MIRANDA CONGRATULATES DESPAIGNE FOR WINNING BEST ACTRESS OSCAR

Posted on | August 3, 2011 | No Comments

Light heavyweight slugger Edison “Pantera” Miranda (34-6, 29 KOs) wishes to congratulate his latest opponent, Yordanis Despaigne (9-1, 4 KOs), for his Oscar-winning performance last Friday night.   For those who missed it, Miranda lost what could have been a sensational war on Friday, July 29 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live on ESPN Friday Night Fights, when referee Vic Drakulich disqualified him at :45 of the fifth round for highly questionable low blows.   Miranda explains: “I tapped Despaigne on the belt line and he fell down like he’d been shot. He’s not a fighter, he’s an actor and he was looking for a way out because he didn’t like the way the story was going to end. He got hit low a couple more times and cried on command and the fight was over. So for that performance, I am awarding him Best Actress in a Dramatic Role. He’s the new Million Dollar Baby.”   The hard-punching Colombian says he will continue to harass Despaigne until he “mans up” and gives him a rematch.   “I’m going to be like TMZ just for him until he fights me again. I’m going to follow him around and report on what dress he’s wearing and who made his earrings. He’s going to be calling Luis DeCubas and begging to fight me again, just so I leave him alone. I haven’t wanted to get an opponent back in the ring this bad in a very long time. I’m going to punish him for his acting skills.”   Miranda says although Despaigne had some early success by “running around the ring”, by the time of Drakulich’s disqualification, the tide had clearly turned. “He was out of gas. I let him punch me because it was like pillow fighting a girl. He knew he had to get out of there before the fight was half over because I was in amazing shape and coming on strong. If it had gone one or two more rounds, he was finished.”   According to Miranda, Despaigne’s convincing performance may have been helped by a wardrobe malfunction. “I think all those shots on the belt line were hurting his belly button piercing.”   Miranda also says that although ESPN Boxing commentators Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas referred many times to Despaigne’s quality acting job during and after the fight, it was their chief boxing writer, Dan Rafael, who first suggested Despaigne’s performance was worthy of Hollywood’s highest honor. “Every Best Actress winner gets to make a speech, so don’t forget to thank Dan Rafael for the nomination.”

ERIK MORALES VS. LUCAS MATTHYSSE AND JESSIE VARGAS VS. JOSESITO LOPEZ ADDED TO “STAR POWER: MAYWEATHER VS. ORTIZ” FIGHT CARD, OFFICIALLY MAKING SEPTEMBER 17 THE BIGGEST NIGHT IN THE BOXING UNIVERSE

Posted on | August 3, 2011 | No Comments

 

“STAR POWER” LIVES UP TO ITS NAME AS SEPTEMBER 17 PAY-PER-VIEW EXTRAVAGANZA INCLUDES THREE TITLE FIGHTS FROM TWO SITES IN ONE NIGHT

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES (August 3)…The “STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz” pay-per-view telecast is now complete with four star-studded fights from two sites all taking place Saturday, September 17 from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions announced today that Erik Morales vs. Lucas Matthysse and Jessie Vargas vs. Josesito Lopez have been added to the mega-event, which is being produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

 

 

 

The out-of-this-world night of boxing will kick-off with a super lightweight bout featuring undefeated rising star Vargas in his HBO Pay-Per-View debut against hard-hitting Lopez, followed by the first of the night’s three world title fights as Mexican boxing legend Morales will face power punching Argentine Matthysse for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship. The pay-per-view telecast will then go live to STAPLES Center in Los Angeles with Mexican boxing phenom Canelo Alvarez taking on Alfonso Gomez for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship, followed by the main event welterweight championship mega-fight, Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz, live from Las Vegas.

 

 

 

Fans in attendance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas will be able to see the Alvarez vs. Gomez fight live, while those in attendance at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles will see Mayweather vs. Ortiz live. Following the showing of Mayweather vs. Ortiz at STAPLES Center, fans in attendance will see two special post-fight concerts performed byLos Tucanes de Tijuana and El Gran Silencio.

 

 

 

“The addition of Morales vs. Matthysse and Vargas vs. Lopez to the September 17 fight card makes ‘STAR POWER’ without a doubt the biggest night of boxing in 2011,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Mayweather Promotions is very excited about Jessie Vargas’ pay-per-view debut on such a huge event to really get his name out there and show the world what he can do.”

 

 

 

“Now that we have a complete pay-per-view card, the stage is set for the world to witness a real supernova of boxing,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Three title fights in one night is something that we are very proud to bring to boxing fans around the world. Each of these championship fights could stand alone as their own main event and fans will be able to experience them all in one night. Adding undefeated Jessie Vargas in his pay-per-view debut and the legendary Erik Morales, who is fighting to make history as the first Mexican boxing warrior to win world titles in four weight classes, really strengthens the entire ‘STAR POWER’ event.”

 

Tickets for Mayweather vs. Ortiz, Morales vs. Matthysse and Vargas vs. Lopez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena are priced at $1,250, $1,000, $600, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges. Ticket sales are limited to twelve (12) per person at the $1,250, $1,000, $600 and $300 price levels with a ticket limit of two (2) per person at the $150 price level.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

STAPLES Center tickets for Alvarez vs. Gomez are priced at $300, $150, $75, and $50, areon sale now and available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000. Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center box office.

 

 

 

A three-division world champion and future Hall of Famer, Erik “El Terrible” Morales(51-7, 35 KO’s) ruled the boxing landscape for years, thrilling fans with his classic battles against Manny Pacquiao, Marco Antonio Barrera, Paulie Ayala, Wayne McCullough and In-Jin Chi. But when he returned from a nearly three year layoff in 2010, many wondered if the Tijuana native still had what it took to compete with the elite. Those questions were answered loud and clear with a three fight winning streak in 2010 and a Fight of the Year candidate in April of 2011, when he went to war for 12 rounds with Marcos Maidana before losing a razor-thin majority decision. Now, the 34-year old warrior is back in the ring and back in Las Vegas to face the concussive punching Matthysse as he vies to become the only Mexican fighter in history to win world titles in four weight divisions.

 

 

 

“This fight is the chance of a lifetime,” said Morales. “I have waited for this moment my entire career. To have the opportunity to win world titles in four weight divisions on Mexican Independence Day and on a night like this is a dream come true. I am going to train harder than ever to make the Mexican people proud and to be victorious on September 17.”

 

 

 

One of boxing’s hardest punchers, Lucas Matthysse (28-2, 26 KO’s) of Trelew, Argentina has made former World Champions Zab “Super” Judah and Devon Alexander see stars in his last two fights, knocking each of them down, only to lose both fights by controversial split decisions.  The 28-year-old’s new role as the people’s champion is a good one for the crowd-pleasing standout, who has been delivering stellar performances from the time he turned professional in 2004.  A former WBO Latino and WBO Intercontinental champion who counts “Vicious” Vivian Harris, DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley and Rogelio Castaneda Jr. among his vanquished foes, Matthysse, who has won 93 percent of his fights by way of knockout,  is amped up and ready to trade blows with one of the sport’s modern greats, Erik Morales, on September 17.

 

 

 

“I cannot wait to get in the ring and fight Erik Morales,” said Matthysse. “I will do anything and everything I can to walk away from this fight as a world champion. I will work harder because I don’t want to pass up this magnificent opportunity.”

 

Jessie Vargas (16-0, 9 KO’s), who grew up in Los Angeles, now resides in Las Vegas and trains at the Mayweather Boxing Club with recently hired trainer Robert Alcazar, is coming off of an impressive second-round knockout win over veteran Walter Estrada on July 8. His extraordinary performance set off a national buzz among boxing writers and fans that the young prospect is on the fast track to boxing greatness. Appearing in the opening bout in his pay-per-view debut, Vargas has the chance of a lifetime to make his name and talent known around the world against a stiff test in Josesito Lopez.

 

 

 

“Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions have given me an amazing opportunity to fight on the biggest night in boxing this year,” said Vargas. “On September 17, I know I will be ready to show the world that all of my hard work and preparation has led to this opportunity. I am so excited to be a part of this event and I look forward to beating Lopez and keeping my undefeated record.”

 

 

 

Riverside, California’s Josesito Lopez (29-3, 17 KO’s) may only be 27-years-old, but he’s old school when it comes to his approach to the sport of boxing. This attitude has led him to nearly 30 pro wins, with his only losses coming via narrow decisions. Currently riding a seven-fight winning streak, Lopez showed off his veteran savvy in his most recent victory in January, when he tarnished hot prospect Mike Dallas Jr.’s perfect record by scoring a seventh round knockout.

 

 

 

“I am very excited to be a part of this event and to show the world that I am a force to be reckoned with in the ring,” said Lopez. “I haven’t lost a fight in over three years and I don’t plan on losing this one. Jessie Vargas might be undefeated now, but he won’t be after September 17.”

 

 

 

“STAR POWER” is a mega-event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 17 from two world-class cities with three world titles at stake. Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz will face off in a 12-round fight for Ortiz’s WBC Welterweight World Title from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Canelo Alvarez and Alfonso Gomez will do battle in a 12-round fight for Alvarez’s WBC Super Welterweight World Title from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif.  Also live in Las Vegas, will be Erik Morales vs. Lucas Matthysse in a 12 round fight for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Title and an opening fight featuring undefeated rising star Jessie Vargas against top contender Josesito Lopez.  The mega event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T.  Alvarez vs. Gomez is presented in association with Canelo Promotions and Morales vs. Matthysse is presented in association with Box Latino Promotions and Arano Box Promotions.”STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz” will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

For more information, visit:

www.floydmayweather.com

www.goldenboypromotions.com

www.mgmgrand.com

www.staplescenter.com

follow on Twitter at:

@floydmayweather

@mayweatherpromo

@goldenboyboxing

@VICIOUSOrtiz

@terrible100

@Jessie_Vargas

@JosesitoLopez

@mgmgrand

Become a fan on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather

www.facebook.com/Mayweatherpromotions

www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing

Follow HBO Boxing news at: www.hbo.com/boxing

Facebook at: www.facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter @hboboxing.  Follow STAPLES Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/staplescenter and on Twitter@STAPLESCenterLA.

 

 

 

The “STAR POWER” pay-per-view telecast, which begins at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 92 million pay-per-view homes.  The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD.  HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.  For Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

 

 

 

HBO®’s Emmy® Award-winning all-access series “24/7” premieres an all-new edition when “24/7 Mayweather/Ortiz” debuts Saturday, Aug. 27 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.  The four-part series will air for three consecutive Saturday nights before the finale airs the night before the welterweight championship showdown in Las Vegas.

Morales, Vargas Hold San Antonio Press Conference Tomorrow

Posted on | August 3, 2011 | No Comments

BOXING LEGEND ERIK “EL TERRIBLE” MORALES AND TOP CONTENDER JESSIE VARGAS TO HOLD SAN ANTONIO PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THEIR RESPECTIVE BOUTS ON THE SEPTEMBER 17 “STAR POWER” UNDERCARD   THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 12:15 P.M. AT THE ALAMODOME   OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! WHO:             ERIK MORALES,Five Time & Three Division World Champion             JESSIE VARGAS,Undefeated Top Super Lightweight Contender   WHAT:           Mexican boxing legend ERIK “EL TERRIBLE” MORALES and top undefeated contender JESSIE VARGAS will hold a press conference in San Antonio to officially announce their respective Sept. 17 fights which will be part of the “STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz” mega-event taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.   WHEN:           Thursday, August 4             11:00 a.m. – Morales/Vargas on Alamodome Field             for photos with Cowboys players             12:15 p.m. – Media Arrival for Press Conference             12:30 p.m. – Press Conference Begins   WHERE:        Alamodome 100 Montana St, San Antonio, TX 78203             PHOTOS WITH COWBOYS PLAYERS – Alamodome Field, with Cowboys Players            PRESS CONFEERENCE -Alamodome Southeast Plaza, Concourse Level NOTE: THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE   PARKING:     Parking Lot A on South side of Alamodome (Durango St. side)   ENTRY:          From Parking Lot A – From street level, go up steps on South side of Alamodome and enter through South entrance then proceed to right to Southeast Plaza.   From Alamodome Field Level – Go up elevators to Level 2 and proceed to Southeast of Alamodome on Concourse Level   FACTS:           “STAR POWER” is a mega-event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 17 from two world-class cities with three world titles at stake. Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortizwill face off in a 12-round fight for Ortiz’s WBC Welterweight World Title from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Canelo Alvarez and Alfonso Gomez will battle in a 12-round fight for Alvarez’s WBC Super Welterweight World Title from STAPLESCenter in Los Angeles, Calif. Also live in Las Vegas, will be Five Time and Three Division World Champion and future Hall of Famer Erik Morales fighting for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Title and an opening fight featuring undefeated rising star Jessie Vargas. The mega event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWALT Tools and AT&T. Alvarez vs. Gomez is presented in association with Canelo Promotions. “Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz” will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Wrestling Links (8-3-11)

Posted on | August 3, 2011 | No Comments

PREP SPORTS: State wrestling, soccer venues changing (08/03) Elizabethtown News Enterprise By Josh Claywell The Kentucky High School Athletic Association is overhauling three of its state championships, changing the venues where the soccer final four and wrestling state tournaments are conducted. In a press release Tuesday, the organization … See all stories on this topic »

UFC 133’s Johny Hendricks: Reconnecting With Wrestling Minus The Villainy SB Nation By Luke Thomas – MMA Senior Editor In this exclusive interview with MMA Nation Senior Editor Luke Thomas, UFC welterweight Johny Hendricks talks about reconnecting with coach John Smith and the Oklahoma State wrestling team as well as the desire to get … See all stories on this topic »

Wrestling News: Watch Former ROH Star Kenny Omega Wrestle 9-Year Old Haruka Bleacher Report Last weekend, nine year old wrestling sensation Haruka competed in her biggest match to date against the well traveled Kenny Omega, one of the top independent wrestlers in the world and a former product of Ring of Honor. The Stardom promotion of Japan … See all stories on this topic »

WWE: CM Punk and 5 Guys Who Can Make Wrestling Cool Again Bleacher Report It’s a fact that for several years, Professional Wrestling has not exactly been the most beloved form of entertainment in the world. Sure, there are still millions of wrestlingfans in the world, but if you asked an American man whether or not they … See all stories on this topic »                                                                                        Bleacher Report

UCO wrestling to host regional in 2011-12 NewsOK.com The Central Oklahoma wrestling team will host the NCAA Division II Super Regional II Tournament in 2011-12, according to the schedule released Tuesday. The Bronchos have just four home duals during the regular season, but UCO will be the host school … See all stories on this topic »

North’s Fuller competes at wrestling nationals Sioux City Journal FARGO, ND — Competing for Team Iowa, Dustin Fuller, a junior-to-be at Sioux City North High School, narrowly missed All-American honors at the Freestyle/Greco-Roman Wrestling Nationals held July 16-23. Wrestling in the 160-pound Cadet (15-16 year … See all stories on this topic »

Oak Park wrestling grad goes viral with flying takedown Chicago Tribune While competing at the Junior Greco-Roman World Championships in Bucharest, Romania, Coleman executed a move known as the Flying Squirrel against Iran’s Mehdi Zidvand. The takedown seemed to baffle both Zidvand and his coaches. … See all stories on this topic »

IMPACT Wrestling Top 10, Power Rankings for July: Sting, Anderson, and More! Bleacher Report Now it is time to see which IMPACT wrestlers found success last month. Starting off the July rankings is the hand full of homegrown TNA talent known as Fortune. This month, Sting has gone under a major change in character. The Icon is now known as “The … See all stories on this topic »                                                                                        Bleacher Report

 

Blogs

Exclusive: Triple C’s Join Urban Wrestling Federation – AllHipHop Logo (AllHipHop News) Maybach Music Group collective Carol City Cartel a.k.a. Triple C’s have reached a deal with the Urban Wrestling Federation (UWF), to take part in the rising sports entertainment company’s future endeavors and … AllHipHop.com News

 

Web

Friday IMPACT WRESTLING Fantasy Fix: New Leader- Friday, July 29, 2011 Friday Fantasy Fix – Friday, July 29, 2011: When Sting announced that Kurt Angle and Mr. Anderson would face off in a Steel Cage match last night, man… www.impactwrestling.com/…/2864-Friday-IMPACT-WRESTL…

Video: Greco-Roman wrestler’s insane ‘flying squirrel’ takedown … This is American junior wrestler Ellis Coleman performing an insane, flipping Greco-Romanwrestling move called “the flying squirrel” at the junior world … sports.yahoo.com/…/Video-Greco-Roman-wrestler-8217-s-ins…

Greatest Wrestling Takedown Ever‏ – YouTube Greatest Wrestling Takedown Ever … Added to queue 2010 Minnesota StateWrestling Tournament Highl…by CSchruppNMU123247 views … www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggq27m5r1O8

FUEL TV KICK STARTS “PUNK PAYBACK” WITH BAS RUTTEN STARRING FORMER UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP

Posted on | August 3, 2011 | No Comments

Three-time King of Pancrase World Champion offers comedic street fighting tips

 

LOS ANGELES, CA – FUEL TV (www.fuel.tv), Fox Sports Media Group’s dynamic entertainment and sports network for young males, announces the production of a comedic, street fighting survival series “Punk Payback” with Bas Rutten. Starring former UFC Heavyweight Champion and three-time King of Pancrase World Champion, the half-hour 10-episode, series joins FUEL TV’s schedule Wednesday, November 2 at 9:30PM ET/PT. The series is produced by Brentwood Communications International, Inc. (BCII).

 

Approaching serious subject matters in humorous ways, “Punk Payback” with Bas Rutten showcases combat moves that can help viewers avoid being “punked” on the street. Using real surveillance footage of frightening events such as people getting carjacked or held up in a convenience store, Rutten mixes in reenactments to offer tips on how to get out of these tenuous situations. His specialized fighting skills, combined with his amusing personality, make for a uniquely educational and entertaining self-defense show.

                      

“Bas Rutten is one of the most charismatic characters I’ve ever met and he can fill up a TV screen all by himself,” says George Greenberg, FUEL TV Executive Vice President and GM. “We’re happy to bring him to FUEL TV with this exciting and fun show that mixes humor into educational survival situations. If a punk starts it, rest assured, Bas will finish it every time.”

 

“You won’t see a show like this anywhere else on television,” says Bud Brutsman, BCII CEO and Executive Producer. “Bas addresses some serious topics in this fast-paced series. But he’ll have fun with the situations as well.”

 

For more information on FUEL TV, please visit www.fuel.tv and go to www.fuel.tv/barfights to see Bas in action.

Deja Vu For Alex Reid – Dons Football Boots In True Jason Cunliffe Fashion

Posted on | August 3, 2011 | No Comments

Actor and MMA star Alex Reid is set to emulate his former Hollyoaks character – England Football captain Jason Cunliffe – by donning football boots and taking part in the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym  Boxers and Celebrity Charity Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, at the Concord Rangers FC ground in Canvey Island on Sunday 14th August 2011.

Besides his playing Jason Cunliffe in Hollyoaks, Alex has had acting roles in Soldier Soldier, Sliding Doors, Saving Private Ryan and My Hero. Alex also appeared as a contestant in hit TV series Gladiators, as well as was the winner of Celebrity Big Brother in 2010.

Throughout his acting career Alex also campaigned as a Mixed Martial Arts fighter, and in fact still does. His next scheduled fight, against Jason Barrett in a Super Title fight, is just a few days away at the Ultimate 22 Challenge at the Troxy in London on the 6th August.

Speaking after a grueling training session at the TRAD TKO Gym, Alex spoke briefly on his return to the football pitch,  “Blimey football, many years ago I played a character called Jason Cunliffe in Hollyoaks, he was the England captain for football, I can’t play football to save my life.

Needless to say I was abused in the street for my bad football skills, but I’d say yeah I’m an actor, not a football player.

Saying that, I’m game for a laugh and it’s for a good cause so I’m just going to get in there on the 14th and have a laugh.”

On August 14th Alex will be joining TRAD TKO supremo, Johnny Eames, and boxing stars Nathan Cleverly, Rendall Munroe, Matthew Macklin, Kevin Mitchell, Ricky Burns, Barry McGuigan, Paul and Stephen Smith, Willie Limond, Tony Oakey, Ross Minter, Martin Power etc.; will be joined by celebrities such as Johnny Borrell (Razorlight), Mark Wingett (Jim Carver – The Bill), Stephen Bell (Coronation Street) as well as various of the Eastenders and Shameless cast etc. at the Concord Rangers FC ground on Canvey Island.

The TRAD TKO Boxing Gym Boxers and Celebrity Football Tournament, in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, kicks off at 12:00pm at the Concord Rangers FC, Thames Road, Canvey Island, Essex on Sunday 14th August 2011.

Tickets for this special event, priced: Standard: £10.00 and V.I.P. £20.00, are available on-line from www.tkoboxoffice.com  or in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA

Children’s tickets, priced £5.00, will be available on the day.

For further information either call the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym on 020 7474 3199 or see www.indeerosetrust.org orfacebook.com/theindeerosetrust

Mixed Martial Arts Links (8-3-11)

Posted on | August 3, 2011 | 1 Comment

ESPN.com MMA awards for July ESPN Looking to represent the sport of women’s MMA in an uncertain time, Tate’s four-round battle with Marloes Coenen more than held its own as the co-main event on a major card. Some expected Tate to win, but virtually none predicted it happening the way … See all stories on this topic »

The evolution of the Ultimate Fighting Championship Yahoo! Sports Dana White continued to find the best MMA fighters and brought them to the UFC, which within a few years had basically monopolized the mixed martial arts world. If you wanted to prove you were the best fighter, you had to do it in the UFC. … See all stories on this topic » Yahoo! Sports

The role of throws in MMA Yahoo! Sports The art of the throw in mixed martial arts is somewhat misunderstood by fans and commentators alike. When the majority of damage in MMA is inflected by strikes, and the majority of submissions are achieved with holds, what role can throwing people … See all stories on this topic »

Fan: Strikeforce champ Miesha Tate’s marketability is on the rise Yahoo! Sports With the win, Tate clearly moves past Gina Carano as the face of women’s mixed martial arts and instantly becomes one of the world’s most marketable athletes. Here are five reasons why Tate’s marketability is on the rise. Ring girls for San Jose based… See all stories on this topic »                                                                                        Yahoo! Sports

Top 5 UFC moments of 2010 Yahoo! Sports Mixed martial arts came out victorious in the first major battle of MMA vs. boxing. The lesson learned? It does not matter how good a fighter’s striking is, because if they cannot defend the take down it is only a matter of time before they lose the … See all stories on this topic »

MMA Q&As with mat champs Jenkins, Hendricks; coach makes peace with fighting Examiner.com Have doubts about the strength of the connection between college wrestling and MMA (mixed martial arts)? Here are a foursome of articles posted in the past couple days that will set you straight: For wrestling sensation Bubba Jenkins, patience is a … See all stories on this topic »

UFC 140 set for December in Toronto ESPN Toronto held its first UFC event in April, eight months after Ontario became the sixth Canadian jurisdiction to sanction mixed martial arts. The event, UFC 129, was held at the Rogers Centre and remains the only stadium show in company history. … See all stories on this topic »

North Loop proposal has mixed martial arts Minneapolis Star Tribune Developers are eyeing a patch of industrial land in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis for a new three-star hotel and 27000-square-foot “entertainment center” that would host concerts andmixed martial arts fighting. Architect Brian Lubben said … See all stories on this topic »

 

Blogs

Kansas City Chiefs’ Tyson Jackson Turned to MMA Training in … By Brent Brookhouse Former third overall draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, Tyson Jackson, trained with MMA fighters in the offseason to get in shape. Bloody Elbow

Q&A: A Few Fighting Words About MMA With Mike Straka | The Big Lead By BigLeadSports One of the biggest devotees of mixed martial arts is longtime reporter and news producer Mike Straka, the host of ‘Fighting Words with Mike Straka’ on HDNet and author of ‘Fighting Words: In-Depth Interviews with the Biggest Names in … The Big Lead

6 Essential Pieces of Kit for MMA Training » MediaPutz Article … By lucysawyer Mixed Martial Arts is a hard hitting physical sport that many dedicate their lives to. If you want to train in MMA You will need many pieces of MMA Gear but there’s a few essential pieces that you will need before you start. … MediaPutz Article Directory

JOSEPH AGBEKO & ABNER MARES CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS

Posted on | August 2, 2011 | No Comments

 

NEW YORK (Aug. 2, 2011) — International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight Champion Joseph King Kong Agbekoand undefeated rising star and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver 118-pound Champion Abner Mares participated in a media conference call on Tuesday to discuss The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All taking place onSaturday, August 13, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. 

 

Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs), of Accra, Ghana, will defend his IBF title against the fast-rising, Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, in the tournament final.  Mares’ WBC Silver bantamweight belt will also be on the line.

 

The world championship fight is promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions and is sponsored byCorona. 

 

Here are what the fighters had to say on Tuesday.

 

JOSEPH KING KONG AGBEKO:

“I would like to thank SHOWTIME for the new date which is Aug. 13 due to my injury. I thank my promoters too at Don King Productions for waiting for me to heal and to get ready for this fight. I’m so looking forward to this fight and thanks to God for it is finally coming off and I’m ready for it.

 

“This is a very big fight. Everyone is watching and people will know after you win this fight that you are the best in the world. That’s what I strive to achieve in my career: to be the best in the world at this weight class and then move on to the next one.”

 

What was the difference in the first time you fought Yonnhy Perez and the second?

“Well, in the first fight I don’t think I had a lot of time to prepare for the fight. I came into the ring slow and started out that way. That first fight just did not go well for me due to a few issues. So I came back and was able to do better the next fight.”

 

Did you fear after suffering your sciatic injury that your career might be finished?

 

“When I had the injury the only thing that I was worried about was the fight that I had coming up. I knew definitely that it wouldn’t affect my career. My main concern was disappointing every one because I knew I couldn’t fight. I knew everyone was counting on me. All my fans and family in Ghana were depending on me. I didn’t want to let anyone down.”

 

Was there ever any indication on why you had the sciatic injury you suffered?

 

“Yeah, they said it could really happen to anyone because of the time that the flight was delayed at the airport and the time I spent not moving on the plane for the six hours from New York to L.A. It doesn’t happen every day but the people at the hospital knew because they are so close to the airport. It does happen to people sitting on a plan for a long time.”

 

Did it affect your preparation for this fight?

“Yes, I think since I had to start all over again. I took some time off but then I was able to come back and I’ve been working on my speed and everything else for this fight.

 

“I’ve been on conference calls for SHOWTIME before and this is definitely the most relaxed one because I wasn’t asked a lot of questions. So I was very relaxed because I didn’t have to answer a lot of questions. This fight has been very hyped and I’m hoping to come out the winner on Aug. 13.”

 

ABNER MARES:

“We are getting close to this fight that I’ve been waiting for for quite some time. The fight got cancelled back in April and now we’re less than 13 days away. I’m ready to do this.”

 

What’s more important in this fight, winning the tournament or winning the world title?

“I think they are both important. For me it would be my first title so it has big significance but the SHOWTIME Tournament is also important because you have faced two of the greatest bantamweights out there so for me winning this tournament it means you’ve only beaten the best. You can take pride in knowing you beat only the elite fighters in their prime in your weight class.”

 

How do you compare Agbeko and Yonnhy Perez?

 “Well, Agbeko and Yonnhy have two different styles. I had a draw against Yonnhy in a fight a lot of people thought I won. He was the world champion at the time. If anything I won in that fight because I learned a whole lot. And I was able to show that in my next fight against Vic Darchinyan. They are both such different fighters. The only similar thing is that I was fighting for the IBF title against Yonnhy and now I’m doing it again. So I definitely don’t want to lose or have a draw in this fight.”

 

What was your reaction when the April fight was called off?

“At the moment I heard that the fight might be cancelled and that there might be another opponent I was happy, but I was not mentally happy. I was getting ready for a world title fight and whoever stepped in it would not be for a world title. Just another 12-round fight. Yeah, I was ready and yeah it might make sense and I could have gone the 10 or 12 rounds with whoever they put in there but I was kind of mentally disappointed. So I didn’t want to take that risk. I had more to lose than to win so saying that, the whole camp just decided to wait for Agbeko. He made it to the finals and it’s only right to fight him for the SHOWTIME Bantamweight title.”

 

Are you aware of the fact that you have the chance to become Golden Boy’s first homegrown fighter to start your career with them and win a world title? What does that mean to you?

“It means a whole lot to me. I’ve said this before: Golden Boy is not just my promoter but also my family. I get along with everyone so well. From Monica (Sears) to David (Itskowitch), the entire staff. We go out to lunch and outside the ring everyone is so nice and just like family. So winning this fight I’ll be the first Golden Boy fighter to start from scratch and become world champion so that would mean a whole lot for me. And I know it would mean a whole lot to Golden Boy Promotions. We’re a big happy family and we would all win that night.”

 

Have you had to change much in your preparation since the fight was called off to now?

“I’ve had to change everything, even sparring partners and the place we were training. Once the fight was cancelled I said let’s move on. I took three weeks off and didn’t think about boxing at all. Then I got right back in the gym and the first thing we did was to plan a trip to Guadalajara and we trained out there for three weeks. It was something different. I wanted a whole new environment. Just changed everything. I didn’t want the whole team over again for another three months. That helped a lot. Now we are in a different gym here in Santa Fe Springs which is really nice. The people and the atmosphere are great. I’ve actually had fans come over here to watch me train and talk to me and I’ve never had that before. We changed everything and I’m very happy it went so quick.”

 

If you win this fight, will you be the best in the division?

“This tournament is made up of the best bantamweights. A lot of fighters had the opportunity to get in it and some chose not to for whatever reasons. We definitely deserve to be called the best bantamweight out there. There are a lot of great and top pound-for-pound bantamweights out there. After this fight we should be called the best then after this, other fights can be made. Let’s do it. But I think myself and Agbeko have proven that we are here and we will fight anyone and we should be recognized as the best.”

 

Did you change your approach or game plan since the cancellation?

“No, not really. Same game plan. I had a lot of people ask me since he got injured, am I going to do it differently now? No. If I did that that would only make me think he was not fully healthy and that he wasn’t going to perform the same. I know he had the back problem and it’s all cured and I think mentally he knows it’s cured so I don’t want to think about it again.”

 

How do you stay motivated after such a let down as the cancellation was?

“As a fighter in my young career I’ve already been through so many ups and downs that maybe a veteran hasn’t even gone through yet with my detached retina, with this fight being cancelled and with me getting a draw in my first world title. But, you know, it only makes me stronger. It only motivates me more. Things happen for a reason. When I saw Agbeko at the podium the next day and he was limping I was actually thinking it was such a freak thing that I was glad it hadn’t happened to me. Things happen. It happened. I took off with my family for vacation for three weeks and I’ve come back stronger. I was able to go back to Guadalajara where I’m from and I had a great camp and it went by so quick. The preparation I’ve had for this fight was just fun and the same emotion and focus and will to become a world champion.”

 

Was your camp better than it was for the April fight?

“I’m honestly going to say, yes, it was.”

 

What was your initial reaction to the cancellation?

“I just felt bad. My parents always taught me not to feel sorry for the guy on the boxing side but I generally felt bad on the human side. He just looked like an old guy limping with the cane. I thought, man, this could be the end of his career. It was like me with my detached retina and when they told me my career could possibly be over. Plus, I have some family members who have had the same injury and they told me it was really painful so I just felt bad for Agbeko. That’s why we gave him a second chance and we thank God he’s better and that he can continue what he loves doing and that’s boxing.”

 

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $150, are on sale now and may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.comor by phone at (800) 745-3000.

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