March 21, 2009 – Greg “The Steel Pole” Kielsa (9-0, 4 KO’s) made the first defense of his Canadian Heavyweight title a memorable one, bombing out Winnipeg’s Arthur Cook (14-5-2, 5 KO’s) via devastating 8th round TKO Friday night at Casino Rama, in Rama, Ontario. Cook came out aggressively in the first half of the fight pressing the pace, but never landing any damaging shots, all the while walking into stiff Kielsa counters..
In the fifth, Kielsa started landing his jab at will, bloodying Cook’s face, and establishing a violent rhythm that continued to play a bruising tune on the clearly overmatched challenger.
By the eighth, Kielsa was in complete command, delivering pinpoint combinations with devastating effect, until the champion landed the bout’s final shot, a titanic left hand.
Kielsa claimed the title last November with a ten-round unanimous decision over Raymond Olubuwale, shooting some life into a Canadian heavyweight scene that had been mired in mediocrity for years.
However promising Kielsa’s future is domestically, Kielsa’s manager, James Jardine, has his sights set for Kielsa well beyond Canadian shores.
“Once we get him to ten fights, we’ll be able to get him ranked by the sanctioning bodies. And once he gets some international belts around his waist, he’ll prove to people around the world that he’s no Polish joke,” Jardine quipped.
“Greg doesn’t back up, or press pause for a second. And he’s a fighter that people can get behind because he’s so honest, both in and out of the ring. He’s a throwback to the way fighters used to be.”
Gomez and Luna Jr. Thrill Live Crowd on ESPN undercard in Laredo Texas
On March 20, 2009 , ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights Boxing Series” invaded beautiful Laredo, Texas , with an excellent fight card which drove the local and area contingent out in force as over four thousand rabid boxing fans crowded the Laredo Entertainment Center . The event was promoted by Banner Promotions and delivered nonstop action. What further made the card a complete success was the presence of Cestus Management products Rodolfo “ BABY COBRA” Gomez and Robert “NIGHTHAWK” Luna Jr. Both Gomez and Luna Jr. produced scintillating performances which left everyone in attendance gasping for more.
The local fans were also given a special treat when Cestus Management’s good friend and supporter, Mexican boxing legend and current undisputed world lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez flew in all the way from Mexico City, Mexico and showed his class outside of the ring, to be at ringside to support the two Cestus fighters by leading them into the ring for each of their fights.
Robert “NIGHTHAWK” Luna Jr. (142 pounds) was featured in the second non-televised undercard fight of the night and was true to form as he battered Kingsville, Texas , combatant Oscar Gonzalez (142 ½ pounds) over four rounds. The “NIGHTHAWK”, and Iraq war veteran, showcased his entire arsenal as he unleashed bone shattering combinations which seriously damaged the game but clearly outgunned Gonzalez. All three judges scored the bout 40-35 in favor of the “NIGHTHAWK”. Luna Jr. improved to 3-0 with 1 knockout.
As the fight night went on, local fan favorite Rodolfo “ BABY COBRA” Gomez brought the thousands present to their feet as he made his way to ring. The energy inside the Laredo Entertainment Center was intoxicating as everyone in attendance was still buzzing from Luna Jr.’s display of brutality and where now anticipated witnessing another breathtaking knockout by the six-foot, three-inch power punching Mexican-American phenomena. The fans were not disappointed as in the opening round, the “ BABY COBRA” dropped Villarreal with a quick left hook to the jaw. The dazed but determined Texan beat the count and was eventually saved by the bell. It did not matter as Gomez came out in the second and went right back to work using his amazing eighty inch reach in the form of a left jab. Villarreal, sensing that he was in over his head, began to charge in with his head in an attempt to rattle the “ BABY COBRA”. Gomez responded by dropping a crushing right hand on Villarreal’s face which sent the Texan crashing to the canvas and brought the live crowd to a roar. There was no need for a count as Villarreal laid flat causing the referee to immediately call a halt to the contest. Gomez improved to 3-0 with 3 knockouts.
Gina Iacavou, who is the CEO of Cestus Management, said, “We are so proud of both Robert (Luna Jr.) and Rudy (Gomez) as they looked sensational. Robert showed his amazing brute force and the ” BABY COBRA” displayed his one punch power capability. The local fans were treated to a great night of boxing and we are looking forward to returning to Laredo next month with more of our fabulous stable of fighters.”
Mike Michael, who is Cestus Management’s Founder, stated, “The local fans and televised audience were treated to a great show as all of the fights on the card were well matched and entertaining. The ” BABY COBRA” and Robert Luna Jr. displayed the kind of talent and power that we at Cestus Management are known to produce and are without question going to be exciting TV fighters. The Laredo fans are educated boxing people and understand that they are witnessing the development of two young fighters in Gomez and Luna Jr. who have the potential to grow into great professionals.” Michael added, “We would like to thank ESPN and Banner Promotions for putting on a very exciting event. I would also like to personally thank The whole of Laredo for supporting the event and also my good friends World Lightweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez and Gente Entertainment’s Director Anthony Velasquez for their continued support. The ” BABY COBRA and the “NIGHTHAWK” will be back in action in Laredo, Texas, on April 18, 2009 , so get ready to lock the doors and run for cover!”
Cestus Manangenent Makers of Champions represent fighters of distinction from across the world. For further information about the company its fighters media or otherwise, please visit; www.cestusmanagement.com
Hybrid MMA Fighter/Boxer Wins Unanimous Decision
This past weekend at the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills CA, Poppies “Tachi Kid” Martinez improved his record to (3-0, 1 KO) with a victory over Jiovanni Rubio.
Martinez took control of the fight from the opening round, landing the more effective punches as Rubio did his best to counter. Poppies continued to apply pressure and went on to win a unanimous decision. Scorecards read, 40-36 twice and 39-37.
“I’m improving each and every time I step in the ring, said Martinez, “I’m starting to feel more comfortable in the ring. I have a lot of things to work on and feel I have what it takes to make a run in this boxing game. I can’t wait for my next fight.
Poppies Martinez is scheduled to be back in action as an MMA fighter when he takes on former WEC Lightweight Champion and UFC veteran Gabe “Godzilla” Ruediger, May 8th at PFC 13 “Validation” at the Tachi Palace Casino in LemooreCA. For more information, visit www.palacefightingchampionship.com.