Mixed Martial Arts Links (1-22-12)
Posted on | January 22, 2012 | No Comments
Haywire Movie Review: Director Steven Soderbergh Makes ‘Merely Decent’ Use Of … Bloody Elbow I love mixed martial arts. It’s competition that’s free of metaphor. The guy that loses is the guy on the ground, bloodied, beaten, and who might look like this when all is said and done. But I like fiction too. And so the question on my mind is not … See all stories on this topic »
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UFC / MMA: Jim Miller submits Guillard at UFC on FX Missouri Sports Magazine The USA TODAY/MMA Nation consensus rankings currently peg Miller and Guillard at Nos. 5 and 15 for lightweights. Also Friday, middleweight Jorge “El Conquistador” Rivera ended his career with a technical knockout victory against Eric “Red” Schafer in … See all stories on this topic »
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Should Ronda Rousey Be in the Main Event of Strikeforce in Columbus? Fan’s View Yahoo! Sports Zuffa’s decision to headline the event with Rousey, who is only 4-0 in mixed martial artscompetition, has drawn criticism from some fans. I think one particular blog written by Kristin Usry at Women’s MMA Roundup explained the situation well, … See all stories on this topic »
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2012 World MMA Light Heavyweight Scouting Report: #1 – Wagner Prado Bloody Elbow It is a daunting task to break into the upper-echelon of the light heavyweight division in mixed martial arts. The UFC is home to virtually all the biggest names, and few are making retirement plans. Top contenders aside, even the entry-level UFC ranks … See all stories on this topic »
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ProElite 3 results and LIVE fight coverage for ‘Grove vs … – MMA Mania By Brian Hemminger ProElite 3 results and LIVE fight coverage for ‘Grove vs Minowa’ TONIGHT (Jan. 21) on HDNet. MMAmania.com |
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Dana White still puzzled by Melvin Guillard … – MMA Mania |
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Nate Quarry thanks UG for new MMA talk show role – MMA News BIG thanks to you… From: Nate ‘Rock’ Quarry Zombie Cage Fighter Member Since: 8/24/02 Posts: 176 Thanks in no small part to my fan base here at The … www.mixedmartialarts.com/…/ |
Tags: Arts > Auto > Bleacher Report > Bloody > career > clear case > com > Cummins > director > director steven soderbergh > draft > Elbow > eric red > event > fight > gun store > Haywire > jim miller > lightweights > live > loyal audience > Martial > middleweight > missouri sports > Mixed Martial Arts > mmajunkie > Nation > nbsp > ProElite > Review > sports > sports magazine > steven soderbergh > Strikeforce > target audience > technical knockout > topic > UFC > USA Today > usry > Yahoo Sports > Zuffa
Boxing Links (1-21-12)
Posted on | January 21, 2012 | No Comments
Boxing: I’ll sue if Khan is not sorry, says Ameen The Independent Declan Kidney’s squad selection points towards a coach seeking stability, and possibly a Lions job, … The 23-year-old Arsenal man has more and less effective games, as all players do, but the overall im… Think of La Liga and most will think of the … See all stories on this topic »
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ROBERT MORALES on BOXING: Arum, Mayweather agree to disagree Los Angeles Daily News “(Expletive) boxing,” Arum said, laughing. “I’m making more money on football.” It was last April 16 when Orlando Salido of Mexico ventured to Bayamon, Puerto Rico, to challenge Juan Manuel Lopez for his featherweight world title. … See all stories on this topic »
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Irish boxing champion Katie Taylor says she ‘won’t be wearing miniskirts in … Irish Central Bray native Katie Taylor, who was named Boxer of the Year by the Irish Amateur BoxingAssociation this past weekend, is speaking out about proposed new rulings by the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) that may require women to wear skirts … See all stories on this topic »
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On Freddie Roach: Episode One Recap Bad Left Hook Anyone who follows boxing knows who Freddie Roach is, and anyone who knows who Freddie Roach is knows he’s ill with Parkinson’s disease. But that’s usually where the fan’s mind stops. We see him tremor, we hear his affected voice, and we move on. … See all stories on this topic »
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BOXING: Rigondeaux takes title Press-Enterprise “This guy was tough and came forward a lot,” said Molina who was a member of the 2008 US Olympic boxing team. “He was a little awkward and moved his head very well.” Palmdale’s Matt Villanueva (7-0-1, 7 KOs) stopped Fresno’s Miguel Ruiz Jr. (8-2-1, … See all stories on this topic »
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Boxing: I’ll beat the hell out of SBW – Tillman New Zealand Herald By Patrick McKendry Clarence Tillman says he plans to take his boxing to the next level this year, starting with his bout against Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Brett Phibbs Sonny Bill Williams’ next opponent calls himself a boxer, an actor and a model … See all stories on this topic »
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At 47, fantastic boxing career finally nears end for lightheavyweight champion … Washington Post The likeness was created by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! in honor of Hopkins becoming the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title in May 2011. As far as the coolness factor rates, Hopkins’ statue fits in somewhere between similar lifelike … See all stories on this topic »
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NBC-SN launches boxing series at South Philly arena | Philadelphia Inquirer … Philadelphia Inquirer By Matt Breen A former bingo hall tucked underneath a rumbling I-95 overpass and located just a short walk from the city’s shipping docks might be where boxing receives a needed jolt of rejuvenation. Known infamously for its role in the rise of … See all stories on this topic »
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The day boxing legend Muhammad Ali visited Norwich Norfolk Eastern Daily Press The boxing legend is awarded Sports Personality of the Century at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards at the BBC Television studios in London. Ali, who was the first man to win the world heavyweight title three times, celebrates his 60th … See all stories on this topic » |
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Chuck Giampa Joins Showtime Boxing Team, Has Rough Debut … By Scott Christ Chuck Giampa joined the Showtime boxing broadcast team tonight, but didn’t get off to a good start. Bad Left Hook has the video. Bad Left Hook |
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Miguel Vazquez vs Ameth Diaz Live Streaming Boxing Online – 21 … |
Tags: AIBA > arsenal > ARUM > Auto > BBC > Boxing > boxing champion > broadcast > champion > declan kidney > draft > Freddie Roach > hook > Inquirer > international boxing association > Irish > irish amateur > Irish Boxing > job > katie taylor > Khan > left hook > Liga > Los Angeles Daily News > manuel lopez > mckendry > miguel ruiz > miniskirts > nbsp > new zealand herald > news > old arsenal > orlando salido > parkinson s disease > press > Robert Morales > selection points > sports > Streaming > topic > Weekend > York
MFC’s Dwayne Lewis The Cinderella Man of MMA
Posted on | January 21, 2012 | No Comments
Curtis Ledger, MFC Staff
Go ahead. Count him out. Dwayne Lewis doesn’t really mind. He’s been counted out before, and he’s been the afterthought of some pundits looking at the steadily improving light heavyweight division in the MFC. He doesn’t mind because he knows what his doubters expect; he knows what his true fans believe, and he damn well knows what his heart tells him is possible. He is, after all, the Cinderella Man of MMA.
For those who don’t know, Cinderella Man is the story of boxer Jimmy Braddock, a fighter who overcame outstanding odds to win the world heavyweight title in 1935. You may be wondering what the connection is to MFC standout, Dwayne Lewis. He’s not a boxer. He’s not fighting for the title yet, and 1935? He’s not thatold, so what’s the deal?
Jimmy Braddock stepped up when called upon. This is where the story of Dwayne Lewis begins. He was a kick boxer when he met Sandy Bowman and started training in his club. Bowman had just started his affiliation with Pat Miletich and Miletich Fighting Systems, and Lewis had been training for less than 6 months when fate came knocking. Bowman walked in one snowy Friday afternoon and made an announcement to all the guys in the club, “Who wants to fight at Rumble in the Cage 21?” In a moment of foreshadowing for his entire career, Lewis didn’t hesitate. He threw his hand up. Soon after, he walked into hostile territory against a local fighter and scored the 33-second TKO. “After that I was hooked,” said a smiling Lewis.
Jimmy Braddock fought for his fans. This is how the story of Dwayne Lewis has grown. Simply put, fighters fight. Some fight for glory. Some fight for paycheques. Lewis fights for his fans. It’s no wonder they literally follow him from city to city to see him live in action. His pride grows from putting on shows, not from padding his record with easy Ws. When asked about his exciting and risky style, he was candid in sharing his motivation. “It gets my fans up on their feet and cheering, and that’s all that matters to me.” Those are easy words to spit out, but the Cinderella Man of MMA doesn’t have to say it. He lives it. One still has to wonder if he gets concerned about losing in an increasingly competitive light heavyweight division, but don’t wonder, he’ll tell you himself, “I’d rather go down in a blaze of glory.”
Jimmy Braddock disillusioned doubters. This is when the story of Dwayne Lewis gets real. Most pundits counted Lewis out against Marvin Eastman. The guy had too much experience. Lewis was supposed to lose to Razak Al-Hassen, the MMA veteran was on a 4-fight win streak. Few predicted Lewis could build a successful MMA career because he was starting too late. He was 32. Despite all this doubt, Dwayne Lewis had at least one person who always believed in him. Himself. With that belief, he devastated Eastman, defeated Hassen, and drove his MMA career to become arguably the most popular fighter on the MFC roster.
Jimmy Braddock worked hard for his family. This is where the story of Dwayne Lewis hits home. Outside of the work he puts in during training and in the ring, Lewis holds down a full time job to support his 3 young children – Brandi, Logan, and Summer. His wife of 9 years, Christa, works with him to keep the family strong, and he recognizes the importance of their marriage and partnership, “She is definitely the anchor of our family. Without her, I wouldn’t be doing this.” During work days, as fights are approaching, Lewis’ days start at 3:30am and end at 11:30pm as he balances work, training, and time with his family. He will tell you it’s all worth it, “It’s something I can look back on and share with my kids.” When asked where he finds the strength, he told the MFC, he does it for his loved ones, “I come home, and all my friends and family are so proud. That really gives me the drive to push on for another fight.”
Jimmy Braddock became the champion. This chapter is not yet complete in the career of Dwayne “D-Bomb” Lewis, but fans get the feeling that an outline is being written, and Lewis is authoring the story himself. He has a close relationship with Sandy Bowman and a dynamic training team at Bowman’s MMA. The club has great depth in Miletich Fighting Systems, high level BJJ, world class taekwondo, and strong kickboxing. Lewis also has a growing list of sponsors from Heritage Harley Davidson, CarMacks, Birch Mountain, Great Plains Security and Western RV, to the Edmonton Rush and Staredown Fight Wear, so his shorts stay looking good (and profitable). Indeed, Dwayne Lewis has the pieces in place to make big things happen.
Big things start this Friday at MFC 32 Bitter Rivals when Lewis hits the ring with dangerous MMA veteran Wilson Gouveia. Will D-Bomb be counted out again? He doesn’t seem to care either way. “I’m always told I’m just a bum with heavy hands, and I go with it.” Apparently his hectic schedule isn’t enough to dampen his sense of humour because Lewis knows his training at Bowman’s gives him much, much more than heavy hands. Then again, heavy hands may be all he needs. He predicted what we all expect, “I think you’re going to see a dogfight, man. Once he comes in to trade bombs, I’m not going to be taking a step back. I’m going to be taking a step forward.”
That step forward in the ring may also be a big step forward in his career. The stage is set with a sell-out crowd, a packed venue, a wild fight, and a worldwide broadcast. Jimmy Braddock was in legendary fights, and this could easily be a fight worth talking about come December’s reflections on the MMA happenings of 2012. It all goes down this Friday, and Lewis couldn’t be more ready. Then again, maybe he’s just a bum with heavy hands.
Go ahead. Count him out.
Tags: action > Auto > bowman > Cinderella > cinderella man > city > deal > doesn > draft > Family > fate > fight > fighting > friday afternoon > hostile territory > jimmy braddock > kick > kick boxer > light heavyweight division > Man > MFC > Miletich Fighting Systems > motivation > padding > Pat Miletich > PRIDE > pundits > rumble in the cage 21 > standout > story > time > TKO > true fans > veteran > wonder > world heavyweight title
Video Interviews & results: Hard body shot floors Ramos. Rigondeaux becomes WBA champion
Posted on | January 21, 2012 | No Comments
GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX WINS WBA TITLE WITH BODY SHOT KO IN ROUND 6
Joel Diaz Jr. Scores Seventh-Round TKO in “Mini Classic” Slugfest;
Matthew Villanueva Stops Mike Ruiz, Jr. in Seventh
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 20, 2012) – In a night of knockdowns and stoppages on aGoossen Tutor Promoted episode of ShoBox: The New Generation,Guillermo Rigondeaux won a world title in only his ninth professional fight by knocking out the defending World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight champion Rico Ramos at 1:29 of the sixth round. The co-feature resulted in a multiple knockdown thriller live on SHOWTIME® before Joel Diaz Jr. ended the contest by scoring a TKO over Guy Robb at 2:20 of round seven. In the opening bout of the night, super flyweight Matthew Villanueva TKOed Mike Ruiz Jr. at 1:04 in the seventh round from Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.
“Rico Ramos is a very good fighter,” Rigondeaux said after his world championship-capturing fight. “But I train very hard and when I train, no one can beat me.”
The quick and slick Rigondeaux scored a knockdown in the first session and threw a slew of rapid-fire power shots to end the affair but Ramos pulled through the early adversity. From there, Rigondeaux methodically controlled the pace, although both fighters seemed a bit tentative and unwilling to engage from the second through the fifth rounds.
In the sixth, Rigondeaux (9-0, 7 KOs) bothered Ramos by holding and hitting. Joe Cortez warned Rigondeaux as Ramos (20-1, 11 KOs) recovered but Rigondeaux smelled blood in the water. The Cuban burst from his corner and belted Ramos with power shots to the head and a solid left hook to the midsection that sent Ramos to the canvas for a count of ten.
“He hit me in the back of the head and I got dizzy,” said Ramos. “The referee told us to fight and I wanted to take my time. That’s when he caught me with the body shot and I fell. I’m going to bounce back harder. I’ll be up in that gym next week.”
Rico Ramos suffers first lose but ready to get back on track |
Joel Diaz jr defeats Guy Robb in the Seventh Round on Showtime |
Diaz Jr. (7-0, 6 KOs) and Robb (7-1, 3 KOs) produced a shootout with its share of knockdowns and blood in a fight that both young boxers took on short notice. From the opening bell, power punches flew – and landed. As Diaz Jr., of Los Angeles, began to come on strong in the second, Sacramento-based Robb dropped him with a big right hand. Diaz Jr. retaliated with two knockdowns of his own in the third round.
Refusing to back down, the fight enjoyed several swings of momentum. The fighters loaded up on the majority of their shots with Diaz Jr. landing 148 power shots to Robb’s 120. In the seventh, Diaz Jr. rocked Robb and began a barrage of punches that caused referee Vic Drakulich to call the fight.
“It was much harder than I thought,” said Diaz Jr. of the scheduled eight-round super featherweight attraction. “I was expecting it to be more like my previous fights, but not everybody’s the same. I can’t hit everybody with one punch and knock them down.”
Impressed by the action and torrid pace, SHOWTIME boxing analyst Steve Farhood called the fight a “mini classic.”
Matt Villanueva stops Mike Ruiz on Showtime |
Villanueva (7-0-1, 7 KOs), of Burbank, Calif., came into this evening with six stoppages in his six wins and tonight’s victory was no different. The five-foot-seven Villanueva overwhelmed his opponent with his superior power. By round two, it looked like Ruiz Jr. (8-2-1, 3 KOs) of Fresno, Calif., might not survive as Villanueva dropped him, however the determined fighter made it back to his corner. Villanueva opened the third round by pummeling his opponent but again Ruiz. Jr. showed heart and resolve to keep the bout alive. Through the middle rounds, Villanueva showed great composure for a young fighter to not force the knockout. His patience paid off in the seventh when Villanueva began to tee off on Ruiz Jr. before referee Russell Mora stepped in to end the fight.
By the end of the scheduled eight-round super flyweight affair, Villanueva had landed 211 punches; Ruiz 62.
Javier Molina defeats Albert Herrera |
United States Olympian, Javier Molina improved to 10-1, 4 KOs, as he put together a great decision victory against Albert Herrera of Riverside in a 6 round welterweight fight. “This guy was tough came forward a lot,” said Molina, who fights out of Norwalk, CA. “He was a little awkward and moved his head very well. I just followed my coaches and that’s what got the victory for me. It feels good to be back in the win column. We’ll be back in the gym next week and just train harder. Definitely happy, I’m ready to go back to work.”
Heavyweight Razvan Cojanu of Voinesti, Romania had boxing legend James “Lights Out” Toney in his corner for the fight. Under the former champion’s guidance, Cojanu emerged victorious with a unanimous decision over San Jose, California’s Rodney Hernandez (1-1, 1 KO). Cojanu’s record improves to 2-1.
The night of fights started with a 4-round junior middleweight attraction pitting Los Angeles’s Marcus Robinson (4-2) against Yosmani Abreu from Las Vegas, NV. Robinson put forth a great effort, but ultimately lost a decision to Abreu who is now 2-2.
All photos by: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
Tags: Auto > blood in the water > draft > fire power > Guillermo Rigondeaux > Joe Cortez > knockdown > las vegas nev > left hook > midsection > Mike Ruiz > Palms Casino Resort > palms casino resort in las vegas > professional fight > Rapid Fire > slugfest > stoppages > Super Bantamweight > super flyweight > villanueva > wba champion > World Boxing Association
Wrestling Links (1-21-12)
Posted on | January 21, 2012 | No Comments
NU Wrestling Beats Indiana WOWT 7 Nebraska wrestling team to a 23-17 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers on Friday night in Bloomington, Ind. The Huskers, who fell in a 14-3 hole after four matches, improved their overall record to 11-1 and 2-1 in Big Ten duals. … See all stories on this topic »
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Bridgewater-Raynham wrestling resumes, no game this weekend Taunton Daily Gazette An interim coach will be leading the Bridgewater-Raynham High School wrestling team in the wake of a hazing incident that resulted in head coach Jeff Francis’s firing and the temporary suspension of the team. By Amy Carboneau An interim coach will be … See all stories on this topic »
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OSU wrestling: Beavers cruise to easy win over Northern Colorado Albany Democrat Herald (Andy Cripe | Corvallis Gazette-Times) After a disappointing showing in the last dual meet, the Oregon State wrestling team didn’t waste time reasserting itself the next time out. The No. 17-ranked Beavers cruised to a 35-9 nonconference victory over … See all stories on this topic »
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Wrestling: Eagles pin Clippers in league dual Door County Advocate Southern Door’s Eric Pawelski, left, throws Sturgeon Bay/Sevastopol wrestler Cody Stephenson during the 145-pound class won by Pawleski on Thursday at Southern Door. / Tina M. Gohr/Door County Advocate Southern Door won four of six contested matches by … See all stories on this topic »
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Prep wrestling: North’s Raider Invite pits best against best The Sheboygan Press Photo by Gary C. Klein/The Sheboygan Press With six area wrestling teams competing in today’s Sheboygan North Raider Invitational, the tournament is a good barometer for who is the best in the county. But with 46 wrestlers and four teams currently … See all stories on this topic »
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Watertown wrestlers pin West Bend East Watertown Daily Times by Kevin Wilson WEST BEND — Watertown’s wrestling team improved to 2-4 in the Wisconsin Little Ten Conference with a 48-22 win over West Bend East Friday. The Goslings racked up five pins and received two forfeits to win by a comfortable margin. … See all stories on this topic »
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Upstate Eight River wrestling title goes to unbeaten Bulldogs Suburban Life Publications By Staff reports Joey Shump has been part of plenty of big matches on the wrestling mat, but one of the biggest came Friday in Batavia’s home dual with Geneva. The Bulldogs’ 120-pound junior earned a first-period pin for the win, scoring the Bulldogs’ … See all stories on this topic »
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Little Ten wrestling: Hartford gets past Beaver Dam Madison.com Beaver Dam’s wrestling team led 30-10 after seven matches against Little Ten favorite Hartford Friday night. But the Orioles turned things around quickly winning the final seven matches, including four straight pins, to claim a 44-30 win over the … See all stories on this topic »
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Plymouth South wrestling claims ACL crown The Patriot Ledger By David Wolcott The Plymouth South wrestling team claimed the program’s 11thleague championship Wednesday night with a 40-24 win at Marshfield High. The victory clinched at least a share of the ACL title for the Panther grapplers, who are now 14-3 on … See all stories on this topic » |
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iMPACT Wrestling 2012.01.19 HDTV XviD-KYR » Releaselog … By Tom Feel free to post your iMPACT Wrestling 2012.01.19 HDTV XviD-KYR torrent, subtitles, samples, free download, quality, NFO, rapidshare, megashares, sendspace, megaupload, filefactory, netload, crack, serial, keygen, requirements or … Releaselog | RLSLOG.net |
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Scripted pro wrestling an American metaphor | Palm Beach … |
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Cornell University Athletics – No. 5 Wrestling Continues Undefeated … |
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Preps Now – N&O Wrestling Rankings (1/20) | newsobserver.com … |
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Wrestling Wreport: Iowa Hawkeyes Come To Town! – Black Shoe … |
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USA Wrestling Weekly’s January 20, 2012 broadcast posted for … Content includes coverage from Mongolia Open, Herman Kare International & Virginia Duals, plus Matt Lindland, Team India, Jordan Burroughs, Brent Metcalf … www.themat.com/article.php? |
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Sevier County paramedic organizes wrestling event for wounded |
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Joel Diaz Jr. Extends Winning Streak in Thriller
Posted on | January 21, 2012 | No Comments
Las Vegas, Nevada (January 20, 2012) – In a battle of undefeated prospects, Boxing360’s Joel Diaz Jr. and Guy Robb went toe to toe on Showtime’s ShoBox “The New Generation” series at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.
Joel Diaz Jr. (7-0, 6 KOs) extended on his winning streak, winning by TKO against a game Guy Robb (7-1, 3 KO’s) as Judge Vic Drakulich stopped the action at the 2:20 mark of round seven. Both fighters showed great resilience and heart coming off the canvas in the early rounds. Diaz was down in round two as Robb was floored twice in round three before being stopped in round seven.
An elated Joel Diaz Jr. stated, “This was the toughest fight of my young career, but I showed I can handle adversity when things get rough. Guy Robb caught me with a nice right hand in the second round, but I wasn’t going to let it get me down. The following round I came right at him and dropped him twice. I started to get my second wind in round six, and in round seven I stopped him. My goal was to get the knockout and show everyone watching on TV that I’m a force to be reckoned with in the Jr. Lightweight division. I’m going to get right back in the gym and get ready for my next fight February 17th in Chicago.”
Boxing360 promoter Mario Yagobi went on to say, “I’m very happy for Joel and his team. I know they worked extremely hard to get ready for this fight which was presented to them on short notice. Joel has a bright future and I plan to keep him busy in 2012. The experience he got tonight was invaluable.”
For more information on Joel Diaz Jr. please visit www.boxing360.com.
Tags: adversity > Auto > Boxing > bright future > canvas > com > division > draft > Extends > February > fight > game guy > generation series > hand > January > january 20 > knockout > Kos > lightweight division > new generation > palms casino > Promoter > resilience > robb > round > second wind > series > ShoBox > show > SHOWTIME > STREAK > TKO > toe > vegas nevada > vic drakulich > visit > winning streak > www
GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX KNOCKS OUT RICO RAMOS TO CAPTURE WBA SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
Posted on | January 21, 2012 | No Comments
Joel Diaz Jr. Scores Seventh-Round TKO in “Mini Classic” Slugfest;
Matthew Villanueva Stops Mike Ruiz, Jr. in Seventh
Telecast to Re-Air on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 20, 2012) – In a night of knockdowns and stoppages on ShoBox: The New Generation, Guillermo Rigondeaux won a world title in only his ninth professional fight by knocking out the defending World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight champion Rico Ramos at 1:29 of the sixth round. The co-feature resulted in a multiple knockdown thriller live on SHOWTIME®before Joel Diaz Jr. ended the contest by scoring a TKO over Guy Robb at 2:20 of round seven. In the opening bout of the night, super flyweight Matthew Villanueva TKOed Mike Ruiz Jr. at 1:04 in the seventh round from Pearl Theatre at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.
In his first title defense, Ramos never found his rhythm.
“Rico Ramos is a very good fighter,” Rigondeaux said after his world championship-capturing fight. “But I train very hard and when I train, no one can beat me.”
The quick and slick Rigondeaux scored a knockdown in the first session and threw a slew of rapid-fire power shots to end the affair but Ramos pulled through the early adversity. From there, Rigondeaux methodically controlled the pace, although both fighters seemed a bit tentative and unwilling to engage from the second through the fifth rounds.
In the sixth, Rigondeaux (9-0, 7 KOs) bothered Ramos by holding and hitting. Joe Cortez warned Rigondeaux as Ramos (20-1, 11 KOs) recovered but Rigondeaux smelled blood in the water. The Cuban burst from his corner and belted Ramos with power shots to the head and a solid left hook to the midsection that sent Ramos to the canvas for a count of ten.
“He hit me in the back of the head and I got dizzy,” said Ramos. “The referee told us to fight and I wanted to take my time. That’s when he caught me with the body shot and I fell. I’m going to bounce back harder. I’ll be up in that gym next week.”
Diaz Jr. (7-0, 6 KOs) and Robb (7-1, 3 KOs) produced a shootout with its share of knockdowns and blood in a fight that both young boxers took on short notice. From the opening bell, power punches flew – and landed. As Diaz Jr., of Los Angeles, began to come on strong in the second, Sacramento-based Robb dropped him with a big right hand. Diaz Jr. retaliated with two knockdowns of his own in the third round.
Refusing to back down, the fight enjoyed several swings of momentum. The fighters loaded up on the majority of their shots with Diaz Jr. landing 148 power shots to Robb’s 120. In the seventh, Diaz Jr. rocked Robb and began a barrage of punches that caused referee Vic Drakulich to call the fight.
“It was much harder than I thought,” said Diaz Jr. of the scheduled eight-round super featherweight attraction. “I was expecting it to be more like my previous fights, but not everybody’s the same. I can’t hit everybody with one punch and knock them down.”
Impressed by the action and torrid pace, SHOWTIME boxing analyst Steve Farhood called the fight a “mini classic.”
Villanueva (7-0-1, 7 KOs), of Burbank, Calif., came into this evening with six stoppages in his six wins and tonight’s victory was no different. The five-foot-seven Villanueva overwhelmed his opponent with his superior power. By round two, it looked like Ruiz Jr. (8-2-1, 3 KOs) of Fresno, Calif., might not survive as Villanueva dropped him, however the determined fighter made it back to his corner. Villanueva opened the third round by pummeling his opponent but again Ruiz. Jr. showed heart and resolve to keep the bout alive. Through the middle rounds, Villanueva showed great composure for a young fighter to not force the knockout. His patience paid off in the seventh when Villanueva began to tee off on Ruiz Jr. before referee Russell Mora stepped in to end the fight.
By the end of the scheduled eight-round super flyweight affair, Villanueva had landed 211 punches; Ruiz 62.
The event was promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions.
Tonight’s telecast will re-air on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and be available on SHOWTIME On Demand from Jan. 23 through Feb. 5. Al Bernstein called the action from ringside with Steve Farhood, Antonio Tarver and Andre Ward serving as expert analysts.
SHOWTIME returns to Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 11 for the most anticipated rematch of the year,Victor Ortiz vs. Andre Berto II from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Both fighters will be featured in the upcoming premiere of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Ortiz vs. Berto II on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please visit the website at http://sports.SHO.com.
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi, Kendall Holt, Timothy Bradley, Bernard Dunne, Yonnhy Perez, Yuri Foreman, Andre Ward, Cornelius Bundrage and most recently, Rico Ramos.
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Del Valle ready for Beranza
Posted on | January 21, 2012 | No Comments
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