Lion’s Den Newsletter »
The Lion’s Den Newsletter
(A weekly MMA/Boxing information and Lion’s Den fitness Center newsletter)
Welcome to our newsletter. This is a weekly newsletter pertaining to the sports of Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing, and over-all information on the Lion’s Den Training Center in Middletown, Ct. We want to spotlight our newsletter on local talent and local events, but will go into boxing and Mixed Martial Arts in depth, bringing you all the news, both local and national. If you have any questions about the Lion’s Den Training Center or would like to schedule an appointment to try a class, please call 860-613-2394. Thank you.
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Dawson Turns To Scully To Overcome Hopkins
By Derek Bonnett: Connecticut boxing needed a boost. Last summer, Chad Dawson, then the world’s premiere light heavyweight, found himself on the wrong end of a technical decision against Jean Pascal. Dawson had Pascal hurt, but the better man proved to be Pascal that night after he shutdown Dawson’s offensive in spots and rocked him just as good as he got. Then, in the early spring, Matt Remillard stepped up and got pushed back down by Miguel Angel Garcia in a featherweight bout. After Dawson, Remillard appeared to be the Constitution State’s best chance at claiming another world title. This summer, former 122 pound contender, Mike Oliver saw bouts with Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez get axed in their incipient stages of development. Oliver may still get Lopez this fall, but that’s what it looked like a few months ago to. So, the Connecticut fighter getting the limelight this time hasn’t fought since 2001. “The Iceman”, John Scully, will be stepping in to fill the shoes of Emmanuel Steward on October 15 as his newly reclaimed charge “Bad” Chad Dawson prepares to face Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins. For both fighter and trainer, it will be the most important bout of their respective careers.
Scully knows the magnitude of what lies ahead, but he keeps a cool perspective of things and is focused on getting his fighter into elite form.
“Of course it feels great [to be reunited with Dawson]; it’s a great opportunity for me as well as for him,” Scully shared. “I look forward to being a small part of something so big. At the very beginning I did [have some concerns] because I hadn’t worked with Chad in a while and I didn’t know if it would be the same as before. I didn’t know what type of shape he was in when we started or how well we would mix together after all this time. But I’m very happy to report that we seem to have picked up right where we left off and that this kid is a very natural athlete. We have actually had quite a bit more time to get ready than people seem to think we have had. Just because the world is just finding out about this doesn’t mean it is a brand new development.”
Scully has worked from the corner with Dawson, Oliver, Remillard, and Jose Antonio Rivera at the world class level. However, by comparison, Hopkins is his tallest assignment as a trainer. The former light heavyweight contender is now posed with the daunting task of providing his charge with a successful game plan to beat a man who seems to defy time and conventional wisdom.
“I’ve been watching the tapes and I’ve been discussing strategy with Winky [Wright] and the other guys and we all agree on some very key points in regard to what we need to do to be successful,” Scully explained. “I study him the same way everyone does for upcoming fights. Watch the tapes and pick out a few key areas where the other guy is weak and strong and focus on them.”
A young Roy Jones managed to outpoint an equally emerging talent in Hopkins. Jermain Taylor slid passed Hopkins twice in bouts still hotly debated on internet boxing sites. Joe Calzaghe clearly outpointed Hopkins on some unofficial cards and narrowly lost on others. He did enough on the real judges’ cards to win. Can the much younger Dawson reproduce these men’s results or will he fail to unseat the elderly statesman of professional boxing the way Kelly Pavlik and Jean Pascal have?
Now, Dawson’s switch from Emmanuel Steward to John Scully is just one of many corner changes the New Haven fighter has made in his ten years as a professional. Dawson has accepted the tutelage of Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Floyd Mayweather Sr., Dan Birmingham, and Scully himself. Steward coached Dawson for just a single victory in his last time out against Adrian Diaconu. Chad’s past experience with trainers is well documented, but why is it he has not found that exact fit just yet?
“I think sometimes it’s been a simple case of not jiving with certain guys 100 percent,” Scully reflected. “I also think that’s one edge I have over other people. When Chad and I parted ways back in 2005, it had nothing to do with our working relationship as boxer and trainer. We were both planning to stay together, but the logistics of the situations at that particular time didn’t allow for it. I think sometimes people assume they know who and what are the best fits for other people based on nothing but their assumptions. You’d have to be on the inside of any situation to really know who is doing what and who gels well with someone else. Chad seems to be in a good frame of mind right now and when that happens, good things happen. He’s shown that for his entire career.”
He certainly has. Dawson comprehensively out-boxed Tomasz Adamek to win his first world title. Later, he went on to outpoint Glencoffe Johnson and Antonio Tarver twice. In his rematch with Johnson, Dawson looked a larger version of Pernell Whitaker as he moved in to exact punishment and out without accepting anything in return. The Adamek and Johnson II victories are arguably the highest points of the twenty-nine year old’s career. They were also major supporting arguments for those who picked Dawson over Pascal last year. We still must wonder, did Chad just show up flat or was Pascal able to assert himself over the best the fighter had to offer?
“For me, I honestly, truly, 100 percent believe it was merely a case of Chad not being fully prepared for the fight,” Scully reasoned. “Preparation is the key and, sometimes, preparation, for different reasons, is not up to par. I could see it as early as the first round that he wasn’t in sync. But I’ll say this much, and this gets lost in the criticisms of many, but people forget that Chad was coming back like gang busters in the 11th round before they butted heads. Even his biggest critic would have to admit that. And here’s the thing: every professional boxer of any real experience knows full well how difficult it is to come back like that from being behind in a fight you are not at your best in. To dig down that deep, that late in a fight, under those circumstances, and have your man in a clear position as to where the fight was about to end in your favor, that takes a special fighter. Jean is a very good fighter, too, but I truly believe that the night they fought it was a version of Chad that will never be seen in a ring again.”
In any bout concerning Hopkins, the age game has to be given its fair share of lip service. Once again, just as he had a against Taylor, Pavlik, Pascal, and a horde of other fighters, Hopkins will be facing a much younger man in Dawson. At forty-six, Hopkins has seventeen more years of wear or experience on his chassis. You decide which, but some fighters can defy the hands of time and stay on top of their games for a lot longer, while others wilt to youth.
“I assume genetics have a lot to do with it,” Scully considered. “I also assume how you treat your body in your younger days goes a long ways towards how your body will function later in life. They say the first person to live to 125 years old has already been born so I guess you could say it is a sign of the times. As recently as the 1980’s a forty year old boxer was a rarity and generally they were considered ancient in boxing terms. Now you have numerous guys 38 and above who are still excellent fighters. Forty is definitely the new thirty from what I can see.”
As a fighter, it would mean something great for Dawson to beat Hopkins; however, as trainer, defeating Hopkins would be an exceptional feat for a lower profile trainer like Connecticut’s Scully.
“For me, I am more into what this will do for Chad and his career and his legacy,” Scully stated. “I mean, this is an extremely talented and gifted fighter who unjustly receives criticism that just doesn’t stand true to me. People have said he is not mentally strong and he is lazy and things like that. In my opinion, he hasn’t show that at all in his career. If anything, I can point to several instances in his career where he showed tremendous mental fortitude and drive. Sometimes people go with a common theme and if they hear it often enough from enough people they take it as the truth, regardless if they know for sure if it is or not. Him proving people wrong and beating the most accomplished guy in the division will do wonders for him and his legacy.”
Scully also offered to clear the air on some of the other talk about Dawson, particularly his reason for parting with Steward. It has been said that Dawson fled Steward’s guidance to be closer to his family and home. It has been suggested as well that Dawson may be unfocused with his domestic environment so close by.
“I can only say that sometimes people who relay information are not actually in possession of the most accurate version of it. The only thing Chad Dawson could possibly have to remove himself from right now is a great and focused training camp,” Scully stated.
Two of Connecticut’s favorite sons have come back together. Both Dawson and Scully have much to prove, but the proof they must burden is for themselves. All of Connecticut will be behind them in what is likely to be the most important bout to our state since Marlon Starling first fought Mark Breland. In the end, we Connecticut boys stick together.
“I really do appreciate being interviewed by you and I look forward to helping a young man achieve his dreams on October 15th,” Scully finished.
September 14, 2011
LION’S DEN “CLEARED” IN KLEEN ENERGY FUNDRAISER. PLEASE READ LINK BELOW.
Middletown teen gets a little help from a very important friend
CANNON’S DREAM KEEPS ROLLING FORWARD
(as seen on NBC Connecticut)
February 16th, Middletown, Conn.) “Hard Hittin’ Promotion” president Jacqueline Cartelli announced today that “The Willie Pep Boxing Classic” professional boxing show will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center on April 9th, 2011.
I am happy to announce the first of hopefully many pro boxing shows that will showcase Connecticut based boxers,” Cartelli said. “What better ‘kick-off’ than a show to honor the best fighter (Pep) to ever come out of Connecticut.”
In an effort to bring boxing back to Hartford on a consistent basis, Hard Hittin’ promotions plans to put on a show every three months, reminiscent of the old time “Friday Night Fights” of yesteryear.
The Main Event of the evening will feature popular Hebron heavyweight Tony Grano, on the comeback trail following an upset TKO defeat to Nicolay Firtha in his last bout. Before that, Grano scored an upset of his own when he stopped previously unbeaten Travis Kaufmann in the third round on a Sho-Box televised card.
The Co-Feature on April 9th will feature a sure-fire WAR between two of Hartford’s most well known veterans, former IBF world lightweight title challenger Israel “Pito” Cardona (36-10) and Luis Maysonet (32-11). Maysonet has faced off with the likes of Thomas Daamgard, Ivan Robinson, Shannon Taylor and Hector “Macho” Camacho.
Cardona defeated Ivan Robinson via third round technical knockout and lost in his only title try against Paul Spadafora in 1999.
The featured undercard match will pit extremely popular unbeaten (5-0) up and coming super featherweight prospect Joey “Chip” Perez of East Hartford against former amateur star Charles Vanderveer of Brooklyn, New York. Perez is trained by former IBF world light heavyweight title challenger and 2009 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee “Iceman” John Scully of nearby Windsor.
The April 9th card will showcase such local talent as featherweight prospect Danny Aquino (5-1) of Meriden, Connecticut’s undefeated (5-0-1) welterweight Dominic DeSanto, Hartford (via Yonkers NY) lightweight Chazz McDowell and New Haven’s unbeaten (5-0) junior lightweight Luis Rosa Jr.
Also featured on the undercard is Middletown’s 1-0 light heavyweight Doug Cartelli, 180 pounds. Willie Pickard, 154, of Middletown will be making his pro debut.
Tickets: $100 RINGSIDE, $80 PREFERRED SEATING, $60 RESERVED, $40 GENERAL ADMISSION. For tickets call: 860-402-4838 or The Lions Den @ 860-613-2394.
Hall of Famer Pep, born Gugliermo Papaleo in Middletown, Connecticut in 1922, was a two-time world featherweight world champion who retired in 1966 after a twenty-six year professional career that saw him compile an amazing record of 229 wins against only 11 defeats and one draw. He had 65 knockouts to his credit.
Pep was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York 1990. He passed away on November 23, 2006 at the age of 84.
Contact: 860-402-4838 or call The Lions Den directly @ 860-613-2394
Submitted by: John “Iceman” Scully, www.icemanjohnscully.com
Connecticut Silver Gloves Champion David James, 11 years old, won a decision in the finals over New York City Champion Brian O’ Shea of Yonkers to capture the Region One Silver Gloves 85 pound Championship this past weekend in Oneonta, New York.
James now advances to the National Silver Gloves tournament that will be held the first week of February in Independence, Missouri. With the victory, David James becomes the first Lions Den trained boxer to qualify for a national tournament.
James is a 6th grader and attends Noah Webster Elementary School in Hartford. He trains daily at Doug Cartelli’s Lions Den Training Center in Middletown under the guidance of his coach, Johnny Callas. As a member of the Lions Den’s “Champions of Life” program headed up by Callas, David James has compiled an amateur record to date of 16 wins against only 4 losses.
Bloomfield’s Jarin Clay-Bey, 20, scored the 10th victory of his amateur boxing career this past Saturday at the Dorcester Armory in Dorcester, Massachusetts with a one punch knockout over Boston’s highly regarded (Via Ireland) Victor Nichols.
Clay-Bey, boxing in the light heavyweight division and training under the guidance of former world title challenger John “Iceman” Scully of Windsor, trains daily at Doug Cartelli’s Lions Den Training Center in Middletown.
Clay-Bey was awarded the “Outstanding Boxer Award” at the end of the show.
The knockout came about halfway through the second round with Clay-Bey letting go with a counter right uppercut to the solar plexus that left his opponent face down on the canvas for the referees entire ten count.
Clay-Bey, a winner at the 2010 Western New England Golden Gloves tournament will compete next on December 4th in Meriden, Connecticut in the 2011 Connecticut USA/ABF State Championships. Winners of the Connecticut tournament will then compete in a box-ff with Team New England at the Foxwoods resort and Casino in Ledyard on January 15th for a berth at the Region 1 tournament in March.
Winners of the Region One tournament qualify for the 2011 USA/ABF National Championships in Colorado. Clay-Bey’s father, 1996 U.S. Olympian Lawrence Clay-Bey, won two national titles in the 1990’s as a Super heavyweight.
THE HARTFORD COLONIALS OF THE UNITED FOOTBALL LEAGUE HAVE MADE THE LION’S DEN TRAINING CENTER THEIR OFFICIAL TRAINING CENTER FOR ATLEAST THE NEXT TWO SEASONS!
A “FIGHT” NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Who would ever guess that getting punched in the face or ribs, (to name just a couple of places), would turn out to be a wonderful way of giving back to six families in need. Well, on June 26th at the CT Convention Center, it was just that.
“Boxing and boxers aren’t about violence,” said Lion’s Den Training Center VP of Operations Craig Salamone. “It’s about guts, stamina and determination. We wanted to showcase something that took guts, stamina and determination to not only raise money for the families of our six fallen brothers, but to show them that there are certain people in this community who are willing to put themselves through hell in honor of their memory. That’s what this was all about.”
The six fallen brothers Salamone was referring to were victims of the Kleen Energy Plant explosion in February of 2010 in Middletown, Ct. The entire night was dedicated to the memories of Peter Chupulis, Donald Crabb, Raymond Dobratz, Kenneth Haskell, Roy Rushton, Christopher Walters and their families.
“We didn’t know each other,” said Lion’s Den owner Douglas Cartelli, “but we’re still part of the same community, which makes us brothers. From what I’ve heard about these six men, they were wonderful human beings, who if this happened to one of their union brothers, would be here supporting them too. I’m very impressed with the amazing turn out, but it doesn’t surprise me.”
To make the show successful, Cartelli and Salamone gathered as many “volunteers” who dared to step in the ring. They included local police officers, firemen, and union workers.
“We didn’t have to beg or plead for these guys to start their training,” Salamone said. “They came to us, anxious to do this. There was never any second guessing with these guys. They committed, and never looked back. I’m very proud of them.”
And to ensure that the show was as enticing to spectators as possible, Cartelli pulled out all the stops, bringing in baseball legend Jose Canseco to help fill the main event.
“A lot of people judge this guy (Canseco) on what they hear in the news and see on television,” Cartelli was quick to point out. “But they have no idea what really happened or what this guy is about. The truth is Jose is a caring guy who flew across country for a matter of hours to be part of this cause because he was genuinely touched by what happened. Forget about the baseball stuff, that says enough for me.”
The show itself was as exciting as any boxing event can get without the names Mayweather, Paquiao or Tyson headlining the card.
“It’s actually more exciting when you’re watching someone you know,” pointed out Salamone. Most of the people here know one of the competitors. That alone makes the show more exciting and memorable.”
And memorable it was, from the first bout which showcased two skilled twelve year old girls, to the cops versus firemen slugfests, to the sports first wheelchair boxing match featuring a current world champion, all the way to the main event featuring a popular local business owner and a shunned former major league all-star.
“It couldn’t have gone better,” said Cartelli. “Nobody got hurt, the fans had a great time, and we raised a lot of money for a great cause. I just hope that our community can come together like this again, but under much better circumstances.”
Remillard, Cannon battle to a standing “O”
On the rise to boxing stardom “off” the wheelchair, undefeated NABF featherweight champion Matt “Sharpshooter” Remillard proved every bit the classy professional by volunteering his skills in the sports first “wheelchair” boxing bout featuring himself and “Roll with the Punches” wheelchair boxing founder, Ian “The Don” Cannon.
“It’s all about giving back,” a smiling Remillard said before the bout. “Giving back to the victims of this terrible accident, and giving back to the ‘Roll with the punches’ wheelchair boxing program.”
After being wheeled to the center of the ring to answer the bell for round one, the “sharpshooter” found himself in a slugfest during his “wheelchair boxing” debut on the “Fight the Good Fight” fundraiser event June 26th at the Hartford Convention Center.
A toe-to-toe war, Remillard kept the bout close, flurrying late in round three, but it was too little too late. Fueled from the standing ovation of a crowd that exceeded 3,000 people, Cannon never stopped throwing punches.
“After I dropped him with the right hook I knew I had it,” said an exuberant Cannon after the bout. “But, as it sometimes goes in boxing, you never want to leave it to the judges, so I never let up.”
Cannon used slick body movement and a “peek-a-boo” style defense to counter his more experienced opponent with quick flurries. “I fought him in the classic amateur boxing style. I just out-hustled and out-punched him,” he added.
“He brought his game tonight,” Remillard said after the 3 round unanimous decision loss. “He’s got a great right hook and his stamina is amazing. I might have taken him lightly. I definitely want a rematch.”
As for Remillard’s career: “I’m still undefeated off the wheelchair,” he said confidently, “and I plan on keeping it that way. But I’d like a rematch if Cannon would grant me one.”
Ian?
“I will absolutely grant him a rematch. Just for the fact that he gave me a shot in the first place. He’s a good sport and a great champ.”
As for Ian’s next opponent?
“I got my sights set on a legend,” he said with a grin. Though he wouldn’t reveal who this legend is, he sometimes referred to him as “Boom Boom.” One can only guess.
LION’S DEN FIGHTERS HAVING BIG WEEK
On March 27th, 2009, the Lions Den unleashed two of its up and coming amateurs. At 185 lbs, Jason Hubbard, took little time to dispose of his opponent in the first round.
“He’s just super strong—so strong it’s unbelievable,” said Coach Randy Rowe. “It’s his second fight—second victory—all in less than a round. This guy’s got a future.”
Also on the card was 155lb Lion’s Den fighter Hank Christenson. Though winning most of the fight, Hank was caught in an arm bar late in the third round.
“Not to make excuses,” Lion’s Den fight team manager Craig Salamone said, “but he got his arm caught in the ropes which truly enabled his opponent to take advantage. But it is what it is. Hank looked great and we’re happy with his performance.”
Next up for the Den?
The Log Cabin in Holyoke Mass on April 11th. Headlining the card is MMA coach Randy Rowe who fights Brendan Weafer in the main event.
“I’m fighting at 170lbs,” said Rowe, “and I feel strong.”
Rowe, who once weighed 235lbs, is no stranger to fighting strong guys. “I’ve been in there with the likes of Tim Sylvia and Jeff Monson. I’m more comfortable at this weight and have been training hard. I feel a lot better than at my last outing.”
Rowe was referring to his first round loss two months ago in Revere, Mass.
“Not to make excuses, but I was very sick before that fight. I had a temperature of 101 degrees and must have made ten trips to the rest room before the fight. I was miserable, but still fought.”
“I can’t believe he had any strength at all,” said Lion’s Den owner Doug Cartelli. “We were going to pull him from the fight, but in true Randy fashion, he went through with it.”
“Still, I give credit to my opponent that night,” Rowe added. “He was dealing with some heavy personal issues and still showed up to fight.”
Also fighting for the Lion’s Den on April 11th are middleweight Mike Happy and undefeated lightweight Chris Foster.
“We’re very proud of these guys and the work they’re putting in. They’re both up and coming and should put on a great show,” said Cartelli.
You can find out more about these fighters or for general information on the Lion’s Den by calling 860-613-2394.
LION’S DEN JUNIOR OLYMPIANS FARE WELL AT PENNSYLVANIA BOXING SHOW
Event: Boxing
Location: Scranton, PA.
Author:John Scully
Three local amateur boxers training out of the Lions Den Training Center’s Champions Of Life program in Middletown captured victories Saturday night at the Westin Field House in Scranton, Pennsylvania Saturday night.
Undefeated (3-0) nineteen year old light heavyweight Jarin Clay-Bey of Bloomfield via The Lions Den won a decision over Matthew Friedman of Philadelphia. Clay-Bey is trained by former world light heavyweight title challenger “Iceman” John Scully. He is also the son of another former Scully protege, 1996 U.S. Olympic team captain and former heavyweight contender Lawrence Clay-Bey.
Clay-Bey joined a pair of Middletown High School students in victory as Jerrod Gaskins and Nick Walden also picked up wins. Gaskins won a decision over Joel Murray of Scranton in a 156 pound bout while Walden scored a second round stoppage over middleweight Trevor Troupe, also of Scranton.
Gaskins and Walden are both coached by Lions Den Champions Of Life Junior Olympic coach Johnny Callas.
85 pound Hunter Belzo and 152 pound Ray McNeil of Middletown also competed in Scranton, falling short in highly competitive bouts.
Each of the boxers will immediately resume training in preparation of the big June 20th show at the Lions Den that will feature boxers from Montreal, Holyoke, Providence, Vermont, and Newark, New Jersey challenging a 12 man squad from Connecticut.
Gaskins will square off with Alex Aberca of Montreal and Clay-Bey will match up with Danile Magistrale of Vermont. Walden will be in a special featured that night when he squares off with New Haven’s Tyshaun Fair in a bout that will decide the 2009 Connecticut Junior Olympic Middleweight Championship.
Other Lions Den boxers in action on the 20th include David James (60 pounds), Ray McNeil (152), and six time Golden Gloves lightweight champion Joey “Chip” Perez. Perez will box in the main event of the night against Montreal’s four-time Quebec Golden Gloves Champion Kevin La Vallee.
“ICE”
www.icemanjohnscully.com
Date: June 5th, 2009
Event:“Wartown Beatdown”
Place: The Palladium, Worcester, Ma.
Author: Chris Lombardi
Lion’s Den Team MMA team takes two out of three at the Palladium
Like any sports team or business, it takes time to build success. Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den in Middletown Connecticut carries a big name with an even bigger rep. Right from its opening in November of 2008 the expectations were high.
“Not just from a fitness center stand-point, but with our fighters also,” said owner Doug Cartelli. “Every wanna-be fighter who passed through our doors assumed this was the ‘old school’ den with Shamrock, Mezger, Bohlander, Hurley, Burnett, and all those guys. Well, we’re the new school Lion’s Den, not only serving the public with a great fitness center, but building a strong NEW fight team as well.”
If last Friday nights showing at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts was a sign of how strong their team is, then this team is definitely making their founder Ken Shamrock proud.
The first fighter to enter the cage was 155 lb amateur Mike Johnson. Only his second bout in two years, Mike came into the fight optimistic about his future at the Connecticut Lion’s Den.
“The training is awesome. Everyone works as a team and the support is second to none,” Johnson said. If a fighter’s looks can somehow predict the outcome of a fight, then Mike Johnson was in trouble from the start. His opponent, Charlie Solomone, looked at least ten pounds heavier. After a mid-cage clinch, the stronger Solomone took Johnson to the ground and instantly mounted him. Johnson attempted to flip Solomone over for the reversal but fell short. As Solomone tried to pound out his opponent from the mount, the resilient Johnson finally got the reversal he wanted, swinging Solomone over into guard. The successful move was short lived as Solomone quickly locked in a triangle choke from the bottom. Seconds later it was over. The Lion’s Den had lost their first bout of the evening.
“It happens,” said Coach Rob Klezun. “That’s the beauty of MMA. Anything can happen at anytime. His inexperience showed, and he got caught. We need to get Mike back to the gym and work on what he did wrong. The kid’s a great athlete with lots of skill. It’s all mental from here.”
The next Lion’s Den fighter up was local MMA veteran Frank Latina. Fighting at 145 pounds, Latina looked forward to representing his new training center.
“They’re all about pride and looking out for the fighter. At this point in my career I really need that push. I’ve found it here.” Latina’s original opponent, Wayne Harnois, pulled out of the fight days before. His new opponent was Barrington Douse.
“I know him well. He’s a striker. He likes to throw back-fists and kicks. I’m going to have to take him to the ground to win this one,” Latina said moments before the bout. After being led to the ring with an enthusiastic, bouncing entourage of Lion’s Den shirt wearing members and fighters, Latina scored the first big win of the night, ground and pounding out a two round unanimous decision.
“It feels great to be back on the winning track,” he said. “I really appreciate the support and training from everyone at the Lion’s Den. I really feel like I have a home here.”
In what probably was the most electrifying bout of the evening, the Lion’s Den’s Jason Bennett (135 lbs) scored a devastating first round 33 second knockout of highly regarded Brandon Lehman out of New York.
“I knew he was a Division One wrestler and would try to take me to the ground, so I had to rely on my stand-up skills and athleticism,” Bennett said right after the exciting K.O.
Lehman did what was expected of him and twice rushed for the take-down only to be easily swept aside by Bennett who looked comfortable and in charge. It was easy to see from the start that Bennett’s superior stand-up skills would dictate the bout.
Then it happened.
A thunderous kick off his front left foot cracked against the side of Lehman’s head, knocking the 1-0-1 fighter unconscious for over two minutes. “I just figured I’d throw it out there and see what happens,” said Bennett. “You can guess I’m very happy with the results.”
Bennett, who has been training at the Lion’s Den for about four months, once fought WBC Light-heavyweight boxing champion Chad Dawson as an amateur boxer when the two were much younger (and lighter).
“My stand-up is on point. Working with the likes of Danilo Cherman, my ground game should only get better.”
Since it’s opening the Lion’s Den Training center’s MMA fighters are 9-3 and the team is growing stronger. “It’s a learning process,” said team manager Craig Salamone. “We’re getting the fights, and that’s the important thing. The more these guys fight, the better they get.”
“Fighters will come and go,” said owner Doug Cartelli. “The most important task is keeping our gym strong for our members. Having pro MMA fighters is an extra perk. If they prove they want to fight and work hard, they will get one-hundred percent of my support. We’ll do our part to give them a great training center. It’s now up to them to do their part and train with no excuses. So far so good.”
The Lion’s Den would like to thank Coaches Randy Rowe, Rob Klezun and strength and conditioning coach Brian Anderson for their hard work and dedication to the success of our fighters.
LION’S DEN FIGHTERS PREPARE FOR TWO BACK TO BACK SHOWS
10 months ago the Lion’s Den fight team was 0-0. Now they’re 15-4 and growing stronger. On August 22nd, 2009, the team invades Platinum Premier in Worcester, Ma to showcase 8 of their fighters. Representing the Den: DAMIAN MALON 170, RANDY ROWE 185, JASON HUBBARD 185, CHRIS FOSTER 155, MIKE HAPPY 185, HANK CHRISTENSEN 155, FRANK LATINA 145, JASON BENNETT 135.
“I’m impressed with their improvement,” said BJJ coach Danilo Cherman. “It’s like night and day. I moved to Middletown from Brazil to be a part of this great training center. These guys are getting the best training around, from their ground game to their stand-up, they get the best training. They’re dedicated and it shows.”
The gym is especially excited to showcase their fighters on September 11th in Chicopee, Ma. The event is a tribute show to all the victims and family members of September 11th 2001. The show will be promoted by HARD HITTIN’ PROMOTIONS along with The Lion’s Den in Middletown, Ct.
“This is a very exciting show,” said team manager Craig Salamone. “It’s outdoor, in a cage, and we’ll have some big names there to support the cause.”
The names Salamone referred to are UFC legend Ken Shamrock, DREAM’s Vitor Shaolin, and former UFC contender Mikey Burnett.
“All those guys have worked with our team,” said Salamone. “I think they will be very proud of their performances,” said Salamone.
The Lion’s Den training center is located at 1385 Newfield st, Middletown , Ct. For more information, please call 860-613-2394.
Wartown Beatdown 3 — Platinum Premier
On August 29th, 2009, in Worcester, Mass., the Lion’s Den Training Center went 5 out of 6 as their MMA fight team grows stronger. The results are as follows:
BEAN PECK DEF. MIKE JOHNSON (LION’S DEN) DEC. 3
DAMIAN MALON (LION’S DEN) DEF. FRANK SANCHEZ DEC.3
JASON HUBBARD (LION’S DEN) DEF. DANIEL DUBIE (SUBMISSION) RD1
FRANK LATINA (LION’S DEN) DEF. WAYNE HARNOIS (ARM BAR SUBMISSION) RD1
JASON BENNETT (LION’S DEN) DEF. GLENN ALLAIRE (KO PUNCHES) RD1
(MAIN EVENT) CHRIS FOSTER (LION’S DEN) DEF. DAVID SACHS (TKO PUNCHES) RD1
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FIGHT TEAM FOR ANOTHER JOB WELL DONE!
PAVEMENT WARS: FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
Chicopee, Ma.
Date: September 9, 2009
Event: Pavement Wars: Fight for Freedom Pro/Am MMA show
