Friday, February 2, 2007
Mirko Cro Cop and Eddie Sanchez Pre-67 Video Interviews
Also includes the UFC 67 Weigh-In Video for those who missed it live!.
Click Here To Watch
Gladiator Challenge - Holiday Beatings
By Todd Hester
Bo Cantrell took care of business and Jeremiah Metcalf surprised for James Fanshier as promoter Tedd Williams sold out the War Memorial Arena in Sacramento, California!
Sacramento, Ca Bo Cantrell knows beatings…and he showed his knowledge to Cal Worsham in just 17 seconds. Cantrell came across the ring to respectfully shake to legendary cagefighter’s hand before the match then charged forward like a runaway freight train at the bell to overwhelm Worsham and retain his Gladiator Challenge heavyweight title.
As short as Cantrell’s fight was, it more than made up for by James Fanshier and Jeremiah Metcalf, who battled to a three round decision with Metcalf getting the surprise nod. Before the match, Fanshier seemed to not take Metcalf lightly as he let everyone know that he expected a tough fight. No one expected Metcalf to fight this well, however, as he dictated the pace of the fight and kept Fanshier on his heels in winning the Gladiator Challenge 170 lb. belt.
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Boxing on the Big Screen-Closed Circuit TV-Could live boxing thrive at Movie Theatres?
By Kevin Perry
Some of the greatest sporting events in history were boxing matches. A number of these events were broadcast on closed circuit TV. What intrigues me is that some fights at one time were shown on closed circuit at movie theatres. That trend however has diminished greatly with advances such as PPV television. Some bars host boxing PPV events, but the price per person (usually $15-20 per person) makes ordering a PPV and splitting the cost with your guests more cost effective. Based on the obvious popularity of the May clash between Oscar De La Hoya and consensus #1 pound for pound fighter Floyd Mayweather, we may see boxing on a movie theatre or an arena near you on the big screen. Or at least that’s what I’m hoping for. There is no denial that based on the numbers (De La Hoya vs Mayweather tickets sold out in three hours) this fight has the potential to be one of the most important fights in the history of boxing. Important yes, but important because of De La Hoya, not because of Mayweather.
This fight has historic implications written all over it for De La Hoya. He’s fighting a naturally smaller fighter who’s viewed as the top fighter in the sport. This won’t be the first time that Oscar will have been in the ring with the guy experts believe to be the best pound for pound fighter in the world. Remember Bernard Hopkins? Against Hopkins he was a long shot. The intrique here is that against Mayweather, fans think Oscar has a chance of winning. Winning this fight will put Oscar on the pedestal of being the sports top fighter inside and outside the ring. De La Hoya is likeable, Mayweather to the general public is invisible.
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Eilers to lead USA team against Asia team in MMA/San Da Kickboxing event
Justin Eilers will replace Tank Abbott against Ji Hoon Kim in the main event of the "WBF Team USA vs. Team Asia" MMA and San Da Kickboxing event Feb. 3 from the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
HW: Justin Eilers (USA) vs. Ji Hoon Kim (Asia)
MW: Mike Massenzio (USA) vs. Okuda Masakatsu (Asia)
WW: Greg Soto (USA) vs. Hyun Kyu Lim (Asia)
LW: Lee Gibson (USA) vs. Jong Man Kim (Asia)
HW: Jon Murphy (USA) vs. Wee Seung Bae (Asia)
According to matchmaker Ed Hsu, this marks the first American appearance by the China National San Da team. These bouts are under USKBA San Da (or San Shou) rules:
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Fighter-turned-politician makes UFC debut Saturday night in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (CP) - Crime fighter. Politician. And just plain fighter. Mirko (Cro Cop) Filipovic has already packed three lifetimes into his 32 years.
"One-man show," the Croatian hardman said dryly Friday.
On Saturday night, the mixed martial arts heavyweight-turned-politician will lay down the law instead of make it. Filipovic steps into the cage for the first time at UFC 67: All or Nothing (available on pay per view) to meet unbeaten American Eddie Sanchez. It's the first instalment in a lucrative six-fight, two-year contract that the UFC used to lure Filipovic away from Pride Fighting Championships, its Japanese rival.
His nickname Cro Cop is short for Croatian cop. Filipovic used to be a member of his country's elite anti-terrorism police unit, but had to quit when he was elected to parliament in 2003 to represent Zagreb. He says he may return to the force when his duties as a lawmaker conclude in November.
In the meantime, he is both politician and a fighter. So is he a fighter who's a politician or a politician who fights?
"Fighter who is politician," Filipovic, whose English is impeccable, said when asked.
(Read More)
Travis Lutter Loses His Title Shot!!
By Loretta Hunt (loretta@thefightnetwork.com)
UFC middleweight contender Travis Lutter failed to make weight this evening in his bid to cut to the requisite 185-pound limit for his title bout against UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva.
The bout will now be downgraded to a three-round, non-title bout per the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s direction. Silva’s manager, Ed Soares, who relayed the news to Silva via cell phone, was present to accept the new bout terms for his fighter.
Lutter had weighed in at 187 pounds earlier that afternoon at the official weigh-ins for tomorrow night’s UFC 67 “All or Nothing” at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Given two hours to make the weight, a drained Lutter returned to the scales at 6:15 PM PT. Stripped down, Lutter came in at 186.5 pounds – a pound and a half over the mark.
Lutter had earned his title bid from his successful bid on this past season of “The Ultimate Fighter – The Comeback.” An exhausted and disappointed Lutter was unavailable for comment.
Hatton may make mandatory!
While there is nothing official from the Hatton camp, according to a press release from the camp of Naoufel Ben Rabah, Dennis Hobson, co-promoter of IBF junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton, contacted IBF president Marian W. Muhammad and promised to fight the winner of this Sunday’s IBF title eliminator between Naoufel Ben Rabah and Lovemore N’Dou. Hatton had been widely expected to give up the IBF title to face Jose Luis Castillo in a big money fight in June rather that face a lesser known mandatory challenger. Stay tuned...
Travis Lutter - Weight Update
At this moment, Lutter has ten more minutes to return and weigh-in at 185 pounds or his match will be a non-title match. We will update as soon as we get word.
IFL Houston - Live Results
Sabres vs Scorpions
Antonio McKee vs. Gabe Rivas - McKee by TKO, 3:29 R2
Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Dwayne Compton: Matyushenko by Sub (Armbar) 1:47 R1
John Marsh vs. Chad Griggs: Griggs by TKO (Strikes) R3
Savant Young vs. Ed West: Savant by Dec (30-27,30-27,30-27)
Masaaki Izena vs. Matt Ver Halen: Ver Halen by Dec (30-27,29-28,29-28)
Sabres def. Scorpions 3-2
Fight of the Night: Izena & Ver Halen
Best KO: McKee
Best Submission/fastest Finish: Matyushenko
Anacondas vs Silverbacks
Matt Thompson vs. Ben Rothwell: Rothwell by TKO 1:47 R2
Jay Hieron vs. Victor Moreno: Hieron by Sub (RNC) 1:55 R1
Benji Radach vs. Ryan McGivern (184): Rasach by TKO 2:22 R2
Chris Horodecki (153) vs. Bart Palaszewski: Horodecki by Dec (29-28,28-29,29-28)
Alex Schoenauer vs. Mike Ciesnolevicz: Ciesnolevicz by Dec (29-28,28-29,29-28)
Anacondas def. Silverbacks 3-2
Fight of the Night: Horodecki & Palaszewski
Fastest Finish: Hieron
Best KO: Radach
Best Submission: Hieron
Main Event Superfight
Matt Lindland vs. Carlos Newton: Lindland by Sub (Guillotine) 1:43 R2
Mixed-martial arts bouts need oversight
The state auditor has recommended that mixed-martial arts bouts in Hawaii be regulated to protect fighters from injury and the public from potential harm.
"At certain events, attendance has reportedly exceeded capacity, liquor laws are being violated, and security is insufficient to control unruly crowd," Auditor Marion M. Higa said in a report to Gov. Linda Lingle and the state Legislature.
Last year, lawmakers requested that Higa study a proposal to license martial arts events, which grew to 29 in 2005 from eight in 2000.
Although the top fighters can make $50,000 to $75,000 per night, most local fighters fight for free or for a few hundred dollars, Higa said.
The sport is regulated in 24 states. Higa also said that the two main motivations for new regulations were to protect the fighters' health, remove the stigma of no-rules brawling and to provide satisfying entertainment for viewers.
She suggested that the state boxing commission have oversight or that a separate mixed-martial arts commission be established
Source: pacific.bizjournals.com
Check out Wand and Shogun training
The team TATAME went to Curitiba city and we brought to you the training of Wanderlei Silva and Maurício Shogun for the Pride 33, that's to be held on February 24th in Las Vegas, . Check out now exclusively at our photo gallery, the best moments of the training of Wanderlei to face Dan Henderson and Shogun, who will face Alistair Overeem, at the new academy of Chute Boxe:
(Click Here For More Pics)
Jake Shields to Showtime
Jake Shields has signed to fight for Pro Elite on Showtime. Pro Elite is quickly becoming one of the world's premier fight organizations and with Shields as their latest acquisition, they have secured a world class welterweight. Shields is a former Shooto World Champion and ROTR GP World Champion. He has recent wins over a former UFC middleweight champion and undefeated UFC middleweight fighter Yushin Okami. At the ADCC World Submission Championships he defeated UFC fighter Diego Sanchez.
We are confident that he will perform well on Showtime and demonstrate that he is the world's #1 welterweight.
Source: www.graciefighter.com
IFL HOUSTON LIVE PLAY-BY-PLAY
By Aaron Crecy
HOUSTON, Tex. -- The Fight Network is ringside at Houston's Reliant Arena for the International Fight League’s second 2007, featuring the Los Angeles Anacondas versus the Quad Cities Silverbacks, the Tokyo Sabres matched with the Tucson Scorpions and a superfight between Matt Lindland and Carlos Newton.
Fans are beginning to enter the arena and a video promo is playing on the two large video monitors at either end. There is floor seating on all four sides of the ring, and elevated seated on three side. Fighters will enter from either side of the monitor on the closed end.
The IFL will be awarding championship rings to the 2006 Anacondas squad, which defeated the Portland Wolfpack for the team title in December.
Stay tuned for the live action, which begins at 7:30 PM CST.
(Read More)
Also see "IFL Houston Pre-Fight Notes" Here
LUTTER TWO POUNDS OVER, MIRKO CRO COP SET FOR UFC 67 DEBUT
By Loretta Hunt
It was three words, and three words only this afternoon at the official weigh-ins for UFC 67 “All Or Nothing – MIRKO CRO COP.
The stone-faced assassin emerged from his entourage onto the stage, turning briefly to give the cheering crowd a wave ‘hello’ before placing his lethal left, then right leg onto the scales. Cro Cop received the greatest response of the day..
The Croatian power striker weighed in for his UFC debut at 223 pounds. Opponent Eddie Sanchez was 229 pounds, their staredown a basic one, before they shook hands and parted ways.
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Renzo Gracie Invitational succeeds
A day of Jiu-Jitsu celebration
The came from over 15 Renzo Gracie affiliated academys around the USA. They were all there to pay tribute to the sport they love and the master that taught them. That was the spirit of the first Renzo Gracie Invitational BJJ tournament. The event held last January 21st, in Clifton, New Jersey, was a huge success.
Great names of Jiu-Jitsu were there such as Igor Gracie, Rolles Gracie Jr, Gregor Gracie, Rafael Gordinho and many more. Master Renzo took the opportunity to pay a tribute to three of his pupils: black-belts John Danaher, Matt Serra and Ricardo Almeida. The trio received commemorative plates for their contribution to Jiu-jitsu.
Source: www.graciemag.com
Vitor Shaolin anxious to fight
'I still want to rematch Marcelinho'
In a visit to the GRACIE Magazine newsroom in Rio de Janeiro, black belt Vítor Shaolin said he is close to premiering in the K-1 Hero's rings. "I have no opponent yet, but I maybe called to fight in March or May. I'm well trained, I think things come at the right time and I hope people will root for me - I'll sure give my best," said Shaolin.
A standout in Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and submission grappling, the Nova União champion praised the promoters of the LutaCasada BJJ event on their idea, seriousness and investment: "It's a new event that the fight world must celebrate, because it's being done in a professional way and it may very well make those tough old-timers reappear in the gi. I myself was excited, physically well prepared, and I believed it was the right time to make a comeback; but I was unaccustomed to the gi-on game and I hurt my knee. Who knows, maybe I'll fight in the next editions," he said.
(Read More)
Hopkins vs Winky
Bernard Hopkins (47-4-1, 32 KOs) will return on July 21 to face Winky Wright (51-3-1) in a pay-per-view showdown on HBO-PPV. The bout will take place at a catchweight of 170 pounds. Wright's adviser and attorney Jim Wilkes told the St. Petersburg Times that contracts haven't been signed and the site (New York or Las Vegas) hasn't been chosen, but those issues are formalities and the deal is for the most part done.
Source: www.fightnews.com
UFC 67 - Weigh In Results
Despite two tries at the scale, TUF 4 winner Travis Lutter will not be challenging for Anderson Silva's UFC Middleweight Championship Saturday night after coming in at a final weight of 186.5 pounds, a pound and a half over the 185-pound middleweight limit. Lutter's first attempt at making weight was 187 pounds, and after two hours he was only able to lose a half-pound. Tomorrow's UFC 67: All or Nothing main event will now be a three round non-title match, with Lutter being fined 10% of his purse by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (5% going to Silva, 5% to the NSAC).
Prelims
Diego 155
Dustin Haselett - 156
Lyoto Machida - 203
Sam Hoger - 206
Tyson Griffin - 156
Frank Edgar - 154
Jorge Rivera - 185
Terry Martin - 187 - (1 lb over)
Main Card
Scott Smith - 185
Patrick Cote - 185
Roger Huerta - 156
John Halverson - 155
Quinton Jackson - 205
Marvin Eastman - 203
Mirko Cro Cop - 223
Eddie Sanchez - 229
Anderson Silva - 185
Travis Lutter - 187 (2 lb over)
*Lutter was originally 187, and came back at 186.5 in his second attempt.
**Martin was originally 187, but came back and made the contracted weight in his second attempt.
"The viciousness is coming back" says "Rampage" coach
By Elias Cepeda
Chuck Liddell’s rise to prominence as the UFC light heavyweight champion has happened at the same time larger media outlets are starting to pay more attention to mixed martial arts, mainly the UFC. With seven consecutive wins in nearly three years, all of them by KO or TKO, Chuck Liddell has become “the man” right when many new fans are being introduced to the sport and the UFC.
With so many people paying attention, it’s no wonder then that since the UFC signed the last man to beat Chuck Liddell, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, a lot of people are paying attention to him as well.
(Read More)
Trifecta Clears UFC on Most MyNetworkTV Stations
Trifecta Entertainment has cleared its first-run fall show UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) Wired on nine of the 10 MyNetworkTV duopoly outlets—minus Chicago—that are owned by Fox.
The news comes a day after MNT announced that it would install International Fight League’s Total Impact in primetime on Mondays starting in March. Fox Sports Network will also carry it outside of MNT’s 8-10 p.m. Eastern window.
Both Trifectra and MNT have jumped on the mixed martial arts bandwagon, which is popular on pay-per-view.
Source: www.broadcastincable.com
Live Results and Photos From IFL Houston Tonight
With the fighters weighed in and the bout order officially set, we’re just hours away from IFL Houston and the much-anticipated superfight between coaches Matt Lindland and Carlos Newton, as well as two exciting team match ups between the Sabres and Scorpions, and the Silverbacks and Anacondas.
Be sure to check back tonight as we’ll be giving you live results and photos from the event as the action unfolds. It all starts at 7:30 pm local time, with a full report to follow on Saturday morning here at IFL.tv, your source for the best in MMA action.
(Read More)
48 Hours Before Their Match Silva and Lutter talks with FHM
By Shallon Lester
How ready are you for Saturday’s title fight?
Anderson: Very ready!
Travis: I’m in great shape. It’s going to be an exciting fight.
What do you have that your opponent lacks?
Travis: I don’t think I have any specific edge over Anderson—we’re completely different fighters. I’m a ground fighter and he’s a stand-up fighter. I think he’s the best striker in the world, but I’m pretty confident with my fighting style. I guess we’ll find out Saturday night.
Anderson: It’s not really a matter of what skills Travis lacks or vice versa—this fight is going to be all about strategy. It’s going to come down to whoever makes the first wrong move.
What is your opponent’s biggest weakness?
Anderson: I’m not sure. I haven’t fought him yet.
Travis: I don’t think Anderson has any flaws!
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A UFC debut for 'Rampage' Jackson
The most devoted mixed-martial arts fans know what's coming Saturday night when Irvine's Quinton "Rampage" Jackson makes his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut.
"He's aggressive, powerful, and nobody slams like 'Rampage,' " UFC President Dana White said.
What Jackson, 28, also made clear over breakfast in downtown Los Angeles recently is that few fighters are capable of matching his humorous candor, either.
Describing his life as a black man in an upscale Irvine neighborhood, Jackson said: "I know some of my neighbors are racist. They've called the cops on me for having dogs. Another time, I was gone on a long trip, and came home to see my grass was dying. I started walking around my front yard, looking at the sprinklers. Minutes later, a cop was at my door and said a neighbor reported a suspicious man was looking into people's windows. That was me ... "
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Fox Stations Buy UFC Series
Trifecta Entertainment has sold its upcoming weekly series "UFC Wired" to the Fox Television Stations group, marking the first major broadcast markets to get in bed with the red-hot mixed martial arts brand.
The syndicated show, which Trifecta is offering on an all-barter advertising basis (meaning no cash license fee), features fighters of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in action. With the Fox deal, the show is scheduled to air this fall in nine of the 10 markets where Fox has station duopolies.
The deal includes clearance in New York and Los Angeles, the two biggest cities in the country. Whether the show will air on the Fox-affiliated stations or the other station Fox owns in each market will be determined case-by-case.
Former "Fear Factor" host Joe Rogan hosts the series.
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Canadian fighter Patrick Cote needs win, hopes to open UFC 67 with a bang
By: NEIL DAVIDSON
LAS VEGAS (CP) - Patrick (The Predator) Cote needs a win Saturday night.
The 26-year-old mixed martial arts fighter from Quebec City is 0-4 when it counts in the UFC. Each of those losses has a story, but asterisks don't pay the bills. The bottom line this time is Cote needs to have his arm raised at the end of his middleweight fight at UFC 67: All or Nothing.
"Now it's my time to shine," Cote said in an interview. "It's maybe my last chance to prove I have a place here."
Despite the losses, Cote has usually put on a good showing in the ring. And he has five fights remaining on his UFC contract. But the Darwinian UFC doesn't hesitate to prune its roster or cut its losses.
(Read More)
Deal guarantees Renzo-Shamrock
There are no more legal hindrances to the bout between Frank Shamrock and Renzo Gracie, scheduled February 10, in Southhaven, Mississipi. According to website Gracie Fighter, Strikeforce has reached a deal with Showtime to broadcast one of their events. Thus Shamrock is freed from the contract that forced him to face Phil Baroni at Strikeforce before taking on Renzo at Elite XC's main bout.
Soon after the announcement of Elite XC's card, doubts arose as to Shamrock's legal situation. Cool as always, Shamrock said at Elite XC's latest press conference that all was right and that he has a good professional relationship with Strikeforce. At the time, he told reporters that he would fight in February and keep his deal with Strikeforce.
Source: www.graciemag.com
LINDLAND NOT LOOKING PAST NEWTON
As one of the busiest guys in MMA, Matt Lindland is passionate about the growing sport and continues to be one of most competitive and respected fighters today. Last season in the IFL, “The Law” coached his debuting Portland Wolfpack into the team finals. Although the Wolfpack fell short against the Quad City Silverbacks, they proved themselves to be one of the most formidable teams in the league and are considered a favorite to win this year’s championship.
Tonight, Lindland returns to face former UFC Welterweight Champion Carlos Newton in the headlining superfight of the Houston, Texas IFL show. “He’s tough on top, he’s a good ground guy, and he’s explosive. He’s a very strong guy, especially since he’s walking around 215 [pounds]. I like getting in there and knocking peoples’ heads around. He’s as good as anybody…,” commented the Team Quest co-founder about Newton. Currently, Lindland is contracted with the IFL on an individual fight basis. The former UFC title contender has committed to two more fights, including his upcoming match with Carlos Newton.
(Read More)
FISHMAN IN NEGOTIATIONS TO BUY PRIDE
Ed Fishman is a revolutionary in the modern gaming industry. Can he do the same for modern day mixed martial arts? Struggling to remain competitive, Fishman is looking to lead the resurgence of the Pride Fighting Championships.
The president of Pride USA, Fishman is currently in negotiations to purchase Pride FC outright. Sources indicate that he is no longer interested in being a non-controlling investor in the promotion, but wants to own and direct the worldwide operations of the company.
Mixed martial arts is emerging as one of the fastest growing sports and entertainment properties in the world, but the longtime Japanese promotion has struggled recently with the loss of their television contract in Japan. It is believed that Fishman wants to take control so that he can lead the promotion out of its downturn. Apparently, there are already several international sponsorship deals, as well as major new television deals already in the works and close to being finalized.
If the deal does go through, in addition to continuing Pride’s presence in Japan and expanding in the United States, the promotion would likely move to include events in England, South Korea, and Macau (a special administrative region of China).
(Read More)
IFL HITS PRIME TIME TV ON MARCH 12
A new television series, “International Fight League’s Total Impact,” which follows the athletes, coaches and personalities of the International Fight League, the world’s first team-based professional mixed martial arts organization, heads this spring’s new lineup on MyNetworkTV. The program will air each Monday from 8-10 p.m. across the entire MyNetworkTV network, which reaches more than 95% of U.S. homes, beginning on March 12. This marks the first regularly-scheduled over-the-air broadcast of the sport of mixed martial arts.
(Read More)
**UPDATE**
MyNetworkTV Shows Its Chops, Adds Martial Arts To Lineup
by David Goetzl
Battling to stem losses and knock out declining ratings, first-year MyNetworkTV is turning to martial arts to kick-start action. Its all-telenovela format is being kicked to the curb.
Starting March 8, a third of the News Corp.-owned network's weekly programming will be from the fledgling International Fight League--grappling that smacks of the popular Ultimate Fighting Championship but uses a team format, a ring instead of a cage and outlaws elbows to the head.
(Read More)
Boy's family remembers, warns others.
Rob Wince - Team Hammer House
NEWARK — With apple pie in his stomach and plans to see a movie with his family, Wednesday night was shaping up nicely for Cayden Wince-Prior. Things took a tragic and unexpected turn when his parents found their 12-year-old son hanging in the basement of their Newark home.
Cayden’s parents never had heard of the “choking game” until their son’s death, but now they want others to know. “He is dead now,” Cayden’s father, Rob Wince, said. “There is nothing I can do about it, but I want others to know.”
He said his athletic and good-natured son never showed signs of experimenting with asphyxiating in order to get a brief high. “Cayden was a very happy, outgoing, athletic kid,” said his stepmother, Lisa Garrett, whom Cayden called “Mom.” “He had everything going for him.”
(Read More)
Hollett set to hunt The Wolverine
By MONTY MOSHER Sports Reporter
Fairview’s Roger Hollett has left three fighters bent and beaten in his first three pro trips into the steel cage at Extreme Cage Combat competitions at the Halifax Forum.
But he’ll put that 3-0 mixed martial arts record on the line Saturday night in Edmonton in his first trip outside the cozy confines of his home base. The show is called Maximum Fighting 11.
The 29-year-old Hollett is scheduled to take on Edmonton Eskimos fullback and part-time pro fighter Mike (The Wolverine) Maurer. Maurer, a 31-year-old Saskatchewan native, is 1-0 as a pro and has made it known it will probably be his last mixed martial arts fight.
Maurer will be a wildly popular home favourite, but Hollett doesn’t care. He’ll have two dozen supporters from home.
"I think it’s going to be great," said the son of former champion boxer Ralph Hollett. "It’s easy to fight in front of a bunch of strangers. It’s like a paid vacation. It’s going to be a lot of fun."
(Read More)
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