I don't want to write this column.
Since I began my journalism career nearly 11 years ago, I've dreamt of having a column of my very own. It meant that I'd have a voice in this newspaper. People would read my innermost thoughts and I'd be inundated with fan mail or, more likely, dissenting views.
But, I don't want to write this column.
I had just arrived to work on Monday afternoon and, like any self-respecting worker, I immediately logged onto the internet to check headlines. A quick stop to ESPN.com, followed by Sherdog, a mixed martial arts Web site, and PWInsider.com, which is one of my favorite professional wrestling "insider" Web sites.
A look at the top headline on PWInsider floored me. "More information on the deaths of Chris Benoit and family."
My eyes immediately blurred, probably in shock and disbelief at what they were looking at. I scrolled down and, indeed, more headlines centered around the Benoit family's death.
I grabbed the phone and immediately phoned a couple of friends, wondering if they had seen the news. My mind had stopped. I was at a loss for words.
I've been a fan of pro wrestling for over 25 years and Chris Benoit was one of my all-time favorites. In the ring, he was an elite performer. He made pro wrestling look like ballet, mixed with a demolition derby style. Out of the ring, no one ever said a bad word about him. I've spoken to several wrestlers over the years and Benoit was always named as someone to be respected. He was a hard worker; he cared about his co-workers; he was a family man; he loved the business.
Before Monday, Chris Benoit was someone I could point to when talking to a non-wrestling fan and say "Hey, see that guy? He's a class act. Anyone would be proud to root for him."
Now, I sit here writing a column I don't want to write.
I have to write about Chris Benoit, the murderer.
The Chris Benoit who prematurely ended the lives of his wife, Nancy, and young son, Daniel.
As more and more details come to light, the harder it is to hear.
Chris Benoit ended his life as a monster.
And, many of his fans are still stuck in that moment when they found out he had died.
Usually, when a public figure that is idolized dies, fans can grieve. You reflect on the good memories that the celebrity gave you over the years, fondly remembering them and saying a tearful goodbye in your heart.
In this case, his fans are not allowed to do that. It doesn't feel right. Anyone who does what Benoit did does not deserve our heartache, our grief, our tears.
It feels like some sort of purgatory.
I'm hesitant to even speculate what caused such madness. Many in the media are latching on to its favorite toy: steroids. While it may have contributed to the tragedy, I have my doubts when it comes to placing full blame on it. Many want to blame WWE and Vince McMahon. I'm hesitant to do that, as well. Is WWE perfect? No. There is a steroid issue (and steroids WILL be found in Benoit's system) and the "entertainment" sometimes borders on the tasteless. But there have been thousands and thousands of wrestlers who've worked for McMahon who have not committed murder.
I am interested in hearing the condition of Benoit's brain. With the recent study on concussions (led by former WWE wrestler/Harvard graduate Christopher Nowinsky) that have focused mainly on current and former NFL players, I don't think it's unreasonable that pro wrestlers should also be included in the study.
Yes, wrestling is scripted. But, it's also a high-impact athletic endeavor and Benoit was always willing to put his body (mainly his skull) on the line for the sake of entertainment. His flying headbutt will long be remembered as a devastating maneuver. But the implications of that move, and the many chairshots.
But even if all those things are true, it still doesn't alleviate any of Benoit's guilt.
He murdered his wife; he murdered his baby boy; and, he took the coward's way out by committing suicide.
The most aggravating aspect of my feelings are that I'm stuck in limbo with my grief, because Benoit doesn't deserve my grief. No matter what the test results show, I'll always put the final blame on his shoulders.
Chris Benoit ended his life as a murderer. A child killer.
He doesn't deserve to rest in peace.
Chris Benoit deserves nothing.

Posted by James Melroy at 01:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I still get chills running down my spine reading the article:

Autopsy results showed that Benoit first murdered his wife, Nancy. She was bound at the feet and wrists and died of asphyxiation sometime on Friday, Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard told a news conference.

She was wrapped in a towel and some blood was found under her head but Ballard said there were no other signs of a struggle.

The couple's son, who also died of asphyxia, was apparently killed as he lay in bed on Saturday morning, hours before Benoit hung himself, Ballard said.

"It was the cord from the weights," he said, describing how Benoit managed to strangle himself.

The sadness that I felt last night watching the three-hour Raw telecast, has been replaced by anger and disgust. It reeks of premeditation, and there's no way that I can feel sorry for him anymore. He killed HIS OWN CHILD!

Some say now that the three-hour Raw seems awkward and out of place now. But that's the beauty of hindsight. The E did what they felt was right. And right now, I think it wise to back away from praising Chris Benoit. It's time to move on.

Posted by Matt Murray at 08:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's been been reported that World Wrestling Entertainment wrestling star Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and seven-year-old Daniel were found dead at their home in Atlanta, Georgia.

According to the Atlanta Journal Consititution story, Officials would not say how the family died, other than to say they weren't shot to death. But they are treating the case as a homicide.

The WWE issued the following statement:

"WWE is sad to report that Chris Benoit and his family have been found dead in their home. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Tonight's Raw will be a tribute to Chris and his family."

The show, which will be shown tonight at 8 p.m. on the USA Network, started with WWE owner Vince McMahon standing in the middle of an empty arena, expressing his condolences to the remaining members of the Benoit family. Then, they started showing past footage of Benoit's matches in the ring. The show was peppered with comments from WWE wrestlers remembering "The Rabid Wolverine."

This is the second loss of talent for the WWE this month. On June 19, "Sensational" Sherri Martel, a longtime manager and WWE Hall of Famer, was found dead at her mother's home in Birmingham, Alabama.

Chris Benoit was known for being one of the most technically-sound wrestlers of all time. He finally captured the WWE World title at Wrestlemania XX against Shawn Michaels and Triple H. After the match, he was joined by long-time friend Eddie Guerrero, who had captured the World Championship title earlier that night. They embraced in the middle of the ring, breaking kayfabe and celebrating together. Benoit openly wept as confetti filled the arena. It was, as WWE commentator Jim Ross calls a true "Wrestlemania moment."

We'll miss you, Chris.

Posted by Matt Murray at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, it's 11:55 a.m. and here I sit watching the UFC 72 pre-show on pay-per-view. Weird. I guess I could've waited and watched the replay tonight, but watching it early eliminates any type of deadline issues.
You may or may not know, but this show was originally supposed to air on HBO, but negotiations between UFC and HBO hit a snag over production issues. UFC offered the event to Spike TV, but it didn't want to add yet another UFC event, since they're already airing over 20 hours of UFC programming next week and really want to focus on promoting next Saturday's TUF finale, featuring B.J. Penn vs. Jens Pulver.
So, pay-per-view was the last option. I thought it would've been a good gesture for UFC to lower the price of the pay-per-view (maybe in the $19.95 range) as a goodwill gesture to its fans, but I'm not sure how much control they have over pricing. It could be that the cable/satellite providers wouldn't allow it. Dana White & Co. have seemingly done everything right when it comes to keeping their fans happy, so maybe they just couldn't get it done.

OK, the event is about to start. I'll update the blog after each round of every fight. Looking forward to your comments! (Click the link below to read about today's fights)

Scott Smith vs. Ed Herman w/referee Herb Dean
Round 1 - Quck takedown by Herman and has Smith pushed up against the fence ... Smith has Herman in his full guard .... Smith back to his feet at the 4 minute mark ... Herman looking to sweep the leg, but is now throwing knees from the muay thai clinch ... Smith going for a guillotine ... Smith nearly had it, but let it go and has Herman in full guard ... Smith doing a good job of tying Herman up and not allowing any big elbows ... Smith cut bad from an elbow at the 2-minute mark ... nasty gash on the bridge of the nose ... Dean has the doctor check the cut with 90 seconds left in the round ... doctor says the cut poses no danger and the fight will continue ... fight restarted ... Smith doing a good job of striking from his back, but Herman has good leverage ... Herman going for an Americana with about a minute left ... Smith kicks him off and ends up with top position on Herman ... catches Smith in a leglock, Herman does the same ... both let go ... Herman has Smith's back with 10 seconds left and went for a choke, but Smith was able to shake him off as the round ended. THOUGHTS: Pretty decent back-and-forth round. Herman had top position for the most part and was able to cut open Smith. Round should go to Herman.

Round 2 - Herman goes for takedown and Smith sprawls and goes for a guillotine ... Herman has Smith pressed up against the fence ... Fighters go to the ground, Smith has guillotine sunk in deep .... Herman struggling, but finally gets out ... Herman trying to re-open cut on Smith's nose ... Herman going for elbows on Smith's bloody face ... Smith tries to reverse and gives up his back and Herman sinks in a rear-naked choke and Smith taps with 2:35 left in the round. WINNER: Herman by submission.

THOUGHTS: Impressive showing by Herman, who is showing the promise that many predicted for him when he was cast in "The Ultimate Fighter." His post-fight interview showed some humility, too. Herman hasn't always been a likeable character, but he may be maturing.
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Clay Guida vs. Tyson Griffin w/referee John McCarthy
Round 1 - Slow start ... Guida has a single leg, but Griffin won't go down ... Guida pushes Griffin up against fence ... Guida goes for a slam, but Griffin lands on his feet ... Griffin has a guillotine sunk in ... Guida trying to turn, but just gave a thumbs up, saying he's OK ... Griffin only has half guard now and Guida pulls out with 2:50 left in the round ... Griffin has Guida's back, standing ... Guida looking for a single leg ... fighters go to the mat in an unusual position ... both fighters back up with Guida pushed against the fence ... Guida reverses it ... it's like a standing wrestling match ... both guys have excellent center of gravity ... exchange of punches and it looked like Guida stunned Griffin momentarily ... turning into a boxing match ... Griffin lands a nice punch/kick combo to Guida's head ... another nice exchange of punches as the round ends. THOUGHTS: Fun, interesting round. Both guys are strong. Griffin seemed to get the better of things on the ground and in the exchanges, so he gets the edge.

Round 2 - Guys come out swinging and, Guida goes for a single-leg takedown ... Griffin shows amazing flexibility to avoid being taken down ... Guida finally gets Griffin down, but Griffin scrambles out of it ... looks like Griffin wants to keep it standing and looks more comfortable throwing hands ... Guida lands a high kick ... fighters go down and Guida gets Griffins back, but again Griffin wriggles out of it and nearly lands a suplex (yes, a suplex!) on Guida ... This is a great match ... Guida has a kneebar with just over two minutes left ... Griffin landing huge blows on Guida's kidneys, trying to get out of it ... Guida lets go as Griffin goes for a heel hook ... Guida has Griffin's back and has both hooks in, going for a rear-naked choke ... Griffin avoiding it so far, and lunges forward, dropping Guida on his face ... Guida stays on Griffin's back ... 30 seconds left ... Guida landing little patty-cake punches as the round ends. THOUGHTS: Fun round. Goldberg called it an MMA clinic and I can't disagree. A little bit of everything and it's all back-and-forth. Guida had the advantage, so he gets the round. Third round winner should decide the fight.

Round 3 - Neither guy looks tired as third round begins ... big knee by Griffin, who looks the stronger of the two standing ... Guida goes for a takedown, but Griffin spins out ... Both fighters landing some decent punches ... Guida shoots in and Griffin sprawls ... Guida is pushed up against the fence ... Guida takes Griffin down ... Griffin landing elbows to Guida's head and shifts over to a heel hook ... Guida lands a couple of back fists ... Guida in Griffin's half guard ... the body positioning in this fight is incredible ...Guida works himself into half-mount position ... Griffin landing some nice elbows from the bottom ... Excellent action ... Griffin nearly lands an up kick, while Guida lands backfists ... Griffin landing elbows from the half guard ... Guida keeps looking to pass .... Griffin trying to regain his feet with 20 seconds left ... Guida lands and strong knee and ends the round with a flurry. THOUGHTS: Amazing fight ... definitely one to check out. Rogan and Eddie Bravo each give the third round to Guida, but I thought Griffin did enough to win it. Either way, it was a great fight and a rematch would be welcome.

Final decision - Tyson Griffin wins by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28). I thought it was the right decision, but again, it could've went either way. I can't wait for the rematch.

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Rory Singer vs. Jason MacDonald w/referee Yves Lavigne
Round 1 - MacDonald opens by pushing Singer up against the cage and wants to take it to the ground ... Singer fighting off the takedowns, effectively so far ... footstomps by MacDonald ...MacDonald has a single leg, but lets it go ... Singer pushes MacDonald up against fence and lands a big knee, but falls backward and pulls MacDonald into his closed guard with just under 3 minutes left .... nothing significant ... Singer nearly lands an upkick ... both men standing, McDonald slips and Singer faring much better ... Singer in full mount, MacDonald give s up his back, but Singer can't get the choke before MacDonald spins around and gets back in Singer's guard with 50 seconds left ...Singer nearly sinks in a triangle, but couldn't quite finish it as the round ends. THOUGHTS: MacDonald started out strong, but Singer found his groove a third of the way into the fight and won the round with his standup.

Round 2 - MacDonald takes Singer down and pushes him up against the fence ... Singer has MacDonald in full guard ... MacDonald works way into full mount and dropping some punches on Singer with two minutes left ... ref looking close ... ref stops the fight with just under 2 minutes left. THOUGHTS: Singer didn't appear to be hurt, but Singer wasn't able to get out and Singer was taking needless punishment, so it was the right call. Singer not protesting too much. So-so performance by MacDonald.

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Hector Ramirez vs. Forrest Griffin w/referee Herb Dean
Round 1 - This should be a slugfest ... both fighters feeling each other out ... Ramirez takes Griffin down momentarily, but it goes back standing .... nice high kick by Griffin ... Griffin showing some good leg kicks ... couple of nice right ahnds by Ramirez, but Griffin answers with a solid knee ... Griffin cut under right eye ... Griffin's kicks are impressive ... big overhand right by Griffin with 1:20 left ... Griffin finding his range. THOUGHTS: Excellent round by Griffin, who looked sharp and balanced his punches with a nice kicking game. Easy round for Griffin.

Round 2 - Ramirez closes the gap on Griffin, but Griffin pulls Ramirez into a muay thai clinch and buries some knees into Ramirez's chest ... Griffin lands another combo and isn't backing away as much as he did in the first round ... Griffin looks more confident and lands a left-left-right combo ... nice right by Ramirez, but Griffin answers with a head kick ... more big shots by Griffin, counter by Ramirez with just over 2 minutes remaining ... flurry by Griffin, who lands a low blow, so fight is halted ... fight resumes and Griffin lands a big overhand right ... rest of the round is more of the same. THOUGHTS: Not too much different than the opening round. Easy round for Griffin.

Round 3 - Ramirez tells corner he can't feel leg, due to Griffin's leg kicks ... big shots by Griffin to open round ... Griffin looks quicker and smarter than he did in the Jardine fight ... Ramirez presses Griffin up against cage, but Griffin reverses it ... crowd chanting for Forest ... precision punching by Griffin, followed by sharp kicks ... big uppercut by Griffin with just under 2 minutes left ... Ramirez swinging wildly, hoping to land a haymaker ... another flurry by Griffin ... excellent round for Griffin. THOUGHTS: Picture-perfect performance by Griffin. He fought a smart, clean fight. Punching was great, kicks were great. He stayed in control. An easy win by Griffin.

Official decision: All three judges had it 30-27 for Griffin. By the way, Eddie Bravo just lost all credibility when he said Ramirez won round one.

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Yushin Okami vs. Rich Franklin w/referee John McCarthy
Round 1 - Okami looks huge in comparison to Franklin, who is a big 185 himself ... two southpaws look unusual ... feeling out process ... slow paced round ... Okami pulls Franklin into a clinch with a little over 2 minutes left ... neither man doing much and crowd is growing a little restless ... McCarthy seperates them with 1:23 left in the round ... nice leg kick to the body by Franklin ... another leg kick near the end of the round. THOUGHTS: Very slow pace, with Okami waiting to counter and go for takedowns. Franklin didn't do much, but he pushed the action and had a few impressive leg kicks. Round goes to Franklin.

Round 2 - Another slow start and the fans are booing now ... nice counter left by Okami ... Franklin controlling the round, however ... Okami looks tentative to press the action ... Okami pulls Franklin into a clinch and Franklin grabs a double underhook of his own, pushing Okami into the cage ... crowd booing again as there's very little action ... Franklin throws a knee and a punch, but McCarthy seperates them ...Franklin fighting a smart, if not exciting fight ... Okami lands a big right, but Franklin recovers ... Okami is strangely inactive and Franklin closes with a nice left hand. THOUGHTS: Franklin may have injured his left hand on that last punch ... as for the round, Franklin wins it easily as he's fighting a smart fight, while Okami is strangely inactive.

Round 3 - Okami tries to start fast with a flying knee but doesn't connect ... Hard body shot by Franklin and left hand looks OK ... Okami clinches up with Franklin and takes Franklin down ... Okami trying to mount with 3:30 left ... Okami has one knee past ... now in full mount with 3:15 left ... Franklin trying to push his way out and is trying to push Okami down ... Okami can't get comfortable yet ... Okami still on top and Franklin in very defensive position ... Franklin stands up, but Okami going for a guilltine ... he slips out and Franklin crawling up to the mount position ... Okami tries to stand, but Franklin throws him again .... fighters standing again ... Okami has a kimura sunk in deeeeep ... Franklin rolls, trying to relieve pressure .... Franklin escapes with 30 seconds left and has top position ... Franklin survives the round. THOUGHTS: Excellent round. Okami nearly forced Franklin to tap out. Round goes to Okami.

Final thoughts - Franklin should get the nod as I gave him the first two rounds. Okami nearly ended it in the final round, but couldn't do it.

Official decision - All three judges 29-28 for Franklin.

Thanks for joining me and feel free to leave your thoughts!

Posted by James Melroy at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The former WWE wrestler, Lesnar makes his MMA debut whlie Kim is 2-5 as they face each other in this heavyweight bout.
Kim extended his hand but Lesnar went straight for him knocking Kim down. Kim tries to prevent Lesnar from pounding him by locking up, however Lesnar strikes the side of Kim's head. After more than 30 seconds of strikes to the head, Kim taps out at 1:09.

Lesnar is now 1-0 while Kim falls to 2-6.

For more coverage of Dynamite!! USA, go to the Press-Telegram's coverage.

Posted by Andres Cardenas at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Middleweight Sakuraba is 21-9-1 while Gracie is 13-3-3.
40 seconds into the bout Sakuraba gets the first advantage as a right hook floors Gracie. Sakuraba is unable to do anything and stands up but stands over Gracie not letting him get up. Gracie counters by sweeping his leg into Sakuraba's. After a while Sakuraba finally attacks Gracie on the ground, but both fighters are locked up that not much happens. Gracie is able to get free himself enough to gain an advantage locking up Sakuraba in the ropes.

Sakuraba eventually fights himself free and both fighters are in the neutral position as the round expires.

Both fighters begin the second round the same way they begin the first by feeling each other out. Each fight attempts to shoot their opponent but cannot get close to a take down. The referee finally seperates the two fighters with 1:30 left. Moments later both fighters begin a flurry of strikes with their legs and fists, but end up locked up together as the round would end as the crowd boos, wanting more action.

The round starts out faster as both fighters lock up sooner but still, neither can get an advantage. The boos get louder from the crowd. Gracie begins striking Sakuraba on the side of his head but it does not weaken Sakuraba. The fighters are seperated with 40 seconds left. The fight ends with Sakuraba taking down Gracie as the crowd boos.

Gracie gets the unanimous decision to improve to 14-3-3 while Sakuraba falls to 21-10-1.

Posted by Andres Cardenas at 09:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Morton makes his MMA debut while Ackah enters the ring at 1-0 in this light heavyweight match.

Morton takes the fight to Ackah as both fighters swing wild. Both fighters slow down the pace when Ackah nails Morton with a quick right hook that knocks Morton out immediately. Morton is placed on a back board and removed from the ring by the medical staff. Morton had his eyes open, talking to the medical staff and waved his hands to the crowd as he was carted out.

Ackah gets the knockout at 38 seconds into the first round and improves to 2-0. Morton is 0-1.

Morton was taken to a local hospital for observation. He was responsive and was ok according to his trainer.

Posted by Andres Cardenas at 09:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

This is a time restricted bout.

Pickett and Tokoro go around the ring looking for a opening. Tokoro and Pickett take the action to the ground and as they roll Tokoro is able to grab an arm and locks in an arm bar making Pickett tap out in the first round.

Posted by Andres Cardenas at 08:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Manhoef (16-3-1) takes on Yoon, who is 0-4, in a light heavyweight bout.

Manhoef was able to knock Yoon down with a strong kick to the leg. Yoon survived a fury of punches to get up from the neutral position but was soon set down to the mat again. Manhoef was able land some strong blows but could not knock Yoon out. Both fighters are soon standing up with Yoon able to gain a take down of his own, but is unable to do much striking becuase he is in a bad positiong. However, once Yoon was able to straighten himself out, he lands punches. Manhoef is able to fight himself free as the round ends.
Both fighters are stalking each other. Manhoef attempts a flying knee but is unable to do damage with it. Yoon catches Manhoef as he attempts another knee and was able to score a take down. While locked up he hooks up an arm bar making Manhoef to tap out at 1:17 in the second round.
Yoon gets his first win in five attempts while Manhoef falls to 16-4-1.

Posted by Andres Cardenas at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Villareal is a replacement for Mu-Bae Choi and is 11-12-3 while San Bernardio's Siligia 2-0 in MMA.

Both fighters lock up to start the bout then get free of each other. Siligia hit with a left that floors Villareal. Villareal tries to hang on and recover from the hit by grabbing on to one of Siligia's leg, but Siligia gets on top of Villareal's back. While Villareal is proping himself up, Siligia hits Villareal in the face knocking one of his arms down and leaving him defenseless. Siligia keeps striking Villareal before referee Herb Dean stops the fight at 1:33 in the first round.
Siligia is now 3-0 while Villareal falls to 11-13-3.

Posted by Andres Cardenas at 08:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In this three round welterweight fight, Shields enters the ring at 17-4-1 while Pariente is 6-2.

Shields gets an early advantage with a take down. Pariente locks up preventing Shields from landing any punches but doesn't prevent him from lifting up and slamming his head on the mat. Pariente attempts to break free but put himself in danger by giving up his back. Shields locks in a rear naked choke. Pariente holds on, but cannot force his way out and taps out at 2:06 of the first round.
Sheilds improves to 18-4-1 while Pariente is 6-3.

Posted by Andres Cardenas at 06:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In a three round heavyweight match, Persey enters the ring at 10-1 while Wiezorek is 10-1.

Both fighters lock up for nearly the first two minutes before they are seperated. But soon after, they lock up again. Persey lands a strong right hook that floors Wiezorek and Persey jumps on top locking up, then landing rights. Wiezorek grabs an arm and begins to go for an armbar, but Persey figts out of it and both fighters get neutral. In the last 20 seconds, Wiezorek gains a take down and the round ends.
Wiezorek gains a take down with Persey on his stomach. Wiezorek pounds Persey to the side of the head. Persey is warned several times by referee Herb Dean that if he doesn't fight back, he will stop the fight. Dean lives up to his word and at 50 into the second round the fight is stopped.
Wiezroek is now 11-1 while Persey falls to 10-2.

Posted by Andres Cardenas at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hill is 4-3, while Nagata enters the ring at 2-1.

Hill landed some stong blows giving Nagata a bloody nose. At 2:23, the referee stops to have a doctor check the condition of the injury. It is not serious and the fight continues. Nagata gains a take down and begins to land blow. The action become slow and the referee orders both fighters in the neutral position. Soon after Nagata earns another take down in the last 15 seconds to end the round.
Nagata again scores a take down and again lands punches on Hill. Hill is able to kick out of bottom position, but within 15 seconds is taken down again. Hill attempts to lock in a triangle choke on Nagata, but Nagata soon gets out of trouble. Hill is able to get to a neutral position and finally score a take down of his own towards the end of the second round.
Both fighters stalk each other to begin the third round. Less than 40 seconds into the round, Nagata scores another take down. Both fighters appear to be worn down and the referee orders both fighters up. Hill lands a couple of kicks, but Nagata is unfazed and scores his seventh take down of the match. The fight ends with Nagata bloody, but on top.
Nagata wins a split decision. Nagata is now 3-1, Hill drops to 4-4.

Posted by Andres Cardenas at 05:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

Before many at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum could get to their seats, Brazilian J.Z. Calvan defeated Westminster's Nam Phan by TKO 26 seconds into the opening fight.

Calvan took Phan down and pounded on Phan, forcing the referee to stop the bout.
Calvan improves to 12-1-1 with 4 KOs. Phan falls to 12-4

Posted by Andres Cardenas at 05:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)