Officials named for Mathis-Holm II

'The Reckoning,' June 15 at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (June 4, 2012) - Officials have been named for the Fresquez Productions-presented "The Reckoning," featuring the International Boxing Association (IBA) and WBAN rematch between light welterweight champion Anne Sophie Mathis (26-1, 22 KOs) and nine-time World Champion Holly "The Preacher's Daughter" Holm (30-2-3, 9 KOs) to determine the mythical women's pound-for-pound championship, June 15 Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The judges, all from Las Vegas, will be Duane Ford, Dave Moretti and Lisa Giampi with Jon Schorle (El Dorado Hills, CA) as the referee. "We wanted to insure fairness to both fighters, as well as eliminate any potential controversy, by having three of the most high-respected judges and referee working Mathis-Holm II," said Tom King, New Mexico Athletic Commission. "They are all among the most qualified officials in boxing." Moretti and Giampa were judges for last December's initial fight between Mathis and Holm, in which Mathis won by seventh-round knockout. Ford and Moretti have been judges for 35 years apiece. Ford has judged a 160-reported world title fights including Sugar Ray Leonard-Tommy Hearns I, Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield II, Larry Holmes-Muhammad Ali and Salvador Sanchez-Wilfredo Gomez. Moretti has scored 110 world title matches including Julio Cesar Chavez-Meldrick Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oscar de la Hoya, Marvin Hagler-John Mugabi, and Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez II. Giampa has judged seven world title fights in her five years, while Schorle has refereed 27 title fights in his 20 years as an official. Go online to www.FresquezProductions.com or www.rt66casino.com for more information about "The Reckoning."

Holly Holm seeks retribution from Anne Sophie Mathis

THE RECKONING Anne Sophie Mathis vs. Holly Holm II IBA Welterweight & WBAN Championships Route 66 Casino Hotel ● Albuquerque, NM ● June 15, 2012

'The Reckoning,' June 15 at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque    Holly Holm ALBUQUERQUE, NM (May 20, 2012) - For the first time in nearly eight years, nine-time World Champion Holly "The Preacher's Daughter" Holm (30-2-3, 9 KOs)  will enter the ring coming off of a loss, seeking retribution June 15 from French knockout specialist Anne Sophie Mathis  (26-1, 22 KOs), who stopped fan-favorite Holm in the seventh round of their International Boxing Association (IBA) and WBAN title fight last December, also fought for the mythical women's pound-for-pound championship. Mathis-Holm II headlines "The Reckoning," presented by Fresquez Productions, in a 10-round main event at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "I felt like I was fighting well but got a little over anxious," the newly married Holm reflected.  "I felt that I could land and wanted to follow-up, but I didn't stick to my defensive game plan. I didn't fully respect her power like I should have.  It was definitely the toughest fight I've ever had.  She's a stubborn-minded fighter unlike fighters I've faced.  She's not cocky, or overconfident, just tough. "She knows what I want to do but she's not scared of me.  She's a good fighter who is confident of beating me.  I'm confident I can beat her in this fight.  I've evaluated a lot of things, taking what I did wrong, and making them right for this fight and beyond.  I lost but I've learned the most from losing to make myself better for this fight." Mathis, who was fighting in the United States for the first time, snapped Holm's seven-year, 24-fight unbeaten streak. "I lost that fight, no excuses," Holly added.  "I just got beat.  There's no way around it.  I had to be honest with myself to get better.  It happened.  Maybe it was good that it happened for me to get better at this stage of my career.  "I could have fought the rest of my career, never losing again, but I wanted to fight her.     It was a rough fight for me and I've battled my demons over that night.  If I didn't believe in myself, I've already lost.  Nobody is going in there fighting for me." During the course of her 10 ½ year professional career, has defeated many of the biggest names in women's boxing from the 140 through 154-pound weight classes, including Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, Mia St. John, Couch, Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice). Seven-time and reigning IBA/WBAN World Champion Mathis is riding a 25-fight win streak, dating back to 1995 when she lost her second pro fight.  She has beaten world champions such as Holm, Myriam Lamare (twice), Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich, Ana Pascal and Nathalie Toro. Go online to www.FresquezProductions.com or www.rt66casino.com for more information about "The Reckoning."

10th Legion 11 - VICTORIOUS 13th May - London Kings Cross

		May 1st 2012 7:16pm        10th Legion is back in London with a stacked card of top level MMA in the heart of London at the Scala in Kings Cross. With Fighters from all over the UK, France, Italy, Russian, Poland and Brazil! The main event will see 5 times veteran of the UFC Jess Liaudin return to defend his World Title! Jess ‘the Joker’ Liaudin is one of the true pioneers of MMA in the UK and  is on a 5 fight winning streak. He is currently the 2 times 10th Legion Welterweight World Champion. He will be facing the very tough Juan Manuel Suarez from Spain.  This will be a master class of MMA action! Then for the Featherweight European Title Hayden Critchfield faces off with Special Forces Operative turned MMA fighter Maxim Ionov.  This will be a full on war from start to finish. Marek Idzikowski matches up with Ramon Silva. Again this is a fight not to miss as both fighters like submissions – so this could be a submission clinic. Fadi Jameel from New Wave Academy under UFC veteran Nick Osipczak will be taking on another professional young blood Ben Ford. Both are strong and hungry for success. Semtex Gym known for its world class kickboxing now has a strong MMA Team under the guide of 10th Legion European Champion Peter Irving. So look out for Duncan Young and Colin Wilby would be facing fighters from Phi Hung’s Fight Star Management in France. Paul Kingdon also from Semtex is head to head with Gianluca Scottoli from Italy. This fight will be very exciting as at 66kg it’s all out ruff and tumble!   The undercards fights are also stacked! But the fight to not miss will be Jack Grant vs. Arnold ‘PITBULL’ Quero of France. Both these guys have heavy hands and love to bang. As big 70kg fighters with KO power – this fight will be in the running for the fight of the night! Urban Kings Fight Team also are stepping up with some great local matches for the home town support. This will be a great night! Tickets are now limited! Book now at www.10thlegionmmashop.com Visit www.10thlegion.tv for full card updates.

Mathis vs. Holm II Confirmed For WBF World Title

It’s now confirmed that a rematch between perhaps the two best pound-for-pound female boxers in the world, and definitely the two best welterweights, Anne Sophie Mathis (26-1, 22 KOs) of France and American Holly Holm (30-2-3, 9 KOs), will take place on June 15 in Albuquerque, New Mexico for Mathis’ World Boxing Federation World Welterweight title.

This serves as clear indication that the WBF is already the top sanctioning body for female boxing, and WBF president Howard Goldberg, who will be acting as supervisor for the bout, is delighted about the progress his organization has made in short time:   “We have many of the absolute best female boxers as our world champions, and it is only fitting that the rematch between these two amazing fighters is for the WBF title. I think it’s outstanding that the WBF is already at the very top when it comes to women’s boxing, but I am not surprised that promoters and boxers are realizing that our title is the title to pursue”.

Mathis and Holm had a grueling encounter last December with Mathis winning by seventh round knockout. As their original fight, the rematch, appropriately billed as “The Reckoning”, will take place at Route 66 Casino Hotel, and will be promoted by Fresquez Productions. It will be Mathis’ third defense of the WBF World title she won in June of last year.

www.worldboxingfederation.net

FANTASTIC REES DEFENDS BELT WITH STOPPAGE

Welshman dominates Frenchman in his hometown

Gavin Rees produced a fantastic performance in Anthony Mezaache’s backyard in France, forcing a seventh round stoppage to retain his European lightweight title in style.

The Welshman travelled over to Paris for his second defence in the venue that former champion Mezaache’s last three fights had been in and was the aggressor from the opening bell.

The 31 year old produced a classy, powerful and controlled display to dismiss the Frenchman’s challenge and move a step closer to his dream of becoming a two-weight World champion.

“I keep telling people I can punch at lightweight and giving the chance I think I can win another World title,” said Rees.

“I had a great training camp, it was boiling in here tonight but I still felt fresh. I worked well on the jab and I was catching him with the right often and I think I did a great job tonight.”

Rees connected early with his right hand and mixed his work up well, controlling things with his jab. A clash of heads in the second round caused a nasty gash to the Frenchman’s forehead and threatened to bring the fight to a premature end, but thankfully Mezaache’s corner stemmed the flow of blood and the fight continued, and Rees moved through the gears seamlessly.

The champion really put his foot down in the sixth round, rocking the hometown favourite at will and relentlessly pouring the pressure on with unerring accuracy.

Some great work to the body led to another big right hand in the opening half of the seventh round that floored the Frenchman and with so much time left in the round, Rees saw his chance to end things and pounced brilliantly. Again, the jackhammer right landed to rock Mezaache and he pinned him on the ropes with some stinging blows, and a combination of Mezaache’s corner and the referee ended the contest with 45 seconds of the seventh round left.

HEARN: FRENCH TEST IS A KEY NIGHT FOR REES

Welshman’s promoter says Gavin needs to impress in Paris

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes that Gavin Rees must shine in Paris tonight live on Sky Sports 4 and HD4 from 9pm in his European lightweight title defence against Anthony Mezaache – with a big performance putting him back in World title contention.

Former WBA light welterweight king Rees faces the Frenchman in the Gymnase Georges-Racine in Clichy la Garenne, just outside the capital and a venue that the former champion Mezaache has won his last three fights in.
Hearn says that this is exactly the type of assignment that Rees needs to tackle and pass with flying colours if he’s going to go on to fulfil his dream of becoming a two-weight World Champion, and added that big matches with British rivals Ricky Burns, John Murray, Kevin Mitchell and Anthony Crolla could also be on the cards for The Rock.

“This is an important fight for Gavin as there's a lot happening in the division domestically,” said Hearn. “An away trip is always interesting and I think it adds a bit of excitement.

“Gavin's at the stage now where he needs to be taking the big fights, we looked at the offer to travel to Paris and it was a lucrative one and a challenge Gavin was happy to take. It's always difficult fighting away from home but we've had fights in the venue before and it's not a hostile environment and Gavin's got a good few fans travelling over too and they'll make themselves heard.”

Rees’ trainer Gary Lockett has been delighted with the 31 year olds preparation for the fight, and is pleased that the former WBA light welterweight champion has thrown himself into the new training regime that he brought in along with nutritionist Renzo Algieri.

“Training has gone really well, we've done a lot more sparring than what we usually do, over 140 rounds in total, so he's ready,” said Lockett.
“Gavin is coming up to 32 so he's picking up little niggles a little easier than he used to. But apart from that he's in fantastic shape.
“Anthony has a good record but we see weaknesses in his make-up. I don't think he's a particularly hard puncher, he's tough and he's a bit of a spoiler, but we've covered all bases in training.

“The changes and improvements in Gavin's diet and shape is 99 per cent down to him. I bought Renzo as his nutritionist and I know a lot about that but if Gavin wasn't totally committed to it, then we wouldn't see this huge improvement.”

For Rees, the target is simple – defend his European title then hunt down a World title shot later this year, taking out some big Brits on the way.
“I don't mind who I have to fight to win a World title,” said Rees. “But I'd love a fight with Kevin Mitchell too. It's a fight that I think I'd win but it'd be a cracker and one that fight fans and Sky Sports would love to see.”

Rees weighed in at 9st 8lb yesterday, with challenger Mezaache scaling 9st 8lb 8oz.

FRENCH ASSIGNMENT HOLDS NO FEAR FOR REES

Welshman out to prove he will fight anyone, anywhere

Gavin Rees is relishing defending his European lightweight title against Anthony Mezaache in Paris on Friday night live on Sky Sports 4 and HD4 from 9pm – and says victory will prove he is willing to fight anyone, anywhere.

The Welshman defends the belt for the second time against Mezaache, the Parisian fighter who won the belt on foreign soil himself in February 2009 when he beat Jon Thaxton in Norwich.

Rees enters Mezaache’s backyard aiming to kick his 2012 off with an impressive defence that could land him an exciting British fight against lightweight rivals Ricky Burns, Kevin Mitchell, John Murray and Anthony Crolla – and the 31 year-old says he’ll prove he can fight anywhere.

“Every boxer wants to fight at home but I don't mind going to France,” said Rees. “I don't think it'll be a hostile crowd but even if it is, it's only a crowd, they can't get in the ring and help him when he's in there with me at my best. I only have to worry about my performance, not his – if I do what I do best, I'll get the job done.

“I've seen a few clips of him from his fight against Thaxton. He beat him quite comfortably but I think that wasn't the best of Jon, he was on his way out. So I think that this is a job I am confident of doing.”

Rees’ first defence ended in a technical draw against Derry Mathews in October when a clash of heads left the Liverpool man with a broken nose. The champ has been itching to get back into the ring to show the benefits of his new attitude to training, which he attributes to trainer Gary Lockett and nutritionist Renzo Algieri.

“I've been a professional nearly 14 years and only lost one fight so I've done well, but I think I'm improving all the time,” said Rees. “I'm 32 in May and I'm feeling so good I could go on forever.

“I've got older and got wiser. When you are younger you think your career is going to go on forever. This is my last chance at World title glory really so everything has to be done 100 per cent right. I was eating the wrong foods, drinking water at the wrong times, and in the championship distance, like against Andy Murray, I died after four rounds. So we'd been tinkering with that before the Derry Mathews fight and we got it right.

That didn't go beyond four rounds so no-one got to see the difference, but it was a lot better then and it will be even better now.

“There are some big domestic fights out there for me with Burns, Mitchell, Crolla and (John) Murray and I want all of them. I've been training hard for Mezaache and once I've got past him I want to fight one of the big name Brits. I don't believe that I have been truly recognised for my achievements so hopefully beating one of those boys would get me there. I sparred with Ricky and we had some great sessions and I know it would be a crowd-pleaser.

“I'd like to have a go at Ricky or maybe I could win another one of the World titles and we could have a massive unification fight. We've got a great group of lightweights in Britain at the moment, maybe one of the strongest ever, so hopefully we can all fight each other soon.”

REES MEDIA WORKOUT: