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Friday, February 29, 2008
NO HOLDS BARRED: Gary Shaw on Vazquez-Marquez and Elite XC-CBS Deal
NO HOLDS BARRED: Gary Shaw on Vazquez-Marquez and Elite XC-CBS Deal On this special edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman speaks with Gary Shaw, who serves as a boxing promoter with his Gary Shaw Productions and as a mixed martial arts promoter as president of EliteXC. We spoke Friday afternoon, Feb. 29, just before the weigh-ins for the highly anticipated rubber match between WBC super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez (42-4, 31 KOs) and former world champion Rafael Marquez (37-4, 33 KOs), who, in classic battles last year,split their first two fights. The third fight takes place Saturday, March 1, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Showtime will televise it in the U.S. In a short but explosive interview, we discussed the significance of the deal announced Thursday, Feb. 28, that CBS will televise four live Elite XC shows a year in prime time; that the second Vazquez-Marquez fight narrowly lost in the voting by the Boxing Writers Association of America for 2007 fight of the year; why boxing could not get a network TV deal like Elite XC did; when and where the first CBS-televised Elite XC show might take place; an evaluation of Elite XC star Kimbo Slice as a fighter; and where Elite XC stands in relation to UFC. To listen to NO HOLDS BARRED, click the link below and just press the play button on the player: http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/eg/2008-02-29T17_04_28-08_00 You can also download it by scrolling down that page and clicking onthe download link (right-click to save it). You can also listen to it through the NO HOLDS BARRED blog, athttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com/, and MySpace page, at http://www.myspace.com/nhbnews,also by pressing the play button on the player. Also, NO HOLDS BARRED is available through iTunes athttp://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/). 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, athttp://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 bloghttp://nhbnews.blogspot.com/ No Holds Barred podcasthttp://nhbnews.podomatic.com/
The Boxing Standardhttp://boxingstandard.com/ No Holds Barred on MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/nhbnews
The Boxing Standardhttp://boxingstandard.com/ No Holds Barred on MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/nhbnews
GARY SHAW, ISRAEL VAZQUEZ, RAFAEL MARQUEZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Los Angeles, Ca- Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez will square off in a highly anticipated rubber match for the WBC/The Ring Magazine super bantamweight title this Saturday, March 1, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
Photos: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME
Vazquez (left) and Marquez pose for the cameras.
Vazquez-Marquez I and II produced the most exciting, bloody, give-and-take slugfests of 2007, with the second bout winning Fight of the Year and Round of the Year honors. Now, the Mexican warriors face each other in the final battle for honor, pride and 122-pound supremacy on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
The showdown is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Romanza Boxing Productions.
Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $75, $50 and $25, may be purchased at The Home Depot Center Box Office, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, at all Ticketmaster retail ticket locations, as well as http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and Ticketmaster-Charge-by-Phone, by calling 213-480-3232.
Doors open at 4 p.m. The first fight is at 4:15. Vazquez-Marquez goes live at 6 p.m. PT.
GARY SHAW (promoter)
“The Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight title fight last Saturday was everything that is wrong with boxing. Vazquez-Marquez III is everything that is right about the sport. We need more fights like this one.
“What happened yesterday (a Tuesday press conference to announce another fight in Los Angeles) was also totally wrong.
Vazquez, promoter Gary Shaw and Marquez were all smiles Wednesday but the smiles will vanish on Saturday. Doors open at 4 o'clock. The first live fight is at 4:15 p.m. PT. (Ticket info below)
“This week should belong to two Hall of Fame fighters, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, who have literally left their blood on the canvas in two prior fights, and are about to complete their amazingly exciting trilogy Saturday at the Home Depot Center on SHOWTIME.
“That is what this week is all about and should have been all about. Nothing personal against Golden Boy – we are going to sellout anyway. But for the life of me I will never understand why they did what they did, especially when they (co) promote one of the fighters (Vazquez).
Shaw holds both fighters' hands up triumphantly.
“Why would a promoter try to take the limelight away from one of their own fighters? This should have been Israel’s time, not Oscar’s.
“What they did was just flat-out wrong and makes no sense no matter what they say or how they try and spin it.
“Don’t talk about trying to change boxing and make the sport better and then pull stuff like this. Frankly, it is an insult to promoters, the media and the fans.’’
ISRAEL VAZQUEZ
“Deep down in my heart, I know and believe I am going to win by knockout Saturday night. I have the utmost respect for Marquez – everybody knows that – but in the ring it is a totally different story. I have to win by knockout. There is no other option.
Vazquez, one of boxing’s most gracious and fan-friendly boxers, is interviewed during the presser.
“This is a very important fight for boxing, but it is more important for my career and my legacy. This fight will go down in history. When they mention Marquez’ name, my name will be tied to him because of the legendary trilogy that we fought against each other.
“My only goal is to win. A victory Saturday will set me up for my entire life. The victory will be for my fans and the sport of boxing.
“I am going to be throwing punches with the baddest of intentions. I want to tear Marquez apart in the ring. I am ready to fight right now.
“My main concern for the fight is to impose myself at all times. If Marquez wants to get into a boxing match with me and not trade shots, the fight might go the distance.
“If he trades blows with me, this will end before the 10th round and I will be the winner.”
RAFAEL MARQUEZ
Rafael Marquez speaks at Wednesday's final press conference at El Paseo Inn Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. Marquez will challenge defending champion Israel Vazquez for the WBC and The Ring Magazine 122 pound titles this Saturday, March 1, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The scheduled 12-round slugfest will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).
“Please don’t miss this fight. It is going to be a war. The first two fights were wars, and this is going to be a classic battle.
“I think I can control the tempo. I did it in the first fight. I just have to keep my rhythm and throw the right kind of combinations that I have been working on in camp.
“I can fight Vazquez in close situations, but I don’t want to expend too much energy doing that. I will engage him when I set him up for it. He will feel it when I put the pressure on.
“There is no bad blood between Vazquez and myself. We are professionals and we want the same thing, to win fights and world championships.
“I miss that WBC championship belt that he took from me in the last fight. I want it back. It is a terrible feeling to lose your championship belt.
There is only one thing on my mind, and that is regaining that green WBC super bantamweight belt. I will get it back.”
Photos: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME
Vazquez (left) and Marquez pose for the cameras.
Vazquez-Marquez I and II produced the most exciting, bloody, give-and-take slugfests of 2007, with the second bout winning Fight of the Year and Round of the Year honors. Now, the Mexican warriors face each other in the final battle for honor, pride and 122-pound supremacy on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
The showdown is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, in association with Sycuan Ringside Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Romanza Boxing Productions.
Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $75, $50 and $25, may be purchased at The Home Depot Center Box Office, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, at all Ticketmaster retail ticket locations, as well as http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and Ticketmaster-Charge-by-Phone, by calling 213-480-3232.
Doors open at 4 p.m. The first fight is at 4:15. Vazquez-Marquez goes live at 6 p.m. PT.
GARY SHAW (promoter)
“The Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight title fight last Saturday was everything that is wrong with boxing. Vazquez-Marquez III is everything that is right about the sport. We need more fights like this one.
“What happened yesterday (a Tuesday press conference to announce another fight in Los Angeles) was also totally wrong.
Vazquez, promoter Gary Shaw and Marquez were all smiles Wednesday but the smiles will vanish on Saturday. Doors open at 4 o'clock. The first live fight is at 4:15 p.m. PT. (Ticket info below)
“This week should belong to two Hall of Fame fighters, Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, who have literally left their blood on the canvas in two prior fights, and are about to complete their amazingly exciting trilogy Saturday at the Home Depot Center on SHOWTIME.
“That is what this week is all about and should have been all about. Nothing personal against Golden Boy – we are going to sellout anyway. But for the life of me I will never understand why they did what they did, especially when they (co) promote one of the fighters (Vazquez).
Shaw holds both fighters' hands up triumphantly.
“Why would a promoter try to take the limelight away from one of their own fighters? This should have been Israel’s time, not Oscar’s.
“What they did was just flat-out wrong and makes no sense no matter what they say or how they try and spin it.
“Don’t talk about trying to change boxing and make the sport better and then pull stuff like this. Frankly, it is an insult to promoters, the media and the fans.’’
ISRAEL VAZQUEZ
“Deep down in my heart, I know and believe I am going to win by knockout Saturday night. I have the utmost respect for Marquez – everybody knows that – but in the ring it is a totally different story. I have to win by knockout. There is no other option.
Vazquez, one of boxing’s most gracious and fan-friendly boxers, is interviewed during the presser.
“This is a very important fight for boxing, but it is more important for my career and my legacy. This fight will go down in history. When they mention Marquez’ name, my name will be tied to him because of the legendary trilogy that we fought against each other.
“My only goal is to win. A victory Saturday will set me up for my entire life. The victory will be for my fans and the sport of boxing.
“I am going to be throwing punches with the baddest of intentions. I want to tear Marquez apart in the ring. I am ready to fight right now.
“My main concern for the fight is to impose myself at all times. If Marquez wants to get into a boxing match with me and not trade shots, the fight might go the distance.
“If he trades blows with me, this will end before the 10th round and I will be the winner.”
RAFAEL MARQUEZ
Rafael Marquez speaks at Wednesday's final press conference at El Paseo Inn Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. Marquez will challenge defending champion Israel Vazquez for the WBC and The Ring Magazine 122 pound titles this Saturday, March 1, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The scheduled 12-round slugfest will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).
“Please don’t miss this fight. It is going to be a war. The first two fights were wars, and this is going to be a classic battle.
“I think I can control the tempo. I did it in the first fight. I just have to keep my rhythm and throw the right kind of combinations that I have been working on in camp.
“I can fight Vazquez in close situations, but I don’t want to expend too much energy doing that. I will engage him when I set him up for it. He will feel it when I put the pressure on.
“There is no bad blood between Vazquez and myself. We are professionals and we want the same thing, to win fights and world championships.
“I miss that WBC championship belt that he took from me in the last fight. I want it back. It is a terrible feeling to lose your championship belt.
There is only one thing on my mind, and that is regaining that green WBC super bantamweight belt. I will get it back.”
“SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION’’; Robert "The Ghost'' Guerrero vs. Jason "The American Boy" Litzau and T.J Wilson vs. Travis Walker
“SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION’’; Robert "The Ghost'' Guerrero vs Jason "The American Boy" Litzau and T.J Wilson vs Travis Walker, Friday, Feb. 29, 2008; Telecast Begins at 11 p.m. ET/PT
One day before Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez renew their rivalry on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, America’s No. 1 Fight Network will hit you with one of the most anticipated ShoBox: The New Generation fight cards of the year when IBF featherweight champion and ShoBox alum, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (21-1-1, 1 ND, 14 KOs), defends against Jason “The American Boy” Litzau (23-1, 19 KOs) live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
Robert "The Ghost'' Guerrero (left) weighed the division-limit 126 pounds Thursday for his IBF featherweight title defense against Jason "The American Boy" Litzau (125 pounds) in Friday's main event on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
Photos: Daisy Rosas/For Showtime
The doubleheader, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, LLC, will emanate from Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, Calif. The ShoBox opening bout will feature a 10-round rematch between heavyweights T.J. “Top Dog” Wilson (12-1, eight KOs), and Travis “Freight Train” Walker (26-1-1, 20 KOs).
Travis "Freight Train" Walker (left), who tipped scale at 236 pounds, will try and avenge his lone loss when he faces T.J. Wilson (264 pounds, 18 pounds less than he weighed in the first fight) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.
Wilson dealt Walker his lone defeat on Oct. 19, 2007, on ShoBox when he scored a controversial, dramatic 15-second, first-round knockout. Moments after the opening bell, Wilson backed Walker into a corner and began delivering punches with both hands. At least a couple connected solidly and seemed to stun Walker, who did not attempt to retaliate, or even raise a glove. He didn’t land a punch.
Seconds later, the referee waved off the fight.
NOTE: WEIGHTS – Guerrero weighed 126 pounds, Litzau 125 at Thursday’s weigh-in; Wilson weighed 264, Walker 236.
ROBERT GUERRERO
“Training camp has been great. I made the weight much easier for this fight compared to others in the past. I will remain at 126 pounds for a few more fights.
“I feel really good right now; actually, it’s the best I've ever felt before a fight in a long time.“Litzau is a very tough opponent. Knowing that he's going to be fighting in his first world title bout, I know he's coming to fight.
(But) Whatever style he brings I'll have a game plan to counter it.“Right now my wife is in remission with her cancer. With all the prayers and support from family and friends, I'm extremely grateful for all the love. I'm truly blessed to have such great support. I also want to acknowledge my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without God, I'm nothing.
“With my dad back in the corner I feel really comfortable and confident that together we will be victorious. He was the first person to lace me up with a pair of boxing gloves and he's the right person for me to guide my corner.“I expect Litzau to be real cautious in this fight. He'll probably try to box and use the ring to his advantage. I don’t think he wants to stand in the pocket and exchange with me.“The Tachi Palace is a great, fun place to fight and it's a sold out crowd, who will be live and full of energy. I have a ton of Bay Area fans coming to see me. I love it and can’t wait to get in the ring."It’s exciting to be fighting on SHOWTIME again. No doubt this is the network where I shine best. I'm truly appreciative for the opportunity that SHOWTIME has continued to give me. I want to show all the fans as well as the executives that I'm a TV type of fighter, the kind of fighter everyone can appreciate.’’
JASON LITZAU
“Boxing’s a gamble but I’m ready to ramble.
“This is the dream, to win a world title, and I am as prepared as I can be. I am going to leave it all in the ring Friday night. I am prepared for a war but that doesn’t mean I am going to just come out throwing bombs and fighting stupidly. I have a back-up plan.
“I have overcome a lot in my life, but I have made it this far. It’s been a struggle, but things happen for a reason and now my opportunity is here. This is a chance to make my live and the lives of those closest to me and around me a lot better. The thing is, I am so calm right now.
“I have believed my whole life that things would work out, and this is the chance to make it happen.
“I am ready for anything Guerrero brings. I know he fights dirty, but I have trained with some pretty dirty guys myself. That kind of stuff, though, I leave to the referee to handle. That’s his job.
“I’m just in to do my job, which is to win.
“Working with Buddy (McGirt) has been great. He has taught me a lot. He has made me smarter and more open-minded. I have sacrificed. I am dedicated. Friday is going to be a great night.’’
T.J. WILSON
“Nobody expected me to win the last fight. They thought I was fat and heavy and couldn’t fight. So, when I did win, the way I did, no one believed it. Even after looking at the tapes.
“So, now, I have to do it again so maybe then everyone will believe what they saw the first time.
“I thought I proved myself already but now I have to prove myself again.
“Believe me, if the roles were reversed, there would not be a rematch. But all he did was make excuses after the last fight and make like a crybaby. There are no excuses, however, for the punches he took.
“Everyone will see Friday that our first fight was not a fluke. What a lot of people don’t know about me is that I always was an excellent amateur boxer. I have fought better guys than he has.
“It’s a little aggravating, the lack of respect I’m getting. For this fight, they even made the ring bigger, which I guess they think will him help him. But what’s up with that?
“I’m going to jump on him again. I’m in better shape. Whether it goes 10 seconds, or 10 rounds, I am ready to go.’’
TRAVIS WALKER
“I do not think of that last fight as a loss, but as a lesson learned. I now know never to make it even close to getting myself into a spot that puts a decision in the referee’s hands.
“That last fight, the first round, was going to be a feeling out round for me. I knew he would come out fast because he wasn’t in good shape and would be gassed after a round or two. I allowed what happened to happen. He wasn’t hurting me at all. I’d rather get knocked cold than have a fight stopped like that.
“For the referee to just step in and stop it was wrong and it took me a little time to get over exactly what he did. But when I got home, my family and closest friends really rallied around me. They saw what happened to me. And, that, for me was huge. I found out who my true friends were.
“I don’t know what to expect from him this time, but I guarantee everybody that I will not touch the ropes. I am really excited about this fight and appearing again on SHOWTIME.’’
One day before Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez renew their rivalry on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, America’s No. 1 Fight Network will hit you with one of the most anticipated ShoBox: The New Generation fight cards of the year when IBF featherweight champion and ShoBox alum, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (21-1-1, 1 ND, 14 KOs), defends against Jason “The American Boy” Litzau (23-1, 19 KOs) live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
Robert "The Ghost'' Guerrero (left) weighed the division-limit 126 pounds Thursday for his IBF featherweight title defense against Jason "The American Boy" Litzau (125 pounds) in Friday's main event on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
Photos: Daisy Rosas/For Showtime
The doubleheader, promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, LLC, will emanate from Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, Calif. The ShoBox opening bout will feature a 10-round rematch between heavyweights T.J. “Top Dog” Wilson (12-1, eight KOs), and Travis “Freight Train” Walker (26-1-1, 20 KOs).
Travis "Freight Train" Walker (left), who tipped scale at 236 pounds, will try and avenge his lone loss when he faces T.J. Wilson (264 pounds, 18 pounds less than he weighed in the first fight) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.
Wilson dealt Walker his lone defeat on Oct. 19, 2007, on ShoBox when he scored a controversial, dramatic 15-second, first-round knockout. Moments after the opening bell, Wilson backed Walker into a corner and began delivering punches with both hands. At least a couple connected solidly and seemed to stun Walker, who did not attempt to retaliate, or even raise a glove. He didn’t land a punch.
Seconds later, the referee waved off the fight.
NOTE: WEIGHTS – Guerrero weighed 126 pounds, Litzau 125 at Thursday’s weigh-in; Wilson weighed 264, Walker 236.
ROBERT GUERRERO
“Training camp has been great. I made the weight much easier for this fight compared to others in the past. I will remain at 126 pounds for a few more fights.
“I feel really good right now; actually, it’s the best I've ever felt before a fight in a long time.“Litzau is a very tough opponent. Knowing that he's going to be fighting in his first world title bout, I know he's coming to fight.
(But) Whatever style he brings I'll have a game plan to counter it.“Right now my wife is in remission with her cancer. With all the prayers and support from family and friends, I'm extremely grateful for all the love. I'm truly blessed to have such great support. I also want to acknowledge my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without God, I'm nothing.
“With my dad back in the corner I feel really comfortable and confident that together we will be victorious. He was the first person to lace me up with a pair of boxing gloves and he's the right person for me to guide my corner.“I expect Litzau to be real cautious in this fight. He'll probably try to box and use the ring to his advantage. I don’t think he wants to stand in the pocket and exchange with me.“The Tachi Palace is a great, fun place to fight and it's a sold out crowd, who will be live and full of energy. I have a ton of Bay Area fans coming to see me. I love it and can’t wait to get in the ring."It’s exciting to be fighting on SHOWTIME again. No doubt this is the network where I shine best. I'm truly appreciative for the opportunity that SHOWTIME has continued to give me. I want to show all the fans as well as the executives that I'm a TV type of fighter, the kind of fighter everyone can appreciate.’’
JASON LITZAU
“Boxing’s a gamble but I’m ready to ramble.
“This is the dream, to win a world title, and I am as prepared as I can be. I am going to leave it all in the ring Friday night. I am prepared for a war but that doesn’t mean I am going to just come out throwing bombs and fighting stupidly. I have a back-up plan.
“I have overcome a lot in my life, but I have made it this far. It’s been a struggle, but things happen for a reason and now my opportunity is here. This is a chance to make my live and the lives of those closest to me and around me a lot better. The thing is, I am so calm right now.
“I have believed my whole life that things would work out, and this is the chance to make it happen.
“I am ready for anything Guerrero brings. I know he fights dirty, but I have trained with some pretty dirty guys myself. That kind of stuff, though, I leave to the referee to handle. That’s his job.
“I’m just in to do my job, which is to win.
“Working with Buddy (McGirt) has been great. He has taught me a lot. He has made me smarter and more open-minded. I have sacrificed. I am dedicated. Friday is going to be a great night.’’
T.J. WILSON
“Nobody expected me to win the last fight. They thought I was fat and heavy and couldn’t fight. So, when I did win, the way I did, no one believed it. Even after looking at the tapes.
“So, now, I have to do it again so maybe then everyone will believe what they saw the first time.
“I thought I proved myself already but now I have to prove myself again.
“Believe me, if the roles were reversed, there would not be a rematch. But all he did was make excuses after the last fight and make like a crybaby. There are no excuses, however, for the punches he took.
“Everyone will see Friday that our first fight was not a fluke. What a lot of people don’t know about me is that I always was an excellent amateur boxer. I have fought better guys than he has.
“It’s a little aggravating, the lack of respect I’m getting. For this fight, they even made the ring bigger, which I guess they think will him help him. But what’s up with that?
“I’m going to jump on him again. I’m in better shape. Whether it goes 10 seconds, or 10 rounds, I am ready to go.’’
TRAVIS WALKER
“I do not think of that last fight as a loss, but as a lesson learned. I now know never to make it even close to getting myself into a spot that puts a decision in the referee’s hands.
“That last fight, the first round, was going to be a feeling out round for me. I knew he would come out fast because he wasn’t in good shape and would be gassed after a round or two. I allowed what happened to happen. He wasn’t hurting me at all. I’d rather get knocked cold than have a fight stopped like that.
“For the referee to just step in and stop it was wrong and it took me a little time to get over exactly what he did. But when I got home, my family and closest friends really rallied around me. They saw what happened to me. And, that, for me was huge. I found out who my true friends were.
“I don’t know what to expect from him this time, but I guarantee everybody that I will not touch the ropes. I am really excited about this fight and appearing again on SHOWTIME.’’
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