Archive for January 28, 2010
Billy Lyell: Nobody’s “Opponent” – Part II
Jan 28th
Sam Rossi
(The following is the second in a two-part piece on Middleweight Title Contender Billy Lyell. Lyell was interviewed just a week before his scheduled fight with IBF Champ Sebastian Sylvester in Neubrandenburg, Germany)
Like virtually every fighter to have entered the professional ring, Billy Lyell has long dreamt of the moment he would challenge for a world title. Though he was only given eight days notice, the fighter seems keen on putting forth a championship effort this Saturday night.
“I got a good idea of how to go at it with Sylvester,” said the IBF contender. “I really think I’m a better fighter than him. My speed’s better and I know I’ll show better generalship when we’re in there.”
If there’s one real advantage Lyell holds over Sylvester and other middleweights, it rests in his ability to fight at either 154 lbs. or 160 lbs. on any given night. It’s at 160 lbs. that his speed best compensates for a lack of middleweight power. Lacking the strength of a Sylvester, or Kirkland, or even a Pavlik, Lyell’s punch output at such a weight enables him to build a quiet lead on the scorecards even when a knockout appears out of the question.
If Lyell holds another stealth-like advantage going into this weekend’s fight, it comes in the form of the perceived “short-notice.” The bare truth is that both camps have been in talks for quite sometime now, with nothing ever coming to fruition before last week.
“We were in talks before. I’d been watching films, and I’ve been in shape for a while. Let’s go,” says Lyell just a week before the biggest fight in his career. In fact, he spent much of November and December sparring with Pavlik before his most recent defense, and the fighter feels that any benefit was mutually shared. “I got in some good work with Kelly, and he did the same with me. That’s how it goes.”
No matter what the cards may hold for the young Billy Lyell, his demeanor remains true to his Mahoning Valley upbringing. His mind permits no room for self-promotion and braggadocio. Just days before the shot of a lifetime, he remains the same person he has always been.
“Listen. I haven’t had the flashiest career, I know that. But I always gave my all. Always.”
Then, the contender pauses. Surely looking back on the road that has brought him within a championship’s grasp.
“If this fight shows anything, it’s that if you keep at it and you keep hanging . . . your time will come.”
Indeed, Lyell’s time has come.
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(sam.rossi.1@gmail.com)
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29356-Columbus-Boxing-Examiner~y2010m1d27-Billy-Lyell-Nobodys-Opponent–Part-II
Free Public MMA Weigh-In, Autograph Session Friday At BankAtlantic Center
Jan 28th
FOOTBALL LEGEND HERSCHEL WALKER,
MMA SUPERSTARS BOBBY LASHLEY, NICK DIAZ, WOMEN’S CHAMPION CRIS CYBORG
& ALL THE FIGHTERS TO WEIGH IN
Friday, Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m. ET
At the Chairman’s Club at BankAtlantic Center
Preceded by Special Autograph Signing Session with MMA legend
Dan Henderson and other STRIKEFORCE superstars
WHO: Football Legend Herschel Walker
Unbeaten MMA Heavyweight Bobby Lashley
Talented Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Nick Diaz
DREAM Welterweight Champion Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis
STRIKEFORCE 145-Pound Women’s Champion Cris Cyborg
Submission Expert Marloes Coenen
& All The Fighters
WHAT: All 24 fighters will participate in the final weigh in thisFriday, Jan. 29, just one day prior to the STRIKEFORCE mixed martial arts (MMA) fight card on Saturday, Jan. 30 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT). The weigh in is open to the public, free of charge.
Walker, the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner, will make his MMA debut against Greg Nagy. The 47-year-old two-time Pro Bowler will compete in the cage the night before the Pro Bowl and one week prior to the Super Bowl. The 6-foot 1-inch, 220-pound Walker holds a fifth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has experience in the combat disciplines of Muay Thai and Kenpo.
The 26-year-old Diaz (20-7) will take on DREAM welterweight (170 pounds) champ Zaromskis (13-3) in the main event and first STRIKEFORCE welterweight championship bout in history.
STRIKEFORCE 145-pound women’s champion Cyborg (8-1) will defend her crown against submission expert Coenen (17-3). Cyborg became the first STRIKEFORCE women’s champion in history on Aug. 15, 2009 when the Brazilian native stopped superstar Gina Carano.
The 6-foot, 3-inch, 250-pound Lashley, also a former collegiate wrestling star for Missouri Valley College and member of The United States Army, competed in both the WWE Raw and SmackDown! shows in 2005 and ’06. The undefeated MMA heavyweight will face Wes Sims.
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: BankAtlantic Center Chairman’s Club
1 Panther Pkwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33323
(954) 835-7000
Oheka Castle Premiere Charity Boxing Event !
Jan 28th
(January 27, 2010)— To celebrate of the announcement of famed trainer Lou Duva of the upcoming biopic, Ring Promotions along with sponsor Bang Productions, Inc. and “Vicious” Vivian Harris are putting together a star-studded boxing event to be held at the Oheka Castle on Long Island on February 16, 2010.
The main event of the fight card cleverly dubbed “Hassle at the Castle,” will showcase female boxer Maureen Shea as well as 5 other bouts featuring young upcoming local talent. A portion of the proceedes of this charitable event will benefit the Elenas Melius Foundation and Haiti Earthquake Victims.
To kick off this premier event all ticketed guests will be treated to a “meet & greet” cocktail hour with several former boxing icons. Scheduled to appear are Gerry Cooney, Emile Griffith, Mark Breland, Bert Sugar, and Larry Holmes.
This will be the first boxing event ever held at the world famous Oheka Castle which is noted for being the location for such films and TV shows as Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane,” “What Happens in Vegas,” and the current USA network series “Royal Pains.” It was also recently the site of pop star Kevin Jonas’ wedding to Danielle Deleasa.
Complete card details will be announced shortly.
Tickets include an open bar & food which will be served throughout the night. Limited seating is available. General ticket price $350, VIP ticket price $500. Doors open 6:30 PM. To purchase tickets, please visit www.ringsidenow.com
“FIGHT NIGHT CLUB” FEBRUARY 25, 2010 ANNOUNCEMENT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Jan 28th
Oscar de la Hoya – President of Golden Boy Promotions
“We are extremely excited to announce the return of ‘Fight Night Club.’ These are events where every match-up has been exciting and we’ve managed to produce great fights as well as great upsets.”
“For the fans, it’s a night to enjoy boxing, whether you’re sitting ringside or in the back row.”
“At ‘Fight Night Club’ we have fighters who believe in themselves. They’re here to win. They’re here to fight.”
“We have a great main event lined up for February 25. In one corner will be a veteran fighter who is tough as nails (Alatorre) and in the other we have a title-contender looking forward to his return to LA (Ortiz). With a fight like this, the people guaranteed to come out happy are the fans.”
“Our featured fighter for the co-main event is no stranger to ‘Fight Night Club,’ as he has demonstrated a combination of speed and power that led him to win three match-ups at Club Nokia in 2009. Luis Ramos has been fighting very often and has been impressive in his recent outings. We’re going to move him forward fast, as fast as he wants to go.”
Victor Ortiz – Top Junior Welterweight Contender
“It’s true, Hector and I go back a few years, but we’re both warriors and as a boxer you want to fight the best of the best and never back down.”
“I’ve had my own share of ups and downs. Ups are always great, downs always hurt, but you have to come back strong. I don’t think I’m gonna be able to just walk right through Hector because he’s tough, but I’m ready.”
Hector Alatorre – Junior Welterweight
“You can tell by his record that he hits hard, but I’m no chump.”
“Some people see me as a ladder for Victor to climb, but people forget that some ladders lead down and some ladders are slippery.”
“Some people see me as a stepping stone, but don’t step on me lightly.”
“I’m not here to lose. I’m here to make a statement. I’m here to win. For me, this is a rematch from seven years ago when I wasn’t mentally prepared. Now I’m ready.”
Luis Ramos Jr. – Undefeated Lightweight Prospect
“What I did in 2009 was great experience for me, starting with signing a contract with someone I used to idolize on TV (De La Hoya). It goes to show you dreams do come true.”
“I’m looking forward to my first fight of 2010 and seeing where it takes me next.”
Rolando Arellano – Ortiz’s Co-Manager
“What we’re experiencing here today is the vision of Oscar de la Hoya turning into reality. He asked us to help bring the boxing world fight nights that are not only exciting, but accessible and affordable as well.”
“Victor is in the best shape of his career. He’s stronger, he’s committed and on February 25 we are going to open the gates of hell (on Hector) at Oscar’s request.”
Michael Roth – Vice President of Communications of AEG
“We didn’t have boxing in mind when we built Club Nokia, but we’re fortunate Golden Boy has selected our venue because “Fight Night Club” has made it the place to go to watch a fight in LA.”
“It really feels like you’re in the ring. You see the sweat flying off the fighters and with LA LIVE just outside, fans can come for entertainment before, during and after the fight – its a great experience.”
# # #
The main event of this season’s first “Fight Night Club” show features exciting top junior welterweight contender “Vicious” Victor Ortiz return to fight in front of his Southern California fans in a ten round fight against ultra-tough Hector Alatorre of Tulare, California on February 25, 2010 at LA LIVE’s Club Nokia. In the co-featured bout, rising star Luis Ramos Jr. will see action against an opponent to be announced in a six round lightweight contest.
“Fight Night Club” is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and AEG and is sponsored by DeWalt Tools, Budweiser and Vitamin Water. The series will return to Club Nokia on March 25, April 29, May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30, October 28 and November 18. Doors open at 6:00pm PT and the first bell rings at 7:00pm PT
Tickets, priced at $250 (VIP On-Stage Seats, which are limited to only ten per show and allow purchasers to sit ringside on Club Nokia’s stage near VIP’s attending the fight [De La Hoya, Mosley, etc.], receive an Oscar de la Hoya autographed boxing glove and provide buyers access to the Club Nokia VIP Room [must be 21 years of age and over]), $100 (VIP Front Row Balcony Seats which come with a “Fight Night Club” autographed boxing glove and grant buyers access to the Club Nokia VIP Room [must be 21 years of age and over]), $60 (VIP Balcony Seats which grant buyers access to the Club Nokia VIP Room [must be 21 years of age and over]) and $19.75 (General Admission: Floor Standing Room & Balcony Seats), are on sale now and may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 online at http://www.ticketmaster.com or thru any Ticketmaster outlet or the STAPLES Center box office. Group tickets and full series tickets at a discounted rate are also available by calling 1-877-AEG TICKETS (1-877-234-8425).
“Fight Night Club,” is Golden Boy Promotions’ and AEG’s critically acclaimed live monthly boxing series, that presents boxing in a night club atmosphere, with a DJ, music, great food and a VIP room, as well as a unique setup where the ring is on Club Nokia’s stage with standing room for fans in front of the ring, as well as great seating in the balcony. After the boxing action ends, fans are invited to stay to hear great music played by LA’s hottest DJ’s, dance and mingle with the fighters as the venue converts back into a night club.
An opponent for Ramos plus a stacked lineup of exciting undercard bouts will be announced shortly. For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fightnightclub.com follow Golden Boy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.
Battle In The Ballroom Kicks Off 26th Season
Jan 28th
With New Wrinkle
Great Boxing Action With A Punch From Mixed Martial Arts
Opening Night Is Wednesday, February 10th Irvine Marriott
Tickets go on sale today for Opening Night of the 26th season of Battle In The Ballroom shows at the Irvine Marriott, so make plans now to be at the Marriott on Wednesday, February 10th for a great night of boxing with a little mixed martial arts thrown in. Besides the over 800 season seat holders who have renewed for 2010, and the three new sponsors who have come on board this season, join the tens of thousands of sports fans who know that in Orange County on six nights a year, the Battle In The Ballroom fights are the most unique and exciting place to entertain clients and friends!
The large crowd expected for the Wednesday, February 10th will not be disappointed. Undefeated heavyweight 10-0 Joe Hanks returns to continue his climb into the heavyweight rankings, meeting 16-4 Shannon Miller in his toughest test to date. After a Ballroom battle that saw over $200 tossed into the ring, Chika Nakamura returns to meet Jennifer Barber in a female fight that is as evenly matched as possible. Nakamura is 8-1 and Barber is 9-1, and fans should not miss this fight. Santa Ana’s Jimmy Garcia returns to the ring facing 2-0 Manuel Delcid. Plus, another heavyweight match up see’s Hollywood’s Chris Davis meeting Kourtney Boden out of Henderson, NV.
Promoter Roy Englebecht will again do what was so successful at the December 17th show, as he will add another combative sport to the card and put on two mixed martial arts bouts. The Ballroom crowd liked the action, so returning on the 10th will be 3-1 Chris Saunder vs 2-0 Andy Morales in what will be a 156 pound battle. And out of LA it will be undefeated Marcus Kowal facing Las Vegas’s Titus Holmes in another MMA war.
The Battle In The Ballroom also welcomes new 2010 sponsors including the OC law firm of Callahan & Blaine, Crane Rental Service, and National Therapeutic Services as well as returning sponsors Tecate, SC Fuels and BDS Marketing.
Tickets priced at $32 and $40 are available online at www.battleintheballroom.com. Season Seats for 2010 are available as well on www.battleintheballroom.com. For sponsorship information, to secure a vendor table at the show, or for special group discounts, contact Drew Englebrecht at fightpromotions@gmail.com or 949-760-3131.
Click this link to watch some action from years past
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