FINAL STRIKEFORCE WEIGHTS
STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight World Championship
King Mo Lawal – 203 3/4 Pounds
Rafael Feijao – 203 1/2 Pounds
STRIKEFORCE Middleweight World Championship
Tim Kennedy – 185 Pounds
Jacare Souza – 184 3/4 Pounds
K.J. Noons – 156 1/4 Pounds
Jorge Gurgel – 154 3/4 Pounds
Bobby Lashley – 246 Pounds
Chad Griggs – 228 1/2 Pounds
NON-TELEVISED UNDERCARD
Daniel Cormier – 249 Pounds
Jason Riley – 256 1/2 Pounds
Andre Galvao – 170 3/4 Pounds
Jorge “Macaco” Patino – 170 8/10 Pounds
Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhaes – 144 1/2 Pounds
Rocky Long – 146 1/4 Pounds
Adam Schindler – 155 1/2 Pounds
Kier Gooch – 155 1/4 Pounds
Jose Santibanez – 154 1/4 Pounds
Reynaldo “The Truth” Trujillo – 155 1/4 Pounds
Chad “Robo” Robichaux – 131 Pounds
Humberto DeLeon – 127 Pounds
Chad Cook – 205 Pounds
Artenas Young – 204 Pounds
“KING MO” LAWAL & RAFAEL “FEIJAO” CAVALCANTE, TIM KENNEDY & “JACARE” SOUZA, K.J. NOONS & JORGE GURGEL BOBBY LASHLEY & CHAD GRIGGS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
The fighters participated in the final press conference at Dave & Buster’s in Houston just two days before the STRIKEFORCE: Houston event at Toyota Center in Houston on Saturday, Aug. 21, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
In the main event of a World Championship Doubleheader, undefeated STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Champion “King Mo’’ Lawal (7-0) will make the first defense of his crown against highly touted Brazilian Rafael “Feijao’’ Cavalcante (9-2). Lawal, a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and Big 12 wrestling champion for Oklahoma State University, won the title with a one-sided, unanimous five-round decision over defending belt-holder Gegard Mousasi on April 17 on the CBS Television Network. A winner in five of his last six starts, Cavalcante is coming off an impressive, devastating first-round knockout over Antwain “The Juggernaut” Britt at STRIKEFORCE: Heavy Artillery on May 15 in St. Louis on SHOWTIME.
In the co-feature of a World Championship Doubleheader, world-class submission specialist Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (12-2-1) and former Green Beret and American military hero Tim Kennedy (12-2) will battle for the vacant STRIKEFORCE Middleweight (185 pounds) title. Souza is a world-renowned grappler while Kennedy, a former sniper for the Special Forces who served in the Middle East, is one of MMA’s fastest rising stars.
In another televised fight on SHOWTIME, ex-world champ KJ Noons (9-2) will face Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt Jorge Gurgel (13-6) in a lightweight (155 pounds) match. Noons, who is also a professional boxer, has won five consecutive fights and is the last fighter to defeat current STRIKEFORCE welterweight champion Nick Diaz – a bloody first-round TKO in 2007. Gurgel is a UFC veteran with explosive striking skills.
In a featured televised bout, unbeaten and rising heavyweight star Bobby Lashley will take on MMA veteran and Tucson, Ariz., firefighter Chad Griggs. Griggs (8-1) has earned six of his eight victories in the first round with seven of eight coming by way of knockout. Lashley (5-0) is a former collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College. The former WWE and TNA wrestling star made his MMA debut in December of 2008. This will be his second start for STRIKEFORCE.
What the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference:
“KING MO” LAWAL:
“Feijao has been around for a while, he’s a tough fighter. He’s experienced and I’m still young in the game. He’s a seasoned vet who is tough and hungry. That’s why I’m the underdog, that’s why I’m not going to take him lightly.
“Champions always have something to prove. I think anyone who steps in the cage has something to prove. I think in MMA, everyone is an underdog because you have to win.
“Feijao brings it – he’s got a hard hand. I know Brazilians come to fight.
“I respect Feijao. I have no problem with him. We’ll handle everything in the ring on Saturday. We’ll do that and have fun.”
RAFAEL “FEIJAO” CAVALCANTE,
“I’ve trained so hard. I saw Mo’s last fight and I know he’s good at everything, well rounded. I knew I had to train for everything for Mo.
“I think there will be a lot of surprises in this fight. I think Mo has a lot of things to show on Saturday, but so do I.
“I’m trained in Jiu-Jitsu. A lot of people think I’m a striker, but I just haven’t had a chance to show (my Jiu-Jitsu skills) yet.
“I’m comfortable in both: standing up or on the ground. I’ve stood up a lot with my opponents, but I just try to do what’s best for me in there. I just try to win the fight.”
TIM KENNEDY
“I’ve brought in some of the best guys I could get my hands on in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. My fight camp in the last few months has been getting ready for Jacare, who’s one of the best grapples in MMA history. I’ve done nothing but prepare for Jacare and this fight.
“It’s been 10 months since I’ve been fighting full time and it’s been awesome. I’m stronger and faster than I’ve ever been. I train three times a day.
“He’s a hard guy to wear down. He’s an athletic specimen. I’m definitely going to bring the fight to him the whole time. I hope he gets tired – that would be cool.
“I don’t want to dilute the value of the STRIKEFORCE belt. I’d love to fight him (Jason “Mayhem” Miller) if I win the title, but it’s not about me. It’s about the STRIKEFORCE belt and the honor that comes with it.”
“JACARE” SOUZA,
“I’ve been training very hard and I’m prepared for this fight. Tim Kennedy is a great fighter. I don’t know if I’ll win by submission or knockout, but I’ve been training very hard.
“He is a great wrestler, great ground and pound and a strong opponent.
“The belt deserves a good fight, a battle. I know Tim and I are going to fight hard for that title.
“I put a lot of hard training in this. I’ve just been getting ready.”
K.J. NOONS
“Fighting Jorge on Saturday is my No. 1 priority. He’s a tough opponent and I’m not looking past him. There are a lot of interesting fights to be made in the lightweight division, but I’m not looking past Jorge.
“My diet for this fight is better and I’m just a better all around fighter. Jorge is a Brazilian Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, so I’ve been working a lot harder on my Jiu-Jitsu and my wrestling. I don’t think it’s a weakness of mine.
“I’m finally the whole package – it’s exciting. I’ve pulled it all together and Jorge is my main focus.
“I’m ready. When a lot of people tell me I can’t do something it makes me want to do it even more. At the end of the day, I’m a fighter and that’s what makes this fight so interesting. I love fighting.
“I thrive on having people tell me I can’t do something. My goal is fighting.
“Nick (Diaz) is an interesting fight. I walk around at 185 (pounds), so I could make it. It’s a science. I’m comfortable with my weight.
“Living here and playing football in high school, that’s everything here. You can get away with everything if you play football in Texas. But seriously, fans in Houston are great.”
JORGE GURGEL
“I’m just so glad I don’t have to bring my Nike’s to chase someone around the cage to fight. I know KJ will bring it and not back down.
“I just like to fight real fighters. He comes from a real fighting family. He’s been working on his ground game, so I’m definitely fighting the No. 1 contender. I’m fighting No. 1, a former champ, so I couldn’t ask for more. I’m in a great position.
“I haven’t been happy with my performance in a long time. I’ve been working hard, so hopefully I’ll be happy with Saturday night.
“Fighting is a way to express yourself. I don’t fight to please the fans; I don’t fight for the submissions – I fight to fight and to win.”
BOBBY LASHLEY
“I don’t know very much about him (Griggs). I know he has an impressive record and he’s been fighting for a while. I’m just trying to work on everything. I’m going to try to pressure him hard and see what happens.
“I had a lot of time off, not by choice, and I worked out with some great fighters. Just having the opportunity to work with different people has really helped escalate the game.
“I consider myself a very athletic heavyweight. My striking is coming along very well and I’m very comfortable on the ground. I think my game is coming together very well.
“What I want to do in my career is move forward and do it the right way. I do have an extensive wrestling background, there’s no question about that, and I’ll definitely use that to my benefit, pick up the rest of my game and move forward.
“Some people have a problem with my WWE background, but don’t look past my 18 years of wrestling before that. That’s part of my game.”
CHAD GRIGGS
“I think it takes the pressure off me (fighting a guy like Lashley). I can get in there and let it all hang out. The pressure is on Bobby. It’s a tough fight, it’s a great opportunity. I can’t wait to just get in there and fight.
“What do I think is going to happen? He just told me – a lot of pressure. We do expect a lot of pressure. We know he’s coming and he’s coming hard. At no point is it going to be easy.”
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION “KING MO” LAWAL, TIM KENNEDY, BOBBY LASHLEY, DAN HENDERSON & PAT MILETICH TO APPEAR ON MMA LIVE ON ESPN2 TOMORROW/THURSDAY
WHO: STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight Champion “King Mo” Lawal
American Military Hero and Middleweight Contender Tim Kennedy
Unbeaten Heavyweight and Former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley
Legendary MMA Superstar and Two-Time Olympic Wrestler Dan Henderson
MMA Legend and SHOWTIME Announcer Pat Miletich
WHERE: ESPN2
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 19 at 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT
WHAT: Interview on MMA LIVE tomorrow/Thursday on ESPN2
The STRIKEFORCE fighters and Miletich will discuss this Saturday’s STRIKEFORCE: Houston event at Toyota Center in Houston on Saturday, Aug. 21, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
In the main event of the World Championship Doubleheader, undefeated STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight Champion “King Mo” Lawal (7-0) will make the first defense of his crown against highly touted Brazilian Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (9-2). Lawal, a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and Big 12 wrestling champion for Oklahoma State University, won the title with a unanimous five-round decision over defending belt-holder Gegard Mousasi on April 17 live on the CBS Television Network.
In the co-feature, world-class submission wizard Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (12-2-1) and former Green Beret and American military hero Tim Kennedy (12-2) will battle for the vacant STRIKEFORCE Middleweight (185 pounds) title. Kennedy, a sniper for the Special Forces who served six tours of duties in the Middle East, is one of MMA’s fastest rising stars.
In a featured televised bout, unbeaten and rising heavyweight star Bobby Lashley will take on hard-hitting prospect Chad Griggs. Lashley (5-0) is a former collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College. The former WWE and TNA wrestling star made his MMA debut in December of 2008. This will be his second start for STRIKEFORCE.
STRIKEFORCE fighter Henderson, one of the most decorated athletes in MMA history, and Miletich will also join to show to discuss Saturday’s event. Miletich, a former world champion and renowned trainer, is an expert analyst for STRIKEFORCE and SHOWTIME.
“KING MO” LAWAL, RAFAEL “FEIJAO” CAVALCANTE, BOBBY LASHLEY & CHAD GRIGGS Media Conference Call Highlights
Participants: STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Champion “King Mo’’ Lawal
Devastating Striker Rafael “Feijao’’ Cavalcante
Unbeaten Heavyweight and Former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley
Hard-Hitting MMA Veteran Chad Griggs
STRIKEFORCE CEO Scott Coker
The fighters and Coker participated in a national media conference call to discuss their bouts on the upcoming STRIKEFORCE Houston event at Toyota Center in Houston on Saturday, Aug. 21, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
In the main event of a World Championship Doubleheader, undefeated STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight Champion “King Mo’’ Lawal (7-0) will make the first defense of his crown against highly touted Brazilian Rafael “Feijao’’ Cavalcante (9-2).
In a featured televised bout, unbeaten and rising heavyweight star Bobby Lashley will take on MMA veteran and Tucson, Ariz., firefighter Chad Griggs. Griggs (8-1) has earned six of his eight victories in the first round with seven of eight coming by way of knockout. Lashley (5-0) is a former collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College and member of The United States Army. The former WWE and TNA wrestling star made his MMA debut in December of 2008. This will be his second start for STRIKEFORCE.
On Thursday at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT four more fighters participating in the Houston event will be available on a conference call. They include American military hero and middleweight contender Tim Kennedy; world-class submission specialist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Jacare Souza; former world lightweight champion K.J. Noons and talented, crowd-pleasing striker Jorge Gurgel.
CALL HIGHLIGHTS:
“KING MO” LAWAL:
“Feijao knows he wants the knock out. He doesn’t want the submission. He trains in the ground game, but I’m training with guys in Jiu-Jitsu that are comparable. So I’m not worried at the ground at all because I’ve got good submission defense.
“My toughest tests so far have been the training. The fights are the easy part. The tough part is training. As far as a plan goes or strategy, I have five of six different plans and pick one going in. If that one doesn’t work I just change it up and go to another one. With (Gegard) Mousasi he was coming up so hard that I had to go for the take down. My plan with Mousasi was to hit him a few times and make him stand and frustrate him. Then I was able to capitalize and get the take down.”
How do you think you would do against Anderson Silva?
“I don’t know. If you ask me if I could beat anybody I’m going to say I can beat anybody. I’d win against anybody with a good game plan. It doesn’t matter who it is. Except my momma. It doesn’t matter who it is, I’ll beat them with a good game plan.
“I wouldn’t mind fighting Fabrico (Werdum), who’s the top dog right now. I wouldn’t mind fighting at heavyweight a few times. I just like fighting. A belt is a belt. I fight because I like to fight first and for the belt second.
“I’ve only been fighting for two years. There’s no pressure on me whatsoever. If there’s pressure on anybody it’s Feijao. He has the name. He’s been fighting longer and he’s been training longer. I remember watching Feijao just mashing people in the IFL. I think people look at me as having the bigger name but I don’t care. I think he’s the favorite. I’m the underdog even though I’m the champ.
“I may be implementing a new style like from Bernard Hopkins, one of my favorite boxers. I’m going to implement his style. And maybe if that doesn’t work than a little of Paul Williams. So you’ll all be seeing some new stuff from me.”
RAFAEL “FEIJAO” CAVALANTE:
“I have been working hard for not just this fight, but for my dream, every day for six years.
“When you have a job like a fighter you have to learn to be a full-time fighter. That’s what I’ve learned. You eat healthy food and work at maintaining your weight.
“I don’t think King Mo is going to want to stay on the ground with me. I will be ready for whatever style he wants. If he wants to stand up, I will stand up. If he wants to go to the ground, we will go to the ground.”
You’re English has improved greatly. How important is it for fighters to speak English to be embraced by the American fans?
“I think it’s important. It shows respect and I think more of the Americans are learning who I am. (Speaking English) shows what we really feel. When you use a translator they never say the same thing you want them to say. It’s just different. When I’m thinking something I can say it exactly the way I want so I think it’s important.
“I think this fight is going to be a war and the crowd is going to love it.”
BOBBY LASHLEY:
“I’m just very excited about my training right now. I’ve been training down here with (Daniel) Cormier and Cain Velasquez. I feel better than I’ve ever felt coming into a fight. This is just another one of those tests. I’m coming in bigger, better and faster than I ever have. So I’m pretty confident coming into this fight.
“I think (Griggs) might be underestimated. I He’s got an 8-1 record and he’s got a lot of knockouts to his credit. I’m coming in at 5-0 so I think he’s right in line as an opponent for me. I don’t think anyone is thinking I should be fighting Fedor who has 30 wins under his belt. (The media) are going to say what they are going to say but I think this is a good test for me. I think he’s a great fighter and he’s got a great record. Before I didn’t know what my level was, but just training with Cain and Cormier has shown me I can compete at that level. If this fight goes the way I hope it goes I’m going all the way to the top. I know what my abilities are.”
How soon do you expect to be fighting for the STRIKEFORCE heavyweight title?
“Hopefully at the first part of next year. I don’t know when my next fight will be. That’s up to Scott Coker to decide. I’m not going to take any time off. I like to train and I want to stay conditioned. After this fight I just hope to keep training and get that title shot next year.
“I’ve had a good amount of confidence going into each of my fights. I have 20 years of wrestling experience and three national championships and I came in second at the world championships. So I know people are thinking they have to avoid the take down with me. With this fight I know I have my wrestling ability but there are other things I would like to work on. One thing my coach at the Olympic Training Center used to say was, ‘You could lie to the media, you could lie to everyone else, but once you get back to your hotel the night before your fight you can’t lie to yourself.’ At this point I can look at myself and say I’m 100 percent ready for this fight.
“I think my striking is better than people think. Just because I haven’t used it doesn’t mean I don’t have it. I feel comfortable with my striking. If we have to stay standing we can stand. I don’t think anyone can stop the take down. If I want to take somebody down, they’re going down.”
CHAD GRIGGS:
“Thanks so much for having me. Obviously I’m stoked to be fighting for STRIKEFORCE. It’s an honor to fight Bobby. He’s obviously a physical specimen. It’s going to be an exciting fight and hopefully we can put on a good show.
“I think a lot of don’t know who I am and they do know Bobby. And they have high expectations for him. So I think I am being underestimated just because Bobby’s name is so much more well known. This is just a great opportunity for me.
“I do work a full-time job as a firefighter and paramedic. I’ve been doing that for 10 years, through my entire fight career. It gives me a lot of time to train, basically 20 days off a month to train. It is a juggling act. You definitely have to balance your time right. My last fight I did injure my elbow and took some time off. But I’ve been around the scene and training.
“I’m glad to hear that Bobby’s so confident. I appreciate him taking this fight and for STRIKEFORCE for putting me out there. I’m going to put it all out there.
“There are times I’m put in high-stress situations in my job. I like the pressure and the competition in fighting and it’s something I thrive on: that adrenaline rush. I think that’s going to help me; just having been put in stressful situations so many times.”
SCOTT COKER:
“When I first saw Bobby Lashley fight I thought, ‘God, this guy is an amazing fighter and a great athlete.’ He was working out with the guys at AKA (in San Jose) and he has definitely made that commitment to make a successful crossover from wrestling to MMA. With me, I always think, ‘What is Bobby going to look like 18 months from now. Or a year from now.’ With his abilities and his size and strength I really think the sky is the limit. But he has to get through Chad first on the 21st. That has to be the first thing on the top of his mind. We have five of the top heavyweights in the world now. And Bobby fits right into that. The good thing about it is if you keep winning, you will get your shot at a title. Bobby needs to just keep winning.
“Right now our focus is in North America. We have a lot of work to do here. We have a great relationship with SHOWITME. So are going to focus on building our talent here right in America.”
With regards to the middleweight division and talk of a tournament:
“We’ve talked internally about that and we thought that it would be in everybody’s best interest to crown a champion. We also thought a tournament would be a fun way to create the next challenger for the winner between Jacare (Souza) and Tim Kennedy. We thought we could do one or the other or both and it turns out we can do both. We’ll have a conversation about a tournament later down the line since that wouldn’t happen until the fall.”
Do you plan to add more weight classes in the women’s divisions?
“There is dialogue about adding a 125-pound weight class but nothing has been decided yet.”
TIM KENNEDY TO FACE TREVOR PRANGLEY AT NOKIA THEATRE L.A. LIVE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16
Lawler Meets Babalu In Main Event; Lashley-Sparks Fight Off
NEW YORK (May 26, 2010) – American military hero and up-and-coming middleweight, Tim Kennedy, will be opposed by the dangerous Trevor Prangley in one of the featured STRIKEFORCE Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Wednesday, June 16, on SHOWTIME®.
The first-ever STRIKEFORCE event scheduled for mid-week will take place in the midst of the E3 Expo, the premier trade show for computer and video games. During E3 Expo 2010 at the L.A. Convention Center, EA SPORTS™ will exhibit its highly anticipated title, EA SPORTS MMA, in which STRIKEFORCE is featured as a premier league.
Tickets are on sale at STAPLES Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com). Tickets will also be sold at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE box office on days when events take place there.
In other televised fights on SHOWTIME, hard-knocking, hard-hitting “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (17-5) will collide with former STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion Renato “Babalu’’ Sobral, at a catch weight of 195 pounds in the main event and. DREAM welterweight champion Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis (13-4) will face Evangelista Cyborg (17-13) in a welterweight (170 pounds) contest.
A previously announced heavyweight match between Bobby Lashley and Ron Sparks will not transpire. Lashley suffered a knee injury during training.
Both 185-pound fighters – Kennedy (11-2), of Austin, Tex., by way of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Prangley (22-5-1), of Couer D’ Alene, Idaho, via Cape Town, South Africa — have been impressive in recent starts.
The 5-foot-11, 30-year-old Kennedy, a United States Army Special Forces sniper with the 19th Special Forces outfit based in San Antonio, has toured the Middle East multiple times, and earned the Army’s Bronze Medal Star medal for valor under fire.
Inside the cage, Kennedy has won three in a row and 11 of his last 12. In his last outing, he submitted (north-south choke) Zak Cummings in the second round during a STRIKEFORCE Challengers event on Sept. 25, 2009.
Prangley, a six-foot, 37-year-old former South African national wrestling champion and Olympic alternate who turned to MMA after suffering a knee injury in college, is 11-1-1 in his last 13 fights. A five-fight winning streak ended Feb. 26, 2010, when a STRIKEFORCE: Challengers fight he seemingly was on his way to winning against Karl Amoussou ended in a technical draw at 4:14 of the first round due to an accidental thumb to Amoussou’s eye.
Kennedy has split two fights with Jason “Mayhem’’ Miller. Kennedy’s only other defeat came to Scott “Hands Of Steel’’ Smith in his pro debut on Aug. 31, 2001.
“I am fighting full-time and still in uniform, which is what I’ve wanted all along,’’ Kennedy said. “I am looking forward to fighting again against a good, solid wrestler like Prangley, who trains at AKA (American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif.).
“He’s got heavy hands and a good chin. This will be a good fight for me.
Kennedy signed with STRIKEFORCE in 2009 after a two-year break from the sport due to his military commitments. This will be his third start on SHOWTIME for the San Jose-based organization. Before walking through the previously unbeaten Cummings (10-0 going in) in Tulsa, Okla., Kennedy scored a second-round submission (punches) over former BodogFIGHT champion Nick “The Goat’’ Thompson at Kent, Wash.
“I want to keep winning,’’ Kennedy said. “STRIKEFORCE has a bunch of guys in my weight class who I match up very well with. I want to fight all of these guys and put on a good show for SHOWTIME and STRIKEFORCE.”
Prangley may not be the most feared fighter in MMA, but he is definitely not one many want to enter the cage with. He’s capable of besting anyone on any given night.
Since his pro debut (as a light heavyweight) in January 2001, Prangley has met some good ones, including “Babalu,’’ Jorge Santiago (his last loss) and Chael Sonnen. Prangley’s most significant victory may have come against Sonnen.
Prangley has fought for STRIKEFORCE in the past. Besides his last start against Amoussou, he also competed in STRIKEFORCE: Four Men Enter, One Man Survives, the first sanctioned MMA tournament in the state of California on Nov. 16, 2007 and was victorious over Anthony “A Train” Ruiz by way of unanimous decision at the second STRIKEFORCE event at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Sept. 20, 2008.
Doors at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE will open for the event at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 7 p.m. and the first main card fight will begin at 8 p.m.
The event will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
About STRIKEFORCE
STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) 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, sanctioned by ISKA, 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 (MMA) series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.
FORMER WWE SUPERSTAR BOBBY LASHLEY TO FACE FELLOW UNBEATEN RON SPARKS IN CLASH OF UNBEATEN MMA HEAVYWEIGHTS AT NOKIA THEATRE L.A. LIVE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16
Marius Zaromskis to Battle Evangelista Cyborg
in 170-Pound Featured Matchup
LOS ANGELES (May 15, 2010) – Former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley (5-0) will square off with fellow undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) heavyweight Ron “The Monster” Sparks (5-0) when STRIKEFORCE hits Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Wednesday, June 16. DREAM welterweight champion Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis (13-4) will face Evangelista Cyborg (17-13) in a featured welterweight (170 pounds) contest.
The 33-year-old Lashley, a 6 foot 3, 265-pound native of Junction City, Kan., was overwhelmingly victorious in his STRIKEFORCE debut on Jan. 30, stopping Wes Sims with an onslaught of punches in the first round (2:06) at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. The popular Lashley enjoyed success with both the WWE and rival pro wrestling league, TNA, between 2005-07.
In his outing before last on June 27, 2009, Lashley scored an impressive first-round (3:17) TKO over 6-foot-5 inch, 350-plus-pound goliath Bob “The Beast” Sapp in Biloxi, Miss.
A resident of Denver, Colo., Lashley was a collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College and member of The United States Army.
“I’m excited about fighting again,” Lashley said. “I’ve been working very hard and I am continuing to learn. The guy I am fighting is huge. This will be a great fight.”
The 35-year old, 6-foot-5 Sparks, of Louisville, Ky., is a tough guy with freakish girth and power who brings it each and every time. An equally imposing physical specimen who has been pummeling opponents, Sparks is coming off a unanimous four-round decision over Johnathan Ivey in his last effort on June 3, 2009.
Until then, only one of Sparks’ fights had lasted more than a minute. The total elapsed time in Sparks’ previous triumphs, all of which he won by knockout, was 184 seconds. He won in 1:07, 0:36, 0:24 and 0:17, respectively.
“I like to get in and get the job done,” said the hard-hitting Sparks. “My last fight went all four rounds, but there is nothing I enjoy more than knocking a person out.”
Sparks, who has been seeking a major fight against a “name” opponent, is looking forward to June 16.
“Trust me, we’re going to go down swinging,” he said. “There will be no tap-outs. I am grateful of the opportunity STRIKEFORCE is giving me and I am very confident of a victory.”
Zaromskis is one of the deadliest strikers in MMA and an opponent’s worst “Whitemare.” Until falling to STRIKEFORCE World Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz on Jan. 30, Zaromskis had won five in a row and nine of 10.
In July 2009, the talented, aggressive-minded 5-foot-9, 29-year-old captured the prestigious DREAM 12 Welterweight Grand Prix in Japan by literally booting the daylights out of his last two tournament foes, winning each fight by spectacular, evil head kick, both in the first round.
Zaromskis has consistently produced highlight-reel performances on the big stage since turning pro in February 2000. A member of London’s Shootfighters fight team, he is looking to manufacture another one against the hard-nosed Santos.
“This is a very important fight for me,” Zaromskis said. “I was disappointed in my performance in my last fight but I know I can do better and expect to do better against a very dangerous opponent.”
Santos, the husband of the No. 1 women’s fighter in the world, STRIKEFORCE 145-pound champion Cris Cyborg, dropped a split decision to Joey Villasenor in his STRIKEFORCE debut on June 19, 2009. That fight was contested at 185 pounds.
The 5-foot-10, 32-year-old Cyborg, a member of the famed Chute Box Academy, rebounded in his last start to score a 1:41, first-round TKO (head kick and punches) over Daniel Zarate on Dec. 1, 2009.
“My last fight for STRIKEFORCE against Villasenor was a hard, close fight that could have gone either way,” Cyborg said. “Zaromskis has a great, fantastic reputation and I know what he can do, but I am excited about this fight and putting together a winning streak.”
Tickets for the STRIKEFORCE event are on sale at the STAPLES Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com <http://www.ticketmaster.com/> ) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com <http://www.strikeforce.com/> ). Tickets will also be sold at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE box office on days when events take place there.
In the main event on June 16, knockout artist “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (17-5) will collide with former STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral (35-8) at a catch weight of 195 pounds.
The first-ever STRIKEFORCE event scheduled for mid-week will take place in the midst of the E3 Expo, the premier trade show for computer and video games. During E3 Expo 2010 at the L.A. Convention Center, EA SPORTS(tm) will exhibit its highly anticipated title, EA SPORTS MMA, in which STRIKEFORCE is featured as a premier league.
Doors at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE will open for the event at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. and the first main card fight will begin at 8 p.m.
The event will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
About STRIKEFORCE
STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com <http://www.strikeforce.com/> ) 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, sanctioned by ISKA, 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 (MMA) series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.
“RUTHLESS’’ ROBBIE LAWLER, KJ NOONS AND BOBBY LASHLEY WILL BE FEATURED AT STRIKEFORCE EVENT WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, AT NOKIA THEATRE L.A. LIVE
Tickets Go On Sale Saturday, May 1; Pre-Sale Begins
Tomorrow/Thursday, April 29, via “STRIKEFORCE Insider”
LOS ANGELES (April 28, 2010) – Knockout artist and former middleweight world champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (17-5), ex- WWE wrestling champion-turned-undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) heavyweight star Bobby Lashley (5-0) and former lightweight world champion KJ Noons (8-2) will fight in the featured bouts when STRIKEFORCE hits Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE here on Wednesday, June 16.
The first-ever STRIKEFORCE event scheduled for mid-week will take place in the midst of the E3 Expo, the premier trade show for computer and video games. During E3 Expo 2010 at the L.A. Convention Center, EA SPORTS™ will exhibit its highly anticipated title, EA SPORTS MMA, in which STRIKEFORCE is featured as a premier league.
A special pre-sale ticket purchase opportunity for the event will take place for “STRIKEFORCE Insider” e-newsletter subscribers (http://strikeforce.com/insider.html) and Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE e-newsletter subscribers from 10 a.m. PT tomorrow/Thursday, April 29, until 10 p.m. PT on Friday, April 30. STRIKEFORCE Insiders will receive an e-newsletter with the pre-sale code.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. PT on Saturday, May 1, at STAPLES Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster online (www.ticketmaster.com) and STRIKEFORCE’S official website (www.strikeforce.com). Tickets will also be sold at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE box office on days when events take place there.
Opponents for the three fighters will be announced soon.
Lawler and Lashley were overwhelmingly victorious in their last starts, both of which took place at the STRIKEFORCE event at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., on Jan. 30, 2010.
Lawler weathered an early onslaught from Melvin “No Mercy” Manhoef before rallying dramatically to crumble Manhoef with a devastating right hand at 3:33 of the opening round and Lashley stopped Wes Sims with a barrage of punches in the first round (2:06).
Recognized as one of the hardest punchers in the sport, the 28-year-old Lawler, of Granite City, Ill., was discovered and schooled by MMA legend Pat Miletich. Lawler’s fight with Aaron Riley
at UFC 37 on May 10, 2002 later became the first MMA bout in history to air on network TV (FOX Sports).
At 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, Lashley, 33, is a monstrous specimen of a man who has stopped all but one of his five opponents in the first round. A resident of Denver, Colo., he soared to stardom while competing on WWE’s Raw and Smackdown! series between 2005 and 2007.
Noons is a confident, prolific striker who has won four in a row and is the last fighter to defeat current STRIKEFORCE welterweight champion Nick Diaz. In a thrilling, bloody fight on Nov. 10, 2007, Noons won by first-round TKO when a cageside doctor stopped matters after the first round due to excessive cuts around Diaz’ eyes.
The 5-foot-11, 27-year-old Noons’ other victories during his winning streak came over Edson Berto (KO 3, knee) on July 27, 2007, Yves Edwards (TKO 1, punches and elbows) on June 14, 2008 and, in his first outing following a near-two-year respite to continue a boxing career, a decision over Andre Armado at DREAM 13 last March 22.
Doors at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE will open for the event at 5:15 p.m. PT. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m. and the first main card fight will begin at 8 p.m.
The event will be televised live on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
About STRIKEFORCE
STRIKEFORCE (www.strikeforce.com) 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, sanctioned by ISKA, 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 (MMA) series with “Shamrock vs. Gracie.” In May 2008, West Coast Productions, the parent company of STRIKEFORCE, partnered with Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), an entity created in 2000 to oversee all business operation aspects of the San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion at San Jose. In March 2009, STRIKEFORCE signed a multi-year agreement with SHOWTIME® to stage live events on the premium cable television network. The promotion has since also produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network.
UFC HALL OF FAMER RANDY COUTURE JOINS TONIGHT’S “INSIDE MMA”
Kenny Rice and Bas Rutten host Couture along with Bobby Lashley and Mike Swick, Friday, February 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET
| WHAT: This Friday, HDNet hosts the legendary Randy Couture on the network’s “Inside MMA.”
Randy Couture will sit down with Kenny and Bas to discuss his recent bout against another UFC Hall of Famer, Mark Coleman at last Saturday’s UFC 109 event. Bobby Lashley, a pro wrestler who has successfully transitioned to MMA, discusses how he beat Wes Sims at Strikeforce: Miami, to notch a perfect 5-0 record. Rounding out the panel is Mike Swick, who lost to Paulo Thiago last Saturday at UFC 109. Also, reporter Ron Kruck visits TV actor Jason David Frank who is currently trying to make the move to MMA. Don’t miss tonight’s episode of “Inside MMA,” Friday, February 12 at 9:00 p.m. only on HDNet. |
About HDNet
HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.
HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report,” and the Emmy Award winning “Dan Rather Reports,” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant – telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.
HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring five regular season games from the Premiere Season of the United Football League. HDNet also features the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, “HDNet Fights” (www.hdnetfights.com). “HDNet Fights” works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet’s “Inside MMA” is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.
HDNet also delivers the world’s largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring “Art Mann Presents,” “New York Confessions,” “Deadline” and “Get Out!” HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. “NASA on HDNet” presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.
Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.
In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.
HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.
Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Verizon FiOS and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliated companies.
The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet1, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies.
Diaz, Cyborg, Herschel Walker, Bobby Lashley and Lawlor score stoppages at Strikeforce Miami
Nick Diaz scored an exciting first round knockout over Mariusz Zaromskis in a wild round to retain his Strikeforce Welterweight title at the Bank Once Center in Sunrise, Florida.
Both guys landed heavy shots that included Zaromskis landing a hard shot that sent Doaz down to the floor but Diaz popped right up and and began to pound away on the face of Zaromskis as he landed some huge shots until he landed a booming right hook that put Zaromskis down and out at the 4:38 mark of round one.
Diaz, of Stockton, California is now 20-8-1 with twelve knockouts. Zaromskis of London is now 13-4.
Cris Cyborg retained her Strikeforce Lightweight title as she stopped a tough Marloes Coenen in round tyhree of their scheduled five round five.
Cyborg controlled most of the action throughout the fight by Coenen showed toughness and got in some big punches for herself until Cyborg pounded her on the ground and the fight was stopped at 2:07 of round three.
Cyborg, 144 1/2 lbs of Curitiba, Brazil is now 9-1 with seven stoppages. Coenen, 143 3/4 lbs of Amsterdam is now 17-4.
Former NFL Star and Olympic Bobsledder Herschel Walker proved that life begins at forty-seven years old as he made a successful pro debut by stopping an over matched Greg Nagy in round three of a scheduled three round Heavyweight fight.
Walker showed versatility as he was effective with strikes and on the ground and was in control for just about every second of the fight until it was stopped at 2:17 of round three.
Walker, 214 1/4 lbs looked in pronominal shape to winhis pro debut. Nagy, 210 1/2 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 1-2
“Ruthless” Robbie Lawlor scored one of the most devastating one punch knockout over Melib Manhoef in round of their scheduled three round bout.
Manhoef dominated the fight as he was viciously kicking Lawlor’s legs and landing hard body shots until Lawlor landed a “Hayemaker” right hook that landed squarely on Manhoef’s chin and he was knocked out cold before he crumbled to the ground and for good measure, Lawlor landed a hard right to jaw the jaw and the fight was stopped at 3:33 of round one.
Lawlor of Granite City, IL is now 17-5-1 with fourteen knockouts. Manhoef of Amsterdam, Netherlands is now 24-7-1
Former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley remained undefeated as he pounded Wes Sims for much of their two-plus minute Heavyweight bout.
Lashley had the 6′8″ Sims on tne ground and continued to pound Sims until the referee stopped the bout at 2:06 of round one of their scheduled three round fight
Lashley, 252 1/4lbs of Coconut Creek, Fla is now 5-0 with two knockouts. Sims. 258 1/4 lbs of Lancaster, OH is now 22-13-1-2.
Strikeforce Fighter Weigh Ins Open To The Public This Friday At BankAtlantic Center
FOOTBALL LEGEND HERSCHEL WALKER,
MMA SUPERSTARS BOBBY LASHLEY, NICK DIAZ, WOMEN’S CHAMPION CRIS CYBORG
& ALL THE FIGHTERS TO WEIGH IN
Friday, Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m. ET at the Chairman’s Club at BankAtlantic Center
Preceded by Special Autograph Signing Session with MMA legend
Dan Henderson and other STRIKEFORCE superstars
WHO: Football Legend Herschel Walker
Unbeaten MMA Heavyweight Bobby Lashley
Superstar Nick Diaz
DREAM Welterweight Champion Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis
STRIKEFORCE 145 pound Women’s Champion Cris Cyborg
Submission Expert Marloes Coenen
& All The Fighters
WHAT: All 24 fighters will participate in the final weigh in on Friday, Jan. 29, just one day prior to the STRIKEFORCE mixed martial arts (MMA) fight card on Saturday, Jan. 30 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT). The weigh in is open to the public, free of charge.
Walker, the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner, will make his MMA debut against Greg Nagy. The 47-year-old two-time Pro Bowler will compete in the cage the night before the Pro Bowl and one week prior to the Super Bowl. The 6-foot 1-inch, 220 pound Walker holds a fifth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has experience in the combat disciplines of Muay Thai and Kenpo.
The 26 year old Diaz (20-7), a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, will take on DREAM welterweight (170 pounds) champ Zaromskis (13-3) in the main event and first STRIKEFORCE welterweight championship bout in history.
STRIKEFORCE 145-pound women’s champion Cyborg (8-1) will defend her crown against submission expert Coenen (17-3). Cyborg became the first STRIKEFORCE women’s champion in history on Aug. 15, 2009 when the Brazilian native stopped superstar Gina Carano.
The 6-foot, 3-inch, 250 pound Lashley, also a former collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College and member of The United States Army, competed in both the WWE Raw and SmackDown! shows in 2005 and ‘06. The undefeated MMA heavyweight will face Wes Sims.
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: BankAtlantic Center Chairman’s Club
1 Panther Pkwy
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33323
(954) 835-7000
MAMMA Online News- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? (Part 2) September 1, 2010Yesterday I talked about why this October’s Bellator is different from other shows going on down here in Philly. Today I’m going to talk about the challenge in promoting this show. As we mentioned yesterday, Eddie Alvarez will fight in Philly for the first time in October against Roger Huerta. This fight could mark the [...] No related posts. […]Paul Miles
- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? August 31, 2010I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about the quality of fight cards in the Philly/Atlantic City game recently and for some reason I’ve had an impossible time expressing in words my thoughts. Some of that is because the path of least resistance in that sort of post would stomp on toes of promoters [...] No related posts. […]Paul Miles
- Its Official: Alvarez vs Huerta Goes Down in Philly August 30, 2010After weeks of speculation, MMA Junkie has confirmed that Bellator 33 will happen in Philadelphia. The hot mustard on that awesome sandwich is the main event: Philadelphia’s own Eddie Alvarez faces internet sensation, and notorious football hater Roger Huerta in a three round non-title fight. Expect some familiar faces on the undercard. Bellator has traditio […]Paul Miles
- “Rematch” is the Word of the Day for December Locked in the Cage August 28, 2010I spoke with Fran Evans of Locked in the Cage, and he confirmed for me that Bo Coleman and Brian Jackson will get a do-over from their aborted main event from August 21st. This time the dance is at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia on December 3rd for Locked in the Cage 6. Fran [...] Related posts:Unusual End to Good Night of Fights for Locked in t […]Paul Miles
- Brendan Barrett & Randy Smith Cold War About to Go Nuclear August 28, 2010For months the war of words between IFL and ROC veteran Brendan Barrett and Randy Smith finally has a venue to be turned physical. Lou Neglia and Brendan both confirmed yesterday that Barrett/Smith will finally go down at Ring of Combat 32 at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. The first volley of this battle [...] Related posts:Another Interview with Brendan […]Paul Miles
- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? (Part 2) September 1, 2010
- ESPN News
- Search for Bob Arum's son continues September 1, 2010Nearly two dozen mountaineers and park rangers are searching for the son of Hall of Fame boxing promoter Bob Arum, who's been missing since a weekend camping trip in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state. […]Associated Press
- Manny Pacquiao on a Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout: 'He needs me' September 1, 2010Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach said Wednesday that they agreed to every demand put forward by Floyd Mayweather for what could have been the richest fight in boxing history. […]Associated Press
- Juan Manuel Marquez has deal to fight Michael Katsidis September 1, 2010Lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez has agreed to fight Michael Katsidis at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on Nov. 27. […]Associated Press
- Fana regains IBF junior lightweight title September 1, 2010Mzonke Fana has earned an impressive unanimous decision over Cassius Baloyi to win the vacant IBF junior lightweight title in a matchup of South Africans. […]Associated Press
- Bernard Hopkins to fight light heavyweight champ Jean Pascal on Dec. 18 September 1, 2010Bernard Hopkins is slated to meet newly crowned light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal Dec. 18 in Quebec City, both sides told ESPN.com on Tuesday. […]Dan Rafael
- Manny Pacquiao: Antonio Margarito knew what was in hand wraps August 31, 2010Manny Pacquiao says he wants a representative observing Antonio Margarito's hand wraps before their meeting in Texas. […]Associated Press
- Antonio Tarver ready for heavyweight debut against Nagy Aguilera August 30, 2010Antonio Tarver will make his heavyweight debut Oct. 15 against Nagy Aguilera in a scheduled 10-rounder either in Memphis or Southern California. […]Dan Rafael
- Fight between Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez rescheduled for Nov. 6 August 30, 2010The postponed fight between featherweight titlist Juan Manuel Lopez and former two-division champion Rafael Marquez has been rescheduled. […]Dan Rafael
- Vyacheslav Senchenko beats Charlie Jose Navarro to retain WBA belt August 30, 2010Vyacheslav Senchenko retained his welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Charlie Jose Navarro on Monday night, though the unbeaten Ukrainian needed to work a bit harder than most people expected. […]Associated Press
- Shannon Briggs says he'll knock out Vitali Klitschko in first round August 30, 2010Former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs said Monday he would make current WBC titleholder Vitali Klitschko his "30-second, first-round victim" when they meet later this fall. […]Associated Press
- Search for Bob Arum's son continues September 1, 2010
