“World Dominance,” presented by Fresquez Productions, will be held Saturday night, Dec. 2 at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Holm-Mathis 10-round bout, technically-speaking, will be for the IBA Welterweight title and WBAN Championship Belt.  Both female fighters, however, realize that they are also fighting for the mythical “P4P” crown. 

“We are the two best welterweights in the world,” Mathis said.  “Holly’s best fights have all been in her hometown, while I’ve won most of my world championships outside of my hometown.  I also have a much better knockout percentage than Holly (84% to 26%).  Fighting in the U.S. has always been in my plans and, if I didn’t agree to fight Holly there, it wouldn’t have been possible to make this fight in France due to expenses and promotional demands.  I must fight Holm, in her hometown, to be recognized worldwide.

“This fight can make a major impact for women’s boxing.  We’re both well known in the boxing world and it’s also unusual for a French boxer fighting in the United States. I will be in the best possible condition.  I’m still working to win and the key to victory against Holly, hopefully, is that the judging will be neutral that evening.”

Mathis is currently riding a 24-fight, 16-year win streak since she suffered her only pro loss in her second fight. On Dec. 2nd, she will mark the fifth anniversary of her first world title victory, in which she stopped previously unbeaten Myriam Lamare (13-0) for the WBA crown and vacant EBU championship. Ann Sophie’s victims also include world champions Couch, Yankovich, Ana Pascal and Nathalie Toro.

Six-time world titlist Mathis is the reigning the WIBA, WIBF and WBF World Welterweight Champion, while Holm is a nine-time world champion in three different divisions (light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight).

Holly has defeated virtually all of the significant names of the past decade in women’s boxing from the 140 through 154-pound classes, including Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, Mia St. John, Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice). Holm is riding a 24-fight unbeaten streak, dating back to her only pro loss in 2004, when a serious cut under her eye prevented her from continuing to fight. 

The 29-year-old Holm sports an incredible 20-0-1 (6 KOs) record in world title fights, as well as an 14-0-1 mark versus world champions. 

“I’ve never fought anybody like Holly,” Mathis remarked, “but twice I have beaten Myriam Lamare, who is more powerful than Holly and very physical.  We’ll see if Holly can take my power.  I think she’s a dancer, or runner, and I’ll have to be patient and wait for my opportunity.  It’s going to be a very interesting fight on December 2nd.”

“Rumble in Rio VII” weigh-ins are set to take place today inside the Bosque Event Center at the Santa Ana Star Center. The Rumble weigh-ins have a start time of noon. This event is open to the public and free for everyone.

The “Rumble in Rio VIII” will be held tomorrow Saturday, October 22 at Santa Ana Star Casino’s Bosque Event Center. The boxing event will feature bouts with police officers and firefighters from throughout New Mexico duking it out for a good cause. The matches will each consist of three one-minute rounds. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bell at 7 p.m. “Rumble in Rio” is a non-profit organization that raises money for the Jim Franklin Bike Give-away Program that donates hundreds of bicycles to under privileged children throughout the state of New Mexico each year. For more information, please call (505) 867-0000 or visit www.rumbleinrio.net.

One of New Mexico’s premier featherweight boxers, Willie Villanueva (10-3, 2-KO’s of Los Vatos), will be making his first appearance on Showtime Boxing (ShoBox), for  DiBella Entertainment’s “OctoberFist”,  this Friday, October 21, 2011, taking place at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT, against the undefeated  Ryan Kielczewski (11-0, 2-KO’s).  The two will go 8 rounds as the first televised match of the night.
Villanueva started training in karate with Chavez from the time he was 6, and he earned 3 state championships as well as 2003 New Mexico Golden Gloves.  He transferred to Danny Romero for a time, but after his fight with Gary Russell Jr., he realized that he needed something different.  So, a little over a year ago, he came to Ronnie Huizar of Team Los Vatos(@lvsportwear), premier sponsor of boxers and fighters for the last 15 years, and a gym to train a select few for the last 10 years.  Huizar agreed to train him, with considerable changes to his diet and training regimen.  In June of this year, he fought on Fresquez Productions’ “Duke City Showdown” which featured renowned Holly Holm, and defeated his opponent David Proa. Since then, he has been training harder than ever; he and Coach Huizar (as well as Coach Ronnie Duran) feel that, right now, he is in the best shape of his life.  He trains several times daily, working on each aspect of his fight game:  technique, speed, cardio, strength, conditioning, and sparring, with teammates from Los Vatos and friends like Donald Sanchez, professional boxer and cagefighter with FITNHB.
Villanueva was contacted by Dibella’s matchmaker, Joe Quiambao, by Facebook, about 6 weeks ago, asking him to be on the card.  This was not the first ShoBox card Dibella had asked him to be on; he’d been offered several other lucrative fights, but with very short notice, and his management advised against it.  This time, however, the notice was more than sufficient, and Huizar agreed to the fight.
Team Villanueva immediately went to work, but two weeks into camp, Villanueva and his family suffered a great loss; his fiancé’s sister, Adelina Jaramillo, was brutally murdered in front of her 9-month-old baby, while her 11-year old was at school.  He and his fiancé took the two children in as their own daughters, so he now is father of 5 children.  Rather than taking away from his dedication to the sport, the tragedy has motivated him even more to be successful, for the sake of all his loved ones.  A memorial fund has been set up for the benefit of this family, at New Mexico Educators’ Federal Credit Union, The Adelina Jaramillo Memorial Fund, for any wishing to help this family.

Photos by: Will Fox

Write-up by: Trula Howe

“I am greatly disappointed, for both myself and UFC fans, that I will no longer be fighting for the Welterweight title at UFC 137, but I also understand that injuries are a part of this business.

As a professional fighter, it is my job to be prepared for any and all circumstances, positive and negative, that come my way during training and the actual fight. Georges is a great competitor and I know that he will want to return to 100 percent health as soon as possible so that this fight can be rescheduled.

This is the best training camp I have ever had, and I look forward to continuing the growth that I’ve experienced in this camp in my next one.

I have trained for over a decade in mixed martial arts with the clear goal of becoming the best fighter in the world at my weight class. I have worked this long to become the UFC Welterweight Champion.  I will work a little longer.”

Statement from Malki Kawa, Condit’s Agent/First Round Management CEO:

“Carlos Condit is the top contender in the UFC’s Welterweight division, and as such, the most logical decision for him is to be ready for the title shot he has earned against Georges St-Pierre as soon as St-Pierre is fully recovered.

While it is disappointing that he will not fight on the UFC 137 card, it is my hope that fans understand that this is the best matchup at this weight class. Carlos is hungry for the title shot and when this fight is rescheduled, he will be ready to show the world what made him the top contender.”

Two weeks and counting! UFC Fighter Carlos Condit and S & C trainer Adrian Gonzales prepare for the October 29th UFC Welterweight title fight with GSP. Carlos completed 45 minutes of non-stop interval training on the Vertimax, core Intervals and the Airdyne Bike. Carlos crushed the circuit leaving little doubt that he will have the strength and endurance for the October 29th fight. More photos are made available at www.AndrewDeMattos.com and www.CampCondit.com.

On fight night in Albuquerque, NM come watch the Duke City’s own Carlos Condit take on UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St.Pierre in the Main Event at UFC 137. The co-Main Event will feature Strikeforce Champion Nick Diaz taking former Muti-Weight class UFC Champion BJ Penn! PPV starts at 7pm/MST.  Elliott’s Bar and Grill 10200 Corrales Rd NW (Coors By Pass/Alameda). 1st 100 people get FREE Vandal Industries Dog Tags starting at 6:45pm/MST! $2.00 beers from 7pm-8pm while wearing the FREE Vandal Industries Dog Tags. Treats For Freaks Party follows UFC 137! Ladies there will be $100 cash prize best and sexiest costume!

The UFC Encyclopedia book is on sale now… The book captures all facets of the UFC, detailing the history of the organization from its beginnings in 1993, and providing comprehensive coverage of over 300 fighters, champions, Hall of Fame, and over 170 event results. UFC Encyclopedia will give fans unparalleled insights into the UFC universe in 400 full-color pages. It will include unprecedented access to the most dynamic fighters in the world, through profile and action photos, detailed biographies, win/loss records, vital stats, and titles held in the organization.

UFC Encyclopedia signing with Donald Cerrone and Leonard Garcia at Hastings Entertainment in Albuquerque, NM this coming Saturday October 22^nd starting at 1pm/MST.

Tohkon Self-Empowerment Center We offer the following classes:

Karate

Kickboxing

Jujutsu

Grappling

Womens self Defense

Cardio Combat

Little Dragons 2-4 year olds

Youth Yarate and Kickboxing

Weapons Training

Elliott’s Bar and Grill 10200 Corrales Rd NW (Coors-By-Pass/Alameda) in Albuquerque, NM.

1st 100 people get FREE Vandal Industries Dog Tags starting at 6:45pm

$2.00 beers from 7pm-8pm while wearing the FREE Vandal Industries Dog Tags

Treats For Freaks Party follows UFC 137! Ladies there will be $100 cash prize for best and sexiest costume!

October 14-15-16, 2011 Rock the Ink will be at EXPO NEW MEXICO in ABQ! The weekend festival features on-site tattooing by top tattoo artists. This is the place to get inked. Patrons are encouraged to book appointments ahead of time or simply stop by and get tattooed. Check out the gorgeous women competing for the crown in the Miss Rock The Ink Beauty Pageant, featuring casual wear, swimsuit, and pin up rounds. Weekend attractions and events will be announced soon!

Friday October 14 1 PM to 11 PM

Saturday October 15 11 AM to 11 PM

Sunday October 16 11 AM to 9 PM

Top Tattoo and Body Mod Artists

About the Logan Plant Benefit Memorial:

Logan Thomas Plant

Born June 1, 1994

Logan would have been a Junior at Estancia High school but sadly he passed away last year on November 17, 2010. In Logan and his families’ honor we are using this amateur kickboxing/boxing event at Estancia to raise money for the Logan Plant scholarship.