New York, NY (October 2, 2012) – TaKe On Productions, New York’s premiere Muay Thai promotion, and MSG Sports announced the highly anticipated return of full contact Muay Thai Kickboxing to The Theater at Madison Square Garden in “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” on Saturday, November 10, 2012.

Tickets start at $35.00 and go on sale Tuesday, October 2, at The Garden box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Muay Thai and MMA gyms throughout NY, NJ, CT and PA and at www.thegarden.com. TaKe On VIP ticket packages will also be available via www.TakeOnProductions.com, along with the full fight card, fighter information, and other exciting content.

The historic “Muay Thai at the Mecca” proved to be the biggest sanctioned Muay Thai event ever in United States history and already “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” is building up to surpass the celebrated event. “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” will feature UFC veteran Ryan “The Lion” Madigan alongside undefeated Take On heavyweight slugger, Brian Collette who will collide with WBC Champ Steven Banks and undefeated Take On middleweight champion, Nick Vaughan will face Phil LeGrand, who may be his toughest opponent yet.

“The debut of Muay Thai kickboxing at Madison Square Garden earlier this year was nothing short of fantastic,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “The Garden is excited to continue our partnership with TaKe-On Productions and bring the thrilling sport back to its many fans with “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2” on November 10.”

“Following our overwhelmingly successful partnerships with MSG Sports on both ‘Muay Thai at the Mecca’ in March, and ‘Battle at Bally’s II’ in August, TaKe On Productions is thrilled to return to Madison Square Garden. TaKe On continues to deliver to our fans record-breaking events featuring today’s top fighters, non-stop action, and highlight reel knockouts,” stated TaKe On CEO Mike Gasparski.

“After the tremendous success of our first MSG show, it’s only natural that TaKe On returns to the Mecca for another historic event. ‘Muay Thai at the Mecca 2’ on November 10th will set the new standard in our sport as the biggest Muay Thai event the US has ever seen,” added TaKe On President Eddie Cuello.

Four title fights will highlight this explosive fight card including the hard hitting undefeated TaKe On cruiserweight Champion, Ariel Abreu (6-0; Camp Undefeated/NY) as he puts his belt on the line. Additionally, WKA women’s 105 lb. champ Jess Ng (7-1 Sitan/NY), 125 lb. champ Prairie Ruglio (Girl Fight MMA/NJ), and men’s Pro WKA Champ Justin Greskiewicz (18-9-3 Cool Hearts/PA) will all look to defend their crowns.

Cyrus “Black Dynamite” Washington (50 wins, 48 KO’s), arguably the most exciting North American Muay Thai fighter to enter the ring, will headline the 22 bout card. Washington, now fighting out of Long Island’s Militia MMA, spent years as a pro fighter living and training in Thailand. He has fought and defeated international superstars and is looking to build his fame on his native land.

Other marquee names featured on the “Muay Thai at the Mecca 2,” which will include representatives from a total of 26 premiere Muay Thai kickboxing gyms, are:

Jay Matias (16-6, Sitan Gym/NY) trains under World Champion Muay Thai coach Aziz Nabih. He is the WKA North American Lightweight Champion, and was recently named 2012’s top Muay Thai Prospect by “Muay Thai Is Life” &“THEGARV.com.”

Tarek Rached (26-3, AFC Kickboxing/NY) with over 100 amateur fights, this Ronkonkoma, NY native has won World Championships in WAKO, WKA, and WPKA.

Eddie Maritnez (20-8) has recently won a world title at the Arab Boxing World Championship in Dubai with a seventh-round knockout of Russia’s Illman Arskahanov.. He holds the TaKe On record for most Knockouts via headkick!

Many others top fighters will appear including: Elijah Clarke (Renzo Gracie/NY), Pawel Zawatowski (New York Jiu Jitsu), Kate Allen (Cool Hearts/PA), and Sean George (CeeThree Athletics/CT).

Visit www.TakeOnProductions.com for the full fight card, highlights from past events, fighter features and more.

About the Madison Square Garden Company

The Madison Square Garden Company is a fully-integrated sports, media and entertainment business. The Company is comprised of three business segments: MSG Sports, MSG Media and MSG Entertainment, which are strategically aligned to work together to drive the Company’s overall business, which is built on a foundation of iconic venues and compelling content that the company creates, produces, presents and/or distributes through its programming networks and other media assets. MSG Sports owns and operates the following sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL), the New York Liberty (WNBA), and the Connecticut Whale (AHL). MSG Sports also features the presentation of a wide variety of live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball, track and field and tennis. MSG Media is a leader in production and content development for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from the Company’s venues. MSG Media’s television networks consist of regional sports networks, MSG Network and MSG+, collectively referred to as MSG Networks; and Fuse, a national television network dedicated to music. MSG Networks also include high-definition channels, MSG HD and MSG+ HD, and Fuse includes its high-definition channel, Fuse HD. MSG Entertainment is one of the country’s leaders in live entertainment. MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes. MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts other live entertainment events such as concerts, family shows and special events in the Company’s diverse collection of venues. These venues consist of Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, the Chicago Theatre, the Forum in Inglewood, CA, and the Wang Theatre in Boston, MA. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.

About TaKe On Productions

TaKe On Productions burst onto the fight scene in 2009, and rapidly became the top Muay Thai fight promotion company on the East Coast. TaKe On has brought fight fans seventeen exciting Professional and Amateur Thai boxing events, including the US’s largest event in history “Muay Thai at the Mecca”, the legendary “Battle at the Beacon”, and the $10K Pro Tournament where 8 Pro fighters competed in a one night to take home the title and the prize. Take On events always showcase the best local, national, and international talent, from up and coming prospects to seasoned veterans of the sport. For more information, visit www.TaKeOnProductions.com

Saturday night sees Prospect Boxing stage their first show of the new
professional boxing season at the Rivals Gym, Wishaw. In what promises
to be an action packed evening 2 local fighters make there pro debut
and head liner Iain Butcher steps up to 8 rounds.

“I see this as a step to the British title eliminator,which is what I
am chasing “Said Butcher. “Ive been putting in the training,my
opponent has changed and now I’m fighting Bulgarian Stefan Slavchev
,who from what I’ve seen is experienced and a good operator”

Looking to build upon his previous win over Liverpool’s Phil Smith in
June at the the same venue ,the flyweight is looking to go one better
“While I was glad to get the rounds in, and it was a learning
fight,this time I can see a knockout happening “

Returning after nearly six months out, Rhys Pagan will be fighting for
the first time under the ‘ Prospect Boxing’ banner. Looking forward to
putting his new fighter to action, manager Paul Graham sees the
Sanquar man’s fight with Matt Seawright as a potential show stealer
“After speaking to Rhys earlier I know he’s keen to progress and show
the crowd his potential. He has fought twice before ,but has only
picked up the one knock down -and he’s vowed to do it again this
time!”

Bellshill’s Kris Hughes makes way for welterweight Billy Campbell,who
replaces the “Badger” after picking up a broken hand against Ghanaian
Richard Commey last month. After taking the call at short notice ,
Campbell makes his debut against Wishaws Mark Bett .

“While the notice wasn’t great, I am really grateful to Campbell for
answering my call and keeping the card going. He’s really putting in
the effort in the gym, and cant wait for fight night and give his
family and friends a good show”

Also making the debut on the night is Wishaw’s Mark Parvin ,who takes
on Sid Razack. “Mark has vowed to be good shape and he has been
promising to give Razack a hard time. His last few outings up in
Scotland, he has lost by points but Parvin tells me he wont be leaving
Scotland with a points loss this time” proclaims the former pro
referee .

Completing the five fight card, Middleweight Ryan Scott returns after
nearly a 4 year hiatus.

Prospect Boxing are pleased to confirm their next show “The Specials”
on Sat October 6th 2012 at Rivals Gym, Wishaw. Tickets are priced £30
and by calling 01698 338888 and their will be a limited availability
on the door.

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization returns to Minneapolis this Friday for an all-action card at the Target Center, which will be broadcast on FX at 8pm ET/PT, immediately before an all-new episode of The Ultimate Fighter Fridays airs.

Following on from last Saturday’s heavyweight thriller, which saw Stefan Struve knock out Stipe Miocic, two other top heavyweight contenders collide as undefeated Travis Browne takes on Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.

The 6ft 7inch, 250lbs-plus Browne has showed rapid improvements to both his striking and submission games, knocking out Struve and tapping Chad Griggs in two of his last three fights.

Meanwhile, “Bigfoot” has the opportunity to reassert himself at the top of the division with a victory and, able to match size with Browne, will be looking to unleash the devastating ground and pound which famously accounted for his win over Fedor Emelianenko.

In the co-main event, top welterweight contender Jake Ellenberger has a chance to avenge his first professional defeat when he takes on the returning Jay Hieron. Ellenberger – a winner of 10 of his last 12 fights – has thunderous power in his fists and has stopped the likes of Mike Pyle and Jake Shields. Hieron, though, is more motivated than ever in his first UFC fight in seven years and is in the form of his life, having only dropped one controversial split decision since 2007.

Also on the four-fight FX card, elite flyweights John Dodson and Jussier Formiga clash in a fight to determine the No.1 contender for newly-minted UFC 125lbs champion Demetrious Johnson. Dodson believes he is the one man in the division who can match speed with the reigning champ, but first must contend with the other-worldly submission skills of the best flyweight in Brazil, the 27-year-old Formiga.

Travis Browne said: “I’m happy to be back. I haven’t fought since April and missed out on a huge opportunity when my opponent dropped out of UFC on FOX. But fighting Bigfoot on FX – in the main event – is a great opportunity for me, too. The heavyweight division is more stacked than ever, it is so hard to get into the top five right now, and everyone is looking so impressive, so you have to be consistently impressive.

“I’ve had some good wins, and I’ve had wins where I wish I could have shown more. The key now is to fight at the best of my ability for every fight. I’ve got a huge chance against a big name in Bigfoot, he’s beaten some top guys, and I’ve got to go out there and show the best of myself. I’m always looking to finish, but if it goes five rounds I am ready.

“If I do that, I know I can impress and move up the rankings. I feel I am better than ever and it is my time to shine.”

“Bigfoot” Silva said: “This is a very important fight for me, and I won’t let it go past the second round. It is a five round fight but, five rounds or three rounds, I don’t like decisions on my record. I will do my best to finish Travis Browne inside two rounds. He’s the second or third person I’ve fought who is bigger than me, but it does not matter, it is no problem. I know I can take him down to the ground and ground and pound him – for sure that is where I am very dangerous. But I have been training very, very hard on my standup. He is a very tough guy, undefeated, but I am so, so confident I will beat him inside two rounds.”

Jake Ellenberger said: “I’m a completely different fighter from the one he beat all that time ago. He’s a different fighter, too, so the first fight has nothing to do with Friday. I’m going to be happy to avenge that defeat, for sure, but it isn’t like I’ve been thinking about it since the fight. I feel I can win this fight and get back to the top of the division and challenge for the title. That’s the reason I am here.

“I know I can compete with the best but I will never look past any opponent. That is where you lose consistency and have disappointing fights. I’ve learned to be more patient when I hurt someone, and I feel I’ve tightened up a lot of things since my last fight. I realize now I’ve got 15 minutes to finish fights and I think you’ll see this new maturity in my fight this Friday.”

Jay Hieron said: “I’ve never had anything handed to me, and I’m glad it went this way. It is a shame UFC 151 got cancelled, as it would have been cool to fight in my hometown of Vegas, but I am just glad I’m going to fight in the UFC. I always believed I belonged in the UFC, that I was as good as the guys in the UFC.

“It is tough, living in Vegas, living in the UFC’s home town, and seeing all these big cards all the time. I have cornered on big UFC shows and wondered when I would be back in the Octagon myself. I had people ask me if I was an amateur fighter, because why wasn’t I in the UFC? I’ve had great runs, beaten top guys, but it just wasn’t my time. Either I was signed or I was injured, it just never worked out for me to come back to the UFC, but I never got deterred.

“I couldn’t ask for a better comeback fight than Ellenberger. I beat him before, and I will beat him again. I fought him back in 2006 and he was a hot prospect, he didn’t know he could lose and I beat him on points. I know he’s super-tough, and a much different fighter with a ton of experience, but I know I can beat him again. I know him very, very well.

“I beat him in our fight and then I cornered Mike Pyle and Martin Kampmann against him. Jake’s last loss was to Martin and we spent a lot of time breaking down Jake’s style so Martin could take advantage of his weaknesses. I feel I know what Jake brings to the Octagon as well as anyone. I taught him how to lose.”

John Dodson said: “This is a huge fight for me, and a big one for the division, a No1 contender’s match. Right now, everyone is trying to figure out who is who in the 125lbs class. Who fits where and who belongs at the top. Formiga is the best fighter in Brazil, he’s got phenomenal BJJ and his striking has improved a lot too. I will prove why I deserve the title shot. I think he will try to strike, because he cannot take me down. Not him, not anyone. Many have tried, all have failed.

“I want the fight against DJ. We are the two fastest fighters in the UFC and I want to match my speed against his. Some people say he’s the fastest, some people say I am. We got to fight to see who is the fastest. I really want to match what I got against what he’s got. But I have to make a statement Friday night against Formiga. I will knock him out. If I stop him – or can you imagine if I tap him out – I’m doing a triple summersault – a 360 – off the cage.”

Jussier Formiga said: “I’ve been waiting for this chance to fight in the UFC for years and, finally, there is a flyweight division so I can showcase my skills. I know Dodson is a powerful striker and is very fast, but I am a BJJ and judo black belt and am looking forward to the fight. I’ve been working very hard on my punches and have a good uppercut, and I am looking forward to showing this in the fight. I am looking forward to the whole UFC experience. I can’t wait to show the UFC fans what I can do.”

The four-fight UFC on FX card will be broadcast live on FX this Friday at 8pm ET/PT, with preliminary fights airing live on FUEL from 5pm ET/2pm PT.

Then, also on FX, at 10pm ET/PT The Ultimate Fighter continues with “Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson – Can’t Fix Stupid”. In this episode, UFC President Dana White treats the fighters to a special outing away from the house. After coach Roy Nelson uses a bizarre method to pick the next matchup, one fighter’s weight problem puts his future in jeopardy. Then, two more welterweights face off in the Octagon.

For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and with offices in London, England, Toronto, Canada and Beijing, China, UFC® produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world.

In 2011, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which now airs on FX.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 150 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with nearly two million followers on Twitter.

Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs, an internationally distributed UFC magazine, the best-selling UFC Undisputed® video game franchise distributed by THQ, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, and JAKKS Pacific articulated action figures.

The entire boxing community is cordially invited to witness a very special event, celebrating the history and future of the sweet science.

George Kaltsas and Hitman Entertainment present “Hearns Returns – The Duel down the River” – an eight bout spectacular, featuring the best young talent in boxing from the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit, Michigan

The exclusive celebration will honor six division World Champion Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, who was recently inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York for leaving his indelible mark on the sport of boxing and giving fight fans around the world a lifetime of breathtaking memories in the ring!

The All-Time Great fighter set the standard for Kronk Gym excellence, and the eight canvas warriors representing the renowned facility will display their talents in what is sure to be an exciting evening of prizefighting.

Headlining the event will be WBA Middleweight title challenger Ronald “The Chosen One” Hearns (26-3, 20 KOs) in an eight round special attraction. The talented boxer/puncher will begin his campaign toward an eventual Championship opportunity in one of the most exciting divisions in all of boxing.

In the six round co-main event of the evening, Junior Middleweight sensation Tony “Super Bad” Harrison (9-0, 8 KOs) will light up the ring with another devastating knock-out performance. The 22 year old Emanuel Steward protégé has his sight set on Championship gold and is quickly tearing up the 154 pound rankings.

In an additional six round feature, current WBC USNBC Welterweight title holder Lanardo Tyner (26-8-2, 16 KOs) will make his first defense after brutally stopping previously undefeated Welterweight prospect Charles Hatley in just one round. The experienced fight veteran boasts impressive victories over former IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Vivian Harris and current Welterweight contender Antwone Smith.

Also showcased on the packed bout sheet will be Junior Welterweight KO artist Chris Hazimhalis (9-0, 7 KOs) from Youngstown, Ohio, slick Welterweight prospects William McElroy (2-0, 0 KOs) and Leandre White (2-0, 1 KO) of Detroit, Michigan, Bantamweight Prospect Anthony Gallerani from Livonia, Michigan will be making his 4 round pro debut, and amateur standout and Junior Middleweight prospect Anthony Barnes of Huntington Woods in a 4 round pro debut as well.

The highly anticipated event will be streamed live across the globe from the Taylor Sportsplex in Taylor, Michigan, and will be available via webcast.

Tickets for the Special event are on sale now at HitmanTickets.com, and start at $25. Exclusive $70 Ringside VIP and $50 Floor VIP seats are limited in number so act now and purchase your tickets for what should prove to be a very memorable event!

For additional information, please call 313-262-6381

New York/St. Charles, Mo. (October 2, 2012) – On Friday, October 12, DiBella Entertainment will return to the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles MO, with an exciting edition of ShoBox: The New Generation. Headlining the card will be Puerto Rican amateur star, and blue-chip prospect, Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (10-0, 6KO’s) taking on Robert Garcia trained Allan Benitez (7-1, 1KO) in an eight-round lightweight matchup.

In the televised co-feature, undefeated up-and-coming prospects Jonathan Cepeda (12-0, 11KO’s) and Lamar Russ (10-0, 6KO’s) square off in an eight-round middleweight bout. The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Rumble Time Promotions. SHOWTIME® will begin live coverage at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Also featured on the ShoBox telecast will be highlights of former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor (30-4-1, 18KO’s) in his bout versus Raul Munoz (21-15-1, 16KO’s), a ten-round middleweight matchup which will take place earlier in the evening.

Jose Pedraza (L) vs. Allan Benitez

At just 23 years old, Pedraza is one of the highest regarded prospects in all of boxing. Pedraza’s stellar amateur career saw him represent his native Puerto Rico in the 2008 Olympics and win a silver medal at the 2009 Amateur World Championships, before turning pro in February 2011 with a first-round TKO over Felix Rivera. His bout against Benitez will be his second on SHOWTIME, but the first as the featured bout of the evening.

“After my last fight against Valderrama (August 31), I only rested for a week and then got straight back in the gym,” said Pedraza. “For this fight the training has been very intense. I have sparred with former world title contender Mario Santiago, world champion ‘Rocky’ Martinez and Luis Rosario, who is a very good amateur boxer. I am looking forward to putting on a great performance on the 12th and taking another step towards fulfilling my ultimate goal of winning a world championship.”

A native of Mexico, now living and training with Garcia in the boxing hotbed of Oxnard, Calif., Benitez has rattled off seven wins in a row after dropping his pro-debut in a close four-round decision. Benitez last saw action in August of this year, winning an exciting six-round unanimous decision over Osnel Charles at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

Jonathan Cepeda (L) vs. Lamar Russ

Cepeda had a limited but successful amateur career, sporting a 22-3 record with all three losses coming against former blue-chip prospect Danny Jacobs. Cepeda competed in the National Golden Gloves and twice won the Florida Golden Gloves tournament. Since turning pro, Cepeda has impressed in each and every outing. With devastating power in both hands and an aggressive seek-and-destroy mentality, Cepeda has the ability to end a fight with one punch.

Russ was an accomplished amateur, winning the North Carolina State title six times, before turning pro in 2009. At just 25 years old, Russ is just coming into his own as a professional. Like Cepeda, Russ is a come-forward fighter who likes to press the action and mix it up with his opponent. Russ is coming off his most impressive victory to date; a fourth-round TKO over previously unbeaten (13-0) Jose Alonzo. Prior to his bout with Alonzo, Russ won a six-round unanimous decision over Marcus Upshaw.

Taylor returned to the ring in December of last year. In his most recent outing, he won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Caleb Truax. Taylor, who is currently rated number six in the WBC, eight in the WBO and 14 in the IBF, is working his way back into title contention and hopes to get another shot at the coveted middleweight championship sometime in 2013.

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Rumble Time Promotions. Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $40 and can be purchased through the Ameristar Casino or by calling (314) 267-2204. Doors open at 5:30PM with the first bout scheduled for 6PM.

LONDON (2 Oct 2012) – Super Fight Promotions, a new boxing promotional company spearheaded by Amir Khan and long time promoter Dennis Hobson, is pleased to announce its first signing will be Commonwealth bronze medalist Haroon Khan.

Following in the footsteps of his famed brother, Haroon has built up an impressive amateur record of his own, with the highlight coming in 2010 at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, where his speed and movement helped him achieve bronze after boxing his way to the semi-final stages.

Haroon is the first to join the stable, which is set to bring a fresh and innovative new outlook to the boxing industry, with further announcements of new signings to be made in due course.

Speaking of his new capture and company the former WBA and IBF world champion, Amir Khan, said: “I’m delighted that Haroon is the first fighter to sign for Super Fight Promotions. He’s got a lot of talent and I know he can achieve a lot in the professional game. His amateur record will serve him well and I have no doubts that his decision to turn professional will prove to be a very fruitful one. Super Fight Promotions is a company which is going to make big waves in boxing as we actively seek to sign the very best young talent around.”

Haroon Khan, stated: “I’ve always wanted to turn professional and to do so under Super Fight Promotions was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down. I have big ambitions but will take things a step at a time and I know I’ve got the best team behind me, who have that experience, to help guide my career to the very top.”

Dennis Hobson, a partner in the new promotional company, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work to get to this stage but we’re very pleased to get Super Fight Promotions off the ground with the signing of Haroon Khan. Our strategy for the company is a clear one, we want to give talented young fighters the best platform to succeed at the very highest levels of the sport and at the same time make sure fight fans get to see the best fights possible.

Las Vegas, Nevada – A heated rivalry between two of the sport’s hardest-hitting heavyweights will be settled on Saturday, Dec. 15 when the Ultimate Fighting Championship® makes its long awaited return to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Former UFC interim heavyweight champion Shane Carwin will meet The Ultimate Fighter® season 10 winner Roy “Big Country” Nelson in the night’s five-round main event. The two serve as opposing coaches on this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter® (Fridays, FX, 10 p.m. ET/PT) and will finally have the chance to trade leather this December.

Plus, this season’s The Ultimate Fighter® winner will be crowned when the Octagon® makes its way back to The Joint.

“Roy Nelson has gotten under Shane Carwin’s skin all season and Shane’s ready to try to knock him out,” UFC president Dana White said. “I don’t expect this one to go the distance. Roy and Shane were civil to each other on ‘TUF,’ but they can’t stand each other and after having to spend six weeks together, Shane said he can’t wait to knock Roy out. These two are both known for having heavy hands. Chances are someone is getting knocked out. Best part is the coaches will fight on the TUF Finale Live on FX from Hard Rock Hotel here in Vegas.”

Tickets for The Ultimate Fighter® Finale go on sale Friday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $304, $254, $179, $154, $104 and $79. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit the Hard Rock Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com, www.thejointlasvegas.com or charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000.

UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Oct. 11, starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

The main card will also air live on FX at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto and Beijing, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. In 2011, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which now airs on FX in an exciting new live format.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 149 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions, in English throughout Canada via Premium Sports Broadcasting Inc. and in French throughout Quebec via Interbox. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with over two million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, the best-selling UFC Undisputed® video game franchise, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.

About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Las Vegas’ off-strip playground, just minutes and less than three miles from McCarran International Airport. The premier destination entertainment resort is owned by Brookfield Real Estate Finance Fund II, a division of Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) and managed by WG-Harmon, LLC, a subsidiary of Warner Gaming, LLC. Built in 1995, the property completed a $750 million expansion in 2010. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers an energetic entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property is known for its innovative nightlife and music scene where acts such as The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana and Motley Crue have all performed. Features of the property include an 11-story Casino Tower with 640 guest rooms, 17-story Paradise Tower with 490 rooms and suites and the all-suite HRH Tower with 359 suites, eight spa villas and seven penthouse suites; 72,000 square feet of casino space which features Peacock High-Limit gaming and Asian gaming amenities; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space; more than $3 million in rare music memorabilia throughout the hotel; the luxurious Vanity Nightclub; Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa; Reliquary Salon; 4.5 acres of tropical pool paradise which houses the trendsetting pool parties including the famous REHAB Sunday party and RELAX Monday party as well as Summer Camp Fridays and Nectar Music Festival Saturdays; The Joint concert venue; the new Vinyl live entertainment venue; Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.; restaurants including the new amped up gastropub Culinary Dropout, The Ainsworth, traditional steakhouse with an edge 35 Steaks + Martinis, Mexican cantina Pink Taco, ‘round the clock diner Mr. Lucky’s Café, Fu Asian restaurant (coming this fall) and a Fitness Center. For room availability and additional information call 800.HRD.ROCK (800.473.7625) or visit www.hardrockhotel.com.

WASHINGTON, DC (October 2, 2012)—Twenty Year-old amateur star Antoine Douglas will make his anticipated professional debut on October 27th in Berk, Virginia.

Douglas of Washington, D.C. compiled a record of 85-30 and was a National PAL Champion, 2009 Jt. Olympic Champion as well as a Ringside World champion as well as placing third in the Olympic trials, recently signed with managers Bill Mielnicki and Kay Korona and with promoter Greg Cohen.

“After the Olympic trials I didn’t feel the need to stay amateur”, said Douglas

Douglas, who has what, has been called an “Electrifying” Style recently moved his training operations to the Elite Heat Boxing Gym in Newark, New Jersey is excited about the future.

“It was a good move to come up to New Jersey as I have no distractions and I can focus on everything”, continued Douglas.

“I have all my needs taken care and I have big goals for myself as I hope I can win world titles in multiple weight classes over the next 5-8 years”

Douglas is also very excited about his new team.

“Greg Cohen was interested from the start and with him and the rest of my team, the sky is the limit”

After fighting in Berk, Virginia, Douglas is scheduled for a quick ring return when he fights on November 10th in Millville, New Jersey.

MISSISSAUGA, ON – (Tuesday, October 2, 2012) There once was a time when a champion boxer took pride in defending his title against the best available opponent.

Undefeated cruiserweight sensation Denton Daley (7-0, 4 KO’s) yearns for those days.

After a devastating 4th round TKO of former amateur standout Jason Douglas on September 8th at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Daley was supposed to get a crack at reigning Canadian Cruiserweight champion Ryan Henney on United Boxing Promotions’ December 1st show.

Henney, however, back-tracked his way out of a verbal commitment to fight Daley, citing inadequate time to train.

Don Macdonald, of United Boxing, Daley’s promoter, then went calling to the NABA’s Canadian Cruiserweight champion, Chris Norrad, but was rebuked by Norrad’s camp for December 1st as well.

“I can’t imagine holding a title, and then refusing to defend it against the best challenger available,” Daley said.

“Where’s the honor with these so-called champions?”

“I’m old-school. There’s no way I could look myself in the mirror if I ducked a bonafide contender. If I disappeared at the first sign of a legit challenger, I’d at least have enough pride to give the belt up, and not just continue on as if nothing happened.”

According to Macdonald, in the wake of Daley’s demolition of Douglas, as well as the thrashing he gave former Canadian Cruiserweight champion Frank White this past May, Daley’s predicament is nothing less than an injustice.

“Denton Daley is the only one in the Canadian Cruiserweight picture who can not only put people in the stands, but also fight at a world-class level.” Macdonald said.

“Over 5000 people witnessed Denton destroy Douglas with their very own eyes at The Hershey Centre, and countless more saw the beating on Sportsnet.”

“But unfortunately, in this day and age, it’s tough to get ahead on merit alone. The bottom line is Denton looked too good destroying guys who gave everybody else in the division nothing but problems.”

“These guys are looking at what’s left of Douglas and White and running for the hills.”

Boxing fans, Chicago-based boxing promoter Bobby Hitz of Hitz Boxing will appear on tonight’s episode of the new Fox TV series, Mob Doctor.

Hitz will play Joey, a bodyguard to mob boss Constantine Alexander, played by William Forsythe.

Forsythe, an avid boxing fan, recently completed filming on “The Bronx Bull” (the sequel to the 1980 Martin Scorsese-directed classic Raging Bull), in which he played the lead role of Jake LaMotta.

The actor and the promoter/actor quickly hit it off and spent over an hour talking about the sweet science before filming their scenes.

Mob Doctor is based on the book: Il Dottore: The Double Life of a Mafia Doctor by Ron Felber and follows Grace Devlin (played by Jordana Spiro), a well-educated doctor who took on her brother’s debt to the mob. Grace works off her debt by killing or helping anyone they demand.

Hitz says depending on the popularity of the show, his role will become a recurring one.

This comes in addition to Hitz’s own successful web-based reality series, Hitz Boxing, which follows the behind-the-scenes ins and outs of producing his successful boxing shows. The Hitz Boxing show has already garnered over 350,000 views in its first month of production.

Mob Doctor can be seen on Fox affiliates tonight (Monday) at 9pm/8pm CT

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (October 1, 2012) – Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO and JUAN MANUEL MÁRQUEZ, two of boxing’s top pound for pound fighters, are proving to be two of boxing’s top pound for pound box office attractions too!

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum announced today that over 13,000 tickets were sold during the opening weekend making Act 4 of their fistoric rivalry the biggest seller of their amazing series.

“We are ecstatic with the response,” said Arum, who noted that less than 3,000 tickets remain.

Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KOs), of the Philippines, and Márquez (54-6-1 (39 KOs), of México, who have won world titles in 12 weight divisions between them, will go mano a mano and toe-to-toe in a 12-round welterweight battle, Saturday, December 8, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions, Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing, Tecate and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino tickets to Pacquiao-Márquez 4 are priced at $1,200, $900, $600, $400, and $200. Ticket sales at $1,200, $900, $600 and $400 are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $200 are limited to two (2) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Pacquiao vs. Márquez 4 telecast, which begins at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 92 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com and at www.facebook.com/hboboxing. Use the hashtag #PacMarquez to join the conversation on Twitter. For Pacquiao vs. Márquez updates, log on to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com.

WINCHESTER, VA (October 1, 2012) “LIVE from the Winchester Sportsplex in the Wells Fargo Multi-Purpose Arena”, UNITED BOXERS has announced details of a sensational series of professional boxing events featuring numerous local favorites and world-class prospects debuting on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 with additional events to follow on DECEMBER 1 and FEBRUARY 9.

Advance tickets priced at $50/VIP Ringside and $35/General Admission may be purchased online through EventBrite. Doors on the evening of the event will open at 6PM with the first bell at 7PM. For more information on the Winchester Sportsplex visit their website at WinchesterSportsplex.

Among the featured local fighters appearing in separate bouts are Baltimore’s undefeated welterweight contender James “Keep’em Sleepin” Stevenson, 16-0-0 (11KO’s), and hard-hitting attorney and cruiserweight prospect Venroy July, 11-0-0 (4KO’s) of Suitland, Maryland.

Since turning professional four years ago, the skilled and flashy Stevenson has become one of the most popular fighters in the Mid-Atlantic region area. Most recently, Stevenson stopped Dontre King in the first round on SEPTEMBER 22.

A native of Jamaica, July has been very busy in court practicing law and in the ring perfecting his craft, compiling an undefeated record of 11-0-2 with four knockouts in three years as a pro. This will be the third bout of his 2012 campaign, as he won an eight round unanimous decision over the highly regarded Justin Howes on JUNE 16 at the DuBurns Arena.

Additional local newcomers on the card include Baltimore lightweight prospect Raymondo Elliott, 1-1-0 (1KO), welterweight Ritchie Andrews, 4-2-3 (1KO), of Stuarts Draft, Virginia and female newcomer Tyrieshia “Baby Girl” Douglas, 1-0-0 (1KO) of Washington D.C. Douglas is a former amateur standout, losing only in the 2011 US Olympic Trials.

Three world class national prospects will also be featured on the card in separate bouts with Puerto Rican super middleweight Ronald “Akeem” Ellis, 3-0-0 (3KO’s), light heavyweight KO artist Trevor McCumby, 6-0-0 (6KO’s) and junior welterweight Rolando Chinea, 3-0-0 (2KO’s), of Lancaster, PA hitting the ring.

Originally from Lynn, Massachusetts, Ellis is currently training with Robert Garcia in Oxnard, California, alongside numerous world champions including Nonito Donaire, Brandon Rios and Kelly Pavlik. Among his extensive accolades as an amateur was his 2010 National Golden Gloves Championship.

Just 19 years old, McCumby was also a sensational amateur winning the 2010 Under 19 National Amateur Championships. Both Ellis and McCumby are guided by heralded manager Cameron Dunkin who has built numerous world champions.

Completing the card in separate four rounders are cruiserweight veteran Daniel Shull of Winchester, VA and super middleweight veteran Johnny Hayes, 7-5-1 (4KO’s) of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

United Boxers was founded in 2010 by Chris Middendorf. The goal of the company is to develop world-class professional fighters and promote them to the championship level. For further information or to be added to their mailing list, go to their website, UnitedBoxers.com.

Former 2004 Olympic Cuban gold medalist, Odlanier Solis, 18-1, 12 KO’s, is getting ready for his Oct 12th defense of his IBF Intercontinental Heavyweight title against Leif Larsen, 16-0, 13 KO’s. The fight will take place at Madrid Arena, in Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain. Solis is training hard and plans to continue his camp straight through to his next fight if he is successful on Oct. 12th.

Ahmet Oner, Solis’ advisor, said he is pleased with Solis’ training so far, “This is Solis’ last chance to get a world title. He has a new determination. He is taking his training very seriously, and moving in the right direction. We are pleased.”

“The Animal” on Saturday night, but former six-time World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion Dave Bautista will still make his long-awaited professional mixed martial arts debut this weekend at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

Upon learning Evans would be unable to fight, matchmaker Patrick Sullivan worked in conjunction with Bautista’s team to secure a new opponent within 48 hours. Further details on the main event for Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 will be announced Tuesday morning. The show, titled “Real Pain,” is presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports in association with June Entertainment and 4zero1 Entertainment Group.

“This is going to be a dynamite event,” Burchfield said. “Dave Bautista’s loyal fans have waited years to see him cross over into mixed martial arts and they will get their money’s worth on Saturday night. Dave has been working incredibly hard since this fight was announced. He’s in tremendous shape and ready to fight.

“He’s going to show the entire MMA world what he’s capable of inside the cage.”

Tickets are priced at $20.00, $35.00, $55.00, $75.00, $125.00 and $250.00 and can be purchased at www.cesmma.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The show will also air live on DirecTV Pay Per View for $29.95 ($39.95 in high definition) – available now – beginning at 8 p.m., or through Livestream via www.bautistamma.com in high definition.

Bautista, 43, who will fight in Saturday’s main event, is also the star of the motion picture The Man With The Iron Fists, which will be released in theaters worldwide on Nov. 2. He is currently training at his Gracie Fighter Jiu-Jitsu facility in Tampa with Matheus Andre, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and Josh Rafferty, a contestant on the debut season of The Ultimate Fighter reality series.

“Real Pain” features 14 bouts, including four former Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) contenders – John “Doomsday” Howard of Boston; Marc Stevens of Lorraine, N.Y.; Chad Reiner of Omaha, Neb.; and Montreal native David Loiseau, who fought for the UFC middleweight title in 2006.

ONEIDA NATION HOMELANDS (October 1, 2012) HBO added a third televised bout to its Saturday, October 27 Boxing After Dark card at Turning Stone Resort Casino. The triple header now includes two title fights and a Main Event featuring the number one contender for Floyd Mayweather, Jr.’s WBC Welterweight title, Thomas Dulorme.

Promoter Gary Shaw of Gary Shaw Productions said, “It’s my great pleasure to bring an exciting night of professional boxing to the beautiful Turning Stone Resort Casino. The atmosphere at Turning Stone is incredible. It’s a great venue to host this type of high-profile fight on HBO.”

In the Main Event, Dulorme, (16-0-0, 12 KOs) of Puerto Rico, puts his number one WBC Welterweight contender ranking on the line against Luis Carlos Abregu (33-1-0, 27 KOs) of Argentina.

In a second nationally-televised fight announced this morning, IBF Lightweight Champion Miguel Vazquez (31-3-0, 13 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico takes on challenger Marvin Quintero (25-3-0, 21 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico.

The third bout of the triple header features WBO NABO Junior Welterweight Champion Karim Mayfield (16-0-1, 10 KOs) of San Francisco defending his title against challenger Mauricio Herrera (18-2-0, 7 KOs) of Lake Elsinore, California.

Promoters plan to announce the undercard at a later date. Bouts are subject to change.

Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 27. The first undercard bout starts at 7:30 p.m. The live HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins at 10:15 p.m.

Tickets range from $25 to $75 and are available at the Turning Stone box office or www.Ticketmaster.com. Active military members and current college students with valid ID are eligible for discounted $15 tickets. Call the Turning Stone box office at (315) 361-7469.

Costa Mesa, CA., For all those fans who have loved the Doritos Super Bowl commercials over the past several years, you know the ones that if voted the best commercial to air on the Super Bowl you win a million dollars. Well for all those fans attending this Thursday’s, October 4th Fight Club OC show in The Hangar, they will be part of two Doritos Super Bowl commercials that will be filmed at the show and then submitted for the 2013 Million Dollar Doritos Super Bowl competition.

Both 30 second commercials will have a fight theme to them and were written by Fight Club OC promoter Roy Englebrecht. Both spots will be filmed during Thursday’s live boxing and mma show, using real actors as well as local fighters and fans for “non-speaking” parts.

“I’ve laughed at the Doritos spots over the past several years, said Englebrecht, and I thought that I could write something clever and with a great hook at the end, and also have it be a fight theme. Already having my Fight Club OC show set up for Thursday in The Hangar was a no brainer, so I said hey, why not, I’d like to win a million bucks!”

Tickets for the Fight Club OC show on Thursday, October 4th are available at www.fightcluboc.com.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 1, 2012)—WBO Number-two ranked Jr. Welterweight contender Ruslan Provodnikov would like an opportunity at WBO Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley in December.

There have been rumblings of a possible matchup for Provodnikov, 22-1 with fifteen knockouts of facing Bradley and he and his team feel the time is now for the potential big fight.

The native of Beryozovo, Russia is one of the most exciting fighters in the world and he feels that not only is he ready but will bring the best out of Bradley.

“I am ready for this type of fight”, said Provodnikov

“I would be grateful for the opportunity and I have trained my whole life for this. Bradley is a great fighter but not only do I know I can win but I will bring the best out of him and our fight will be one to remember”

“We feel that Ruslan is ready for this fight and he will beat Bradley.”, said Provodnikov’s promoter Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions.

“Based on all the feedback we get after Ruslan’s fights, he is one of if not the most television friendly fighter out there and a fight with Bradley would be a great fight for the fans”

Provodnikov has won five straight bouts which includes his last outing when he stopped Jose Reynoso (16-3-1) on June 29th.

October 1, 2012 – This past Saturday, former three division world champion, Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (38-5-1, 27 KOs), resurrected his career with a dominating victory against previous unbeaten Puerto Rican contender, Luis Orlando Del Valle (16-1, 11 KOs). With the gutty win, Darchinyan roars back into world title contention as he captured the vacant NABF title in the super bantamweight division.

After becoming a world champion in multiple divisions, Darchinyan’s win against Del Valle was his first at the super bantamweight division. Many opportunities arise with the victory.

“I felt very strong coming into this fight and I was in great shape.” said Darchinyan. “I’m going to campaign at super bantamweight moving forward and I believe I still have the power to keep my opponents honest.”

Darchinyan felt that coming into this fight as the underdog, was a slap in the face.

“I could not believe that I was the underdog coming into this fight.” continued Darchinyan, “I was thinking, what has this kid done to be the favorite against a fighter who’s won eight world championships. It really surprised me that I wasn’t the main event and that the fight was only a 10-rounder. All this inspired me to prove everyone wrong and dominate this fight. Now I’m calling out all champions….LET’S GO!

Darchinyan’s promoter, Gary Shaw, feels Vic has a lot of fight left in him and believes he should be next in line to fight all champions in every sanctioning organization.

“Look for Darchinyan to be in a big fight next time he steps in the ring because he showed everyone he can still fight at the elite level,” stated Gary Shaw. “In his astonishing career, he’s faced the best challenges that have come his way and his win against a very talented young fighter in Del Valle, is proof he can fight at the championship level.”

“Darchinyan and his thrilling style is responsible for bringing the little guys back to TV and in the limelight. I believe when Vic hangs up the gloves he will be a first ballot Hall of Famer.”

PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 1, 2012)—On Saturday night October 27th, a special night of boxing will take place at Harrahs Philadelphia (formally Harrahs Chester) as a show billed “Fight For The Cure “as the show will feature some of the best female boxers in the world.

The show is promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions & David Feldman in association with Bionic Bull Promotions

A portion of the proceeds from of the event will go to Breast Cancer Awareness.

In the main event, Melissa St. Vil will take on Jackie Trivilino for the vacant WIBA International Super Featherweight title.

St. Vil of Brooklyn, NY has a record of 2-1-2 and despite having only five fights, she has faced and defeated top competition.

She opened her career with a draw with the popular Olivia Fonseca and has win over Jennifer Han and Evette Collazo.

Trivilino of Plattsburgh, NY has a record of 8-5-2 with one knockout and is always in all-action fights.

She has a win over Angel Gladney (6-1-1) and two draws with former world title challenger Nydia Feliciano. In Trivilino’s last fight, she fought a war with undefeated world champion Ronica Jeffrey (9-0) before dropping an eight round unanimous decision.

In a six round Featherweight bout, LaKeysha Williams (9-16-3, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on Ela “Bam Bam”Nunez (11-13-2, 3 KO’s) Of Jamestown, NY

In a six round Super Featherweight bout, undefeated Althea Saunders (3-0) will battle Carla Torres (3-2) of Cleveland, OH

In a six round Bantamweight bout, Patty “Boom Boom” Alcivar (6-1, 3 KO’s) of Queens, NY takes on an opponent to be named

In a six round Bantamweight bout, Former world title challenger, Nydia Feliciano (5-3-3) will see action against an opponent to be named.

In a four round Flyweight bout, Tyrieshia Douglas (1-0) of Washington, DC boxes an opponent to be named

Also on the card against opponents to be named will be Lightweight Liz Sherman (4-2, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, Flyweight Keisher McLoed Wells (5-2, 1 KO) of New York, and pro debuting Light Flyweight Susan Reno of New York.

There will also be two men’s bouts to be added.

Tickets are now on sale for $100 (VIP); $65 (Ringside) and $45 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the Harrahs Chester Gift Shop; By calling Joey Eye (267-304-9399); David Feldman (610-291-0806); Brian Cohen (267-257-8957) ; 800-480-8020 or on http://www.webtix.net/

It was announced this afternoon by the Japanese Grand Prix committee that the highly anticipated and prestigious all-around fighting tournament will once again be put on hold until October, although a specific date has not yet been set.

Originally expected to commence during the summer, various issues have come up involving the top fighters competing in the tournament which have resulted in the delay.

The reason for the latest postponement was that France’s revered Savate martial artist specialist Militij was denied access due to issues with his Visa.

“We apologize to the fight world for the latest delay, but Militij is one of the biggest draws within the tournament, and we want to give our fans the best of the best fighters in their respected discipline,” said President of the Grand Prix Committee Sadaharu Tanikawa. “We are confident that the tournament will surely take place in October, and once we have a firm date, we will release it to the fight world.”

The annual Japanese Grand Prix freestyle fighting tournament contains the top fighters in their discipline across the world. Competing this year are Japan’s acclaimed sumo champion Harumafuji, America’s Bare Knuckle Boxing Champion Gunn, France’s Savate Militec and Argentina’s Muay Thai Bosch, amongst several other top combatants.

This unique tournament is one of a kind, as it encompasses all of the diversified martial arts and boxing disciplines across the world, and brings the most elite fighters in each discipline together to compete in a winner take all, single elimination tournament with the grand prize being the purse of $1 million and eligibility to fight in any tournament.

Already sold out, fans around the world are anxious to see this competition get underway. More information as to when the firm date of the commencement of the tournament will be released as soon as word is given from the committee.

LAWTON, OK (September 30, 2012) In front of a sold-out crowd of passionate boxing fans at the Comanche Nation Casino in Lawton, Oklahoma on Friday night, hometown fan favorite George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah put on a sensational performance, stopping Gundrick “Sho Gun” King and winning the NABA Middleweight Title.

Battering the stronger King over the first two rounds with a full arsenal of power shots, Tahdooahnippah had the fans standing and cheering throughout the action.

An accidental clash of heads in the third round caused a cut over King’s left eye. After the stanza, the Tuscaloosa, Alabama native’s corner requested that the referee stop the bout and Tahdooahnippah was declared the winner.

Staying undefeated Tahdooahnippah improved to 31-0-1 (23KO’s), while King moved to 18-9-0 (11KO’s).

Said Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing who promoted the event, “We’re very proud of George’s performance and highly impressed with the crowd and passion the fans had throughout the card. It was a terrific show and we look forward to returning to the Comanche Nation Casino for future events.”

In the co-main event, Houston, Texas native Don Mouton and Abel Perry of Colorado Springs, CO, stood toe-to-toe throughout their eight round middleweight clash in an all-action scrap. Mouton landed the harder, stronger punches and was awarded the majority decision upping his record to 11-4-1 (9KO’s), while Perry fell to 18-6-0 (9KO’s).

In the super middleweight division, David Lujuan of Wichita Falls, Texas, 3-0-1 (1KO), stayed undefeated, winning a four round unanimous decision over Oklahoma City’s Ritchie Cherry, 2-5-0 (1KO) in a fantastic, crowd pleasing fight featuring non-stop action throughout.

Tulsa, Oklahoma middleweight Chris Barnes, 2-1-1 (1KO) won a four round battle over Willie Gilbert, 0-1-1, of Oklahoma City in a rematch of their draw six weeks ago.

Rounding out the card, heavyweights provided some outstanding action as Constantin Bejenaru, 8-0-0 (2KO’s), of Bacau, Romania, survived a first round knockdown to stop pro debuting Dwayne Jackson in the second round as each fighter threw massive bombs throughout the bout.

How frustrating is it to you to keep getting all these wins and not be able to get the big fights?

Gabriel Rosado: “I just gotta keep chipping away. I just gotta keep doing’ what I’m doing’. That’s why with Charles Whittaker, everyone kept telling me ‘Don’t look past Charles Whittaker, don’t focus on something else, something big.’ And you know I didn’t. I knew that it was important to make a statement, not just to win. I had to stop that guy and I had to dominate because I do want the big fight. You know, it gets a little frustrating because what makes sense to me is just putting (together) good fights. You just gotta deal with the politics that involves itself with boxing. I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing. I’m not going to let it distract me or lose focus. I’m going to just keep getting better.”

J Russell Peltz: “I don’t think it’s that frustrating for me. Sometimes Gabby wants to go from kindergarten to his PhD without going through junior high and high school. When we first got together I remember him saying to me, ‘I’ll fight anybody, I need someone to protect from myself.’ We’ve come a long way in a year.”

“I think to expect that Canelo or Cotto or one of those guys was going to say three, four , five months ago, even after the Sechew Powell fight, ‘Yeah we’ll fight Gabby’, I think that was a little unrealistic… I think now, even though a lot of people pooh-poohed Whittaker before the fight, they saw him cracking Gabby with some good left hooks after knockdowns, and the fact that Whittaker was actually a world-class fighter despite the fact that he hadn’t been seen much on American TV, I think now Gabby is definitely in the mix with everybody. Whereas six months ago it was just wishful thinking, not ability-wise, but I think marketing-wise.”

“I think Gabby is in the best spot of any junior middleweight in the world. I think he’s just approaching his prime, he’s on a hot streak. He’s a self-promoted fighter, he markets himself, he promotes himself. He said to me when we were approaching the Whittaker fight, ‘I don’t care how much money I can get to fight in the Cayman Islands, I want the fight to be on NBC.’… Gabby was sharp enough to know that the fight had to be on television and that it wouldn’t mean as much to him if he had beaten Whittaker in the Cayman Islands where no one would have seen it.”

Have there been any talks with the Canelo people?

J Russell Peltz: “Sure there were talks before he chose to fight Joselito Lopez a few weeks ago. I spoke to Stephen Espinoza at Showtime, but I guess they wanted to keep it in-house. We think Canelo should come out and play with guys his own size.”

“If we knew it was written in stone that he would fight either Bundrage or the winner of Bundrage – Berto in March, without people paying for exceptions, twisting the IBF’s arm, having the title stripped, that he would get in the ring in March that would be one thing. But there’s no guarantee that that’s gonna happen. If we could fight Lara or Kirkland he would do that. There’s no way Gabby wants to sit around until March.”

Russell how viable do you think the Canelo fight is right now?

J Russell Peltz: “It depends when Canelo wants to fight again. If he’s going to wait until June, then maybe he’s going to wait for the winner of Cotto and Trout. Kirkland is tied up in legal issues. Who else can Canelo fight right now? Mayweather? I mean, I understand those fights, but to let Canelo fight another guy like Joselito Lopez? I don’t understand it. I know that the best action fight in the ring is any action fighter with Rosado.”

Do you think it’s possible that Team Canelo sees you as too stiff of a matchup for them and that’s why they are avoiding you?

Gabriel Rosado: “You know I think it’s funny because Canelo is the champion and they are taking care of him, protecting him. You shouldn’t protect the champion. I think once you are the champion you should just fight the best competition out there. It’s kind of like a joke, being the junior middleweight champ and then you’re fighting lightweights. I think Canelo is a fighter. I think personally if it were up to Canelo he would take the fight. At the end of the day it is a business, he is the hot ticket at 154 so they want to keep that ball rolling, so obviously facing a guy like me is a big threat to them.”

Are there catches or issues with the business or promotional side of making the Canelo fight?

Gabriel Rosado: “If he fights Maidana, which is the buzz, you know Maidana just fought Soto-Karass and Karass gave him a run for his money, almost even knocked out Maidana, and I crushed Soto-Karass, it was a one-sided fight and I just overpowered him. So I think people are just starting to know who I am. I think it’s a fight that would sell because you have two young fighters. I’m Puerto Rican, he’s Mexican and at the end of the day we all know that the biggest rivalry in boxing is Puerto Rico and Mexico. I think that can sell. And then he can fight and I can fight, we both have knockout power, so I think the fight is a fight that can sell.”

J Russell Peltz: “I don’t think there’s a fighter in junior middleweight division this year that has had the kind of year that Gabby has against the kind of quality fighters he’s fought. I think he’s in the best position that he can possibly be. He’s only 26 and he’s not even in his prime yet. I think that’s the biggest reason. What does Joselito Lopez mean? Even Maidana. Nobody is on a better streak than Gabby is right now, nobody.”

What changed you from being an inconsistent fighter in 2010 to being a very consistent fighter now?

Gabriel Rosado: “I think having only 11 amateur fights, and then in the beginning part of my pro career I was still learning. I had all this will to win, and heart to win, but everything that my trainer was showing me wasn’t there yet, it takes time to pick up on the skills that he taught me. I think with those losses I just learned how to win. I picked up the experience and I became seasoned. It’s adversity that will either make you or break you. It just shows a lot that I’ve grown as a fighter. I’m just excited about what’s next. I feel like I haven’t even reached my prime yet. I’m still learning. Each day I’m progressing and I’m getting stronger.”

“Every time I’m training for a fight, me and Billy are adding something new to the game. One thing we added to this fight is that Charles Whittaker had a good right hand and we took that right out of the equation. We took his best weapon away from him and we countered him and actually made him fearful to throw his right hand.”

Billy Briscoe, you are the trainer, but if you could be the matchmaker right now who would the fight be and why?

Billy Briscoe: “If I was the matchmaker I wouldn’t be afraid to put Gabby in with anybody, because we’ve got the best 54-pounder in the world. I would like to get Canelo, I really would. For the simple fact he’s a perceived superstar and if you beat a perceived superstar, you become a superstar. And this guy, he’s not a bad fighter and I don’t take nothing away from him. He’s a fighter and I’m sure he would fight Gabby tomorrow if it was up to him, but he’s got a team behind him and for some reason or another they keep fighting him with blown-up junior welterweights. But you know it’s a whole other ballgame when you go hunting and the rabbit’s got a gun, too. So as soon as these guys decide to take the fight, rest assured we’ll get him, we’ll smash him very easily. I believe in Gabby with the utmost confidence.

“Gabby has that grit; he has that will to win. You can’t teach that. You can’t give a guy a heart, you can’t give him a chin, you can’t make him a great puncher. And Gabby pretty much has got all of that. We’re just honing his craft and working on his weaker points because a fighter is like a chain, he’s only as strong as his weakest link. Most fighters just train, we train but we get educated at the same time. We watch tapes of fighters that people don’t even know about…he’ll take something and add his own twist and make it his own.”

Russell, talk to us about Gabby and how he compares to other fighters.

J Russell Peltz: “The main difference is that Gabby will fight anybody. A lot of guys say they’ll fight anybody but then they bail out because it’s not enough money, or it’s in the wrong town, or it’s on the wrong night of the week. His body is maturing physically. He’s learning more. And he knows that. We talked about seizing the moment before the Soto-Karass fight, that you have to take advantage of these opportunities, you can’t afford to let one slip by. Gabby is a very telegenic fighter, he’s good for television. You haven’t seen him in a bad fight in a long time. I remember after he fought Keenan Collins, it was a year ago and we weren’t too happy with the fight and I don’t think Gabby understood why we weren’t happy, because at the time he said it was all about winning. But I think now he knows the difference between winning and performing and entertaining. I think that’s one of the big differences in the last year.”

Amir Khan is delighted to announce Virgil Hunter as his new head trainer, who takes charge as Khan faces the undefeated Carlos Molina in his next fight.

The highly respected coach, who was last year voted as Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America, will prepare Khan for his upcoming bout against the 26-year-old American Molina, who has a record of 18 fights with 17 wins (7 KO’s) and one draw.

Hunter has successfully guided the career of a number of fighters, including super-middleweight star Andre Ward, and will train Khan out of his gym in Hayward, California for the Molina clash.

Khan is thrilled by the appointment of Hunter, and is looking forward to stepping back in the ring against a live opponent in Molina.

“I’m really pleased that Virgil Hunter is to become my new trainer,” said Khan. “Everyone in boxing knows about his skills and the success he has enjoyed over the last few years. I’m looking forward to the start of my training camp and working on some new things with him. With Virgil in my corner, I know that I can get back to the very top of the light-welterweight division,” Khan said.

“Molina is a good fighter, who has yet to taste defeat, so I know that he will be very dangerous. He’s a tricky fighter who possess a lot of natural speed. I always want to face hungry young fighters and in Molina I’m up against a guy who has ambitions of world title success,” said Khan.

Hunter is also extremely optimistic about the future and is looking forward to his latest challenge.

“Amir is an extremely talented fighter and I’m very happy to become his new trainer. I’ve seen a lot of him and he has many attributes such as his speed and heart. There are certain small aspects of his game that I’m intending to work on in order to help him fulfil his enormous potential,” Hunter said.

Khan will face Molina in the United States, with the date still to be decided.

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighter® Fridays episode three – “What We Do” – aired on FX on Friday evening and saw Team Nelson draw even in the competition.

Tucson, Ariz. native Joey “Boom Boom” Rivera, 7-1 in his mixed martial arts career, defeated “Smile ‘N” Sam Alvey, 19-4, of Murieta, Calif. by a majority decision.

Rivera, a 32-year-old of Puerto Rican heritage, trains at his own gym in Tucson, which he opened in 2008. Prior to devoting his life to MMA, he spent time as an EMT driving an ambulance. The bilingual English and Spanish speaker couldn’t have been happier about his win.

He said: “I felt fantastic after this win. My dreams were finally becoming a reality! The fight was very nerve-racking because he was the number one guy, the first one to get picked. He was also the biggest guy in the house. I felt a lot of tension. It was the hardest fight of my life to that point because I didn’t know much about him and that definitely played a part in how I fought and felt.”

Alvey, 26, a self-processed Star Wars nerd engaged to “America’s Next Top Model” winner McKey Sullivan, suffered a surprise loss after being favored by UFC President Dana White to win the bout.

He said:

“Losing the fight was absolutely crippling. I was sadder after that loss then I have ever been before. Joey was one of the nicest guy’s in the house and if I had to lose to someone, I’m glad at least it was to him. But the force is strong in me, and I will bounce back 100 per cent better than I ever was.”

Results after episode three:

Team Carwin (1-1)

Sam Alvey (0-1, lost to Joey Rivera by decision in episode 3)

Bristol Marunde

Mike Ricci

Neil Magny (1-0, defeated Cameron Diffley by decision in episode 2)

James Chaney

Eddy Ellis

Igor Araujo

Matt Secor

Team Nelson (1-1)

Dom Waters

Michael Hill

Cameron Diffley (0-1, lost to Neil Magny by decision in episode 2)

Colton Smith

Jon Manley

Nic Herron-Webb

Joey Rivera (1-0, defeated Sam Alvey by decision in episode 3)

Julian Lane

A full recap is available at ufc.com.

The series resumes next Friday, October 5, on FX at 10 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings for Central and Mountain Time) with the fourth episode of its 12-week run. In that episode – “Can’t Fix Stupid” – UFC president Dana White treats the fighters to a special outing away from the house, coach Roy Nelson uses a bizarre method to pick the next matchup, one fighter’s weight problem puts his future in the show jeopardy and – of course – two more welterweights face off in the Octagon®.

For more show information, bios, videos and photos, visit ultimatefighter.com and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter under our new name @TUFonFX or on Facebook.com/TUF.

Photo credits: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto and Beijing, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. In 2011, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which now airs on FX.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 149 countries and territories, to nearly one billion homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions, in English throughout Canada via Premium Sports Broadcasting Inc. and in French throughout Quebec via Interbox. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with over two million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, the best-selling UFC Undisputed® video game franchise distributed by THQ, and a new franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.

FX

FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable network from Fox. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 98 million homes. The diverse schedule features a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series Sons of Anarchy and Justified; the miniseries American Horror Story, which earned 17 primetime Emmy® Awards, tying for the most nominations of any program this year and the most nominations for a miniseries in basic cable history; the acclaimed hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Louie, Archer, Wilfred, Legit, BrandX with Russell Brand, and Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. The network’s library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. FX’s other offerings include the acquired hit series Two and a Half Men and How I Met Your Mother, and live sports with UFC and NCAA football.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (September 28, 2012) – The official “Road To Glory” weigh in was held today for tomorrow night’s special HBO Boxing After Dark tripleheader, airing live from the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

“Road To Glory,” is headlined by a 10-round title bout featuring undefeated super middleweight contender Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs), fighting out of nearby Worcester, Massachusetts, defending his United States Boxing Association (USBA) against unbeaten power-puncher Jason “Monstruo” Escalera (13-0-1, 12 KOs), of Union City, New Jersey.

Also fighting on the HBO BAD show is undefeated Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (16-0, 11 KOs) vs. former three-time, two-division world champion Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan (37-5-1, 27 KOs), in the 10-round co-feature for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super bantamweight title.

Undefeated contender Alex Perez (16-0, 9 KOs), of Newark, New Jersey. will open the HBO telecast as he takes on Quebec’s WBC #8 rated Antonin Decarie (26-1, 7KO’s) for the vacant NABF welterweight title.

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Gary Shaw Productions. All three bouts will be aired on HBO’s Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.

At the weigh in, DiBella Entertainment presented birthday presents to main event fighter Edwin Rodriguez’ twins, Serena and Edwin, Jr., who turn six tomorrow. The entire room of people serenaded the twins with an impromptu version of Happy Birthday.

L-R: Lou DiBella, Luis Del Valle, Vic Darchinyan & Gary Shaw

L-R: & Antonin Decarie & Alex Perez

L-R: Josh Sosa & Danny O’Connor

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

Main Event – USBA Super Middleweight Championship (10) – HBO

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ (21-0, 14 KOs), Champion, Worcester, MA 166 LBS.

JASON ESCALERA (13-0-1, 12 KOs, Challenger, Union City, NJ 165 LBS.

CO-FEATURE – Vacant NABF Super Bantamweight Championship (10) — HBO

LUIS ORLANDO DEL VALLE (16-0, 11 KOs), Newburgh, NY 122 LBS.

VIC DARCHINYAN (37-5-1, 27 KOs), Sydney, Australia 121 LBS.

WBC International Welterweight Championship (10) — HBO

ANTONIN DECARIE (26-1, 7 KOs), Champion, Laval, Quebec, Canada 147 LBS.

ALEX PEREZ (16-0, 9 KOs), Challenger, Newark, NJ 146 LBS.

Super Lightweights (8)

DANNY O’CONNOR (18-1, 6 KOs), Framingham, MA 142 LBS.

JOSH SOSA (10-3, 5 KOs), Kansas City, KS 140 LBS. 140 LBS.

Super Featherweights (8)

RYAN KIELCZEWSKI (13-0, 2 KOs), Quincy, MA 130 LBS.

JEREMY McLAURIN (9-3, 5 KOs), Coon Rapids, MN 130 LBS.

Super Bantamweights (8)

LUIS ROSA, JR. (10-0, 5 KOs), New Haven, CT 122 LBS.

VICTOR VALENZUELA (8-3, 1 KO), Patterson, NJ 122 LBS.

Female Heavyweights (6)

SONYA LAMONAKIS (6-0-2, 1 KO), Turner Falls, MA 237 LBS.

TANZEE DANIELS (4-1-1, 1 KO), Queens, NY 225 LBS.

Light Heavyweights (8)

ISSAC CHILEMBA (19-1-1, 9 KOs), Johannesburg, South Africa 177 LBS.

RAYCO SAUNDERS (22-16-2, 9 KOs), Pittsburgh, PA 175 LBS.

“Road to Glory,” promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Gary Shaw Promotions, is the highly anticipated HBO Boxing After Dark tripleheader, featuring some of the brightest young fighters in all of boxing looking to continue on their paths toward their respective world championships. The card will take place on Saturday, September 29, at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. Limited tickets are still on sale now and can be purchased through the Foxwoods box office by calling 1 (800) 200-2882. Tickets are priced at $45, $75, $100 and $200.

LOS ANGELES, September 28 – Featuring a 10 round welterweight clash between former World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz and Puerto Rico’s Hector Sanchez and a junior lightweight showdown between rising star Andrew Cancio and veteran Roger “Speedy” Gonzalez, Saturday night’s “Solo Boxeo Tecate” event at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. will end September with a bang.

Before the bright lights shine on the featured fights of the evening, five exciting undercard fights will get fans in attendance amped up and cheering for more, with local unbeatens Daniel Franco, Jesus Sandoval, Giovanni Santillan, Luis Mora and Gerald Washington all stepping through the ropes on fight night.

Diaz vs. Sanchez, a 10 round welterweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT on fight night and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. PT. The TeleFutura broadcast begins at midnight ET/11:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are on sale now and available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

In a four round junior welterweight fight, it’s an all-California throw-down between undefeated prospects, as Riverside’s Daniel Franco (3-0-1, 1 KO) battles Redwood City’s Jesus Sandoval (2-0-1). San Diego’s Giovanni Santillan (4-0, 2 KO’s) has impressed fight fans since his professional debut in May and the junior welterweight will risk his perfect record in a four round battle against Chula Vista’s Juan Zuniga (3-8-1). More junior welterweight action will see Palm Springs’ Kenny Williams (3-1-1, 1 KO) meet Los Angeles’ Luis Mora (3-0-1, 2 KO’s) in a four round match-up. The big men of the boxing world will also collide when heavyweights Gerald Washington (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Vallejo, Calif. and Terrance Perro (1-0, 1 KO) of Denver meet in a four round battle. In the evening’s opening fight, debuting Manuel Robles Jr. of Los Angeles takes on Tijuana’s Victor Serrano (0-2) in a four round featherweight bout.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/fantasysprings, or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasyspringsresort.

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization returns to FUEL TV tomorrow with what UFC president Dana White called one of the best televised cards of the year.

All 22 fighters have weighed-in, and are ready to fight tomorrow.

Emanating from the Capital FM Arena in the historic City of Nottingham, England, the FUEL TV televised event features six sick fights including a heavyweight eliminator, a clash between a hometown hero and an Ultimate Fighter winner, an all-British welterweight battle, a bantamweight clash between a top five contender and an exciting talent looking to make a name for himself, an undefeated lightweight prodigy taking on a four-time ‘fight of the night’ winner, plus, a throwdown between two ‘bombs away’ welterweight punchers.

“If you don’t think this is a great card – you know nothing about mixed martial arts because this card is awesome,” said White. “The main event between Struve and Miocic is awesome and the winner of this fight becomes a top five heavyweight. These are the fights you have to win to get the world title – and it should be a great fight. These two have gone to a decision only once each – it could be the fight of the night. But I could say that about all the fights, though. You could throw a dart at the card and hit the fight of the night. Dan Hardy always, always brings it, and so does Amir Sadollah. That should be great too, especially with Dan fighting in front of his hometown fans.

“John Hathaway vs John Maguire should be sick, too. Both of them are right there looking to break into the top of the welterweight division – and whenever you’ve got two Brits fighting it always seems to wind up a great fight. And when have you ever seen Brad Pickett (who fights Yves Jabouin at bantamweight) in a bad fight? Paul Sass has huge potential, and he’s fighting a tough guy in Matt Wiman. Plus, Che Mills and Duane Ludwig are going to throw bombs. Top to bottom, this is a fight fan’s card – and it’s free on FUEL TV.”

Full weigh-in results for tomorrow’s big card live on FUEL TV:

FUEL TV Main Card, live coverage begins 12noon PT, 3pm ET

Heavyweights: Stefan Struve (251 lbs) vs. Stipe Miocic (239 lbs)

Welterweights: Dan Hardy (169 lbs) vs Amir Sadollah (169 lbs)

Welterweight: John Hathaway (169 lbs) vs John Maguire (169 lbs)

Bantamweights: Brad Pickett (135 lbs) vs Yves Jabouin (136 lbs)

Lightweights: Paul Sass (156 lbs) vs Matt Wiman (156 lbs)

Welterweight: Che Mills (170 lbs) vs Duane Ludwig (169 lbs)

FACEBOOK undercard

Featherweights: Jason Young (145 lbs) vs. Robbie Peralta (144 lbs)

Catchweight: DaMarques Johnson (183 lbs) vs. Gunnar Nelson (175 lbs)

Middleweights: Tom Watson (186 lbs) vs. Brad Tavares (185 lbs)

Featherweight: Andy Ogle (144 lbs) vs. Akira Corassani (144 lbs)

Light Heavyweight: Kyle Kingsbury (204 lbs) vs. Jimi Manuwa (204 lbs)

Also, tonight, the third episode of The Ultimate Fighter Friday airs on FX in the US at 10pm E/P, where one fighter engages in noisy late night activities – creating enemies on both teams. Plus, Coach Carwin announces his first match-up, sending two more welterweights into the Octagon for the second preliminary fight.

TUF video preview:

For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

CLICK TO ORDER THE FIGHT
LAWTON, OK (September 28, 2012) Middleweight contender George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah returns home to the Comanche Nation Casino TONIGHT to face off against Tuscaloosa, Alabama native Gundrick “Sho Gun” King for the NABA Middleweight Title.

Presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, the Tahdooahnippah/King ten round clash headlines “Comanche Nation’s Friday Night Fights”, a six bout evening of world class professional boxing which will be broadcast LIVE on the internet at GO FIGHT LIVE (www.GFL.tv).

The fight can be seen Live beginning at 8pm eastern for just $9.99 beginning by clicking: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Comanche_Nations_Friday_Night_Fights/1672

Said DeGuardia, “We’re very excited to work with the team at the Comanche Nation Casino in this title bout for George. We’ve got big plans for his future and are excited to show fight fans in Lawton as well as those watching online across the country how truly exciting he is.”

Speaking about the fight, Tahdooahnippah stated, “This is a very big fight for me, my first for Star Boxing and I’m very happy that it will be broadcast LIVE on GO FIGHTLIVE so that Native Americans and fight fans across the country can see me fight.”

“King is an ex-college football player, very strong and a southpaw. He’s obviously looking to make his name off my undefeated record, but I’ve prepared very well. We’ve had a great camp and excellent southpaw sparring.”

Tahdooahnippah is undefeated with a sterling record of 30-0-1 with 22 knockouts while King brings a record of 18-8-0 (11KO’s) in the title bout.

Speaking further about fighting back home at the Comanche Nation Casino, Tahdooahnippah stated, “This weekend is the Comanche Nation Fair and there will be a massive crowd attending the fair and I very much look forward to their support.”

About his future plans, “I need to look good here and dominate, I trust Star Boxing to take me to the next level and this fight is the first step. Ideally, I’d like to fight a top ten middleweight in my next bout.”

Tahdooahnippah won the first two bouts of his 2012 campaign; most recently dominating Rahman Yusubov over six rounds on APRIL 26 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Riding a two bout-winning streak, Gundrick enters the title bout against Tahdooahnippah with a record of 18-8-0 (11KO’s). In his last outing Gundrick won a unanimous decision over Mikel Williams on AUGUST 4 in Mobile, Alabama.

The Comanche Nation Casino is located at 402 SE Interstate Drive in Lawton, Oklahoma, 73501. Doors on the evening of the event will open at 6:30pm with the first bell at 7:00pm.

General admission tickets priced at $15, ($20 day of show) can be purchased through Stub Wire (www.StubWire.com)

For more information on the Comanche Nation Casino, please visit their website at www.comanchenationcasinos.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Sept. 28, 2012) – On paper, it could be the fight of the night, or perhaps the fight of the year, a bona fide main event on almost any other card.

The impending Oct. 6 showdown between Saul Almeida and Calvin Kattar is almost too good to be true, so much so that it might make fight fans wonder why two red-hot prospects in their mid-20s are willing to risk their records and reputations against one another in front of a worldwide Pay Per View audience.

“Fights like this don’t come around often,” Kattar said. “I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.”

This rare match-up will take place on the undercard of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Real Pain” mixed martial arts event Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center in association with June Entertainment.

The event, which is available live on Direct TV Pay Per View, features the professional debut of former six-time World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) heavyweight champion Dave Bautista, but the Kattar-Almeida showdown could steal the show, even with four former Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) veterans on the undercard.

Kattar, a Methuen, Mass., native and Almeida, who hails from nearby Framingham, enter next weekend’s featherweight showdown with identical records (12-2) and equal opportunities to climb even higher if they win the fight.

According to the website ULTMMA.com (Uniting Fighters Locally Through Mixed Martial Arts), which ranks “unsigned” fighters – primarily those not affiliated with the UFC or signed by another major promotion – on a pound-for-pound scale and by their respective weight class, Almeida and Kattar are No. 5 and No. 11, respectively, in the pound-for-pound rankings, a list that includes fighters from New York, Iceland, Brazil and Germany.

Kattar, a natural lightweight (155 pounds), is dropping to 145 to face Almeida, who has never lost in the featherweight division (both of his losses, including his most recent setback against Matt Bessette at the Bellator Fighting Championships in March, have come at 155). While the two have identical records, this is actually a stark contrast in styles; six of Kattar’s 12 wins have ended by knockout, prompting the nickname “The Boston Finisher,” whereas “The Spider” Almeida has gone the distance 10 times in his 12 wins, using his lanky, 6-foot-1 frame to impose his will on his opponents.

“He’s a little unpredictable,” Kattar said. “Long, definitely rangy – he likes to impose his will, and I generally like to do the same, so it’ll be an interesting fight.”

“He likes to trade a little more and push the pace,” Almeida countered. “It’ll be interesting to see who can impose their will. This is the fight that’s supposed to happen. Everyone wants to see it. I want to fight the best and I feel as though he and I are right up there, so it’s a big fight for both of us.”

Though the perception is Almeida would rather keep the fight on the ground, “The Spider” is quick to point out he was a black belt in karate at 10 years old and began boxing at 16. He even made his professional boxing debut in July, a fight that ended in a no-contest due to an accidental headbutt.

Kattar doesn’t care where the fight ends up; he’s preparing for every imaginable scenario.

“I don’t want to say, ‘He can’t take me to the ground!’ because then I’ll get taken down and there goes my whole game plan,” he said. “I’ll adjust as the fight goes.”

What the future holds for the winner remains to be seen, but both fighters understand the implications. Kattar has a show a willingness throughout his career to fight anyone at any given time. He’s won four consecutive fights dating back to 2010, including wins over Jeff Anderson and Cody Stevens, both of whom have also lost to Almeida. Throw in Kevin Roddy, who has also lost to both fighters, and that makes three common opponents.

Considering they’ve traveled similar paths to the top, Kattar is correct in saying next month’s showdown against Almeida has “been a long time coming.”

“He kept winning, I kept winning – the fight had been hanging around for a while, but it never made as much sense as it does right now,” Kattar said. “CES made it happen.”

“He was never someone I was gunning for,” Almeida said, “but once he dropped down to featherweight, I knew it’d be a possibility. I really see the winner moving on [to something bigger].”

The only major difference between the two as they prepare to face one another on Oct. 6 is Kattar has been red-hot of late, whereas Almeida is coming off a loss, one in which he blames his own lack of focus for the outcome.

“My head wasn’t it,” he said. “I wasn’t listening to my team or my corner. I wasn’t following the game plan. I looked at the fight afterward and I knew I was sloppy. Not to take anything away from [Bessette], but that wasn’t me out there.

“I feel better now,” he added. “Plus, I’m fighting at 145. I feel stronger and quicker at this weight. I’ve never lost at 145, so it should be a good fight.”

Kattar hasn’t fought since October; he had a fight lined up for August that fell through the day of the weigh-in. Rust might be a factor, but he’s been in the gym consistently since the beginning of his last training camp, so he doesn’t anticipate any problems matching Almeida’s impeccable level of conditioning.

“Given the caliber of opponent, I know I won’t have a problem,” Kattar said. “I know he’ll be ready, too.”

When it’s all said done, Kattar might even have enough time afterward to enjoy the rest of the fight card, including Bautista’s highly-anticipated debut.

“The cool part is this on the undercard, so there’s a little less pressure for me,” he said. “This is the perfect storm. This is what fight is all about. I’m excited to finally have this opportunity.”

The Oct. 6 undercard features 13 fights, including four Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) veterans. Charleston, S.C., middleweight Chris McNally (5-4) will face former UFC title contender Dave Loiseau (20-10, 13 KOs); former UFC welterweight Marc Stevens (14-7, 6 KOs) of Lorraine, N.Y., will face dangerous Providence native Luis Felix (7-6, 4 KOs); Boston native John “Doomsday” Howard (17-7, 6 KOs), a veteran of seven UFC shows will take on middleweight Brett Chism (16-11, 7 KOs) of Valdosta, Ga.; and former UFC welterweight Chad Reiner (29-13, 9 KOs) of Omaha, Neb., will face Pawtucket, R.I., veteran Keith Jeffrey (8-2).

The remainder of the undercard is littered with Top 10 regional fighters. Pawtucket’s Todd “The Hulk” Chattelle (10-7, 8 KOs), the former CES MMA middleweight champion, will end his five-month layoff and face Boulder, Colo., native Chandler Holderness (9-3, 4 KOs) in a bout originally scheduled for June before Chattelle suffered an arm injury during training camp. In the 205-pound division, Providence’s Greg Rebello (13-4, 7 KOs), No. 3 in the northeast, will look to get back on track against Chris Guillen (13-12, 1 KO) of St. George, Utah. Providence’s Mike “The Beast” Campbell (11-4, 7 KOs), now ranked No. 5 among lightweights in the northeast, will face Philadelphia’s Gemiyale Adkins (7-3, 3 KOs), a former welterweight making his first appearance in the 155-pound division.

“Real Pain” also features another battle between two Top 10 fighters, this time in the heavyweight division with No. 3 Josh Diekmann (12-4, 8 KOs) of Groton, Conn., facing No. 5 Tyler King (4-1, 2 KOs), a former NFL offensive lineman from Norwood, Mass. King and Diekmann actually fought on the same card in separate bouts in Rhode Island back in February; King beat Eric Bedard while Diekmann lost to former UFC contender Josh Hendricks.

Also on the undercard, No. 6 ranked middleweight Brennan Ward (3-0, 2 KOs) of Providence will face Shedrick “Chocolate Thunder” Goodridge (2-2) of Rahway, N.J.; Providence’s Nate Andrews (1-0) will battle Leon Davis (2-0) of Springfield, Mass., in an interstate welterweight showdown; bantamweight Andre Soukhamthath (2-1, 1 KO) of Woonsocket, R.I., will face Rob Costa (2-0) of Fall River, Mass.; and Waltham, Mass., welterweight Tyson Chartier (3-2, 1 KO) will face Kevin Horowitz (4-4) of Queens.

Tickets are available at www.cesmma.com or www.ticketmaster.com and are priced at $20.00, $35.00, $55.00, $75.00, $125.00 and $250.00. The show will also air live on Direct TV Pay Per View for $29.95 ($39.95 in high definition) – available starting this week – beginning at 8 p.m., or through Livestream via www.bautistamma.com in high definition.

He produced the songs for Dariusz Michalczewski, Graciano “Rocky”
Rocchigiani and Henry Maske, whose walk-in tune “Time to say Goodbye” is one
of the greatest songs in boxing history. Next in line could be “Golden”
Jack, who is defending his WBA Intercontinental Championship at the
Sporthalle Hamburg against Mark Thompson on Saturday. Producer of the stars,
Frank Peterson, is sending the singing monks of Gregorian (over 6 Mio. sold
copies) to the ring. The chart toppers, who jumped straight into the German
top ten with their new album “Epic Chants”, will sing their newest single
“World Without End” in cooperation with the Russian singer Eva Mali, to
perform for Culcay. And the German shooting star is already looking forward
to the show act: “I am so excited to be walking into the ring to Gregorian.
I don’t want to give away too much, but the show is going to be of the
chain.” But not only will the musical highlight be of great quality. The
sport on display will also get the crowd roaring. Right after Culcay,
Alexander Povetkin steps into the ring. The WBA Heavyweight Champion will
face Hasim Rahman from America. Also putting his belts on the line is Kubrat
Pulev who has to defend his European Heavyweight and IBF-International
Championship against Alexander Ustinov.