Spadafora Vs. Frankel Event Results And Quick Thoughts

Last night’s boxing from the Harv went down in Chester, West Virginia and all in all turned out to be a great night of fighting. I watched the online stream and it was perfect if you want to beat all the traffic, parking costs and crowds. It’s not great if you like good commentating though, because the two guys they had calling the fights last night were terrible. I usually try to not be too critical of these guys because I know the job can be tough but truthfully, I would have rather of listened to the sounds of cats dying over this crew.   It’s ironic because Roy Jones Jr. (the event’s front man and promoter) is one of the best announcers in the game right now but he doesn’t commentate his own events.  Also, to any promoter who uses GFL.TV and is reading this, make sure you tell your people to turn their cameras and mics off during the intermissions, that little mistake can and was pretty embarrassing.

Austin Marcum gave Joey Holt the most resistance he’s seen in his boxing career to date.  He survived Holt’s heavy punches and was able to mount some offense of his own early on.  It was all for not though because Joey eventually wore him down with big lead hooks and straight right hands that would have killed most normal men and by the fourth the referee had seen enough.   Holt is really starting to look like a boxer, rather than an MMA fighter trying to box. 

Check out the rest after the jump:

       Amateur MMA Rules In Pa Are Now Officially Changed

We've talked about it, we've made calls and sent emails for it and bros, I am pleased to tell you that the because of your combined efforts along with the right political persuasions by a few who request to remain anonymous, the amateur MMA rules in PA are officially changing. 

This is an email I received from PA Athletic Commissioner Greg Sirb himself:

IRRC approves sought after regulatory change for amateur MMA fighting

The new regulation permits the State Athletic Commission to waive the “striking to the head while on the ground” rule, as well as the shin/instep pad rule for those  amateur MMA fighters that have at least 3 (verified) BOUTS.  These amateurs will be required to file a “Waiver Request Form” – and each Form will be reviewed by the Commission for approval.

The PA Commission feels that this new amateur level will build a much needed training ladder approach from a Novice amateur to a well established amateur then to the pro level.    The Commission feels strongly that many of the (18-19 year old) amateur MMA fighters were not prepared to compete under the pro (ground/pound) rules thus the Commission remains steadfast about having these “novice” amateurs compete under the current amateur regulations (no ground/pound and shin pads) so that they could get a feel for the sport and see what is required of them.  After (3) verified bouts – these amateurs should be prepared to go and compete at the next amateur level and if successful at his “Advanced” level then decide if they what to turn Pro. 

** The Athletic Commission must still wait for the approval by the Office of Attorney General, after which the regulation will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.  The Commission expects (barring no delays) to start these new regulations in late May or early June.

This is a great change for all of us involved in the sport and the 3 fight minimum requirement is the most logical progression system I've heard of anywhere.  Thanks to those who took the time to make this happen, everyone will benefit by the work of a few.

Check out the official release after the jump:

RFO Cancels Show And Closes Doors:

Mansfield Ohio's popular RFO series has announced that they are officially cancelling their event scheduled for this weekend, citing fighter procrastination and other snags as the reason.

Promoter Matt Trukovich took it one step further and posted on Facebook that he has had enough of the turbulence in the MMA promoting game and is not going to be putting on anymore events in the future.  Promotion of any kind, especially MMA, is a thankless, expensive and nerve wracking venture that only a few people are cut out for.   RFO was in the game for roughly 7 years and was reportedly one of the best to fight for in the business, so it's not great news that one of the few good guys left in the sport is calling it quits, because there are not many.  

Hopefully Mr. Trukovich reconsiders his decision, the sport needs more honest and transparent leadership to continue to thrive in a business littered with false promises, shady Facebook messages and outright sabotage. 

Paul Spadafora Interview With Knuckledragger Magazine

Knuckledragger magazine caught up with "The Pittsburgh Kid" Paul Spadafora and talked with him about his fight this weekend against Rob "Redhot" Frankel coming to you live from the Harv in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia.  In this interview Paul talks about everything from his previous management problems, to what it's like training with up and coming fighters like Sammy Vasquez.

It's definitely worth the 6 minutes of your life to check out. 

            Thick As Thieves Unleashes: The Death Squad Gi

Just when you start to think that Thick As Thieves Fight Co. couldn't get any better, they turn around and surprise everyone with this unbelievable item. Gentlemen (and lady) feast your eyes upon TAT's latest creation, The Deathsquad Gi, engineered and designed by Jiu jitsu life style leader Kody Tuttle.

Here's a professional description of what you're looking at:

The Thick As Thieves "Death Squad"  Gi is a classic, sturdy black kimono with attitude. The jacket is made from a soft 550 GSM Pearl Weave with a drill cotton collar filled with EVA foam, 12 oz. cotton canvas pants with reinforced knees and grey contrast stitching with red/white patches. 

They are running a pre-sale starting today and because this item is only created in limited quantities and is essentially handmade, please allow 4 weeks for construction and shipping. At a price point of just 129.99$ this Gi is a steal compared to other designer gis on the market that can cost upwards of 200.00$.   These will be made in limited quantities and at this price, they are are going to move very quickly so don't sleep on this one. 

Place your order after the jump:

This week's recap brought to you by Comtrex™ cold and cough medicine. Yep, I've got a chest cold going on and it's a pretty gnarly one. It was enough to keep me from my day job today, but thanks to some medicine I've mustered enough strength to put together my usual Tuesday writeup after some technical difficulties last week.

 Hey there sexy peoples, it's Tuesday and I am here to drop some science on ya'll like usual about FX's The Ultimate Fighter. Tonights show was a great one and featured a couple finishes, including the nastiest short right hook in mma history. No, I don't think I am exaggerating.

Find out all about it after the jump.