XTREME COUTURE SIGNS ON AS TAKEDOWN RADIO SPONSOR TO PROMOTE FULL SPECTRUM OF PRODUCTS AND TO SUPPORT THE WRESTLING AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS COMMUNITIES

Posted on | August 18, 2008 | No Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Des Moines, IA- August 18, 2008- A major promotional agreement between two leading organizations related to the world of combat sports was announced today when Xtreme Couture signed to sponsor TakeDown Radio. Xtreme Couture is a market leader in each of its categories, with products and services including apparel, gyms, training, and nutrition products. TakeDown Radio is a ten year old radio program placing focus on amateur, collegiate, and Olympic wrestling, as well as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The program originates from KXNO1460, Des Moines Sports Station, a Fox Sports affiliate station.

Xtreme Couture was founded in 2007 by MMA icon, Randy “The Natural” Couture. Couture is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame and has held five separate UFC title reigns, spanning two weight classes and ten years. Couture is arguably the most visible, as well as popular, figure in the sport of MMA today. Randy’s background with the military, and collegiate and international wrestling lead him to MMA, thus providing the perfect experience for him to become an ambassador for both wrestling and MMA.

In addition to a wildly popular clothing line, Xtreme Couture operates seven world class gyms located throughout the country. The fully integrated company was designed as a way to pass on Couture’s proven MMA fighting style, conditioning programs, and nutritional philosophy to a new generation of fighters and fans. Today, constant references to “the MMA lifestyle” place Xtreme Couture at its center.

The gyms attract a diverse clientele of individuals striving to reach their fitness, self defense, and competitive fighting goals. A broad range of programs, events, and memberships are available, with options beginning at only $100 a month, and elevating to personal training sessions with Couture. Xtreme Couture has assembled a top team of trainers, including Jay Hieron and Mike Pyle. Xtreme Couture provides opportunities for qualified business owners to open their own gyms as the operation continues to rapidly expand.

“Extreme Couture represents the absolute melding of wrestling and MMA. In this case, the total is clearly larger than the sum of its parts,” commented TakeDown Radio founder and host, Scott Casber. “Randy and his organization have been friends of the program from the start. We were banging the wrestling/MMA drum long before it became generally accepted. As Randy’s success went through the roof, he never forgot us. Today’s announcement is a testament to his unlimited support of our sports, as well as a personal example of his humility. We are truly grateful.” Casber continued.

Full details regarding Xtreme Couture can be found at http://www.xtremecouture.tv Business inquiries by phone can be directed to (702) 616-1022

More information on TakeDown Radio can be found at http://www.takedownradio.com

RESULTS FROM 8/15 SHOXC

Posted on | August 16, 2008 | No Comments

HAMMAN WINS REMATCH AGAINST SUGANUMA; CAMOES, DIABATE, SEXTON, LIZAMA ALSO VICTORIOUS
ON EXCITING ELITEXC FIGHT CARD

Saturday, Aug. 15, 2008, at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

Table Mountain Casino, Friant, California

FRIANT, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2008) – This time, there was no controversy.

In an inspired and impressive performance, once-beaten light heavyweight Jared Hamman (11-1) got his revenge against Po’ai Suganuma (9-2), winning by 2:34, first-round TKO in a fast-paced, exciting main event on ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series Friday on SHOWTIME at the Table Mountain Casino.

The crowd-pleasing mixed martial arts fight card, presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC, aired on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT. It will be replayed on SHO 2 this Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT and will be available On Demand from Monday, Aug. 18-Sept. 14.

In other SHOWTIME fights: talented lightweight contender Fabricio “Morango” Camoes (11-4) of San Diego submitted (rear naked choke) Sammy Morgan (19-11) of St. Paul, Minn., at 0:47 of the opening round; comebacking Cyrille “The Snake” Diabate (15-6-1) of Rueil-Malmaison, France, scored a dominant unanimous decision over game but outgunned Jaime Fletcher (9-4) of San Bernardino, Calif., at 205 pounds; Rosi Sexton (9-1) of Manchester, England, won an entertaining, hard-fought split decision over Debi Purcell (4-2) of Laguna Hills, Calif., in a women’s match at 140 pounds, and Ray Lizama (6-5) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., registered an upset 2:15, second-round TKO (strikes) over King of the Cage middleweight champion Keith Berry (7-3) of Las Vegas in a non-title affair.

In non-televised bouts: Katrina Alendale (1-2) of San Francisco registered a hard-fought three-round unanimous decision (30-27 twice and 29-28) over Melanie La’Croix (1-1) of Redondo Beach, Calif., in a women’s 140-pound fight; in a battle of unbeatens at 150 pounds, Roberto Vargas (3-0) of San Bernardino took a three-round split decision (29-28 twice and 28-29) over Ralph Lopez (3-1) of Fresno, Calif. at 150 pounds; Jesse Brock (7-3) of Sacramento won a unanimous decision (30-28, 29-27, 29-28) over Josh Rave (8-5) of Fresno at 140; Lucas Gumaza (3-0) of Stockton, Calif., scored a split three-round decision (30-27 twice and 28-29) over late substitute Kenny “The Poet’’ Johnson (1-1) of Redondo Beach, at 170 pounds; and David “Tarzan’’ Douglas (5-1) of Antioch, Calif., scored a 1:12, first-round TKO (corner stoppage) over William Jacobson (0-2) of Los Angeles at 155 pounds.

The fights were scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds with the exception of Sexton-Purcell and Alendale-La’Croix, which were slated for three, 3-minute rounds. Pre- and post-fight interviews were shown only at ProElite.com. Fighter pages are below.

Suganuma dealt Hamman his lone loss in a controversial fight that lasted all of 15 seconds on April 5, 2008, at the Table Mountain Casino on ShoXC. Shortly thereafter, Hamman quit his day job – as an assistant football coach at the University of Redlands (California) – to devote himself to MMA.

“I will coach again, but for now I am committed to being the best I can be in mixed martial arts,’’ said Hamman, who’s won all 11 of his MMA fights by stoppage – nine by TKO and two by submission. Hamman has yet to have a fight enter the third round.

“It feels good to get revenge. But I feel bad for the guy. I respect him as a fighter and as a person. Po’ai didn’t have to take this fight. Others probably would have moved on without giving me a rematch. But he did and I appreciate it. He gave me a rematch. If that’s what they want, I’ll do the same for him.’’

Suganuma had a four-fight winning streak end.

Camoes, who has won six in a row, was sensational again as he made short work of Morgan, who seemingly is always matched tough.

“I came to the United States to fight for the belt and that’s what I want to do,’’ said Camoes, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who won his EliteXC and U.S. debut on the Hamman-Suganuma undercard last April 5 with an eye-opening first-round TKO (strikes) over Joe Camacho on ShoXC.

“My job is to work hard and win fights. KJ Noons is the EliteXC lightweight champion. I would fight him. I would fight anybody. I am willing to fight whoever they want and do whatever it takes to get me closer to fighting for the belt.’’

Diabate, who was making his EliteXC debut and first start since April 21, 2007, gave the hard-trying Fletcher a brutal beating en route to winning by 30-27 on the three judges’ scorecards. At six-foot-six, Diabate used his height, reach, skills and ability to batter, bruise and bloody Fletcher.

“I felt a little ring rust, but I should be 100 percent for the next fight,’’ the Muay Thai striking specialist said. “I’ll fight anybody. A fight with the Brazilian, Rafael Feijao, would be a great match. But it doesn’t matter who I fight. It felt good to fight again and I am looking forward to fighting again soon.’’

Sexton won the first women’s 130-pound fight in EliteXC history by 30-27 twice and 28-29.

“I have nothing but respect for Debi Purcell and it was an honor and a privilege to fight her,’’ Sexton said. “I look forward to fighting the best in the EliteXC’s women division.’’

Purcell, who was appearing before a paying audience for the first time since Feb. 15, 2006, offered no excuses.

“I am very disappointed but I can’t blame inactivity or anything else,’’ she said.

In an excellent opening televised bout in which both were rocked and wobbled, Lizama roared back from a first-round knockdown to shock Berry.

“This win erases anything I have done before,” said Lizama, who was making his second ShoXC start. “I always felt in there that I could match his handspeed and punch with him. This was a tough guy. I got away from my game plan and got hit a couple times.

“I give him credit for staying up for as long as he did. I was hitting him with some good shots. If he wants a rematch with his title at stake, I would fight him, but those kinds of decisions are made by my manager. I will fight whoever he says.’’

ShoXC, an EliteXC presentation that pits developing fighters in tough match ups, is a springboard for the future stars and champions of EliteXC. ShoXC is patterned after the popular SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation.

SHOWTIME announcer Mauro Ranallo called Friday’s play-by-play for ShoXC with Stephen Quadros, The Fight Professor, serving as color analyst. The executive producer of ShoXC is David Dinkins, Jr. with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For more information on EliteXC and other MMA-related stories, including bios, video-on-demand, photos, stats, Fantasy Fight Game TM and more, please visit ProElite.com and EliteXC.com. For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit http://www.SHO.com/Sports.

Fighter pages for televised bouts: Suganuma (http:/poaisuganuma.proelite.com), Hamman (http://jaredhamman.proelite.com), Camoes (http:/fabriciocamoes.proelite.com), Morgan (http:/sammorgan.proelite.com), Diabate (http://cyrillediabate.proelite.com), Fletcher (http://jaimefletcher.proelite.com), Purcell (http://debipurcell.proelite.com), Sexton (http://rosisexton.proelite.com), Berry (http://keithberry.proelite.com), Lizama (http://raylizama.proelite.com).

Fighter pages for non-televised bouts: LaCroix (http://melanielacroix.proelite.com), Alendale (http://katrinaalendale.proelite.com), Lopez (http://ralphlopez.proelite.com), Vargas (http://robertovargas.proelite.com), Rave (http://joshrave.proelite.com), Brock (http://jessebrock.proelite.com), Johnson (http://kennyjohnson.proelite.com), Gamaza (http://lucasgamaza.proelite.com), Douglas (http://daviddouglas.proelite.com), Jacobson (http://williamjacobson.proelite.com)

About ProElite, Inc.

ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of MMA enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM

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®.

PHOTO GALLERY:

FIGHTERS REPORT TO TRAINING CAMP IN PREPARATION FOR “THE CHALLENGE” ON SEPTEMBER 13TH

Posted on | August 15, 2008 | No Comments

Camp Updates on Casamayor vs. Marquez and Mora vs. Forrest II

Los Angeles, August 14, 2008 – As the eyes of the world turn to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, four of boxing’s elite have officially ended their summers and begun their own training as Olympic Gold Medalist (’92) and current Ring Magazine Lightweight World Champion Joel Casamayor, former two-division World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez, current Super Welterweight World Champion Sergio Mora and former two-division World Champion Vernon Forrest get ready to compete on Saturday, Sept. 13. Casamayor vs. Marquez – “The Challenge,” will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

CAMP FACTS

Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor (36-3-1, 22 KOs) arrived in Phoenix, AZ almost six weeks ago. This has become the usual training location for Casamayor, having selected the MD Systems Boxing Gym to prepare for his past four fights. His trainer, Roger Bloodworth and Joel have already gotten down to serious training with a regimen that includes spending the majority of his day in the gym and sparring three to four times a week with several different sparring partners. Casamayor and Bloodworth are back together for Joel’s second consecutive fight since they reunited for Casamayor’s impressive performance on March 22, 2008 – a knock out of previously undefeated and then world champion Australian Michael Katsidis. Bloodworth, who trained Casamayor when he defeated Lamont Pearson and Diego Corrales in 2006, not only serves as Casaymayor’s trainer, but as his personal chef as well. Notorious for making weight with ease, Casamayor is able to solely focus on his training while still taking time to keep an eye on the Cuban national team at this year’s Olympic Games.

“Reporting to camp during the Olympics has motivated me to train as hard as possible,” Casamayor said. “Training is going really well. When I step into the ring, I represent something that is larger than me…I learned that at the 1992 Olympics. I intend on continuing to do whatever it takes to ensure a win against Marquez.”

Staying close to home for his preparation against Casamayor is Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (48-4-1, 35 KOs) who trains in his hometown of Mexico City every weekday at Romanza Gym. He is joined there by Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, his trainer of nearly 25 years, who has been with Marquez since well before he began his impressive career at the age of 19. In addition to his demanding training schedule at the gym, Marquez takes part in a daily massage and physical therapy in a hyperbaric chamber. Every Friday evening, Marquez departs for Nevado de Toluca, a large volcano located 50 miles west of Mexico City. Tucked away in a no-frills cabin free from interruption from the outside world (as well as plumbing), Marquez rises each morning at the crack of dawn to run nine miles from an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level to the volcano’s peak which sits at more than 15,000 feet. The remainder of his weekend is spent in the cabin which sits at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet relaxing with his team and often with his eldest son. Like Casamayor, Marquez has never had difficulty making weight prior to a bout and is therefore able to heavily focus on the task at hand: preparing to move up in weight and capture Casamayor’s Ring Magazine World Lightweight title.

“This is the most important fight of my career and given the fact that I am giving Casamayor the advantage by moving up in weight, I’m training extremely hard to be ready and comfortable fighting at 135,” said Marquez. “I am confident that the amount of effort I am putting into training at this weight will pay-off.”

Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (21-0-1, 5 KOs) is deep into training camp in his hometown of East Los Angeles. As the champion of the first season of NBC’s “The Contender,” Mora moved on to bigger and better professional fights, finally reaching his world title dream by defeating Forrest for the WBC World Super Welterweight crown in June 2008. Training Mora for the rematch are Dean Campos and John Montelongo, who have been with him since the age of 15. Mora’s training regimen includes sparring three times a week, focusing on strength and conditioning and eating a balanced diet of certain fats, carbohydrates and proteins that his nutritionist Robert Ferguson has created for him in order to keep him performing his best during the training process.

“Training camp is going great and everything is on schedule as it should be,” Mora said. “Having fought Vernon once, I know what to expect and I will come out on top again.”

Former two-division World Champion Vernon “The Viper” Forrest (40-3, 29 KOs) remains in his hometown of Atlanta, GA to train, which he is doing with the self-promise of making his second shot at Mora count. Instead of spending each night in his own house, Forrest has chosen to live in a private camp home with his team. Additionally, he will be working on a special diet with nutritionist Dr. Clayton Gibson during his training. Forrest wakes up at 4:30 am every morning to run and build endurance before entering the gym for the remainder of the day. James Buddy McGirt, arguably one of the best trainers in the world, is training Forrest for his fifth consecutive fight. The duo started working together when Forrest beat former World Champion Ike Quartey in August 2006 and continued to do so for Forrest’s wins against Carlos Baldomir and Michele Piccirillo. Since the devastating upset against Mora last June, Forrest believes that the only acceptable outcome for him is a victory in the rematch. He is confident that this camp is already started him on that path..

“There is no doubt I am going to beat Mora,” said Forrest. “I peaked early during my training for our last fight but I know what I need to do now to win. Camp is going better than ever and I am at 100 percent.”

Casamayor vs. Marquez – “The Challenge”, a 12-round bout for Casamayor’s Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Cazadores Tequila and Southwest Airlines. Mora-Forrest II is the 12-round co-featured bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Tournament of Contenders, Gary Shaw Productions and Fight Knight, LLC. The double header will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The Casamayor vs. Marquez and Mora vs. Forrest II pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $44.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to 71 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Casamayor vs. Marquez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

An exciting undercard will be announced in the near future. For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.

Gary “Tiger” Balletto to be inducted into CES Ring of Honor

Posted on | August 15, 2008 | No Comments

“August Annihilation” August 22 at Twin River Events Center, RI

PROVIDENCE (August 14, 2008) – One of boxing’s great all-time warriors, Gary “Tiger” Balletto, will be inducted into the prestigious CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony at the August 22nd “August Annihilation” pro boxing show, featuring the return of The Pride of Providence” Peter Manfredo, Jr., at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Promoter Jimmy Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special accomplishments and contributions to New England boxing. Charter members include 5-time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, former WBA and WBC welterweight title-holder Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, and 3-time The Ring Fighter of the Year (2001-2003) participant “Irish” Micky Ward. Other CES Ring of Honor members include former 3-time world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, world light heavyweight contender “Iceman” John Scully, famed Connecticut trainer Johnny Dukes, 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, “Sucra” Ray Oliveira and Israel “Pito” Cardona.

“We’re proud to honor Gary ‘Tiger’ Balletto, one of New England’s most exciting fighters ever,” Burchfield said. “Gary was a true warrior who could hit with the best of them. Few fighters in the past 20 years were as charismatic as ‘Tiger,’ who was a true throwback fighter that always left it all in the ring. And he was as tough as they come, too. Nobody stopped him in 36 pro fights.”

Providence-native Balletto (31-3-2, 26 KOs), who starred in The Contender Season Two, was the IBU lightweight champion. Today, he owns a gym and also manages a fighter on “August Annihilation,” Providence’s pro debuting junior lightweight Omar Pena, the former 9-time New England Golden Gloves champion matched Aug. 22 against Rasool Shakoor (1-3, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.

WBC rated No. 20 contender Manfredo (30-5, 15 KOs), star of The Contender Season One, fights Donny “The Savage” McCrary (24-7-2, 13 KOs), star of The Contender Season Three, in the 12-round main event for the NABF Interim super middleweight title.

“August Annihilator” is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), in association with Twin River, The Tournament of Contenders, and CN8, The Comcast Network. The show will be taped live and air Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 PM/ET on CN8, The Comcast Network as well as Cox Sports Television.

In the co-feature, WBO No. 12 rated Power punching Joey “KO Kid” Spina (22-1-1, 15 KOs), former USNBC and IBF Intercontinental super middleweight champion, takes on former IBC Americas heavyweight title-holder Jim “Steel Chin” Strohl (27-6, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, in a six-round super middleweight bout..

On the undercard in a pair of six-round super middleweight bouts, Rhode Island super middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (10-0, 4 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against Brooklyn’s Ariel Espinal (6-3-2, 2 KOs), while Providence favorite Bobo “The Bull” Starnino (9-4-1, 2 KOs) faces Lowell (MA) brawler “Irish” Joey McCreedy (8-2, 5 KOs) in an old fashioned throw-down.

Also on the undercard card is undefeated middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (7-0, 5 KOs), former two-time U.S. national amateur champion out of Worcester (MA), squaring off against Marcus “Team Savior” Upshaw (8-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout. Former world title challenger, Greek featherweight Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris (7-1, 3 KOs), takes on Adawirky Lopez (1-0), who is a Pan-Am Games gold medal winner, in another six-round match.

Providence junior welterweight Jesus Caro (1-0, 1 KO) tangles with pro debuting Clarence Smith in a four rounder. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets for “August Annihilation” are priced at $40.00, $50.00 (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club SOLD OUT) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Events Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), at the Players Club booth (2nd floor) at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Tickets are also on sale at Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI), 401 Gym in Cranston (RI), Rivera Brother’s in Lynn (MA), Balletto’s Gym in Providence, Big Six Academy in Providence, and Larry Army (508.407.5152).

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “August Annihilation.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

-CES-

SHOXC FINAL QUOTES AND THOUGHTS

Posted on | August 15, 2008 | 1 Comment

Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008,
The World Sports Café, Fresno, California

In a rematch of a fight that demanded one, promising, once-beaten light heavyweights Po’ai Suganuma (9-1) of Hilo, Hawaii, and Jared Hamman (10-1) of San Bernardino, Calif., will clash in the main event on ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series Friday, Aug. 15, live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) at Table Mountain Casino at Friant, Calif.

Suganuma handed Hamman his lone loss in a controversial fight that lasted all of 15 seconds in the main event last April 5 at the Table Mountain Casino on ShoXC.

ShoXC, an EliteXC presentation that pits developing fighters in tough match ups, is a springboard for the future stars and champions of EliteXC. ShoXC is patterned after the popular SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation.

Tickets, priced at $50 (General Admission), $60 (Reserved), $70 (Gold) and $80 (VIP), are available at the Main Casino Cage at Table Mountain Casino. They also can be purchased online at www.tmcasino.com/tickets.html. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. First live fight is at 6 p.m. PT.

In other SHOWTIME fights, Fabricio “Morango” Camoes (10-4) of San Diego meets Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan (19-10) of St. Paul, Minn., at 160 pounds; Muay Thai striking specialist Cyrille “The Snake” Diabate (14-6-1) of France will make his EliteXC debut against ShoXC veteran Jaime Fletcher (9-3) of San Bernardino, Calif., at 205 pounds; and King of the Cage middleweight champ Keith “KO Kid’’ Berry (7-2) of Las Vegas by way of Murrieta, Calif., takes on Ray Lizama (5-5) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., at 190 pounds (Please note: This is NOT a title fight; the KOTC belt will not be on the line).

Also on SHOWTIME, EliteXC will introduce a new women’s weight class (130 pounds) when one of the few true pioneers of women’s mixed martial arts, Debi Purcell (4-1) of Laguna Hills, Calif., faces Cage Warriors champion Rosi Sexton (8-1) of Manchester, England.

Non-televised bouts: Promising, exciting Melanie La’Croix (1-0) of Los Angeles vs. Katrina Alendale (0-2) of San Francisco at 140 pounds; Ralph Lopez (3-0) of Fresno, Calif., vs. Roberto Vargas (2-0) of San Bernardino at 150 pounds; Josh Rave (8-4) of Fresno vs. Jesse Brock (6-3) of Sacramento at 140; Kenny “The Poet’’ Johnson (1-0) of Los Angeles vs. Lucas Gumaza (2-0) of Stockton, Calif., at 170; and Marcus Levesseur (5-2) of Fresno vs. David “Tarzan’’ Douglas (4-1) of Antioch, Calif. at 155.

The SHOWTIME and non-televised fights are scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds with the exception of Purcell-Sexton and La’Croix-Alendale, which are slated for three, 3-minute rounds. Fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews only at ProElite.com.

What the fighters had to say:

PO’AI SUGANUMA:

“I just want to fight so I can put all doubts to rest about what happened last time. It bothered me a little, for a little while, that people thought our last fight was a fluke and I was lucky to win.

“This is going to be a great, hard, exciting fight. I know Hamman will come out determined to win and give everything he’s got. But so will I.

“It may take longer, but I am confident the result will be the same and that I will win again.’’

JARED HAMMAN:

“It took me some time to get over the first fight, but no matter what anybody says, it was a loss for me. It went into the books as a defeat.

“I couldn’t have trained harder for that fight, but I learned a lesson. I learned that no matter how hard I worked at it, it was time to take this sport even more seriously.

“I always took my training and fighting seriously, but I never looked at this as a career. But that has all changed. This is now my No. 1 priority.’’

FABRICO CAMOES:

“I always go into a fight thinking I am going to win. I have heavy hands and I know how to finish a fight.

“Morgan is a good opponent but this is my job and I work very, very hard at it. I want to win the fight and finish the fight in exciting fashion.’’

SAM MORGAN

“I’m fighting at 160, which was a hard cut for me, but I now feel like a different person and a totally different fighter. I want to be the best I can be and show the world what the real Sam Morgan is all about.

“This guy is definitely tough and I know he comes in highly regarded, but I have fought a lot of tough guys and have never backed down or said no to any fight. I am always confident I will win.

“The loss to Paul Daley really lit a fire under me. I switched my diet, upped my cardio and trained a lot harder. I know Camoes comes out fast and likes to take it to the ground. So I am going to keep it standing.

“Whatever happens, though, I came here to fight. The fact Camoes comes to fight makes this a great fight. I think it will be the fight of the night.’’

CYRILLE DIABATE

“I’m looking forward to returning to fighting and showing everybody how much I’ve improved. This is like a second chance for me. I have been in training three months for this.

“I’m really excited about making a name for myself in the United States in mixed martial arts. I’ve fought in the U.S. in Muay Thai and Full Contact Karate, but this is my first fight in MMA. I’ll fight anybody.’’

JAIME FLETCHER

“I’m ready to go put on a show. I expect him to come out hard but if I get in first, it might throw him off. This is another great opportunity EliteXC and SHOWTIME have given me and I will take advantage.’’

DEBI PURCELL

“I feel like this is going to end by knockout in one round, or by submission in the second. I’m ready, feel really good and am 100 percent.

“But this is going to be a really hard fight, definitely the toughest of my career. My plan is to come out strongly and remain strong. That’s always been my plan though. The key is for me to stick to it.’’

ROSI SEXTON:

“I am really excited about fighting in the United States and on SHOWTIME and fighting such an esteemed fighter like Debi. I have a lot of respect for her and for what she has done for women’s MMA.

“Fighting is a science and the most technical sport. You have to be able to mesh skills that people work their whole life to perfect. I can’t wait to show what I can do.’’

KEITH BERRY:

“I still try and go out and finish fights as soon as possible. I’m just going to stay on him the whole fight until I knock him out and I get the win.

“Being so young (20) and fighting for only two years I almost always am in against older, more experienced fighters.

“Anyone can fight on the street but not anyone can fight on SHOWTIME in a cage. I did street fighting and it is nothing. I am really excited about Friday and making a good impression.’’

RAY LIZAMA:

“I’ve seen tapes of Berry and watched him so I am familiar with him and his style. He likes to stand and fight. Just like me.

“With this kind of matchup, style-wise this cannot be anything but an exciting fight for the fans.’’

Fighter pages for televised bouts: Suganuma (http:/poaisuganuma.proelite.com), Hamman (http://jaredhamman.proelite.com), Camoes (http:/fabriciocamoes.proelite.com), Morgan (http:/sammorgan.proelite.com), Diabate (http://cyrillediabate.proelite.com), Fletcher (http://jaimefletcher.proelite.com), Purcell (http://debipurcell.proelite.com), Sexton (http://rosisexton.proelite.com), Berry (http://keithberry.proelite.com), Lizama (http://raylizama.proelite.com).

Fighter pages for non-televised bouts: La’Croix (http://melanielacroix.proelite.com), Alendale (http://katrinaalendale.proelite.com), Lopez (http://ralphlopez.proelite.com), Vargas (http://robertovargas.proelite.com), Rave (http://joshrave.proelite.com), Brock (http://jessebrock.proelite.com), Johnson (http://kennyjohnson.proelite.com), Gamaza (http://lucasgamaza.proelite.com), Levesseur (http://marcuslevesseur.proelite.com), Douglas (http://daviddouglas.proelite.com)

WEIGH IN GALLERY:

Plight of 3 Georgian Boxers

Posted on | August 14, 2008 | No Comments

EDMONDS, Wash. (August 14, 2008) – Three Georgian professional boxers – Mamuka Jikurashvili, Levan and Shalva Jomardashvili – are collectively in the toughest fight of their young careers, and it’s not taking place in the four-cornered ring.

The three young fighters had an appointment to receive their visas, approved by U.S. immigration, at the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, but, unfortunately it was scheduled for the morning of the day war broke out between Russia and their native Georgia. They had applied for visas to the U.S. in order to pursue their boxing careers.

Ground transportation in Georgia was too dangerous for them to travel to the U.S. Embassy and visa services were then temporarily suspended. They are now in contact with embassies in Armenia and Buku, but they’re still unable to travel

The Jomardashvili brothers, in fact, hail from Gory, which was the epicenter of trouble on the border to the south of Ossetia at the battle front. Bombs wiped out many houses and buildings, leaving countless citizens, including the Jomardasvilis, as refugees.

Granted, 60 of their combined 61 pro fights have been in Georgia, but Shalva is a 25-0 (18 KOs) middleweight, Levan a 16-0 (13 KOs) light heavyweight, and heavyweight Mamuka sports a 20-1 (14 KOs) with his only loss to former Cuban star Odlanier Solis (8-0) in Turkey.

Shalva, only 21, was 75-3 as an amateur, 5-time Georgian National Champion, and winner of numerous International tournaments. His brother, 18-year-old Levan, was 52-2 as an amateur and 4-time Georgian National Champion. Mamukam, reigning Georgian heavyweight title-holder, was a 3-time Georgian National Champion as an amateur.

Boxing manager Egis Klimas (E Point K Consulting) has been advising the three Georgian boxers.

-30-

Takedown Radio Report

Posted on | August 14, 2008 | No Comments

During the weeks of the 2008 Olympic Game we join with all nations to salute and recognize humanity. We do so each and every week of the year Live from our Brute Adidas studios. This week we’re joined in studio by Pella Iowa’s Central College Head Coach Eric Van Kley.

We’re pleased to welcome longtime TDR supporter Xtreme Couture as a special sponsor of the show. Randy and his wife Kim, Val and Scott Haney have been a very important part of the success of Takedown Radio and will help propel TDR to the next level. More on that later….

This weeks TDR guests include-

9:05 Rande Stottlemyer- Hd Coach at Pitt. Twenty-eight years at the helm of one of the most history-rich wrestling programs in the East is no small accomplishment. Pitt’s head wrestling coach, Rande Stottlemyer, has done it the old-fashioned way: a dedication and commitment to one’s principles and beliefs and a good day of hard work.

9:20 Kim Parrish- “the Judge” joins us to discuss his incredible book “Cowboy Up”. Parrish’s book chronicles a year in the lives of the Cowboys of Oklahoma State d their coach John Smith. This may be the best wrestling book you’ll ever read. Hands down. Tune in and find out why.

9:40 Steve Garland- Hd Coach of the Cav’s of Virginia. Garland, Former Cavalier All-American is in his second season as head wrestling coach at Virginia. A master motivator and recruiter, Garland has worked diligently to push the Cavaliers among the nation’s elite. He has reeled in a top 25 recruiting class for the 3rd straight year. How he do that? LOL Tune in and find out.

9:50 Deanna Gilbert- WWE Sunday night at Billy Joe’s Larry Cotlar to host
10:05 Richard Jensen- The reluctant star of a recent ESPN feature, Jensen spent 17 years wrestling with an opponent he seemingly couldn’t beat — until he scored the biggest escape of his life.

Jensen, a former methamphetamine addict and ex-convict whose recovery reconnected him to a sport that gave his life stability. He relives his harrowing ordeal with us, where he’s at now with his recovery and what he plans to do with his sobriety. An inspirational story indeed. Our thanks to Iowa City Press Citizen Journalist Andy Hamilton, Josh Rhoden and the good folks at Clackamas CC Athletics and to the producers of ESPN: Outside the Lines who saw the much larger picture. thanks guys. This is what wrestling is all about.

[+] Enlargeo
Richard Jensen

10:20 Pete Peterson joins us to take a better look at what it takes to open a new gym and training facility and to invite listeners to join him, his family and friends at their open house at Round Kick Gym in Urbandale, Iowa.

10:40 Harvey Man beck- The President of the Penn State Wrestling Booster Club joins us to discuss 100 Years of Nittany Lion Wrestling, the club and their impressive look back in their new book.

10:50 Amy Williams- Wild Rose Resort and Casino

Scott Casber
KXNO in Iowa KRRW Minnesota TakedownRadio.Com Intermatwrestle.Com Matchannel.Com KXNO.Com Mat-Magazine.Com
515-707-8657

EUROPEAN BOXING NEWS

Posted on | August 14, 2008 | No Comments

Giacobbe Fragomeni and Rudolf Kraj fight for the vacant WBC cruiserweight title October 25 in Milano. In supporting bout Italian ladies Simona Galassi and Stefania Bianchini clash again.

Mikkel Kessler vs Danilo Haussler for the WBA supermiddleweight title appears now to be all set for October 25 with Duesseldorf – there is still no official confirmation from Sauerland Event who promotes the fight but the champ writes on his website, mikkelkessler.com the fight is on. Duesseldorf is a bit surprising as venue – it´s far from home for Haussler, who´s had all his major fights in what used to be East Germany.

EBU welter champ Jackson Osei Bonsu will defend the title September 13 in Kielce, Poland, against Rafael Jackiewicz – and is still set to make his mandatory defence against Jan Zaveck October 10 in Slovenia.

German-based Cuban cruiser Yoan Pablo Hernandez have been added to the Valuev vs Ruiz show in Berlin August 30. Hernandez take on Marcos Hernandez.

Belarus heavyweight giant Alexander Ustinov face Brazilian Daniel Bispo in Beijing, China, August 22. Ustinov is signed to K 2 East and this fight is promoted by a Russian support group to the country´s Olympic committee.

The documentary on now retired lightheavy Ole Klemetsen called “Blood and Honour” goes up on the cinemas in Norway this week and reviews have been very good. Ole and his dad Big John Klemetsen had a colorful and exciting career first with an exellent amateur career, then as a pro, first with Kronk and Emanuel Steward in the US, then in the UK with Panos Eliades and Frank Maloney, later with Steffen Tangstad and Mogens Palle. Ole could punch and was a very good talent but always had a leaky defence and a not so strong chin. All in all, it made for quite a career. Today Team Klemetsen is the same as dance hall band on the Norwegian circuit with Big John as singer and front figure.

Danish promoter and manager Robert Larsen have had his licensed revoked by the Danish Federation. Larsen admits to being late with the paperwork but strongly denies any connection with the ongoing feud with Evans Ashira, the African Warrior, who has sent out a number of press releases and in one of them claims that Larsen´s license is suspended due to this conflict. Larsen Boxing is behind the planned comeback by Riddick Bowe in Gyor, Hungary, September 12. Bowe is to fight Hungarian Zoltan Petranyi, who´s also active as promoter, manager and agent. Larsen Boxing also take heavyweight Ingvardt Jorgensen to Sweden September 5 where he is to fight Robert Helenius. A show is in the works on Danish soil later in the fall possibly with WBO I/C welter champ Christian Bladt headlining.

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