Kimbo Slice on Pro Elite show
Underground fighter Kimbo Slice makes his national television debut on Saturday when he fights Bo Cantrell in a fight card promoted by ProElite at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas and televised by Showtime.
“I’m definitely ready to hit somebody,” said Slice who was originally scheduled to face Mike Bourke who suffered a training injury. “I wish it was Saturday now.”
Slice, 35, is trained by MMA superstar Bas Rutten in Southern California.
Promoter Gary Shaw says that Slice could easily become a professional boxing world champion if he chose that route as well. But as an MMA fighter, his experience in underground fights could make him a star in the sport requiring multiple fight tools.
“I believe he has the ability (under trainer Bas Rutten) to be the world champion in MMA in probably several weight classes,” said Shaw.
It’s a lot of hype for Slice.
His opponent Cantrell is unperturbed.
“Let’s see how he deals with the pressure and against someone who can get off first,” said Cantrell. “I am ready to welcome Kimbo to the world of MMA.”
Others on the heavy fight card include Nick Diaz facing matinee idol Karl Noons a hard-hitting boxer and MMA star. Diaz is considered one of the best ground fighters in the sport.
“You are going to have to knock me out to win,” said Diaz.
Noons has been shown in two televised fights and is eager to be the centerpiece once again.
“Nick is a great fighter but this is my chance to show that I am a truly great fighter too,” said Noons. “My fight with Nick can’t help but be exciting.”
Another pretty strong match features Jake Shields against Mike “Quicksand” Pyle in a welterweight showdown pitting two fighters from renown MMA gyms. Shields is a protégé of Cesar Gracie in northern California and Pyle works out of Randy Couture’s Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas.
“I am looking for respect and becoming number one in the world,” said Shields. “As I have said time and again, I want to fight the best.”
Pyle is coming off a brief period of inactivity and expects a battle against Shields.
“Business is business and I hold no animosity toward anyone,” said Pyle of his five months away from the cage. “The layoff will not bother me at all.”
Fights coming up
Nov. 10 — EliteXC: Renegade at American Bank Center at Corpus Christi, Texas. (361) 826-4100.
Nov. 10 — Freestyle Combat Challenge 31 at Kenosha Ice Rink at Kenosha, Wisconsin. (262) 694-8010.
Nov. 10 — Real Fighting Championships 10 at USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida. (813) 964-9818.
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