The Iran "The Blade" Barkley Story

Iran Barkley



It all began in the South Bronx during the 1970’s. There were accounts of gang problems and drugs. The lure of the streets was stripping children of their innocence. The Borough of the Bronx was politically, economically, and socially impoverished. It could be dangerous for any youngster growing up in such a neighborhood…let alone Iran!

Iran Barkley was the youngest of eight children. Unfortunately, due to his surrounding conditions, Iran joined the notorious Black Spades gang. However, his older sister, Yvonne served as Iran’s protector. She tried to prevent Iran from succumbing to the temptations of the streets. In due time, Yvonne, a lightweight contender in the sport of women’s boxing, would bring Iran to the gym with her. Inevitably, Iran joined the Knights Community Center and began to learn the science of boxing. Under the guidance of Connie Bryant and Bobby Miles, he started to hone his boxing skills. In addition, he met a talented young fighter named Davey Moore. Whereas Barkley had just started his amateur career, Moore had already won numerous accolades and was gunning for a shot on the 1980 US Olympic Team. Iran and Davey became fast friends.

In 1981, Iran won the Empire State Games and was a finalist in the New York Golden Gloves. In addition, Barkley became a father for the first time with his common law wife, Pam. In 1982, Iran joined the US Amateur Boxing Team and traveled throughout Europe. He captured a bronze medal at the Copenhagen Boxing Cup and the World Games in Munich. However, with the Olympics still two years away, he decided to turn pro. Iran visited Bob Arum of Top Rank. Ultimately, Barkley signed an agreement that stipulated the following: “Iran Barkley will be paid one thousand dollars for every 4 round fight. In addition, he will earn fifteen hundred dollars for every eight round fight.” This was just the beginning for Iran!

With Connie Bryant and Bobby Miles at his side, Iran made his professional debut and enjoyed a knockout victory. He was a young fighter with a bright future. Nevertheless, he was about to encounter the first of a series of setbacks. Over the next three years, Iran would compile a record of 10-3. His lack of defense provided fans with thrilling and memorable moments, but some promoters felt that his boxing style was a threat to his career. He was subsequently dropped from Top Rank’s roster and signed with The Felt Forum, a division of Madison Square Garden.

Determined, Iran went on a 13-fight win streak over the next two years. He also won a minor title along the way and became a ranked contender. Barkley was mentioned as a possible challenger to Marvin Hagler for his crown. During all of this, Iran decided to leave Connie Bryant for John Reetz and Vinnie Ferguson. He also left Bobby Miles and hooked up with trainer, Hector Roca. Ultimately, Luck provided Iran with his biggest opportunity. After Iran substituted for an injured contender and won the fight, Iran Barkley had managed to position himself for a title shot.
Upon Ray Leonard’s upset of Marvin Hagler, all three major titles were vacant. It was decided that Barkley would go to Italy to challenge Sumbu Kalambay for one of the titles. In his bid for his first world title, nothing went right. Barkley’s training camp was disorganized and the ring surface was slick. Iran was not able to throw any power punches. Unfortunately, Iran lost a decision and returned home to the US.



More setbacks, some promoters claimed that Barkley was not a viable contender. At the same time, Hector Roca left as well. Hector felt that he couldn’t handle Barkley’s penchant for the nightlife. Disillusioned, Barkley called Stan Hoffman, a New York-based promoter and manager. Hoffman signed Barkley to his Houston Boxing Association and Barkley began to train with Al Boldan. Ferguson left the picture after arguing with John Reetz over contractual obligations.

After winning his next two fights, Hoffman, a friend of Bob Arum, was able to land Iran a shot with Tommy Hearns, a reigning middleweight champ. With a $350,000 payday, Iran entered this fight as a 4-1 underdog. In addition, one week before the fight, Davey Moore, Iran’s best friend, was killed in an automobile accident. Barkley also has to deal with the fact that his mother wasn’t able attend the fight. She was at a bedside vigil for his father and older brother. They both were diagnosed with terminal cancer. Undaunted, Barkley pressed on! When, in the third round, Iran knocked Hearns out of the ring and won by knockout. The once gang member from the South Bronx was now middleweight champ of the world!

After an immediate rematch with Hearns fell through, Top Rank slated Barkley to fight Duran. Going into the fight, the media and fans were clearly enchanted with Duran. As a result of the pro-Duran atmosphere, Barkley knew that he needed a knockout to win. At the end of the fight, Barkley lost a controversial spilt decision. Notwithstanding, Ring Magazine hailed this fight as, “The Fight of the Year.” After winning the title, Duran quickly vacated the title and moved up to challenge Ray Leonard for millions of dollars. Once again, Barkley was left in defeat.

However, he didn’t have time to complain. Six months after his loss to Duran, Barkley was slated to fight Michael Nunn. Nevertheless more problems ensued, John Reetz fired trainer Al Boldan and cornerman Victor Muchado was demoted. Unfortunately, Barkley had unfamiliar people working his corner and it did cost him. He lost a close majority decision. After the bout, rumors began to spread of Iran and Reetz splitting. Reetz denied this, but did admit that Barkley was almost broke. Barkley was drowning in his own excessive spending.

Furthermore, the results of taking so many clean punches for eight years had endeared Barkley to his fans. Nonetheless, the pounding caused a tremendous amount of scar tissue around his eyes. Additionally, a detached retina resulted from all of the punishment. Iran underwent surgery to repair his eyes and was forced to take a year off. During that time, he ballooned to nearly 220 lbs. Reetz pleaded with Barkley to take care of himself.

After withdrawing for medical reasons, Barkley, in due time, got a 4th title fight for $200,000 with Nigel Benn. Before the fight, Iran’s father passed away from cancer. With his Dad’s death on his mind, he was forced to enter the ring. A big mistake! Barkley was floored three times in the first round. The ref stopped the fight amidst controversy. Apparently, while Iran was still on the ground, Benn managed to still punch him. Although the fouls were acknowledged, the decision remained. Eventually, Barkley and Reetz parted company. Iran returned to Las Vegas.
While trying to get his life back in order, Barkley met former light heavyweight champion, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. When all was said and done, Mustafa began to train Iran. With comeback on his mind, Barkley got into shape and won his next two fights. However, while visiting Top Rank, Barkley was asked to make the 168-lb. weight class. It appeared that TVKO, a new pay-per-view attraction, was looking to match someone against their reigning 168-lb. champ at the newly-opened Paramount Theatre. Barkley made the weight and the match was slated to go.



Yet, under the law in New York, Barkley needed to pass an eye exam. Due to his surgery, his repaired eye had 20/400 vision. To make matters worse, Iran was broke! Barkley was accusing Reetz of mismanaging his funds. Reetz, of course, claimed that Barkley, voluntarily, withdrew his own money and took loans held against his assets. Coincidentally, Tommy Hearns started on a comeback with a brand new title. He was looking for a rematch with Barkley, but Iran had to win his next fight. Henceforth, Barkley passed the physical exam. The fight was on!

After two rounds, Iran dismantled the 168-lb. TVKO champion and won the title. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as Barkley became a two-time World Champion. Top Rank went on to set up Barkley’s rematch with Tommy Hearns. With a renewed confidence, Iran was determined to prove that his first fight with Hearns wasn’t a fluke. Barkley won a spilt decision by one point. It was the shining moment of Iran’s career. Iran Barkley became the 14th man in Boxing history to win titles in 3 different weight classes.

Afterward, Barkley vacated one of his titles, so he can defend his other title against James Toney. However, at the age of 31 with almost 40 pro fights, Barkley began to show his scars. His weight became an issue. Eventually, Barkley did meet the required weight and the fight was on. Nonetheless, it proved to be too much to overcome. Mustafa stopped the fight in the 9th round and Iran lost his title.
Subsequently, Iran fought two other bouts for Top Rank at 190 lbs. He now appeared even slower in the ring. It was difficult for him to carry so much weight. Consistently over 200 pounds, Top Rank decided to drop Iran from their roster yet again. Unwilling to lose the weight, Barkley moved to Tulsa. He joined up with Tony Holdan, a midwestern promoter and Tom Vigets as his trainer. Barkley won his next two fights and lined up his last title shot against Henry Maske in Germany. He dropped 30 lbs. and was ready for this bout. At the start of the fight, Iran gave Maske some trouble, but soon, he succumbed to the German’s long reach and youth. Once again, betrayed by his tendency to cut easily, Iran was stopped in the 9th round.



Over the course of his next few fights, Iran managed himself. He accepted whatever the promoters offered him. Usually, these fights weren’t televised and they took place in small venues. It was so bad that Barkley accepted $250 to fight Rocky Gannon for 8 rounds. Away from his family, he tried to make one last payday. He managed to land an ESPN date against Gerrie Cotzee, a former heavyweight champion, who briefly held the title back in 1982. In a battle of two over the hill fighters, Iran won.

Yet, a string of wins over terrible competition did not amount to anything! Iran sank even further and fought in Helsinki (Copenhagen), Ocala (Fla.), and lost his last six fights in a row. At one point, he took on a former WWF wrestler and lost a spilt decision. Bitter and fed up, the former world champ decided to retire. After seventeen years in the ring, he felt that it’s finally time to move on…
Out of the ring, Iran had to find something to do with his life. With his divorce from his second wife now finalized, he landed a job on a used car lot. After a short period of time, Barkley quit! During all of this, Iran lost his building and carwash investments. Throughout the course of his life, Iran Barkley achieved greatness inside the ring. His no holds barred style and relentless attack won him three titles and a possible bid for the Boxing Hall of Fame. Notwithstanding, that same lack of control out of the ring caused his inevitable downfall. During his lifetime, he has been married twice and fathered four children. He roughly accumulated over $5,000,000. All of which is gone now! The once triumphant champion is still residing in the South Bronx projects.



Presently, Iran is spearheading a fundraising campaign for his new foundation, The Georgia Barkley Scholarship Fund (in memory of his mother). This fund will provide economically, disadvantaged youngsters academic scholarships to leading institutions. The aspiring students must demonstrate the ability to perform and make evident the fortitude to excel!

SPORTS NEWS:State Senator José M. Serrano Will Honor Bronx Boxing Legend Iran Barkely

SPORTS NEWS: FROM SENATOR SERRANO

New York, NY- State Senator José M. Serrano, as part of an annual event celebrating Black History Month with his father, Congressman José E. Serrano, will honor Bronx boxing legend Iran "The Blade" Barkley on Monday, February 18th.



Mr. Barkley was born, raised and continues to live in the South Bronx community. In 1988, against strong odds, he defeated Thomas Hearns by TKO to become the Middleweight Champion of the World.



The day's other honorees include: Dean Meminger, Bronx Reporter for NY1 News; and Dr. Samuel J. Daniel, President and CEO of North General Hospital.

Senator Serrano Website

"Team Huckabee is for Team Taylor"

Janet Huckabee, wife of presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, is pumped up about Jermain Taylor and proudly states "Team Huckabee is for Team Taylor" as she gears up to head to Las Vegas to watch Taylor knock out Kelly Pavlik.

McCAIN SUPPORTERS SEEK 30% BLACK VOTE

PRESS RELEASE

McCAIN SUPPORTERS SEEK 30% BLACK VOTE

The political state of Black America as the weakest in comparison to all other political and ethnic minorities in the wake of the advances and successes associated with the modern civil rights movement is paradoxical and complex. Ironically, there is no coherent strategy being advanced by the Black political leadership and civil rights orthodoxy, to resolve this perplexing dilemma.

Absolute predictability of the Black American vote as advocated by conventional Black political leaders has rendered the community void of political leverage. Black elected officials out number politicians of all other ethnic and political minorities and Black Americans have held the numerical advantage for centuries. Yet Black Americans have remained at the back of the political bus.

McCain supporter Gary James, a longtime leader of the grassroots activist wing of the Republican Party in New York said, “We need to stop playing political checkers and begin to play political chess. Electoral politics is not a zero sum game of friend’s verses enemies, good verses evil, black verses white or I like or don’t like him or her. Electoral politics is an ongoing exercise of attempting to realize our permanent interests, irrespective of what party controls the White House. Also, a political victory is not confined to the classical.”



James is heading up a city-wide get out the voter initiative on behalf of the GOP presumptive presidential candidate, Senator John McCain. The group has set-up a website to promote their objectives in the framework of the Black Political Taskforce. They have formulated a comprehensive multi-media and interactive Internet presence that will launched in the spring.

Keisha Morrisey a former GOP candidate for public office in 2002 and 2003, New York State Assembly and New York City Council respectively, and Harlem coordinator of the McCain initiative said, “We are seeking 30% of the Black vote in November and we believe that’s its attainable given the Senator record as a maverick and moderate force in the party. Plus my generation thinks about politics different from the old school emotional rational.”

(Photo:Evan E. Edwards)


Ms. Morrisey is a member of the under forty generation, mother of a teenage son, and is a public relations and event planner in the entertainment boxing and fighting sports industry. She is often photographed with industry notables doing her job with camera in hand, answering to the name “El Boxing Empress". Despite what appears to be the making of an interesting career in the unfolding Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighting sport genre, she is launching a new political club and is actively preparing to run for public office as part of McCain’s grassroots get out the Black vote initiative.

Spokesman for the Black Taskforce, Alton Chase, a longtime grassroots leader in the Bronx and former Republican Party district leader said, “In addition to launching our comprehensive and interactive Internet presence in the spring, we are currently preparing to invite the Senator to address his impressive numbers of supporters among Black voters. We have identified venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan so we are ready to reach out to the candidates scheduling people.

James believes that the presumptive GOP presidential candidate can beat either Clinton or Obama, despite the unprecedented surge of new voters inspired by both rock star Democratic Party candidates. James said, “McCain is a soft political sell for a GOP candidate with Black voters as compared to previous Republican Party candidates. Although President Reagan was on the right of McCain, Reagan-Bush carried New York in 1984, which had not been done since Calvin Coolidge in 1924. With the increase in younger voters as well as a spike in independent voting and registrations, the state may be up for grabs.

The real potential wild card in the November election may very well be the residual political fallout among Democratic voters who may bifurcate along fault lines, as a result of the highly charged racial component that has emerged as a tactical political construct. The remaining weeks of the Democratic Party’s Presidential Primary will reveal the party’s standard bearer and may portend the destination of the Black vote.

But the intensity of the Democratic Party primary process horse race may prove to be self defeating, as speculation abounds about the prospects of a brokered convention. If the horse race is a dead heat when the party begins its August convention, and the ultimate nominee is determined by the Super Delegates, the precarious coalition that constitutes the Democratic Party may rupture along fault lines.

Ms. Dona Brazil former campaign manager of Vice President Al Gore’s presidential campaign said on a Sunday morning TV talk show roundtable that she would bolt the party if the super delegates override the will of primary voters.

While there is much talk of unity behind the eventual Democratic Party nominee, it remains to be seen if the political energy associated with Senator Obama mania can be contained as loyalist, should there be a smoke filled backroom deal by party bosses.

Gary James is an author, entrepreneur, and leader of the activist wing of the Republican Party. In 1984 his organization was tapped by the Reagan-Bush re-election committee to direct the state-wide grassroots campaign in the Black community, under the leadership of regional coordinator Roger Stone. James ran the state-wide “Black Desk” in 1986 for the GOP Gubernatorial candidate Supreme Court Judge Andrew O’Rourke. He was the delegate for Congressman Jack Kemp in Harlem’s 16th CD in 1988, during the congressman’s bid for the GOP presidential nomination. For more information contact by visiting: Website www.blackpt.org and www.harlemweekly.com
Black Political Taskforce c/o Gary James P.O. Box 342 New York, NY 10037

Tony Award winner Melba Moore Palm Springs, Ca

Tony Award winner Melba Moore Palm Springs, Ca


Tony Award winner will make debut as headliner of ....The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies''

....The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies,'' a nostalgic revue of the music, comedy and dance of the 1930s and 40s, is made up of a cast of 59- to 84-year- old chorus ....girls.''

This year's theme is ....Tin Pan Alley,'' celebrating the golden age of American popular music.

Moore started her career in 1967 with a role in the musical ....Hair'' and three years later won a Tony as best actress in a musical for her work in ....Purlie,'' making her the first black actress to do so.

She recorded a string of hits in the 1970s and 80s, including ....Yo Stepped Into My Life,'' ....This Is It'' and ....The Greatest Feeling,'' and also
landed film and television parts and returned to the stage in the mid-1990s to play the role of Fantine in ....Les Miserables.''

....Is there anything Ms. Moore cannot do? I don't think so,'' said Follies founder and impresario Riff Markowitz. ....She is precisely the sort of multi-talented entertainer that a classic Follies like ours requires, and we are honored to share her with Palm Springs audiences for the very first time.''

The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies
128 South Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, California 92262

(760) 778-7654 (Administrative Offices)
For information on show times and tickets, call the box office at (760) 327-0225 or visit www.psfollies.com.


The Melba Moore Team

JERMAIN TAYLOR "QUOTES" FROM LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE

" A lot of people have said to me, why don't I take a tune-up and get your confidence back. I don't need a tune-up to get my confidence back, I never lost my confidence. I can beat Kelly Pavlik."



"I choose do this rematch because I want to beat the guy who beat me. I don't want to waste anytime with any tune-up fights. That's what the fans want to see."

"This time when I get him in trouble I will finish him off. He won't get back up. I have no excuses, I lost the fight and I give Kelly Pavlik all the credit."



"I'm coming to fight, I got my butt kick the last time in that ring and I'm a better fighter because of the lost. We had a great training camp and I'm in good shape. I'm at the top of my game and I know I will come away with the victory."

"I took Kelly Pavlik for granted, I underestimated him and I learned something from the loss. I'm not taking anything away from him, but I'm coming to get back everything he took from me. I'm very focus for this fight, everything is on the line with me for this fight."



Tickets priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100 are now on sale and available at any MGM Grand box office outlet. Tickets also are sold 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 MGM Grand at (800) 929-1111.
Contact Your Local Cable or Satellite Provider To Order This Pay-Per-View Telecast.

Legendary Internet Street Fighter Kimbo Slice, Exciting, Hard Hitting MMA Bad Boy Tank Abbott and Shaw will discuss “EliteXC Presents STREET CERTIFIED

Legendary Internet Street Fighter Kimbo Slice, Exciting, Hard Hitting MMA Bad Boy Tank Abbott and Shaw will discuss “EliteXC Presents STREET CERTIFIED: Kimbo Slice vs. Tank Abbott’’ -- and the entire EliteXC Mixed Martial Arts mega-event on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast. In what figures to be a slugfest for as long as it lasts, Kimbo, of Perrine, Fla., and Abbott, of Huntington Beach, Calif., will clash in a highly anticipated main event on a card that also will feature one of the world’s top heavyweights, Antonio “Big Foot’’ Silva, of Coconut Grove, Fla.



In other bouts, highly regarded British heavyweight James "The Colossus" Thompson faces unbeaten Brett Rogers of Minneapolis, Edson Berto, of Tampa, Fla., meets Yves Edwards of Conroe, Tex., and Australian Kyle “KO’’ Noke, the bodyguard of the late Steve “Crocodile Hunter’’ Irwin, takes on Scott Smith, of Sacramento, Calif. Charles “Krazy Horse’’ Bennett, of Ocala, Fla., who owns a knockout victory over EliteXC 160-pound world champion KJ Noons, will be opposed by a foe to be announced in a top, non-televised undercard match.

It will be the second professional MMA fight for Kimbo, the legendary Internet street fighter and YouTube sensation who scored a smashing 19-second, first-round knockout in his Street-to-Elite debut. “With these hands I can part the sea. With these hands I feed the family,’’ Kimbo said.

Tank, of Huntington Beach, Calif., is a feared knockout artist and notorious bad boy and trash-talker. A veteran who has never turned down a fight, Tank has called out Kimbo on numerous occasions, including after Kimbo’s EliteXC and MMA debut in November. Tank is supremely confident he will send home Kimbo and his fans unhappy.

Opening Comments:

SHAW: Thank you for being on this conference call with me, with Kimbo and the Huntington Beach (Calif.) Bad Boy, Tank Abbott. We also have Ken Hershman from SHOWTIME with us.

Gary Shaw


This is going to be a great, great event in Florida on Feb. 16.

I want to thank Ken, and I want to thank SHOWTIME for putting this on the air on premium cable. It was originally scheduled to be on pay‑per‑view. But thanks to Kimbo and Tank … it's not all about ripping off fans, it's about giving the fans some great fights on television.

We're really excited about this card. Besides Kimbo and Tank, we have Antonio “Big Foot’’ Silva, who I believe may be the best heavyweight in the world. Kimbo tells me that's not so, but that time will come for him as well. Kimbo’s got a big fight. He's got to get past Tank Abbott with a big reputation and a big punch.

We're really, really excited about this event. It's going to be a great promotion. It's at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami. Doors will open at 6 p.m. (ET), fights will go on at 7 p.m.

Tickets are from $35 up to $700. I appreciate everyone being on the call. I'm going to turn it over to Kimbo to say a few words. Then I'm going to turn it over to Tank to say a few words, and we'll get right to your questions.

It is my pleasure at this time to not only bring up the YouTube internet sensation, but the guy that went from the streets to Elite. Two guys that are not only cage tested, but they're street certified, (first) Kimbo Slice.

Photos: Esther Lin/For ProElite, Inc. and TOM CASINO/ELITEXC

KIMBO: What's up?



SHAW: Tell them whatever you want.

KIMBO: That's it.

SHAW: That's it. I hope you heard that, Tank. He said that's it for you and the reporters. So, Tank, take it away.

TANK: I'll tell you what's up. Kimbo's going to be on his back. This fight is going to last about as long as his interview opening did. ‘What's up’ is about how long it's going to take for him to end up on his back knocked out.



KIMBO: Did you have a 6‑pack or 12‑pack before you said something?

TANK: I don't drink beer. I can afford vodka.

KIMBO: OK, even better

SHAW: Tank, do you honestly believe you're going to knock Kimbo out?

TANK: I don't see it going any other way. I can do anything I want to him, but what fun is that? I like to knock people out.

SHAW: Do you think it's a short fight or do you think it's going to take a couple of rounds?

TANK: Doesn't matter. I can go 15 minutes holding my breath standing on my head. So it could be the 14th minute or the first minute, whenever he runs into one.

SHAW: How do you feel about fighting in Kimbo's hometown?

TANK: I kind of like that. I don't like beating up people in my hometown. I like to go to their hometown, so they can see what they're all about.

KIMBO: You better wear a pad with that cup, because I'm going to have you (blanking) blood, homie.

TANK: That sounds good. That's what it's all about.

QUESTION: Kimbo, what's it feel like to be fighting in your hometown in a sanctioned fight in front of what figures to be a sellout crowd on a SHOWTIME telecast that begins at 10 p.m.?

KIMBO: It's going to be different for me. I'm cool with it and I'm comfortable with it. I'm comfortable at the crib, so I'm looking forward to it.

QUESTION: Tank, how did you get your nickname?

TANK: When I was stomping around in the streets, they didn't have anything such as an MMA or cage fighting or anything like that. I showed up at the steps of the Ultimate Fighting and said, ‘Hey, I want to fight.’ And they said you have to be a black belt or something like that.

I said I just got out of jail for beating somebody up, in fact, a cop's son. Isn't this supposed to be about fighting? And they said, yeah, but you've got to have some kind of a black belt or something. And I said that's not what I'm about. I'm about fighting in the streets.

They called me a couple days later and said we came up with this thing called Tank Abbott. It's from the “Every Which Way But Loose’’ movie from Clint Eastwood. There is a guy in there, who’s a street fighting legend by the name of Tank Murdock, and Clint went and fought him.

But that's where the Tank came from. I've been stomping the streets for a long time. I tell you one thing, if Kimbo was back in my era, stomping around Orange County, Calif., he would have been long gone a long time ago.

KIMBO: So you didn't earn your name, your name was given to you out of grace?

TANK: Everybody gets their name given to them. I guess it's earned if you're a street fighting legend and you're a Tank. I guess somebody does give it to you.

QUESTION: Tank, you fought some of the best people in the world in their prime. What level of fighter do you think Kimbo is?

TANK: I will give him his props. Kimbo goes out there, he's tough, he's got (guts) and he's got heart. Those are things you can't teach. But I've been swinging around wrestling rooms for over 30 years and I've been in boxing gyms for over 20, and I've been in the street a lot longer than that. You can never tell. All you can say is that Kimbo is a tough man as far as his heart and his (guts) and his mind, but I don't know how polished he is. So I can't give you an answer on that one.

QUESTION: Kimbo, do you want to comment on that? You're newer to mixed martial arts as an organized sport, even though you have the street fighting background so why do you think you're ready to take on somebody like Tank who has been around and been in with the best for so long?

KIMBO: I'll take on anybody. Everybody says I'm the new kid on the block or whatever. But it's the era. Being street certified mixed with MMA, Tae Kwon Do, Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing and wrestling. You combine that and you're going to have a type of fighter like myself. I'm not one‑dimensional. Whatever anybody wants to do, I'm down to do. You want to take it to the ground, let's take it to the ground. You want to stand up, let's stand up. I'm down for that. That's my thing, that's what I'm about. That's how I live. That's my life. I don't even see Tank. I'm seeing through him.



TANK: See, that's the kind of thing I'm talking about. Those are the kind of things you can't learn. That's not technique, that's why I can't wait to step in the ring with him.

QUESTION: Tank, do you expect this fight to go out of the first round?

TANK: I don't have any expectations; I don't know about Kimbo.

QUESTION: Kimbo, any expectations in how long you think this is going to go?

KIMBO: No, I don't have any either.

QUESTION: Is there any possibility, has it entered your mind, that Abbott has simply too much experience for you?

KIMBO: I kind of look at it like a chick that does porn. Just because she did 100 porn scenes, that doesn't mean I'm going to be afraid to [be with] her. I'm going to still get that [girl]. That's how I look at it.

QUESTION: Tank, you fought twice in 2007, once in 2006 and twice in 2005: When you're not fighting, what do you do?

TANK: My hobby is drinking. I like to have as much fun as I can. When I'm training, I train. But I like to have fun also. I like to hang out at the bars and write the book that I'm doing.

QUESTION: You're doing a book right now?

TANK: I've already got it written. It's about 676 pages. I'm pecking away on it, putting it on a computer. It's got some good stuff in it. It's about my days when I was stomping in the streets about 12, 13, 14 years ago when the whole MMA scene came about.

QUESTION: Tank, was your era on the streets so much tougher than Kimbo’s?

TANK: Because there was no referee and there were no people walking around watching it. When you entered into a fight you assumed the risk to die. You didn't have to worry about somebody as a referee stepping in and saving it. Like I said, I've got well over 200 street fights under my belt.



QUESTION: Your response to that, Kimbo?

KIMBO: I was smelling chicken and looking at the food. I wasn't paying Tank any attention.

QUESTION: Gary, Gina Carano was originally supposed to be on the card. She dropped off. Can you tell us what happened as far as her participation in this show?

SHAW: Sure, we wanted her to be on the show. She was training for American Gladiators, and at this point she wasn't ready to compete on this date.

QUESTION: Is there any concern on your end as far as her other activities interfering with her fight career? Is that something you've talked to her about?

SHAW: No, we have a long‑term contract with Gina. It was a great opportunity for her to be on “American Gladiators’’ and be “Crush,’’ and I think it will help her career. As soon as they're done with all the meetings they have to do, all the PR appearances -- she was just on "The Today Show" two days ago -- she'll be ready to fight.

She wasn't ready in February. Hopefully, she'll be ready for our big March 29 card in San Jose.

QUESTION: Gary, a question (regarding) the back and forth you've had with Dana White, the conversation you had and then he had with Yahoo Sports. Have you had a chance to read that commentary from Dana, and do you have any other reaction to him?

SHAW: Look, no, truthfully I haven't read it. Though a lot of people have called me (about it). All I'm saying is, and I've said it all along, there is a differentiator. If you fight for the UFC, you can't be bigger than Dana White and the UFC. If you fight for EliteXC, as a fighter, you're bigger than Gary Shaw. It's about the fighter. It's not about me. Whether it's Kimbo, who was signed to us, or any other fighter, I believe we represent some of the greatest fighters in the world. I believe that Antonio “Big Foot” Silva could knock out any heavyweight in the UFC.

Now, I'm not disparaging the UFC. They have some great fighters and great fights. They have a good brand. They do a good job marketing their brand, but they don't own MMA. They don't own the space. They have a brand. You know what, if you hold up the belt there, all you are is the club champion. Until Dana White is willing to fight his fighters against other brands, all they are club champions.

I extend the challenge and always have ‑ it's like Kimbo, you want to fight him? Call us up, you can come in the cage and fight him. You want to fight Jake Shields, fight Jake Shields. We're proud of the people we represent. Robbie Lawler, I could go down the whole roster.
But for Dana White to try to convince the fans that he owns all of the best fighters in the world? To say that this is just a starting point for fighters and then they're going to go to UFC? He is full of (poop). Let him fight our fighters.

I’ll tell you what, let's do some fights winner‑take‑all. Let's put up a million dollars purse. Let's pick a weight. Let's really get it on for the fans. When he's ready to do that, then give me a call.

QUESTION: Kimbo, your last fight out you finished it so quickly we didn't get to see a whole lot. Are you looking forward to showing everybody your ground skills and what you've been working on?

KIMBO: Yes, I'm dying for that. I'm dying to get the opportunity to show off a little stuff. I've got a lot of tools in my arsenal now. I'm not afraid to use them. I'm getting to the point where it's second nature. I'm just excited to be where I am, to get to bang‑up Tank and make a good future and a good name for myself.



QUESTION: Kimbo, what does it mean to have your second fight in EliteXC take place in your backyard where the fans are going to be going crazy for you?

KIMBO: It's exciting. But I'm not letting it get to me because I've got a bigger fish to fry.

QUESTION: Kimbo, how has the transition been going from street fighting to MMA, coupled with your rising popularity, gone for you?

KIMBO: It's really hard. It's more skilled fighters and better fighters. I'm proving myself now, because people feel like the guys that I fought were pretty much nobody's. But you never know what another guy has. You never know what type of skill the next man has. If a guy's willing to fight you, that says a lot. He's sure about himself. You can't take that from anybody. Like every fight, the best man's going to win. Whoever trains the hardest and wants it more is going to win. That's what it's about for me.

QUESTION: Kimbo, where did you get your nickname?

KIMBO: Kimbo has been my name since I was a kid. That's my child given name. Slice was an internet given name from my very first fight. And Slice was a given name I earned from the streets.

TANK: So they gave that to you?

KIMBO: It was earned.

QUESTION: Gary, why did EliteXC decide to go to Florida for this event? Was it specifically because of Kimbo being from there? Could Florida be a frequent stop for you guys?

SHAW: Great question. Let me try to tell you why I went to Florida: K-I-M-B-O. I believe that Kimbo's going to be a giant, giant star -- although I know Tank Abbott feels differently and feels that he's going to be the one with the success.

I thought Florida was a natural place. We looked at several different locations in Florida. I wanted to stay near where Kimbo's home and home base is. The University of Miami has a great arena. It's the right size. I think Florida is a hot bed for MMA from Tampa, St. Petersburg all the way down. I just thought it was the right venue at the right time. SHOWTIME agreed it was the right venue at the right time, and that's how we wound up there.

If we draw well enough, we'll be back. We expect a sellout crowd. We're looking at the American Airlines Arena as well for another fight. We've also looked at the Hard Rock and the St. Pete Times Forum. Florida is a place that EliteXC is going to hang their hat, absolutely.

QUESTION: Kimbo, you said that you're looking through Tank. Does that mean you're looking forward to your next match after him?

KIMBO: Yeah, pretty much. I'm preparing for whatever. I've trained for Tank a long time, preparing for his style. I know just the type of fighter he is: aggressive, hitting hard and just coming at you. I've trained well for that. I'm pretty much prepared to take Tank out. I'm going to change my name from Kimbo to Blackhawk because only a Blackhawk chopper can destroy a Tank.

QUESTION: If you're looking past Tank, is Sean Gannon possibly one of the guys you're looking at?

KIMBO: Who? Sean Gannon? Is that even an option?

SHAW: Anything you want to do is an option.

KIMBO: I'm down for that. I want to do that bare knuckle. That fight's owed to me. I want that more than anything.

SHAW: Yes, it is a possibility. One thing that I like about this fight, it went from just an MMA fight to being personal. The reason this fight got made so quickly is Kimbo said that ‘I want Tank. I trained for a pay‑per‑view fight, I want that fight back.’ If Sean is the one that Kimbo wants and there is a score to be settled ‑‑ then we'll go out as a company that represents Kimbo and we'll do everything in our power to make that fight. But you know my career in boxing. I think Kimbo knows this better than anybody, and I'm sure Tank knows this as an ultimate professional. You better take care of business on Feb. 16.

QUESTION: Is Tank signed beyond this fight?

SHAW: Yes, we have options on Tank.

QUESTION: Tank, didn't you call Kimbo out after his fight in Atlantic City?

TANK: I don't know if you'd call that a fight. But, yeah, that's what it's all about. Like I said, he's a street warrior, I'm a street warrior. It's a matter of time before we meet up. I was ready to meet up right then and there. But as it is, we're going to meet up with SHOWTIME and EliteXC in Miami on Feb. 16.

QUESTION: How much had you heard of Kimbo before the fight in Atlantic City with Ray Mercer?

TANK: Not that much. I think his name came up a couple of times. I checked him out on the internet for maybe something that lasted 20 seconds, and then I went to the bar.

QUESTION: Have you been impressed with anything you've seen from Kimbo in either of his two fights?

TANK: I haven't really seen his last fight. The fight with Mercer, I mean, not really.

QUESTION: You’ve both been in lots of street fights, some for money. How did you manage that? Who kept that under control for people to get paid after it was done?

KIMBO: I'll pass on that.

TANK: One time I had this guy who wanted to fight, and he was crying about the money. I said we can fight in a warehouse. He said who is going to hold the money, this is going to turn into a circus. I said, ‘you show me your money, I'll show you mine. You put it in the front pocket, after I knock you out, I'll take it.’ He didn't show up.

QUESTION: Kimbo, you’re in a movie called "Blood and Bone.’’ Can you tell us anything about it?

KIMBO: What do you want to know?

QUESTION: What is your role in it? How was the experience?

KIMBO: It was cool. The experience was OK. I got my SAG card.



QUESTION: Gary, Tank and Kimbo were supposed to happen last year in Atlantic City, and it fell through and disappointed a lot of people. Last weekend, we had Rico Rodriguez versus Mike Howell that was signed and not delivered. Is it an interest of yours, and will you potentially pick up this fight of interest?

SHAW: I don't know if it's a fight that we pick up. But we currently have Rico Rodriguez. He is signed to our brand. He's a fighter that we would definitely use. He's on our radar, for sure. It's unfortunate that card went under. People don't realize how many cards fail in the MMA world due to different things. I'm proud that every EliteXC card that we've ever said we'd put on we do put on. But, yes, there were fighters on that card we'd be very interested in. Maybe some who were in this office yesterday.

QUESTION: Other than the UFC, you're the only other promoter in MMA history to have Tank Abbott and Ken Shamrock under the same promotional banner at the same time. Their rivalry dates back years and it is well publicized. You like to have ‘personal’ fights for your shows. Are you planning a fight between the two of them?

SHAW: If it's personal, it will go. As long as there are real personal rivalries and real fights, and we can give the SHOWTIME audience real fights. You know, Tank, I have a lot of respect for you; taking on Ken and Kimbo in the same call.

TANK: It's safe from a phone distance, right? Sounds like most of the guys in the MMA will. But I'll step up.

SHAW: We know you'll step up and that's why you're going on SHOWTIME against Kimbo. The same reason I put you in against Ken and also put Kimbo in against Ken.

TANK: Sounds good.

SHAW: Maybe eventually you and Kimbo can face Frank and Ken in a tag team match.

TANK: Now you're talking.

SHAW: There you go.

QUESTION: Tank, not to take away from your fight with Kimbo, but you and Ken had a lot of heat in the past. Has it cooled off? Is this guy still your nemesis? Do you still want this one?

TANK: Ken is the antithesis of me. You run around and show your legs and act like you're a superstar, when all you are is a clown. I like to go out and fight and I really don't care. I don't need everything to be right or wrong or just perfect. I don't need to walk around like I'm a superstar. I'm just myself when I cruise around. I don't need to make waves.

He's the kind of guy that would go into a restaurant and say, ‘Do you know who I am? Go tell the person that I'm here.’ I just hide in the back and don't care.

QUESTION: Tank, can you speak about Kimbo’s internet legacy?

TANK: Believe it or not, I don't have a computer. Actually, I got one for my book, but I'm not hooked up to the internet. So I really don't follow that stuff. Most of the people on the internet are a bunch of bozos that want to talk a bunch of smack. Probably if you could reach through the internet lines, you'd find a 16‑year‑old kid that hasn't been able to shave and he's telling you, hey, I can beat you up.

QUESTION: With Tank you're facing a guy, a legendary pioneer in the sport of MMA, original UFC bad boy. What does the fight with him mean to you?

KIMBO: It means a whole lot to me. Unlike him, I've been watching Tank since I was a shorty. It sparked my interest from growing up banging from that time. So to fight a guy like him means a lot to me. That's why I can't lose and I won't lose. Losing is not an option, especially to Tank. Beating Tank means a whole lot to me, and I'm looking forward to this fight.

I just think Feb. 16 is a tad bit too long. But I've got to be patient. I've waited this long, you know, it's all good.

TANK: Sounds like (when) Cabbage (Correira said) I (was going) to pass the torch off to him. Only thing I'm passing off to Kimbo is a knockout.

KIMBO: I ain't Cabbage, I'm Kimbo.

TANK: Who are you?

SHAW: Maybe you guys want to fight tonight?

KIMBO: I'm down for that.

QUESTION: This year, EliteXC has announced three shows so far and a lot more planned. Can you tell us what your philosophy is and your view is in positioning EliteXC?

SHAW: I know we'll be profitable because my mother and father are backing me. But on a serious note, EliteXC is all about the fighter. It's a fighter‑friendly company. We care about the safety and welfare of every fighter that we represent. We have, probably, the biggest mixed martial arts library in the world today. We have several brands around the country. We have a huge internet play that is an important part of the company that works for the fighters and works for the fans.

We have a contract with SHOWTIME where we'll have roughly 14 fights on SHOWTIME, and millions of eyes this year. We have King of the Cage, a brand in the United States, probably doing more fights than any other brand in the United States. We'll do over 40 fights. And Cage Rage in England, and Icon and Rumble World, and Spirit MC, which will allow us, like on our Jan. 25 fight card, to bring Paul Daley from England and put him on SHOWTIME in the U.S.

It will give us an opportunity to bring Kimbo this year over to England to fight in front of all those fans, and for them to get to see, feel, smell and touch him and see how real he is. We have a lot of opportunities. We’re growing every day. We're really excited. We think we bring the best fights. I believe we put on exciting events for the fans. We're event friendly in the arena. We’re on TV and get the eyeballs that watch our fights. A lot of people said a lot of nasty things last year about us and never thought we were going to really get off the ground. But this rocket ship launched.

The one thing we promised was we'd give the fans real fights. One thing I'm really proud of is that I represent real fighters that will fight anybody in the world. It's not ‘well, I don't want to fight him. Give me two fights, three fights before I fight him.’ The fighters we represent just want to fight. For that, I'm proud of the people that we represent.

The eyeballs on SHOWTIME that have watched our fights have seen great fights, exciting fights. Nick Diaz against KJ (Noons), KJ against “Krazy Horse’’ (Charles Bennett), Kimbo's quick demolition in the last show, the coming of age of Gina Carano. We haven't even shown Robbie Lawler that much. There is so much. “Big Foot’’ Silva, I keep saying, I believe he's the single best heavyweight in the world today. The fans are going to get to see all these fighters, not to mention all the other fighters that we have coming. They're beginning to be exposed to new and young fighters. So thank you for your question.

QUESTION: When you raise the issue of being fighter friendly, do you think things like the UFC's lawsuit against Randy Couture is going to hurt them? And do you also see the need to bring MMA contracts in line with what is required in boxing by the Muhammad Ali Act?

SHAW: Let me comment. First of all, I won't comment on other people's lawsuits. So the Randy Couture-UFC lawsuit, that is something they'll have to battle out in the media and in the court room.

When I say we're fighter friendly, you can ask any fighter that's either won or lost in one of our shows, and they'll tell you what it is like to fight for EliteXC. How we take care of them, how we care about them before the fight, during the fight, after the fight. This is a fighter‑friendly company.

As far as contracts go, I don't discuss contracts. But we're basically in line with the Muhammad Ali law. We don't sign anybody for 20‑year contracts. We don't have any slaves, no indentured servitude here. Fighters fight for us because they want to fight for us because we treat them well.

I invite you, and any reporter to certainly go to any fighter that's fought for us and ask how we fight them. We treat them like the world champions that we believe all fighters are.

QUESTION: Tank, what weight are you at now and who are you training with for Kimbo?

TANK: I fluctuate between 261 and 67.

QUESTION: What camp or group are you training with now?

TANK: I just got my old friends that I've known for a long time and bang around with them. It's not really a camp or a team or anything. It's just buddies I've been banging with for a long time.

QUESTION: Gary, is a Ken Shamrock versus Kimbo a match in the future?

SHAW: Kimbo has a fight Feb. 16. Ken Shamrock's got a fight March 8. So why don't you ask me that question on March 9.

QUESTION: What weight is Ken going to be fighting at the Cage Rage event?

SHAW: I don't know. Right now I'm told by one of the fight team members it's unspecified. But if you email it a continuation of what you had been working on? Are you continuing to learn different things? We know you want to showcase all the skills you say you possess. How did it play out right after that last fight as far as training?

KIMBO: We picked up where we left off and added more new stuff into my arsenal.



TANK: I'm looking forward to this Feb. 16 fight. Like I said earlier Kimbo's got (guts), heart and the street mentality. I can't wait to lay my ears back and get down with him. It's going to be fun for me. It's going to be a long night for Kimbo and a short one for me. But I can't wait. I wake up every morning and start laughing because I wish it was already Feb. 16.



It's not often you get to get in the cage and fight a guy that's got the street warrior to him, and I kind of look forward to that.

Tickets for a spectacular 10-bout event 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.

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS

WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS

From: WBC President Jose Sulaiman



Mexico City- “The World Boxing Council is very pleased to celebrate its 45th anniversary with a tremendous boxing event in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 16.


“I am very proud of WBC middleweight world champion Kelly Pavlik and our former world champion Jermain Taylor, as well as Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment, for accepting to abide by the WBC Rules and Regulations with respect to the Pavlik-Taylor rematch, as it is an over-the-weight bout but involves the WBC champion.

“Several rules apply to this very important rematch, including Rule 1.22 which says: ‘The WBC Board of Governors, with a majority voting, may grant special authorization to allow a WBC champion to engage in a non-title 10 or 12-round bout.’

“The WBC will present a medal of honor to the winner of the fight, which will be officially sanctioned by the WBC.

“It gives me great satisfaction to see the loyalty to the WBC of these two boxers, both of whom have had very long relationships with us and built their careers using our affiliated titles as stepping stones to get to the highest levels of their careers today.


“Also on the card is WBC super flyweight world champion Cristian Mijares, one of the most solid champions in the world today, who will defend the title against former Olympian Jose Navarro.

“The Mijares-Navarro fight will be the WBC’s 1647th world title bout, and the 262nd WBC world title bout in the State of Nevada .”

Derrick Simmons Films Presents: This Saturday February 16th, The Official Charlotte "Jump Offs" The Movie Event

INDUSTRY LEADERS LAUD CHICAGO'S 8 COUNT ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY‏

On the day of their tenth anniversary event, CELEBRATION, set for Friday, February 15th at Cicero Stadium, Chicago’s 8 Count Productions is receiving praises from many of professional boxing’s leaders.

Said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions, “Golden Boy Promotions congratulates Dominic Pesoli and 8 Count Productions on their 10th anniversary. It’s always a pleasure doing business with them and we look forward to co-promoting outstanding events with them in the future.“



From Kathy Duva, President of Main Events, “It’s always great to watch hard-working dignified people succeed in the boxing business. 8 Count has been a pleasure to deal with and we look forward to another 10 years of working with Dominic Pesoli’s promotional firm.”



Stated Carl Moretti, Vice-President of DiBella Entertainment, “In a business where often times you don’t look forward to working on a show, working with Dominic and the 8 Count staff is always a refreshing and enjoyable experience. He is truly one of the best people on the sport.”

Said Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, “Happy 10th anniversary to Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions. Pesoli doesn’t have the name recognition of Bob Arum or Don King, but he’s done a tremendous job of practically single handedly keeping boxing alive in Chicago with monthly (and sometimes twice-monthly) cards. One of the reasons for Pesoli’s success is a strong working relationship with Top Rank’s Arum and Golden Boy Promotions, with whom he partners on his televised cards.”

About the anniversary, Pesoli said, “It’s always great to hear from people that you respect and enjoy working with in boxing. The fans have been terrific the last couple of weeks with their phone calls for tickets and to offer congratulations.

I’d also like to thank the boxing websites for the terrific job they continue to do along with the local media, both of whom have been very supportive throughout the last ten years. It means a great deal to me to read the high regard that the boxing community holds 8 Count.

It’s been a fantastic run these last ten years and we plan on continuing to promote great events with terrific fights for many years to come.”

CELEBRATION, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing, presented by 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated is headlined by an outstanding battle between junior welterweight prospects Mike Alvarado and Jesus “CHUY” Rodriguez.

As part of the CELEBRATION event, Rocky Martinez and Mike "FLY" Garcia will be inducted into the 8 Count Productions Hall of Fame.

Tickets for CELEBRATION are available in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions offices at 312-226-5800. Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie, just minutes from the Eisenhower and Stevenson Expressways. Doors for this event will open at 5:30pm with the first bell at 6:30pm.

The full fight card for CELEBRATION is;

Mike Alvarado vs. Jesus Rodriguez, ten rounds, junior welterweights

Francisco Rodriguez vs. Andre Wilson, eight rounds, bantamweights

Andrzej Fonfara vs. Jorge Gonzalez, six rounds, junior middleweights

Freddie Cuevas vs. Luis Hodge, six rounds, middleweights

Alejandro Lopez vs. Torrence Ray, six rounds, featherweights

Ivan Popoca vs. Guadalupe Diaz, five rounds, junior welterweights

Along with Chicago’s 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, CELEBRATION is presented by TCF Bank, Tecate Beer and AeroMexico, Mexico’s premier airline travel headquarters. The SOLO BOXEO TECATE broadcast will be viewed in 42 US markets and 70 foreign countries.

The Master of Ceremonies for CELEBRATION will be Lupe Contreras, the internationally recognized voice of Latino boxing.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart and poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxinggym.com

For more information on Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, please visit.

www.toprank.com

CREATING CONTENDERS SINCE 1998

Bernie Bahrmasel

Publicist/8 Count Productions

SBS PREDICTS; Taylor Will Win. Will Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor's come back to haunt Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik?

SBS, listened to Jermain Taylor's ((27-1-1, 17 KOs) of Little Rock Arkansas), International conference call and has reviewed the undisputed middleweight champion, Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik's ((32-0 29 KOs) of Youngstown Ohio), media materials, press conference footage, and videos, regarding this Saturday' s rematch between Pavlik and Taylor, and with all considered, both fighters are, humbly up for the challenge at 166 lbs, but will Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor's come back to haunt Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik? Or will Pavlik remain the middleweight superstar- undisputed? Tune In.



SBS: Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor, will show that, he-Taylor is dedicated, hungry, loyal and willing to do what it takes to prove that, he-Taylor will pull it off, this out weighs Pavlik's dynamic pound for pound speed. A stoppage would be sweet, and a reborn superstar "Taylor" would be sweeter. Taylor will win.



Keisha and Jermain Taylor




Keisha and Kelly Pavlik

GOLD-SELLING MIAMI RAPPER PITBULL TO PERFORM LIVE DURING ELITEXC’S SPECTACULAR MMA MAIN EVENT OF LOCAL FAVORITE AND YOUTUBE LEGEND KIMBO SLICE

LOS ANGELES– From the stage to the cage, without missing a beat. Local Favorite and YouTube Legend, Kimbo Slice, Faces Tank Abbott. In Main Event of What Will Be an Exciting Evening of Fights and Music.

Photos: Esther Lin/For ProElite, Inc.

Kimbo Slice


Pitbull, a hugely popular, gold-selling Miami-based hip hop superstar, will perform during EliteXC’s highly anticipated Mixed Martial Arts event in Miami, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 16, at BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.

The main event will feature Miami’s YouTube legend, Kimbo Slice, against MMA pioneer and fellow street brawler, Tank Abbott, of Huntington Beach, Calif., but the opportunity for the hometown fans to witness live the extraordinarily talented Pitbull is worth the price of admission.

Tank Abbott


Since he burst on the national scene as a featured performer on Lil Jon’s double platinum selling album Kings of Crunk in 2002, the phenomenal Pitbull has had three smash albums -- his gold-selling debut M.I.A.M.I (2004), El Mariel (2006) and the recently released The Boatlift (2007).

The Boatlift showcases Pitbull’s lyrical prowess as he crusades through 18 tracks penning clever and captivating rhymes on each song. Pitbull has created an incredibly diverse album ranging from R&B-influenced sounds like the first single "Secret Admirer" featuring Lloyd, to hypnotic club banger “Go Girl” teaming with Trina and Young Boss, and current Afro-Cuban melodic single “The Anthem” with a bombastic chant by Lil Jon. "The Anthem" is No. 15 on the Top 40 Rhythm chart and breaking big on Mainstream Top 40 (Pop) radio.

Cuban-American MC Pitbull surpassed gold status for more than 500,000 copies sold of his debut album M.I.A.M.I.: Money Is A Major Issue in the United States. The accomplishment gave Pitbull the biggest-selling bilingual hip-hop debut since Cypress Hill’s 1991 self-titled debut, and put him in the rare category of Latino rappers who have achieved major success in English-language radio. In addition to being the No. 1 Latin artist on MySpace, Pitbull unleashed his sophomore album El Mariel in late 2006 spawning the No. 1 Latin Rap hit, "Dime".

Tickets for a 10-bout event start at $35 and are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and at the BankUnited Box Office. Doors open at 7 p.m. ET; first fight is at 7:30.

Besides an exciting heavyweight brawl between Kimbo (1-0) and Tank (9-13), a tremendous undercard will include Antonio “Big Foot’’ Silva (9-1), who lives in Coconut Creek, Fla., vs. former UFC champion Ricco Rodriguez (27-7), of Staten Island, N.Y., Australian Kyle “The Ozzie’’ Noke (11-2), the bodyguard of the late Steve “Crocodile Hunter’’ Irwin, vs. Scott “Hands Of Stone’’ Smith (12-5), of Sacramento, Calif., Edson Berto (13-4-1), of Tampa, Fla., vs. Yves Edwards (32-13-1) of Conroe, Tex.



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

For PITBULL interviews, information, and publicity materials please contact:
Joe Wiggins TVT Records Urban Publicity

Pitbull resources
www.myspace.com/pitbull
http://www.pitbullmusic.com/

Contacts: EliteXC (Brener Zwikel & Associates, Inc.)
Dan Clavadetscher / John Beyrooty

FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ IN SOLO BOXEO CO-MAIN THIS FRIDAY NIGHT‏

Chicago bantamweight prospect Francisco "EL NINO AZTECA" Rodriguez will battle Andre Wilson this Friday night, February 15th in the SOLO BOXEO TECATE televised co-main event at Cicero Stadium, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

The Rodriguez/Wilson bout, scheduled for eight rounds is one of the feature attractions at CELEBRATION, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing marking the 10th anniversary of 8 Count Productions.

Tickets for CELEBRATION are available in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions offices at 312-226-5800. Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie, just minutes from the Eisenhower and Stevenson Expressways. Doors for this event will open at 5:30pm with the first bell at 6:30pm.

Said Pesoli, “Francisco has looked terrific recently and has improved a great deal. We’ve had a very good response from his last SOLO BOXEO TECATE appearance (RTD7 over Ivan Rodriguez) as well as his last fight which is up on Youtube (UD8 over Robert Da Luz). We’re expecting great things from Francisco in 2008 and this fight is hopefully another step in that direction.”

The 23 year old Rodriguez, who had a stellar amateur career, has amassed a huge following in Chicago while running his record to 11-1 with seven knockouts.
Said Rodriguez, " This is a great opportunity for me to fight on SOLO BOXEO TECATE. Not only can fans in Chicago watch me in person but so can fight fans in many countries who get the broadcast. I've prepared well for this fight and I'm looking forward to Friday night."

Wilson, a native of St. Joseph, Missouri, brings a record of 9-1 with eight knockouts into battle with Rodriguez. He is coming off a first round knockout of Aaron Sannipoli on May 30, 2007 in Kansas City.

Wilson’s only loss was a much disputed four round majority decision to Shimon Bain on April 14, 2007 in Nassau, Bahamas, which most ringside observers felt was unfairly given to the hometown favorite.

CELEBRATION, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing, presented by 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated is headlined by an outstanding battle between junior welterweight prospects Mike Alvarado and Jesus “CHUY” Rodriguez.

As part of the CELEBRATION event, Rocky Martinez and Mike "FLY" Garcia will be inducted into the 8 Count Productions Hall of Fame.

The full fight card for CELEBRATION is;

Mike Alvarado vs. Jesus Rodriguez, ten rounds, junior welterweights
Francisco Rodriguez vs. Andre Wilson, eight rounds, bantamweights
Andrzej Fonfara vs. Francisco Rincon, six rounds, junior middleweights
Freddie Cuevas vs. Luis Hodge, six rounds, middleweights
Ivan Popoca vs. Guadalupe Diaz, four rounds, junior welterweights

The open to the public weigh-in will be held at 7pm on Thursday, February 14th at Club Aquarius, 2459 N. Pulaski on the Northwest side of Chicago.

Along with Chicago’s 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, CELEBRATION is presented by TCF Bank, Tecate Beer and AeroMexico, Mexico’s premier airline travel headquarters. The SOLO BOXEO TECATE broadcast will be viewed in 42 US markets and 70 foreign countries.

The Master of Ceremonies for CELEBRATION will be Lupe Contreras, the internationally recognized voice of Latino boxing.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart and poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit http://www.8countproductions.com/ and http://www.jabbboxinggym.com/

For more information on Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, please visit.
http://www.toprank.com/

CREATING CONTENDERS SINCE 1998

Bernie Bahrmasel
Publicist/8 Count Productions

Eddie Goldman On Joey Reynolds Show

Eddie Goldman On Joey Reynolds Show
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-02-14T13_33_40-08_00
Eddie Goldman of No Holds Barred (http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/) and SecondsOut Radio (http://secondsout.com/radio) was on the nationally-syndicated "Joey Reynolds Show" early Thursday morning, Feb. 14. Eddie is the boxing correspondent for this show. Along with guest John "Cha Cha" Ciarcia (http://www.chachajohn.com/), the noted radio host, restaurateur, actor, producer, and former boxing promoter, Joey and Eddie had a spirited and humorous discussion about the woes of boxing, Wladimir Klitschko, and the continuing mess regarding the distribution of media credentials for boxing events. Also announced was the relaunch of The Boxing Standard (http://boxingstandard.blogspot.com/).
The "Joey Reynolds Show" is a national radio broadcast in New York on WOR 710 AM and on 100 other stations via the WOR Network. The show airs live beginning at midnight EST and runs to 5 AM EST.
For more information on the "Joey Reynolds Show," go to http://wor710.com/pages/46370.php?contentType=4&contentId=157588.
For more information on show producer Myra Chanin, go to http://motherwonderful.com/.
No Holds Barred blog http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/
No Holds Barred podcast http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/
No Holds Barred on MySpace.com http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews
Enjoy!

Thanks, Eddie Goldman

KIMBO SLICE; "KIMB0-TANK" HEADLINE STELLAR ELITEXC FIGHT CARD

Fort Lauderdale, Florida- In what will be a thrilling and entertaining heavyweight fight for as long as it lasts, the incredibly popular Pride of Perrine, Fla., Kimbo Slice (1-0), will face hard-hitting Mixed Martial Arts icon, David “Tank’’ Abbott (9-13), of Huntington Beach, Calif., in a must-see showdown this Saturday, Feb. 16, at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami. SHOWTIME will televise five fights including the long-awaited, eagerly anticipated Kimbo-Tank confrontation live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), while six non-televised undercard matches will be streamed live on the leading MMA internet site, ProElite.com

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 former champion 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 Steel’’ Smith (14-4), of Sacramento, Calif., in a terrific scrap 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 fight at 160 pounds.

KIMBO “The only thing I want to do is win, but the main thing is I want to break something along the way – a chin or jaw, rib, arm, some skin, anything.

Photos: Esther Lin/For ProElite, Inc.



“If this turns out to be just a fist-fight, then I am looking forward to it. If it goes on the ground, then I will be definitely looking forward to it.

“I feel great. I haven’t weighed myself in a couple of days but I think I am around 235. I feel calm. I won’t get truly excited until before the fight.

“My beard is not a fashion; it is all about me and what I am. I haven’t trimmed or cut it in six years.

“I feel I have come a long way in a short time in my Street to Elite transition. There is a big difference in just fighting some dude and what goes on in Mixed Martial Arts.



“Like the last time, I look forward to showing more of my overall skills, but we’ll just have to see what happens.

“For sure, though, someone is going down and maybe getting knocked out, and that someone is not going to be me.’’

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; Jon Kirk (10-2), of Houston, vs. Yosmany Cabezas (4-0), of Tampa, Fla., at 185 pounds, and, in a bout just added, Moyses Gabin (1-0), of Miami, vs. Jirka Hlavaty (1-1), of Miami, at 265 pounds.

In addition to the fights being streamed live, fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews on ProElite.com. The 11 contests are scheduled for three, 5-minute rounds. Note: Fighter pages for televised and non-televised bouts are below.

Tickets Remain For Mega-Event This Saturday, Feb. 16, The First Of 11 Terrific MMA Matches start at 7:30. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets for a spectacular 11-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.

Kimbo (http://kimboslice.proelite.com/), Tank (http://tankabbott.proelite.com/),


Silva (http://antoniosilva.proelite.com/), Rodriguez (http://riccorodriguez.proelite.com/), Thompson (http://jamesthompson.proelite.com/), Rogers (http://brettrogers.proelite.com/), Noke (http://kylenoke.proelite.com/), Smith (http://scottsmith.proelite.com/), Berto (http://edsonberto.proelite.com/), Edwards (http://yvesedwards.proelite.com/).

Fighter pages (non-televised bouts): Gabin (http://moysesgabin.proelite.com/), Hlavaty (http://jirkahlavaty.proelite.com/), 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/).

Free Film Festival: From Black Liberation to HipHop (2/16)

*From Black Liberation to Hip-Hop: * A Film Festival Celebrating the Past, Moving Forward to the Future You are invited to a free film festival that explores the culture and politics of the Black Liberation Movement and the Hip-Hop Generation. View films and participate in unique inter-generational discussion with panelists from both the Civil Rights and Hip-Hop Generations.

See the long anticipated movie on George Jackson: Black August. Also, View & Discuss Screenings of: Letter to the President, HipHop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes, The Spook Who Sat By the Door, Eyes of the Rainbowand many more. When: Saturday, Feburary 16th - Noon to 10pm Where: COLUMBIA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, 511 DODGE HALL, BET 116TH & B'WAY Directions: Take the 1/9 train to 116th StreetVoicemail & Text: 347.262-6385 & 917.224.3493 eMail: nyhiphop3000@yahoo.com Sponsored by FOCUS-Filmmakers of Color United in Spirit-Columbia University, School ofthe Arts, The Safiya Bukhari- Albert Nuh Washington Foundation & The National Hip-Hop Political Convention (NY)

<http://www.columbia.edu/> For More Info: http://www.safiyanuhfoundation.org/ or http://www.myspace.com/safiyanuh http://www.nhhpc.org/ or http://www.myspace.com/hiphopconvention_nyloc

Schedule noon- Hip Hop Colony (rt 93 min) 2:00 - Eyes of the Rainbow ( 47 min) 4:00- Letter to the President [90 mins] 6:00- The Spook Who Sat By the Door( 90 min) RECEPTION 7:30-Black August (100 min) Some Film Descriptions:

*FEATURE FILMS (Partial Listing)

* * * *The Spook Who Sat By The Door Sam Greenlee <http://movies.nytimes.com/person/183651/Sam-Greenlee>'s cultfavorite novel of political unrest was brought to the screen in this drama,which also earned a small but loyal following. A congressman hoping to attract African-American voters during an election year decides to make political hay by pointing out that the Central Intelligence Agency has no black agents. Bowing to subsequent public pressure, the CIA admits a numberof black applicants to their training program, but they purposefully make the process difficult and unpleasant enough to win now out nearly all the African-American students. Dan Freeman (Lawrence Cook), a strong,intelligent but soft-spoken man, some how makes it through the gauntlet to become the black CIA agent; however, rather than being given important field assignments, Freeman is put in charge of the agency's copying machines andgives tours of their facilities to give the offices a progressive front for visitors. After a few years, Freeman leaves the agency to move back to his hometown of Chicago and do work with the community...at least that's what he tells his superiors. In fact, Freeman has used his time at the CIA collecting information on how to launch a political revolution, and not long after he arrives in the Windy City, he begins recruiting an army of leftist radicals and black nationalists fed up with the system. With their help,Freeman launches the first stage of an armed revolt with the stated goal of bringing the white-dominated power structure to its knees.

* * *Black August The George Jackson story has now been developed into a movie entitled Black August. It depicts the last 14 months of George Jackson's existence under the subjective and objective conditions of captivity. Sentenced to one year-to-life at age 18, for a $70 gas station robbery in 1960, George Jackson would spend the next 11 years in California's industrial prison complex, 7 years of which were in solitary confinement. The movie encompasses the Soledad Brothers case in which George Jackson, Fleeta Drumgo, and John Clucheette are accused of murdering a Soledad prison guard,in retaliation for the killing of three Black inmates involved in a fight with White inmates on an exercise yard in Soledad State Prison, Soledad, California. The movie also reflects on the general prison movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the role the Black Panther Party would play in organizing both the outside communities in America as well as their influence on prisoners across the country. George Jackson would be moved and inspired as a result of the Panther Party activities. As a prison organizer, George was recruited by Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton to head the Peoples Army, a euphemism which would become synonymous with the name Black Guerrilla Family. With the history of slavery and repression in this country as a backdrop, every whip lash, every lynching, every humiliation finds its ultimate reaction in the events chronicled in the movie Black August.

*Hip-Hop Colony Kenyan Hip-Hop was initially regarded as a passing fad. Hip-Hop was eagerly dismissed by the media outlets and the general public during it's shallow inception in the early ninety's. Hip-Hop today has firmly gained its roots in Kenya, while fusing its traditional music and drawing major influence from America. This fusion has led to a new entity-the birth of Genge Music. Filming the documentary in Kenya, producer/Director Michael Wanguhu, enjoyed collaborative efforts from top-notch Kenyan producers, and reigning Hip-Hop acts past and present, seeking to expose a culture they have whole-heartedly embraced and it is also punctuated by footage of engaging live concert events.

*HIP HOP COLONY *richly ties key elements of Hip-Hop, flexibility and talent which continue to increase its dominance around the World one colony at a time.

*HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes*, a riveting documentary that tackle sissues of masculinity, sexism, violence and homophobia in today's hip-hop culture. Sparking dialogue on hip-hop and its declarations on gender, HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes provides thoughtful insight from intelligent, divergent voices including rap artists, industry executives, rap fans and social critics from inside and outside the hip-hop generation. The film includes interviews with famous rappers such as Mos Def, Fat Joe, Chuck D and Jadakiss and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons; along with commentary from Michael Eric Dyson, Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Kevin Powell and Sarah Jones and interviews with young women at Spelman College, a historically black school and one of the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. The film also explores such pressing issues as women and violence in rap music, representations of man hood in hip-hop culture, whattoday's rap lyrics reveal to their listeners and homoeroticism in hip-hop. A "loving critique" from a self-proclaimed "hip-hop head," HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes discloses the complex intersection of culture, commerce and gender through on-the-street interviews with aspiring rappers and fans at hip-hop events throughout the country.

* * *Letter To The President: Hip-Hop and Politics* The Streets Get Political While the glamorous 1980's continued for much of America, rappers made it a point to tell the world there was another sectionof the country that wasn't invited to the party. As the urban landscapebecame the point of no return - Hip Hop emerged as a voice for thepeople.... This film takes an unprecedented look at a variety of issuesdirectly affecting the urban community - including the 'crack' conspiracy, censorship, racial profiling, police brutality, poverty, prison for profit,and the NYPD Hip Hop Task Force. If you think politics had nothing to do with Hip Hop, think again! "Letter to the President" explores this rebel music with a cause.... --

Orlando GreenNational Hip Hop Political Convention

Tank Abbott‏

Photos: TOM CASINO/EliteXC


Tank Abbott works out at the Paradise Gym in Coral Gables, Fla., Wednesday night as he winds down preparation for his gigantic, long-awaited, must-see fight against Kimbo Slice Saturday at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.

Tickets for a spectacular 11-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. ET; the first fight is 7:30.

SHOWTIME will televise five fights including the eagerly anticipated Kimbo-Tank confrontation live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), while six non-televised undercard matches will be streamed live on the leading MMA internet site, ProElite.com