NEWS

TOP 5 TRAINERS IN THE WORLD

Wittman Gets Honorable Mention.

By Douglass Fisher with MAXBOXING April 12, 2007

My top five active trainers right now are: Beristain (finally getting mainstream respect because of the Marquez Bros., did wonders with the crude Daniel Zaragoza, “Finito” is his masterpiece), Emanuel Steward (obviously famous for his Kronk team, has resurrected both Wladdy Klitschko and Kermit Cintron, Lewis is his masterpiece), Freddie Roach (Virgil Hill first got his face out there as a trainer, he helped bring James Toney back from the depths of despair, Manny Pacquiao is his masterpiece, and I think he’ll have De La Hoya looking **** sharp), Joe Goossen (the success of the Ruelas Bros earned him mainstream props, transformed Joel Casamayor from a great amateur to a professional world champ, had people believing in Mount Whitaker, turned Diego Corrales’ career around for a short period, masterpiece is Michael Nunn) and Floyd Mayweather Sr. (Joy did very well with both Chad Dawson and Steve Forbes, Mayweather Jr. is his masterpiece).

Honorable mention: Amilcar Brusa (I don’t know if the old man is still training anymore but he’s a bona fide legend; I think Baldomir was his 14th world champ), Jesse Reid (you talk about MOTIVATORS, this man is one of the most underrated trainers/conermen that I know of), Tommy Brooks, Fritz Sdunek, Teddy Atlas, Ronnie Shields, Evangelista Cotto, “Ice” John Scully, Trevor Wittman, Tom Yankello, Joe Hernandez, Rudy Hernandez, Buddy McGirt, Enzo Calzaghe, Wayne McCullough, Michael Timm and I’m sure I’m leaving off numerous worthy trainers/coaches/teachers/conditioners/motivators.

 

Boxing News -- 24 hours/day - Reload often! Continuously updated all day, every day!

THE WORLD IS READY FOR THE UFC®

ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® ANNOUNCES
UFC 73: STACKED

ANDERSON SILVA vs. NATE MARQUARDT
BATTLE FOR THE WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

SEAN SHERK vs. HERMES FRANCA
BATTLE FOR THE WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

TITO ORTIZ vs. RASHAD EVANS
BATTLE FOR RESPECT

ANTONIO RODRIGO NOGUEIRA vs. HEATH HERRING
BATTLE FOR PRIDE

LIVE FROM ARCO ARENA – SATURDAY, JULY 7

Tickets Go On Sale Saturday, May 12 at 2pm PT

photo: Chris Cozzone
 FightWireImages.com

Tired of paying your hard-earned cash for events packed with hype and little else? Sick of sitting down for a pay-per-view event and finding out that you’re paying over $50 for just three fights that include a showcase and a mismatch? The Ultimate Fighting Championship® has the cure for what is ailing fight fans, and in a continuing effort to provide what the world is truly waiting for, it is announcing yet another UFC card stacked with at least five fights that include two intense championship bouts and a heated grudge match between two light heavyweight rivals. UFC 73: STACKED features UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva in his first title defense vs. Nate “The Great” Marquardt. UFC Lightweight Champion Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk puts his newly-won belt on the line vs. Brazil’s Hermes Franca. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira steps into the Octagon™ for the first time for a heavyweight war with Heath Herring – and Tito Ortiz intends to put a painful end to Rashad Evans’ perfect 15-0 record. Let the fireworks begin. UFC 73, loaded with UFC superstars, takes place LIVE from ARCO Arena in Sacramento, Calif. Saturday, July 7, 2007.

“We have five UFC events lined up now through July in the US and UK, and every one of them is stacked with great fights,” said UFC President Dana White. “No matter where we have a UFC, our goal is always the same – to deliver the best fights between the best mixed martial arts fighters. Our fans know they will always see a good fight, and that’s why the UFC reigns supreme in live sports today.”

White continues, “UFC 73 is one of the best cards we’ve put together this year. It’s going to deliver the one-two punch fight fans want – it has Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans, two all-state college wrestlers, both who dislike each other, settling their differences in the Octagon, as well as title defenses by our two champions Anderson Silva and Sean Sherk. We’re working on more fights right now to pack this card even heavier from top to bottom.”

About his upcoming fight versus Rashad Evans, “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz stated, “Everybody should expect fireworks. Rashad is standing in the way of my getting another title shot, and my prediction is that he won’t be able to handle my tempo or the 18,000 Tito Ortiz fans that are in Sacramento to see me win. My prediction is that fans will definitely get their money’s worth.”

Evans countered, “Tito needs to learn the meaning of respect. On July 7, I’m going to teach him what that’s all about. Let him come down from the mountain to Greg Jackson’s training camp and he’ll see what he’s up against. I’m focused and on a mission, and my goal is to knock him out.”

Tickets for UFC 73: STACKED go on sale Saturday, May 12 at 2pm PDT with prices $550, $350, $250, $150 and $50. The fastest and most convenient way to purchase tickets is by visiting the Ticketmaster Web site at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone at (916) 649-TIXS, (530) 528-TIXS and (209) 551-TIXS. Tickets are also available at the ARCO Arena Box Office, which is open Monday thru Saturday from 10am to 6pm and at all Sacramento-area Ticketmaster locations and at www.ufc.com.

UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Tuesday, May 8 starting at 10:00am PT via the website www.ufc.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, May 10 starting at 10:00am PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through www.ufc.com.
UFC 73: STACKED is available live on pay-per-view at 10:00pm. ET/7 p.m. PT on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, Bell ExpressVu, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $39.95 ($39.99 CAD).

The last UFC event held at ARCO Arena took place Nov. 18, 2006 to a sellout crowd of more than 15,300 with a gate of $2.7 million. This event promises to be another sell-out with the layers of spectacular matchups planned, including the featured main event Anderson Silva vs. Nathan Marquardt.

Silva (18-4), fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil, defeated Rich Franklin by first round TKO at UFC 64 to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion. He is an extremely well-rounded fighter with phenomenal striking skills. He took on Travis Lutter in what was supposed to be his first title defense, but Lutter fell short of making weight by a half-pound. As a result their fight was altered to a three-round non-championship bout, but Silva still finished Lutter by submission at 2:11 of the second round. “The Spider” is looking forward to fighting Marquardt and nabbing his first successful title defense in the UFC. Wyoming-native Nathan Marquardt has yet to disappoint in mixed martial arts competition, as he has put together an impressive resume that includes 28 wins, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and recognition as a seven-time King of Pancrase. In the UFC, Marquardt’s success has continued, with wins over Ivan Salaverry, Joe Doerksen, Crafton Wallace and Dean Lister. Marquardt has earned this shot at UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, and plans to take out the Brazilian champion and take home his middleweight crown.

In a second championship bout, UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk will take on Hermes Franca in his first title defense since defeating Kenny Florian in October of last year.

Sean Sherk (35-2-1), fighting out of Oak Grove, Minn., holds an incredible record, with only two losses. The first came to Matt Hughes for the UFC World Welterweight title. Sherk went on to win 12 straight fights before losing by TKO in the second round to Georges St-Pierre. Sherk is an excellent wrestler and is one of the pound-for-pound strongest competitors in the sport. He defeated Kenny Florian in a battle for the vacant UFC lightweight title last October at UFC 64 to become champion in the newly restored weight division. Hermes Franca (18-5) has won his last eight fights – all by knockout or submission. Included in this amazing streak are UFC wins over Joe Jordan, Jamie Varner, and most recently a TKO over Spencer Fisher. This 32-year old ground ace from Fortaleza, Brazil wants to win the lightweight crown by finishing the fight Hermes-style.

One of mixed martial arts' premier heavyweights, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil's Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira (29-4-1) returns to fight in the United States for the first time since 2000 and will make his UFC debut against one of his toughest foes in Heath Herring. A premier ground fighter with a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Nogueira is known for his varied offensive attack and his habit of never being in a boring fight. The former PRIDE heavyweight champion, Nogueira holds wins over a Who's Who of the sport, including Herring, Mirko “Cro Cop”, Dan Henderson, Ricco Rodriguez, Josh Barnett, Mark Coleman, and Fabricio Werdum. On July 7th, fight fans will be in for a treat when Nogueira enters the Octagon to face “The Texas Crazy Horse.” Herring, the 6’4” 250-pounder who hails from the Lone Star State, is a perennial heavyweight contender and a tough out for anyone in the game. He is coming off a unanimous decision over 6 foot 7 giant Brad Imes at UFC 69, and is looking to ascend further up the UFC ranks with a payback win over “Minotauro” at UFC 73.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship organization is regularly holding events throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. The last three UFC events have broken venue records and overwhelmed sell-out crowds with spectacular fights and surprising upsets.

UFC 68, which took place March 3rd at Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio, drew a sell-out crowd of more than 19,000 and shattered the record for the highest North American attendance figure for a mixed martial arts event. At $3 million, it was also the highest grossing gate in Nationwide Arena history. The fight featured the heavyweight championship bout between Randy Couture and Tim Sylvia, where Couture electrified fight fans by dominating the much-favored Sylvia through all five championship rounds to earn status as the first three-time heavyweight champion in UFC history.

UFC 69, which took place April 7 at Toyota Center in Houston, drew a crowd of more than 15,000 and earned a gate of more than $2.8 million. It set the record for the highest gate ever in Toyota Center history. The card featured the championship bout between welterweights Georges St-Pierre and Matt Serra. Serra – who many dismissed as no match for St. Pierre – charged in at the opening bell and TKO’d St-Pierre with a flurry of strikes at just 3:25 of the first round.

UFC 70, which took place two weeks ago at MEN Arena in Manchester England, was attended by over 14,500 people and grossed a gate of more than £1.3 million. It set the record for the third largest gate in MEN’s storied history, and also broke the all-time merchandise record for the arena. UFC 70, which also aired on Spike TV in the United States, was the fifth highest rated cable sports program on television – network and cable – for the week of April 16, 2007. It was the number one rated television program on television period in the 18-34 year demographic. UFC 70 featured Croatian superstar Mirko “Cro Cop”, a heavy favorite over Gabriel Gonzaga,
in the heavyweight main event. Known for causing devastation with powerful leg kicks, “Cro Cop” was expected by many to end the fight by knockout. Just before the end of the first bell, Gonzaga caught “Cro Cop” with his own weapon and landed a head kick, KOing the former Pride Grand Prix champion at 4:51 of the first round.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has five live events lined up now through July, with a dozen more planned before the end of 2007, and full lineup of fights around the globe, including Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, Australia and Mexico in 2008.

UFC 71: LIDDELL vs. JACKSON, featuring the mixed martial arts superstar and seemingly unstoppable UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson takes place May 26th at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Liddell will attempt his seventh successful title defense and complete his mission to avenge all of his previous losses.

UFC 72: VICTORY, featuring the middleweight main event fight Rich “Ace” Franklin vs. Denmark’s Martin Kampmann, and the light heavyweight special feature Forrest Griffin vs. Hector Ramirez takes place June 16th from the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The Ultimate Fighter® 5 Finale, featuring Jens Pulver vs. BJ Penn - who matched wits for six weeks as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter® Season 5 - square off June 23rd in a long-awaited rematch live from The Pearl at The Palms in Las Vegas.

UFC® Fight Night™, the UFC live series of fights telecast on Spike TV, features Spencer Fisher vs. Sam Stout, and will take place from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hard Rock Live.

For more information about UFC 73 or any upcoming UFC event, visit www.ufc.com or uk.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change.

 
The Resurgent Career of Verno Phillips
By Chris Scott-Brown-April 4, 2007

Boxing is a sport that is full of comeback stories about athletes who have left the sport only to return, seeking that one last hurrah. Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title in 1967 and not allowed to box professionally for three years. When he finally was allowed to return to the ring three years later, he gave us 4 ring magazine fights of the year in the process of becoming the heavyweight champion again. George Foreman retired for nearly ten years following his loss to Jimmy Young, but he returned becoming the oldest man ever to win the heavyweight championship. Even Rocky Balboa returned to boxing to give a spirited performance against the heavyweight champion of the world following a sixteen year lay off. The list goes on and on of boxers who have taken time off only to comeback and be as or even more successful in the sport. Verno Phillips is one more name that you can add to this list.

Verno Phillips professional boxing career began in January of 1988. He had a rather rough start to his boxing career, losing four of his first twelve fights. In a sport like boxing, where so much emphasis is placed on records, Verno could have easily slipped into journeyman status where he would have been little more than a name on the resume for superstars or up and coming hot prospects in the sport. Instead Phillips went on a rampage, winning thirteen of his next fourteen fights with one fight being declared a draw.

For his efforts, Verno Phillips was awarded a fight with Lupe Aquino for the vacant WBO Light Middleweight Title. Lupe Aquino was a former WBC Light Middleweight World Titlist, who had vastly more experience in boxing rounds and championship fights than Phillips. Despite these disadvantages Verno emerged victorious, rising off the canvas in the first to knockout Aquino in the seventh. Verno would go on to defend his title three times before losing it to Gianfranco Rosi, who ironically was the one to take away Lupe Aquino’s WBC version of the light middleweight title.

Following this fight, Gianfranco Rosi tested positive for amphetamines and the fight was changed from a twelve round unanimous decision win for Rosi to a no contest and Verno Phillips was reinstated as the champion. This would be short lived however, because despite dropping the challenger being dropped in the first and penalized for a head butt in the ninth, he would lose it to Paul Jones in his next fight by majority decision. Following his loss to Paul Jones, Phillips decided to leave the division and become a middleweight. This decision would prove to be unsuccessful as he would drop two of his next three fights, including a championship bout against Silvio Branco for the WBU Middleweight Title.

He would again change divisions, returning to the light middleweight in search of greener pastures. And he would find them and also find himself a champion again by defeating old foe Gianfranco Rosi for the WBU Light Middleweight Title. Although the WBU isn’t as highly regarded as some of the other boxing organizations, this light middleweight belt would provide him not only with his biggest challenge but also his greatest triumph. Because it was for his WBU Light Middleweight Title that he came face to face with Julian Jackson. Julian Jackson was far removed from his career preceding his bouts with Gerald McClellan, but he was still no one to be taken lightly and still a huge name in the division. Although Julian Jackson showed some of the punching power that made him so dominant at light middleweight and middleweight in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s Verno Phillips was in control for much of the fight and ended it by TKO in the ninth. In a fight that was ten years to the day of Verno Phillips having his first pro fight he would have his finest hour and most prestigious win.

Following his brutal TKO of Julian Jackson, Verno Phillips would be away from the sport of boxing for nearly two and a half years. After the ups and downs and the punishment he had taken up into this point of his career, I’m sure his body was thankful for the rest. A knockout of Vincent Moses marked Phillips return to the sport. Phillips followed up his victory with a unanimous decision loss to Kassim Ouma. Verno would not be discouraged though, as he had faced this type of adversity early on in his career. Following his loss to Kassim Ouma, he won five in a row, leading to and IBF Light Middleweight Title eliminator against Julio Garcia. He would starch Garcia, knocking him down twice before landing enough power shots to have the ref call a halt to the fight in the first round.

Verno’s next fight would be for the vacant IBF Light Middleweight Title against Kassim Ouma. Due to an injury, Kassim Ouma was forced to pull out of the bout less than a week before the fight was scheduled to take place. Carlos Bojorquez, who was ranked number fifteenth by the IBF, would step into Kassim Ouma’s place. Phillips would TKO him in six rounds and recapture his first major world title since defeating Lupe Aquino in 1993. With Kassim Ouma fully recovered, Phillips faced him with his newly acquired belt on the line. Ouma proved to be too much for the veteran as he was lucky to finish the fight on his feet in route to a twelve round unanimous decision loss. His next fight would see him fall to another resurgent veteran in Ike Quartey. Once again Phillips found himself in a funk that he hadn’t seen since he lost his WBO Light Middleweight Title to Paul Jones followed by a loss to Peter Venancio in his first fight at middleweight. Once again Verno has rebounded, and is currently on a three fight win streak that has placed him among the top ten contenders at junior middleweight.

It has definitely been a long road for Verno Phillips. He has had his ups and downs, but through it all has always managed to emerge victorious. Just when you’re ready to count him out, he arises at the count of nine with his gloves up and ready to continue the fight. Verno Phillips may not be the most prolific light middleweight champion the world has ever seen, but he has to be one of the most resilient. He is an inspiration in the sport and a true challenge to anyone who decides to step into the ring against him. He is a rare breed of athlete who has silenced the critics by his actions in the ring. Many believe once you get to a certain age or have been in what they call “too many wars in the ring” you should hang up your gloves and walk away gracefully. And although that may be true for most athletes, Verno Phillips is certainly an exception to that rule, and every time he steps into the ring he shows you why.

David Hernandez beats Steve Conklin

Posted: Feb,6th

 

David Hernandez went to Oregon to fight home town fighter Steve Conklin and one a 6 round Unanimous Decision. David won 5 out of the 6 rounds. Great job David! David's record is now (4-4-2) while Steve Conklin is now (4-2).

 

Nate Marquardt Dominates Dean Lister!

Posted: Jan27

 

Nate Dominated every round of their 3 round bout. Marquardt dropped Lister six times in the fight 3 with right hands and 3 time with knees to the head. Joe Rogan said it was Marquardt's most Dominating performance in the UFC yet. The Scores were 30-27 on one judges card and and 30-25 on two of the judges cards. Marquardt is now 4-0 in the UFC right now not losing a round yet. If you want to watch the fight go to UFC.com and check it out on UFC Demand it is

 

Nate Fights this week on Spike T.V. against well known Dean Lister !

Posted: Jan22nd

 

Nate 'The Great' Marquardt will be fighting this week against the well known and JuJitzu master, Dean Lister. They will be fighting 3, 5 Minute rounds live on Spike TV, Thursday, January 25th.

 

Team Jacksons at T's K.O. Fight Club for Training Session!

Posted: Jan 22nd

Click on picture to see the photos

Team Jacksons came to Colorado to help team mate Nate 'THE GREAT' Marquardt for his up an coming fight with Dean Lister. Check ou the picture's of the training sessions they are cool!

 

Marquardt to Fight UFC and Pride Vet. Dean Lister on the UFC!

Posted: Dec. 12th

 

Nate 'The Great' Marquardt will be fighting the well known and JuJitzu master, Dean Lister. They will be fighting 3, 5 Minute rounds live on Spike TV, January 25th.

 

J.C. Candelo will be Fighting for the NBA World Title!

Posted: Dec. 12th

 

J.C. Candelo will be fighting Eric Mitchell for his NBA World Title. They will be fighting in Florida in Mitchell's back yard. This will be the first time in 5 fights that Candelo will be back with his old TEAM. Look for a very Exciting Fight.

 

Strikeforce "Triple Threat" Pictures

“BANG’S” NIGHT AT STRIKEFORCE, THOMSON, JACKSON, AND SOUTHWORTH EARN TITLES

By Loretta Hunt

Although STRIKEFORCE’s “Triple Threat” boasted a trio of titles up for grabs last night in the fight-friendly San Jose destination, it was Duane Ludwig who captured the crowd’s fancy with a dominant decimation of Tony Fryklund in an electrifying one-and-a half rounds.

Indeed, K-1 veteran Ludwig was a force with his fast and accurate punches and kicks, shaking Fryklund early with a blurring right hand. Moving in for the takedown, Fryklund was welcomed with harsh body knees under Ludwig’s seemingly unbreakable head clinch. Things steadily worsened for the Las Vegas resident, who’d fought at middleweight for a portion of his career, and was now stepping back down to face the 170-pounder.

Ludwig’s attack was methodical and calculated, with punches and kicks coming from all angles on Fryklund as he struggled to keep up. Bouncing back to his feet from a leg sweep, Fryklund made it to the bell, but finally succumb to Ludwig’s onslaught with a left hook that sent him down three-and-a-half minutes into the second round. The crowd was on fire.

The 8,701 in attendance applauded Ludwig’s skill as much as Fryklund’s heart with a standing ovation.

 

J.C. Candelo is coming home!

Posted: July 12th

 

I just got off the phone with JC and he will be arriving in Denver on Sunday July 23rd. His first day of training will be on Monday the 24th, and is training for his fight in  Texas on the 14th of August. The opponent has not been selected yet, but I will keep you updated.. 

 

Verno Phillips to face Teddy Reid for the Trans American Title and the #3 Ranking in the IBF.

Posted: July 8th

 

Verno Phillips(39-10-1 20 KO's) will be fighting Teddy Reid(23-7-2 17KO's) in a 12 Round Main Event on ESPN2. The fight will take place August 9th in Connecticut at the Fox Woods Casino. They will be fighting for the Trans American Title, and also will be fighting for the #3 in the IBF. 

 

Shane Swartz Beats Ring Magazine's #7 Cruiser In The World

by Chris Morris, Photos by Javiel Centeno , RingsidePics

 

He said if he couldn't win, he wanted to be "taken out on a stretcher".  Many fighters make this type of statement only to go on television and bomb miserably. (can you say Antonio Tarver)  Not Shane Swartz, not Colorado's Hurricane.  He fought the way he said he would and followed his gameplan to a T.  That's T as in Trevor Wittman.  The plan was to chop away at Brown's body and hopefully stop him late.  A nasty gash on Swartz' forehead was opened at the start of the 5th round and having completed 4 rounds they went to the scorecards where Swartz earned the unanimous technical decision.   Now before you assume that Swartz 'lucked out' understand this.  He was pitching a near shut out at the time with scorecards reading 49-46 and 50-45 x 2.  Brown would have had to win every remaining round to salvage a draw. 

 

Swartz deserves credit for the accomplishment. This is against Dale Brown, who honestly beat O'Neil Bell who is considered by many to be the best cruiser in the world.  Brown is ranked #7 by Ring magazine and #5 by the IBF.  Swartz should show up in all of the major sanctioning body's ratings in the next month or so.

 

Trevor Wittman has a way with fighters.  Remember when he took over JC Candelo in 2001 & 2002 Candelo was named Ring Magazine's 'Most Improved Fighter of 2002".  This was due in no small part to Wittman. 

 

It's a bit funny but last night a friend who knows his boxing, I mean really knows his stuff told me "Did you see they're serving Shane Swartz up for Dale Brown tonight on ESPN?"  Which was the common thought among boxing people.  Why drop down to cruiserweight and immediately fight one of if not the very best?  I was happy to inform my friend that Shane had won (Trevor called me soon after the win) and he was amazed, as he probably should have been. 

 

This win should put Swartz right 'in the mix' at cruiserweight, with a title shot or eliminator looming sometime soon, but the real question is, for how long?  Swartz was feeling good about getting down to light heavy before the fight.  If he moves down to 175lbs there maybe no stopping him from winning a world title. 

 

Swartz will have plenty of time to ponder as the cut earned him a 90 day suspension.  I have a feeling those are 90 days that will be well spent.  If Wittman was able to 'tune him up' to this point in a mere three and a half weeks imagine where they will be with 3 full months under their belt. 

 

Colorado has a new contender.  His name is "Hurricane" Shane Swartz.

 

Shane “The Hurricane” Swartz Takes On Dale “Cowboy” Brown

Shane “The Hurricane” Swartz has fought most of his professional career at heavyweight. In with the big behemoths who easily outsize the 5’8” Swartz. But that all changes tonight as he drops down to cruiserweight to challenge one of the best in the world in Dale “Cowboy” Brown.

Swartz feels good at cruiser and had no problems making the 200 pound limit.

“Making weight was relatively easy. I’m feeling much better down here. The heavyweights were just too damn big and I’m too short. I took those fights for money. This fight I took for my career. A win here can catapult me to where I should have been about 5 years ago.”

Five years ago (maybe a little more) he fought Martin Lopez at the Pepsi Center on the Stevie Johnston vs. Jose Luis Castillo undercard. I can remember my father and I both commenting on how “Damn good this kid is from Colorado! If he can stay to the course he can really go somewhere in this sport”

That night he was fighting at 190 pounds.

“After this fight I might even try to get down to light heavy, 175 pounds, I haven’t been there since high school. It would take a lot of work.”

But that’s work that Swartz doesn’t mind since hooking up with Trevor Wittman.

“We had three and a half weeks for camp which is short for the pro game but longer than the notice I’ve had on most of my fights. I’m in really good shape. I didn’t miss a single training session and did all of my roadwork religiously. Boxing had become a ‘job’ but now it’s fun again, with Trevor. I’m learning so much. Not just what I should do but more importantly why I am doing it. This sport is 90% mental and I’m going to get that edge back.”

Trevor seconds that motion.

“Camp was unbelievable and couldn’t have gone any better. He didn’t miss a single training session and got his weight down early. With Shane, positioning is everything and that’s what we worked on most. If Shane can stay in position, closing the gap and work hard on the inside, I think he can beat Brown.”

When asked about the game plan for tonight Trevor was quick to quip:

“We had some notice so we have watched some fight tapes on Dale Brown and we have developed a solid game plan using our positioning and pressure. Brown fights so slick and smooth from the outside, we have to get to that body early to slow him down. We have to force the fight inside. If all goes according to plan Shane will slowly break him down over the course of 10 rounds and stop him late.”

Is that a prediction?
 

“No, not really. I think Shane will probably win a very close decision.”

Swartz has other things on his mind.

“I’m feeling really good and strong. I’m ready to go and tired of waiting. I plan to come in on angles and work inside. Brown isn’t spectacular in any one area but he is damn good at everything. He always produces a win when he needs it and.  And I think he beat O’Neil Bell and should be the undisputed cruiserweight champ of the world.”

When asked for a prediction Swartz said:

“None, I don’t have a real prediction. I will win by knock out or lose by knock out, a decision isn’t an option. I’m down here in Florida fighting on his promoter’s card so if I can’t win I want to go out on a stretcher. I want to give it all I got and take it to him, leave it all in the ring tonight.”

Be sure to tune into ESPN tonight as there’s a Hurricane coming through Florida hoping to ravage the coasts of Dale Brown. This hurricane originated in Colorado and is looking to pick up steam. This hurricane is named Shane Swartz.

 

Duane 'BANG' Ludwig Fighting on Strike Force June 9th

Posted: May 22nd

Duane Ludwig will be fighting Tyson Griffin on June 9th on the Strike Force card. Stay tuned for more updates on his training to pre pare for this fight.

 

Clyde Franklin Won a 4 round decision in Phoenix, Az.

by Chris Morris. Posted: May 22nd

Clyde Franklin (1-1) has just won a four round split decision over Sergio Heredia (1-2).  Franklin used his fast hands and feet to put on a little boxing lesson.  Heredia never really figured out the slick south paw but did finish strong landing some heavy shots at the end of fourth round.  Congratulations Clyde!

 

Phillips Whips Candelo Down To A Knee

by Chris Morris. Posted: April 6th

 

Verno Phillips said Candelo owed him, and he made him pay tonight in New Orleans.  Phillips dominated the fight with combinations and a huge dose of bodywork.  Phillips landed two big right hands in a row in the 10th and final round to put Candelo down on a knee, punctuating the dominating performance.  Official scores were 98-91, 97-92 and 100 to 89. 

 

There was no 'feeling out' in this fight as both men rushed to center ring and fired punches away from the opening bell.  Phillips makes a real commitment to work the body while Candelo tries to establish the jab.  The second round brings more of the same as Phillips backs Candelo to the ropes and does his best work on the body.  Candelo can't quite get the jab dialed in on the constantly moving Phillips.  The third round is very close with both men doing their fare share of damage.  Phillips works combinations up to the head and down to the body.  Candelo makes a nice surge mid round followed by a nice uppercut.  After scoring the first two rounds for Phillips I score this one even, 10-10.

 

In the fourth both men seem a bit anxious and start to rush things a bit.  Candelo starts to get the jab going and controls the distance well earning the round.  He wins the next one as well as Phillips looks to be slowing down and his punch output drops.

 

In the sixth is was back to business for Phillips as he lands a nice right hand but doesn't follow up.  Candelo traps him in a corner and has his best moments of the fight thus far.  Phillips escapes and lands a left hook-right hand combo that rocks Candelo back on his heels.  Phillips loses his mouthpiece but not the round.

 

The seventh round started out WWE style with a lot of wrestling before Phillips goes back to the body.  He also lands a pair of uppercuts that secure him the round.  The round ends with a decent exchange.

 

Phillips begins taking over in the eighth as he lands right hands and combos that have Candelo holding on.  The ninth brings more of the same as Phillips lands nice combos while using great footwork to get outside and behind a tiring Candelo's shoulders.  Phillips body work is paying off as Candelo holds and looks to stall time.

 

The referee tries to make the "moral enemies" touch gloves at the beginning of the tenth and final round but neither man is having it as Phillips gives him a 'hip thrust' instead.  Phillips is relentless in trying to close the show.  He lands a nice three piece combo that hurts Candelo badly.  He follows up with two big right hands the second of which sends Candelo to a knee, where Phillips shucks him off with another 'hip thrust'.  Candelo survives the round but knows he is the beaten man.

 

Despite all the drama there was a quick 'shoulder hug' from both men after the bout more out of respect for the great fight they had just engaged in than anything.

 

Judges ringside scored it 98-91, 97-92 and 100 to 89 while RMB saw it 98-92.  Hopefully this will land Phillips another big bout with a big name.  I would personally like to see him in with the Ferocious One, Fernando Vargas, I think it's a very winnable fight for him.

 

Great job Verno, you made all of Colorado proud!!!

 

This Wednesday Verno Phillips will be fighting old stable mat J.C. Candelo on ESPN2. April 5th

Posted: Mar. 31st

 

We leave on Monday to go to New Orleans to face old team member JC Candelo. If you are a boxing fan you must tune in for this fight because there is a lot of bad blood between the two and if the fight is anything like their sparring sessions this fight is going to be great. The fights will begin at 8:00pm and Verno's fight will show at 9:00pm Central time, we are the main event so tune in for this brawl.

Marquardt Schools Doerkson!

Posted: Mar. 6th

 

Nate 'The Great' Marquardt was able to display a variety of skills on UFC 58 when he faced up against very tough Canadian Joe Doerkson. This fight was a skilled  match both on the ground and standing. In many of the interviews with Doerkson he was stating that he was going to stand with Marquardt and was going to knock him out, a very bold statement made from a guy who was known to be a master of the ground game and his judo throws. The fight was a battle from the beginning to end. Round one started off with a few exchanges then Doerkson taking Marquardt to the ground, and then Marquardt reversing Doerkson to his back, with little action on the ground because of Doerkson holding on the ref brought them back to their feet for some more exchanges with Marquardt getting the better of them. Round two was very similar to round one with Marquardt beating Doerkson to the punch and Marquardt landing some very hard inside and outside leg kicks. Doerkson the landed a good left hook the clipped and seemed to stun Marquardt, but he was able to take down Doerkson and regain his composer. The fight then turned into a chest match on the ground with Marquardt pulling off a nice sweep that really energized the crowd. Round three was Marquardts best round, he was just continually landing hard right hands and sharp right upper cuts that were constantly hurting Doerkson and in the last minute of the fight Doerkson was stuffed again on another one of his take downs and Marquardt had sunk a guillotine choke and if there was 5 more seconds in this fight Doerkson would have been stopped. All three judges had it a shut out for Marquardt (30-27). Marquardt is now hoping to get a fight with Rich Franklin for the UFC world Title witch probably wont be for 6 or 7 months because of Rich's Broken hand he suffered in his Title defense Saturday night that he won. I will keep you updated on when Marquardt will be fighting next.

Phillips to fight old stable mate, Candelo on ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights main event.

Posted: Mar. 6th

 

Verno Phillips just got a contract to fight J.C. Candelo on ESPN2 in a ten rounder on April 5th. This is going to be great fight being I (Trevor Wittman) used to train J.C. for two years in ending in a conflict between Phillips and Candelo. Make sure you watch this fight because there is a lot of bad blood which will make for an entertaining fight.

Saez Loses Razor Thin Majority Decision

by Chris Morris

Posted: Feb. 23rd

 

Just got word from Trevor Wittman that Hector Saez (8-4) has dropped a six round majority decision to Juan Hererra (10-3-1).  Wittman went on to say that "Hector started a little slow and gave up the first two round.  The third was really close, could have gone either way.  Hector came on strong in third and carried the momentum through the final two rounds sweeping them on my card.  Had the fight been an 8 rounder, he would have probably stopped him, but if not he would have won the fight no doubt."  Scorecards read 57-57, 57-56 & 59-57.

 

Hector Saez makes weight and Juan Hererra misses by a long shot.

Posted: Feb. 22nd

I just got a call from Hector from California and he said he made weight but Juan Hererra missed by 5lbs. Hector said he was still willing to fight the heavier Hererra. The California commission fined Hererra and the fight will still go on.

Hector Saez weight: 137lbs.

Juan Hererra weight: 142lbs.

 

Hector Saez Fighting in California on a Goossen Tutor card

Posted: Feb. 22nd

Hector Seaz will be leaving to California to face Juan Hererra (9-3) in his own back yard. The bout is a scheduled 6 rounder on February 23rd. Saez is having a good streak right now stopping Maitas in his last fight in the sixth round, and in his fight before that he beat the undefeated prospect Garcia in a unanimous decision. Saez is looking very good in the gym and I expect him to come home with the win.

Nate Marquardt to Fight on UFC

Posted: Feb. 22nd

Nate Marquardt will be fighting on the USA -vs- Canada Pay-Per-Veiw UFC event, facing very tough and well rounded Cnadian Fighter Joe Doerkson (27-7). This fight is scheduled for 3 5 minute rounds and will be Live on Pay-Per-Veiw. The event is held at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Make sure to watch this fight, if you have never seen Marquardt fight before he is one of the most explosive MMA fighters competing today.

Clyde Franklin to Fight in Phoenix, Az.

Posted: Feb. 22nd

Clyde Franklin will be heading to Phoenix, Az. to face tough Mexican Brawler, Sergio Heria (1-0). This fight is a scheduled 4 rounder on March, 24th, 2006 at the Phoenix, State Fair Grounds.

Allen gives Doherty a Ju- Jitzu Lesson

for the Ring of Fire Lightweight Championship

     

February 11th, 2006

Christian Allen, 140, continues to dominate every opponent put in front of him on the Ring of Fire. This time Allen faced very tough former Rocky Mountain Bad Boyz Champ, Joe Doherty of North Platte, NE. The fight was exciting and fast paced with Allen dominating the very game Doherty. The fight seemed like it was not going to make it through the 1st round because Allen had sunk a guiliteen choke early in the round but Doherty was not giving up that easy. As Allen gave up on the choke he then was able to sink the Triangle but Doherty was then saved by the bell. In the second round Doherty came out strong landing the best right hand of the night, then returning to the ground with Allen finding the Arm Bar that slipped to another Triangle that Doherty tried to shake for a little while, but was only a matter of time before Doherty would tap leaving Christian Allen the new Ring of Fire lightweight Champion.

 

Saez Crushes Matias

By David Finger Fight News

 

Hector Saez, 133, continued his revitalization with a dominating performance over Juan Manuel Matias, 133. Matias seemed unwilling to mix it up with Hector (who showed a great body attack) for much of the fight and spent much of the first five rounds holding. However, as the fifth round came to a close an overhand right landed on Juans chin, badly hurting him. Hector was able to finish him off in the sixth when a left hook to the body dropped Juan to the canvas. Although he was able to get up it was clear that he was done, and the fight was stopped shortly thereafter, with Juan complaining about a shot to the back of the head, but having been unable to win a single round. With the win Hector, who will be fighting in a month in California, improved to 8-3 (5) while Juan slipped to 8-6 (3), getting stopped in his last five fights.

 

 

T's KO Fight Club Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.