NO HOLDS BARRED: Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock, Guy Mezger, Ryan Schultz, Wagnney Fabiano, Jay Hieron, Matt Horwich, Vladimir Matyushenko, Tim Kennedy,

NO HOLDS BARRED: Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock, Guy Mezger, Ryan Schultz, Wagnney Fabiano, Jay Hieron, Matt Horwich, Vladimir Matyushenko, Tim Kennedy, Trace Adkins, Leo Khorolinsky, IFL Grand Prix
http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2007-12-31T06_14_38-08_00
On this edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman reviews the Dec. 29 IFL Grand Prix Finals, which was held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
We spoke with five of the IFL individual champions about their victorious fights and what their plans are: lightweight (155 lbs.) champion Ryan Schultz, featherweight (145 lbs.) champion Wagnney Fabiano, welterweight (170 lbs.) champion Jay Hieron, middleweight (185 lbs.) champion Matt Horwich, and light heavyweight (205 lbs.) champion Vladimir Matyushenko (http://vladthejanitor.com/). We also spoke with middleweight Tim Kennedy (http://rangerup.com/timkennedy.html), who was victorious on this card.
At this event, we once again spoke with "The Natural," Randy Couture (http://thenatural.tv/), the now-former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion who recently resigned from that promotion. Randy told us which former wrestling champion has said that he would like to compete against him in a grappling match. He also updated us on what his other plans were and the latest in his dispute with the UFC promoters.
We spoke with mixed martial arts legend Ken Shamrock (http://kenshamrock.com/) at this event. He discussed his plans for next year as a coach in the IFL, commented on the historical role of the original Lion’s Den in MMA, told us about his coaching a victorious MMA team in Manila, revealed whom he may fight next in MMA, and explained the need for non-exclusive contracts and a fighters' union in MMA.
We also spoke with Guy Mezger, president and matchmaker for the HDNet Fights promotion (http://hdnetfights.com/). HDNet telecast the IFL Grand Prix live in the U.S. on their television network. We discussed with Guy when and where the next HDNet Fights show is likely to take place, who might fight on it, how HDNet Fights is working with other promotions as partners, how HDNet Fights has become the primary sporting event on HDNet, and how HDNet Fights differs from the UFC.
In addition, we spoke with country music star Trace Adkins (http://www.traceadkins.com/), who attended this event. And we spoke with Leo Khorolinsky, the manager of former UFC heavyweight champion and current top contender Andrei Arlovski (http://arlovski.tv/) about what is next for his fighter.
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 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:
Art of War (http://www.artofwarlive.com/), the undisputed arena fighting championship, promoted by SUN Sports and Entertainment, producing world class mixed martial arts events. For more information, check out their web site, ArtOfWarLive.com (http://www.artofwarlive.com/).
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/
No Holds Barred on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews


Enjoy!

“Magic Man” Starring Boxing Champion Paulie Malignaggi to Air Exclusively on SHOWTIME Dec. 30 – Jan. 4

***Documentary depicts life of DBE Junior Welterweight Champion***

NEW YORK, – DiBella Entertainment and Brave St. Productions are proud to announce the television premiere of “Magic Man” as it will air exclusively on SHOWTIME, Dec. 30 – Jan. 4. The documentary film chronicles the ascent of perpetual underdog Paulie the “Magic Man” Malignaggi, a scrawny kid from a broken home who, in quest to prove his life was worth something, defeated all odds to arrive at the Mecca of boxing (where is this) one big upset away from proving everyone wrong. It’s a story of disappointment, determination, of stamina and salvation.

The film produced by Lou DiBella and Brave St. Productions, traces Malignaggi’s difficult upbringing as the child of Italian immigrants struggling to find his path in life in America. The story follows his start in amateur boxing from his time at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn and chronicles the trials and tribulations of his first world championship bout against Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden and the ecstasy of winning his first title one year later. The film provides an original and poignant illustration of the literal blood, sweat and tears in the life of a boxer.

“Magic Man” first premiered at the Hoboken International Film Festival in New Jersey, where a rough cut of the film won the 2007 Audience Award. The film will be televised for the first time when it airs at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 30 on SHOWTIME 2®. The documentary will continue to air leading up to Malignaggi’s next title fight, which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Jan. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Paulie Malignaggi


“I am very happy SHOWTIME will be airing ‘Magic Man’ as it will allow fight and movie fans to see the type or person Paulie is both inside and outside the ring,” said Lou DiBella. “The multiple airings throughout the first week of the year will be the perfect lead-in for Paulie’s title defense on Saturday night, January 5.”

Lou DiBella


Russell Best, partner and executive producer of Brave St. Productions adds, “I’m so proud that Showtime thought enough of our freshman feature doc to air it and allow everyone everywhere to be able to see this fascinating person, this beautiful and poignant "real life Rocky" story unfold.” “Anyone who watches Magic Man will have a new perspective on Paulie and realize the sheer and brutal tenacity that it took for him to overcome major life obstacles and fulfill his dreams of becoming a champion,” said Tammy Leech, partner and executive producer of Brave St. Productions.

Malignaggi (23-1, 5 KO’s) will defend his title against Herman Ngoudjo (16-1, 9 KO’s) at Bally’s Main Ballroom in Atlantic City on January 5. The fight is presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Groupe Yvon Michel. Tickets priced at $250 and $125 are now on sale and can be purchased at the Bally’s Box Office, by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577, Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

SCHEDULE FOR “MAGIC MAN” ON SHOWTIME
SHO 2 December 30 8:15 PM
SHO Extreme December 31 10:00PM
SHO Extreme January 1 10:00PM
SHO 2 January 2 11:00PM
SHO 2 January 3 10:00PM
SHO Extreme January 4 11:40PM

Paulie Malignaggi and fellow fighters Curtis Jackson and Jamie Kang


Paulie talks to the press.


Contact: Mike Moriarty, DiBella Entertainment

Roy Jones Jr. attends New York Knicks Practice at Madison Square Garden Training Center

TARRYTOWN, N.Y.— Eight-time boxing world champion Roy Jones Jr. planned to visit with New York Knicks players after they finished practice at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, N.Y., today but was surprised when Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas waved him over to take part in a full-court, three-man weave drill with the team.



“It was a dream come true for me to get on the court and shoot around and do some drills with the Knicks,” Jones, who once played in the professional United States Basketball League, said. “I was a little rusty but I wasn’t going to say no to coach Isiah. What a thrill it was to be on the court with the Knicks to see up close and personal how good they really are.”

Thomas joked that his players may have avoided contact with Jones.

“The shot was a little suspect but nobody got close enough to him,” Thomas said. “I don’t think anybody wanted to challenge him for fear that he may punch him.”

Knicks guard and fan-favorite Nate Robinson was chided by fellow players when Jones donned a Knicks practice jersey sporting Robinson’s number. They further antagonized their teammate by suggesting that gloves Jones was planning to autograph were really there for sparring between Jones and Robinson.

Jones assured him it was only a message to his Jan. 19 opponent at Madison Square Garden, Felix “Tito” Trinidad. Jones reiterated his oft-repeated slogan, “Tito must go in fo’. That’s why I’ve got the number four on my jersey.”



Robinson declared, “There’s no way I’m stepping into the ring with that man. He can wear whatever number he wants.”

After practice Robinson commented on what it meant to him to have Jones at the Knicks practice.

“Roy Jones is a boxing great and it was fun to have him practice with us. That shows a lot of love on his part to join us today. It provided us with some inspiration. He didn’t have to come out here with us but that just goes to show what kind of guy he is.”

Robinson quipped, “He may be one of the smaller guys out here today, but I’ll bet he could beat up all of us.”

Jones was gratified to have the opportunity to play with the team.

“It was inspiring for me too,” Jones said. “I’ve had my ups and downs over the last three years so I came out here today to let coach Thomas and the Knicks know they just need to hang in there, do the best they can, and their time will come. I know it will.”

Full Quotes and Camp Notes from Roy Jones Jr.



“It was a dream come true for me to get on the court and shoot around and do some drills with the Knicks. I was a little rusty but I wasn’t going to say no to coach Isiah. What a thrill it was to be on the court with the Knicks to see up close and personal how good they really are.

“It was inspiring for me too. I’ve had my ups and downs over the last three years so I came out here today to let coach Thomas and the Knicks know they just need to hang in there, do the best they can, and their time will come. I know it will.”

Jones was told by a friend about a training facility near Pittsburgh, in California, Penn. He has been training there since the beginning of December with longtime trainer Alton Merkerson. His six-day-a-week training schedule often starts with a three-to-five mile run around 6 a.m.,“depending on how I feel each day,” followed by breakfast usually consisting of only fruit. After a nap, Jones is up at noon followed by a three-hour gym workout around 4 p.m.

“It’s working out really well at the training camp. I need to be focused for this fight and this camp out in the country is a good place to be focused.

“The rooster is back in Roy Jones. I used to strut and entertain people. Somehow I lost that for a time. I started to focus more on my opponents than on simply going out and entertaining my fans. Now I’m back to doing what I do best.

“Tito and his people think it’s going to hurt me to have to go all the way down to 170 pounds—and it is a smart move on their part—but it’s nothing I haven’t been through before. I’ve had more than enough time to get down to weight so I’m not going to have to kill myself getting there.

“The big question is can Tito bring his punch and take my punches at 170 pounds. Tito must go in fo’. That’s what everybody’s waiting to see on January 19.”