl Davis Drumond in the 12-round main event February 7, headlining “The Champion Returns” in Rostock, Germany.
“The Champion Returns” card, presented by Universum Boxing-Promotion, will broadcast three 12-round bouts. Integrated Sports is distributing it in the United States for live viewing at 2 PM/ET – 11 AM/PT on cable pay-per-view via iN Demand and TVN for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. A same day replay will be shown at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/ET. The event will also be available in Canada on TSN. Hall of Fame announcer Col. Bob Sheridan will handle blow-by-blow duties and Benny Ricardo, former NFL placekicker, will serve as color commentator.
2000 Uzbekistan Olympian Chagaev (24-0-1, 17 KOs), The Ring’s No. 3 rated heavyweight, captured the WBA crown on April 14, 2007 by 12-round decision against Nikolai Valuev (46-0). However, an Achilles tendon injury prevented Chagaev from defending his title last year against Valuev and the WBA regulated Ruslan to its “Champion in Recess.”
WBA No. 10 rated Drumond (26-0, 20 KOs), promoted by Warriors Seminole Boxing, is a boxing mystery outside of fan in his native Costa Rica. His most notable win to date was in 2007, when he won a 10-round decision against former world champion Kelvin Davis.
“It is one year since my last fight (win by 12-round decision against 21-1 Matt Skelton), so I am very motivated for this fight,” Chagaev said from his training camp in Hamburg. “From now on I want to have fight after fight; I can’t wait for the next tasks. First, I will beat Drumond. He is a strong man and I must be careful. But he wants to knock me out? That’s a joke, isn’t it? Nobody can knock me out. Sorry, Carl. This fight will be a big surprise for you.
“Than (after defeating Drumond) I will show who the real champ is by beating Valuev for the second time. Then I want to unify all of the belts. I want to fight the Klitschkos. I respect them for what they’ve reached in the heavyweight division, but I know then very well and I can beat them. 2009 will be my year.”
WBA light welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnikin defends his title belt versus unbeaten Argentinean knockout artist Marcos Rene “El Chino” Maidana, the WBA No. 1 contender, in the 12-round co-feature. Styles make fights and Kotelnik-Maidana shapes-up as a potential classic featuring a pure boxer, Kotelnik (30-2-1, 13 KOs), against a dangerous power puncher, Maidana (25-0, 24 KOs).
Undefeated Russian heavyweight Denis Boytsov (23-0, 18 KOs), fighting out of Germany, meets Puerto Rican veteran Israel “King Kong” Garcia (19-2, 11 KOs) in a 12-round bout for the WBA Intercontinental title. The 22-year-old Boytsov, rated No. 11 by the WBA, is the latest prospect in a long line of Russian heavyweight contenders.
Integrated Sports: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events is Integrated Sports. Among the many events brought to North American viewers by Integrated Sports include World Championship boxing matches featuring Ricky Hatton, Christian Mijares, Evander Holyfield and Roy Jones, Jr. In addition, Integrated Sports has distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Team of Argentina. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.
-IS-
Tags: Benny Ricardo > Carl Davis Drumond > Chagaev > Col. Bob Sheridan > Hoboken > in Demand > Integrated Sports > New Jersey > NFL > Rostock Germany > Ruslan Chagaev > The RIng > Universum Boxing-Promotion > Uzbekistan > Valuev > Warriors Seminole Boxing > WBA Heavyweight Champion > White Tyson
HDNET FIGHTS ANNOUNCES LONG TERM PARTNERSHIP WITH “RING OF HONOR WRESTLING”
Posted on | January 26, 2009 | No Comments
New partnership brings unique brand of professional wrestling to HDNet
DALLAS (January 26, 2009) HDNet Fights today announced a long term partnership with “Ring of Honor Wrestling.”
Coming soon, HDNet will debut a new weekly television series, which will bring “Ring of Honor Wrestling” to a national television audience for the very first time. “Ring of Honor Wrestling” and its stars are prominently featured in the recent, critically acclaimed movie “The Wrestler” starring Mickey Rourke.
“‘Ring of Honor’ is an exciting addition to our programming lineup at HDNet,” said Mark Cuban, chairman and co-founder of HDNet. “ROH has developed a cult following thanks to its special brand of professional wrestling and we are pleased to present it for the first time to a mass television audience.”
“‘Ring of Honor’ is proud and excited to enter a partnership with HDNet,” said Cary Silkin, president of Ring of Honor. “Our in-ring action is the perfect compliment to HDNet’s respected programming and growing stature in the broadcast industry. It’s a match most definitely made for a Main Event.”
Founded in 2002, “Ring of Honor” has become one of the most successful and recognized promotions in the world thanks to its focus on authentic professional wrestling. Over the last seven years it has produced some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Samoa Joe and CM Punk, while featuring the best in-ring competition in the world.
The stars of “Ring of Honor” include ROH World Champion Nigel McGuiness, the 3-time reigning Wrestling Observer Newsletter Most Outstanding Wrestler Bryan Danielson, Necro Butcher, Austin Aries, Tyler Black, Jerry Lynn, and Mark and Jay Briscoe.
Air dates and times will be announced at a later date.
About HDNet
HDNet (www.hd.net) provides viewers with the best in original comedy, drama, news, sports and music programming.
HDNet is your exclusive, high definition home for popular, critically acclaimed original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report,” the Emmy Award winning “Dan Rather Reports,” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather and “NASA on HDNet” (presenting live shuttle launches through 2010). HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring Major League Soccer, the NASCAR Camping World Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup re-broadcasts, and premiere Mixed Martial Arts from “HDNet Fights;” behind-the-scenes sports news with “Inside MMA;” groundbreaking music programming with the HDNet Concert Series featuring leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more; and entertaining and irreverent lifestyle programming including “Deadline!,” “Art Mann Presents,” and “Get Out!” HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning programs such as the Emmy Award winning “Arrested Development,” “The Black Donnellys,” “Dead Like Me,” “Smallville” and the hit series “Torchwood.”
HDNet Movies features a wide selection of major studio theatrical releases – all uncut, unedited, and appearing in their original aspect ratio so that HDNet Movies viewers get the best possible home theater experience.
Only HDNet Movies’ exclusive Sneak Previews bring feature films to viewers before they premiere in theaters! Some of the HDNet Movies Sneak Previews have included the Academy Award nominated “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room,” Toronto Film Festival nominee “The War Within,” and “Bubble,” the first of six movies by acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh and produced exclusively for HDNet Films. Other featured films include “Cashback,” written and produced by Sean Ellis, “Broken English,” from Zoe Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, Parker Posey, Drea de Matteo and Griffin Dunne, the critically acclaimed “Redacted” directed by Brian De Palma, “Flawless,” starring Michael Caine and Demi Moore, “Quid Pro Quo,” starring Nick Stahl and Vera Farmiga, “Finding Amanda,”starring Matthew Broderick and Brittany Snow, “Red,”starring Brian Cox and most recently “Humboldt County,” starring Fairuza Balk, Peter Bogdanovich and Frances Conroy and “Special,”starring Michael Rapaport. Upcoming Sneak Previews include “Great Buck Howard,”starring Colin Hanks, John Malkovich and Tom Hanks, and “HarlemAria,” starring Damon Wayans.
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.
About Ring of Honor
Ring of Honor Wrestling (http://www.rohwrestling.com) was created as a response to wrestling fans that appreciated the athleticism and entertainment that the sport can bring. Founded in 2002, Ring of Honor’s hard hitting, action packed style has been its hallmark with wrestling fans throughout the world. In its 7 year history, ROH has promoted over 200 live events between 15 states in addition to international events held in Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom. Since 2007, Ring of Honor Wrestling has been available on PPV though Direct TV, iN DEMAND, DISH Network and TVN cable systems in the U.S. as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell ExpressVu in Canada.
Tags: HDNet FIGHTS > Mixed Martial Arts > Ring of Honor > wrestling
O’Connor fighting Friday night in Montreal
Posted on | January 26, 2009 | No Comments
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (November 26, 2008) – 2008 U.S. Olympic first alternate Danny O’Connor heads north of the border to fight pro-debuting Greg Jimenez off-television on this week’s ESPN Friday Night Fights show, headlined by the IBF light welterweight title fight between Herman Ngoudjo and Juan Urango, at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
In his last fight, the 23-year-old O’Connor (2-0, 2 KOs) pitched a shutout last November against 16-fight veteran Anthony Woods, winning all four rounds on each of the three judge’s scorecards (40-35, 40-36, 40-36), at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
“I’m happy to be making a trip to Canada,” O’Connor said. “I can’t wait to fight. I’ve been working hard in the gym….training, training and training. I’ve come to realize that sometimes it’s difficult in the pros because opponents get switched around. It’s all part of the learning process. I train the same for all opponents, assuming that they’re going to bring their A game. I’m ready to fight. I’m in great shape and I can’t wait to show everyone there what I’ve been working on in the gym (401 Gym in Cranston, Rhode Island).”
O’Connor, fighting out of Framingham (MA), won last year’s US Future Stars National Championship, in which he was named Most Outstanding Boxer, as well as the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament. Danny, who signed a promotional contract with Seminole Warriors Boxing, defeated 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz, of the Dominican Republic, last May as an amateur in a USA-Dominican Republic dual meet.
“I love Montreal and the opportunity for Danny to fight there makes a lot of sense,” added O’Connor’s head trainer, Dave Keefe, who also co-manages Danny with Rob Valle. “I’m happy we’re fighting on the undercard of an IBF light welterweight title fight, which we hopefully will be fighting for in a couple of years.”
For more information about Danny O’Connor go online to www.dannyoconnorboxing.com.
-DO-
COMBAT ZONE LOOKING FOR 145 POUND MMA FIGHTER FOR FEB. 6 SALEM, NH SHOW
Posted on | January 26, 2009 | 1 Comment
The new Owners of Combat Zone are looking for a late replacement at 145lbs. to fight Renzo Gracie – NH’s Chris Grandmaison (7-3) on Feb. 6th, 2009 at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH. Obviously this is a tough challenge on short notice therefore the purse is a generous one. Combat Zone truly wants a fight with local boy Grandmaison on this card so anyone interested please contact:
Tim O’Connor – (781) 426-1127
timoconnor@ne-mma.com
-Or-
David George – (978) 360-3846
dgcombatzone@comcast.net
Thank you very much!
Tim O’Connor
Founder
New England Mixed Martial Arts
www.NE-MMA.com
AWESOME COMBAT SPORTS VIDEO LINKS
Posted on | January 25, 2009 | 1 Comment
ANTONIO MARGARITO VS. SHANE MOSLEY
DONALD TRUMP JR. DISCUSSES AFFLICTION MMA
SIRIUS FIGHT CLUB RADIO SHOW (GREAT INTERVIEWS)
Tags: Boxing > combat sports > fight videos > Margarito > Mixed Martial Arts > Mosley > Shane Mosley vs. Antonio Margarito > video
‘USS’ Cunningham Hopes Scuppered As Maccarinelli Chooses Ramirez For WBO Title Fight
Posted on | January 25, 2009 | No Comments
Philadelphia, PA. USA – 25th January 2009
Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham’s hopes of facing Enzo Maccarinelli in Manchester, England on the 14th March were dashed when promoter, Frank Warren, wrote in his weekly column in the British newspaper, The Sun, that Maccarinelli will now face interim-champion, Victor Ramirez, for the vacant WBO title.
On being told the news ‘USS’ Cunningham, the former IBF cruiserweight champion who recently lost his title to Thomas ‘Goral’ Adamek in one of the greatest fights of 2008, said: “Man, I thought this would be a great time to fight Enzo. We tried to put that fight together last summer, but it never happened. I’m ready to dust of my passport, but that’ll have to wait for now.
Oh man, It’s a shame. I think it would have been a seriously great fight and I’ve wanted to fight in Britain for a long time. Shoot, I don’t have any luck getting it on with British fighters. Haye moved to the heavyweights last year and now this chance to face Enzo is shot. You know, one day I will get to fight in Britain or face Enzo. I’m sure it’ll happen.
I wish Enzo and Victor Ramirez the best. I’m sure it’ll be a great fight. I didn’t get to see Victor beat Alexander Alexeev, but heard it was a good fight. I’m sure it’ll be a banger, they’re both heavy hitters.”
Hopefully it will not be too long before Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham finds his next opponent so that boxing fans will get the chance to watch one of the world’s most exciting boxers in action again.
www.usscunningham.com
Tags: Boxing > cruiserweight > David Haye > Enzo Macarinelli > Steve Cunningham
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