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The K-1 "Battle Of The Bellagio II" Pre-Fight Press Conference Experience Written By Michael Afromowitz muaythaimes@aol.com A press conference with Bob Sapp wouldn't be a typical press conference if some kind of altercation failed to break out. Following in suit, though, this afternoon's pre-fight press conference for Friday night's Pay-Per-View televised "Battle At The Bellagio II" K-1 mega-card erupted with physical fireworks courtesy of Sapp and his Superfight opponent, Tommy Glanville. After being handed the stage by K-1 USA CEO and head promoter, Scott Coker, Glanville, accused 2000 K-1 USA tournament champion, Maurice Smith, of betrayal. Smith, who had trained and cornered Glanville for a period of time, has been Sapp's mentor since the 6'7", 375-pound former NFL lineman became a giant hit in martial arts fighting's most prestigious fighting circuit. Following an exchange of words between the two former allies, Sapp chimed in by insulting Glanville. An all-out tussle commenced following a trading of shoves between Sapp and Glanville. Several event officials quickly pried the fighters off one another after a couple of tables were turned over during the melee. With the exception of world champion Cung Le, who was held up in traffic, the remainder of superstars slated for "Battle At The Bellagio II" action were present and offered their thoughts on Friday's event. Here's a re-cap of the more memorable comments that were offered by several of the participating athletes: Michael McDonald: "I've still got a young heart and a good spirit and I plan on being around for a few more years, so these guys here better watch out because this man here might be getting old, but age is just what's underneath. I've trained hard for this fight and I feel good." "Mighty Mo:" On how he obtained his nickname: "The main reason why they call me "Mighty Mo" is because of my strength. I used to do construction work and, one day (on the job), a building fell. I had to climb out of it. I got my way out of it - a couple of cuts, but I was still walking on two feet." Dewey "The Black Kobra" Cooper: "I've just got to do what I do - just kind of flow. I've got to be free. I'm prepared, I've had great training. Mentally, I'm matured. There won't be any mistakes on my behalf, so I'm ready to win the whole damn tournament. It's as simple as that." Marvin Eastman: On his transition from mixed martial arts to K-1 fighting: "In mixed martial arts, we don't do tournament style fighting so it's very hard to prepare (for this event). The only thing you can do is come to the fights with as much energy as possible and try to do the best you can and get the fight over with as quick as possible." "Everybody's thinking the same thing, so all you can really do is prepare as best as possible. I'm just ready to go, ready to fight and we'll see what happens on Friday." Nobu Hayashi: On the training that he has done in Holland, away from his home in Japan: "I did learn some different techniques and I hope to use them to full advantage. Even though I am here as a representative of Japan, I hope to win the American tournament and go back to Japan as the American representative." Carter Williams: "Last year was a great year for me and, this year, I plan to do much better. I started this year off fighting against Alexey (Ignashov) and I lost. But, now I'm coming to make up for that loss in this tournament here." On defending his 2003 K-1 USA tournament title during Friday's event: "I know a lot of these fighters are here to take this title away from me, but I'm here to defend it and to move on to The Grand Prix. I can't let these guys affect the way that I'm gonna fight on Friday night." Gary Goodridge: On his Superfight opponent, Toa, who accepted the bout on only several days notice: "It's a big thing for someone to take a fight on such short notice. Being a fighter, you have to have respect for them." On his approach to the fight: "I'm gonna approach this fight as I do every other fight - I try to be a train and go forward. No disrespect to my opponent, but I'm here to win and kick ass." Toa: "I'm from New Zealand and I got a call on Saturday asking if I would fight. I said 'No worries." "No disrespect to my opponent, but I'm from the bottom of the Earth so I don't really know who Gary is. He looks to be at his game, but I'm from a strong heritage and we have huge spirits and war-like people and I'm bringing that to the ring." Additionally, ESPN executive Matthew Kenny started off the affair with a short speech that reinforced the network's support for K-1 since the two entered an agreement last year to co-market K-1 Pay-Per-View televised events. "ESPN is pleased to get behind this event and pleased to promote this event," he said. "K-1 features some of the finest athletes in the world in one of the finest venues in the world. It's consistent with our brand, which we think is one of the best in the world as well. We're honored to get behind this event and continue to grow K-1 in The United States." When the press conference kicked off, it was noted that only 184 tickets remained for Friday's Bellagio Hotel and Casino event that will hold a crowd capacity of 6,000. Check out the FCF Shop for the lowest prices on K-1 DVDs! |
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