GO HARD OR GO HOME; BET presents, "Inside the Ring"

GO HARD OR GO HOME- Hip Hop meets Mixed Martial Arts; BET presents, "Inside the Ring"

Introducing celebrities from the worlds of hip-hop, sports and Hollywood to the competitive ranks of mixed martial arts (MMA), BET showcases a twist to this exciting format with its new original series IRON RING premiering Tuesday, March 18 at 11 p.m. (ET/PT). See the encore Friday at 10 p.m. (ET/PT).

IRON RING showcases mixed martial arts -- the fastest-growing new sports format in entertainment. The show pairs celebrity team owners, trainers and fighters to produce some of the most compelling match-ups on television.

Floyd Mayweather


Headlining the show is boxing champ Floyd Mayweather (with the assistance of hip-hop star Rick Ross) managing the Money Mayweather Boys, along with hip-hop heavyweights Ludacris and Nelly representing Team Luda and Team Nelly (respectively); T.I. with the help of Big Kuntry, Young Dro, DJ Drama and Alpha Omega leading Team Grand Hustle; Juelz Santana and Jim Jones heading Dipset; and Lil Jon with the Head Busters.

Rick Ross and Aaron Braunstein


"When I heard BET was bringing IRON RING to the air ... I wanted to be involved in any way I could," said team owner Ludacris. "... What people will get out of IRON RING is that it's less about the man in the fight and more about the fight in the man."

With $100,000 in prize money up for grabs, these skilled competitors go toe-to-toe in the IRON RING using the combined fighting techniques of jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing and wrestling. From competitive team tryouts and grueling practices to the final face-off at the live championship, IRON RING not only exposes the hardcore sport of mixed martial arts, but also uniquely explores the human element by providing insight into the lives of the fighters and coaches.

TEAM OWNERS

T.I., Team Grand Hustle
Father, astute businessman, fashion icon, King of the South, future Hollywood A Lister, and Hip Hop standard Bearer. Atlanta-native T.I. holds all these titles and more. If you ask the thought-provoking MC if he's satisfied with his success, he'll tell you it's not enough.

Ludacris, Team Luda
His career shifted into overdrive in ATL. He's one of rap's most recognizable artists, and his recent success in the acting game should keep his visibility high for years to come.

Mayweather, Money Mayweather Boys
Floyd Mayweather consistently gives sensational performances in the ring. Floyd, now 28, started boxing at the age of seven. He is the son of former contender Floyd Mayweather, Sr. and has three children.

Lil' Jon, Team Headbusters
Lil Jon has become one of the most in-demand producers in music. He's craged his signature sound from chants and catchy choruses. His hitmaking has earned him thousands of fans nationwide.

Juelz Santana, Team Dipset
Born and raised in Harlem, Juelz started writing rhymes at the age of 12. Juelz, born LaRon James, has worked with Cam'ron, Jay-Z, Jim Jones and more.

Nelly, Team Nelly
Nelly is one of the most successful rap artists of the modern hip-hop era. From "Country Grammar" to "Hot in Heere," Nelly has been bringing the hits to the people as a soloist and collaborator. He's a three-time Grammy winner who's still on top of his game.
What is Mixed Martial Arts?

Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is a hybrid combat sport that incorporates boxing, wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo and other disciplines.

Where did this fighting style originate?

MMA traces it roots back to the early Olympic sport called Pankration, where combatants faced each other with very few rules. Over time, similar sports evolved, and different styles of traditional martial arts were pitted against each other.

Are there rules?

Specific MMA rules vary between organizations, but eye-gouging, biting, hair pulling and strikes to the throat, spine and groin have been outlawed.

Modern MMA is inspired by the “anything goes” fighting contests held in Brazil. Early American MMA events were bloody and had no rules, which resulted in government regulation.

How does a fighter win?

The goal of a MMA match is to knock out the opponent, force the opponent to tap out, or to win by scoring more points.

Is all that kicking really necessary?

MMA is usually broken down into two categories: striking and grappling. Strikes include blows with hands, feet, knees or elbows. Grappling moves use submissions, choke holds, throws and take downs.

boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

POST-PARTISAN AMERICA?‏

POST-PARTISAN AMERICA?

The stunning victory of Senator John McCain as the Republican Party’s nominee for President of the United States was highly unlikely, and portends an interesting general election that may realign the party’s electorate. The Republican Party began suffering from an attrition rate following the end of the “Reagan revolution.” Coupled with the general political fallout from shortcomings of the Bush administration, the party may be in political free fall.

The resultant lost of the Republican Party majority in congress following major gains by the Democratic Party in the 2006 election, and the exceedingly low popularity of President Bush seem to have the Republican Party on the ropes, as the 2008 presidential general election begins. In addition, the political prognosis for the Republican Party in this season’s presidential election looks grim because of diminishing returns of the conservative wing (neo-conservatives and Christian right) of the party that heretofore, virtually controlled the political rhetoric.

While McCain has taken major political hits from the conservative wing on his intrepid journey to the party’s nomination, at the end of the day the maverick and independently minded Senator may ultimately be a blessing in disguise for the party. But Senator McCain may remain a nemesis to the polarized conservative wing of the party, as the candidate engages a general election strategy to win America.

According to many sophisticated political analysts Senator John McCain has the background, political history and disposition to generate unprecedented support from Black voters in the general election. Apart from the Senator’s controversial positions on some social issues that Black voters are inclined toward, John McCain is an authentic national hero, and his courageous stance against congressional earmarks, will likely resonate across the political spectrum.

Concomitantly, McCain will not be encumbered by the legacy of Republican Party social conservatism, or the hard line race based political rhetoric, real and perceived from the right wing. The advent of Senator McCain presidential candidacy is organically juxtaposed to many conservative political positions that are troubling to many Black voters, including Republicans. As a consequence, candidate McCain has the potential to receive unprecedented numbers of Black voters as compared to all of the other GOP presidential hopefuls.

(Photo by: Dana Mozie)


Boxing and fighting arts public relations specialist Keisha Morrisey, a former Republican Party candidate in 2002 and 2003 said, “I am fascinated with Senator McCain and the prospects for his campaign. In fact, I have reconsidered running for elective office in 2008 and I am looking forward to campaigning with the Senator as a grassroots candidate from Harlem.” Ms. Morrisey is a parent of a teenage son, under 40 years-old and a petite young lady who looks as though she is under 30.

(Photo By: Evan E. Edwards)


While McCain may be an elder and seasoned public servant, his message and history of independence and bi-partisanship has the political resonance of a new idea among a cross section of the American electorate. McCain’s campaign is propitious as the electoral demographic is on an independent political trajectory.

Apparently, the campaign of Barack Obama has tapped in to the political trajectory of independent voters and seems to be generating a new political calculus. Some suggest that the Obama campaign has revealed that a political paradigm shift is underway.

Veteran political analyst Alton Chase said, “Although McCain is facing a disproportional numerical disadvantage and an inspired and effervescent Democratic electorate, the final decision that will determine the Democratic Party’s nominee may result from a brokered convention that will fracture the Democratic Party along historical political fault lines. A vociferous internal political dubiety may develop that could jeopardize their prospects for regaining the White House in November.”

Chase continued, “In the presidential election of 1924 the Democratic Party had a brokered convention and the Republican candidate Calvin Coolidge won the election, carrying New York. The Democratic Party presidential convention of 1968 was brokered in favor of Herbert Humphrey over anti-war candidate Eugene McCarthy, and Republican candidate Richard Nixon won the presidency. It remains to be seen how the Democratic Party presidential nomination will shake out and what impact it may have for McCain.”

If the Democratic Party presidential nomination were over today it would be a virtual political photo finish, sending the ultimate decision to the domain of the Super Delegates and the preverbal smoke filled room. But the fat lady has yet to sing, so it ain’t over till its over.

Gary James (Photo By: Ysis James)


Gary James is an author, entrepreneur, and leader of the activist wing of the Republican Party. In 1984 his organization was tapped by the Reagan-Bush re-election committee to direct the state-wide grassroots campaign in the Black community, under the leadership of regional coordinator Roger Stone. James ran the state-wide “Black Desk” in 1986 for the GOP Gubernatorial candidate Supreme Court Judge Andrew O’Rourke. He was the delegate for Congressman Jack Kemp in Harlem’s 16th CD in 1988, during the congressman’s bid for the GOP presidential nomination. For more information contact ConsultingGary@aol.com or visit: www.blackpt.org
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts politics special events sports worldwide

New York’s Gov. Paterson Takes Office; "I am David A. Paterson and I am the Governor of New York State"

New York’s Gov. Paterson Takes Office



"I stand willing and able to lead this state to a greater tomorrow."

"There's been tension here for months and confrontation," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-Brunswick), Spitzer's nemesis. "So I think there's relief. ... It's a new day and the sun is shining."


"Let me reintroduce myself. I am David Paterson and I am the governor of New York State!"








Honorable Lt. Governor David A. Paterson attends the Roy Jones vs. Tito Trinidad fight in January, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.


boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts politics special events sports worldwide

RESULTS FROM NEW YORK: A FISTFUL OF SHAMROCKS MARCH 15

Unbeaten junior middleweight James Moore, a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens, New York, took a big step forward by winning a hard fought unanimous decision over veteran J.C. Candelo of Colombia at Madison Square Garden’s WaMu Theater.

James Moore vs. Juan Carlos Candelo





The two-way action by both fighters brought the pro-Moore crowd to its feet on many occasions. Moore, now 15-0 (10 KOS), was hurt by a right uppercut in the third round. Both fighters landed thunderous punches during many spirited exchanges and received a standing ovation at the end.



Candelo saw his record dip to 27-10-4 (18 KOS) when the scores of 97-92, 97-93 and 95-94 were announced.


“He’s a crafty veteran who exploited my mistakes,” said Moore. “This was the kind of challenge I needed to get to the next level. I’m only going to get better by fighting veterans like this. I don’t want easy fights because this is not an easy business.”

Candelo, who initially took the microphone and yelled, “You judges bleeping suck,” later called Moore a “gentleman who doesn’t talk bleep” and said, “I got respect for him. This was his first step-up fight. He fought for his crowd and did what he was supposed to do.”

Pawel Wolak vs. Dupre Strickland


In the action-packed co-feature, junior middleweight Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak, a native of Poland who fights out of New Jersey, stopped Dupre “Total Package” Strickland of Shreveport, Louisiana, at 3:06 of the second round. A vicious combo by Wolak, now 20-0 (14 KOS), knocked Strickland down for the count. The loser, who had gone the 10 round distance with John Duddy, saw his record dip to 18-3-1 (7 KOS).

Dupre “Total Package” Strickland




Pawel Wolak


Dupre “Total Package” Strickland


Oisin Fagan vs. Bruce Carden

In other bouts, lightweight Oisin Fagan, 21-5 (16 KOS), Oklahoma City via Dublin, stopped Brian Carden, 6-5 (4 KOS) in 2.

Oisin Fagan


Brian Carden


Martin Wright vs. Juan Carlos Sanchez

Welterweight Martin Wright, 5-0-1 (2 KOS), Brooklyn, won a 4 round decision over Juan Carlos Sanchez, 3-3-1 (1 KO).

Martin Wright


Simon O’Donnell vs. Chris Overby

Bronx middleweight Simon O’Donnell, 5-1 (3 KOS), Philadelphia via County Galway, Ireland, TKO 2 Chris Overbey, 8-9 (2 KOS).

Tim Witherspoon and Simon O'Donnell


Jules Blackwell vs. Jae-Sung Lee

Sidney, Ohio; featherweight Jules Blackwell, 7-0-1 (2 KOS), Philadelphia, battled to a draw with Jae-Sung Lee, 8-1-1 (5 KOS), Korea.

Jules Blackwell



Cristy Nickel vs. Oliva Fonseca

Nickel vs. Fonseca photos by Colleen Ashton


Junior middleweight Oliva Fonseca, 2-1-2 (1 KO), Philadelphia, won a 4 round decision over Cristy Nickel, 7-6 (4 KOS).

Oliva Fonseca


Cristy Nickel


Oliva Fonseca


Cristy Nickel


Joe Rosa vs Jose Espinal

New York; lightweight Jose Espinal, 4-3-1 (1 KO), Brooklyn, TKO 1 over Joe Rosa, 1-3
(0 KOS).

Jose Espinal


Jose Espinal


Joe Rosa in the ring.



Khabir Suleymanov vs. Robert Phillips

Bronx; bantamweight Khabir Suleymanov, 3-0 (1 KO), Brooklyn via Ukraine, W 4 Robert Phillips, 0-1.

Khabir Suleymanov


Khabir Suleymanov in the ring.


Luis Ruiz vs. Terrell Boggs

Junior middleweight Luis Ruiz, 3-0 (1 KO) TKO Terrell Boggs, 0-2, Philadelphia.

Luis Ruiz and Santana in the ring


Terrell Boggs


Promoter: Celtic Gloves Promotions
Venue: WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Promoter: Celtic Gloves Promotions

Keisha and Legendary Radio Personality Joey Reynolds


Krystal Hart and Guest appropiately dressed for "A FISTFUL OF SHAMROCKS".


Lou Duva Tommy Brooks and Yuri Foreman



Santana




boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

RESULTS FROM TWIN RIVER; “Rumble At The River”, March 14

POST FIGHT QUOTES
Peter Manfredo, Jr.: “He had never been stopped. He was tough. I hit him with a lot of good shots, but he wasn’t up to my talent level. His head was like a cinder block. He said he learned watching Vinny Paz fights. I hit him with some big shots. I didn’t look my best, maybe a 6 or 7 on a scale of 10, and I should have taken him out earlier. I was coming off a fight (loss to Jeff Lacy) that I left a lot of people down. You’ll see a lot better things in the future. I’m trying to make 160 but, if the money’s at 168, I’ll take it. I’m taking a serious shot at it (world title). This was a comeback fight and I’m headed in the right direction.”


CRUISERWEIGHTS
Tim Flamos (20-4-1, 8 KOs), Brockton, MA WKO3
(2:13)Chris McInerney (9-2, 6 KOs), Quincy, MA

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Joey Spina (21-1-1, 15 KOs), Providence, RI WDEC6 (59-55, 58-56, 58-56) Henry Mayes (4-3, 3 KOs), Baltimore, MD

Joey McCreedy (7-1, 5 KOs), Lowell, MA WTKO4 (1:44) Zeferino Albino (3-5-1, 1 KO), N. Philadelphia, PA

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Peter Manfredo, Jr. (29-5, 14 KOs), Providence, RI WTKO6 (2:30)Shane Benfield (17-2, 9 KOs), York, SC

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Andre Nevsky (4-0, 3 KOs), Worcester, MA WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)
Eric Pinarreta (2-2, 2 KOs), New Bedford, MA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Diego Pereira (1-0, 1 KO), Pawtucket, RI WTKO3 (3:00) Felix Fernandes (4-8, 2 KOs), Brockton, MA

FEMALE LIGHTWEIGHTS
Jaime Clampitt (19-4-1, 7 KOs), Warwick, RI DEC10 (97-93, 97-93, 95-95)
Belinda Laracuente (23-22-3, 9 KOs), New York, NY
(Clampitt retains IWBF lightweight title)

FLYWEIGHTS
Isander Beauchamp (4-0, 1 KO), Lynn, MA WKO1 (3:00)Gabriel Cruz (2-2, 0 KOs), Oceanside, CA

Promoter: Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc
Matchmaker: Ted Panagiotis, Mike Marchionete (main event)
Bob Trieger; Full Court Press
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

RESULTS FROM CHICAGO/SOLO BOXEO‏

HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING MARCH BADNESS/SOLO BOXEO TECATE 8 Count Productions/Top Rank Inc.

Cicero Stadium

Javier Jauregui UD12 vs. Miguel Huerta, 115-112 (twice), 117-110

NABF Lightweight Title
Brandon Rios KO2 (1:10) vs. Alvin Brown,

Leo Martinez TKO4 (:27) vs. Miguel Angel Figueroa,

Gadiel Andaluz KO2 (2:06) vs. Fred Fleming,

Javier Garcia KO1 (2:44) vs. Jose Guzman

Bernie Bahrmasel

Publicist/8 Count Productions
www.8countproductions.com

boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

Hometown Favorites Cory Spinks and Devon Alexander To Fight on Don King-Promoted Boxing Card

Cory Spinks vs. Verno Phillips/Devon Alexander vs. Miguel Callist


ST. LOUIS— Promoter Don King will present a championship doubleheader featuring St. Louis boxers Cory “The Next Generation” Spinks and Devon Alexander “The Great” at Scottrade Center in St. Louis on March 27. Spinks is a world champion and his protégé Alexander is nearing his first world-title fight.

Spinks (36-4, 11 KOs) is the reigning International Boxing Federation junior middleweight champion and will face former three-time 154-pound world champion and current IBF mandatory challenger Verno Phillips (41-11-1), a native of Belize now fighting out of Denver, Colo.

The undefeated Alexander (14-0, 8 KOs), the World Boxing Council Continental Americas super lightweight champion, will be in a championship unification match against World Boxing Association FEDELATIN super lightweight champion Miguel Callist (24-6-1, 17 KOs), from Colon, Panama.

“It’s the best of the old and the best of the new, and the best part of all is it’s taking place in The Lou,” the ever-ebullient King said, using the local vernacular. “Cory and Devon are the pride of St. Louis. They roam the world in pursuit of riches, greatness and championships but they always come back home to ol’ St. Lou. That’s why I’m calling this fight “Pride of St. Louis” because that’s what they are.”

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Scottrade Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by phone at 314-241-1888 for an automated line or 314-421-4400 or 618-222-2900 for sales rep, or online at ticketmaster.com. A per-ticket facility fee will be added to all tickets purchased at all locations, including at the Scottrade Center Box Office. Additional Ticketmaster service charges and handling fees apply. For disabled seating, call 314-622-5420.

Spinks is the former undisputed welterweight champion who currently holds the IBF 154-pound crown won in St. Louis on July 8, 2006, when he won a majority decision over Roman Karmazin.

In his last appearance, Spinks moved up in weight to face then World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization middleweight champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor at the FedEx Forum in Memphis on May 19, 2007.

Taylor experienced tremendous difficulty exerting his will over Spinks, who proved he could not only appear against a unified middleweight kingpin, but that he could compete at the weight. He darted within range to land punches and frustrated Taylor with his defensive skills throughout the fight.

It was difficult to find agreement on a winner among ringside observers after the fight concluded its 12 rounds. Rarely in boxing history have the disparities been greater between three judges. Dick Flaherty rewarded Spinks for his consummate boxing skills by the wide margin of 117-111. Gale Van Hoy favored the heavier-handed Taylor by the same score of 117-111. Michael Pernick favored Taylor by one round with a score of 115-113 to break the deadlock.

The road to retaining his junior middleweight crown will be no easier for the 29-year-old Spinks when facing the veteran Phillips, 38, who has won an impressive three world championships in his career, all at the 154-pound limit.

Phillips won his last world title in 2004 but dropped a close decision to Kassim Ouma in his next match.

In his next contest on June 18, 2005, Phillips came tantalizingly close to upsetting Ike “Bazooka” Quartey. Phillips landed a left hook in round nine that Quartey would later describe as “a perfect shot” that left the Ghanaian legend in serious trouble. Phillips pursued Quartey and was able to send him to the mat again at the end of the round, but the knockdown was controversially ruled a slip.

Even though Phillips was unable to stop Quartey when he had him hurt, if his second knockdown been counted the fight would have been ruled a draw as two judges scored the match in favor of Quartey by identical scores of 95-94.

Phillips has won his last three fights, most notably scoring a technical knockout over Teddy Reid and winning a unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Candelo.

Alexander has been a child prodigy fighting out of the Spinks camp. He made a significant move up in level of opposition in his last appearance, making a strong statement by winning a lopsided unanimous decision over respected former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley to win the WBC Continental Americas super lightweight championship.

At a just-turned 21, Alexander is believed by many boxing experts to be one of the top prospects in the sport. If he can defeat Callist convincingly, Alexander will edge closer to his first world-title fight.

Callist will certainly have the edge in experience. He’s 12 years older at age 33, and he has participated in 31 professional fights to Alexander’s 14. Like Corley, Callist is a southpaw but appears to be on the rise while Corley’s best days are probably behind him.

Callist has only lost once in his last seven matches—to undefeated Marcos Rene Maidana in 2006. In his last appearance, he won a unanimous decision in eight rounds over Charlie Navarro on Aug. 16, 2007.

Pride of St. Louis is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Banner Promotions.

Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.

DKP promoted Cory Spinks vs. Zab Judah II: Arch Rivals… Meet Me in St. Louis, which boasted the second-largest attendance for a boxing match at an indoor arena in history when 22,370 patrons sold out the Savvis Center (now known as the Scottraded Center) in advance on Feb. 5, 2005.

DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 15 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including four of the top five: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in the history of the world.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995.

Scottrade Center, located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, is one of the finest sports and entertainment complexes in the country, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment and an unprecedented commitment to quality and service. Opened in 1994, the arena is home to the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club and also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. The building is operated by Sports Capital Partners, owner of the St. Louis Blues, under the leadership of its chairman, Dave Checketts. For more information, please visit www.scottradecenter.com.
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

Ladbrokes.com Fight Night - Pre Fight Head to Head and Public Workout‏

Irish middleweight champion Matthew Macklin and former World Champion Yori Boy Campas will come face to face for the first time at 1pm on Tuesday (March 18th) for a press conference and public workout at the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre ahead of their Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin on Saturday, March 22nd.

Both men have had extensive training camps in the U.S. in preparation for the bout. Macklin has been preparing in Florida with new trainer and former two-weight world champ Buddy McGirt while Campas has been training in Phoenix, Arizona

Once the talking is out of the way on Tuesday the boxers on the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night including Macklin, Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike Perez and former Irish amateur heavyweight champ Ian Tims will give the public an inside look at the life of a professional boxer as they go through their daily training sessions.

All are welcome to attend. The press conference starts at 1pm with the public workouts immediately afterwards. The event takes place beside the UCI Cinema Complex in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

For further details regarding the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre visit: http://www.blanchardstowncentre.ie/

boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

'Finally'; Fresquez Productions presents Holly Holm and Mary Jo Sanders fighting for Pound-for-Pound Supremacy, June 13th

Holm-Sanders Press Conference

ALBUQUERQUE– A Fresquez Productions, Inc. press conference was held today at the Isleta Casino & Resort to formally announce “Finally,” the pay-per-view event (10PM/ET-8 PM/MT), headlined by Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm and Mary Jo Sanders – “The Battle for Pound-for-Pound Supremacy” -- on June 13th live from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico.(Photo By: Chris Cozzone/Fightwire Images)

“Finally,” produced and distributed by Integrated Sports, will be available for live viewing on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN and DirecTV for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

Holm (21-1-2, 6 KOs), fighting out of Albuquerque, faces Detroit icon Sanders (25-0, 8 KOs) in the 10 round main event for the vacant International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) junior middleweight title.

The three other scheduled PPV bouts include two more IFBA title fights: Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), against Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs), representing Ontario (Canada); Wendy Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, versus Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), from Van Buren, Arkansas. Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-0), fighting out of New York City by way of Honolulu, will be featured in the fourth PPV bout.

Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, go on sale March 18 at the Isleta Casino and Resort box office, www.tickets.com or at Fresquez Productions,

Inc. (508.884.7484). For more information go to www.fresquezproductions.com or www.holmvssanders.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/MT, first bout 7:00 PM/MT, first televised bout 8:00 PM/MT.

Holm-Sanders Albuquerque Presser Quotes


Holly Holm: “I’m going to train harder than I’ve ever trained before. I’ll be ready for whatever Mary Jo brings.”

Mary Jo Sanders: “I don’t want to talk crap. Our records and fights should speak for themselves. I’m not only happy about my fight with Holly, but the undercard is so good, I’m so happy to headline a card of this magnitude with the other girls in order to show the world that women can fight and not just look pretty.”

Mike Winkeljohn (Holm’s manager/trainer): “Holly is by far No. 1 pound-for-pound and that’s why she was named the 2007 WBAN Fighter of the Year and Ring magazine’s 2005 and 2006 Fighter of the Year, along with the IFBA 2007 Fighter of the Year. Mary Jo’s team recognizes Mary Jo, but the organizations are what count. I think she may pull out of the fight with an injury once she realizes what she is in for.”

Jimmy Mallo (Sanders’ manager/trainer): “This fight will not go the distance. Mary Jo is just too strong for Holly. She’s never been in the ring with someone with Mary Jo’s type of power.”

boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

SecondsOut Radio: James Moore, Pawel Wolak, Joey Reynolds, Pacquiao-Marquez 2‏

SecondsOut Radio: James Moore, Pawel Wolak, Joey Reynolds, Pacquiao-Marquez 2 On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,host Eddie Goldman begins by discussing his failed attempt to orderthe Pacquiao-Marquez 2 pay-per-view on Time Warner Cable in New York,and what happened next. This past Saturday night, March 15, at the same time as Pacquiao-Marquez 2 in Las Vegas, the annual tradition of a major boxing show atMadison Square Garden on St. Patrick's Day weekend continued. In themain event, unbeaten junior middleweight James Moore (15-0, 10 KOs) ofQueens, NY, via County Wicklow, Ireland, faced the toughest opponentof his pro career, veteran former title challenger J.C. Candelo(27-10-4, 18 KOs). Moore won by a ten-round unanimous decision. In theco-feature, unbeaten junior middleweight Pawel Wolak, 20-0 (14 KOs)scored a second-round knockout over Dupre Strickland (18-3-1, 7 KOs). Right after their fights, we spoke with James Moore and Pawel Wolak.We also spoke with legendary radio host Joey Reynolds of WOR 710 AM inNew York, who attended this fight and covers boxing regularly on hisMonday-through-Friday overnight general interest talk show (http://wor710.com/pages/46370.php?contentType=4&contentId=157588/). It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register togain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/,and listen, learn, and enjoy. Thanks, Eddie Goldman No Holds Barred bloghttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com/ No Holds Barred podcasthttp://nhbnews.podomatic.com/ The Boxing Standardhttp://boxingstandard.com/ No Holds Barred on MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/nhbnewsboxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

IFL will honor the state champion wrestlers from N.Y. and N.J. high schools at the April 4 IFL event at Izod Center in E. Rutherford, N.J.

NEW YORK– The connection between the sports of wrestling and mixed martial arts is a strong and growing one। In recognition of the achievement of New York and New Jersey high school wrestlers this season, the International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI) will honor the champions of both states and their coaches at the first major MMA competition on the East Coast in 2008, April 4 at the IZOD Center in E. Rutherford, N.J., beginning at 7:30 p.m. The league will recognize champions recently crowned in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) and New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) for their athletic excellence “More than two-thirds of our professional mixed martial arts athletes come from the high school and collegiate wrestling ranks,” said IFL CEO Jay Larkin. “We are proud to be able to highlight the success and hard work that these state champions have demonstrated and wish them success as they move forward in their academic and athletic careers.” Last year, the IFL and USA Wrestling, the national governing body of the sport of wrestling, began a partnership to help promote the relationship between the sports. The IFL has held clinics with USA Wrestling around the country, using IFL elite athletes with a strong wrestling background to show younger athletes how to improve technique. Numerous IFL athletes, including current champions Jay Hieron, Roy Nelson, Vladimir Matyushenko, Ryan Schultz and Ryan McGivern, have an accomplished wrestling background. In addition, former middleweight champion Matt Horwich earned a silver medal at the World Grappling Games in the summer of 2007 and his coach Matt Lindland is an Olympic Silver Medalist. Some of the elite wrestlers competing on the April 4 MMA card at the Meadowlands will include Hieron (Nassau C.C.), Matyushenko (Lassen J.C.), Shad Lierley (New York Univ.), L.C. Davis (Missouri Valley College) and Mike Ciesnolevicz (Lock Haven Univ.) The event will feature nine bouts, including the IFL featherweight, middleweight and light heavyweight belts, and will be seen live on HDNet and Fox Sports Canada, as well as on tape delay on FSN. About the IFLInternational Fight League™ (IFL) has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv. ---"St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic."- Adrienne Cook Catch the IFL on FSN Sundays at 5 p.m. and LIVE on HDNet on April 4 and May 16 boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

NO HOLDS BARRED: Bob Meyrowitz

NO HOLDS BARRED: Bob Meyrowitz

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-03-15T03_27_39-07_00

On this special edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Bob Meyrowitz, whose new mixed martial arts league, YAMMA Pit Fighting (http://yammapitfighting.com), will be debuting Friday, April 11, 2008, at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, with a pay-per-view show. Bob is the former CEO of Semaphore Entertainment Group, which produced the original, classic UFC events from 1993 to 2001.

We were joined in our discussion, held Tuesday, March 11, at the New York offices of YAMMA Pit Fighting, by Internet radio host Bob Carson of Carson's Corner (http://carsonscorner.podomatic.com/).

Among the topics discussed in this lengthy roundtable interview were the media, radio, and the Internet; what to expect at the debut show of YAMMA Pit Fighting April 11; their running a one-night heavyweight tournament; their Super Fight competitors Oleg Taktarov, Don Frye, Gary Goodridge, and Butterbean; and much more.

To listen to NO HOLDS BARRED, click the link at the start of this message, scroll down that page, and just press the play button on the player.

You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking on the download link (right-click to save it).

Also, NO HOLDS BARRED is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.

The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.

The NO HOLDS BARRED theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).

Make sure to check out my regular weekly boxing show SecondsOut Radio, at http://www.secondsout.com/radio/. On this week's edition of SecondsOut Radio, we begin by discussing the WBC heavyweight title fight won by Samuel Peter (30-1, 23 KOs) over Oleg Maskaev (34-6, 26 KOs) by a sixth-round stoppage, and the lightweight title fight won by Nate Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KOs) over Juan Diaz (33-1, 17 KOs) by a split decision in Cancun, Mexico. The comments of the announcers on HBO, which telecast these fights in the U.S., are particularly criticized here. We also review the cruiserweight unification bout won by David Haye (21-1, 20 KOs) over Enzo Maccarinelli (28-2, 21 KOs) by a second-round TKO in London, UK, telecast in the U.S. on Showtime and in the UK on Setanta. This coming Saturday, March 15, the long-awaited rematch between WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (48-3-1, 35 KOs) and Manny Pacquiao (45-3-2, 34 KOs) finally is set to take place. In their first bout, held at featherweight on May 8, 2004, Pacquiao dropped Marquez thrice in the first round, but Marquez recovered and was able to outbox Pacquiao for much of the remainder of the fight. The result was a controversial split draw. Now they will meet again in a bout in Las Vegas which will be shown in the U.S. on HBO Pay-Per-View. We spoke with Manny Pacquiao and his trainer and confidant Freddie Roach about what to expect March 15 on a media teleconference call this past week, and have that discussion for you here. It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, http://www.secondsout.com/radio/, and listen, learn, and enjoy.

Make sure to check out my regular articles on the ADCC News at http://www.adcombat.com and on FightBeat.com at http://fightbeat.com.

NO HOLDS BARRED is free to listen to and is sponsored by:

YAMMA Pit Fighting (http://yammapitfighting.com). The producers of the original UFC and Live Nation (http://livenation.com/), worldwide leaders in live entertainment, present YAMMA Pit Fighting mixed martial arts. On the streets, it's against the law. In the pit, it IS the law.

IFL, the International Fight League (http://ifl.tv/), the world's first professional mixed martial arts league. Make sure to check out their regular TV shows on FSN (Fox Sports Net) (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/1636002) in the U.S., and to check your local listings for dates and times. Check out the IFL web site (http://ifl.tv/), for a listing of IFL live events and their TV schedule, at http://ifl.tv/TV-Schedule.html.

Gladiator Challenge (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/), shaking up the mixed martial arts world since 1999, and now with 30 shows per year. For more news and info, check out their web site, GladiatorChallenge.com (http://gladiatorchallenge.com/).

BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.

Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).

FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman

No Holds Barred blog
http://nhbnews.blogspot.com/

No Holds Barred podcast
http://nhbnews.podomatic.com/

The Boxing Standard
http://boxingstandard.com/

No Holds Barred on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews


Enjoy!



boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

Holm-Sanders Female PPV Super Fight June 13 at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE– The long awaited, much anticipated showdown between two of boxing’s best, exciting and most popular females, Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm and Mary Jo Sanders, will headline the June 13th “Finally” pay-per-view event (10 PM/ET-8PM/MT), presented by Fresquez Productions, Inc., live from Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“Finally,” produced and distributed by Integrated Sports, will be available for live viewing on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, TVN and DirecTV for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.
Holm (21-1-2, 6 KOs), fighting out of Albuquerque, meets Detroit icon Sanders (25-0, 8 KOs) in the 10 round main event for the vacant International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) junior middleweight title.

“This is a fight between two supreme athletes in their prime battling for pound-for-pound supremacy,” promoter Lenny Fresquez said. “Holly is a natural junior welterweight who is fighting three divisions higher against the best middleweight in the world, Mary Jo, at 154 pounds (junior middleweight). The winner will be recognized as the top pound-for-pound active fighter in female boxing today.”

Holm, 2007 WBAN & IFBA Fighter of the Year, is the reigning IFBA welterweight champion and 7-time world title-holder in three different weight classes. She is 10-0(3 KOs) in world title fights and has defeated seven world champions including Christy Martin, Mia St. John, Jane Couch, Ann Saccurato, and Chevelle Hallback.
IBA middleweight title-holder Sanders, 4-time world champion in four divisions, is the daughter of Football Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Sanders, former Detroit Lions tight end star.

Mary Jo, 5-0 (2 KOs) in world championship bouts, has beaten nine world champions, including Valerie Mahfood, Melissa Del Valle, Eliza Olson, Tricia Turton, and Hallback.

IBA junior lightweight champion Chevelle “Fists of Steel” Hallback (26-5-2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), takes on IBA featherweight title-holder Jeannine “G9” Garside (7-0-1, 3 KOs), representing Ontario (Canada), in the 10-round co-feature for the IFBA lightweight title.

Two other exciting 10-round pay-per-view fights are on tap, IBA junior featherweight champion Wendy Rodriguez (18-4, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, versus WIBF-GBU/WIBC minimumweight title-holder Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway (21-6, 10 KOs), from Van Buren, Arkansas, for the vacant IFBA junior flyweight championship.

Newly crowned WIBA flyweight title-holder Eileen “The Hawaiian Mongoose” Olszewski (5-0), fighting out of New York City by way of Honolulu, will be fighting an opponent to be determined. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $50.00, $100.00, $150.00, $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00, go on sale March 18 at the Isleta Casino and Resort box office, www.tickets.com or at Fresquez Productions, Inc. (508.884.7484). For more information go to www.fresquezproductions.com or www.holmvssanders.com. Doors open at 5:30 PM/MT, first bout 7:00 PM/MT, first televised bout 8:00 PM/MT.

Holm-Sanders Detroit Presser Quotes

The Holm-Sanders media tour kicked-off today in Detroit at the Andiamo Restaurant, continues tomorrow (Thursday, March 13 – 2 PM/MT) at the Isleta Casino & Resort (Bingo Showroom), and concludes Saturday morning (11 AM/PT) with a breakfast/press conference at the Luxor Hotel & Casino (Nile Chambers Room A & B) in Las Vegas.

Holly Holm: “Mary Joe is 25-0 and I feel that she’s been put in with the right girls. In 2 ½ more months everyone will know I’m the best in boxing. I don’t make predictions. We’ve all seen Mary Jo. I’ll train for 10 rounds and take it one round at a time. Anything can happen.”

Mary Joe Sanders: “I made a prediction once and my dad got made at me. I asked him to wait until after the fight. I predicted the third round and got her in the first. But that’s not the point. There’s no need for predictions. I don’t want to be focusing on that (round prediction). I know it’ll be a great fight.”

Mike Winkeljohn (Holm’s manager/trainer): “Mary Jo is undefeated. I hope they enjoy the last 2 ½ months being undefeated. Mary Jo is all those things (what Mallo said) but Holly is hard to hit. She’s as slippery as Jimmy’s (Mallo) hair. They must be nervous to have already started training. Holly’s going to start at the right time and not get burned out. I encourage them to do that (continue training).”

Jimmy Mallo (Sanders’ manager/trainer): “Mary Joe is by far the best female fighter in boxing. Holly Holm hops around like a bunny. She better not bring her dancing shoes that night. We train everyday; six days a week. So, I don’t think Mary Joe will peak too soon. I hope Vegas takes bets on this fight. Holly Holm can’t win this fight. Mary Joe is too good and too strong. It doesn’t matter what game plan, she can’t win. Mary Jo goes against the grain. She’s never thrown off by quickness. It really doesn’t matter. Mary Jo is a true fighter; Holly Holm is a bunny, hopping in and out, fighting like she’s doing the Cha-Cha. She better change her game plan for this fight. Whatever she does in this fight, Mary Jo is going to punch her harder than she’s ever been hit in her life.”

Lenny Fresquez (promoter of the show and for Holm): “The ring is only going to be 18 feet, so they shouldn’t think Holly will be dancing. The referee and judges will be neutral.”

CONTACTS: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press
boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide

Le Reve Play 4 Parkinsons, a 1920's starr-studded casino gala to benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation‏, Aprl 22

Le Reve Play 4 Parkinsons, a 1920's starr-studded casino gala to benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation‏ Aprl 22

boxing entertainment fight sports mixed martial arts special events sports worldwide