Australian boxing has a long and rich history on the world stage, none-more-so than in the middleweight division.Champions of the past include the legendary Les Darcy, Dave Sands and Tony Mundine, however, as great as these fighters were, no Australian has ever won the World Middleweight Title – fast forward to 2008 and one young Aussie fighter has the chance create history – his name?
Jamie “Mr Business” Pittman.
On the 5th April in Dusseldorf, Germany, Jamie “Mr Business” Pittman challenges WBA World Middleweight Champion, Felix Sturm of Germany.
On the line will be a chance at boxing immortality and the ‘riches’ that go along with the ultimate success.
The 29-year-old Sturm comes to the ring as a three-time world title winner. As an amateur he represented Germany at the 2000 Sydney Olympics before turning pro and winning the WBO Middleweight title in 2003. Sturm lost the belt in a hotly disputed bout against all time great Oscar De La Hoya in the US.
Sturm then fought for and won the coveted WBA World Middleweight Title before losing the belt to Spaniard Javier Castillejo in 2006 – Sturm then showed his class by avenging this defeat against Castillejo in a rematch in April 2007 to reclaim the WBA World Title. Sturm’s last bout against the American Randy Griffin in October 2007 ended in a drawn contest, with the Germans record now standing at 31 fights, 28 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw with 12 KO’s.
In short, the German won't be giving away title without one heck of a fight – however, the Australian camp is confident that Pittman can cause an upset and write his name into the boxing history books.
A 2004 Athens Olympian and captain of the Australian boxing squad, Pittman’s amateur credentials are impressive winning the NSW title 8 times, 5 Australian titles and the Oceania championships on 3 occasions. He has represented Australia in over 40 countries around the world, amassing an amateur record of 137 fights for 111 wins. “Mr Business” now brings a perfect professional record into the world championship bout with 16 fights, 16 wins with 7 KO’s. Along the way he was won the Australian Super Middleweight title, WBF World Super Middleweight title, PABA Middleweight title, WBO Asia Pacific Middleweight title and the WBA Pan African title – with the Southern Hemisphere now successfully conquered “Mr Business” has his sights now set on world boxing domination.
The bout on the 5th April will be held at the Burg-Waechter Castello Stadium in Dusseldorf, Germany with a crowd of over 10,000 fans to be on hand to cheer on the German World Champion, however, Pittman will have plenty of Australian support amongst the pro-Sturm crowd with a tour group of around 100 down under fight fans taking the long flight to Europe to cheer on “Mr Business”.
To find out more on Jamie “Mr Business” Pittman log onto http://www.jamiepittman.com/
Thank you for your continued support.
For further information contact Sheldon Kidd of DSP Events on 0428 447 191
DSP EVENTS
mycoast@terrigal.net.au
Friday, March 14, 2008
MATYUSHENKO, HIERON, FABIANO TO DEFEND TITLES AS INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE RETURNS TO NEW JERSEY ON APRIL 4 Miletich Fighting Systems
MATYUSHENKO, HIERON, FABIANO TO DEFEND TITLES AS INTERNATIONAL FIGHT LEAGUE RETURNS TO NEW JERSEY ON APRIL 4 Miletich Fighting Systems, American Top Team and Renzo Gracie Academy, Midwest Combat Battle In Camp Matchups At Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J. 
NEW YORK– IFL titleholders Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko (Belarus), Jay “The Thorobred” Hieron (Freeport, N.Y./Las Vegas) and Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) will defend their belts when the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) returns to the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., with a nine-bout card on Friday, April 4. In addition to the three Championship bouts, competition between camps will feature athletes from Renzo Gracie Academy.
Renzo Gracie
Midwest Combat, Miletich Fighting Systems, and American Top Team. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, Feb. 25, and will be available at the IZOD Center Box Office (located at the Meadowlands), www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (201) 507-8900. Of particular interest is the addition of Florida-based American Top Team, which is “outside” of the core IFL camps to compete under the new IFL format which encourages challenges from the top MMA camps across the world. Matyushenko, who defected to the U.S. while a member of the Belarus national wrestling team in the early 1990’s, was the IFL’s first individual champion, capping an unbeaten 2007 by winning the light heavyweight title by defeating Alex Schoenauer last November in Chicago. On April 4.
Jamal “The Suit” Patterson
Matyushenko will battle Jamal “The Suit” Patterson (Jersey City, N.J.), a Colgate Univ. graduate who now serves as regional sales manager for an orthodontics company in addition to his MMA career. Hieron, a Long Island native who will be fighting in front of a decidedly hometown crowd, knocked out Delson “Pe de Chumbo” Heleno (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in Connecticut in December to claim the welterweight crown. His opponent in New Jersey will be Mark Miller (Chicago), a former machine gunner in the U.S. Marines who was one of the big surprises at 170-lbs. last year in the IFL. Fabiano is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert who used that skill to record five submissions, four of them in the first round, in a perfect 2007, culminating in a win over LC Davis (Kansas City, Mo.) in the featherweight championship in December. He takes on Shad Lierley (Seattle), a former collegiate conference wrestling champion at New York University who moves to 145-lbs. after impressing with two victories and a well-documented thrilling battle with Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (London, Ontario) last year.
Bas Rutten, IFL Vice President talks with Eddie Goldman.
“I like the local feel of this card,” said Bas Rutten, IFL Vice President, Fighter Operations. “In addition to three outstanding championship matchups, featuring fighters from New York and New Jersey, you have Renzo Gracie’s camp, which was the champion last year, Midwest Combat, which features our top fighters from the Chicago area, and great battles with the Miletich camp and American Top Team, which we are very excited to have on board.” Among the intriguing matchups in the Miletich-ATT pairing are those between welterweights Rory Markham (Chicago) and Emyr Bussade (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and light heavyweights Mike Ciesnolevicz (Williamstown, Pa.) and Lew Polley (Coconut Creek, Fla.). L.C. Davis will also compete against a yet-to-be-determined featherweight opponent. The Gracie-Midwest bouts include a rematch of last year’s exciting Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) vs. Bart “Bartimus” Palaszewski (Wonderlake, Ill.) matchup. Delson Heleno will also fight at 170 lbs; his opponent is TBD. Outside of the camp matchups, Chris Horodecki will battle a yet unnamed lightweight for a planned minimum nine-bout card. IFL East Rutherford, N.J.Friday, April 4, 2008(order TBD) Additional Bouts155 lbs.: Chris Horodecki (London, Ontario) (7-1 IFL, 11-1 overall MMA) vs. TBD American Top Team vs. Miletich Fighting Systems145 lbs.: TBD vs. LC Davis (Kansas City, Mo.) (2-0, 9-1)170 lbs.: Emyr Bussade (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (0-0, 10-5) vs. Rory Markham (Chicago) (6-2, 12-3)205 lbs.: Lew Polley (Coconut Creek, Fla.) (0-0, 6-0) vs. Mike Ciesnolevicz (Williamstown, Pa.) (5-3, 13-3) Midwest Combat vs. Renzo Gracie Academy155 lbs.: Bart Palaszewski (Wonderlake, Ill.) (8-3, 29-10) vs. Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) (3-0, 9-2)170 lbs.: TBD vs. Delson Heleno (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (6-3, 13-4)*205 lbs.: **Vladimir Matyushenko (Belarus) (5-0, 20-3) vs. Jamal Patterson (Jersey City, N.J.) (4-1, 4-1) Additional Championship Bouts*170 lbs.: **Jay Hieron (Freeport, N.Y.) (6-2, 14-4) vs. Mark Miller (Chicago) (2-1, 8-2)*145 lbs.: **Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (5-0, 9-1) vs. Shad Lierley (Seattle) (2-1, 2-1) *Championship Bout**Current Title holder 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. ---"You got your passion, you got your prideBut don't you know only fools are satisfied?Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true When will you realize Vienna waits for you"-- Billy Joel, 'Vienna,' 1977
NEW YORK– IFL titleholders Vladimir “The Janitor” Matyushenko (Belarus), Jay “The Thorobred” Hieron (Freeport, N.Y./Las Vegas) and Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) will defend their belts when the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) returns to the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., with a nine-bout card on Friday, April 4. In addition to the three Championship bouts, competition between camps will feature athletes from Renzo Gracie Academy.
Renzo Gracie
Midwest Combat, Miletich Fighting Systems, and American Top Team. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, Feb. 25, and will be available at the IZOD Center Box Office (located at the Meadowlands), www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (201) 507-8900. Of particular interest is the addition of Florida-based American Top Team, which is “outside” of the core IFL camps to compete under the new IFL format which encourages challenges from the top MMA camps across the world. Matyushenko, who defected to the U.S. while a member of the Belarus national wrestling team in the early 1990’s, was the IFL’s first individual champion, capping an unbeaten 2007 by winning the light heavyweight title by defeating Alex Schoenauer last November in Chicago. On April 4.
Jamal “The Suit” Patterson
Matyushenko will battle Jamal “The Suit” Patterson (Jersey City, N.J.), a Colgate Univ. graduate who now serves as regional sales manager for an orthodontics company in addition to his MMA career. Hieron, a Long Island native who will be fighting in front of a decidedly hometown crowd, knocked out Delson “Pe de Chumbo” Heleno (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in Connecticut in December to claim the welterweight crown. His opponent in New Jersey will be Mark Miller (Chicago), a former machine gunner in the U.S. Marines who was one of the big surprises at 170-lbs. last year in the IFL. Fabiano is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert who used that skill to record five submissions, four of them in the first round, in a perfect 2007, culminating in a win over LC Davis (Kansas City, Mo.) in the featherweight championship in December. He takes on Shad Lierley (Seattle), a former collegiate conference wrestling champion at New York University who moves to 145-lbs. after impressing with two victories and a well-documented thrilling battle with Chris “The Polish Hammer” Horodecki (London, Ontario) last year.
Bas Rutten, IFL Vice President talks with Eddie Goldman.
“I like the local feel of this card,” said Bas Rutten, IFL Vice President, Fighter Operations. “In addition to three outstanding championship matchups, featuring fighters from New York and New Jersey, you have Renzo Gracie’s camp, which was the champion last year, Midwest Combat, which features our top fighters from the Chicago area, and great battles with the Miletich camp and American Top Team, which we are very excited to have on board.” Among the intriguing matchups in the Miletich-ATT pairing are those between welterweights Rory Markham (Chicago) and Emyr Bussade (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and light heavyweights Mike Ciesnolevicz (Williamstown, Pa.) and Lew Polley (Coconut Creek, Fla.). L.C. Davis will also compete against a yet-to-be-determined featherweight opponent. The Gracie-Midwest bouts include a rematch of last year’s exciting Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) vs. Bart “Bartimus” Palaszewski (Wonderlake, Ill.) matchup. Delson Heleno will also fight at 170 lbs; his opponent is TBD. Outside of the camp matchups, Chris Horodecki will battle a yet unnamed lightweight for a planned minimum nine-bout card. IFL East Rutherford, N.J.Friday, April 4, 2008(order TBD) Additional Bouts155 lbs.: Chris Horodecki (London, Ontario) (7-1 IFL, 11-1 overall MMA) vs. TBD American Top Team vs. Miletich Fighting Systems145 lbs.: TBD vs. LC Davis (Kansas City, Mo.) (2-0, 9-1)170 lbs.: Emyr Bussade (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (0-0, 10-5) vs. Rory Markham (Chicago) (6-2, 12-3)205 lbs.: Lew Polley (Coconut Creek, Fla.) (0-0, 6-0) vs. Mike Ciesnolevicz (Williamstown, Pa.) (5-3, 13-3) Midwest Combat vs. Renzo Gracie Academy155 lbs.: Bart Palaszewski (Wonderlake, Ill.) (8-3, 29-10) vs. Deividas Taurosevicius (Lithuania) (3-0, 9-2)170 lbs.: TBD vs. Delson Heleno (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (6-3, 13-4)*205 lbs.: **Vladimir Matyushenko (Belarus) (5-0, 20-3) vs. Jamal Patterson (Jersey City, N.J.) (4-1, 4-1) Additional Championship Bouts*170 lbs.: **Jay Hieron (Freeport, N.Y.) (6-2, 14-4) vs. Mark Miller (Chicago) (2-1, 8-2)*145 lbs.: **Wagnney Fabiano (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) (5-0, 9-1) vs. Shad Lierley (Seattle) (2-1, 2-1) *Championship Bout**Current Title holder 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. ---"You got your passion, you got your prideBut don't you know only fools are satisfied?Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true When will you realize Vienna waits for you"-- Billy Joel, 'Vienna,' 1977
Hannah Rivera and Friends 10, 000 miles, with Christina Santanmaria, Sophi Russek and Charles Johnson and special guest Andrea Scannell, March 30th
Hannah Rivera and Friends 10, 000 miles, with Christina Santanmaria, Sophi Russek and Charles Johnson and special guest Andrea Scannell, 3 PM Sunday March 30th, at the Reprise Room, in New York City. 
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Playhouse Saturdays at Strata; Hip-Hop, Rock, House, Old School, Etc. as well as a Latin Room
RSVP: SATURDAYS@ERICANDLUCK.COM
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Macklin and Campas Ready for War; Put the house on it – the next Ladbrokes.com Fight Night, Candidate for the 2008 “Fight of the Year”
Put the house on it – the next Ladbrokes.com Fight Night looks set to be a sure fire candidate for the 2008 “Fight of the Year” with Irish middleweight champ Matthew Macklin set to do battle with former World Champion Yori Boy Campas at the National Stadium, Dublin on March 22nd.
In 2006 both men were involved in two of the best, if not the best fights of that year – and on the same night. The 29th of September, 2006 is a date neither Macklin or Campas (or indeed any boxing fan) will forget in a hurry.
In Manchester Macklin lost a brave bid for the British light middleweight title against Jamie Moore after 10 torrid rounds of phone booth warfare while just a few hours later on the other side of the Atlantic Campas gave John Duddy the fright of his life losing on a close decision after 12 back and forth rounds of action.
For Macklin this fight represents a major step up in class having moved up a weight in 2007 and successfully recovered from the Moore loss with 3 straight stoppage victories. Campas has shared the ring with some of the modern greats including Oscar De La Hoya and Felix “Tito” Trinidad.
Incredibly his fight with Macklin will be his 103rd outing as a professional with the Mexican warrior having turned pro at the age of 15. In his 20 year pro career he’s compiled an amazing record of 91 wins (73 of them by KO) and just 11 defeats and picked up the World light middleweight title along the way.
Now 36 Campas is determined to prove that he still belongs at the highest level but Macklin who will have new trainer and former two weight world champ Buddy McGirt in his corner in Dublin believes that an impressive win will bring his title ambitions into sharper focus.
“It’s a real step up in class for me and just what I need,” said the Birmingham based Irishman. “Campas is a very seasoned pro, you only need to look at the names on his record to see that.”
It will be the Arizona based Mexican’s second successive trip to Europe and having been beaten by former European champion and world rated Amin Asikainen in Helsinki he’ll be hoping for better luck in Dublin. Macklin has already studied that bout and believes that the seventh round defeat for Campas was not a true reflection of the fight.
“I thought the stoppage was very premature. Campas was still on his feet and firing back and he looked disgusted that it had been stopped. Up until then the last guy to legitimately stop him was Oscar De La Hoya and there was certainly no disgrace in that.
“I won’t really be looking to stop him because when you look for the stoppage it never comes. You have to be patient and anyway I want to get back to boxing a bit more as that side of things was neglected a bit when I was with Billy Graham. People forget that I was a very good amateur boxer and I need to get back to using those boxing skills.
“To be honest it will be difficult to do that with this fight because with the style Campas fights there’s nearly always fireworks and if it does become that kind of fight I won’t be found wanting.”
Macklin flies out to McGirt’s gym in Vero Beach, Florida this weekend to begin a month long training camp in the Sunshine State. “Part of the reasoning behind linking up with Buddy was to get me boxing more again,” explained Macklin.
“Obviously Buddy was a tremendous fighter himself and I’ve been really impressed with him as a trainer. You only have to look at how he turned Arturo Gatti from a brawler to a boxer to see the kind of influence he can have on a fighter so I’ll be hoping for a similar transformation.”
McGirt says he’s excited about working with Macklin. “I’m really looking forward to working with Matthew. I’m currently working with Paul Smith who I took on after working with him on the Contender T.V. series. He trained and sparred with Matthew when they were both in Billy Graham’s gym and Paul highly recommended Matthew to me so I’m excited about it.
“I know all about Campas, he’s a tough, tough veteran who’s been in with everybody and he is still a dangerous guy so it’s a good challenge for Matthew.”
Campas says he won’t be drawn into any trash talking or bold predictions ahead of the fight but promised, “I can only tell the people that they will see a real fight, I can guarantee that.”
His manager Joe Diaz added, “Yori is an incredible guy. He turned pro when he was just 15 and 20 years later he’s still competing at the highest level. He’s ageless and if people think he’s slipping because he got stopped by Asikainen they’re very much mistaken. The fight’s available to watch on YouTube for all to see and anyone can see that It should never have been stopped.
“Yori Boy wasn’t hurt, what happened was that the sponsors logo on the ring came loose and Yori’s feet got caught up in it. He got tagged with a few shots as he was trying to untangle himself and then the referee jumped in and stopped it. It was a crazy decision.
“I don’t make any excuses but in this case people can make their own minds up. After the fight Yori Boy didn’t even have a bruise but the other guy had 28 stitches over his eye and a broken hand. Anyway that’s behind us now. You have to move on and we plan on doing that in Dublin.”
The undercard for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night is headed by an eagerly anticipated Irish Light Welterweight title rematch between Cavan’s Andrew Murray and Belfast’s James Gorman. The two first met last December at the Kings Hall in Belfast with Murray winning on a technical decision after an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round left Murray unable to continue.
Under Boxing Union of Ireland rules the fight went to the referee’s scorecard and Murray kept his unbeaten record intact courtesy of the early lead he had taken. However even the new champion admitted that the outcome was unsatisfactory and both men are keen to do it all over again and settle affairs more conclusively.
The card will also feature Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike “The Rebel” Perez. Despite only having arrived in his adopted hometown of Cork in mid January the 22-year-old former world Amateur Champion has already racked up two quick fire wins in the pro ranks.
Perez’s manager Gary Hyde believes that with his amateur pedigree the power punching Cuban will bring the world heavyweight title back to Cork.
Another unbeaten heavyweight on the card is unbeaten Belfast banger Martin Rogan. The former Irish Amateur Champion is closing in on a shot at the Irish Professional heavyweight title and will have his first scheduled 8 round contest on next months card.
Irish professional’s Aidan Mooney and Leon Senior will also be in action.
Tickets for the Ladrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 go on sale from 9am tomorrow morning (Friday, February 15th) from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.
In 2006 both men were involved in two of the best, if not the best fights of that year – and on the same night. The 29th of September, 2006 is a date neither Macklin or Campas (or indeed any boxing fan) will forget in a hurry.
In Manchester Macklin lost a brave bid for the British light middleweight title against Jamie Moore after 10 torrid rounds of phone booth warfare while just a few hours later on the other side of the Atlantic Campas gave John Duddy the fright of his life losing on a close decision after 12 back and forth rounds of action.
For Macklin this fight represents a major step up in class having moved up a weight in 2007 and successfully recovered from the Moore loss with 3 straight stoppage victories. Campas has shared the ring with some of the modern greats including Oscar De La Hoya and Felix “Tito” Trinidad.
Incredibly his fight with Macklin will be his 103rd outing as a professional with the Mexican warrior having turned pro at the age of 15. In his 20 year pro career he’s compiled an amazing record of 91 wins (73 of them by KO) and just 11 defeats and picked up the World light middleweight title along the way.
Now 36 Campas is determined to prove that he still belongs at the highest level but Macklin who will have new trainer and former two weight world champ Buddy McGirt in his corner in Dublin believes that an impressive win will bring his title ambitions into sharper focus.
“It’s a real step up in class for me and just what I need,” said the Birmingham based Irishman. “Campas is a very seasoned pro, you only need to look at the names on his record to see that.”
It will be the Arizona based Mexican’s second successive trip to Europe and having been beaten by former European champion and world rated Amin Asikainen in Helsinki he’ll be hoping for better luck in Dublin. Macklin has already studied that bout and believes that the seventh round defeat for Campas was not a true reflection of the fight.
“I thought the stoppage was very premature. Campas was still on his feet and firing back and he looked disgusted that it had been stopped. Up until then the last guy to legitimately stop him was Oscar De La Hoya and there was certainly no disgrace in that.
“I won’t really be looking to stop him because when you look for the stoppage it never comes. You have to be patient and anyway I want to get back to boxing a bit more as that side of things was neglected a bit when I was with Billy Graham. People forget that I was a very good amateur boxer and I need to get back to using those boxing skills.
“To be honest it will be difficult to do that with this fight because with the style Campas fights there’s nearly always fireworks and if it does become that kind of fight I won’t be found wanting.”
Macklin flies out to McGirt’s gym in Vero Beach, Florida this weekend to begin a month long training camp in the Sunshine State. “Part of the reasoning behind linking up with Buddy was to get me boxing more again,” explained Macklin.
“Obviously Buddy was a tremendous fighter himself and I’ve been really impressed with him as a trainer. You only have to look at how he turned Arturo Gatti from a brawler to a boxer to see the kind of influence he can have on a fighter so I’ll be hoping for a similar transformation.”
McGirt says he’s excited about working with Macklin. “I’m really looking forward to working with Matthew. I’m currently working with Paul Smith who I took on after working with him on the Contender T.V. series. He trained and sparred with Matthew when they were both in Billy Graham’s gym and Paul highly recommended Matthew to me so I’m excited about it.
“I know all about Campas, he’s a tough, tough veteran who’s been in with everybody and he is still a dangerous guy so it’s a good challenge for Matthew.”
Campas says he won’t be drawn into any trash talking or bold predictions ahead of the fight but promised, “I can only tell the people that they will see a real fight, I can guarantee that.”
His manager Joe Diaz added, “Yori is an incredible guy. He turned pro when he was just 15 and 20 years later he’s still competing at the highest level. He’s ageless and if people think he’s slipping because he got stopped by Asikainen they’re very much mistaken. The fight’s available to watch on YouTube for all to see and anyone can see that It should never have been stopped.
“Yori Boy wasn’t hurt, what happened was that the sponsors logo on the ring came loose and Yori’s feet got caught up in it. He got tagged with a few shots as he was trying to untangle himself and then the referee jumped in and stopped it. It was a crazy decision.
“I don’t make any excuses but in this case people can make their own minds up. After the fight Yori Boy didn’t even have a bruise but the other guy had 28 stitches over his eye and a broken hand. Anyway that’s behind us now. You have to move on and we plan on doing that in Dublin.”
The undercard for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night is headed by an eagerly anticipated Irish Light Welterweight title rematch between Cavan’s Andrew Murray and Belfast’s James Gorman. The two first met last December at the Kings Hall in Belfast with Murray winning on a technical decision after an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round left Murray unable to continue.
Under Boxing Union of Ireland rules the fight went to the referee’s scorecard and Murray kept his unbeaten record intact courtesy of the early lead he had taken. However even the new champion admitted that the outcome was unsatisfactory and both men are keen to do it all over again and settle affairs more conclusively.
The card will also feature Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike “The Rebel” Perez. Despite only having arrived in his adopted hometown of Cork in mid January the 22-year-old former world Amateur Champion has already racked up two quick fire wins in the pro ranks.
Perez’s manager Gary Hyde believes that with his amateur pedigree the power punching Cuban will bring the world heavyweight title back to Cork.
Another unbeaten heavyweight on the card is unbeaten Belfast banger Martin Rogan. The former Irish Amateur Champion is closing in on a shot at the Irish Professional heavyweight title and will have his first scheduled 8 round contest on next months card.
Irish professional’s Aidan Mooney and Leon Senior will also be in action.
Tickets for the Ladrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 go on sale from 9am tomorrow morning (Friday, February 15th) from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.
Thursday at Room Service
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Marquez-Pacquiao II Live on Pay-Per-View Saturday, 3/15
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ vs. MANNY PACQUIAO II
Check out all the articles, photos and more from fight week in Vegas as we build up to the epic rematch between two of boxing's best fighters.
Also, watch the official weigh-in live on HBO.com, today at 5:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT.
And don't miss Marquez vs. Pacquiao II, this Saturday night on Pay-Per-View at 9PM ET/6 PM PT.
COUNTDOWN TO MARQUEZ-PACQUIAO II & CLASSIC REPLAYS
Another installment in the classic Countdown series, Countdown To Marquez-Pacquiao II features profiles, analysis and forecasts for the second battle.
Plus, watch Pacquiao vs. Marquez I: Pacquiao knocked Marquez down three times in the first round, Marquez orchestrated one of the most impressive comebacks in boxing history, ending the bout in a draw. Check the site for all the ways you can watch, HBO.com!
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Check out all the articles, photos and more from fight week in Vegas as we build up to the epic rematch between two of boxing's best fighters.
Also, watch the official weigh-in live on HBO.com, today at 5:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT.
And don't miss Marquez vs. Pacquiao II, this Saturday night on Pay-Per-View at 9PM ET/6 PM PT.
COUNTDOWN TO MARQUEZ-PACQUIAO II & CLASSIC REPLAYS
Another installment in the classic Countdown series, Countdown To Marquez-Pacquiao II features profiles, analysis and forecasts for the second battle.
Plus, watch Pacquiao vs. Marquez I: Pacquiao knocked Marquez down three times in the first round, Marquez orchestrated one of the most impressive comebacks in boxing history, ending the bout in a draw. Check the site for all the ways you can watch, HBO.com!
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
SecondsOut Live Broadcast March 14 - Markus Beyer v Murat Mahmudov
Three Time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Markus Beyer v Murat Mahmudov
plus undercard action
Three-time WBC super middleweight champion Markus Beyer scaled in at 170 lbs, while his opponent Murat Mahmudov weighed 167.5 lbs for tonights Live SecondsOut TV broadcast.
Mahmudov showed up with a full beard but the German Boxing Commission allowed the practising Muslim to fight with the full beard, which is usually prohibited due to higher risk of cuts.
Cuban Olympic gold medallist Odlanier Solis, who is looking to score his eighth win in as many fights,scaled 246 lbs. which is his best weight since turning pro one year ago. Solis' opponent Cisse Salif weighed in at 265 lbs.
WBC Mediterranean heavyweight champion Sinan Samil Sam,29-4-0-(15)., 257 lbs. defends his title against Ratko Draskovic,27-6-2-(15), 240 lbs from Montenegro.
The other weights and undercard:
Konstantin Airich (8-0-0, 8 k.o.) 227.5 vs. Alex Mazikin (12-2-0, 3 k.o.) 253.5
Selcuk Aydin (13-0-0, 12 k.o.) 147 vs. Farkhad Bakirov (24-2-2, 14 k.o.) 149
Edmund Gerber (3-0-0, 1 k.o.) 235.5 vs. Ergin Solmaz (3-17-2, 2 k.o.) 255
Kai Kurzawa (22-3-0, 15 k.o.) 196 vs. Armin Dollinger (18-0-0, 7 k.o.) 182
Michael Schubov (11-2-0, 4 k.o.) 146.5 vs. Alexander Lykov (1-3-1) 147
Please note geo-restrictions apply.
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
plus undercard action
Three-time WBC super middleweight champion Markus Beyer scaled in at 170 lbs, while his opponent Murat Mahmudov weighed 167.5 lbs for tonights Live SecondsOut TV broadcast.
Mahmudov showed up with a full beard but the German Boxing Commission allowed the practising Muslim to fight with the full beard, which is usually prohibited due to higher risk of cuts.
Cuban Olympic gold medallist Odlanier Solis, who is looking to score his eighth win in as many fights,scaled 246 lbs. which is his best weight since turning pro one year ago. Solis' opponent Cisse Salif weighed in at 265 lbs.
WBC Mediterranean heavyweight champion Sinan Samil Sam,29-4-0-(15)., 257 lbs. defends his title against Ratko Draskovic,27-6-2-(15), 240 lbs from Montenegro.
The other weights and undercard:
Konstantin Airich (8-0-0, 8 k.o.) 227.5 vs. Alex Mazikin (12-2-0, 3 k.o.) 253.5
Selcuk Aydin (13-0-0, 12 k.o.) 147 vs. Farkhad Bakirov (24-2-2, 14 k.o.) 149
Edmund Gerber (3-0-0, 1 k.o.) 235.5 vs. Ergin Solmaz (3-17-2, 2 k.o.) 255
Kai Kurzawa (22-3-0, 15 k.o.) 196 vs. Armin Dollinger (18-0-0, 7 k.o.) 182
Michael Schubov (11-2-0, 4 k.o.) 146.5 vs. Alexander Lykov (1-3-1) 147
Please note geo-restrictions apply.
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.Presents; “RUMBLE AT THE RIVER” Peter Manfredo, Jr. and Shane Benfield, Friday, March 14, 2008
Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.Presents; “RUMBLE AT THE RIVER” Peter Manfredo, Jr. and Shane Benfield, Friday, March 14, 2008 at the Twin River Events Center, Lincoln, RI. Matchmaker: Ted Panagiotis.
Tickets: All seats have been sold. A limited amount of $25.00 standing room only tickets have been released and are available at the Twin River box office.
Information: Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET. (Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Rumble at the River.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
WEIGHTS FROM TWIN RIVER
PETER MANFREDO, JR. 170 ¼ LBS.
SHANE BENFIELD 169 ¾ LBS.
Peter Manfredo, Jr. and Shane Benfield
(Photo Credit: Emily Harney)
JAIME CLAMPITT 135 LBS.
BELINDA LARACUENTE 133 ¾ LBS.
(IWBF Lightweight Championship)
JOEY SPINA 178 LBS.
HENRY MAYES 179 LBS.
CHRIS McINERNEY 197 LBS.
TIM FLAMOS 194 LBS.
JOEY McCREEDY 178 LBS.
ZEFERINO ALABINO 178 LBS.
ANDRE NEVSKY 164 LBS.
ERIC PINARRETA 164 LBS.
ISANDER BEAUCHAMP 113 ¾ LBS.
GABRIEL CRUZ 112 LBS.
DIEGO PEREIRA 139 LBS.
FELIX FERNANDES 139 LBS.
Bob Trieger; Full Court Press
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak; Unbeaten Pawel Wolak coming right back Sat. March 15 at Madison Square Garden in NYC; Who Is Pawel Wolak..road to success
Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak, career path recap of 2007
NEW YORK– New IBA America’s middleweight champion Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak, fresh off of his fourth-round TKO of “Flawless” Dan Wallace (9-2, 3 KOs) last Friday night in Long Island, will come right back November 15th headlining a show promoted by Bob Duffy’s Ring Promotions at Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan.
The New York State junior middleweight champion Wolak (17-0, 12 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, is rated No. 11 by both the NABF and NABO. The graduate of Berkley College in Manhattan has become a popular draw, particularly among passionate Polish fight fans, and his non-stop, exciting style attracts more supporters each fight.
“Pawel’s one of the most dedicated guys in this sport,” promoter Bob Duffy said. “Every day he’s training for 2-2 ½ hours at Gleason’s. He wants to improve every day. Pawel’s the best 154-pound prospect on the East Coast. There’s no dog in this kid. He’s 100-percent a fighter whose heart and determination ends up in a winning performance. He has good management and training teams and I’ve really enjoyed working with them as his acting promoter.”
Wolak set to make statement on Friday’s Long Island card
NEW YORK– Unbeaten Polish prospect Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak plans to make a statement tomorrow night (Friday, September 14) against “Flawless” Dan Wallace (9-1, 3 KOs) in the 10 round main event for the IBA Americas middleweight championship, headlining a pro boxing show promoted by Frankie “G” Promotions and Ring Promotions, at the Huntington Hilton Hotel in Melville, Long Island.
New York State junior middleweight champion Wolak (16-0, 11 KOs), now fighting out of Brooklyn, has moved up in the ratings to No. 11 in both the NABF and NABO. A graduate of Berkley College in Manhattan, Pawel has developed into one of the hottest young fighters on the East Coast, capturing the hearts and minds of his growing legion of passionate Polish fans.
“I saw Wallace fight on ESPN against Walter Wright,” Wolak said. “I think he’s made for me – tall with a long body. I like to body punch and I’ve trained against a lot of guys like him. This fight shouldn’t be a problem at all. I’m going to put on a show for my fans. It took Wright eight rounds to take him out. I hope to get it done quicker and show that I’m a strong fighter. I’m going to press a lot, relentlessly, slip punches and deliver shots to the head and body. I want to stop it early.
“I don’t look too far ahead. All I’m really thinking about is this fight. I know what I want to accomplish in the future, but I’m taking everything one step at a time. I’m going to be in the best shape of my life. Each fight I want to learn from, too. I’m going to make a strong statement against Wallace.”
Two unbeaten light heavyweights – multiple European and Irish amateur champion Alo Kelley (2-0, 1 KO) and Reggie “Concrete” LaCrete (4-0, 3 KOs) – square-off in the six-round co-feature. Kelley is an Irish Ropes stablemate of middleweight sensation “Ireland’s” John Duddy, while LaCrete is managed by the famed Jackie Kallen (her life story was made into the movie Against the Ropes starring Meg Ryan).
In another six-round welterweight bout popular Long Island fighter Mike Ruiz (3-2, 2 KOs) takes on Jessie Gomez (1-3) in a battle of native New Yorkers.
Former Irish National Senior amateur champion Henry “Western Warrior” Coyle (2-1, 1 KO) faces pro debuting Robert Kimbrough in a four-round bout. Also on the undercard (all four-round bouts) is local favorite and 2-time New York Golden Gloves champion Nagy Aquilera (1-0, 1 KO), of Newburgh (NY), against Bronx heavyweight Rubin Bracero (2-5, 1 KO); 2007 New York Golden Gloves champion Joseph Llovet, of Bayshore (NY), makes his pro debut versus Leon Williams (0-2); Russian light heavyweight Sergie Kravencho (3-0, 3 KOs), trained by Don Turner, meets Brooklyn’s pro debuting Borngod Williams; Long Island super middleweight Issac Holden and Brooklyn’s Oliver Osumpa make their pro debuts fighting each other.
NEW YORK– Polish power-punching middleweight prospect Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak takes on ”Flawless” Dan Wallace (9-1, 3 KOs) in the 10 round main event for the IBA Americas middleweight championship, headlining a pro boxing show promoted by Frankie “G” Productions and Ring Promotions, Friday night (September 14) at the Huntington Hilton Hotel in Melville, Long Island.
The Polish-born Wolak (16-0, 11 KOs), now fighting out of Brooklyn, is the reigning New York State middleweight champion, as well as a graduate of Berkley College in Manhattan. The immensely popular Wolak’s exciting straight ahead style of attack quickly has made him into one of the hottest young fighters on the East Coast. He is rated No. 11 by both the NABF and NABO.
“Pawel Wolak is New York City’s new rising star,” promoter Bob Duffy said. “He’s one of the hottest boxers around and his following, especially in the Polish community, grows with each fight. His action-packed fights and passionate fans give shows a festival atmosphere.”
Two unbeaten light heavyweights clash In the six-round co-feature – multiple European and Irish amateur champion Alo Kelley (2-0, 1 KO) versus Reggie “Concrete” LaCrete (4-0, 3 KOs), managed by the famed Jackie Kallen (her life story was made into the movie Against the Ropes starring Meg Ryan).
Ireland-native Kelley is an Irish Ropes stablemate of middleweight sensation “Ireland’s” John Duddy. “We think a lot of Alo,” Irish Ropes president Eddie McLoughlin noted. “We’re moving up the bar faster than we did with Duddy because of Alo’s age (29). I’ve always been confident in Alo’s ability and we’re already putting him in defining fights, starting with LaCrete, who is 4-0 with three knockouts.”
Long Island welterweight Mike Ruiz (3-2, 2 KOs) fights fellow New Yorker Jessie Gomez (1-3) in a six-round bout.
Former Irish National Senior amateur champion Henry “Western Warrior” Coyle (2-1, 1 KO) is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in a four-round bout. Also on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, is local favorite and unbeaten welterweight 2-time New York Golden Gloves champion Nagy Aguilera (1-0, 1 KO), of Newburgh (NY), versus Bronx heavyweight Rubin Bracero (2-5, 1 KO), Shirley (NY) featherweight Kristian “K-Smooth” Vasquez (1-0, 1 KO) takes on Jose Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO), 2007 New York Golden Gloves champion Joseph Llovet, of Bayshore (NY), makes his pro debut against Leon Williams (0-2), Russian light heavyweight Sergie Kravencho (3-0, 3 KOs), trained by Don Turner, faces Brooklyn’s pro debuting Borngod Williams, Long Island super middleweight Issac Holden makes his pro debut against New Jersey’s Rafal Jastrewbski (0-4).
Team Wolak, Keisha and Pawel Wolak
Tickets are on sale and priced at $1,700.00 for a VIP Ringside table that includes a one-hour cocktail party and full course dinner served at ringside (all beverages included), $100.00 (golden ringside), $75.00 (ringside) and $40.00 (general admission. To purchase tickets or for additional information call Academy of Boxing (631.673.3520), Frankie G (631.334.4862), Bob Duffy (516.313.2304) and Music Planet in Brooklyn (718.383.2051). The first bout is slated for 7:30 PM/ET.
Eileen Olszewski: “Hawaiian Mongoose” Hungry for Titles; by David Pambianchi
Eileen Olszewski: “Hawaiian Mongoose” Hungry for Titles; by David Pambianchi
Photo by Marty Rosengarten/RingsidePhotos.com
With about 5 different Title Belts, conflicting point systems, weight classifications so close that a fighter can eat a cheeseburger deluxe and move
from one division to another, and home advantages that make you wonder if the judges saw the same fight, who’s the Champ? Women’s Boxing manager, David
Selwyn, claims to know the answer.
“Many promoters and managers match their fighters with low risk Chopped Liver,” Dave’s way of saying “ Soft Matches,” fighters with little skill and/or experience against tougher opponents. Fearless of any risk he states, “We look to fight the best. In her class, Eileen Olszewski is the strongest fighter out there with endurance to back it up and will defeat anyone in the Flyweight (112lbs.) Division.”
While a helpful guide, point systems do not tell a complete story. WBAN ranks Eileen and WBC titleholder Stefania Bianchini even for #1 with WBA titleholder Susi Kentikian #5. BOXREC’s point system, a compilation of points derived from a ratio of win/loss opponent percentages, ranks Eileen at #2 and Susi “Killer Queen”
Kentikian as #1. But fans do not want to see a numbers game or a fight on paper. They want action in the ring.
Months before Eileen captured the WIBA title from Elena “Baby Doll” Reid in February, her manager repeatedly attempted to contact the “Killer Queen” team to gobble up their WBA belt. “They keep ducking us. You know, Don’t call us, we’ll call you, out to lunch, have to walk my dog, Auvidersein. It was WIBA President
Ryan Wissow who informed promoter Steve Bash that a bout between Eileen and Elena Reid would be a good match.
Eileen Olszewski and Elena “Baby Doll” Reid
But it seems that in Germany they’re afraid that the 39 year old (5-0), ‘Hawaiian Mongoose’ will make a quick meal of the 20 year old so called (20-0), ‘Killer Queen.’ It’s embarrassing, too many fighters bragging
about wins and titles, and they haven’t fought anyone tougher than grandma. Better to risk losing like a Champ, than beating easy opponents like a Chump.” In the mean time, Eileen’s appetite for belts focuses on the WBC title. Mandated to fight the winner of the Stefania Bianchini vs. Simona Galassi March 29th 2008 title bout in Italy, “The Hawaiian Mongoose” leaves the victor no place to hide.
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Photo by Marty Rosengarten/RingsidePhotos.com
With about 5 different Title Belts, conflicting point systems, weight classifications so close that a fighter can eat a cheeseburger deluxe and move
from one division to another, and home advantages that make you wonder if the judges saw the same fight, who’s the Champ? Women’s Boxing manager, David
Selwyn, claims to know the answer.
“Many promoters and managers match their fighters with low risk Chopped Liver,” Dave’s way of saying “ Soft Matches,” fighters with little skill and/or experience against tougher opponents. Fearless of any risk he states, “We look to fight the best. In her class, Eileen Olszewski is the strongest fighter out there with endurance to back it up and will defeat anyone in the Flyweight (112lbs.) Division.”
While a helpful guide, point systems do not tell a complete story. WBAN ranks Eileen and WBC titleholder Stefania Bianchini even for #1 with WBA titleholder Susi Kentikian #5. BOXREC’s point system, a compilation of points derived from a ratio of win/loss opponent percentages, ranks Eileen at #2 and Susi “Killer Queen”
Kentikian as #1. But fans do not want to see a numbers game or a fight on paper. They want action in the ring.
Months before Eileen captured the WIBA title from Elena “Baby Doll” Reid in February, her manager repeatedly attempted to contact the “Killer Queen” team to gobble up their WBA belt. “They keep ducking us. You know, Don’t call us, we’ll call you, out to lunch, have to walk my dog, Auvidersein. It was WIBA President
Ryan Wissow who informed promoter Steve Bash that a bout between Eileen and Elena Reid would be a good match.
Eileen Olszewski and Elena “Baby Doll” Reid
But it seems that in Germany they’re afraid that the 39 year old (5-0), ‘Hawaiian Mongoose’ will make a quick meal of the 20 year old so called (20-0), ‘Killer Queen.’ It’s embarrassing, too many fighters bragging
about wins and titles, and they haven’t fought anyone tougher than grandma. Better to risk losing like a Champ, than beating easy opponents like a Chump.” In the mean time, Eileen’s appetite for belts focuses on the WBC title. Mandated to fight the winner of the Stefania Bianchini vs. Simona Galassi March 29th 2008 title bout in Italy, “The Hawaiian Mongoose” leaves the victor no place to hide.
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
JAKE SHIELDS, DREW FICKETT READY TO BELT IT OUT FOR VACANT ELITEXC WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
Joey Villasenor, ‘Cyborg’ Santos Clash in One of Top ‘Shamrock vs. Le’ Undercard Bouts, On Fantastic Event Saturday, March 29, At HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.; Tickets On Sale
LOS ANGELES– Weeks after he was awarded a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Jake Shields will try to add another belt to his wardrobe when he faces Drew Fickett for the vacant EliteXC world welterweight crown March 29, at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
In another outstanding match on a sensational mixed martial arts card headlined by a Strikeforce middleweight title fight between defending champion Frank Shamrock and Cung Le, former Pride Fighting Championship star Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos will throw down with EliteXC standout Joey “Dream Smasher” Villasenor in a middleweight scrap.
Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale at HP Pavilion (408) 287-7070, at Ticketmaster locations (408) 998-TIXS, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), EliteXC’s official website (www.ProElite.com) and Strikeforce’s official website (www.Strikeforceusa.net). Doors will open at 5 p.m. The first live fight is at 6 o’clock PT.
“A fight between popular Bay Area major draws and arch-rivals, the legendary Frank Shamrock and the unbeaten sensation, Cung Le, could sell out San Jose by itself, but this fight card will end up stacked from top to bottom,’’ EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said.
The stellar eight-bout event will mark the second collaboration between Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s EliteXC, and Strikeforce. The first, which featured Shamrock versus Phil Baroni on June 22, 2007, in San Jose, was a major success.
“The HP Pavilion is a terrific venue that’s always drawn some of the biggest crowds in MMA,’’ Shaw said. “With the addition of a Shields-Fickett EliteXC world title fight and a great fight between Villasenor and Santos, fans in attendance and those watching on SHOWTIME will be treated to an outstanding night of fights.
“Jake’s been waiting to prove he’s the world’s best middleweight and now he gets his chance against a tough, talented veteran like Fickett. The Villasenor-Santos fight will be a war.’’
In addition to the three aforementioned fights, two more bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). Fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews at ProElite.com.
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2-2-2
SHIELDS-FICKETT, VILLASENOR-SANTOS ADDED TO SENSATIONAL MMA EVENT MARCH 29
Regarding the recently added matches, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said: “The Shields-Fickett and Santos-Villasenor fights are both highly competitive matchups, each bringing together fighters who are amongst the best in their area of expertise.
“In one, you have two heavy-handed punchers, almost guaranteeing there will be a knockout. In the other, you have two exceptional ground technicians who can submit an opponent from virtually any position on the mat.
“These are the types of fights that make MMA so great and unique and we're looking forward to bringing them to San Jose.’’
The 170-pound title fight between Shields (20-4-1) and Fickett (31-5) will be a fun and terrific technical fight between two modest but supremely confident and talented submission artists in perhaps the toughest tests in their careers.
The winner will become EliteXC’s first world champ at welterweight and third overall. Robbie Lawler (middleweight) and KJ Noons (lightweight) are the other EliteXC belt-holders.
Unbeaten since December 2004 and a winner of nine in a row, including two straight by submission, Shields (http://jakeshields.proelite.com) has long been regarded as a monster in his weight class. Now, he has an opportunity to not only prove it but add even more credibility to his well-established name.
“This is my dream come true and I’m really excited,’’ said Shields, who re-signed with EliteXC in November 2007 and has gone 2-0 since. In impressive performances on SHOWTIME, Shields defeated “Charuto” Verissimo (strikes) and Mike Pyle (rear naked choke).
Shields, 29, a life-long vegetarian who was raised in a remote area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California, holds notable victories over Dave Menne, Carlos Condit, Yushin Okami and Hayato “Mach” Sakurai.
“It was a little frustrating but I knew if I was patient my time would come and I’d get my shot at a world belt,’’ Shields said. “In a way it was a blessing in disguise I had to wait so long on the sidelines. I fought a lot of top 25 guys. That wealth of experience I gained is a great asset.
“This really is a good fight. I respect Drew. He’s game, experienced. I just think I’ll be too much. I’m going to overwhelm him, make an example of him. It’s a little nerve-wracking because I’ll have so many friends there, but it’s exciting to be fighting at the HP Pavilion.
“I am proud to be fighting for the EliteXC world title. They have treated me well, they have grown continually and now they’ve really blown up. I look forward to wearing and keeping the EliteXC belt around my waist for a while and representing the organization with pride.’’
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3-3-3
SHIELDS-FICKETT, VILLASENOR-SANTOS ADDED TO SENSATIONAL MMA EVENT MARCH 29
Fickett (http://drewfickett.proelite.com) is no stranger to major fights and won’t crumble under the pressure of being on the big stage and under the bright lights. He’s fully aware this is his chance to demonstrate he is among the world’s best in MMA.
“I’m definitely taking this fight seriously and am pretty motivated that’s for sure,’’ said Fickett, who could be Shields’ sternest challenge since Jake defeated Condit and Okami in back-to-back performances in April 2006. “I’m up for the challenge. Jake’s awesome. Some say he’s boring, but he chokes everybody and I like that. It’s cool and sounds pretty exciting to me.
“Jake has a real methodical game, but he’s smart and uses his strengths well. We both have a really competitive attitude so I guess we are similar in that regard. Style-wise, we may negate each other’s strengths, so that could mean this will wind up a pretty exciting fight.
“This is the kind of fight that I hope and expect will bring out the best in each of us.’'
A winner of three in a row, Fickett, 28, who was born in Tucson, Ariz., and resides in Phoenix, has a solid resume. He’s faced excellent opposition and owns wins over Kenny Florian, Josh Koscheck, Kurt Pellegrino, Josh Neer, Dennis Hallman, Carlo Prater and Edwin Dewees.
“I’ve been in and out of organizations and fought some great opponents, maybe not at the time but they were always very formidable and in the top 10,’’ said Fickett, who is coming off a first-round submission (rear naked choke) over Mark Weir on Dec. 1, 2007 in London.
A perennial contender at this weight, the experienced Fickett may be underrated by some but his record is as impressive as Shields’ – if not more so. “It’s hard to say if beat better guys because it all depends at where you are at – and everybody’s good at this level,’’ Fickett said.
Like Shields, Fickett is well-versed in the submission game and has forced opponents to surrender in nearly two thirds of his wins (20). Shields has won three of his last four fights by submission and has a total of seven in his career.
“Whatever way it ends, I will be 100 percent ready to go five rounds,’’ Fickett said. “No one wants to get into the fourth or fifth rounds and get tired and maybe get hurt.’’
Fickett, who says his “last win is always the most important,’’ will be making his initial start for EliteXC. “I really like to be able to travel and do my own thing,’’ he said. “Gary (Shaw) has been very cool about signing me to an open contract which would enable me to do so.’’
Santos, 30, a member of Brazil’s famed Chute Boxe squad, will be making his United States debut as well as the first of three fights he signed to compete for Strikeforce. A former light heavy (205 pounds), it will be the second bout of his 11-year career contested at 185.
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4-4-4
SHIELDS-FICKETT, VILLASENOR-SANTOS ADDED TO SENSATIONAL MMA EVENT MARCH 29
“I always look for the knockout,” said Santos, a stone-faced striker whose go-for-broke, crowd-pleasing approach has helped him record 11 KOs out of his 15 victories. “This will be a duel between his boxing and my Muay Thai techniques. Villasenor is an ideal opponent for me.”
The bout with Villasenor will be Santos’ second in less than a month. In Tokyo March 5, he displayed vicious striking to twice knock down Makoto Takimoto en route to submitting (heel hook) the Olympic Games judo gold medalist in the first round and to snap a two-bout losing streak.
“Last year was a tough year for Chute Box and to those who fought in PRIDE, so it was important for me to get off to a good start in 2008,’’ Santos said. “The people who like to watch fights can always count on me to fight with determination and give it my all.
“Anybody who faces me knows they will have hard moments in the cage. My opponents know they need to get ready for a war because as long as I can breathe, I'll look for the win. I'm not saying I'll beat everybody, but I'll exchange blows with everybody. You can count on it.’’
Villasenor (http://drewfickett.proelite.com), a native of Albuquerque, N.M., and a protégé of MMA guru, Greg Jackson, will be seeking his second consecutive victory for EliteXC. Villasenor was penciled in to face Joe Riggs, but Riggs withdrew with a back injury.
In his last outing, Villasenor regained his winning ways with a hard-fought, split decision over Riki Fukuda on “Uprising’’ Sept. 15, 2007, in Honolulu, on SHOWTIME. It came one start after Villasenor suffered a second-round TKO to “Ninja’’ Rua for the EliteXC 185-pound title.
“There should be some real fireworks in this fight with Santos,” Villasenor, 32, a former King of the Cage champion said. “I really don’t know much about Santos’ ground game – if he even likes hanging out on the ground. I know he’s a big banger so it’s an exciting matchup.
“I need to be more technical than him and be better conditioned. Like wine, I think I get better with age. People should look for a more technically sound Joey Villasenor in 2008. This will be a great fight to kick off the year with.”
About ProElite:
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
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5-5-5
SHIELDS-FICKETT, VILLASENOR-SANTOS ADDED TO SENSATIONAL MMA EVENT MARCH 29
About Strikeforce:
Strikeforce is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, Strikeforce has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” Since then, it has co-produced the first SHOWTIME PPV mixed martial arts event in history with its world championship “Shamrock vs. Baroni” card on June 22nd of this year followed by the first-ever mixed martial arts event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion on September 29th.
Contacts:
Mike Afromowitz, Strikeforce
John Beyrooty, EliteXC/BZA
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
LOS ANGELES– Weeks after he was awarded a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Jake Shields will try to add another belt to his wardrobe when he faces Drew Fickett for the vacant EliteXC world welterweight crown March 29, at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
In another outstanding match on a sensational mixed martial arts card headlined by a Strikeforce middleweight title fight between defending champion Frank Shamrock and Cung Le, former Pride Fighting Championship star Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos will throw down with EliteXC standout Joey “Dream Smasher” Villasenor in a middleweight scrap.
Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale at HP Pavilion (408) 287-7070, at Ticketmaster locations (408) 998-TIXS, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com), EliteXC’s official website (www.ProElite.com) and Strikeforce’s official website (www.Strikeforceusa.net). Doors will open at 5 p.m. The first live fight is at 6 o’clock PT.
“A fight between popular Bay Area major draws and arch-rivals, the legendary Frank Shamrock and the unbeaten sensation, Cung Le, could sell out San Jose by itself, but this fight card will end up stacked from top to bottom,’’ EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw said.
The stellar eight-bout event will mark the second collaboration between Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s EliteXC, and Strikeforce. The first, which featured Shamrock versus Phil Baroni on June 22, 2007, in San Jose, was a major success.
“The HP Pavilion is a terrific venue that’s always drawn some of the biggest crowds in MMA,’’ Shaw said. “With the addition of a Shields-Fickett EliteXC world title fight and a great fight between Villasenor and Santos, fans in attendance and those watching on SHOWTIME will be treated to an outstanding night of fights.
“Jake’s been waiting to prove he’s the world’s best middleweight and now he gets his chance against a tough, talented veteran like Fickett. The Villasenor-Santos fight will be a war.’’
In addition to the three aforementioned fights, two more bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). Fans can watch pre- and post-fight interviews at ProElite.com.
(more)
2-2-2
SHIELDS-FICKETT, VILLASENOR-SANTOS ADDED TO SENSATIONAL MMA EVENT MARCH 29
Regarding the recently added matches, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said: “The Shields-Fickett and Santos-Villasenor fights are both highly competitive matchups, each bringing together fighters who are amongst the best in their area of expertise.
“In one, you have two heavy-handed punchers, almost guaranteeing there will be a knockout. In the other, you have two exceptional ground technicians who can submit an opponent from virtually any position on the mat.
“These are the types of fights that make MMA so great and unique and we're looking forward to bringing them to San Jose.’’
The 170-pound title fight between Shields (20-4-1) and Fickett (31-5) will be a fun and terrific technical fight between two modest but supremely confident and talented submission artists in perhaps the toughest tests in their careers.
The winner will become EliteXC’s first world champ at welterweight and third overall. Robbie Lawler (middleweight) and KJ Noons (lightweight) are the other EliteXC belt-holders.
Unbeaten since December 2004 and a winner of nine in a row, including two straight by submission, Shields (http://jakeshields.proelite.com) has long been regarded as a monster in his weight class. Now, he has an opportunity to not only prove it but add even more credibility to his well-established name.
“This is my dream come true and I’m really excited,’’ said Shields, who re-signed with EliteXC in November 2007 and has gone 2-0 since. In impressive performances on SHOWTIME, Shields defeated “Charuto” Verissimo (strikes) and Mike Pyle (rear naked choke).
Shields, 29, a life-long vegetarian who was raised in a remote area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California, holds notable victories over Dave Menne, Carlos Condit, Yushin Okami and Hayato “Mach” Sakurai.
“It was a little frustrating but I knew if I was patient my time would come and I’d get my shot at a world belt,’’ Shields said. “In a way it was a blessing in disguise I had to wait so long on the sidelines. I fought a lot of top 25 guys. That wealth of experience I gained is a great asset.
“This really is a good fight. I respect Drew. He’s game, experienced. I just think I’ll be too much. I’m going to overwhelm him, make an example of him. It’s a little nerve-wracking because I’ll have so many friends there, but it’s exciting to be fighting at the HP Pavilion.
“I am proud to be fighting for the EliteXC world title. They have treated me well, they have grown continually and now they’ve really blown up. I look forward to wearing and keeping the EliteXC belt around my waist for a while and representing the organization with pride.’’
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3-3-3
SHIELDS-FICKETT, VILLASENOR-SANTOS ADDED TO SENSATIONAL MMA EVENT MARCH 29
Fickett (http://drewfickett.proelite.com) is no stranger to major fights and won’t crumble under the pressure of being on the big stage and under the bright lights. He’s fully aware this is his chance to demonstrate he is among the world’s best in MMA.
“I’m definitely taking this fight seriously and am pretty motivated that’s for sure,’’ said Fickett, who could be Shields’ sternest challenge since Jake defeated Condit and Okami in back-to-back performances in April 2006. “I’m up for the challenge. Jake’s awesome. Some say he’s boring, but he chokes everybody and I like that. It’s cool and sounds pretty exciting to me.
“Jake has a real methodical game, but he’s smart and uses his strengths well. We both have a really competitive attitude so I guess we are similar in that regard. Style-wise, we may negate each other’s strengths, so that could mean this will wind up a pretty exciting fight.
“This is the kind of fight that I hope and expect will bring out the best in each of us.’'
A winner of three in a row, Fickett, 28, who was born in Tucson, Ariz., and resides in Phoenix, has a solid resume. He’s faced excellent opposition and owns wins over Kenny Florian, Josh Koscheck, Kurt Pellegrino, Josh Neer, Dennis Hallman, Carlo Prater and Edwin Dewees.
“I’ve been in and out of organizations and fought some great opponents, maybe not at the time but they were always very formidable and in the top 10,’’ said Fickett, who is coming off a first-round submission (rear naked choke) over Mark Weir on Dec. 1, 2007 in London.
A perennial contender at this weight, the experienced Fickett may be underrated by some but his record is as impressive as Shields’ – if not more so. “It’s hard to say if beat better guys because it all depends at where you are at – and everybody’s good at this level,’’ Fickett said.
Like Shields, Fickett is well-versed in the submission game and has forced opponents to surrender in nearly two thirds of his wins (20). Shields has won three of his last four fights by submission and has a total of seven in his career.
“Whatever way it ends, I will be 100 percent ready to go five rounds,’’ Fickett said. “No one wants to get into the fourth or fifth rounds and get tired and maybe get hurt.’’
Fickett, who says his “last win is always the most important,’’ will be making his initial start for EliteXC. “I really like to be able to travel and do my own thing,’’ he said. “Gary (Shaw) has been very cool about signing me to an open contract which would enable me to do so.’’
Santos, 30, a member of Brazil’s famed Chute Boxe squad, will be making his United States debut as well as the first of three fights he signed to compete for Strikeforce. A former light heavy (205 pounds), it will be the second bout of his 11-year career contested at 185.
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4-4-4
SHIELDS-FICKETT, VILLASENOR-SANTOS ADDED TO SENSATIONAL MMA EVENT MARCH 29
“I always look for the knockout,” said Santos, a stone-faced striker whose go-for-broke, crowd-pleasing approach has helped him record 11 KOs out of his 15 victories. “This will be a duel between his boxing and my Muay Thai techniques. Villasenor is an ideal opponent for me.”
The bout with Villasenor will be Santos’ second in less than a month. In Tokyo March 5, he displayed vicious striking to twice knock down Makoto Takimoto en route to submitting (heel hook) the Olympic Games judo gold medalist in the first round and to snap a two-bout losing streak.
“Last year was a tough year for Chute Box and to those who fought in PRIDE, so it was important for me to get off to a good start in 2008,’’ Santos said. “The people who like to watch fights can always count on me to fight with determination and give it my all.
“Anybody who faces me knows they will have hard moments in the cage. My opponents know they need to get ready for a war because as long as I can breathe, I'll look for the win. I'm not saying I'll beat everybody, but I'll exchange blows with everybody. You can count on it.’’
Villasenor (http://drewfickett.proelite.com), a native of Albuquerque, N.M., and a protégé of MMA guru, Greg Jackson, will be seeking his second consecutive victory for EliteXC. Villasenor was penciled in to face Joe Riggs, but Riggs withdrew with a back injury.
In his last outing, Villasenor regained his winning ways with a hard-fought, split decision over Riki Fukuda on “Uprising’’ Sept. 15, 2007, in Honolulu, on SHOWTIME. It came one start after Villasenor suffered a second-round TKO to “Ninja’’ Rua for the EliteXC 185-pound title.
“There should be some real fireworks in this fight with Santos,” Villasenor, 32, a former King of the Cage champion said. “I really don’t know much about Santos’ ground game – if he even likes hanging out on the ground. I know he’s a big banger so it’s an exciting matchup.
“I need to be more technical than him and be better conditioned. Like wine, I think I get better with age. People should look for a more technically sound Joey Villasenor in 2008. This will be a great fight to kick off the year with.”
About ProElite:
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
(more)
5-5-5
SHIELDS-FICKETT, VILLASENOR-SANTOS ADDED TO SENSATIONAL MMA EVENT MARCH 29
About Strikeforce:
Strikeforce is a world-class mixed martial arts cage fight promotion which, on Friday, March 10, 2006, made history with its “Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. The star-studded extravaganza, which pitted legendary champion Frank Shamrock against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Cesar Gracie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion, played host to a sold-out, record crowd of 18,265. Since 1995, Strikeforce has been the exclusive provider of martial arts programming for ESPN and, after 12 years of success as a leading, world championship kickboxing promotion, the company unveiled its mixed martial arts series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” Since then, it has co-produced the first SHOWTIME PPV mixed martial arts event in history with its world championship “Shamrock vs. Baroni” card on June 22nd of this year followed by the first-ever mixed martial arts event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion on September 29th.
Contacts:
Mike Afromowitz, Strikeforce
John Beyrooty, EliteXC/BZA
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Don King presents; "Pride of St. Louis", IBF junior middleweight champion Cory Spinks & protege Devon Alexander
Don King presents; "Pride of St. Louis", IBF junior middleweight champion Cory Spinks & protege Devon Alexander, the WBC Continental Americas champion
Don King formally announced IBF junior middleweight champion Cory Spinks and his protege Devon Alexander, the WBC Continental Americas champion, will both be featured on the "Pride of St. Louis" card at Scottrade Center on Thursday, March 27. Spinks will defend his IBF junior middleweight crown opposing former three-time world champion Verno Phillips. Alexander will make the first defense of his World Boxing Council Continental Americas title, opposing Miguel Callist in a continental title unification match.
Cory Spinks
Devon Alexander 'The Great'
Contact: Alan Hopper, DKP
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Ladbrokes.com Fight Night - Murray a fighter even before he donned the Gloves
Ladbrokes.com Fight Night - Murray a fighter even before he donned the Gloves
Even before Andrew Murray put on a pair of boxing gloves it was obvious he was a true fighter. The Cavan man is the current Irish Light Welterweight champion and one of the country’s hottest boxing prospects but there were few signs in Murray’s childhood that a career between the ropes lay in store.
Andrew Murray
His early years were blighted by Perthes disease, a degenerative hip condition that left him wheelchair bound for extended periods. However Murray was transfixed by the epic battles between the likes of Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn on his TV screen and he was desperate to step between the ropes himself.
However Murray’s notions were discouraged by his doctor who insisted that if he boxed he would end up crippled for life before he reached 20. The determined youngster ignored his advice and joined Cavan boxing club. Now 25 Murray is unbeaten in 9 pro fights and a reigning Irish Champion.
He will put his Light welterweight title on the line on March 22nd when he defends against Belfast’s James Gorman on the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the National Stadium in Dublin. The contest is the chief supporting bout to the clash between Irish middleweight champ Matthew Macklin and former World Champion Yori Boy Campas.
Murray though will be determined to steal the spotlight in his Irish title rematch with Gorman. The two men clashed for the first time last December when they met at the Kings Hall. Murray emerged victorious but he wasn’t particularly satisfied at the outcome given the circumstances of the win.
A clash of heads left Murray with a nasty gash over his right eye and unable to continue in the fourth round. Under Boxing Union of Ireland rules the decision went to the referee’s scorecard and Murray was awarded the win but he admits it was something of a hollow victory.
“When you win you want to win in style so to win the way I did took a bit of the shine off it,” said Murray. “You never want to win a fight on cuts so I still don’t class myself as the champion yet. Hopefully I can beat Gorman in Dublin and leave no doubts this time around.”
Murray is probably the quietest, most unassuming professional boxer you could ever meet. In a sport often dominated by hype and hysteria the Cavan man is refreshingly understated. Regarded as one of the best kept secrets in the UK and Ireland Murray is more than happy to let his first do all his talking. His amateur accomplishments certainly speak volumes for his professional prospects.
A 3 time Irish Senior Champion Murray was also a fixture on the International amateur circuit winning numerous Gold medals for Ireland at Multi Nations events.
His amateur coach Brian McKeown remembers Murray’s first day in the gym as an 11 year old. “He was tall and gangly and you could see he clearly had a problem with his leg. He didn’t strike me as being special but what soon became apparent was how determined and dedicated he was. He actually lost his first fight but by the end of that season he was Irish Champion and he went on to win another 3 on the trot. In fact he was unbeaten for 4 and a half years in the amateurs.”
Murray took some impressive scalps in the unpaid ranks including current British Light Middleweight champion, Gary Woolcombe, who he stopped in 2 rounds. He also beat former British title challengers Femi Fehintola and Ricky Burns as well as English amateur star Michael Grant.
After the frustration of failing to qualify for the Athens Olympics in 2004 Murray decided to switch to the pro ranks and relocate to London under manager Michael Helliet.
“Andrew’s problem since going pro is that he’s been too good for his own good,” said McKeown. “He’s sparred the best in the U.K. in the gyms there and everyone there knows how good he is so nobody wants to fight him. Thankfully the professional boxing scene is very healthy in Ireland now so Andrew has a chance to make a name for himself back at home again.”
Certainly boxing in Cavan is on a real high right now with McKeown’s latest protégé John Joe Nevin having qualified for the Olympics.
“Andrew’s a real inspiration for all the kids boxing in Cavan," said McKeown. "He’s out running at 5 in the morning, into work for 7 and then he trains at the gym in the evening. He’s very popular in the area and travels around all the clubs here giving training sessions and helping out wherever he’s needed. You never want to look too far ahead but I think over the next 12 – 18 months with the right fights Andrew can start fulfilling the potential we all know he has.”
The Ladbrokes.com Fight Night also features Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike Perez and the pro debut of Irish amateur heavyweight champion Ian Tims amongst other bouts.
Tickets for the Ladrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 are on sale now from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Even before Andrew Murray put on a pair of boxing gloves it was obvious he was a true fighter. The Cavan man is the current Irish Light Welterweight champion and one of the country’s hottest boxing prospects but there were few signs in Murray’s childhood that a career between the ropes lay in store.
Andrew Murray
His early years were blighted by Perthes disease, a degenerative hip condition that left him wheelchair bound for extended periods. However Murray was transfixed by the epic battles between the likes of Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn on his TV screen and he was desperate to step between the ropes himself.
However Murray’s notions were discouraged by his doctor who insisted that if he boxed he would end up crippled for life before he reached 20. The determined youngster ignored his advice and joined Cavan boxing club. Now 25 Murray is unbeaten in 9 pro fights and a reigning Irish Champion.
He will put his Light welterweight title on the line on March 22nd when he defends against Belfast’s James Gorman on the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the National Stadium in Dublin. The contest is the chief supporting bout to the clash between Irish middleweight champ Matthew Macklin and former World Champion Yori Boy Campas.
Murray though will be determined to steal the spotlight in his Irish title rematch with Gorman. The two men clashed for the first time last December when they met at the Kings Hall. Murray emerged victorious but he wasn’t particularly satisfied at the outcome given the circumstances of the win.
A clash of heads left Murray with a nasty gash over his right eye and unable to continue in the fourth round. Under Boxing Union of Ireland rules the decision went to the referee’s scorecard and Murray was awarded the win but he admits it was something of a hollow victory.
“When you win you want to win in style so to win the way I did took a bit of the shine off it,” said Murray. “You never want to win a fight on cuts so I still don’t class myself as the champion yet. Hopefully I can beat Gorman in Dublin and leave no doubts this time around.”
Murray is probably the quietest, most unassuming professional boxer you could ever meet. In a sport often dominated by hype and hysteria the Cavan man is refreshingly understated. Regarded as one of the best kept secrets in the UK and Ireland Murray is more than happy to let his first do all his talking. His amateur accomplishments certainly speak volumes for his professional prospects.
A 3 time Irish Senior Champion Murray was also a fixture on the International amateur circuit winning numerous Gold medals for Ireland at Multi Nations events.
His amateur coach Brian McKeown remembers Murray’s first day in the gym as an 11 year old. “He was tall and gangly and you could see he clearly had a problem with his leg. He didn’t strike me as being special but what soon became apparent was how determined and dedicated he was. He actually lost his first fight but by the end of that season he was Irish Champion and he went on to win another 3 on the trot. In fact he was unbeaten for 4 and a half years in the amateurs.”
Murray took some impressive scalps in the unpaid ranks including current British Light Middleweight champion, Gary Woolcombe, who he stopped in 2 rounds. He also beat former British title challengers Femi Fehintola and Ricky Burns as well as English amateur star Michael Grant.
After the frustration of failing to qualify for the Athens Olympics in 2004 Murray decided to switch to the pro ranks and relocate to London under manager Michael Helliet.
“Andrew’s problem since going pro is that he’s been too good for his own good,” said McKeown. “He’s sparred the best in the U.K. in the gyms there and everyone there knows how good he is so nobody wants to fight him. Thankfully the professional boxing scene is very healthy in Ireland now so Andrew has a chance to make a name for himself back at home again.”
Certainly boxing in Cavan is on a real high right now with McKeown’s latest protégé John Joe Nevin having qualified for the Olympics.
“Andrew’s a real inspiration for all the kids boxing in Cavan," said McKeown. "He’s out running at 5 in the morning, into work for 7 and then he trains at the gym in the evening. He’s very popular in the area and travels around all the clubs here giving training sessions and helping out wherever he’s needed. You never want to look too far ahead but I think over the next 12 – 18 months with the right fights Andrew can start fulfilling the potential we all know he has.”
The Ladbrokes.com Fight Night also features Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike Perez and the pro debut of Irish amateur heavyweight champion Ian Tims amongst other bouts.
Tickets for the Ladrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 are on sale now from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Shoulder injury temporarily sidelines Mesi; Mesi returns vs. Smith Olympian Estrada battles Whitaker ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, April 4
Shoulder injury temporarily sidelines Mesi; Mesi returns vs. Smith Olympian Estrada battles Whitaker ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, April 4 at Twin River Event Center, RI
PROVIDENCE– A shoulder muscle tear has forced “Baby” Joe Mesi to withdraw from his April 4th fight against Terry “Hurricane” Smith, headlining an ESPN2 Friday Night Fights pro boxing show, at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Mesi is under doctor’s orders to rest his injured shoulder for three to four weeks.
Joe suffered a posterior and interior labral tear. The labrum is a cuff of cartilage, or thick tissue, in the shoulder joint that forms a cup for the end of the arm bone (humerus) to move within, allowing for a very wide range of movements. An injury like this restricts a boxer from throwing an effective punch with proper movement or without pain.
“Joe is terribly disappointed,” Mesi’s father/advisor Jack Mesi reported. “His promoter, Jimmy Burchfield, positioned Joe back on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, which is the plateau we hoped Joe would reach at this stage. This is just a temporary setback, that’s all. Joe will continue training to stay in good shape and keep his weight down, but he can’t do anything that involves using his shoulder. He’s still running and exercising. In three weeks he’ll be reevaluated and once the doctor clears him, Joe wants to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”
Buffalo sports icon Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs), former NABF heavyweight champion, currently rated No. 17 by the WBC and the WBC No. 1 contender in 2004, has beaten the likes of Vassiliy Jirov, Monte Barrett, DaVarryl Williamson, and David Izon.
“Joe’s shoulder injury isn’t too serious, but it’s a situation where he just couldn’t train because of it, and still be ready in time to fight April 4,” Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., explained. “We’re thankful for the support and understanding at ESPN2 and Twin River. Next week, we’ll announce who’ll be fighting on the April 4th ESPN2 show. 2004 US Olympian Jason ‘Big Six’ Estrada is still fighting 6-foot, 8-inch ‘Mount’ Whitaker in a 10-round heavyweight bout. Joe’s worked so hard in his comeback and it’s a shame that he can’t fight April 4. His time will come, though. Joe Mesi is going to be heavyweight champion of the world.”
April 4 Mesi returns vs. Smith Olympian Estrada battles Whitaker ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, April 4 at Twin River Event Center, RI
PROVIDENCE– Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. president Jimmy Burchfield has formally announced unbeaten world heavyweight challenger “Baby” Joe Mesi’s returns to the ring on April 4 against Terry “Hurricane” Smith, headlining an ESPN2 Friday Night Fights pro boxing show in the 10-round main event, at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Mesi will make his first defense of the WBC USNBC title belt he won last October with a first-round stoppage of Shannon Miller.
2004 U.S. Olympian and top heavyweight prospect, Jason “Big Six” Estrada, steps up in class to take on former world title challenger Lance “Mount” Whitaker in the 10-round co-feature.
“This is a major league show on ESPN2,” promoter Burchfield said. “These four heavyweights have a combined record of 109-9-2 with 76 knockouts. These are big men, real heavyweights, averaging 6’ 3” and 238-pounds. Joe is on a mission to fight for the world heavyweight title and Smith will be a solid test. Nobody has stopped him and he’s been in against a lot of top heavyweights like world heavyweight challengers Calvin Brock and Jameel McCline. Jason is going to make a lot of noise in 2008, starting with Whitaker, who fought (Luan) Krasniqi for the WBO belt, and knocked out world champion Oleg Maskaev. Mesi is going to be a force again in the heavyweight division very soon; Estrada’s a future world champion in the making.”
Buffalo sports icon Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs), former NABF heavyweight champion, currently rated No. 17 by the WBC, was the WBC No. 1 contender in 2004, before an injury and controversial suspension sidelined him for two years. Mesi’s 36 victims include Vassiliy Jirov, Monte Barrett, DaVarryl Williamson, and David Izon.
Unbeaten in his first 21 pro defeats, former NABO title challenger Smith (30-4-1, 18 KOs), fighting out of Little Rock (AR), defeated former world champion Kelvin Davis last May.
Estrada (11-1, 2 KOs), 27, completed his amateur career in the U.S. with a remarkable record of 261-14, going unbeaten in America four years after the 2000 Olympic Trials. The Providence-native became the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S.Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. In only his seventh pro fight, Jason went the full 10 rounds against veteran Robert Wiggin, winning a complete shutout (100-90 three times). Estrada won a unanimous 10-round decision versus former world title challenger Charles Shufford in his last fight on January 25.
In addition to his win against Maskaev, the 6’ 8” Whitaker (32-4-1, 27) has also beaten former world title-holder Al “Ice” Cole, previously unbeaten Robert Davis (22-0), and 2-time world title challenger Monte Barrett.
Tickets will go on sale March 15. Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information.
CONTACT: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
PROVIDENCE– A shoulder muscle tear has forced “Baby” Joe Mesi to withdraw from his April 4th fight against Terry “Hurricane” Smith, headlining an ESPN2 Friday Night Fights pro boxing show, at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Mesi is under doctor’s orders to rest his injured shoulder for three to four weeks.
Joe suffered a posterior and interior labral tear. The labrum is a cuff of cartilage, or thick tissue, in the shoulder joint that forms a cup for the end of the arm bone (humerus) to move within, allowing for a very wide range of movements. An injury like this restricts a boxer from throwing an effective punch with proper movement or without pain.
“Joe is terribly disappointed,” Mesi’s father/advisor Jack Mesi reported. “His promoter, Jimmy Burchfield, positioned Joe back on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, which is the plateau we hoped Joe would reach at this stage. This is just a temporary setback, that’s all. Joe will continue training to stay in good shape and keep his weight down, but he can’t do anything that involves using his shoulder. He’s still running and exercising. In three weeks he’ll be reevaluated and once the doctor clears him, Joe wants to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”
Buffalo sports icon Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs), former NABF heavyweight champion, currently rated No. 17 by the WBC and the WBC No. 1 contender in 2004, has beaten the likes of Vassiliy Jirov, Monte Barrett, DaVarryl Williamson, and David Izon.
“Joe’s shoulder injury isn’t too serious, but it’s a situation where he just couldn’t train because of it, and still be ready in time to fight April 4,” Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc., explained. “We’re thankful for the support and understanding at ESPN2 and Twin River. Next week, we’ll announce who’ll be fighting on the April 4th ESPN2 show. 2004 US Olympian Jason ‘Big Six’ Estrada is still fighting 6-foot, 8-inch ‘Mount’ Whitaker in a 10-round heavyweight bout. Joe’s worked so hard in his comeback and it’s a shame that he can’t fight April 4. His time will come, though. Joe Mesi is going to be heavyweight champion of the world.”
April 4 Mesi returns vs. Smith Olympian Estrada battles Whitaker ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, April 4 at Twin River Event Center, RI
PROVIDENCE– Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. president Jimmy Burchfield has formally announced unbeaten world heavyweight challenger “Baby” Joe Mesi’s returns to the ring on April 4 against Terry “Hurricane” Smith, headlining an ESPN2 Friday Night Fights pro boxing show in the 10-round main event, at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Mesi will make his first defense of the WBC USNBC title belt he won last October with a first-round stoppage of Shannon Miller.
2004 U.S. Olympian and top heavyweight prospect, Jason “Big Six” Estrada, steps up in class to take on former world title challenger Lance “Mount” Whitaker in the 10-round co-feature.
“This is a major league show on ESPN2,” promoter Burchfield said. “These four heavyweights have a combined record of 109-9-2 with 76 knockouts. These are big men, real heavyweights, averaging 6’ 3” and 238-pounds. Joe is on a mission to fight for the world heavyweight title and Smith will be a solid test. Nobody has stopped him and he’s been in against a lot of top heavyweights like world heavyweight challengers Calvin Brock and Jameel McCline. Jason is going to make a lot of noise in 2008, starting with Whitaker, who fought (Luan) Krasniqi for the WBO belt, and knocked out world champion Oleg Maskaev. Mesi is going to be a force again in the heavyweight division very soon; Estrada’s a future world champion in the making.”
Buffalo sports icon Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs), former NABF heavyweight champion, currently rated No. 17 by the WBC, was the WBC No. 1 contender in 2004, before an injury and controversial suspension sidelined him for two years. Mesi’s 36 victims include Vassiliy Jirov, Monte Barrett, DaVarryl Williamson, and David Izon.
Unbeaten in his first 21 pro defeats, former NABO title challenger Smith (30-4-1, 18 KOs), fighting out of Little Rock (AR), defeated former world champion Kelvin Davis last May.
Estrada (11-1, 2 KOs), 27, completed his amateur career in the U.S. with a remarkable record of 261-14, going unbeaten in America four years after the 2000 Olympic Trials. The Providence-native became the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S.Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. In only his seventh pro fight, Jason went the full 10 rounds against veteran Robert Wiggin, winning a complete shutout (100-90 three times). Estrada won a unanimous 10-round decision versus former world title challenger Charles Shufford in his last fight on January 25.
In addition to his win against Maskaev, the 6’ 8” Whitaker (32-4-1, 27) has also beaten former world title-holder Al “Ice” Cole, previously unbeaten Robert Davis (22-0), and 2-time world title challenger Monte Barrett.
Tickets will go on sale March 15. Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information.
CONTACT: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
'Never Back Down'; The Movie in Theatres Now
'Never Back Down' The Movie
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Join our Harlem Renaissance Road Race table for the 38th National Salute to Black Achievers in Industry Awards Dinner, Thursday, March 20, 2008
Join our Harlem Renaissance Road Race table for the 38th National Salute to Black Achievers in Industry Awards Dinner, Thursday, March 20, 2008, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Broadway Ballroom, New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway at 45th Street, New York, New York. Ticket Price is $ 300 per person
“Achievement Matters…Building Success
Keynote Speaker
Carla Harris is a Managing Director, in Global Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley. She heads the equity capital markets effort for Financial Sponsors, Retail Industry and is responsible for Equity Private Placements.
Dr. Leo B. Marsh Memorial Award Recipient
Hazel N. Dukes is President of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors,
Please RSVP by March 18th call 917-478-1390. Thanks !!
Preston
KingPreston@RCN.com
212-594-4715 Fax
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
“Achievement Matters…Building Success
Keynote Speaker
Carla Harris is a Managing Director, in Global Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley. She heads the equity capital markets effort for Financial Sponsors, Retail Industry and is responsible for Equity Private Placements.
Dr. Leo B. Marsh Memorial Award Recipient
Hazel N. Dukes is President of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors,
Please RSVP by March 18th call 917-478-1390. Thanks !!
Preston
KingPreston@RCN.com
212-594-4715 Fax
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Join WRFG’s “Tower of Power” Celebration!; You’re Invited to Celebrate this Momentous Achievement; live music, awards, fun raffles and good fellowship
Join WRFG’s “Tower of Power” Celebration!; You’re Invited to Celebrate this Momentous Achievement; live music, awards, fun raffles and good fellowship
Beverages and food available for purchase from Cenci’s sumptuous vegetarian menu,
and after the celebration, the party continues, The Global Drumbeat 2nd Anniversary Party, Dance to the intoxicating rhythms of African, Latin, American and
Caribbean music as some of your favorite WRFG DJs’ spin deep into the night.
Saturday, March 15, 10:00p until
Cenci Restaurant
1259 Glenwood Avenue, Atlanta
Admission - $5.00
WRFG 89.3 FM
Your Station for Progressive Information
404-523-3471 - www.wrfg.org
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
Beverages and food available for purchase from Cenci’s sumptuous vegetarian menu,
and after the celebration, the party continues, The Global Drumbeat 2nd Anniversary Party, Dance to the intoxicating rhythms of African, Latin, American and
Caribbean music as some of your favorite WRFG DJs’ spin deep into the night.
Saturday, March 15, 10:00p until
Cenci Restaurant
1259 Glenwood Avenue, Atlanta
Admission - $5.00
WRFG 89.3 FM
Your Station for Progressive Information
404-523-3471 - www.wrfg.org
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
March 15 Harlem Townhall Meeting: 125th Rezoning, Gentrification and Paterson
HARLEM TENANTS COUNCIL
TOWNHALL MEETING
Gentrification Tasmanian Hits Harlem With a Bang
Get on the Unity Boat to Save Harlem!
Are you fed up with high rent, shoddy or no repairs, no heat & hot water, luxury condos all over Harlem with few if any local residents getting jobs, the silence of elected officials, the rezoning of 125th Street, Columbia University's Expansion, eminent domain abuse, developments all over East, West and Central for the wealthy and rich corporation. IF SO, JOIN US ON:
Saturday, March 15, 2008 (1 PM to 4 PM) Harriet Tubman School (Auditorium)
250 West 127th Street(Between Adam Clayton Powell and Frederick Douglass Blvds)
*** David Paterson: New York's Next Governor?
What will it Mean for Harlem?
Opening Session: A Demand for Action from Elected Officials
Invited: New York City Council Members Inez Dickens, Robert Jackson and Melissa Mark Viverto; State Assemblyman Keith Wright, State Senator Bill Perkins, Congressman Charles Rangel and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.
Tenant Education & Empowerment: Review of Legislation & Public Policies
Presenter: Joe Lamport, Citywide Task Force on Housing Court
Campaign for Civil Right to Counsel in New York State: the right of counsel in civil legal matters related to human rights including the right of counsel in Housing Court.
New York City Council proposed legislation to provide counsel for low income senior citizens in Housing Court.
Ethics of Housing Court Judges: Learn how you can report the details of your housing court experience that can have an impact on the reappointment of Housing Court judges in 2008.
Reports to the Community:
Racketeering Lawsuit Against Pinnacle (Attorney Kim Powell, BRUSH (Buyers and Renters United to Save Harlem)
Abyssinian Development Corp: One of Harlem's Worst Landlords? Lisa Jones, Tenant Activist
Organizing Against Vantage Properties: Luis Tejeda, Mirabal Sisters/Valerie Orridge, President of Delano Village Tenants Association
New York City Planning Commission Approves 125th St. Rezoning, Michael Henry Adams, Harlem Historian and Author of"Harlem Lost and Found"
Legal Action to Oppose Rezoning of 125th Street, Craig Schley, VOTE People
Unity Statement:
Toward Building a United Tenant Coalition of Greater Harlem & Washington Heights.
For additional information contact the Harlem Tenants Council at 212-234-5005 or 646-812-5188. Email:Harlem tenants@gmail.com
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
TOWNHALL MEETING
Gentrification Tasmanian Hits Harlem With a Bang
Get on the Unity Boat to Save Harlem!
Are you fed up with high rent, shoddy or no repairs, no heat & hot water, luxury condos all over Harlem with few if any local residents getting jobs, the silence of elected officials, the rezoning of 125th Street, Columbia University's Expansion, eminent domain abuse, developments all over East, West and Central for the wealthy and rich corporation. IF SO, JOIN US ON:
Saturday, March 15, 2008 (1 PM to 4 PM) Harriet Tubman School (Auditorium)
250 West 127th Street(Between Adam Clayton Powell and Frederick Douglass Blvds)
*** David Paterson: New York's Next Governor?
What will it Mean for Harlem?
Opening Session: A Demand for Action from Elected Officials
Invited: New York City Council Members Inez Dickens, Robert Jackson and Melissa Mark Viverto; State Assemblyman Keith Wright, State Senator Bill Perkins, Congressman Charles Rangel and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.
Tenant Education & Empowerment: Review of Legislation & Public Policies
Presenter: Joe Lamport, Citywide Task Force on Housing Court
Campaign for Civil Right to Counsel in New York State: the right of counsel in civil legal matters related to human rights including the right of counsel in Housing Court.
New York City Council proposed legislation to provide counsel for low income senior citizens in Housing Court.
Ethics of Housing Court Judges: Learn how you can report the details of your housing court experience that can have an impact on the reappointment of Housing Court judges in 2008.
Reports to the Community:
Racketeering Lawsuit Against Pinnacle (Attorney Kim Powell, BRUSH (Buyers and Renters United to Save Harlem)
Abyssinian Development Corp: One of Harlem's Worst Landlords? Lisa Jones, Tenant Activist
Organizing Against Vantage Properties: Luis Tejeda, Mirabal Sisters/Valerie Orridge, President of Delano Village Tenants Association
New York City Planning Commission Approves 125th St. Rezoning, Michael Henry Adams, Harlem Historian and Author of"Harlem Lost and Found"
Legal Action to Oppose Rezoning of 125th Street, Craig Schley, VOTE People
Unity Statement:
Toward Building a United Tenant Coalition of Greater Harlem & Washington Heights.
For additional information contact the Harlem Tenants Council at 212-234-5005 or 646-812-5188. Email:Harlem tenants@gmail.com
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide
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