NO HOLDS BARRED: Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock, Guy Mezger, Ryan Schultz, Wagnney Fabiano, Jay Hieron, Matt Horwich, Vladimir Matyushenko, Tim Kennedy,

NO HOLDS BARRED: Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock, Guy Mezger, Ryan Schultz, Wagnney Fabiano, Jay Hieron, Matt Horwich, Vladimir Matyushenko, Tim Kennedy, Trace Adkins, Leo Khorolinsky, IFL Grand Prix
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2007-12-31T06_14_38-08_00
On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman reviews the Dec. 29 IFL Grand Prix Finals, which was held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
We spoke with five of the IFL individual champions about their victorious fights and what their plans are: lightweight (155 lbs.) champion Ryan Schultz, featherweight (145 lbs.) champion Wagnney Fabiano, welterweight (170 lbs.) champion Jay Hieron, middleweight (185 lbs.) champion Matt Horwich, and light heavyweight (205 lbs.) champion Vladimir Matyushenko (http://vladthejanitor.com/). We also spoke with middleweight Tim Kennedy (http://rangerup.com/timkennedy.html), who was victorious on this card.
At this event, we once again spoke with "The Natural," Randy Couture (http://thenatural.tv/), the now-former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion who recently resigned from that promotion. Randy told us which former wrestling champion has said that he would like to compete against him in a grappling match. He also updated us on what his other plans were and the latest in his dispute with the UFC promoters.
We spoke with mixed martial arts legend Ken Shamrock (http://kenshamrock.com/) at this event. He discussed his plans for next year as a coach in the IFL, commented on the historical role of the original Lion’s Den in MMA, told us about his coaching a victorious MMA team in Manila, revealed whom he may fight next in MMA, and explained the need for non-exclusive contracts and a fighters' union in MMA.
We also spoke with Guy Mezger, president and matchmaker for the HDNet Fights promotion (http://hdnetfights.com/). HDNet telecast the IFL Grand Prix live in the U.S. on their television network. We discussed with Guy when and where the next HDNet Fights show is likely to take place, who might fight on it, how HDNet Fights is working with other promotions as partners, how HDNet Fights has become the primary sporting event on HDNet, and how HDNet Fights differs from the UFC.
In addition, we spoke with country music star Trace Adkins (http://www.traceadkins.com/), who attended this event. And we spoke with Leo Khorolinsky, the manager of former UFC heavyweight champion and current top contender Andrei Arlovski (http://arlovski.tv/) about what is next for his fighter.
To listen to NO HOLDS BARRED, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.
You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).
Also, NO HOLDS BARRED is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.
The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.
The NO HOLDS BARRED theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).
Make sure to check out my regular articles on the ADCC News at http://www.adcombat.com/ and on FightBeat.com at http://fightbeat.com/.
NO HOLDS BARRED is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
Art of War (http://www.artofwarlive.com/), the undisputed arena fighting championship, promoted by SUN Sports and Entertainment, producing world class mixed martial arts events. For more information, check out their web site, ArtOfWarLive.com (http://www.artofwarlive.com/).
IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, at http://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html.
Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up the mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year. For more news and info, check out their web site, GladiatorChallenge.com (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/).
BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com/), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.
Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com/) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).
FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.
Thanks, Eddie Goldman
No Holds Barred blog http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/
No Holds Barred podcast http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/
No Holds Barred on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews


Enjoy!

“Magic Man” Starring Boxing Champion Paulie Malignaggi to Air Exclusively on SHOWTIME Dec. 30 – Jan. 4

***Documentary depicts life of DBE Junior Welterweight Champion***

NEW YORK, – DiBella Entertainment and Brave St. Productions are proud to announce the television premiere of “Magic Man” as it will air exclusively on SHOWTIME, Dec. 30 – Jan. 4. The documentary film chronicles the ascent of perpetual underdog Paulie the “Magic Man” Malignaggi, a scrawny kid from a broken home who, in quest to prove his life was worth something, defeated all odds to arrive at the Mecca of boxing (where is this) one big upset away from proving everyone wrong. It’s a story of disappointment, determination, of stamina and salvation.

The film produced by Lou DiBella and Brave St. Productions, traces Malignaggi’s difficult upbringing as the child of Italian immigrants struggling to find his path in life in America. The story follows his start in amateur boxing from his time at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn and chronicles the trials and tribulations of his first world championship bout against Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden and the ecstasy of winning his first title one year later. The film provides an original and poignant illustration of the literal blood, sweat and tears in the life of a boxer.

“Magic Man” first premiered at the Hoboken International Film Festival in New Jersey, where a rough cut of the film won the 2007 Audience Award. The film will be televised for the first time when it airs at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 30 on SHOWTIME 2®. The documentary will continue to air leading up to Malignaggi’s next title fight, which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Jan. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Paulie Malignaggi


“I am very happy SHOWTIME will be airing ‘Magic Man’ as it will allow fight and movie fans to see the type or person Paulie is both inside and outside the ring,” said Lou DiBella. “The multiple airings throughout the first week of the year will be the perfect lead-in for Paulie’s title defense on Saturday night, January 5.”

Lou DiBella


Russell Best, partner and executive producer of Brave St. Productions adds, “I’m so proud that Showtime thought enough of our freshman feature doc to air it and allow everyone everywhere to be able to see this fascinating person, this beautiful and poignant "real life Rocky" story unfold.” “Anyone who watches Magic Man will have a new perspective on Paulie and realize the sheer and brutal tenacity that it took for him to overcome major life obstacles and fulfill his dreams of becoming a champion,” said Tammy Leech, partner and executive producer of Brave St. Productions.

Malignaggi (23-1, 5 KO’s) will defend his title against Herman Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KO’s) at Bally’s Main Ballroom in Atlantic City on January 5. The fight is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Groupe Yvon Michel. Tickets priced at $250 and $125 are now on sale and can be purchased at the Bally’s Box Office, by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577, Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

SCHEDULE FOR “MAGIC MAN” ON SHOWTIME
SHO 2 December 30 8:15 PM
SHO Extreme December 31 10:00PM
SHO Extreme January 1 10:00PM
SHO 2 January 2 11:00PM
SHO 2 January 3 10:00PM
SHO Extreme January 4 11:40PM

Paulie Malignaggi and fellow fighters Curtis Jackson and Jamie Kang


Paulie talks to the press.


Contact: Mike Moriarty, DiBella Entertainment

Roy Jones Jr. attends New York Knicks Practice at Madison Square Garden Training Center

TARRYTOWN, N.Y.— Eight-time boxing world champion Roy Jones Jr. planned to visit with New York Knicks players after they finished practice at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, N.Y., today but was surprised when Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas waved him over to take part in a full-court, three-man weave drill with the team.



“It was a dream come true for me to get on the court and shoot around and do some drills with the Knicks,” Jones, who once played in the professional United States Basketball League, said. “I was a little rusty but I wasn’t going to say no to coach Isiah. What a thrill it was to be on the court with the Knicks to see up close and personal how good they really are.”

Thomas joked that his players may have avoided contact with Jones.

“The shot was a little suspect but nobody got close enough to him,” Thomas said. “I don’t think anybody wanted to challenge him for fear that he may punch him.”

Knicks guard and fan-favorite Nate Robinson was chided by fellow players when Jones donned a Knicks practice jersey sporting Robinson’s number. They further antagonized their teammate by suggesting that gloves Jones was planning to autograph were really there for sparring between Jones and Robinson.

Jones assured him it was only a message to his Jan. 19 opponent at Madison Square Garden, Felix “Tito” Trinidad. Jones reiterated his oft-repeated slogan, “Tito must go in fo’. That’s why I’ve got the number four on my jersey.”



Robinson declared, “There’s no way I’m stepping into the ring with that man. He can wear whatever number he wants.”

After practice Robinson commented on what it meant to him to have Jones at the Knicks practice.

“Roy Jones is a boxing great and it was fun to have him practice with us. That shows a lot of love on his part to join us today. It provided us with some inspiration. He didn’t have to come out here with us but that just goes to show what kind of guy he is.”

Robinson quipped, “He may be one of the smaller guys out here today, but I’ll bet he could beat up all of us.”

Jones was gratified to have the opportunity to play with the team.

“It was inspiring for me too,” Jones said. “I’ve had my ups and downs over the last three years so I came out here today to let coach Thomas and the Knicks know they just need to hang in there, do the best they can, and their time will come. I know it will.”

Full Quotes and Camp Notes from Roy Jones Jr.



“It was a dream come true for me to get on the court and shoot around and do some drills with the Knicks. I was a little rusty but I wasn’t going to say no to coach Isiah. What a thrill it was to be on the court with the Knicks to see up close and personal how good they really are.

“It was inspiring for me too. I’ve had my ups and downs over the last three years so I came out here today to let coach Thomas and the Knicks know they just need to hang in there, do the best they can, and their time will come. I know it will.”

Jones was told by a friend about a training facility near Pittsburgh, in California, Penn. He has been training there since the beginning of December with longtime trainer Alton Merkerson. His six-day-a-week training schedule often starts with a three-to-five mile run around 6 a.m.,“depending on how I feel each day,” followed by breakfast usually consisting of only fruit. After a nap, Jones is up at noon followed by a three-hour gym workout around 4 p.m.

“It’s working out really well at the training camp. I need to be focused for this fight and this camp out in the country is a good place to be focused.

“The rooster is back in Roy Jones. I used to strut and entertain people. Somehow I lost that for a time. I started to focus more on my opponents than on simply going out and entertaining my fans. Now I’m back to doing what I do best.

“Tito and his people think it’s going to hurt me to have to go all the way down to 170 pounds—and it is a smart move on their part—but it’s nothing I haven’t been through before. I’ve had more than enough time to get down to weight so I’m not going to have to kill myself getting there.

“The big question is can Tito bring his punch and take my punches at 170 pounds. Tito must go in fo’. That’s what everybody’s waiting to see on January 19.”

Classic Sports and Entertainment, Inc. “Champions of Tomorrow” Co-Main Events: Estrada-Shufford, Perez-Remillard also Addy Irizarry

PROVIDENCE– 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada battles former world heavyweight title challenger Charles Shufford and WBC Youth featherweight champion Manuel Perez defends his title against Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard in co-main events on “Champions of Tomorrow,” January 25 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Addy Irizarry a popular Hartford, Connecticut light welterweight will also appear on the under card.


“Champions of Tomorrow,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., will be taped live and air on Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. on CN8 and will also stream online at www.CN8.tv. Following the broadcast, the show will be available ON DEMAND to Comcast Digital Cable customers for at least one week. “Champions of Tomorrow” will also air on Cox Sports Television on dates and times to soon be announced.

Estrada (10-1, 2 KOs), the Providence native now rated No. 10 in the NABO, is coming off of his most impressive victory as a professional, when he put former NABC and NABC Americas heavyweight title-holder James Northey (11-2, 8 KOs) to sleep in the fourth round of their October 12 fight. Las Vegas-based Shufford (20-7-1, 9 KOs), who fought Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO in 2001, holds victories against former world champion Lamon Brewster, Elieser Castillo and Jimmy Thunder.

Perez (11-3, 2 KOs) fighting out of Denver by way of Honolulu, captured the WBC Youth title in his last fight on November 10 via a unanimous 10-round decision against Victor Barela. Manchester (CT) favorite Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs) has been inactive since suffering a hand injury that required surgery after he won the WBC Youth super featherweight on September 23, 2006.

“We’re excited to be back at Foxwoods showcasing some of the top young prospects in boxing in their stiffest tests to date,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “Olympian Jason Estrada is ready to make some big noise in the heavyweight division and he’s starting off the year against a former world title challenger, Charles Shufford, Our other co-main event features the return of local hero Matt Remillard, who is a true throwback type of boxer, fights WBC Youth super featherweight champion Manuel Perez in what promises to be an action-packed bout. The undercard has a host of tomorrow’s champions and some other great fights.”

Unbeaten cruiserweight prodigy, 9-time U.S. amateur champion “Awesome” Aaron Williams (15-0-1, 11 KOs), returns to the scene of his most memorable knockout to date in a picture-perfect stoppage of DeLeon Tingsley, who recently upset previously unbeaten Alfredo Escalera, Jr., in the second round of their June 20th fight at Foxwoods.

A much-anticipated New England light heavyweight showdown between Iraqi War-veteran Chris Traietti (7-0, 4 KOs) and “Irish” Joey McCreedy (5-1, 4 KOs) will take place in a scheduled 6-round bout. Middleweights Richard “Bobo” Starnino (8-2-1, 1 KO), of Providence, and New Bedford’s Eric Pinarreta (1-1, 1 KO) will meet in an old fashioned border war.

Also on the undercard is undefeated super middleweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (8-0, 4 KOs), popular Hartford light welterweight Addy Irizarry (3-1, 2 KOs) takes on Tonya Gallegos (4-6, 2 KOs), unbeaten Brockton light heavyweight Manuel Antonio Lopes (4-0, 1 KO) faces veteran Anthony Cannon (4-8, 1 KO).

Addy Irizarry


Recent University of Connecticut graduate Brian Macy, a card dealer at Foxwoods who lives in Ledyard, makes his pro debut against Donyell Dukes (0-4). Macy started boxing at 10 and posted a 125-25 amateur record, including a Gold Medal performance in the 2000 National PAL Championships at 165 pounds, as well as a Silver Medal in the National Junior Olympics. All boxers and bouts are subject to change.

Tickets for “Champions of Tomorrow” are priced at $40.00, $65.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy’s Platinum Club). Two VIP Presidential Suites are also available (call CES for details as well as sponsorship opportunities). To purchase tickets or for additional information contact CES (1.401.724.2253/2254 - www.cesboxing.com) or Foxwoods (1.800.200.2882/www.foxwoods.com). Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.

CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press

No holiday blues for Malignaggi

NEW YORK– International Boxing Federation light welterweight champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi has shifted his training camp from sunny Vero Beach, Florida to back home in the Big Apple without missing a beat as he continues preparing for his first title defense January 5 on Showtime Championship Boxing against No. 1 mandatory contender Herman “The Black Panther” Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KOs) at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City.




The brash Brooklyn boxer, rated No. 2 by The Ring, is back working out at famed Gleason’s Gym during the holiday season, something that hasn’t fazed Malignaggi in the least.

“Training camp in Vero Beach was excellent and, as usual, I’m in tremendous shape,” Paulie said. “At training camp you brainwash yourself into thinking everyday is the same, no weekends or holidays. It’s all the same…a work day. You develop a mental state to just work hard and get ready for the fight. I’m going to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s starting on January 5, beating that bum with the big mouth (Ngoudjo). I’ve lost all respect for this guy because he is so disrespectful. He’s fighting the best he’s ever fought; I’m going to ruin him. People are going to forget all about Herman Ngoudjo after our fight.

“This is the third fight with Buddy McGirt as my head trainer. The key for every fight is to continue improving and that’s what we’re doing. Buddy is the captain of the ship. He’s a great trainer, I’m a great fighter, and we have a great team.”

Paulie Mailignaggi and Buddy Mc Girt


Team Malignaggi also includes Paulie’s promoter, Lou DiBella, cornermen Orlando Carrasquillo and Pete Sferrazza, cutman Danny Milano and attorney John Hornewer, as well as Paulie’s brother, Umberto, and advisor, Anthony Catanzo.

Famed Butterbean conqueror and New York boxer Mitchell “Cigarette Man” Rose book release

Butterbean Conqueror Mitchell Rose Releases Book Titled “Mike Tyson Tried To Kill My Daddy”

Mitchell Rose (r) and Lou Savarese


Famed Butterbean conqueror and New York boxer Mitchell “Cigarette Man” Rose has released a book titled “Mike Tyson Tried to Kill My Daddy”. The book discusses Rose’s famed contest against then undefeated Butterbean, his street fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson, and many fascinating stories. In addition, Rose is selling a DVD that chronicles various events from his life, many intriguing tales and what the “Cigarette Man” has ventured off to following his boxing career.



“The book begins with how I started in the boxing industry. I detailed the journey of how I was a struggling fighter to a notable name overnight by destroying Butterbean as a heavy underdog in front of 20,000 people at Madison Square Garden. The Mike Tyson nightclub fight is also analyzed. I get into why the fight happened and what the aftermath was. The DVD has a lot of footage from Court TV involving the Tyson incident. The fans also get a look at my business enterprises, and footage from my amateur career”, said Rose.

The book can be purchased by emailing Mitchroseboxer@hotmail.com

Savarese Joins Ring Promotions

NEW YORK– Former world heavyweight contender Lou Savarese has become a partner in New York City-based Ring Promotions, joining former New York boxing commissioners, Bob Duffy and Tony Mazzarella.

Lou Savarese (l) and Mitchell Rose, a former sparring partner of Lou Savarese.


Savarese was a two-time New York State Golden Gloves super heavyweight champion, winning the novice division in 1985 and defeating Alex Stewart the following year in the finals. In 1987, Lou was scheduled to fight future world champion Riddick Bowe in the finals, but Savarese was injured and unable to box.

As a pro, Savarese won his first 36 fights, 46 of 53 (38 KOs) during his 18-year career, which ended this past June with a 10-round loss by decision to Evander Holyfield. Lou’s 36th straight win was a seventh-round TKO of highly-touted Buster Mathis, Jr. (21-1) for the USBA heavyweight title in 1996. “Big Lou” then dropped a 12-round decision to George Foreman for the WBU crown, bounced back with a sensational fist-round knockout of Buster Douglas for the IBA belt, and rose from the canvas to knockoff previously unbeaten Lance "Mount" Whitaker.

“Lou Savarese is one of he most honest, respected boxers to ever come out of New York City,” Duffy said. “He’s a former world-class fighter with integrity who has always been good for boxing. We’re very happy that Lou’s now part of Ring Promotions. Boxing has been good to Lou and he wants to see the sport grow and make things better for everybody.”

Ring Promotions and Gotham Boxing, co-promoted “Holiday Hits” on December 13 at the Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan, showcasing some of the Big Apple’s best young fighters including 3-time New York Golden Gloves champion and WBC rated No. 18 Bronx lightweight Jorge “The Truth” Teron now (19-0-1, 11 KOs), in his first scheduled 10-round fight; Brooklyn middleweight Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin now (16-0, 12 KOs), and Newburgh heavyweight Nagy Aguilera now (5-0, 2 KOs), 2-time New York Golden Gloves champion.