NEW YORK— SHOWTIME recently unveiled two unique short-form series in support of its live sports telecasts. Entitled Goldberg Toe-to-Toe (EliteXC/MMA) and All Access (boxing), the five-minute documentary-style episodes are available to viewers via a variety of media outlets, such as news, sports, entertainment and pop-culture websites, http://www.sho.com/, user generated websites such as YouTube, and interstitially on SHOWTIME and its multiplexes.
“We want to reach fans in a unique and compelling way,” said Ken Hershman, senior vice president and general manager, SHOWTIME Sports and Event Programming. “By creating these short-form programs and making them available across multiple media platforms, we are making it easier for fans to go where they have never been able to go before. Our viewers can now become the proverbial ‘fly on the wall’ as the athletes attend press conferences, go through training camp and participate in many other activities in the build-up to their events.”
Internet phenomenon Kimbo Slice is preparing to take on MMA legend and feared knockout artist Tank Abbott this Saturday, Feb. 16, on SHOWTIME (live at 10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). The first installment of Goldberg Toe-to-Toe follows Bill Goldberg, a former NFL football player and wrestling superstar, as he joins Kimbo for a full-day workout at Bas Rutten’s gym in Los Angeles. Tune in to see if Goldberg, now a SHOWTIME and EliteXC analyst, can keep up.
Goldberg Toe-To-Toe with Kimbo Slice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1C39PCW1Ls
All Access: Vazquez vs. Marquez III takes a behind-the-scenes look at Israel Vazquez’ and Rafael Marquez’ preparations for their third and deciding fight. From the kick-off press conference in Los Angeles to the fighters training camps and the gates of The Home Depot Center, All Access: Vazquez vs. Marquez III brings viewers into the gyms, homes and the hearts and minds of champions.
The first of the four-part short-form series debuted last week and is currently available at a variety of outlets. The remaining three episodes will debut on consecutive Thursdays leading up to the fight, with the final installment premiering on Tuesday, Feb. 26, online and on SHOWTIME.
All Access: Vazquez vs. Marquez III: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_9LDqK1jhw The first two fights were heralded as old school, classic give-and-take slugfests, with the second scrap capturing Fight of the Year honors from the most respected media outlets in boxing. Now, Vazquez and Marquez are set to battle for the World Boxing Council (WBC) 122-pound title, The Ring Magazine belt and super bantamweight supremacy in the third and final chapter of boxing’s best rivalry in years. Vazquez vs. Marquez III will air live on SHOWTIME, Saturday, March 1, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
MORE POPULAR THAN SLICED BREAD? KIMBO Gets Long Awaited Showdown with TANK ABBOTT The Slugfest Highlights EliteXC’s “Street Certified” Live MMA Event
LOS ANGELES– Are you ready for some February Fireworks? The Street Fight of the Year will take place inside a cage.
In what will be a thrilling heavyweight brawl and South Florida homecoming, the incredibly popular Kimbo Slice (1-0) of Miami will face hard-hitting David “Tank’’ Abbott (9-13) in the main event of “Street Certified” on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.
Tickets for a spectacular 10-bout event, presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s EliteXC, start at $35 and are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and at the BankUnited Box Office at the University of Miami. Doors open at 7 p.m. The first live fight is at 7:30.
SHOWTIME will televise five fights including the Kimbo-Tank showdown live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), while five non-televised undercard matches will be streamed live on the leading MMA internet site, ProElite.com
“There are a lot of fans who’ve waited a long time for two legendary, slugging fighters who built their reputations as street brawlers before turning to mixed martial arts to get it on, and EliteXC is proud to be the ones who finally were able to make it happen,” EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said.
“I’d hate for longtime, hardcore MMA fans not to get to see the Kimbo-Tank fight come off. It is going to be as thrilling a fight as one can be for as long as it lasts. It may not be fun for one of the fighters, but, from a fans’ point of view, Kimbo versus Tank was a long time coming and sure will be fun to watch.
“From top to bottom, this card is stacked. All the fights are competitive, non-stop action fights with no clear-cut winners. It is what EliteXC is all about. We expect to sell out the BankUnited Center and look forward to putting on a great show for those in attendance and those tuning in on SHOWTIME.”
In addition to Kimbo-Tank, the SHOWTIME telecast will include: Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (9-1), a highly touted Brazilian who lives in Coconut Creek, Fla., and is considered one of the world’s top heavyweights, versus tough contender Ricco Rodriguez (27-7), of Staten Island, N.Y., England's James “The Colossus” Thompson (16-7) battles unbeaten Brett Rogers (7-0) of St. Paul, Minn., in a heavyweight match, Australian Kyle “The Ozzie” Noke (14-3-1), the bodyguard of the late Steve “Crocodile Hunter’’ Irwin, meets Scott “Hands Of Stone’’ Smith (14-4), of Sacramento, Calif., in a compelling contest at 185 pounds; and Edson “Little Tiger” Berto (14-4-1), of Tampa, Fla., faces Yves Edwards (32-13-1) of Conroe, Tex., in a scrap at 160 pounds.
A non-televised undercard, which will be streamed live at ProElite.com, will include: Rafael Feijao (4-1), of Brazil, vs. John Doyle (6-2), of Allentown, Pa., at 205 pounds; Mike Bernhard (3-0), of Miami, vs. Lorenzo Borgameo (2-0), of Miami, at 170; Eric Bradley (2-1), of Las Vegas, Nev., vs. Mikey Gomez (6-3), of Orlando, Fla., at 170; Mario Rinaldi (6-2), of Miami, vs. Dave Herman (9-0) of Indiana at 265; and Jon Kirk (10-2), of Houston, vs. Yosmany Cabezas (4-0), of Tampa, Fla., at 185 pounds.
Fighter pages (non-televised bouts): Borgameo (http://lorenzoborgame.proelite.com/), Bernhard (http://mikebernhard.proelite.com/), Bradley (http://ericbradley.proelite.com/), Gomez (http://mikeygomez.proelite.com/), Rinaldi (http://mariorinaldi.proelite.com/), Herman (http://daveherman.proelite.com/), Kirk (http://jonkirk.proelite.com/), Cabezas (http://yosmanycabezas.proelite.com/), Feijao (http://rafaelfeijao.proelite.com/), Doyle (http://johndoyle.proelite.com/).
In addition to the fights being streamed live, fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews on ProElite.com. The 10 contests are scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds.
For Kimbo (http://kimboslice.proelite.com/), the back-yard brawling street fighter and Internet superstar legend formerly known as Kevin Ferguson, his second MMA start will be a home game.
“I’m looking forward to fighting in Miami, but I just like to fight,” said Kimbo, a natural athlete and star football player in high school. “With these hands I can part the sea. With these hands I feed the family.”
Kimbo grew up bashing the neighborhood bullies in Perrine, Fla., near Miami, which may help explain why he brings the same fervor and edge-of-your-seat anticipation into a cage as Mike Tyson brought to the ring in professional boxing.
Yet, if one can get past the mean, scary, intimidating looks, Kimbo is truly a shy, brutally-honest, funny, marketable man and devout father of six. “I am what I am,” said Kimbo, 33, who was offered an academic scholarship to the University of Miami.
“I’ve learned a lot. There is a time and place for everything.’’
Kimbo, whose YouTube video-taped fights have been downloaded millions of times and made him one of the most popular, widely-recognized figures in the history of the Internet, made a successful transition from Street To Elite by scoring a smashing, electrifying 19-second, first-round knockout over Bo Cantrell in his MMA debut on Nov. 10, 2007, at Corpus Christi, Tex., on SHOWTIME.
Kimbo possesses excellent striking skills. He is a well-conditioned power puncher who comes to war. Yet his ground game is underrated -- he just didn’t get the chance to illustrate it during his abbreviated match against Cantrell.
“It’s all good,” said Kimbo, who’s going from the small screen of a computer to the big screen of television for a second time. “But I hope I get a chance to show more of my overall skills in this fight, but you never know. At some point, you’ll see I have a ground game to go along with my standup.’’
A sign of the times, perhaps, Kimbo could be the first superstar athlete to get his start in any professional sport after making a name for himself via the Internet. Outside the cage his career has been on the rise since his memorable EliteXC and SHOWTIME fight, and he is more in demand than ever.
Kimbo was on Jimmy Kimmel Live in early February and ESPN’s “E:60” featured him on a program that aired in December. In an interview during the ESPN segment, Tito Ortiz downplayed Kimbo’s ability, which prompted Shaw to call out Ortiz.
“Any time someone talks either on TV or to a reporter and demeans a fighter or says ‘let's bring it on,’ I'm willing to do the fight,’’ said Shaw, who’s also one of the leading boxing promoters in the world. “Kimbo would get into the cage with Tito Ortiz any day and would probably knock him out.’’
Ortiz or not, Kimbo is a legitimate force to be reckoned with in ‘08. His goal is to become EliteXC world heavyweight champ. “I have dedicated myself to this and train very hard,’’ he said. “When the time comes to fight for the title, I’ll be ready. You know, though, I feel ready now. I’ll fight anybody.’’
Tank (http://tankabbott.proelite.com/) hails from Surf City (Huntington Beach, Calif.), but he is no beach boy. In fact, this rough, tough dude does not ride waves -- he makes them. Throughout his career, fans either loved him or detested him because of the reckless way he would attack an opponent or the disdain he would show toward them.
A bad boy with hands that could crush any foe, Tank is a notorious trash-talker that fights with a fury and intensity that has made him an MMA mainstay for many years. No stranger to the big stage or fighting in an opponent’s backyard, the experienced veteran will empty his tank and give it all he's got.
His nickname tells all: Like a tank, Abbott is designed to engage enemies head-on, using direct two-fisted fire from, in his case, his fists. Be assured a guy that can bench press 600 pounds and competes with a total disregard for his opponents will not respect a fighter with one fight -- no matter his reputation.
A true icon of MMA and one of the individuals who helped usher the sport into the mainstream, Abbott does not pull punches – or words – and has long claimed he could put a beating on the massive Slice. Now, a fighter known for being very blunt and telling it like it is will get his opportunity.
“If Kimbo thinks he’s just going to come in and overwhelm me, throw a few punches and knock me out, he is dead wrong,’’ said Tank, who is infamous for his 'fight anyone anywhere mentality' and has called out Kimbo numerous times. “People think I’ll be gassed after a few punches and just fall down.
“Everyone is in for a big surprise. This is going to be a fun night for everybody, but especially for me. I’m looking forward to Feb. 16. Once I land – and I will land – you will see what I’m talking about.
Some may say the free swinging Tank possesses more name value than game value these days, but he certainly doesn’t lack confidence. “Watch the YouTube star go down the tubes,’’ the striker supreme said. “I don’t respect anybody in the cage. On Feb. 16, watch the way the Kimbo crumbles.’’
Silva (http://antoniosilva.proelite.com/), who has won all nine of his bouts in the opening round, is making his second start since dropping down after competing as a 300-pound super heavyweight.
A rising star, it is Silva’s his first crack at a “name’’ heavyweight and his shot to prove he’s No. 1 in his weight class in EliteXC. In his last outing and first in nine months -- a trimmed-down, 265-pound Silva scored an impressive first-round submission (rear naked choke) over hard-trying but outclassed Jonathan Wiezorek (http://jonathanwiezorek.proelite.com/) on Nov. 10 at Corpus Christi on SHOWTIME.
Silva possesses excellent striking and grappling skills and moves extremely well for a fighter his size. The six-feet-four-inch Silva has been touted by Shaw as “being the best heavyweight in the world. I know Ricco disagrees, which is why this is going to be a great fight.’’
Offered Silva: “Since dropping to 265 pounds, which I had planned all along, I feel quicker and faster. My best days are ahead of me. I want to continue to stay active. I do not overlook anybody but I would be comfortable fighting any of the biggest-named fighters right now.
“My goal is to prove I’m the No. 1 heavyweight in the world.’'
Rodriguez (http://riccorodriguez.proelite.com/) has fought the biggest names in MMA, including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria, Tim Sylvia, Jeff Monson, Andrei Arlovski, Pete Wilson and Randy Couture.
A recent signee with EliteXC, Rodriguez has struggled with well-documented weight and substance abuse issues, even ending up on VH-1’s “Celebrity Rehab’’.
Rodriguez, however, is now lean, clean and headed in the right direction -- in and out of the cage. He has won six of his last seven; the loss came in a good performance in a fight he took on short notice with top IFL heavyweight, Ben Rothwell.
Once considered one of the world’s most talented and dangerous heavyweights, Silva is looking to re-establish himself in the division. For sure, he will not be intimidated by Silva.
“Silva is a phenomenal opponent,’’ said Rodriguez, who’s coming off a TKO over Kevin Filal on Dec. 9, 2007. “He’s huge and fast with great speed and agility. I haven’t fought a guy his size but I’ve been training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas where the guys are serious and the tempo and energy level is always high. So it doesn’t matter who I fight as long as I’m in my best physical shape, which I will be.
“Like me, who once fought at 330 pounds, Silva is coming down from super heavyweight. What EliteXC is doing by basically bringing the best fighters together is a great thing for the fans and sport and I’m happy to be part of it. I definitely feel healthier. I feel 265 will be a great weight for me to fight at.
“It is more than just a fight for me. It’s an opportunity to show the fans, myself and the company I’m not on the downside and can contend with the best. A win gets me back on top and into the spotlight. This is going to be my best fight; maybe the fight of the night. Someone is going to lie down.’’
Smith (http://scottmith.proelite.com/) has won all 14 of his fights by knockout or technical knockout, including 12 first-round stoppages. He will be making his first start since signing with EliteXC.
A “freestyle” fighter and one of the most dangerous strikers in the business, Smith is remembered most for his dramatic comeback victory over Pete “Drago” Sell in perhaps the most totally unexpected, shocking ending to a fight in MMA history.
“This is obviously a great opportunity for me and I am grateful to EliteXC for giving it to me,’’ said Smith, who rallied from the brink of defeat to register a remarkable second-round knockout over Sell on Nov. 11, 2006. “I am really looking forward to fighting for EliteXC.’’
Smith is a KO artist who comes out throwing bombs with an abandon that has made him a fan favorite. Aptly nicknamed “Hands Of Steel’’ -- he’s a union field foreman in his family’s steel business -- his record includes 12 victories inside the distance. But he also shows a strong wrestling background and possesses terrific cardio. His two other triumphs were by submission
“The fans know I come to war, that I am a fighter,’’ Smith said. “I think they love that I engage and I keep punching until I knock you out. They can read that when they watch me in the cage.’’
A former WEC light heavy and Gladiator Challenge heavyweight champ, Smith has fought some of the biggest names in MMA, including Dave Terrell, Patrick Cote, James Irvin and Jaime Jara. In his last start, Smith scored a 22-second, first-round TKO over Jeff Morris Dec. 22, 2007, at Sacramento.
Noke (http://kyle-noke.proelite.com/), who turned pro in 2002, is 6-1-1 in his last eight outings and undefeated (3-0-1) in his last four.
The lone loss came on a split decision to Shooto fighter & BJJ Black belt George Sotiropoulos on Feb. 25, 2006, in a rematch of a fight Noke had won in 2005 on a night in which Noke fought for more than 45 minutes to win an eight-man tournament.
A Integrated Martial Arts fighter turned some heads when he recorded an exciting knockout (cuts) at 4:22 of the second round over highly regarded Seth Kleinbeck (http://sethkleinbeck.proelite.com/) on the EliteXC Nov. 10 event at Corpus Christi.
“I want to show the rest of the world that Australia has some good fighters and I guess I did that,’’ said the popular Noke, who was born in Queensland, but fights now out of Albuquerque, N.M.. “That was a very good win for me, but a very hard fight. This fight is going to be hard, too. They all are.”
Since the exciting triumph, the Aussie has received attention as a pound for pound contender. But if he upends Smith, which could be his sternest challenge to date, he will truly have made his mark not only on the EliteXC middleweight division but on the worldwide MMA map.
Berto (http://edsonberto.proelite.com/) has won two in a row since an eight-fight unbeaten streak (7-0-1) ended in shocking fashion when he lost by third-round knockout to Noons on July 26, 2007, on ShoXC: The Elite Challenger Series on SHOWTIME at Santa Ynez, Calif.
A true mixed martial artist, Berto is an athletic, accomplished fighter who possesses a strong ground game and excellent standup. He is extremely dangerous when he connects with a head kick and is notorious for tapping guys with his heel hook.
But it wasn’t his night against Noons, who went on to upset Nick Diaz to become the EliteXC world lightweight champion.
.“I am a much better fighter than I showed against Noons,’’ said Berto, whose father, Dieuseul, owns and operates a mixed martial arts gym in Winter Haven, Fla. called Tigersworld. “I was really dehydrated and very fatigued. It just didn’t allow me to be myself out there.”
In his last outing, Edson, the brother of top boxing contender Andre Berto, recorded a three-round decision over IFL veteran Josh Odom on Nov. 10, 2007. “The fans will see the real me on Feb. 16,’’ said Berto, who is nicknamed '"Little Tiger" for his ferocious fighting style. “This is going to be a great fight.’’
Edwards (http://yvesedwards.proelite.com/) is one of the toughest fighters in combat sports. An excellent striker who is dangerous in the clinch and well versed on the ground, The American Top Team member is equally capable of knocking out or submitting an opponent with his “Thugjitsu’’ fighting style.
A winner of two in a row, a native of the Bahamas has faced a Who’s Who of fighters, including Caol Uno, Matt Serra, Rich Clementi, Josh Thompson and Hermes Franca. His KO of Thompson, via a spectacular head-kick, is regarded as one of the greatest knockouts due to a kick in MMA history.
Edwards snapped a career-high three-fight losing streak by submitting Nick Gonzalez (rear naked choke) at 3:05 of the first round on Nov. 10, 2007, on SHOWTIME at Corpus Christi.
In his most recent outing, Edwards scored a knockdown en route to a second-round submission over Alonzo Martinez on Dec. 15, 2007. The 11-year MMA veteran dropped Martinez with a left hand, which helped set up a rear naked choke that forced Martinez to tap out at 3:04.
It was Edwards’ first fight since the death of Sammy Vasquez two weeks earlier. “To everybody, it was a death in MMA, but to me, it was a friend who died,’’ said Edwards, who helped train Vasquez. “He was the kind of guy who worked a lot of hours during the day and made his training time before and after work. He’d come in and help me get ready when other people couldn't. I think about Sammy a lot.’’
Until winning his last pair, Edwards had fallen on tough times, which was a drastic departure for a fighter accustomed to winning and stringing together six and seven victories at a time.
“I am very happy to be with EliteXC and I appreciate the opportunity they are giving me,’’ said Edwards, who’s one of the most celebrated fighters to come out of Texas. “They believe in me. I believe in myself. But I know I can’t afford to screw up and lose any more fights.’’
Thompson (http://jamesthompson.proelite.com/) is aptly nicknamed. At six-foot-five and weighing close to 290 pounds, “Colossus’’ is just that – huge. A former Pride and Cage Rage fighter, he lives in England but recently joined Couture and his stable of strong wrestlers at Xtreme Couture.
“It was a hard decision to leave my old team (Trojan Free Fighters) and switch to Xtreme Couture, but to prepare myself for the top EliteXC fighters like Kimbo and ‘Big Foot’ Silva, I knew it had to be made,’’ said Thompson, who will be making his EliteXC, United States and SHOWTIME debut.
“Already one of the biggest differences is I used to fight anywhere between 265 and 290 pounds. Now I'll fight at 254 pounds, so my stamina has gotten much better. Signing with EliteXC and fighting in the states on SHOWTIME is a great chance for me to make new fans and I’m looking forward to it.
“I have the best fans in the world and I don't make life easy for them, as I have more ups and downs than a rollercoaster, but I truly appreciate their support. I feel ready and excited for 2008.
“I have a new team, a new organization to fight for and a new goal: to make ‘08 the year of ‘The Colossus.’ ”
Thompson, who’s fought all over the world, has fought some of the best in his division. One of his best victories came on a unanimous five-round decision over San Severn Sept. 12, 2004. Another top win came versus Japanese judo legend Hidehiko Yoshida on New Year's Eve 2006.
“This fight on Feb. 16 is a big one for me,’’ Thompson said. “I am coming off a bad performance in my last fight and nobody wants to be on the wrong end of a loss like that. Since then I have had four different fights cancel so I have been waiting a long time to fight again.
“Now I get the opportunity to fight in EliteXC and have my first fight in the states. It is really exciting for me and basically a fresh start for my career. I can't wait for the day to get here.’’
Rogers (http://brettrogers.proelite.com/) will be making his second appearance for EliteXC. In his debut and last outing, he registered a 1:43, first-round submission (strikes) over Ralph Kelly on Nov. 10 at Corpus Christi, Tex.
A big guy with heavy hands, Rogers is making his initial appearance on SHOWTIME.
SHOWTIME announcer Mauro Ranallo will handle play-by-play for EliteXC with world wrestling star Bill Goldberg and The Fight Professor Stephen Quadros, serving as color analysts. The executive producer is David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
For more information on EliteXC and other MMA-related stories, including bios, video-on-demand, photos, stats, Fantasy Fight Game TM and more, please visit ProElite.com and EliteXC.com. For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit http://www.SHO.com/Sports.
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of MMA enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
In what will be a thrilling heavyweight brawl and South Florida homecoming, the incredibly popular Kimbo Slice (1-0) of Miami will face hard-hitting David “Tank’’ Abbott (9-13) in the main event of “Street Certified” on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.
Tickets for a spectacular 10-bout event, presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s EliteXC, start at $35 and are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and at the BankUnited Box Office at the University of Miami. Doors open at 7 p.m. The first live fight is at 7:30.
SHOWTIME will televise five fights including the Kimbo-Tank showdown live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), while five non-televised undercard matches will be streamed live on the leading MMA internet site, ProElite.com
“There are a lot of fans who’ve waited a long time for two legendary, slugging fighters who built their reputations as street brawlers before turning to mixed martial arts to get it on, and EliteXC is proud to be the ones who finally were able to make it happen,” EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said.
“I’d hate for longtime, hardcore MMA fans not to get to see the Kimbo-Tank fight come off. It is going to be as thrilling a fight as one can be for as long as it lasts. It may not be fun for one of the fighters, but, from a fans’ point of view, Kimbo versus Tank was a long time coming and sure will be fun to watch.
“From top to bottom, this card is stacked. All the fights are competitive, non-stop action fights with no clear-cut winners. It is what EliteXC is all about. We expect to sell out the BankUnited Center and look forward to putting on a great show for those in attendance and those tuning in on SHOWTIME.”
In addition to Kimbo-Tank, the SHOWTIME telecast will include: Antonio “Big Foot” Silva (9-1), a highly touted Brazilian who lives in Coconut Creek, Fla., and is considered one of the world’s top heavyweights, versus tough contender Ricco Rodriguez (27-7), of Staten Island, N.Y., England's James “The Colossus” Thompson (16-7) battles unbeaten Brett Rogers (7-0) of St. Paul, Minn., in a heavyweight match, Australian Kyle “The Ozzie” Noke (14-3-1), the bodyguard of the late Steve “Crocodile Hunter’’ Irwin, meets Scott “Hands Of Stone’’ Smith (14-4), of Sacramento, Calif., in a compelling contest at 185 pounds; and Edson “Little Tiger” Berto (14-4-1), of Tampa, Fla., faces Yves Edwards (32-13-1) of Conroe, Tex., in a scrap at 160 pounds.
A non-televised undercard, which will be streamed live at ProElite.com, will include: Rafael Feijao (4-1), of Brazil, vs. John Doyle (6-2), of Allentown, Pa., at 205 pounds; Mike Bernhard (3-0), of Miami, vs. Lorenzo Borgameo (2-0), of Miami, at 170; Eric Bradley (2-1), of Las Vegas, Nev., vs. Mikey Gomez (6-3), of Orlando, Fla., at 170; Mario Rinaldi (6-2), of Miami, vs. Dave Herman (9-0) of Indiana at 265; and Jon Kirk (10-2), of Houston, vs. Yosmany Cabezas (4-0), of Tampa, Fla., at 185 pounds.
Fighter pages (non-televised bouts): Borgameo (http://lorenzoborgame.proelite.com/), Bernhard (http://mikebernhard.proelite.com/), Bradley (http://ericbradley.proelite.com/), Gomez (http://mikeygomez.proelite.com/), Rinaldi (http://mariorinaldi.proelite.com/), Herman (http://daveherman.proelite.com/), Kirk (http://jonkirk.proelite.com/), Cabezas (http://yosmanycabezas.proelite.com/), Feijao (http://rafaelfeijao.proelite.com/), Doyle (http://johndoyle.proelite.com/).
In addition to the fights being streamed live, fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews on ProElite.com. The 10 contests are scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds.
For Kimbo (http://kimboslice.proelite.com/), the back-yard brawling street fighter and Internet superstar legend formerly known as Kevin Ferguson, his second MMA start will be a home game.
“I’m looking forward to fighting in Miami, but I just like to fight,” said Kimbo, a natural athlete and star football player in high school. “With these hands I can part the sea. With these hands I feed the family.”
Kimbo grew up bashing the neighborhood bullies in Perrine, Fla., near Miami, which may help explain why he brings the same fervor and edge-of-your-seat anticipation into a cage as Mike Tyson brought to the ring in professional boxing.
Yet, if one can get past the mean, scary, intimidating looks, Kimbo is truly a shy, brutally-honest, funny, marketable man and devout father of six. “I am what I am,” said Kimbo, 33, who was offered an academic scholarship to the University of Miami.
“I’ve learned a lot. There is a time and place for everything.’’
Kimbo, whose YouTube video-taped fights have been downloaded millions of times and made him one of the most popular, widely-recognized figures in the history of the Internet, made a successful transition from Street To Elite by scoring a smashing, electrifying 19-second, first-round knockout over Bo Cantrell in his MMA debut on Nov. 10, 2007, at Corpus Christi, Tex., on SHOWTIME.
Kimbo possesses excellent striking skills. He is a well-conditioned power puncher who comes to war. Yet his ground game is underrated -- he just didn’t get the chance to illustrate it during his abbreviated match against Cantrell.
“It’s all good,” said Kimbo, who’s going from the small screen of a computer to the big screen of television for a second time. “But I hope I get a chance to show more of my overall skills in this fight, but you never know. At some point, you’ll see I have a ground game to go along with my standup.’’
A sign of the times, perhaps, Kimbo could be the first superstar athlete to get his start in any professional sport after making a name for himself via the Internet. Outside the cage his career has been on the rise since his memorable EliteXC and SHOWTIME fight, and he is more in demand than ever.
Kimbo was on Jimmy Kimmel Live in early February and ESPN’s “E:60” featured him on a program that aired in December. In an interview during the ESPN segment, Tito Ortiz downplayed Kimbo’s ability, which prompted Shaw to call out Ortiz.
“Any time someone talks either on TV or to a reporter and demeans a fighter or says ‘let's bring it on,’ I'm willing to do the fight,’’ said Shaw, who’s also one of the leading boxing promoters in the world. “Kimbo would get into the cage with Tito Ortiz any day and would probably knock him out.’’
Ortiz or not, Kimbo is a legitimate force to be reckoned with in ‘08. His goal is to become EliteXC world heavyweight champ. “I have dedicated myself to this and train very hard,’’ he said. “When the time comes to fight for the title, I’ll be ready. You know, though, I feel ready now. I’ll fight anybody.’’
Tank (http://tankabbott.proelite.com/) hails from Surf City (Huntington Beach, Calif.), but he is no beach boy. In fact, this rough, tough dude does not ride waves -- he makes them. Throughout his career, fans either loved him or detested him because of the reckless way he would attack an opponent or the disdain he would show toward them.
A bad boy with hands that could crush any foe, Tank is a notorious trash-talker that fights with a fury and intensity that has made him an MMA mainstay for many years. No stranger to the big stage or fighting in an opponent’s backyard, the experienced veteran will empty his tank and give it all he's got.
His nickname tells all: Like a tank, Abbott is designed to engage enemies head-on, using direct two-fisted fire from, in his case, his fists. Be assured a guy that can bench press 600 pounds and competes with a total disregard for his opponents will not respect a fighter with one fight -- no matter his reputation.
A true icon of MMA and one of the individuals who helped usher the sport into the mainstream, Abbott does not pull punches – or words – and has long claimed he could put a beating on the massive Slice. Now, a fighter known for being very blunt and telling it like it is will get his opportunity.
“If Kimbo thinks he’s just going to come in and overwhelm me, throw a few punches and knock me out, he is dead wrong,’’ said Tank, who is infamous for his 'fight anyone anywhere mentality' and has called out Kimbo numerous times. “People think I’ll be gassed after a few punches and just fall down.
“Everyone is in for a big surprise. This is going to be a fun night for everybody, but especially for me. I’m looking forward to Feb. 16. Once I land – and I will land – you will see what I’m talking about.
Some may say the free swinging Tank possesses more name value than game value these days, but he certainly doesn’t lack confidence. “Watch the YouTube star go down the tubes,’’ the striker supreme said. “I don’t respect anybody in the cage. On Feb. 16, watch the way the Kimbo crumbles.’’
Silva (http://antoniosilva.proelite.com/), who has won all nine of his bouts in the opening round, is making his second start since dropping down after competing as a 300-pound super heavyweight.
A rising star, it is Silva’s his first crack at a “name’’ heavyweight and his shot to prove he’s No. 1 in his weight class in EliteXC. In his last outing and first in nine months -- a trimmed-down, 265-pound Silva scored an impressive first-round submission (rear naked choke) over hard-trying but outclassed Jonathan Wiezorek (http://jonathanwiezorek.proelite.com/) on Nov. 10 at Corpus Christi on SHOWTIME.
Silva possesses excellent striking and grappling skills and moves extremely well for a fighter his size. The six-feet-four-inch Silva has been touted by Shaw as “being the best heavyweight in the world. I know Ricco disagrees, which is why this is going to be a great fight.’’
Offered Silva: “Since dropping to 265 pounds, which I had planned all along, I feel quicker and faster. My best days are ahead of me. I want to continue to stay active. I do not overlook anybody but I would be comfortable fighting any of the biggest-named fighters right now.
“My goal is to prove I’m the No. 1 heavyweight in the world.’'
Rodriguez (http://riccorodriguez.proelite.com/) has fought the biggest names in MMA, including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria, Tim Sylvia, Jeff Monson, Andrei Arlovski, Pete Wilson and Randy Couture.
A recent signee with EliteXC, Rodriguez has struggled with well-documented weight and substance abuse issues, even ending up on VH-1’s “Celebrity Rehab’’.
Rodriguez, however, is now lean, clean and headed in the right direction -- in and out of the cage. He has won six of his last seven; the loss came in a good performance in a fight he took on short notice with top IFL heavyweight, Ben Rothwell.
Once considered one of the world’s most talented and dangerous heavyweights, Silva is looking to re-establish himself in the division. For sure, he will not be intimidated by Silva.
“Silva is a phenomenal opponent,’’ said Rodriguez, who’s coming off a TKO over Kevin Filal on Dec. 9, 2007. “He’s huge and fast with great speed and agility. I haven’t fought a guy his size but I’ve been training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas where the guys are serious and the tempo and energy level is always high. So it doesn’t matter who I fight as long as I’m in my best physical shape, which I will be.
“Like me, who once fought at 330 pounds, Silva is coming down from super heavyweight. What EliteXC is doing by basically bringing the best fighters together is a great thing for the fans and sport and I’m happy to be part of it. I definitely feel healthier. I feel 265 will be a great weight for me to fight at.
“It is more than just a fight for me. It’s an opportunity to show the fans, myself and the company I’m not on the downside and can contend with the best. A win gets me back on top and into the spotlight. This is going to be my best fight; maybe the fight of the night. Someone is going to lie down.’’
Smith (http://scottmith.proelite.com/) has won all 14 of his fights by knockout or technical knockout, including 12 first-round stoppages. He will be making his first start since signing with EliteXC.
A “freestyle” fighter and one of the most dangerous strikers in the business, Smith is remembered most for his dramatic comeback victory over Pete “Drago” Sell in perhaps the most totally unexpected, shocking ending to a fight in MMA history.
“This is obviously a great opportunity for me and I am grateful to EliteXC for giving it to me,’’ said Smith, who rallied from the brink of defeat to register a remarkable second-round knockout over Sell on Nov. 11, 2006. “I am really looking forward to fighting for EliteXC.’’
Smith is a KO artist who comes out throwing bombs with an abandon that has made him a fan favorite. Aptly nicknamed “Hands Of Steel’’ -- he’s a union field foreman in his family’s steel business -- his record includes 12 victories inside the distance. But he also shows a strong wrestling background and possesses terrific cardio. His two other triumphs were by submission
“The fans know I come to war, that I am a fighter,’’ Smith said. “I think they love that I engage and I keep punching until I knock you out. They can read that when they watch me in the cage.’’
A former WEC light heavy and Gladiator Challenge heavyweight champ, Smith has fought some of the biggest names in MMA, including Dave Terrell, Patrick Cote, James Irvin and Jaime Jara. In his last start, Smith scored a 22-second, first-round TKO over Jeff Morris Dec. 22, 2007, at Sacramento.
Noke (http://kyle-noke.proelite.com/), who turned pro in 2002, is 6-1-1 in his last eight outings and undefeated (3-0-1) in his last four.
The lone loss came on a split decision to Shooto fighter & BJJ Black belt George Sotiropoulos on Feb. 25, 2006, in a rematch of a fight Noke had won in 2005 on a night in which Noke fought for more than 45 minutes to win an eight-man tournament.
A Integrated Martial Arts fighter turned some heads when he recorded an exciting knockout (cuts) at 4:22 of the second round over highly regarded Seth Kleinbeck (http://sethkleinbeck.proelite.com/) on the EliteXC Nov. 10 event at Corpus Christi.
“I want to show the rest of the world that Australia has some good fighters and I guess I did that,’’ said the popular Noke, who was born in Queensland, but fights now out of Albuquerque, N.M.. “That was a very good win for me, but a very hard fight. This fight is going to be hard, too. They all are.”
Since the exciting triumph, the Aussie has received attention as a pound for pound contender. But if he upends Smith, which could be his sternest challenge to date, he will truly have made his mark not only on the EliteXC middleweight division but on the worldwide MMA map.
Berto (http://edsonberto.proelite.com/) has won two in a row since an eight-fight unbeaten streak (7-0-1) ended in shocking fashion when he lost by third-round knockout to Noons on July 26, 2007, on ShoXC: The Elite Challenger Series on SHOWTIME at Santa Ynez, Calif.
A true mixed martial artist, Berto is an athletic, accomplished fighter who possesses a strong ground game and excellent standup. He is extremely dangerous when he connects with a head kick and is notorious for tapping guys with his heel hook.
But it wasn’t his night against Noons, who went on to upset Nick Diaz to become the EliteXC world lightweight champion.
.“I am a much better fighter than I showed against Noons,’’ said Berto, whose father, Dieuseul, owns and operates a mixed martial arts gym in Winter Haven, Fla. called Tigersworld. “I was really dehydrated and very fatigued. It just didn’t allow me to be myself out there.”
In his last outing, Edson, the brother of top boxing contender Andre Berto, recorded a three-round decision over IFL veteran Josh Odom on Nov. 10, 2007. “The fans will see the real me on Feb. 16,’’ said Berto, who is nicknamed '"Little Tiger" for his ferocious fighting style. “This is going to be a great fight.’’
Edwards (http://yvesedwards.proelite.com/) is one of the toughest fighters in combat sports. An excellent striker who is dangerous in the clinch and well versed on the ground, The American Top Team member is equally capable of knocking out or submitting an opponent with his “Thugjitsu’’ fighting style.
A winner of two in a row, a native of the Bahamas has faced a Who’s Who of fighters, including Caol Uno, Matt Serra, Rich Clementi, Josh Thompson and Hermes Franca. His KO of Thompson, via a spectacular head-kick, is regarded as one of the greatest knockouts due to a kick in MMA history.
Edwards snapped a career-high three-fight losing streak by submitting Nick Gonzalez (rear naked choke) at 3:05 of the first round on Nov. 10, 2007, on SHOWTIME at Corpus Christi.
In his most recent outing, Edwards scored a knockdown en route to a second-round submission over Alonzo Martinez on Dec. 15, 2007. The 11-year MMA veteran dropped Martinez with a left hand, which helped set up a rear naked choke that forced Martinez to tap out at 3:04.
It was Edwards’ first fight since the death of Sammy Vasquez two weeks earlier. “To everybody, it was a death in MMA, but to me, it was a friend who died,’’ said Edwards, who helped train Vasquez. “He was the kind of guy who worked a lot of hours during the day and made his training time before and after work. He’d come in and help me get ready when other people couldn't. I think about Sammy a lot.’’
Until winning his last pair, Edwards had fallen on tough times, which was a drastic departure for a fighter accustomed to winning and stringing together six and seven victories at a time.
“I am very happy to be with EliteXC and I appreciate the opportunity they are giving me,’’ said Edwards, who’s one of the most celebrated fighters to come out of Texas. “They believe in me. I believe in myself. But I know I can’t afford to screw up and lose any more fights.’’
Thompson (http://jamesthompson.proelite.com/) is aptly nicknamed. At six-foot-five and weighing close to 290 pounds, “Colossus’’ is just that – huge. A former Pride and Cage Rage fighter, he lives in England but recently joined Couture and his stable of strong wrestlers at Xtreme Couture.
“It was a hard decision to leave my old team (Trojan Free Fighters) and switch to Xtreme Couture, but to prepare myself for the top EliteXC fighters like Kimbo and ‘Big Foot’ Silva, I knew it had to be made,’’ said Thompson, who will be making his EliteXC, United States and SHOWTIME debut.
“Already one of the biggest differences is I used to fight anywhere between 265 and 290 pounds. Now I'll fight at 254 pounds, so my stamina has gotten much better. Signing with EliteXC and fighting in the states on SHOWTIME is a great chance for me to make new fans and I’m looking forward to it.
“I have the best fans in the world and I don't make life easy for them, as I have more ups and downs than a rollercoaster, but I truly appreciate their support. I feel ready and excited for 2008.
“I have a new team, a new organization to fight for and a new goal: to make ‘08 the year of ‘The Colossus.’ ”
Thompson, who’s fought all over the world, has fought some of the best in his division. One of his best victories came on a unanimous five-round decision over San Severn Sept. 12, 2004. Another top win came versus Japanese judo legend Hidehiko Yoshida on New Year's Eve 2006.
“This fight on Feb. 16 is a big one for me,’’ Thompson said. “I am coming off a bad performance in my last fight and nobody wants to be on the wrong end of a loss like that. Since then I have had four different fights cancel so I have been waiting a long time to fight again.
“Now I get the opportunity to fight in EliteXC and have my first fight in the states. It is really exciting for me and basically a fresh start for my career. I can't wait for the day to get here.’’
Rogers (http://brettrogers.proelite.com/) will be making his second appearance for EliteXC. In his debut and last outing, he registered a 1:43, first-round submission (strikes) over Ralph Kelly on Nov. 10 at Corpus Christi, Tex.
A big guy with heavy hands, Rogers is making his initial appearance on SHOWTIME.
SHOWTIME announcer Mauro Ranallo will handle play-by-play for EliteXC with world wrestling star Bill Goldberg and The Fight Professor Stephen Quadros, serving as color analysts. The executive producer is David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
For more information on EliteXC and other MMA-related stories, including bios, video-on-demand, photos, stats, Fantasy Fight Game TM and more, please visit ProElite.com and EliteXC.com. For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, photo galleries and complete telecast information, please visit http://www.SHO.com/Sports.
About ProElite, Inc.
ProElite Inc. [PELE.PK] delivers the most exciting entertainment experience in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with live arena-based entertainment events, cable television programming on Showtime Networks and community-driven interactive broadband entertainment via the Internet. ProElite embraces MMA with the highest levels of honor, integrity, discipline and self-esteem all the while remaining inclusive for fighters, fans and schools. ProElite’s live fight division, EliteXC, delivers spectacular live MMA fight events that showcase the world’s top fighters [elitexc.com]. ProElite’s interactive business, ProElite.com, capitalizes on the growing popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts by building a community of MMA enthusiasts. In addition to streaming the most exciting live fights to the web, ProElite expands the fan base of the sport by providing a comprehensive set of online social networking tools for fans, fighters and organizations. ProElite.com – Empowering the Fight Community TM
About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL® HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL® ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
COUNTDOWN TO PAVLIK-TAYLOR II PREMIERES SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH ON HBO IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING BOXING AFTER DARK
NEW YORK- HBO Sports is presenting a thirty-minute special analyzing the upcoming HBO Pay-Per-View showdown between two of boxing's most compelling competitors:
Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor. Their eagerly anticipated rematch is set for Saturday, February 16th in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The special "COUNTDOWN TO PAVLIK-TAYLOR II," which will feature fighter profiles, expert analysis and forecasts for the 166-pound showdown, will premiere on the main service on Saturday, February 9th immediately after the HBO BOXING AFTER DARK telecast, which airs at 9:45 p.m. (ET/PT).
Pavlik (32-0, 29 KO's), native of Youngstown, Ohio, scored a thrilling upset victory in their firs encounter on September 29th in Atlantic City, registering a senenth-round KO triumph.
(Photos courtesy of: NDH Consultants)
Taylor (27-1-1,17 KO's) has been a powerhouse in the middleweight division since winning the world title from Bernard Hopkins in 2005 and looks to erase the only blemish on his accomplished career.
(Photos courtesy of: NDH Consultants)
The countdown special will also be available on HBO ON DEMAND subscribers 24 hours a day from Monday, February 11 through Monday, February 18.
ADDITIONAL HBO REPLAY DATES:
Sunday, February 10th at 11:15am
Monday, February 11th at 3:00pm & 11:00pm
Wednesday, February 13th at 11:30pm & 8:30am
Thursday, February 14th at 12:00am
Friday, February 15th at 7:30pm & 2:20am
Saturday, February 16th at 4:30pm
ADDITIONAL HBO2 REPLAY DATES:
Sunday, February 10th @ 1:45am
Tuesday, February 12th @ 5:30pm & 10:00pm
Friday, February 15th @ 11:30am & 12:35am
Saturday, February 16th @ 9:30am
ALL TIMES ARE ET/PT
Contact Your Local Cable or Satellite Provider
To Order
This Pay-Per-View Telecast
Don't miss these two exicting fights, this Saturday, Feb 9th, at 9:45 PM,
BAD: PAUL WILLIAMS VS. CARLOS QUINTANA AND ANDRE BERTO VS. MICHEL TRABANT followed by Countdown to Pavlik-Taylor II which will premiere this Saturday immediately after, Williams vs. Quintana. Williams is making his first title defense after winning the belt in a hard-fought contest against Antonio Margarito in July 2007. Quintana's only defeat came at the hands of superstar Miguel Cotto. Both Williams and Quintana are known for their speed and power punches.
Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor. Their eagerly anticipated rematch is set for Saturday, February 16th in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The special "COUNTDOWN TO PAVLIK-TAYLOR II," which will feature fighter profiles, expert analysis and forecasts for the 166-pound showdown, will premiere on the main service on Saturday, February 9th immediately after the HBO BOXING AFTER DARK telecast, which airs at 9:45 p.m. (ET/PT).
Pavlik (32-0, 29 KO's), native of Youngstown, Ohio, scored a thrilling upset victory in their firs encounter on September 29th in Atlantic City, registering a senenth-round KO triumph.
(Photos courtesy of: NDH Consultants)
Taylor (27-1-1,17 KO's) has been a powerhouse in the middleweight division since winning the world title from Bernard Hopkins in 2005 and looks to erase the only blemish on his accomplished career.
(Photos courtesy of: NDH Consultants)
The countdown special will also be available on HBO ON DEMAND subscribers 24 hours a day from Monday, February 11 through Monday, February 18.
ADDITIONAL HBO REPLAY DATES:
Sunday, February 10th at 11:15am
Monday, February 11th at 3:00pm & 11:00pm
Wednesday, February 13th at 11:30pm & 8:30am
Thursday, February 14th at 12:00am
Friday, February 15th at 7:30pm & 2:20am
Saturday, February 16th at 4:30pm
ADDITIONAL HBO2 REPLAY DATES:
Sunday, February 10th @ 1:45am
Tuesday, February 12th @ 5:30pm & 10:00pm
Friday, February 15th @ 11:30am & 12:35am
Saturday, February 16th @ 9:30am
ALL TIMES ARE ET/PT
Contact Your Local Cable or Satellite Provider
To Order
This Pay-Per-View Telecast
Don't miss these two exicting fights, this Saturday, Feb 9th, at 9:45 PM,
BAD: PAUL WILLIAMS VS. CARLOS QUINTANA AND ANDRE BERTO VS. MICHEL TRABANT followed by Countdown to Pavlik-Taylor II which will premiere this Saturday immediately after, Williams vs. Quintana. Williams is making his first title defense after winning the belt in a hard-fought contest against Antonio Margarito in July 2007. Quintana's only defeat came at the hands of superstar Miguel Cotto. Both Williams and Quintana are known for their speed and power punches.
BAD: PAUL WILLIAMS VS. CARLOS QUINTANA AND ANDRE BERTO VS. MICHEL TRABANT
Williams is making his first title defense after winning the belt in a hard-fought contest against Antonio Margarito in July 2007. Quintana's only defeat came at the hands of superstar Miguel Cotto. Both Williams and Quintana are known for their speed and power punches.
Don't miss these two exicting fights, this Saturday, Feb 9th, at 9:45 PM, followed by Countdown to Pavlik-Taylor II ET/PT.
Don't miss these two exicting fights, this Saturday, Feb 9th, at 9:45 PM, followed by Countdown to Pavlik-Taylor II ET/PT.
Reggie Johnson vs. Julio Cesar Gonzalez, February 23 @ Lake Charles Civic Center
Reggie Johnson vs. Julio Cesar Gonzalez, February 23 @ Lake Charles Civic Center
Contact: Kerry Daigle @ Keep Punching
Want interviews with the participants, promoters, managers, matchmakers, etc. Send your requests to: Kerry Daigle at keeppunching@cox.net Click below!! More to come!! http://www.keeppunching.com/johnson_gonzalez/johnson_gonzalez_site2.html
Contact: Kerry Daigle @ Keep Punching
Want interviews with the participants, promoters, managers, matchmakers, etc. Send your requests to: Kerry Daigle at keeppunching@cox.net Click below!! More to come!! http://www.keeppunching.com/johnson_gonzalez/johnson_gonzalez_site2.html
Counter Punch LLC would like for you to go checkout the world's first and only boxing card game that was created by our company called: Counter Punch
Also start chatting with other boxing fans in one of our COUNTER CHAT rooms.
Go to www.counterpunch.biz for more information.
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Go to www.counterpunch.biz for more information.
Thanks in advance,
Counter Punch Staff
The incredibly popular YouTube fighting legend and Mixed Martial Arts superstar, Kimbo Slice, appears on the nationally televised Jimmy Kimmel Live
The incredibly popular YouTube fighting legend and Mixed Martial Arts superstar, Kimbo Slice, will be a special guest on the nationally televised Jimmy Kimmel Live show Thursday Feb. 7 at 12:05 a.m. ET/PT on ABC.
The always entertaining Kimbo (kimboslice.proelite.com), who scored a 19-second, first-round knockout in his EliteXC and MMA debut in November, will discuss, among other things, his eagerly anticipated, long-awaited grudge fight with David "Tank'' Abbott (tankabbott.proelite.com) set for Saturday, Feb. 16, at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami on SHOWTIME.
Besides Kimbo, who is on the cover of the current edition of "Fighters Only,'' a top British magazine, Jimmy's guests Thursday/tonight will include TV personality "Dr. Phil" McGraw.
The always entertaining Kimbo (kimboslice.proelite.com), who scored a 19-second, first-round knockout in his EliteXC and MMA debut in November, will discuss, among other things, his eagerly anticipated, long-awaited grudge fight with David "Tank'' Abbott (tankabbott.proelite.com) set for Saturday, Feb. 16, at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami on SHOWTIME.
Besides Kimbo, who is on the cover of the current edition of "Fighters Only,'' a top British magazine, Jimmy's guests Thursday/tonight will include TV personality "Dr. Phil" McGraw.
GAELIC STORM; Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore will headline a pre-St. Patrick’s boxing extravaganza called “Gaelic Storm” on Sat. March 15
Undefeated junior middleweight James Moore, 14-0 (10 KOS), a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, will headline a pre-St. Patrick’s boxing extravaganza called “Gaelic Storm” on Saturday, March 15th, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. His likely opponent is Freddy Curiel, 18-6-2 (8 KOS), of Vernon, New Jersey. Curiel was a popular participant on season two of “The Contender” television series.
James Moore and Keisha
Also scheduled to appear is another undefeated junior middleweight, Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak, 19-0 (13 KOS), a native of Poland who fights out of Brooklyn and lightweight Oisin Fagan, 20-5 (12 KOS), a native of Dublin who fights out of Oklahoma City.
Pawel Wolak, Keisha, and Wolak's trainer
“Pre-St. Patrick’s Day boxing shows have become an institution in New York,” said Mike O’Sullivan, the co-owner of Celtic Gloves Promotions, a newly formed company that promotes Moore and will be promoting the bout. “The ink is barely dry on our contract with MSG and we are getting calls for tickets. We expect the night to be a sellout, and for this to be a breakout fight for James Moore.”
The 29-year-old Moore, a former captain of the Irish national amateur team that included John Duddy, is a veteran of over 300 amateur fights. As a professional, his superb boxing ability and two-fisted body attack has made him a New York fan favorite. Other good things lie ahead for the amiable Irishman.
On February 19th he will be honored as a “Future Champion” by Ring 8 of the Veteran Boxers Association in New York. On February 24th he will be feted by the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing (AAIB) at their annual luncheon in White Plains, New York. By fight night, he will have appeared on numerous radio programs, including the nationally syndicated Joey Reynolds Show and Talkin’ Boxing with Billy Calogero.
“I’m thrilled to be headlining at Madison Square Garden, especially two days before St. Patrick’s Day,” said Moore. “This is what I’ve dreamed of all my life. This is going to be a great night for me and a great night for Irish boxing. March 15th can’t come soon enough.”
James Moore and Kristal Hart
To purchase tickets call Celtic Gloves Promotions at 917-559-8467, Gleason’s Gym at 718-797-2872 or through Ticketmaster.
James Moore, Keisha Morrisey and Kevin McBride
James Moore and Keisha
Also scheduled to appear is another undefeated junior middleweight, Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak, 19-0 (13 KOS), a native of Poland who fights out of Brooklyn and lightweight Oisin Fagan, 20-5 (12 KOS), a native of Dublin who fights out of Oklahoma City.
Pawel Wolak, Keisha, and Wolak's trainer
“Pre-St. Patrick’s Day boxing shows have become an institution in New York,” said Mike O’Sullivan, the co-owner of Celtic Gloves Promotions, a newly formed company that promotes Moore and will be promoting the bout. “The ink is barely dry on our contract with MSG and we are getting calls for tickets. We expect the night to be a sellout, and for this to be a breakout fight for James Moore.”
The 29-year-old Moore, a former captain of the Irish national amateur team that included John Duddy, is a veteran of over 300 amateur fights. As a professional, his superb boxing ability and two-fisted body attack has made him a New York fan favorite. Other good things lie ahead for the amiable Irishman.
On February 19th he will be honored as a “Future Champion” by Ring 8 of the Veteran Boxers Association in New York. On February 24th he will be feted by the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing (AAIB) at their annual luncheon in White Plains, New York. By fight night, he will have appeared on numerous radio programs, including the nationally syndicated Joey Reynolds Show and Talkin’ Boxing with Billy Calogero.
“I’m thrilled to be headlining at Madison Square Garden, especially two days before St. Patrick’s Day,” said Moore. “This is what I’ve dreamed of all my life. This is going to be a great night for me and a great night for Irish boxing. March 15th can’t come soon enough.”
James Moore and Kristal Hart
To purchase tickets call Celtic Gloves Promotions at 917-559-8467, Gleason’s Gym at 718-797-2872 or through Ticketmaster.
James Moore, Keisha Morrisey and Kevin McBride
Israel 'Pito' Cardona, the new welterweight gatekeeper's fights unbeaten Decarie Saturday night in Montreal
HARTFORD- Former world lightweight title challenger Israel 'Pito' Cardona has become a gatekeeper of the welterweight division since returning to the ring nearly two years ago after being retired 3 1/2-years.
Hartford-native Cardona (36-8, 28 KOs), now 33, heads north of the border for a 10-round test in the main event Saturday night at the Montreal Casino against unbeaten prospect Antonio Decarie (17-0, 5 KOs), the 25-year-old former Canadian light welterweight champion.
'Pito' won his first 24 pro fights, 18 by knockout, including an IBO super featherweight winning performance against Jeff Mayweather and Cardona later defeated Steve Larrimore for the IBO light welterweight crown.
In 1997, 'Pito' stopped 'Mighty' Ivan Robinson (23-1) in the third round of their USBA lightweight title bout and three fights later, Robinson beat Arturo Gatti for the first of two times in their 1998 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.
After his win against Robinson, Cardona extended his win streak to six, including four USBA title defenses against Sam Girard, Richard Kiley, Golden Johnson, which was also fought for the NABF belt, and Joel Perez. In his only major world title fight, though, Cardona lost a 12-round decision to undefeated Paul Spadafora (26-0) for the vacant IBF lightweight championship in 1999.
Cardona retired in mid-2002 at the age of 27, sporting a 34-6 record, due to his frustrations with boxing politics. He returned to the ring two years ago with a new manager, Bret Hallenbeck, and new trainer, John Scully. Cardona's first two comeback fights resulted in a pair of TKO victories before he became a gauge for young, talented welterweights to measure themselves. 'Pito' lost an eight-round decision to 13-1-1 Juan Maniel Buendia and was stopped in the third round of his last fight to 11-0 Mike Jones last November.
'I understand if people think of me as a gatekeeper,' Cardona said, 'but that's not what I am. I'm at the end of my career with maybe a couple of years left. Each fight is a must win for me; I can't afford to lose. I'm shooting for gold and I can't waste my time waiting around for a big fight to happen. I need to win a few in a row to get a big fight and that's why I'm willing to go
into this guy's backyard in order to get back to where I was.
'The stoppage in my last fight was ridiculous. I fought an undefeated kid (Jones) who was nothing. The ref didn't know me and stopped the fight before I ever got started. I was on my way to knocking him out. It was only a matter of time. I was sitting on the ropes like I usually do. I even threw a nasty hook but the ref stopped it and damaged my career. Now, I have this opportunity, and I have to go in and be an animal. I have to destroy him to make some noise in this division. This fight I will be the judge and referee. I want to shut a few mouths, too. It's all about getting bigger and better fights. I'm a veteran, so I don't mind going into his backyard. All of the pressure is on him. He's undefeated and fighting at home. I'm focused on him and have trained hard.'
Cardona works nights as a lieutenant for a Hartford-based security company, as well as a boxing trainer at LA Boxing in Hartford.
CONTACT:Bob Trieger, Full Court Press
Hartford-native Cardona (36-8, 28 KOs), now 33, heads north of the border for a 10-round test in the main event Saturday night at the Montreal Casino against unbeaten prospect Antonio Decarie (17-0, 5 KOs), the 25-year-old former Canadian light welterweight champion.
'Pito' won his first 24 pro fights, 18 by knockout, including an IBO super featherweight winning performance against Jeff Mayweather and Cardona later defeated Steve Larrimore for the IBO light welterweight crown.
In 1997, 'Pito' stopped 'Mighty' Ivan Robinson (23-1) in the third round of their USBA lightweight title bout and three fights later, Robinson beat Arturo Gatti for the first of two times in their 1998 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.
After his win against Robinson, Cardona extended his win streak to six, including four USBA title defenses against Sam Girard, Richard Kiley, Golden Johnson, which was also fought for the NABF belt, and Joel Perez. In his only major world title fight, though, Cardona lost a 12-round decision to undefeated Paul Spadafora (26-0) for the vacant IBF lightweight championship in 1999.
Cardona retired in mid-2002 at the age of 27, sporting a 34-6 record, due to his frustrations with boxing politics. He returned to the ring two years ago with a new manager, Bret Hallenbeck, and new trainer, John Scully. Cardona's first two comeback fights resulted in a pair of TKO victories before he became a gauge for young, talented welterweights to measure themselves. 'Pito' lost an eight-round decision to 13-1-1 Juan Maniel Buendia and was stopped in the third round of his last fight to 11-0 Mike Jones last November.
'I understand if people think of me as a gatekeeper,' Cardona said, 'but that's not what I am. I'm at the end of my career with maybe a couple of years left. Each fight is a must win for me; I can't afford to lose. I'm shooting for gold and I can't waste my time waiting around for a big fight to happen. I need to win a few in a row to get a big fight and that's why I'm willing to go
into this guy's backyard in order to get back to where I was.
'The stoppage in my last fight was ridiculous. I fought an undefeated kid (Jones) who was nothing. The ref didn't know me and stopped the fight before I ever got started. I was on my way to knocking him out. It was only a matter of time. I was sitting on the ropes like I usually do. I even threw a nasty hook but the ref stopped it and damaged my career. Now, I have this opportunity, and I have to go in and be an animal. I have to destroy him to make some noise in this division. This fight I will be the judge and referee. I want to shut a few mouths, too. It's all about getting bigger and better fights. I'm a veteran, so I don't mind going into his backyard. All of the pressure is on him. He's undefeated and fighting at home. I'm focused on him and have trained hard.'
Cardona works nights as a lieutenant for a Hartford-based security company, as well as a boxing trainer at LA Boxing in Hartford.
CONTACT:Bob Trieger, Full Court Press
Bid on the ultimate VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT! WBC World Title Heavyweight Fight between Oleg Maskaev and Samuel Peters
From February 8th to 13th, you can bid on a fabulous Cancun getaway as well as ringside tickets to the WBC World Title Heavyweight Fight between Oleg Maskaev and Samuel Peters, all to support Susan G। Komen for the cure. Be your own Champ! Fight breast cancer... and have a ball!
1. 2 ringside tickets to the fights
2. 2 nights in the Presidential Suite of a luxurious Cancun Hotel
3. 2 RT coach tickets from anywhere in North America to Cancun
4. Limousine to and from the airports
5. A pair of Gloves signed by Oleg, Sam & the King!
www. ebay.com/donking
_____________________________________
Also for Valentine's Day:
Run (don't walk) to any book store in your area and get (or order)
"Sonnets" by Robert Witkow
Robert is our 'double lung transplant' survivor who came with World Boxing Cares to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital's children ward. He's not only a well know artist, the dad of the Caliope (child genius), but his book "Sonnets" was recently published and is now available.
I vote Robert as fighter of the year!
Jill Diamond
WBC Championship Committee
NABF Women's Division, Chair
World Boxing Cares, Chair
And now for the news:
http://www.wbcboxing.com
1. 2 ringside tickets to the fights
2. 2 nights in the Presidential Suite of a luxurious Cancun Hotel
3. 2 RT coach tickets from anywhere in North America to Cancun
4. Limousine to and from the airports
5. A pair of Gloves signed by Oleg, Sam & the King!
www. ebay.com/donking
_____________________________________
Also for Valentine's Day:
Run (don't walk) to any book store in your area and get (or order)
"Sonnets" by Robert Witkow
Robert is our 'double lung transplant' survivor who came with World Boxing Cares to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital's children ward. He's not only a well know artist, the dad of the Caliope (child genius), but his book "Sonnets" was recently published and is now available.
I vote Robert as fighter of the year!
Jill Diamond
WBC Championship Committee
NABF Women's Division, Chair
World Boxing Cares, Chair
And now for the news:
http://www.wbcboxing.com
HIP HOP Conference in New York City
Hip Hop conference 2/9 and 2/10 in New York City also added to the the conference roster of speakers are Bro Mutwase from St. Louis, Bro Ampu from Philadelphia, Bro Chief liberation from Oakland, and Starwalker from New Jersey. If you have teenagers, this is a must see event.
Nabaté's TV/Webcast show 'So Much to Talk About' will interview one of the most prolific writers of the 20th Century, Mr. Budd Schulberg
For the next two Wednesdays (two-part interview February 6 and 13 ), Nabaté's TV/Webcast show will air an interview with one of the most prolific writers of the 20th Century, Mr. Budd Schulberg. Mr. Schulberg has written great novels like 'What Makes Sammy Run' and 'The Harder They Fall', penned the Oscar-Winning screenplay for 'On the Waterfront', and is a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. His son, Benn, who is an accomplished writer himself, is producing a documentary on his father's life and he's part of the interview as well.
Nabaté Isles
'So Much to Talk About' Every Wednesday @ 9pm (Eastern Time)
Channel 57 (Time Warner-Manhattan Cable)
Channel 84 (RCN-Manhattan Cable)
Streams LIVE: www.mnn.org, click 57/84 link
Nabaté Isles
'So Much to Talk About' Every Wednesday @ 9pm (Eastern Time)
Channel 57 (Time Warner-Manhattan Cable)
Channel 84 (RCN-Manhattan Cable)
Streams LIVE: www.mnn.org, click 57/84 link
McGIVERN TO REPLACE KENNEDY IN IFL MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE BOUT AT ORLEANS ARENA IN LAS VEGAS
NEW YORK and LAS VEGAS– Miletich Fighting Academy middleweight standout Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa), recognized as one of the most improved, up-and-coming athletes in the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI), will fight for the 185-lb. title against current champion Matt “Suave” Horwich (Portland, Ore.), one of three championship matchups at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, February 29. McGivern replaces Tim Kennedy (Fayetteville, N.C.), an active U.S. Military member who has been called into duty. Four other bouts have also now been finalized on the eight-bout card, including three featuring Xtreme Couture vs. Mario Sperry’s World Class Fight Center camps. Benji Radach (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) will compete for Xtreme Couture in a middleweight bout against Leopoldo Serao (Brazil), Lew Polley (Coconut Creek, Fla.) will battle Alexandre Ferreira at 205 lbs., and Santino Defranco will take on Rafael Dias in a featherweight contest. The Lions Den’s Pat Healy (St. Louis) will take on Team Quest’s Jake Ellenberger (Omaha, Neb.) in a matchup that may determine a future title bout at 170 lbs. (Team Xtreme Couture’s Jay Hieron of Las Vegas holds the belt at present). “While it is disappointing to us and to Tim that he will be unable to compete due to his military obligations, we are excited and fortunate that a fighter of Ryan McGivern’s caliber is available to step in,” said Bas Rutten, IFL Vice President, Fighter Operations. “Ryan has been a great success story and his all-around style should make for an entertaining matchup with Matt Horwich.” As previously announced, two other IFL titleholders will place their belts on the line as Roy Nelson (Las Vegas), who knocked out Antoine Jaoude (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) to win the heavyweight crown, will take on IFL newcomer Fabiano Scherner (Portland, Ore./Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), who trains with Lindland at Team Quest. Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.), whose lightweight victory over Chris Horodecki (London, Ontario) raised eyebrows in the entire MMA community, makes the first defense of his lightweight belt against John Gunderson (Medford, Ore.), who competes for Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den. Matt Lindland’s Team Quest will take on Lion’s Den in three bouts in the other camp matchup. Tickets are available at www.orleansarena.com, all Coast Casino box offices, The Galleria at Sunset, by calling 702-284-7777 or by visiting www.ifl.tv. IFL Las VegasFriday, February 29, 2008 Preliminary Bout145 lbs.: Ian Loveland (Portland, Ore.) (0-2 IFL, 8-7 overall MMA) vs. Dennis Davis (Las Vegas) (0-0, 13-6) Team Xtreme Couture vs. MMA Top Team (Mario Sperry)145 lbs.: Santino Defranco (0-0, 10-3) vs. Rafael Dias (0-0, 8-3-1)185 lbs.: Benji Radach (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) (5-1, 17-4) vs. Leopoldo Serao (0-0, 11-6)205 lbs.: Lew Polley (Coconut Creek, Fla.) (0-0, 6-0) vs. Alexandre Ferreira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (0-0, 15-5) Team Quest (Matt Lindland) vs. Lions Den (Ken Shamrock)170 lbs.: Jake Ellenberger (2-2, 16-3) vs. Pat Healy (St. Louis) (2-1, 18-12)*155 lbs.: **Ryan Schultz (North Platte, Neb.) (5-2, 18-9-1) vs. John Gunderson (Medford, Ore.) (2-2, 15-5)*265 lbs.: **Roy Nelson (Las Vegas) (4-1, 11-2) vs. Fabiano Scherner (Portland, Ore.) (0-0, 7-5) Championship Bout*185 lbs.: Ryan McGivern (Bettendorf, Iowa) (5-4, 11-5) vs. **Matt Horwich (Portland, Ore.) (6-3, 21-9-1) *Championship Bout**Current Titleholder About the IFL International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
WBC No. 1 cruisweight contender Matt 'Too Smooth' Godfrey's WBC title elimination fight against Rudy Kraj on March 8 in Germany
Godfrey punches way to Germany for WBC Title Eliminator versus Kraj on March 8
(Photo; Courtsey of Bob Trieger)
PROVIDENCE– Unbeaten NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs), rated No. 1 by the World Boxing Council, travels to Germany to battle undefeated, No. 2 ranked Rudy Kraj (13-0, 10 KOs) on March 8 in a WBC title elimination bout determining champion David Haye’s mandatory challenger.
“Kraj won a Silver Medal in the 2000 Olympics and going overseas to fight him will be a big test,” the 27-year-old Godfrey said. “He’s very good. Kraj is a typical Eastern European fighter who does some things very well. The winner of this fight is going to be set-up nice in the WBC. I’m looking at it as a title fight.”
The WBC title eliminator potentially has additional implications because Haye, who also holds the WBA title belt, fights the same night as Godfrey-Kraj in a unification bout versus WBO champion Enzo Maccarinelli. A win by Haye reportedly will send him up to heavyweight, leaving the cruiserweight division wide open, and the Godfrey-Kraj winner possibly the new WBC champion or Interim title-holder.
“I’ve fought in Europe as an amateur but never in Germany,” Godfrey noted. “I’ve watched the surge of boxing in Europe and always knew that my title run would go through Europe, especially with cruiserweights like Haye, Enzo and Jean-Marc Mormeck. I’ve prepared mentally and I believe that I’m a world class fighter who is ready for this.”
Godfrey has been training almost non-stop since the middle of August. First, his bout against Jeremy Williams in November was cancelled when the show fell apart, and the Kraj fight was originally slated for February. He will head to Germany with his head trainer, former world light heavyweight title challenger “Iceman” John Scully, 10-14 days in advance of the show in order to get acclimated and arrange sparring.
Matt, second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, had a 194-23 amateur record, capturing six national championships -- four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge) and six-time New England Golden Gloves champion.
The highly decorated U.S. amateur defeated many boxers who today are outstanding professionals such as WBA middleweight title challenger Randy “The Gentleman Griffin (24-1-3, 12 KOs), unbeaten heavyweight prospect Chazz “Mensa With Muscles” Witherspoon (21-0, 14 KOs), Devin Vargas (14-0, 6 KOs), Corey “Black Ice” Cummings (15-2, 12 KOs), Leonard “Haitian Sensation” Pierre (18-3, 13 KOs) and John Johnson (12-1, 10 KOs).
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press
(Photo; Courtsey of Bob Trieger)PROVIDENCE– Unbeaten NABF cruiserweight champion Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (16-0, 9 KOs), rated No. 1 by the World Boxing Council, travels to Germany to battle undefeated, No. 2 ranked Rudy Kraj (13-0, 10 KOs) on March 8 in a WBC title elimination bout determining champion David Haye’s mandatory challenger.
“Kraj won a Silver Medal in the 2000 Olympics and going overseas to fight him will be a big test,” the 27-year-old Godfrey said. “He’s very good. Kraj is a typical Eastern European fighter who does some things very well. The winner of this fight is going to be set-up nice in the WBC. I’m looking at it as a title fight.”
The WBC title eliminator potentially has additional implications because Haye, who also holds the WBA title belt, fights the same night as Godfrey-Kraj in a unification bout versus WBO champion Enzo Maccarinelli. A win by Haye reportedly will send him up to heavyweight, leaving the cruiserweight division wide open, and the Godfrey-Kraj winner possibly the new WBC champion or Interim title-holder.
“I’ve fought in Europe as an amateur but never in Germany,” Godfrey noted. “I’ve watched the surge of boxing in Europe and always knew that my title run would go through Europe, especially with cruiserweights like Haye, Enzo and Jean-Marc Mormeck. I’ve prepared mentally and I believe that I’m a world class fighter who is ready for this.”
Godfrey has been training almost non-stop since the middle of August. First, his bout against Jeremy Williams in November was cancelled when the show fell apart, and the Kraj fight was originally slated for February. He will head to Germany with his head trainer, former world light heavyweight title challenger “Iceman” John Scully, 10-14 days in advance of the show in order to get acclimated and arrange sparring.
Matt, second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, had a 194-23 amateur record, capturing six national championships -- four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics – as well as a Bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver in all four of that year’s national major tournaments (National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge) and six-time New England Golden Gloves champion.
The highly decorated U.S. amateur defeated many boxers who today are outstanding professionals such as WBA middleweight title challenger Randy “The Gentleman Griffin (24-1-3, 12 KOs), unbeaten heavyweight prospect Chazz “Mensa With Muscles” Witherspoon (21-0, 14 KOs), Devin Vargas (14-0, 6 KOs), Corey “Black Ice” Cummings (15-2, 12 KOs), Leonard “Haitian Sensation” Pierre (18-3, 13 KOs) and John Johnson (12-1, 10 KOs).
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Chicago based World Boxing Council (WBC) Lightweight Champion David Diaz is preparing to face off against Ramon Montano
CHICAGO- World Boxing Council (WBC) Lightweight Champion David Diaz is preparing to face off against Ramon Montano on Saturday, March 15th at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The ten round non-title bout against Montano will be Diaz’s first return to the ring following his outstanding win over three division world champion Erik Morales on August 4, 2007 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. The win over Morales was Diaz’s first defense of his WBC title and was noted on many boxing writers' 2007 “Fight of the Year” lists.
Diaz, under the tutelage of head trainer Mike Garcia, has been in camp at Chicago’s JABB Boxing Gym in preparation for his fight with Montano on the undercard of “UNFINISHED BUSINESS, the long-awaited rematch between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao.
Speaking after an extensive workout, Diaz, 33-1-1 (17KO's) touched on a number of topics;
“I get approached in Chicago a little more since beating Morales. There were over 10,000 people at the fight and many of them have been very gracious to me over the last few months. It feels great, but there is still much to prove so I’m continuing to work hard.”
About facing the Las Vegas native Montano who brings a record of 14-3-2 into the fight on March 15th, “I’ve watched a few of his fights, he’s got a nice jab and comes forward ready to fight. I’m sure he’s training diligently for this opportunity and I’m preparing to be at my best on March 15th. I’m very excited to get back in the ring and fight at the highest level.”
In regards to his training, Diaz, a member of the 1996 US Olympic Team said, “Mike has set up a great camp, training and sparring has been terrific so far.”
The fight against Montano marks Diaz’s third fight in Las Vegas but Diaz is unfazed by the bright lights, “I’m fully aware of fighting on such a big stage but to me it’s a business trip. I’m going there to take care of business and that’s the only thing on my mind. Doesn’t matter to me how big the crowd is or anything like that. The bell rings and I have to be ready to fight.” Diaz won the WBC interim title with a devastating 10th round knockout of Jose Armando Santa Cruz on August 12, 2006 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
About the much rumored bout with Pacquiao for later this year, Diaz said “I’ve heard the talk but I’m so focused on March 15th that I’m not really paying attention to anything else. It’s not my style to look ahead, it’s all about Ramon Montano right now.”
Diaz wanted to pass along a final message to his fans, “I’ve always had terrific support in Chicago and I’ve also gotten great support from new fans after the Morales fight. I’m very thankful and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show on March 15th.”
The fistic debate about which fighter is the best finally will be settled when World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ defends his title against three-division world champion MANNY PACQUIAO in a 12-round battle for pound-for-pound supremacy. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Romanza Boxing Productions and MP Promotions, Marquez-Pacquiao II will take place Saturday, March 15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for Marquez-Pacquiao II,priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, are on sale at the Mandalay Bay box office and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000 or Mandalay Bay (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
The ten round non-title bout against Montano will be Diaz’s first return to the ring following his outstanding win over three division world champion Erik Morales on August 4, 2007 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. The win over Morales was Diaz’s first defense of his WBC title and was noted on many boxing writers' 2007 “Fight of the Year” lists.
Diaz, under the tutelage of head trainer Mike Garcia, has been in camp at Chicago’s JABB Boxing Gym in preparation for his fight with Montano on the undercard of “UNFINISHED BUSINESS, the long-awaited rematch between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao.
Speaking after an extensive workout, Diaz, 33-1-1 (17KO's) touched on a number of topics;
“I get approached in Chicago a little more since beating Morales. There were over 10,000 people at the fight and many of them have been very gracious to me over the last few months. It feels great, but there is still much to prove so I’m continuing to work hard.”
About facing the Las Vegas native Montano who brings a record of 14-3-2 into the fight on March 15th, “I’ve watched a few of his fights, he’s got a nice jab and comes forward ready to fight. I’m sure he’s training diligently for this opportunity and I’m preparing to be at my best on March 15th. I’m very excited to get back in the ring and fight at the highest level.”
In regards to his training, Diaz, a member of the 1996 US Olympic Team said, “Mike has set up a great camp, training and sparring has been terrific so far.”
The fight against Montano marks Diaz’s third fight in Las Vegas but Diaz is unfazed by the bright lights, “I’m fully aware of fighting on such a big stage but to me it’s a business trip. I’m going there to take care of business and that’s the only thing on my mind. Doesn’t matter to me how big the crowd is or anything like that. The bell rings and I have to be ready to fight.” Diaz won the WBC interim title with a devastating 10th round knockout of Jose Armando Santa Cruz on August 12, 2006 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
About the much rumored bout with Pacquiao for later this year, Diaz said “I’ve heard the talk but I’m so focused on March 15th that I’m not really paying attention to anything else. It’s not my style to look ahead, it’s all about Ramon Montano right now.”
Diaz wanted to pass along a final message to his fans, “I’ve always had terrific support in Chicago and I’ve also gotten great support from new fans after the Morales fight. I’m very thankful and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show on March 15th.”
The fistic debate about which fighter is the best finally will be settled when World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ defends his title against three-division world champion MANNY PACQUIAO in a 12-round battle for pound-for-pound supremacy. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Romanza Boxing Productions and MP Promotions, Marquez-Pacquiao II will take place Saturday, March 15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for Marquez-Pacquiao II,priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, are on sale at the Mandalay Bay box office and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000 or Mandalay Bay (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Martin Castillo, former WBA super flyweight world championOPEN MEDIA GYM WORKOUTS
In anticipation of the separate world title bouts on February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV on the undercard of the Kelly Pavlik vs. Jermain Taylor rematch (The Epic Battle Continues) Martin “EL GALLITO” Castillo and Jose Navarro will hold open media gym workouts on Tuesday, February 5th at the South El Monte Community Gym at 12noon.
Former World Boxing Association super flyweight champion Castillo will face off against current World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel while three time world title challenger Navarro will battle current World Boxing Council super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares on the HBO-PPV televised undercard.
The Kelly Pavlik vs. Jermain Taylor rematch (The Epic Battle Continues) is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank Inc. The 12-round rumble will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas beginning at 9p.m. (EST) / 6p.m. (PST). The bout will take place at a catch weight of 166 lbs. as Taylor exercises the rematch clause in his contract from the original Pavlik fight.
Tickets are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale at MGM Grand Arena Box Office. Tickets will also be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmasters locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Macy's West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino.) Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000 or MGM Grand 800-929-1111. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com
Martin Castillo, former WBA super flyweight world champion, Jose Navarro, three-time super flyweight world title challenger, Rudy Perez, trainer of Martin Castillo, Frank Perez, trainer of Jose Navarro, Frank Espinoza, manager of Martin Castillo.
INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE, HDNET FIGHTS TEAM UP TO TELEVISE FIRST THREE IFL EVENTS OF 2008 LIVE Events From Las Vegas, New Jersey and Connecticut
NEW YORK– The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) and HDNet Fights today announced an agreement to televise the first three IFL events of 2008 live, beginning with the Friday, February 29 card from the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. HDNet Fights will also air the April 4 card live from the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., and the May 16 event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Each two hour show will carry a minimum of five of the eight fights on the card, including no fewer than two championship fights. This is the latest partnership between the IFL and HDNet, which began with the December 29, 2007, IFL Championship event from Mohegan Sun. “We are very pleased to be able to offer our fans around the country these next three events live and in HD,” said IFL President and CEO Jay Larkin. “The quality of our broadcasts is second to none, highlighting the outstanding athletes and exciting bouts as we start 2008 in Las Vegas, live on HDNet.” “The first event we did with the IFL was a great success, and we are very pleased to be able to expand that relationship into the first quarter of 2008,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. “HDNet Fights Presents: The IFL is a fantastic addition to MMA action on HDNet.” The Feb. 29 card will be the first in the IFL’s new camp vs. camp format, with Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den meeting Matt Lindland’s Team Quest, and Mario Sperry’s World Class Fight Center against Xtreme Couture. The night will also feature three individual championship defenses, with lightweight titleholder Ryan Schultz, who defeated previously unbeaten Chris Horodecki for the belt, meeting John Gunderson, middleweight champ Matt Horwich, a surprise winner over Benji Radach, defending his crown against Ryan McGivern of Miletich Fighting Systems, and heavyweight champ and Las Vegas native Roy Nelson battling Fabiano Scherner. The two hour show will air live on HDNet at 11 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. PT. About HDNet HDNet Fights (www.hdnetfights.com) is one of the leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organizations in the country. Founded by Mark Cuban, HDNet Fights promotes, produces and airs over 24 live MMA events annually for broadcast on HDNet. HDNet Fights is unique as a unifying force in the MMA industry partnering with leading promoters, including M1, Sportfight, IFL, Ring of Combat and others to offer the quality match-ups and productions that MMA fans demand. Founded in 2007, HDNet Fights is led by CEO Andrew Simon while company operations are handled by Dallas MMA legend and former UFC champion, Guy Mezger. HDNet (www.hd.net) is the home for HDNet Fights and is the leader in offering live MMA broadcasts and the leading news and information show for MMA fans, “Inside MMA”. In addition, HDNet provides viewers with the best in original news, sports, music and entertainment programming. From “Dan Rather Reports”, to championship sports coverage from the NHL, NASCAR and Major League Soccer to “Guys Night In” every Friday and the HDNet Concert Series every Sunday, HDNet offers great programming with the world’s best picture quality. Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager and COO Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit www.hd.net. If you don’t already have HDNet, call your local cable, satellite or video provider and order it today! About the IFL International Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.
SecondsOut Radio: Suszannah Warner, Alicia Ashley, Ronica Jeffrey,Jill Diamond, and Women's Boxing
On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,host Eddie Goldman focuses on the state of women's boxing. We spoke with NABF strawweight champion Suszannah Warner (http://www.myspace.com/destiny_warner) (8-6, 2 KOs), who won a four-round unanimous decision in a non-title fight over the previously-unbeatenBecky Garcia (5-1, 3 KOs), Friday, Feb. 1, at the Fort McDowell Casinoin Fountain Hills, Arizona. There were two women's fights on Star Boxing's "Punchin' at the Paradise 8" card at the Utopia Paradise Theater in the Bronx, New York, which was held Thursday, Jan. 31. Right after her fight, we spoke with Alicia Ashley (http://www.myspace.com/aliciaslickashley)(14-7-1, 1 KO), who won an eight-round unanimous decision on that card over Brooke Dierdorff (4-2-1, 3 KOs) to win the vacant NABF women's super bantamweight title.
We also spoke with former New York City Golden Gloves champion, super bantamweight Ronica Jeffrey (http://www.myspace.com/ladypantha), who won her pro debut, also on that card,with a four-round unanimous decision over Karen Dulin, also making her pro debut.
And we spoke with Jill Diamond (http://www.myspace.com/neverhitalady), NABF Women's Division Chair, a member of the WBC Championship Committee, and the World Boxing Cares Chair, about the state of women's boxing today.
It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register togain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,and listen, learn, and enjoy. Thanks, Eddie Goldman No Holds Barred bloghttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com/ No Holds Barred podcasthttp://nhbnews.podomatic.com/ No Holds Barred on MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/nhbnews
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