“JOE PALOOKA” ISSUES #1 & #2 TO MAKE WORLD PREMIERE ONLINE TODAY

Posted on | October 3, 2011 | No Comments

 

Ridgewood, New Jersey (USA): “Joe Palooka” creator Joe Antonacci today announced the exciting news that MMA comic book fans have been waiting for: The comic series will finally make its world premiere with its first issue. Beginning today, October 3^rd, “Joe Palooka” issues #1 & #2 will become available for purchase for the first time anywhere. Fans can get their hands on the comic at http://www.Palooka.com/, and hard copies of the issue will follow in early 2012.

 

“It’s finally here…‘Joe Palooka’ is finally going to make its worldwide debut today!” exclaimed Antonacci. “I guarantee that fight fans, comic book fans, and action-adventure fans who download the comic are not going to be disappointed. The storylines, the characters, the art…it’s going to be awesome!”

 

Antonacci announced that a special 13-page FREE-VIEW will also be available Monday simply for signing up with an email address onhttp://www.Palooka.com/, and fans can also take advantage of a unique offer on “Joe Palooka” issues #1 and #2, which will be available together for the low price of only $1.99.

 

“Not only will fans get the chance to purchase ‘Joe Palooka’ for the first time, but they will also get the opportunity to check out a FREE-VIEW, and sign up for email updates and alerts. Fans, you aren’t going to want to miss this!”

 

The “Joe Palooka” comic series tells the story of Joe Palooka, an MMA fighter who competes in “Legion of Combat,” which is a sister comic publication. “Legion of Combat” will feature Joe Palooka and top MMA stars including “Suga” Rashad Evans, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, the Blackzilians, Brendan Schaub, and the Miller brothers in team matches between fighters representing countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Brazil, Russia, Japan, China, and other nations.

 

About Team Palooka

“Joe Palooka” and “Legion of Combat” are MMA comic books that feature action adventure stories as well as compelling MMA fight action. Created by professional ring announcer Joe Antonacci, the books are being written and drawn by an all-star team of talent known as Team Palooka. The team includes Mike Bullock as the chief writer and Fernando Perniche (both of “The Phantom fame”), who are bringing the exciting stories of Palooka and the LOC to life.

 

For more information on “Joe Palooka” and “Legion of Combat,” please visit http://www.palooka.com/.

 

You can also “like” the Palooka Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-Palooka/138709889539006?closeTheater=1

 

Follow Joe Palooka on Twitter @TeamPalooka

Mixed Martial Arts Links (10-3-11)

Posted on | October 3, 2011 | No Comments

Nick Diaz and the 13 Fighters MMA Fans Love to Hate Bleacher Report MMA fans are a picky lot and are displeased with a multitude of fighters. However, there are some very specific fighters that fans, for one reason or another, love to hate more than anyone else. The fans hate these poor fighters for varying reasons, … See all stories on this topic » Bleacher Report

Pat “HD” Barry: The Blueprint of an MMA Superstar, Minus One Puzzle Piece Bleacher Report Unfortunately for Barry, this bout took place in an Octagon and was a mixed martial arts contest in which “HD” suffered his second consecutive defeat when the “Skyscraper” locked up a triangle choke forcing a tap-out at the 3:22 mark of Round 2,… See all stories on this topic »    Bleacher Report

Xtreme MMA offers training for everyone from kids to cage fighters HollandSentinel.com From left Kevin Moore, Director-MMA/Fight training; Gerry Weichman Director-Tae Kwon Do & Fitness; Andy jamrog, CEO operations & promotions; and Ray Lopez, trainer and professional fighter pose for a photo at XTreme MMA. By Staff reports Xtreme MMA is … See all stories on this topic »

Following loss, Hobart’s Kieth Wisniewski hopes for early 2012 UFC return nwitimes.com But Wisniewski, a 29-year-old Hobart resident who runs the Duneland Vale Tudo MMA camp with his brother, Justin, believed he may have had an edge going into the final round. But his fight on the preliminary card at the Verizon Center in front of more … See all stories on this topic »

Bouts punch up CSU-Pueblo sports program Pueblo Chieftain Bring the Thunder II mixed martial arts, a fund- and awareness-raiser for the Colorado State University-Pueblo athletics program, offered a solid but not sold-out crowd a hearty mixture of amateur and professional bouts. … See all stories on this topic »

Dominick Cruz will be featured on the debut of UFC Central on Monday. Sportsnet.ca BY SPORTSNET STAFF With a new era upon us, UFC Central brings you all the latest from the world of mixed martial arts with a brand new look, including fresh graphics and music. We look back at UFC Live 6 from Washington, DC where Dominick Cruz … See all stories on this topic »    Sportsnet.ca

Candlelight vigil, walk held to honor Crest Hill teen slain in shooting Chicago Sun-Times More than 200 people gathered at the SUDA Mixed Martial Arts Academy on Republic Avenue. They held a candlelight walk that led to Joliet West High School, where Fearn was a senior. On Saturday at Joliet West, participants stood around a tree that is … See all stories on this topic »

Ivanov, Sparks reach Bellator heavyweight semis USA Today Ivanov stayed unbeaten in professional mixed martial arts by choking out late-replacement Zak Jensen, an alumnus of The Ultimate Fighter’s Season 10. Jensen — who wound up in the tourney this week after Thiago Santos reportedly encountered visa issues … See all stories on this topic »

 

Web

Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Association Now … – Yahoo! News Read ‘Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Association Now Offers Certification for Coaches in Fastest Rising Global Fitness Trend’ on Yahoo! News. The sport of … news.yahoo.com/mixed-martial-arts-conditioning-association-…

Diego Sanchez vs. Jake Ellenberger booked for UFC 141 – MMA News Reliable sources are reporting today that the UFC is in talk with Jake Ellenberger and Diego Sanchez regarding a potential fight at UFC 141 in December. www.mixedmartialarts.com/…/Diego-Sanchez-vs-Jake-Ellenbe...

Philadelphia Boxing Results from National Guard Armory, September 30, 2011

Posted on | October 2, 2011 | No Comments

Robinson Impressive in Stoppage over Guzman
By: Tony Penecale (Ringside)

The Lady is a Champ. The inaugural show for 22-year-old Brittany Rogers’ Bam Boxing Promotions was an excellent night of pugilistic action at the National Guard Armory in Northeast Philadelphia.

The highlight of the eight-bout card saw “The New” Ray Robinson taking the next step forward in his career by impressively dismantling the tough but overmatched Manuel Guzman in the evening’s main event.

The southpaw Robinson, 146, Philadelphia, used his reach and superior skills to dominate from the opening bell, landing big lefts from all angles and keeping Guzman, 149, Lancaster PA, on the defensive. Guzman was unable to get inside Robinson’s longer arms and could only shrug and shimmy his shoulders every time Robinson landed a clean punch.

Robinson’s explosive offensive output kept Guzman on the defense and as the rounds progressed, it became more like target practice. Guzman tried to throw hard single shots but they mostly caught air as Robinson was consistently two moves ahead. Even when Robinson missed a punch, Guzman was in no position to counter.

After six one-sided rounds, it looked like Guzman’s corner was ready to stop the bout and spare their fighter from further punishment. After some deliberation, Guzman was allowed out for the 7th round where Robinson took it upon himself to emphatically end the bout. Robinson attacked and pinned Guzman in his own corner, landing a succession of clean punches which forced referee Steve Smoger to stop the bout 22 seconds into the round.

With the win, Robinson improves to 12-2 (4) and Guzman falls to 7-13 (3).

The main undercard bout featured another impressive prospect as Julian Williams kept his undefeated record intact with a unanimous decision win over Eberto Medina.

Williams, 153, Philadelphia, utilized his speed from the start, jabbing and digging hooks to the body of the shorter and slower Medina, 155, Newark NJ. Williams dominated the first three stanzas, controlling the tempo and landing the better punches, while the outgunned Medina tried in vain to apply pressure and make things uncomfortable.

On the occasions Medina was able to work inside, Williams was still able to control the action and land the crisper punches. Williams punctuated his performance with an eye-opening 5th round, backing up Medina and stunning him late in the round with a sizzling right hand.

Williams finished the bout strong, raking Medina with combinations in the 6th round, including several hard shots to the body and head. Medina, while outclassed, was successful in making it to the final bell.

Williams was awarded a unanimous decision by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 (twice) and raises his record to 8-0-01 (4) while Medina dips to 5-7-1 (1)

In other bouts:

George Armenta survived a slow start to win a close split decision over Charles Hayward. Armenta, 168, Silver Spring MD, has a distinctive resemblance to Antonio Margarito, both in his facial appearance and straight-forward style. Hayward, 170, Philadelphia, played matador in the opening round and found a home for several straight rights and left hooks.

Hayward started losing his composure in the 2nd round as Medina utilized some physical tactics as he forced the fight inside. The tide started favoring Medina in the 3rd round as he was able to force Hayward to fight in close. Hayward turned the tide back in the 4th with some good work to the body that created openings for some solid shots that landed on Medina’s iron chin.

Both boxers were weary as the last two rounds commenced. Medina had some success in the 5th but was unable to sustain his attack as Hayward tried to box and move. The final bell was a welcome sound for the weary warriors.

In a razor close decision, Medina won two of the cards by the scores of 58-56, while Hayward took the other card by the score of 58-56. Fight News Unlimited had the bout scored 58-57 for Hayward. With the win, Medina improves to 14-7 (11) and Hayward falls to 7-3 (3).

Someone’s “0” had to go between Grayson Blake and Decarlo Perez. After six crowd-pleasing rounds, Blake was successful in handing Perez his first professional defeat.

After a slow opening round that resembled more of a chess match, Blake, 151, State College PA started to assert himself as he engaged Perez, 150, Atlantic City NJ, in toe-to-toe exchanges. Fans were treated to a classic, old-school boxing match between two skilled competitors, with Blake just being a little bit better.

Blake has a smooth boxing style reminiscent of a young Jose Napoles and he proved to be a master ring general against Perez. As the bout progressed, Perez never stopped trying but was unable to penetrate Blake’s tight defense.

The unanimous decision went to Blake by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 59-55, advancing his record to 4-0 (1) with Perez suffering his first defeat and falling to 5-1-1 (2).

Chase Corbin didn’t want to waste any time in trying to impressive his home-town crowd and the unfortunate recipient was Alexander Blanco, who came into the ring without a drop of sweat on him. After 22 seconds, he left the ring still without a drop of sweat on him but his first loss.

Corbin, 147, Philadelphia showed off his nitrogen-power right hand only seconds after the bell rang, splitting the guard of the southpaw Blanco, 142. Mexico. Two short right hands dumped Blanco on the seat of his trunks where he took the full 10 count.

Corbin stays undefeated at 6-0 (5) while Blanco has his record evened at 1-1.

David Navarro was successful in achieving his first career victory, defeating local favorite Chris Plebani by unanimous decision. The first two rounds offered little action with both boxers moving cautiously and neglecting to engage in combat.

Navarro, 146, Philadelphia, was inspired in the 3rd round at the sight of Plebani, 144, Bristol PA, leaking blood from his nose and showing signs of fatigue. Things only got worse for Plebani in the 4th as he was cut along with left eye and Navarro continued to increase the pace. With only seconds remaining, Navarro landed a solid combination that had Plebani wobbling across the ring, looking like he was trying to invent to latest dance craze.

All three judges awarded Navarro with his first win by scores of 39-37 and he now stands at 1-4 while Plebani is now 1-3.

It was the Armory’s version of “The Two Koreys” as Korey Pritchett had a successful pro debut in defeating Korey Sloane. Pritchett, 137, Camden NJ, fought in a similar style to another Camden legend, Dwight Qawi, bobbing and weaving and attacking the taller Sloane, 137, Philadelphia, with power punches.

Pritchett was able to offset Sloane’s advantages in height and quickness with significantly harder punches that broke through Sloane’s defense. Sloane was able to time Pritchett on several occasions and land right hands but didn’t have the firepower to discourage him. Pritchett’s best punches came in the 3rd when he momentarily stunned Sloane.

After four rounds, the unanimous decision went to Pritchett by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 (twice). Pritchett wins his pro debut and is now 1-0 while Sloane falls to under .500 and is now 1-2.

The evening’s opening bout had two boxers in their professional debuts as Todd Unthankmay rallied from a slow start to best Ronnie Lawrence by unanimous decision.

Unthankmay, 175, Philadelphia, looked cold and timid at the start and allowed Lawrence, 178, Pottstown PA, to control the action with a series of snapping jabs. As the round was coming to an end, Unthankmay found his rhythm and landed a few solid right hands against a seemingly winded Lawrence.

Unthankmay only got stronger as the bout progressed, stunning Lawrence in the 2nd round and flooring him in the 3rd. Lawrence was a spent fighter in the final round but was able to hold on to hear the final bell ring.

The judges were all in agreement and awarded Unthankmay the victory by identical scores of 39-37. Unthankmay starts his career with a win and is now 1-0 while Lawrence loses his debut and is now 0-1.

Several local boxing personalities were in attendance including top-ranked heavyweight “Fast” Eddie Chambers, lightweight contender “Hammerin” Hank Lundy, light heavyweight prospect Garrett Wilson, and the always loquacious Simon “One Punch” Carr.

The night was successful in ushering in the new era of Philadelphia boxing as Bam Promotions, Inc looks to be a serious player in the city’s boxing landscape.

Boxing Links (10-2-11)

Posted on | October 2, 2011 | No Comments

World Boxing: Manoj, Dinesh win, Suranjoy out IBNLive.com Both the Indian boxers now just have to win their next bouts to qualify for the London Games next year, from the first Olympic qualifying event. The top 10 boxers (from 49kg to 81kg division) will make the cut for the Games. While Manoj will next face … See all stories on this topic »    IBNLive.com

Sugar Ray Leonard helps Hugh Jackman go distance San Francisco Chronicle The five-division champion, Hall of Famer, producer and philanthropist served as boxing consultant on the new Hugh Jackman-meets-Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots extravaganza, “Real Steel.” Q: What’s generally the toughest thing for actors to pick up? … See all stories on this topic »

Boxing News, MMA, UFC, Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather 15rounds.com by Joon Lee on 2 October 2011 WASHINGTON, DC–UFC successfully made his debut at our nation’s capital that featured a series of exciting bouts at the Verizon Center in Chinatown, Washington, DC In the main event, UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz … See all stories on this topic »     15rounds.com

Toll to be felt by Erik Morales Boston Herald By Ron Borges / Boxing Notes Although it doesn’t happen very often, sometimes winning is not the best thing for a boxer. Erik Morales will one day fairly soon come to understand this. Morales made history two weeks ago when he became the first … See all stories on this topic »

Boxing academy reaches out to help the homeless Charlotte Observer By Joe Habina Charlotte Boxing Academy members Arvydas James and Rodaja Burris pose with their gloves at the gym. JOE HABINA Charlotte Boxing Academy members and coaches: Sitting is Coach Al Simpson; standing along the ropes are Rodaja Burris (pink … See all stories on this topic »

Bam Boxing packs the Armory for inaugural show phillyBurbs.com Such is life on the professional boxing club scene, and in this case, the debut show for BamBoxing Promotions, the company founded and run by 22-year-old William Tennent graduate Brittany “Bam” Rogers. While not exactly a one-person show, Friday night … See all stories on this topic »

Andy Lee tops Brian Vera, avenges loss ESPN Chilemba, 24, spent the first round boxing against Bostic and finding his range. He had him figured out by the second round and suddenly launched a series of blows, including multiple powerful right hands that backed Bostic into a corner and dropped … See all stories on this topic »    ESPN

Pacman may never fight in Manila again Philippine Star The living legend of boxing promotions was asked recently about the possibility, and he had a ready answer. “Zero,” said Arum, citing a one major reason why Pacquiao can no longer fight at home. “We’re doing gates now in Las Vegas from $11 million to … See all stories on this topic »

Friday’s TV/radio sports programming FOXSports.com Boxing Â» Welterweights, Ajose Olusegun vs. Ali Chebah; lightweights, Darley Perez vs. Oscar Meza, 9 pm, Showtime » Champions Tour, SAS Championship, 5:30 pm (tape). TGC Prep football » Chaparral (Ariz.) at Notre Dame (Ariz.), 6 pm, ESPN2 Please note … See all stories on this topic »

 

Blogs

Boxing Glove Oven Mitts – Must Have Cute – Cute Kawaii Stuff By Cheezburger Network cute kawaii stuff – Boxing Glove Oven Mitts. … Show the world that you are a culinary warrior. Submitted by: Unknown. Via: www.geekalerts.com · Incorrect source or offensive? boxingglovescookingKitchenoven mitts · Share on Facebook … Must Have Cute – Cute Kawaii Stuff

 

Web

Pippa Middleton: Boodles Boxing Ball! | Pippa Middleton : Just Jared Pippa Middleton: Boodles Boxing Ball! … Pippa Middleton arrives at the Boodles Boxing Ball held at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on Saturday (October … justjared.buzznet.com/…/pippa-middleton-boodles-boxing-ball…

Wrestling Links (10-2-11)

Posted on | October 2, 2011 | No Comments

TNA Impact Wrestling Results (9/29) Wrestling News Source Jarrett then turns his attention to Traci and says she knows better than anyone that he’s the only one in the entire wrestling business who gave her an opportunity and this is how she repays him by disrespecting Jeff’s wife. The woman who chose Traci … See all stories on this topic »

Countdown to WWE Hell in a Cell CANOE Wrestling Thanks to our dear old friend “blue screen of death,” my desktop, the PPV preview generation machine, has gone AWOL. As such the format for Hell in a Cell is changing up, as my usual format is in limbo. So let’s start off this preview simply … See all stories on this topic » CANOE

Bad Boy Wrestling Club: An Ancient Sport Underhooks Flagler’s Youngest FlaglerLive.com Note: today–Sunday, Oct. 2–at 1 pm, the Flagler Bad Boys Wrestling Club hosts the season’s first countywide elementary series tournament. The ancient sport ofwrestling gained a foothold in Flagler County decades ago–in what passes for ancient history … See all stories on this topic »    FlaglerLive.com

WWE and Pro Wrestling Iconic Moves, Part 2: The Piledriver Bleacher Report In the first installment of the current series exploring some of the most iconic moves in pro wrestling history, the figure four leglock was dissected. Now it’s time to take a look at something less sophisticated and very brutal, the piledriver. … See all stories on this topic »    Bleacher Report

National Champ Wrestling Coach Returns to Roots in El Paso KTSM News Channel 9 By Beau Bagley – Sports Anchor/Reporter Archie Randall, a former El Pasoan, was in El Paso today for a one day wrestling clinic at Jefferson High School. He brought his Assistant Coach and 4 other National All- Americans (2 males and 2 females OCU … See all stories on this topic »

// The 411 Wrestling Hot or Not: The Miz, Smackdown, Summerslam Buys and Rey … 411mania.com From The Miz being awesome and Hell in a Cell holding potential, to Summerslam underperforming and Rey needing more surgery it’s the 411 Wrestling Hot or Not! Hello and welcome to the 411Wrestling Hot or Not! My name is Seán Reid, and at times I love … See all stories on this topic »

MOONEYHAM COLUMN: Golfing great Geddes takes WWE job Charleston Post Courier By Mike Mooneyham LPGA great and Summerville High School product Jane Geddes has been named the new Vice President of Talent Relations for World Wrestling Entertainment. Geddes, who had held the post of LPGA Senior Vice President of Tournament … See all stories on this topic »

Jeff Hardy Internet Appearance Tonight TNAStars.com Milwaukee, WI (September 30, 2011) – Join the PRO WRESTLING REPORT this Saturday at 10:00pm CT as host Dameon Nelson speaks to Jeff Hardy about his return to TNA WRESTLING and the controversial TNA Victory Road incident. The show will also be available … See all stories on this topic » TNAStars.com

 

Web

Road Warriors: Bears Cubs Wrestle on Highway – YouTube Road Warriors: Bears Cubs Wrestle on Highway …. Add to. Baby bears’ wrestlingmatch in the middle of th…by scottzastrow6316 views … www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Q9tZ2lRGo

Mixed Martial Arts Links (10-2-11)

Posted on | October 2, 2011 | No Comments

UFC Live 6: District native Mike Easton wins MMA bout at Verizon Center Washington Post By Gene Wang, District native Mike Easton made his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut on Saturday night after two years away from mixed martial arts because of injury. It took the bantamweight less than two rounds to dispatch Byron Bloodworth at … See all stories on this topic »

25 (Mostly) Sexy Reasons to Get to Know MMA and UFC Bleacher Report If I had to do the same for Mixed Martial Arts, I would be in a difficult situation because there are more than one reason to love this sport. I found 25 excellent reasons to follow a sport that was once known as Vale Tudo. … See all stories on this topic »     Bleacher Report

ESPN.com MMA awards for September ESPN The UFC card in New Orleans was somewhat lost in the shuffle of a very busy month in mixed martial arts. That’s unfortunate, because the emergence of Jake Ellenberger as a legitimate star at 170 pounds isn’t something we should overlook. … See all stories on this topic »

MMA: Cabezas and Gallegos meeting at crossroad Tbo.com By EDDIE DANIELS | The Tampa Tribune Both are in position to further their Mixed Martial Artscareers and it just happens their paths will cross Saturday night during the main event of Real Fighting Championships’ RFC 25. The card, dubbed “Blowout,” … See all stories on this topic »

UFC champ Cruz grounds ‘Mighty Mouse’ USA Today It was Cruz’s fourth successful title defense, more than any other bantamweight champion for a major promotion in mixed martial arts. Two judges scored the fight 50-45. One scorecard was 49-46. Johnson’s stock in trade is his ability to put opponents… See all stories on this topic »    USA Today

Dominick Cruz Beats Demetrious Johnson, Keeps UFC Bantamweight Belt MMAFighting.com By Michael David Smith Dominick Cruz showed once again on Saturday night that he’s the best 135-pound fighter in mixed martial arts, beating Demetrious Johnson by unanimous decision to retain the UFC bantamweight title. It was an exciting, … See all stories on this topic »

Rampage Jackson Wants to Box After Loss to Jon Jones Bleacher Report Rampage realizes that his boxing-centric style of fighting doesn’t cut it in today’s world of true mixed martial arts fighters. He assumes that lumbering after his opponents like Frankenstein in pursuit of villagers while looking for one big punch may … See all stories on this topic »    Bleacher Report

Gahan returns to ring with win in Fight for Wrestling event San Luis Obispo Tribune Tribune photo by Jayson Mellom By Joshua D. Scroggin |jscroggin@thetribunenews.com After winning his pro debut in the first Fight for Wrestling mixed martial arts event at Mott Gym more than a year ago, Cal Poly student Mike Gahan grew out a vintage … See all stories on this topic »    San Luis Obispo Tribune

Quayhagen Upsets Kickboxing Champion to Highlight Bellator 52 Prelims Sherdog.com All three judges — Joe Ancona, Jordan Bass and Corey Manuel — saw the bout 30-27 for Quayhagen, who earned a considerably dramatic first win in his professional mixed martial arts career. However, in spite of the upset win and the fact that he … See all stories on this topic »

UFC on Versus 6 fight card: Stefan Struve vs Pat Barry a heavyweight attraction MMAmania.com And neither man looks particularly like a future title contender, with inconsistency being the bane of both of their mixed martial arts existences. But that doesn’t mean this won’t be a nice little slobberknocker to entertain us before the championship … See all stories on this topic »

 

Blogs

Bas Rutten Visits Chicago: 5 Things He Taught | POW! Mixed Martial … By Katalin Rodriguez Ogren MMA and Fitness, Chicago Krav Maga and POW! Kids Chicago which has been in the West Loop for over 10 years. She is a 4 time black belt and 30 year veteran of the martial arts/combat sports. She is an international presenter and writer for … POW! Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness…

 

Web

MMA Expo Toronto Hosts NAGA Grappling Championships | PRLog MMA Expo Toronto Hosts NAGA Grappling Championships. MMA Expo – the Original MMA Fan Expo since 2005 ™ – is proud to announce the upcoming … www.prlog.org/11673111-mma-expo-toronto-hosts-naga-gra…

MMA Adventure Offers Fight Fans the Chance to Win Once-in-a … MMAAdventure Logo.jpg From MMA Adventure: Las Vegas, NV – September 28, 2011 – MMAAdventure Co., a company that offers mixed martial arts fans the … www.adcombat.com/…/mma-adventure-offers-fight-fans-chan…

Sparks, Hayes, Prindle, Ivanov Advance to Heavyweight Semifinals at Bellator 52 From L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles

Posted on | October 2, 2011 | No Comments

Hayes vs. Ivanov and Prindle vs. Sparks meet at Bellator 56 on Oct. 29

LAKE CHARLES, La. (October 1, 2011) — It was an action-packed start to the Bellator Heavyweight Tournament as eight heavy hitters lined up inside the L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles for Bellator 52 to kickoff the quarterfinals of the Season 5 tournament. Ron “The Monster” Sparks will take on Eric Prindle and Mike “300” Hayes faces Blagoi Ivanov in the semifinals after big wins in Louisiana this weekend.

“It was another great night in another full house at L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “Our heavyweights put on some explosive performances tonight, and I can’t wait for the semifinals later this month at Bellator 56 from Memorial Hall in Kansas City.”

In a stunning upset, Mike “300” Hayes eliminated Neil Grove from the tournament with a split-decision victory in the night’s main event. Grove had a slight reach advantage and outweighed his opponent by more than 30 pounds, but Hayes executed an excellent game plan. He moved in and out of Grove’s striking distance and racked up points on the judges’ scorecards with lots of leg kicks and straight punches to the body.

Ron Sparks remained undefeated and advanced to the semifinals with a knockout win over Mark Holata in the first fight of the evening. Holata didn’t shy away from the fight, trading punches with Sparks right away, but “The Monster” was able to stun him with a right hook early and on a later exchange dropped him to the canvas with a pair of left hooks to the jaw line. It was a big win for Sparks who is eager to show Bellator and the fans what he’s capable of.

His corner instructed him before the final round to continue pushing the pace and to force a takedown when the time was right. He did just that and took Grove to the mat midway through Round 3, losing top position for a moment, but finishing strong on top with a submission attempt followed by some heavy punches.

“Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness,” said Sparks after the victory. “These guys are monsters but I’m ‘The Monster.’ I think I can be one of the best heavyweights out there. You guys will see.”

Zak Jensen stepped up to fight Blagoi Ivanov last minute as Thiago Santos was scratched from the fight card. He walked through all of Ivanov’s best punches but couldn’t avoid his takedowns and despite taking quite a beating, was the victim of a technical submission not a knockout. Jensen escaped full mount, a keylock and some ground-and-pound by Ivanov in the second round, but was caught in a five-finger guillotine choke as he attempted to fight the submission attempt. Jensen was briefly put to sleep by the fight-ending submission as Ivanov advanced to the semifinals.

Eric Prindle would also advance to the semifinals with a hard fought win over Abe Wagner. Both these men fought for three hard rounds and looked to be hitting just as hard in the final round as they had in the first. The fighters split the first two rounds and Prindle stole the third when he stuffed a takedown attempt by Wagner and kept him grounded for the remainder of the fight.

Bellator Fighting Championships visits the Buffalo Run Casino & Resort in Miami, Oklahoma on Saturday, October 8 for Bellator 53. The night will include the semifinal round of the Bellator Welterweight Tournament and matchups between Ben “Killa B” Saunders and Luis Santos, as well as Chris Lozano and Douglas Lima. All four welterweights are looking for a chance to advance to the finals of this season’s 170-pound tournament.

REES RETAINS EURO STRAP AFTER MATHEWS INJURY

Posted on | October 1, 2011 | No Comments

Liverpool fighter breaks nose in accidental head clash technical draw

Gavin Rees defended his European Lightweight title in at the Newport Centre in South Wales on Saturday night as a clash of heads in the fourth round left Derry Mathews with a broken nose and forced the contest to end in a technical draw.

It was Rees’ first defence of the title and it was bubbling into a good looking contest, with the challenger starting well in the opening round, using his reach well to claim the opening stanza. Rees responded in bustling fashion in the second and third rounds but just as it was shaping up to be a great contest, disaster struck for Mathews in the fourth.

Fighting at close quarters, Rees’ head connected flush with Mathews’ nose and instantly the 27 year-old was in trouble. With blood pouring from his nose, he was taken over to the doctor who suspected a broken nose and with the fight inside four rounds; Rees retains his title through a technical draw.

“I’m absolutely devastated, I’ve worked so hard for the fight and I know Gavin has, but things happen in life and you’ve just got to get on with it,” said Mathews. “As soon as my nose went I knew it was broken and I was swallowing blood.”

While Mathews is hoping for a rematch, a disappointed Welshman revealed that he could be ready to move down to Super Featherweight after work with trainer Gary Lockett and nutritionist Renzo Algieri saw Rees enter the fight ‘in the best shape ever’.

“I’ve still got the belt and I’m still champion but we both trained hard for this so it’s disappointing we couldn’t have a full fight,” said Rees. “He took the first round and the other two were mine, I was really warming up from the third but accidents happen and it’s unfortunate.

“I think he gave me his best in the opening round and then I shook him with some good shots in the second and third so it was just getting going. I’ll sit down with Eddie Hearn, Gary and the rest of the team and we’ll talk about the next move – which could be going down to Super Featherweight.

“At the weigh-in I was only three pounds over the Super Featherweight limit and I feel in fantastic shape, I’ve been boxing these big guys before so I think I could do really well at Super Featherweight, I think I stand a great chance of winning a World title in that division.

“I’ve only been working on a strict diet with Renzo for four weeks and I’m looking better than ever. The weight has flown off so why box at a weight above one that you can make? In my last few fights I’ve been about 9st 7lbs, so why not make the move? I’ve adapted to the style of fighting taller guys quite well so it’s not about that, I’m not bothered about that, but I think my power would be great at Super Featherweight and hopefully I can sit down with the team and we can get out against in December.”

Lockett added: “I’m so proud of Gavin the way he has changed his lifestyle, the way he eats and even the way he thinks – it’s fantastic and all credit should go to him. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, well he’s showed that you can. I think he would have gone on to win that tonight, we’ll never know – but the pace would have been easy for Gavin tonight as he’s done the weight so easily, so yes, Super Featherweight is definitely an option we’ll look at.”

Before Rees and Mathews clashed, Bradley Pryce claimed a hard fought points win over Danny Butler, thanks to a final round knockdown of the Bristol prospect. Lockett trains Pryce and believes his man was behind through six rounds, but in the last he unleashed a fine left uppercut to floor Butler and Pryce too the fight 77-75 on referee Wynford Jones’ scorecard.

A third win on the night for Lockett then came after Jeff Evans impressed taking all four rounds against Sam Couzens.

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