Peter ‘Kid Chocolate’ Quillin on mission

From the mean streets of Grand Rapids to living in New York and now Hollywood, undefeated middleweight prospect Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin is on the verge of boxing greatness, and is being talked about in boxing circles as being a fighter ready for a high-profile world title fight within a year.

Coming off of an explosive third-round destruction of former world title challenger Jesse Brinkley this past April for the USBO super middleweight title, Quillin (24-0, 18 KOs) will return to compete in his natural middleweight division in an old fashioned throw-down with veteran “Marvelous” Tarvis Simms (27-1-1, 11 KOs) in 10-round bout on the July 23 Amir Khan vs. Zab Judah undercard at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Quillin-Simms will be fought on the off-television portion of the event, while Khan vs. Judah headlines on HBO. “A fight is a fight and my time will come,” IBF # 5 rated Quillin said.“I put in the same effort to put on an impressive winning performance,” IBF #5 rated Quillin said. “The pressure last camp was to see how I would beat Brinkley. This time it’s Tarvis Simms and I’m training to destroy him.

“I’m never in a comfortable situation because, in boxing, you can always lose. I figure, why put in anything less than maximum effort in training?I’m trying to prove that I’m an elite, top-10 fighter and, even when I win a world title, I’m always going to be a hungry fighter because of where I come from.After my last fight I went right back in the Wild Card Gym training with Freddie Roach and Eric Brown.I’ve already started back training in the torture chamber (with strength-and-conditioning coach Brad Bose at Anatomi Gym in Santa Monica).”

The 40-year-old Simms is 12 years older than Quillin and the twin brother of two-time World Junior Middleweight Champion Travis Simms. His only loss was a 10-round decision to Allan Green two years ago, when he was a late replacement fighting for the first time in 14 months.

“What I’m looking for against Simms is rounds,” Quillin explained.“My last three fights were all four rounds or less.I had a first-round knockout in Quebec, followed by a fourth-round TKO, and then stopped a world title challenger in the third. Tarvis is 27-1-1 but he’s stepping-up to fight me, not the other way around. I met him and he’s a cool guy. I’m hoping that he’s preparing as hard as me to put in the rounds and showcase his talent. If he does, it will be an entertaining fight.”

No boxer appreciates being active more than “Kid Chocolate,” who was on the shelf for 18 months (2008-2010) with a broken hand, hairline fracture of his eye socket and emergency appendectomy.

“Boxing isn’t a job for me because I love it,” Quillin remarked.“I want to stay busy and active and I’m happy Golden Boy got me right back in the ring. I train hard, five hours a day, six days a week and that doesn’t include all of the running I do.I’m like old-time boxers who liked to fight all the time.I want to bring that back to boxing because fans appreciate and enjoy it.

“I was a street kid growing up in Grand Rapids. I never thought that I’d be anything in life.I learned from boxing that anything I do, I need to fight for it, in or out of the ring. That’s what gave me the courage to move to Brooklyn and then to California.I’ve been to so many different places because of boxing.I’m hungry to make it big. Boxing really saved my life.”

“Kid Chocolate” is continuing on his mission for excellence.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

No Holds Barred: M-1 Hits A Home Run, Boxing Strikes Out, ADCC and Catch Wrestling On Deck

No Holds Barred: M-1 Hits A Home Run, Boxing Strikes Out, ADCC and Catch Wrestling On Deck

http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/entry/2011-07-11T03_00_36-07_00

On this audio edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman discusses the main lessons of the three main combat sports shows televised this weekend in the U.S.

The best of the three was the M-1 Challenge XXVI mixed martial arts card, which took place Friday, July 8, at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California, and was telecast live on Showtime. In the main event, heavyweight M-1 contender Kenny "Deuce" Garner won by a second-round KO over Pat Bennett. In the co-main event of this card, which had five fights televised, Arthur Guseinov knocked out Tyson Jeffries with a picture-perfect spinning back fist in the first round of their middleweight fight.

The next best show was also on Showtime, but featured boxing. On Saturday, July 9, from Carson, California, Brandon Rios retained his WBA lightweight title with a third-round stoppage of Urbano Antillon in an all-out battle. Also, Carlos Molina upset Kermit Cintron, winning a clear-cut, 10-round unanimous decision in their junior middleweight bout.

The biggest disgrace occurred on the HBO-televised boxing card from Atlantic City, New Jersey, also on July 9. Junior middleweight Paul Williams was given a majority decision victory over Erislandy Lara in a fight which virtually no one except two of the judges thought Williams had won.

We thus discuss the significance of these three shows.

We also comment on some recent developments in grappling, including plans for the 2011 ADCC Submission Fighting World Championships, which take place September 24-25 in Nottingham, England, and the attempts to revive catch-as-catch-can wrestling as a real sport.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

No Holds Barred: George Kimball and the State of Boxing‏

On this audio edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman pays tribute to the noted sports and boxing journalist George Kimball (http://www.georgekimball.com).

After a long battle with esophageal cancer, George Kimball passed away Wednesday, July 6, at age 67, in New York.

While many reminiscences are being written about his life, we are focusing on his contributions to the battle for boxing reform. The lead boxing writer for the Boston Herald for 25 years, George was one of the few newspaper reporters who helped launch the Boxing Writers' Rankings Poll in 2000, and remained a registered voter in it until its demise some years later. We also read comments about his passing from Howie Sirota, who founded the Boxing Writers' Rankings Poll.

On October 18, 2008, we conducted an interview with George in Atlantic City before the Bernard Hopkins-Kelly Pavlik fight. We discussed the book he had just written, Four Kings: Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, Duran and the Last Great Era of Boxing (http://www.mcbooks.com/bookstore/product_details.php?id=739). This marvelous book traced the intertwined careers of Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, and Roberto Duran. We spoke with him right after he had participated in a forum on the book with trainer Emanuel Steward, promoter Bob Arum, and announcer Larry Merchant.

We also discussed with him why such an era of so many great rivalries can't happen today, why media coverage of boxing is harder to do today than it was in the past, the changed role of publicists, the decline of newspapers, the Internet and television and the future of boxing, and more. As part of our tribute to him, we replay that interview on No Holds Barred.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Brandon Bam Bam Rios Vs Urbano Antillon July 9 on Showtime

Brandon Bam Bam Rios Vs Urbano Antillon

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Big stakes for two fighters. Read compubox factors for Paul Williams vs. Erislandy Lara and watch the fight tonight at 10:15PM ET/PT only on HBO.

Williams Tonight at 10:15PM ET/PT
Williams vs. Lara
Redemption awaits. Watch a preview of Paul Williams vs. Erislandy Lara.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEO_0gqwxo8&feature=youtu.be


♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

BRANDON RIOS vs. URBANO ANTILLON WBA lightweight championship Saturday, July 9

The undefeated Rios (27-0-1, 19 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., by way of Lubbock, Texas, will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title against Antillon in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader. Arguably the division’s most exciting fighter, Rios is coming off the biggest win of his career – a 10th round TKO of defending champion Miguel Acosta on Feb. 26 to capture the WBA title.

Antillon (28-2, 20 KOs), of Maywood, Calif., has given sensational performances in recent fights. In his last outing, he lost a controversial decision against World Boxing Council lightweight champ Humberto Soto last December in the consensus “Fight of the Year.” Though he lost to Soto, Antillon emerged from that fight a world-class contender.

In the co-main event, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion Kermit Cintron (32-3-1, 28 KOs), of Carolina, Puerto Rico, will square off with Carlos Molina (18-4-2, 6 KOs), of Chicago, by way of Mexico, in a 10-round junior middleweight fight. The event is promoted by Top Rank.

BRANDON RIOS vs. URBANO ANTILLON WBA lightweight championship is underway, SHOWTIME Sports^® takes a look at some of the fighters’ most powerful punches and verbal jabs.
http://www.youtube.com/user/shosports?feature=mhee#p/u/0/AZ85l1hvM1s

BRANDON RIOS:

“Camp is going very well and I’m working with my new strength and conditioning coach. I know he (Antillon) has said the third time is a charm for a world title but in this manner it will not be a charm. He’s a helluva fighter and a tough challenger so we’re ready for the best. I’m just really happy to be fighting back in California again. I haven’t fought here since 2005. I just can’t wait to give the hometown fans what they came for and have paid to see - just two warriors going out. That’s exactly what they are going to get: two guys beating the crap out of each other.

“In the (Miguel) Acosta fight I think I showed the world that I have a lot of heart and that I love boxing a lot and that I love the business. After the first couple of rounds the way Acosta was doing his job, I kept to my game plan and I overcame it and I knocked him out. I think I impressed a lot of people. Two years ago I wasn’t doing the right things outside the ring, but I’ve changed my life around.”

What do you mean that Acosta was doing his job?

“What I mean by that is that he came in to fight. I was always doing my job. I’m pretty much a late starter. I was putting on the pressure from the start and we knew the first couple of rounds were going to be pretty hard because of the way he is. We knew that the momentum would shift as the rounds went on and I would get stronger. He was doing his job but I was just putting the pressure on more and following what my corner was telling me to do and I knew I would come out victorious.”

Can you describe the personality clash between you and Antillon?

“We were supposed to fight a year ago and unfortunately I got cut in sparring. He was running around saying I didn’t want to fight him and that I was chicken. He was just running his mouth and after awhile he just started to get to me. And then when this fight started he was doing it again, just running his mouth and talking all kinds of smack. At the press conference he mentioned my wife. Fighters shouldn’t bring families into it.

“I love it when I have a beef with my opponent. I needed something in the gym because lately it’s gotten a little boring. I have to have that little excitement, someone talking smack about me, someone doing this or that to me. I have to go to the gym mad so I can get a get a good workout and it’s not going to affect me during the fight. I love that. The gym was getting boring until this and now I’m ready to go out and handle my business.”

On watching the Antillon-Soto fight:

“I’ve been watching that fight. (Antillon) came out and showed a lot of heart. He came out and was determined to win that title, but Soto just out-punched him and out-classed him, I guess. To me, I think I hit harder than Soto so it’s going to be a different story. This is just going to be one helluva fight which the fans are going to love. I’m very excited to be fighting against someone who’s going to give me a war. That’s that stuff that drives me. That’s the stuff I live for. That’s why I love boxing. It’s something I can’t wait for.”

What fighters did you look up to when you were growing up?

“I looked up to Julio Cesar Chavez. I liked the way (Diego) Corrales fought. I liked the way Arturo Gatti fought. I liked the way Castillo fought. That’s the type of fighters I looked up. Even in the amateurs, those are the fighters that had I had a similar style with. I took a little bit of everything from Chavez.”

URBANO ANTILLON:

“Our training is going great. If you thought I was in great shape against Soto, I’m probably even in better shape this time. I’m in a different state of mind, a positive state of mind and just looking forward to this fight.

“I’m not feeling any sense of urgency. Are these chances to fight for a world title going to keep coming around? Probably not. But God works in mysterious ways and I have to think that more than ever I’m mentally, physically, emotionally ready to move forward and win this world title.

“I’m not going to change my style. I have boxed in the past but it wasn’t my first choice. It was just something that I had to do. It was more of a survival thing that I did. I made little tweaks here and there with Abel Sanchez and hopefully we’ll be able to adapt them into our game plan. That’s the plan. You’re going to see the best plan for a guy who is aggressive and comes forward.

“I don’t feel pressure whatsoever fighting at home. It won’t be my first time fighting at home and hopefully won’t be my last. It’s always been an honor and, if anything, very motivating. It’s always great to have people backing you up. Sometimes the water can get pretty deep so it’s always good to have people to pull you through those moments and give you that little extra push to come forward. I’ve always had great support from my hometown and hope to bring them a world championship.

“The difference between Humberto Soto and Brandon Rios is that Rios is not a mover, he’s not a boxer. If he tried to do that I’m sure he’s not going to do that great a job at it. You just don’t change things from day to night, I guess. If he wants to stand there in front of me he’s going to get hit. And the ones that have stayed there I’ve been breaking them down or knocking them out. Brandon Rios is nothing special. He’s no different than anyone else. We’re going to go in there with the mission to bring him in and break him down and come out with the victory.”

Is this a personal fight for you like it is for Rios?

“No, not at all. It’s kind of mind boggling the way he’s taken it. I did mention his wife but never in a way that should upset him. He can play victim to whatever he wants and say I said this or I said that. It doesn’t matter to me. But I know why I said it and I know my intentions behind it. He could take it personal but he’s nothing special. He’s just like any other opponent. It’s nothing personal to me except that he’s holding my world title and that’s the only thing personal behind it.”

“I was very surprised the way he reacted actually. I’ve never seen someone lose it like that in front of me so bad. It really took me back to my elementary school years being flipped off by a fifth-grader on the playground or something. It was something else and pretty funny to watch. I’m sure Oxnard and the City Council who gave him a key to the city are pretty proud of him that he reacted like that. He’s a great example to them and the community, I’m sure.”

How can you compare Soto with Rios?

“There’s not much to compare other than they’re both world champions. Soto’s a boxer, a mover and has better defense.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Rachel Donaire must reject worst coverup since Watergate

Rachel Donaire must reject worst coverup since Watergate
Michael Marley

Let’s say that Urbano Antillon comes up short in his third try for a world title at the Home Depot Center (Showtime) on Saturday night. Anyone out there think the Urbane One will excuse a defeat by saying he had a sore mistletoe going back to New Year’s Eve?

Btw, had it been an MMA event, David Haye could have kicked Wladimir Klitschko with his missle toe.

And, what if, Raging Bull style WBA champ Brandon Rios is dethroned somehow by the underdog? Anyone think rough and tumble “Bam Bam” will blame it on weak ankles?

No, I didn’t think so.

Like most punters, I’ve got a feeling Antillon-Rios will provide some bombs bursting in air on each fighter’s face but what if it’s just a good but not great scrap. On the other foot, coming on the (ouch) heels of Haye-WKlit, a mediocre match would be an upgrade for viewers.

But, hey, who told Haye to use the same podiatrist that Mr. Blister, Shane Mosley did?

For the rest of the year, I hope losing fighters can start citing injuries above the kneecap. Let’s give the lowest extremities a rest if you will.

How about some knee “ouchies” or some of the familiar baseball injury, some groin pulls? Or a fighter can claim bursitis in his shoulder like Sonny Liston did in the first bout against Cassius Clay?

Which reminds me, how come Ray “Windmill” White never had to have Tommy John surgery?

Good to hear about the impending remarriage between Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire and Bob Arum and the crew at Top Rank.

Hear they’re just finalizing the details and one important one is how Filipina Flasher, Nonito’s sexy wife Rachel, will have to dress during fight weeks, at press conferences and at ringside.

If you recall a peeved Mr. Arum got on his trumpet and accused Mrs. Donaire of dressing like a strumpet.

Arum was not a happy camper when he learned the Donaires had boarded the Good Ship Golden Boy.
Advertisement

I’m hearing from fashion mavens that, while Rachel has rejected wearing a burqua, she is considering coming to the boxing events dressed as a nun.

“I’m just worried that such attire might be habit forming,” Rachel told a pal in Manila. “Not to mention that I never cared for the penguin look.”

Nunnery wear or what the round card girls wear?

What say you, red-blooded fight fans?

Do you want to see Mrs. Donaire wearing a frilly frock or some other such coverup?

That would be the worst coverup since Watergate.

Which reminds me, what happened to calling disasters “Suchandsuchgate” and so on?

We can label Haye-Klitschko, for historic purposes, Toegate.

Female fashion at ringside works best when less is more, don’t you think?

Well, at least the Donaire and Top Rank have the experiences of their starter marriage to lean in this promotional rematch.

On the serious side, have you noticed I’ve given both Pacquiao and Mayweather the past few days off?

Don’t want to be a Johnny One Note or a Johnny One Toe, for that matter.

It says here “Bam Bam” don’t surf and “Bam Bam” keeps his crown at the Home Depot
Center.

Would it be sarcastic to opine that Robert Garcia’s mouthy charge wants to “nail” Antillon at Home Depot?

Let’s just hope the fight is a lot more “Hammer Time” than what we saw (or in my case, luckily missed due to a fried cable box, thank you Comcast) in Hamburg last weekend.

Haye-Klitschko wasn’t prime heavyweight beef. It was really liver worst.

Ok, don’t forget to tip your waitresses on the way out.

They perform with sore toes and never explain, never complain.


♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Vicious Victor Ortiz declares: I'll beat Mayweather twice, then whip Pacquiao‏

Vicious Victor Ortiz declares: I'll beat Mayweather twice, then whip Pacquiao

Michael Marley

Using what Don King likes to call “double shock power,” what if there were two huge boxing upsets, one on Sept. 17 and one on Nov. 12?

I guess we could then look forward to the 2012 Fight Of The Century, and certainly the most important all Mexican bout ever, between Vicious Victor Ortiz, who handed Floyd Mayweather his first ever pro loss, and Juan Manuel Marquez who, in his third try, finally whipped Pinoy Idol Manny Pacquiao.

Boxing oldtimers like to say that winning a first world title belt does wonders for a fighter’s confidence and Vicious Victor, based on his words and demeanor Tuesday at the Hudson Theater, was exuding confidence.

“I’ll be the one fighting Manny Pacquiao next year,” Ortiz said.

Some might look at his down times, the draw with Lamont Peterson and the notorious “quit job” against Marcos Maidana, and say that’s the essence of Ortiz. But Ortiz himself says we saw the content of his ring character when he bounced off the deck twice to hand cocksure Andre Berto his first defeat.

And, Ortiz promised, we’ll see more of that positive side of him when he shocks “Money” at the mGm Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Someone mentioned the opening odds—with Mayweather minus 750 and Ortiz plus 525—and Ortiz laughed.

“I don’t care about that,” the 24 year old former Kansan said. “I don’t pay attention to that. I am not one of those made champions. I didn’t get here by fighting tomato cans

“I’m not one of those guys who were fed with a spoon like that. I have a lot of slaps in my face (from critics). This is a great chance for me.

“I plan on being a world champion for 15 years. I didn’t work so hard for this opportunity to let it a slip away,” Ortiz said.

“I am definitely going to beat Mayweather.”

Ortiz explains away his controversial finish against Argentine strongman by citing family issues and a badly injured right hand.

“I let my emotions get the best of me regarding my brother and my sister and some issues,” Ortiz said. “I also had to (secretly) see some doctors and get cortisone shots in my hand.”

Criticism of his heart and courage from that loss still burns deep for Ortiz.

Ortiz revealed that he had to accept a rematch clause to get the Mayweather bout.

“So I may have to beat him twice and then fight Pacquiao,” Ortiz said.

Like I said, in the wake of besting Berto, Ortiz’s confidence level is at an all time high.


♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

STAR BOXING, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AND HUNTS POINT PRODUCE IN FIGHT TO "KNOCK OUT CANCER"

On Saturday July 23rd, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing will team up with the American Cancer Society to host a benefit at the Hunts Point Produce Market to "Knock Out Cancer". The "Knock Out Cancer" event, which will be outdoors, will include a live professional boxing show featuring some of the most promising up and coming stars in boxing, as well as local boxers competing in five exciting boxing matches. All the proceeds from the show will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

"STAY WELL, GET WELL, FIND A CURE AND FIGHT BACK!

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

M-1 Challenge; Pat Bennett vs Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner LIVE July 8 on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)

All 10 fighters competing in tomorrow/Friday’s M-1 Challenge event at The Hangar at OC Fair & Event Center in Orange County, Calif., weighed in on Thursday at Hooters in Costa Mesa. Friday’s five-fight telecast will air LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The main event will feature a rematch between the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas Tournament heavyweight finalists Pat Bennett (4-2), of Marcellus, N.Y., and Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner (6-3), of Port St. Lucie, Fla. Garner won the first bout in September of 2010 via first round TKO (punches).

In a featured bout, 2010 M-1 Selection Americas middleweight tournament winner Tyson ‘The Anti-Hero’ Jeffries (7-4), of Troutdale, Ore., will face feared Russian striker Arthur Guseinov (7-2). As a marquee middleweight (185 Lbs.) bout, the clash sets the stage for Jeffries to battle back into title contention after suffering a crushing defeat against the division’s newly crowned M-1

Challenge middleweight champ Magomed Sultanakhmedov.

In other featured fights, Mairbek Taisumov (14-3), of Austria, will square off with Josh Bacallao (6-2, 1 NC), of Lakeland, Fla., at lightweight and Daniel Weichel (26-7), of Germany, will face Beau Baker (8-4), of Harrisonburg, Va., in another lightweight matchup.

In the opening bout of the evening, American military hero Jason Norwood (11-2), of Fort Still, Okla., will fight Tucson, Arizona’s Eddie Arizmendi (14-2), who hasn’t lost a fight in three years.

PAT BENNETT:
“I want it bad. I feel lucky to get rematch and the opportunity to get this one back. He’s the type of dude that if you give him an inch, he’ll take a mile.
“I know Kenny - he’s a brawler and if doesn’t land then he’ll get in the clinch. I’m ready. I have an answer for everything he brings me.
“My dream path would be to get my two losses back. I’ll be happy if I beat Kenny.
“Deep down, I think he knows I’m a much better fighter than I showed in our last fight. Every heavyweight has knockout power – that’s just a fact of being a heavyweight. It doesn’t matter who you’re fighting, you just have to keep your hands up.”

KENNY GARNER:
“You know I beat people’s brains out? The must mean I left some last time that I need to take care of.”
“I fought him and beat him so fast that I don’t think he knows what happened.
“I got bigger, stronger and faster since we fought. If he’s looking at our last fight then he’s in trouble because I’ve gotten a lot better since then.
“I’m a born and bred wrestler, but I’d rather punch you in your face. My wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu is good but I’ve never really had to use it.
“As soon as I connect, start counting. I’ll end the fight in six punches.”
ARTHUR GUSEINOV:

“It doesn’t mean much that I beat (Magomed) Sultanakhmedov and that he beat Jeffries in his last fight. Whatever happens in the fight will happen. I just need to fight my fight and do what works for me.
“I had a good training camp and I’m ready to get back in there and get a win.”

TYSON JEFFRIES:
“I’m going to take whatever he gives me. If a spot is there to take him down I will.
“This would be a big win for me. A finish would be awesome, points are a little boring, but a win is a win.
"He’s kind of wild so I have to watch out for any crazy punches.
“I sparred with Rampage Jackson for his fight with Lyoto Machida and he had zero takedowns against me.”

MAIRBEK TAISUMOV:
“My background is freestyle wrestling but I can adjust to my opponent.
“I respect all fighters. His background is also freestyle wrestling, and he also has good standup. He’s a complete fighter but I’m here to try to win. We will see.”
“In Austria, I train people ranging from 6 years old up to 72 years old. Everyone loves MMA in Austria.”

JOSH BACALLO:
“I think he’s a good fighter, a tough kid. I think he’ll try and do the same thing he always does, throw his right hand. I know what I’m up against.
“I’m not worried about being submitted. I’m sure he’ll keep trying to stand up.
“I enjoy striking and boxing but I’m not scared to fight on the ground. I enjoy the clinch.”

DANIEL WEICHEL:
“I’m a wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist. The last three months I’ve been training a lot on my striking and I feel really good about it.
“It’s a different style of opponent – I’ve known about it for about four weeks. I’ve just had to switch the game plan a little bit. I’m prepared for him and have a good game plan.
“My MMA skills are getting more well-rounded. MMA is getting much more popular in Germany.”

BEAU BAKER:
“I’ve been working with a striking coach so we’ve improved a lot on our striking in the last few weeks.
"I’ll take anyone on short notice. You don’t get anywhere waiting for opponents. But this one I had a lot of time to prepare for.
“I’m my own trainer so you need to be self motivated. It can get difficult but you still have to dial in and get it done.
“I think Weichel is getting more and more confident in his striking, but he’s not a super striker. I know he’s a good ground guy as well. I need to surprise him.”

JASON NORWOOD:
“We’ve been working on our boxing and being more active.
“I’ve been training and sparring with Tim Kennedy. I’ve learned a lot.”
“He talks a good game but I don’t think he’s been tested. And he’s never been victorious against a fighter of my caliber.
“Fighting in a cage is like a war. Getting your face kicked in isn’t fun.”

EDDIE ARIZMENDI:
“I’m looking to knock him out. I think after I hit him he won’t want to stand with me.
“I started out at 225 so it’s a lot of weight to cut. I haven’t fought at 185 since 2009.
“I like finishing fights in general – TKO, submissions, but if I had to choose I’d take a TKO or a KO.
“It’s not weird fighting a military guy like Jason. Business is business.
“I haven’t lost in three years and I’ve learned a lot since then. “

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