Stacked “CageSport XXI” Fight Card Announced!

 

 

Tacoma, WA (September 14, 2012) – Fight fans will receive a special treat when Halquist Productions’ “CageSport XXI” takes over the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA with an unprecedented three feature bouts Saturday, September 29.

 

For the first time ever, CageSport airs on ROOT SPORTS. Additionally, the broadcast crew is comprised of world famous personality Danny Bonaduce, former UFC announcer Jeff Osborne and two-time fighter of the year Miesha “Cupcake” Tate.

 

Lightweight Brandon Dudley of North Bend, WA risks his perfect 4-0 record against Springfield, OR resident Emmanuel Sanchez in a three round contest.

 

Unbeaten in both the pros and as an amateur, Dudley’s forced most of his foes to tap out in the opening round. He’s yet to find himself in any serious danger since entering the octagon and is creating a major buzz amongst MMA fans, who’ve expressed their eagerness to see him fight again.

 

A winner in his last two bouts, most recently scoring a second round submission over Travis Jackson, Sanchez believes that he’ll be the one to end the hype behind his highly-touted opponent.

 

Four-time amateur champion Brent “Mankill” Knopp is scheduled to face Brandon Pitts over three rounds in the middleweight division.

 

The fighting pride of Burien, WA, Knopp’s built a reputation as one of the most explosive strikers in the sport. On July 14, Knopp stopped Darrio Mobley on the “CageSport XX” card.

 

A natural light heavyweight, Pitts is moving down a division for the biggest challenge of his career. Fresh off a first round TKO on August 4, Pitts plans to use his size and momentum to bring home a victory to Portland, OR. Pitt is trained by 2000 Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestling Silver Medalist Matt Linland out of the world famous Team Quest Gym. The gym was started by Linland along with UFC legends Randy Couture and Dan Henderson.

 

In featured undercard bouts, rising star and Yakima, WA native Julian Erosa risks his unbeaten record against Bend, OR based chokehold master Jason Gybles. Erosa, who forced most of his opponents to tapout, faces the fellow submission artist in a three round lightweight contest.

 

Featherweight standouts Jacob Boysen and Ryan Mulvihill will meet in a three rounder for Northwest region supremacy.

 

At 3-0, Boysen most recently stopped Rob Dyer in the opening round. The Seattle, WA sensation has looked fantastic thus far but is taking a major step up in competition.

 

Mulvihill, of Spokane, WA fought on six “CageSport” cards, providing the fans with quality bouts each time out. Earlier this year, he took the aforementioned Erosa four rounds before losing by submission. A winner in four of his last six, Mulvihill is faced with yet another tough opponent on the 29^th.

 

“This is going to be a night everybody involved will remember,” said promoter Brian Halquist. “The CageSport brand has grown so much over the years and with the ROOT SPORTS broadcast, things will go to a whole new level. I’m beyond excited for everything that will unfold come September 29!”

 

Six additional three round undercard matches will take place featuring local standouts Dave Courchaine, Matt Kovacks, Chris Wheaton, Jose Rico, Andy Paves and Damen Wood.

 

Tickets are available to the ten bout fight card on ticketmaster.com or by going to the Emerald Queen box office. For more information and the latest updates, go to Halquistproductions.com or http://www.facebook.com/pages/CageSport-MMA/188915101800

Full Card set for Saturday’s “Battle at the Boat 88”

 

Seattle, WA (August 16, 2012) – Halquist Productions has finalized their lineup for “Battle at the Boat 88.” The card is taking place at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA on Saturday and features a total of six action-packed matchups.

 

Tickets are still available on ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Emerald Queen box office.

 

Topping the bill is an intriguing ten round lightweight contest between Fort Worth, TX’ Jose Hernandez and Robert Osiobe of Ughelli, Nigeria. Both fighters, who are yet to decline a difficult challenge, look to make a statement by emerging victorious.

 

Hernandez, 13-5-1 (5 KO’s) and Osiobe, 12-5-4 (6 KO’s), faced Luis Ramos, Rances Barthelemy, Matt Remillard, Sharif Bogere, Michael Angelo Perez, Evgeny Gradovich and Spend Abazi among others. The likable lightweights combined to face an incredible 15 unbeaten opponents, going the distance in 14 of those bouts. Unlike the majority of their matches, this is a showcase opportunity for both fighters on a level playing field.

 

Easily the most talked about local matchup in recent memory, the six round co-feature pits Yakima’s favorite son Nate Serrano against Portland OR’s Osvaldo Rojas in a highly-anticipated rematch. Serrano, 4-1-1 (3 KO’s) went toe-to-toe with Rojas, 6-2-2 (2 KO’s), on June 2 in a bout that ultimately ended in a draw and both are promising to emerge victorious this time around.

 

The rest of the undercard features locals in four round bouts, which are expected to take place before a packed house on fight night. Omar Cruz, a Moses Lake, WA resident who’s also a mixed martial artist, meets Kelso, WA’s William Fernandez. A second battle featuring Washington State natives will see Andres Ramos (Eltopa) challenge Frank Mendez (Longview), while Visala, CAresident Jose Leon squares off against Jesse Udhe of Lakeside, MT. Gabriel Pineda, who hails from Hillsboro, OR, meets Matthew Flores, the pride of Twin Falls, ID, to round off the card.

 

“The local feel is something I really enjoy,” said promoter Brian Halquist. “Some of these fighters are from non-boxing states and don’t have the same opportunity as guys from places like New York, California or Texas. I’m excited about this card on multiple levels, from the main event, to the Serrano-Rojas rematch and of course the preliminary matches. In fact, it’s usually the undercard fights that are often the best, so I advise all ticketholders to get to the venue early.”

 

Doors open at 6 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 7.

 

During the last 23 years, Halquist Productions built a reputation in the boxing world for their loyalty, honesty and integrity. In 1997, Halquist Productions ran their inaugural “Battle at the Boat” series, which remains successful to this day. Halquist Productions promoted many world title bouts and their fight cards have been seen on ESPN, HBO and Showtime.

Serrano believes the second time is a charm!

 

Tacoma, WA (August 9, 2012) – On June 2, welterweights Nate Serrano and Osvaldo Rojas engaged in one of the most exciting bouts in “Battle at the Boat” history.

 

Serrano, a retired marine who has a gargantuan fan base at the Emerald Queen Casino and Rojas, a rugged Oregonian, slugged it out throughout their unforgettable six round contest. Both men had their moments and the crowd remained at the edge of their seats from bell to bell.

 

Upon the bout’s completion, both men were met with a round of applause from the appreciative crowd. A case could’ve been made for either man to emerge as the victor and the pro-Serrano crowd wasn’t sure whose hand would be raised when the scorecards were read.

 

Ultimately, the judges ruled it a split draw, opening the door for a rematch. Just moments after the official decision came, Serrano, 4-1-1 (3 KO’s), and Rojas, 6-2-2 (2 KO’s), agreed they’d meet again August 18 as part of the “Battle at the Boat 88” fight card.

 

“I’ve seen so many proposed rematches of great fights fall apart for one reason or another,” said Brian Halquist, CEO of Halquist Productions. “From the time their first fight ended, I really wanted them to meet again. Thankfully, both fighters were 100 percent behind an immediate rematch and I commend them for giving the fans what they want.”

 

Like his counterpart Serrano wants to provide excitement and turn the draw into a win. The Yakima native, whose fought all of his professional bouts for Halquist at the Emerald Queen Casino, is confident he made the necessary adjustments to do so.  

 

“It was a great fight,” Serrano said of his first fight with Rojas. I thought everybody enjoyed it and that’s why we agreed to do it again. I feel like I edged him out but it was a very close fight. The difference this time is that I’m not going to waste any punches."

 

He also recognizes the importance of keeping his loyal fans happy.

 

“In my eyes, there’s always pressure on me to go out there and put on a good performance for my fans, my team and myself. It means a lot the fans support me so strongly and I’m happy to perform for them. It does help when I get the support and it’s a good feeling to know that they like my fights. To reward them, I expect to be victorious on the 18^th.”

 

The highly anticipated Serrano-Rojas rematch serves as the co-feature to the ten round lightweight battle between hungry veterans Jose Hernandez and Robert Osiobe.

 

Highly touted junior welterweight Ray Lampkin Jr. of Portland fights for the second time in as many fights on a BATB card when he meets Randell Corpuz of Yakima. The son of title contender Ray Lampkin Sr., the younger Lampkin posted a 67-7 amateur record and amongst the Pacific Northwest’s most promising prospects.

 

Also appearing in undercard bouts are four rounders between Jose Leon ofLos Angeles, CA and Lakeside, MT’s Jesse Udhe, along with matchups between Hillsboro, OR resident Gabriel Pineda and Twin Falls, ID native Matthew Flores as well as Andres Ramos of Spokane, WA against Frank Mendez of Longview, WA.

 

Tickets starting at $25 are available at the EQC box office or by going to Ticektmaster.com.

 

Doors open at 6 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 7.

 

During the last 23 years, Halquist Productions built a reputation in the boxing world for their loyalty, honesty and integrity. In 1997, Halquist Productions ran their inaugural “Battle at the Boat” series, which remains successful to this day. Halquist Productions promoted many world title bouts and their fight cards have been seen on ESPN, HBO and Showtime.

Hernandez-Osiobe is new “Battle at the Boat” Headliner!

 

Tacoma, WA (August 6, 2012) – Battle at the Boat veteran Jose “Loco” Hernandez and Robert Osiobe have replaced the Juan Garcia-John Jackson bout as the main event for “Battle at the Boat 88” Saturday, August 18 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA.

 

The original headliner was scrapped due to unforeseen circumstances but the new main event is expected to produce fireworks from the opening bell.

 

The definition of a tough luck contender Hernandez, 13-5-1 (5 KO’s), is known for taking on all comers with no questions asked. Although many of his fights took place as the so called “opponent” the Fort Worth, TX native defeated contender Noe Bolanos, unbeaten Jairo Sanchez and the aforementioned Juan Garcia. He’s also received no love from the judges, dropping controversial decisions to hometown favorites Michael Angelo Perez, Luis Ramos, Matt Remillard and Oscar Meza.

 

Born in Nigeria and based in Denmark, Osiobe is also recognized for his willingness to challenge the best. Osiobe, 12-5-4 (6 KO’s), battled 9 undefeated foes and the five men to beat him were a combined 74-1-1. Although he went all-out against the likes of Rances Barthelemy, Evgeny Gradovich, Martin Kristjansen and Spend Abazi, Osiobe has never been knocked out.

 

“Strange things take place in this sport, but as you know, everything happens for a reason,” stated promoter Brian Halquist, CEO of Halquist Productions. “I love the new main event and this is going to be a slugfest. Both men fought top-notch opposition and are eager to make a statement. For some reason, almost all of the replacement fights on my card turned out to be better than the original one was expected to be.”

 

The Hernandez-Jackson bout is set for ten rounds in the lightweight division.

 

Retired Marine and local superstar Nate Serrano, 4-1-1 (3 KO’s), will look to best Osvaldo Rojas, 6-2 (2 KO’s), in the semi-main event. Serrano, of Yakima,WA, and Portland, OR’s Rojas fought to an entertaining six round draw in June and agreed to a rematch just minutes after exiting the ring. The rematch is set for six rounds in the welterweight division.

 

The undercard also pits junior welterweights Portland native Ray Lampkin Jr., 1-0, against Yakima’s Randell Corpuz 2-1-1. Lampkin is the son of Ray Lampkin Sr., who challenged legend Roberto Duran for the lightweight title in 1975. In a battle of debuting cruiserweights looking to make a statement, Cody Kraylavich meets Cody Gates in a four round affair.

 

Tickets starting at $25 are available at the EQC box office or by going to Ticektmaster.com.

 

Additional bouts will be added shortly.

 

Doors open at 6 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 7.

 

During the last 23 years, Halquist Productions built a reputation in the boxing world for their loyalty, honesty and integrity. In 1997, Halquist Productions ran their inaugural “Battle at the Boat” series, which remains successful to this day. Halquist Productions promoted many world title bouts and their fight cards have been seen on ESPN, HBO and Showtime.

Garcia to meet Action Jackson in Battle at the Boat 88!

Tacoma, WA (July 27, 2012) – On Saturday, August 18, lightweights Juan Garcia and John “Action” Jackson will go toe to toe at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA when they headline Halquist Productions’ “Battle at the Boat 88.”

 

Tickets from $25 are on sale now and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets or the EQC box office.

 

Garcia, 16-3 (5 KO’s), hails from Phoenix, AZ and took many tough fights thus far, challenging the likes of David Rodela, Cornelius Lock and “Battle at the Boat” veteran Jose Hernandez. Only six of Garcia’s 19 opponents had losing records and he’ll enter the ring wit a two bout winning streak.

 

Known in the boxing world as “Action Jackson,” 26-year-old John Jackson was born in Detroit, MI and fights out of Miami, FL.  With a 15-3 professional ledger and 13 wins by way of knockout, the cement fisted Jackson perfected his craft at the famed Kronk Gym. Prior to turning pro, he won medals at numerous amateur tournaments en route to being one of the hottest prospects in boxing when he turned pro in 2005.

 

The Garcia-Jackson showdown is scheduled for ten rounds.

 

Local hero and retired Marine Nate Serrano, 4-1-1 (3 KO’s), has his sights set on revenge when he meets Osvaldo Rojas, 6-2 (2 KO’s), in the co-featured bout of the evening. Serrano, of Yakima, WA, and Portland, OR’s Rojas met in June at the Emerald Queen, battling to a crowd-pleasing six round draw. The two welterweights will once again duke it out in a six rounder.

 

The undercard also pits junior welterweights Portland native Ray Lampkin Jr., 1-0, against Yakima’s Randell Corpuz 2-1-1. Lampkin is the son of Ray Lampkin Sr., who challenged legend Roberto Duran for the lightweight title in 1975. In a battle of debuting cruiserweights looking to make a statement, Cody Kraylavich meets Cody Gates in a four round affair.

 

“I’m very excited to see how these match-ups will play out on the 18^th,” stated Brian Halquist, CEO of Halquist Productions. “I’ve always loved matching two hungry guys like Garcia and Jackson because 99 times out of 100, they leave everything in the ring. Serrano and Rojas is another solid fight and Ray Lampkin Jr. really impressed me in his pro debut, so I encourage all of the fight fanatics in the Pacific Northwest to come out and show their support.”

 

Additional bouts will be added shortly.

 

Doors open at 6 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 7.

 

During the last 23 years, Halquist Productions built a reputation in the boxing world for their loyalty, honesty and integrity. In 1997, Halquist Productions ran their inaugural “Battle at the Boat” series, which remains successful to this day. Halquist Productions promoted many world title bouts and their fight cards have been seen on ESPN, HBO and Showtime.

Krumdiak-Vidonic: For More Than Bragging Rights

 

 

Tacoma, WA (July 6, 2012) - “Slick” Sally Krumdiack hails from Washington State. “Little” Patricia Vidonic resides in neighboring Oregon. They each battled top-tier opponents and traveled across the nation in doing so. Both went through ups and downs in their careers, but are currently regarded as elite martial artists. Most importantly, neither Krumdiack nor Vidonic has ever backed down from a challenge. The two have fought the best of the best, sharing the octagon with superstar Tara LaRosa, Rosi Sexton, Hiroko Kitamura, Saori Ishioka and Jessica Penne amongst others.

 

On July 14 at the Emerald Queen Casino, the tough and talented women square off in the three round co-feature on Halquist Productions’ “CageSport XX” card. Tickets starting at $35 can be purchased on ticketmaster.com or at the Emerald Queen box office.

 

A well balanced fighter, Krumdiak, 9-5, has the edge in experience. The rugged 29-year-old turned pro in 2006, four years before her foe. Vidonic, a 5’2 submission master, won five of her first six professional fights against quality opposition. Although she dropped her last two bouts by decision, few would be surprised if she emerged victorious on July 14.

 

“This is one of the most interesting fights we’ve had in a long time,” said promoter Brian Halquist. “Krumdiak and Vidonic are both outstanding fighters who were gutsy enough to accept yet another tough challenge by facing off. The fans are in for a real treat!”

 

Headlining the card is an interesting three round Evergreen State showdown between lightweights Sterling Ford, 14-5, and James Marohl, 6-1. Both Ford, of Spoake and Longview’s Marohl have been on a tear, winning 11 of their last 12 fights combined. Like the Krumdiak-Vidonic bout, the victor will likely receive a big fight in the near future.

 

Local prospects Shane Jamie (1-0), Benny Vinson (3-1), Justin Harrington (1-0), Calvin Horton (3-2) and Cory Vombaur (2-0) are set to appear in separate matches. Brent Knopp risks his 2-0 professional ledger record against fellow 2-0 combatant Darrio Mobley and Jerome Jones (4-3) meets Byron Sutton (5-3).

 

All undercard bouts are also scheduled for three rounds.

 

Former world champion, Female Fighter of the Year and CageSport veteran Miesha Tate will be on hand as a special cageside guest. A Tacoma native, Tate is available for a meet and greet, photo ops and autographs throughout the evening for all ticketholders.

 

For more information, go to Halquistproductions.com.

 

Sterling Ford: On the Cusp of Superstardom

 

Tacoma, WA (July 3, 2012) – Sterling Ford’s push towards the top of the lightweight division has been anything but easy.

 

The Spokane, WA native lost twice in his first five professional bouts and literally had to travel all across the nation to rebuild his career. The well-balanced Ford fought whoever was put in front of him and earned a contract with Strikeforce in 2011, going 1-1 in the “Strikeforce Challenger” series. Overall, he’s won seven of his last eight bouts but recognizes that a breakthrough victory is necessary to establish himself as one of the world’s top 155 pound fighters.

 

On Saturday, July 14, Ford gets his opportunity when he takes on once-beaten James Marohl in the three round main event of Halquist Productions’ “CageSport XX” at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

 

With a solid 6-1 professional ledger, Marohl’s one of the west coast’s fastest rising fighters. The Longview, WA native is a renowned submission specialist who scored first round stoppages in three of his last four fights. Naturally, Marohl is confident that he’ll emerge victorious, but Ford is doing everything in his power to spoil his foe’s plans.

 

Training twice a day in an elevated setting alongside MMA stars Benji Radach and John Albert, Ford respects his opponent while realizing the importance of this bout.

 

“James been fighting a long time, even longer than me,” said Ford. “I remember during my first amateur fight he was already an experienced amateur fighter. He’s a game fighter who always comes ready to go and has no quit in him. He’s very tough and (likes using) submissions.”

 

“I always look to stand up first and always gage my opponent in the first few minutes then I’ll know what (plan of action I’ll take). (My first goal is to always) come out aggressive and try to take care of him early because submission guys are always dangerous.”

 

Ford, who’s fought all across the United States, is also excited about returning to the Evergreen State.

 

“I’m huge on fighting in front of my crowd but I’ve fought all over the place during my career and it’s been difficult. It’s a great opportunity to me I’m here at home and this is much more enjoyable than fighting on the road the crowd is the best I plan on putting on a great show.”

 

Topping the talent-rich undercard is a three round 115 lb contest between female stars “Slick” Sally Krumdiack and “Little” Patricia Vidonic. The winner of the Krumdiack-Vidonic matchup will likely land a significant fight in the immediate future.

 

Local rising stars Shane Jamie, Benny Vinson, Justin Harrington and Jared Torgenson are set to appear in separate fights, while Brent Knopp risks his perfect record against fellow undefeated fighter Darrio Mobley and Jerome Jones meets Byron Sutton.

 

All undercard bouts are three rounds.

 

The card is promoted by Halquist Productions and tickets starting at $35 can be purchased on ticketmaster.com or at the Emerald Queen box office.

 

Tacoma’s very own Miesha Tate, a former world champion, Female Fighter of the Year and CageSport veteran, is the evening’s special guest. Tate, 12-3, is available for a meet and greet, photo ops and autographs throughout the evening for all ticketholders.

 

For more information, go to Halquistproductions.com.