Guillermo Rigondeaux promises explosive Fireworks display New Year's Eve in Japan

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Undefeated, unified world super bantamweight champion  Guillermo Rigondeaux training in Japan  OSAKA, Japan (Dec. 29, 2014) -- After enduring a frustrating year in which he has fought only once, unified world super bantamweight champion Guillermo "The Jackal" Rigondeaux (14-0, 9 KOs) is prepared to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) title belt this Wednesday, New Year's Eve, against WBO No. 6 rated challenger Hisashi Amagasa (28-4-2, 19 KOs) at Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka, Japan. Rigondeaux, who resides in Miami, is also the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super and The Ring Magazine super bantamweight champion. The 34-year-old Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, arrived Dec. 21 in Japan and the pound-for-pound star is extremely grateful for the overwhelmingly warm reception he has received from countless Japanese boxing fans who've watched him train or approached him in Osaka. Last July in Macao, Rigondeaux successfully defended his WBO/WBA Super titles, destroying challenger Sod Kokietgym (63-2-1) in the opening round of the ultra-skilled Cuban's lone fight to date in 2014. The 5' 10 ½" Amagasa towers over the diminutive Rigondeaux, who is 6 ½ inches shorter than his Japanese opponent. Rigondeaux, however, isn't concerned in the least about their differences in height because of his past success against many taller foes. "This is my second time fighting in Asia this year," Rigondeaux said. "I am very frustrated that the other world belt holders are running scared and won't fight me. It's disgraceful that we couldn't find a world-class, 122-pound fighter to fight me, so, I would like to thank Amagasa for dropping down from featherweight (126 lbs. division) to challenge me. I will put on an explosive fireworks display on New Year's Eve in Japan." Unfortunately, Rigondeaux vs. Amagasa will not be televised in the US or Europe, however, there will be an estimated 30-million Japanese fans tuning in to watch 'Rigo' perform. Japanese press have reported that Rigondeaux is the biggest star to fight in Japan in nearly a quarter-century, since "Iron" Mike Tyson fought against James "Buster" Douglas there in February 1990, describing Rigondeaux as a "Monster Superstar." 'We have already been offered a fight against another Japanese challenger in Japan this coming May," Rigondeaux' manager Gary Hyde added. "Rigondeaux is in tremendous condition, as always, and we are very confident going into this fight on New Year's Eve that 'Rigo' will put on a another stellar performance. "In January, we will sit down and discuss the terms of a promotional contract that was initially offered to us this past summer and is now back on the table. Hopefully, we will come to an agreement with this promotional company and 'Rigo' will be back fighting on mainstream television networks in 2015." Hyde also reported that if, as reports have circulated, WBC super bantamweight champion Leo Santa Cruz (20-0-1, 16 KOs) is seriously interested in fighting Rigondeaux, "Rigo" will return from Japan to fight Santa Cruz in a major unification bout January 17 in Las Vegas.  Santa Cruz is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in the 12-round co-feature on a card headlined by the WBC heavyweight title fight, airing live from MGM Grand on Showtime, between defending champion Bermane Stiverne and mandatory challenger Deontay Wilder.

Perez to Face Uchiyama for WBA Super Featherweight Belt on December 31

Argentinean super featherweight contender Israel "Cachito" Perez (27-2-1, 16 KOs) will finally fulfill his dream of fighting for a world title when he faces unbeaten Japanese Champion Takashi "KO Dynamite" Uchiyama (21-0-1, 17 KOs) for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship on December 31 at the Ota City General Gym in Tokyo, Japan. 35-year-old Perez's career has taken off since joining forces with promoters Sampson Lewkowicz and Maravilla Box. The ex-Olympian and national and regional professional champion is coming of an eighth round destruction of Carlos Rodriguez for the WBA FEDEBOL Super featherweight title, earning him the 9th spot in the WBA ratings. Perez and trainer Carlos Tello will need to work hard and come up with an excellent game plan to defeat a solid champion like Uchiyama, who is making the ninth defense of his title he won in January of 2010 with a twelfth round stoppage of Juan Carlos Salgado. "I would like to thank Sampson Boxing and Sergio 'Maravilla' Martinez, who are the ones responsible for this great opportunity. Without them, this would not have been possible," said a happy Perez. "I have experience. I am in shape and I am very much aware that I am going to bring the championship home. I will not disappoint and will make my dream of becoming champion of the world a reality. Uchiyama is a good boxer, but not unbeatable. I am going to Japan with only one thing in mind: to be crowned WBA Super featherweight Champion of the World." Perez vs. Uchiyama is promoted by Hitoshi Watanabe and will be televised by TyC Sport of Argentina. ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

MAJOR FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING FORMER UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION TO BE MADE AT NEF XIII

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 9, 2014) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA), the Northeast’s premier mixed martial arts promotion, today announced that there would be a major fight announcement regarding former two-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight Champion of the World Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia (31-9) at the fight promotion's "NEF XIII" event this Saturday, May 10, at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston.  While NEF MMA executives have not confirmed the exact content of the message to be delivered to the crowd, co-owner and promoter of the company, Nick DiSalvo, revealed that the Sylvia announcement would regard his involvement with an upcoming fight card in Maine.

Sylvia last appeared for NEF MMA in July of 2012.  On that card, also held in Lewiston, Sylvia defeated Randy "The Wolf" Smith (13-15-1) via technical knockout merely twelve-seconds into the first round. He has since competed on fight cards in Japan, Russia and the Philippines.  Born and raised in nearby Ellsworth, Maine, Sylvia is currently a member of the well-respected American Top Team.

 “NEF XIII,” is scheduled to take place this Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of7:00 pm.  In the main event of the evening, “The" Ryan Sanders (6-4) will rematch Maine State MMA Welterweight Champion Gil de Freitas (15-5) nearly two years after de Freitas defeated Sanders for the inaugural title.  Tickets for "NEF XIII" start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF MMA videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

About New England Fights

New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (“NEF MMA”) is a Mixed Martial Arts promotions company. NEF MMA’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF MMA’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

WSOF announces second International division this month with Pancrase partnership

  

  

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 29, 2013) - The World Series of Fighting continues to expand its global footprint with the launch of World Series of Fighting Japan (WSOF Japan).

World Series of Fighting launches its new Japanese division in a partnership with the long-running and highly respected Pancrase organization, a Tokyo-based group that has promoted mixed martial arts events since 1993 and is widely considered one of the most historically important organizations in the sport.

"Japan has long been a home of top-level martial arts competitions of all types, and I personally have enjoyed some of the best moments of my fighting career there," World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said. "I'm excited to announce this new division with the launch of World Series of Fighting Japan.

"I look forward to working with Pancrase CEO Masakazu Sakai and his team, and together we will produce amazing events for the Japanese fight fans, as well as big opportunities for both Asia-based fighters and MMA fighters around the globe."

The first World Series of Fighting Japan event is expected to take place in early 2014. The relationship will allow fighters from both sides of the Pacific Ocean to be featured in fight cards in both the U.S. and Japan, including recent World Series of Fighting addition Yushin "Thunder" Okami (29-8), one of the world's top-ranked middleweights.

The launch of World Series of Fighting Japan marks the second international branch of the WSOF brand to be announced in the past month alone, as World Series of Fighting Canada is set for a Dec. 7 debut. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

World Series of Fighting signs top-ranked middleweight Yushin Okami; Japanese standout expected to make promotional debut in early 2014

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 14, 2013) - World Series of Fighting officials are happy to announce the addition of perennial top-ranked middleweight Yushin Okami (29-8) to the company's roster.

The 32-year-old "Thunder" Okami recently signed a multi-fight deal with the Las Vegas-based World Series of Fighting promotion, and he's expected to make his first appearance for the company in early 2014.

"We're extremely excited to announced that Yushin Okami as the newest member of our middleweight division," World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said. "MMA fans around the world know Yushin has long been among the best 185-pound fighters in the sport, and we're happy to have him as a member of the World Series of Fighting family."

A judo black belt, Okami has been competing professionally since 2002. After building an impressive 16-3 record competing largely in his native Japan, Okami in 2006 debuted for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He would go on to fight 18 times for the UFC, including an August 2011 bid for the promotion's middleweight title.

Okami's career record includes wins over MMA notables Alan Belcher, Dean Lister, Hector Lombard, Nate Marquardt, Mark Munoz, Anderson Silva, Mike Swick and Evan Tanner, among others.

While Okami's debut date and opponent have not yet been officially determined, he could prove an immediate title contender in World Series of Fighting's 185-pound division. The company will crown its first middleweight champion in early 2014, as the winner of World Series of Fighting 7's Elvis Mutapcic vs. Jesse Taylor bout moves on to meet David Branch in the finals of the company's four-man middleweight tournament.

About WSOF

World Series of Fighting is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering an incredible, action-packed entertainment experience for fight fans by producing the best possible matchups between elite fighters from around the globe. For more information please visitWSOF.com. Follow World Series of Fighting on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

Big Vito's Wrestling Academy is proud to announce a working agreement as the new Official Training and Developmental Center for, Dragon Gate, Evolve, Shine, FIP

FROM BIG VITO:

This is a great day for all involved. Over the past week, this has been buzzing inside me. I am very proud of this. Working with these groups, which have sent several talents to the WWE main roster and to Japan, I feel like this is the place to be. Right place right time. If your looking to get started in wrestling, what better place then this that can get you right to work. Start getting the experience you need right away. Your foot is in the door . My training and then getting to work with one of these groups is good to have on your resume. These guys do there work ans are doing PPV and over 50 shows a year. They have a proven track record and have been around a long time. To have there own Developmental Training Center is something they have been wanting to do for long time. My experience will help develop there talent even further to be the best.

If your looking for a start in Pro Wrestling, get trained by the Best. Be trained by a Pro. My academy has all the things you need. For the experienced wrestler looking to polish his skills for that big break, your at the place you need to be. How many want to go to Japan? How many want to work for these groups ? Go to my website www.bigvito.com. Get all the information there. There are vouchers to print out for all. Beginners, new student voucher 500.00, Experienced wrestler voucher 500.00 . You will be put to the test from day one. If you have what it takes, I will get you to where you need to be.

Great new start for Big Vito's Wrestling Academy. This will go to a unique place and be at a higher level of training. I am the one who trains you. Looking forward to meeting all of you who come through my doors. More announcements to follow. For contact information, go to www.bigvito.com. I want to again thank all who have helped me with this. Have a great day.

JAPANESE GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE FIGHTING TOURNAMENT TO ISSUE ENTRY FEE FOR COMBATANTS

For the first time since the birth of the Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament, there will be an entry fee for the combatants to secure their spot.  Following months of varied delays and postponements due to a variety of reasons—including issues with fighters’ visas, reports of underground fighting, fixed fights and more—the Committee has brought upon this announcement.

“We have gone above and beyond to bring this tournament into fruition, and have dealt with one obstacle after another,” said Sadahura Takinawa, President of the Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament.  “After exploring various options to eradicate these ongoing issues involving our international fighters, we have decided that the best course of action is to issue an entry fee so that the fighters will have to put money out of their pockets to reserve their spot within the tournament, and to show that they are serious and ready for competition.   To ensure the fighters will take this seriously, the entry fee will be a substantial amount, though we cannot disclose the specific number at this time.  

We will continue with this tournament as one of the most highly regarded fighting competitions in the world, and will not tolerate the ongoing disgrace that some of the fighters have bestowed upon it.   This fee will go into effect immediately, and any fighters’ who are unable to meet the financial obligations will be forced to withdraw their name from the competition.”

Since last summer the Committee has been anxious to get the tournament underway, but has been forced to acknowledge various problems surrounding the fighters involved. 

“Our Committee Chair has been anxious to sound the gong to get this started, and has been nothing short of disgusted at the progression of the drama,” said Takinawa.  “We have dealt with such lies, ongoing accusations, and deceit from fighters who are regarded as world champions, and it has left a bad taste in our mouths.  Issuing this entry fee was a last resort, but a necessary one.”

The Committee has gone on to announce the entry deadline fee for the fighters to reserve their spot is March 15, and upon all of the fighters paying their way, each combatant will have 30 days to prepare for the tournament, and will need to be in Tokyo within two weeks of the deadline. 

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 worldwide.

Ruiz Travelling to Japan to Unify Against Kameda

On December 4, Los Mochis, Mexico's Hugo "Cuatito" Ruiz (31-1, 28 KOs) will relinquish his Interim WBA World Bantamweight Championship to face "Regular" WBA Bantamweight Champion Koki Kameda (28-1, 17 KOs) at the Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka, Japan. The hard-punching 26-year-old Ruiz won his interim title in January 2011 with a nine-round technical decision over Alvaro Ruiz, after Ruiz was cut by an accidental headbutt. He has successfully defended the belt four times since then, three by way of knockout. 25-year-old southpaw Kameda is a two-time world champ. He won the WBC Flyweight title in November 2009, but lost it via close decision in his first defense. He then moved up to bantamweight and won his current belt with a December 2010 unanimous decision over Alexander Munoz. He has since made four successful defenses. Kameda is one of the most popular boxers in the world based on TV ratings. His fights draw over 50% of Japanese homes. "Hugo is going into the other guy's backyard in a very big fight for the Regular championship," said his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. "But he is ready for this. He simply hits too hard for anyone to stand up to and I expect him to score a huge victory." Anselmo "Chemito" Moreno is the WBA Bantamweight "Super" Champion.

Finals of Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament To Begin August 9

The highly anticipated 2012 Japanese Grand Prix Freestyle Fighting Tournament is less than a month away from beginning its final stage.  The preliminaries for qualifying for the finals of the tournament are set to begin on July 30, with the wild card fighters around the world having a chance to secure their spot to fight for the world championship in August.

The VIP invite only fighters will begin their quest for perfection on August 9.  Tournament favorite Ikuhisa Minowa is allegedly back to tip top shape and will be looking to work his way through the competition in solidifying himself as the top fighter in the world and claim the luxurious prize of $1 dollars.

Additional special invite fighters include Japan’s acclaimed sumo champion Harumafuji, France’s Savate Militec, USA’s BKB and boxer Gunn, and Argentina’s Muay Thai Bosch. 

The tournament has already sold out in attendance and will be viewed by heads of some of the largest corporations throughout the world.  Also speculated to be in attendance are some of the most revered “connected” families in the world as this tournament garners the largest gambling syndicate ring in any known fight sport.

In addition to the purse, the winner of the Japanese Grand Prix champion will be deemed “Full Contact Champion of the World”, and have availability to enter any pro fighting tournament within the 2012 calendar year.

The 2012 Grand Prix tournament will be held from July 30- August 12 at the Yokohama Arena in Kawasaki.

Japanese Grand Prix Tournament Put On Hold Til Mid July

It was released last night that the highly anticipated Japanese no-holds barred full contact fighting tournament has been postponed until July 21.  The reason for the postponement is because Japan’s own and tournament favorite Ikuhisa Minowa had sustained a rotator cuff injury during training. 

 

Mark Buckton of the Japanese Times reported that the tournament was put on hold because Minowa has been the biggest draw in recent years, and a major player in terms of bringing top corporate and ‘made’ men from around the world to the prestigious tournament.

 

This tournament is held in the highest regard of its kind as inside resources claim there will be some of the biggest multi-millionaire tycoons and various underground players present.  It is comparative to providing an entertainment allure of “Mardi Gras” for the two week fight period.

 

Unlike traditional tournaments held across the world, the Japanese Grand Prix features top fighters from various disciplines, each competing in a 3 fight, single elimination tournament where the final two fighters will compete for an estimated purse of $1 million. 

 

Although a complete list of competing fighters is yet to be disclosed, at this time we have been told that representing France is renowned Savate champion Miletic; from the United States, world bare knuckle boxing champion Gunn; from Argentina, Muay Thai champion Bosch, and countless other fighters to be named later.

 

This event has received international recognition as it is a giant forum for some of the best fighters in the world, competing on the grand stage in a winner take all tournament. 

 

In addition to the purse, the winner of the Japanese Grand Prix champion will be deemed “Full Contact Champion of the World”, and have availability to enter any pro fighting tournament within the 2012 calendar year.

 

The 2012 Grand Prix tournament will be held from July 20-31 at the Yokohama Areana in Kawasaki.

 

Darchinyan Ready To Dethrone Yamanaka As Tokyo Showdown Nears

WBC BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT

VIC 'RAGING BULL' DARCHINYAN
VS. SHINSUKE YAMANAKA


Photo By Bret "The Threat" Newton

April 2, 2012 - After eight grueling weeks of intense training, Vic "Raging Bull" Darchinyan (37-4-1, 27 KOs) is ready to leave everything in the ring when he challenges WBC bantamweight champion, Shinsuke Yamanaka (15-0-2, 11 KOs) for his title on April 6 in Tokyo, Japan.

Having won world titles in the flyweight and super flyweight divisions, Darchinyan seeks another championship in his third weight class. No one can deny the heart and strength of mind it takes to win one world championship, let alone three, and Darchinyan is on his way to making history if victorious against Yamanaka.

"The training is done and I'm ready to dethrone Yamanaka," said Darchinyan with confidence. It was an exhausting training camp, but I paid the price and I'm in excellent shape."

"Getting a victory in Japan will be a difficult task, except my determination to bring home another world title is driving me like never before. I'm confident that I'll be crowned world champion once again."

Promoter Gary Shaw stated, "The WBC has rightfully honored Vic the opportunity to capture his third world title, and I'm thankful to José Sulaimán for the opportunity he's granted him. Throughout his career Darchinyan has been a fan favorite and he's responsible for bringing the little guys back into the limelight. The Mexican fighters have always dominated the smaller weights and Vic beat them all, proving he's one of the top fighters of his era."

Shinsuke Yamanaka has been relentless since going the distance with Zaragoza Uema back in October of 2008, winning his last nine bouts, all by knockout. Against Darchinyan, he'll be fighting in his home country, giving him a distinctive advantage.

"I'm excited to see what Darchinyan has planned for Yamanaka," Shaw said. "His style is always pleasurable to watch and I know he wants to end this fight early. This fight has fireworks written all over it. The fans in Japan will be in for a great night of boxing."

"I want to thank Mr. Honda and the WBC for making this fight possible," said Darchinyan's manager, Elias Nassar. "Vic has been a great ambassador to the sport of boxing and he's worked very hard to put himself in position to capture another world title. All the training is finalized and he'll be ready for war on April 6 in Japan."

Melvin Manhoef "Its going to be a hard explosive fight"

Feared Dutch Striker Melvin Manhoef prepares to take on Deep Champion Yoshiyuki Nakanishi this weekend at ONE FC War of the Lions.

Originally scheduled to take on Babalu Sobral many feel that although not as well known in the western world, Nakanishi's all action style could make for an even better fight come the weekend. Melvin himself eagerly awaits the new matchup and is not disappointed in the rescheduled bout as he explains:

"No, I’m not disappointed. Of course I would have liked to fight him (Babalu) a lot, but who knows maybe in the future it will happen. I’m also excited to fight my new opponent. I know he’s a strong complete fighter so it will be a hard fight."

With an astonishing 96% finishing ratio with 23 of his 24 wins coming via knockout or tko Melvin is still regarded as one of the most exciting fighters on the planet. Moving up to the light heavyweight division to take on the Japanese champion, Melvin can still be confident in the knowledge that he has knocked out opponents bigger than him in the past, including the likes of Mark Hunt and Ian Freeman. Far from fearing his bigger opponent he is relishing the opportunity to fight Nakanishi:

"I've fought bigger guys most of my career. Of course it's hard for me to fight the heavier guys since most of them are naturally heavier and taller than me, but I like the variation and the challenge!"

Deep champion Nakanishi has suggested he is willing to meet Melvin in the centre of the cage come event time although the Dutchman has his doubts:

"I really don't know if he will stand with me, but as with most of my opponents I think he'll prefer to take the fight to the ground."

Manhoef is excited to be a part of an excellent ONE FC card this weekend that is available completely free of charge in HD quality around the world:

"I know ONE FC are a young ambitious organization. They have a lot of great plans and I'm honored to be a part of it. I hope to fight many times for them and help them build the organization."

As far as a prediction for the bout Melvin is only sure of an exciting fight for the fans:

"It's always hard to predict the fight. The only thing I can tell you is that I'm ready and focused. I think it's going to be a hard explosive fight".

ONE FC War of the Lions will be streamed live and completely free on ONE FC's YouTube channel. Please head to http://www.onefc.com/  for complete details.