Jamii Archives: Tony Penecale

Tony Penecale, wrestling, WWE

Hulk Hogan Anaweza Kuwa Ameondoka, Lakini Hulkamania Anaishi Milele

Acha maoni

Nini Hulk Hogan Anamaanisha Kwangu

By: Tony Penecale

Hii itakuwa ndefu. Ndivyo tunavyofanya waandishi wa habari, tunaandika. Ninaandika makala hii ya heshima kwa shujaa wa utotoni, Hulk Hogan. Ninaandika hii zaidi kwa ajili yangu mwenyewe. Hiki ni kifo cha mtu mashuhuri ambacho kimeniathiri kama hakuna mwingine. Ninaweza kuelewa kikweli jinsi watu walivyohisi Elvis alipokufa.

Nimekaa juu ya mawazo na maneno haya kwa wiki sasa. Unasemaje kwaheri kwa ikoni, kitu ambacho kimefafanua maisha yako kwa muda mrefu kama unaweza kukumbuka?  Terry Bollea, mwanamieleka kitaaluma na ikoni ya kitamaduni inayojulikana ulimwenguni kote kama Hulk Hogan, alifariki ghafla Julai 24 baada ya kupata mshtuko wa moyo nyumbani kwake huko Florida.

Ingawa kuna mabishano na maoni ya mgawanyiko juu ya Terry Bollea mtu katika miaka michache iliyopita, Ninataka kuweka mawazo yangu juu ya Hulk Hogan, mwanamieleka na mtumbuizaji ambaye alimaanisha mengi kwangu katika kipindi kilichopita 40 miaka.

Katika kile kilichokuwa kama dhoruba kamili, Hulk Hogan alikuja maishani mwangu mwaka wa 1983. Nilikuwa tu nimehamia mtaa mpya kwani babu yangu alikuwa mgonjwa mahututi., na tulikuwa tunaenda kumsaidia bibi yangu kumtunza katika miezi yake ya mwisho. Sikuwahi kuwa na kebo hapo awali. Baba yangu wakati mwingine angetazama programu ya mieleka kwenye nyumba yetu ya zamani, na ningekaa naye. Wakati huo WWE (kisha WWF) lilikuwa eneo la mkoa wa kaskazini-mashariki. Bingwa alikuwa Bob Backlund lakini kwa mtoto aliyevutiwa na Star Wars na He-Man, alikuwa tu wazi sana na boring kukamata mawazo yangu.

Rocky III alikuwa ametolewa 1982 na maandishi yaliita msuli, kubwa-kuliko-maisha wrestler kujaza nafasi ya Thunderlips na Hogan alikuwa chaguo asili. Alikuwa kisigino (mtu mbaya) tabia yake mapema katika kazi yake na utendaji wake ulimletea kutambuliwa kwa kawaida. Pamoja na upatikanaji wa cable, ilionekana kuwa Rocky III ilikuwa ikionyeshwa karibu kila siku na ningeitazama baada ya katuni za alasiri.

Desemba hiyo, Bob Backlund alipoteza cheo cha WWE kwa Iron Sheik mbaya na wa kudharauliwa. Sikuwa shabiki mkubwa wa Backlund, lakini akili yangu ya umri wa miaka 7 haikuweza kufahamu ulimwengu ulio na "mtu mbaya" kama bingwa wa mieleka. Dunia ilikuwa na usawa mnamo Januari 23, 1984, wakati Hogan alipochukua nafasi ya Backlund "aliyejeruhiwa" na kumshinda Iron Sheik kwenye bustani ya Madison Square..

Nilipotazama hii kwenye TV, Niliweza kuhisi msisimko na shangwe wakati Hulk aliposhinda tena taji la Amerika. Katika mawazo yangu, Hulk Hogan alikuwa mtu mbaya katika Rocky III hadi Rocky "akamgeuza kuwa mzuri." Katika wakati huo, Nilipata shujaa, Superman wa maisha halisi, mtu ambaye angeweza kukabiliana na changamoto za wapiganaji wabaya wote. Kuwa na kebo, Ningeweza kutazama kadi za kila mwezi kutoka kwa Philadelphia Spectrum, kushangilia Hulkster kila mwezi.

Februari 1985 iliashiria mwaka mzima wa kuwa Hulkamaniac kamili kwangu. Kulikuwa na kadi ya matinee iliyoshikiliwa kwenye Spectrum, na baba yangu aliamua kunipeleka kuona Hulk akitetea keki ya Brutus Beefcake. Bado nakumbuka msisimko wa ajabu walipokuwa wakicheza "Jicho la Chui" wakati Hulk alipoingia kwenye pete.. Ilikuwa ya kusisimua sana. Nilirekodi mchezo wa marudio siku iliyofuata kwenye TV na nilisadikishwa kwamba nilijiona kwenye matangazo. Haikuwa hadi miaka kadhaa baadaye ndipo nilipotazama mechi hiyo kwenye Youtube na nikagundua mtu ambaye nilifikiri ni mimi alikuwa kijana tu. 10 miaka mingi kuliko mimi na amevaa tu koti kama hilo.

WWE ilikuwa ikiwasilisha supercard yenye jina la "Wrestlemania" mwezi uliofuata, na nilijaribu kumshawishi baba yangu aniruhusu niione. Hii ilikuwa kabla ya kuagiza kadi za kulipia kutazama ukiwa nyumbani na mahali pekee tulipoweza kuona ni utangazaji wa moja kwa moja katika Philadelphia Spectrum.. Nilichezea orodha ya watu mashuhuri ambao wangekuwepo, akiwemo Muhammad Ali. Alikubali kunichukua, na nilipata kuona nyota zote kubwa kama Mbwa Junkyard na Andre the Giant. Lakini mechi iliyonifanya nitetemeke kwenye kiti changu ilikuwa mechi ya kinyongo na Hulk akishirikiana na Rocky III costar na icon ya A-Team., Mr. T walipochukua wawili wasaliti wa Rowdy Roddy Piper na Paul "Mr. Ajabu” Orndorf. Bila shaka, mashujaa walishinda, na tukio hilo lilikuwa jambo kuu zaidi nililowahi kuona.

Kuanzia wakati huo, Nilikuwa juu ya kila kitu na chochote Hulk Hogan. Alikuwa shujaa mkubwa zaidi duniani. Nilimpenda He-Man, GI Joe, na Transfoma, lakini vilikuwa tu vinyago vya uwongo na katuni. Nilikuwa shabiki mkubwa wa Rocky, lakini nilijua kuwa ilikuwa sinema tu. Lakini Hulk Hogan… nilimtazama kila wiki, na niliamini mieleka ni kweli. Nilitaka kukua na kuwa mwanamieleka. Jina langu litakuwa "Tornado Tony" na ningekuwa mshirika wa timu ya tag ya Hulk Hogan.. Tulikuwa tunaenda kwenye hafla kuu ya Wrestlemania kama timu ya lebo. Ningefanya mazoezi kwa kutumia vifaa vya mazoezi vya Hulkamania na dumbe za plastiki, kushika mkono, na jumprope. Nilikuwa na sanduku la chakula cha mchana la Hulk Hogan kwa shule, Nilikuwa na t-shirt ya Hulk Hogan, na takwimu zote za hatua za LJN.

Nilipata marafiki wengi tofauti shuleni nikizungumza tu juu ya mieleka, baadhi ya watoto ambao nilifikiri sikuwa na uhusiano wowote nao. Kama mtoto wa kawaida mwenye aibu, ikiwa nilimwona mtoto mwingine akiwa na mada ya mieleka, kama kibandiko cha mieleka kwenye mkoba au kadi chache za biashara, Ningetoka kwenye ganda langu na kuanza mazungumzo. Inevitably, tungepanga kutazama programu ya kila juma inayopeperushwa kila Jumamosi asubuhi, ikijumuisha katuni yenye mandhari ya Hulk Hogan ambayo ilikuwa maarufu sana. Wakati huu, wazazi wangu wangeniruhusu nikeshe usiku sana ikiwa Tukio Kuu la Jumamosi Usiku lilikuwa likionyeshwa. Ilikuwa burudani ya kukaribishwa lakini pia ilihuzunisha sana kumtazama King Kong Bundy ambaye ni mwovu akimtuma Hulk nje kwenye machela.. Kama kiwewe kama ilivyokuwa, haikutosha kunizuia nisikubali mwaliko wa sherehe ya siku ya kuzaliwa kutazama 2nd awamu ya Wrestlemania na baadhi ya wanafunzi wenzangu. Tulifurahi wakati wa kuingia kwa Hogan, tulishikilia pumzi yetu ya pamoja wakati Bundy alipata faida, na kisha kusherehekea wakati Hogan alitawala.

Biashara ya mieleka ikiwa katika kilele cha umaarufu na Hulk akiongoza, walihitaji kitu kikubwa, kubwa ajabu, kujaza 93,000 Pontiac Silverdome kwa Wrestlemania III. Walichofanya ni kulinganisha Hogan na mtu mkubwa zaidi katika michezo ya kitaaluma, kihalisi na kimafumbo, walipomgombanisha na rafiki yake wa zamani katika urefu wa futi 7, 500 lb. Andre Jitu. Jitu, safi kutoka kwa usaliti wake kwa Hogan, inawezekana ilikuwa changamoto kubwa sana kwa shujaa wetu kushinda. Baada ya kustahimili mapigo mengi dhidi ya mpinzani wake wa kutisha zaidi, Hulk bado aliweza kujiinua na kumshinda mpinzani wake mkubwa, ikiwa ni pamoja na bodyslam maarufu zaidi wakati wote.

Muda mfupi baada ya Wrestlemania III, upeo wangu ulianza kupanuka. Nilipendezwa na michezo, hasa ndondi. Nilikuwa nikitazama sinema zaidi na kucheza michezo tofauti ya video. Nikiwa bado natazama mieleka, na nilijiona kama Hulkamaniac mwaminifu, Nilianza kuingia kwenye programu nyingine, hasa nyakati ambazo Hogan hangekuwa anarekodi filamu na vipindi vya televisheni.

Nilipofika Sekondari, Nilikuwa nikitazama tu mieleka. Haikuwa jambo la kupendeza kufanya tena. Wakati mwingine ningetazama programu na nilipenda kutazama ni The Undertaker, Kiwembe Ramon, na Deisel. Hatukuwa na vyama vya mieleka tena, takwimu yangu LJN walikuwa packed katika sanduku katika Attic, na hatukuwa na mechi za nyuma. Mapambano ya mieleka ya miaka ya 80 yalikuwa yamefifia, na biashara ilikuwa na kashfa za steroid na madawa ya kulevya. Haikuwa tena aina ya burudani isiyo na hatia ambayo nilikua nikitazama.

Mwaka wangu wa pili chuoni, Nilikuwa nikilala na mvulana ambaye alipenda mieleka, na nikaanza kutazama naye. Hogan alikuwa katika mpinzani wa WCW, na tungelinganisha mashirika yote mawili, zote mbili zikiwa bado zinatumia mada na hila zilizopitwa na wakati. Huku tukitazama kama kikundi, Sikujipata nikitazama niliporudi nyumbani kwa mapumziko ya kiangazi. Hiyo ilibadilika mnamo Mei 27, 1996, WCW iliporusha bomu. Upangaji wao usio na maana ulipata msukumo kwa kuwasili kwa mshangao kwa Scott Hall (aliyekuwa Kiwembe Ramon), ikifuatiwa wiki chache baadaye na rafiki yake Kevin Nash (Deisel wa zamani). 

WCW sasa walikuwa na hisia mbaya na hamu ilifikia kilele kwa Bash yao kwenye kadi ya Pwani, inapatikana tu kwa kununua matangazo ya kulipia kwa kila mtazamo. Hall na Nash, na ahadi ya mshirika wa siri, alipigana na ushujaa watatu wa Randy Savage, Kuumwa, na Lex Luger. Kupona kutoka kwa upasuaji wa goti wa hivi karibuni, Sikununua show. Sikuwa nimesikia matokeo au ripoti zozote nilipotazama programu ya Jumatatu usiku. Kwa goti langu lililoinuka na, katika usingizi unaosababishwa na maumivu, Nilimtazama Hulk akienda kwenye pete wakati wa tukio kuu. Alikuwepo kuokoa mashujaa na kupeleka wabaya kukimbia. Au ndivyo nilivyofikiria. Nakumbuka nikifikiria “Je, alimshambulia tu mtu asiyefaa?” huku akidondosha saini yake kwenye Savage.

Kama alivyofanya 12 miaka iliyopita, Hulk Hogan tena alikuwa kitovu cha mapinduzi ya mieleka. Wakati huu alifanya hivyo kwa kujigeuza kuwa tabia ya kisigino na kuongeza moniker "Hollywood" kwa jina lake. Alibadilisha nembo yake ya rangi ya manjano na nyekundu kuwa rangi nyeusi na nyeupe na akaweka alama ya "Agizo la Ulimwengu Mpya" la mieleka. Alirudisha mieleka kwenye mkondo. Vyombo vya habari vilifunika mieleka tena. Ilikuwa ni mazungumzo karibu na mji, shule na ofisi, jinsi Hulk Hogan aligeuka kuwa mtu mbaya. Pamoja na Hall na Nash, alifanya hivyo baridi kuwa mbaya.

Ili kukabiliana na mlipuko wa ukadiriaji wa WCW, WWE ilirekebisha bidhaa mbaya zaidi, ikiongozwa na Stone Cold Steve Austin na Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Siku za Jumatatu usiku zikawa vita vya ukadiriaji kati ya kampuni zote mbili na kutazama mieleka ilikuwa ni "ndani" ya kufanya tena.

Nakumbuka nilitembea hadi kwa kijana mmoja kwenye chuo chetu ambaye alikuwa amevaa t-shirt ya NWO. Nilimtazama na kumuuliza “Je!?” na kutoa ishara ya “Kwa Maisha” kwa mkono wangu wa kushoto. Alijibu kwa ishara ya “Tamu Sana”. Tumekuwa marafiki tangu na kila mwaka kwenye siku zetu za kuzaliwa., tunachapisha salamu za NWO kwenye ukurasa wa media ya kijamii wa mwingine.

Ili kukabiliana na mlipuko wa ukadiriaji wa WCW, WWE ilirekebisha bidhaa mbaya zaidi, ikiongozwa na Stone Cold Steve Austin na Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Siku za Jumatatu usiku zikawa vita vya ukadiriaji kati ya kampuni zote mbili na kutazama mieleka ilikuwa ni "ndani" ya kufanya tena. Mieleka katika miaka ya 80 ilikuwa kama muongo, sauti kubwa, rangi, na juu-juu. Mieleka katika miaka ya 90 ilifanana na nyakati za mabadiliko, grittier na ya kweli zaidi. Mpinga shujaa muasi ulikuwa mtindo maarufu na ambao uliendana na mtazamo wa utu wangu ambao umegeuka kuwa 21..

Katika mwaka wangu mdogo katika 1997, Nilichaguliwa kupiga ngumi katika Tamasha la kifahari la Collegiate East-West Classic huko Reno, NV. Kwa bahati mbaya, wiki moja tu kabla ya pambano, my scheduled opponent was forced to withdraw with an injury and a teammate in a lighter weight class was taken in my place. While at a layover in the San Francisco airport, my boxing teammates saw Hulk Hogan walking by, dressed in his black and white NWO garb. They stopped him for a photo, and he obliged. Being a member of the school journalism club, I had to submit that photo for publishing in our school newspaper, the very photo that I should have been included in. The following year, I was able to make the trip to Reno, NV to compete in the East-West Classic. I walked all through the airport with another boxer on the trip, looking for any WCW wrestler that might be in the San Francisco airport, even though there was really only one that I was looking to meet.

After graduating, I kept up with the wrestling trend. In 2001, WWE purchased a faltering WCW, and just a year later, Hulk Hogan returned to battle The Rock in an ageless classic where the fans embraced his return. Hulk would leave and return to the company several times over the next few years, and during each return, when the first few chords of his signature theme “Real American” would hit the air, the deafening reaction of the crowd would fill the arena with such electricity.

By the mid-2000s, I come to realize that my opportunity to meet my all-time favorite wrestler and icon was lost when that Reno boxer withdrew from our bout in 1997. Being a naïve fan, Sikutambua kwamba Hulk alikuwa kweli kutoka eneo la Tampa. Kila mara alikuwa anatozwa bili kutoka Venice Beach, CA na mimi tulichukua hiyo kama ukweli. Nilianza kufanya safari ya kila mwaka ya chemchemi kwenda Clearwater in 2008 na, miaka michache baadaye, usafiri wangu ulipita baa inayoitwa "Hogan's Beach", karibu na uwanja wa ndege wa Tampa. Niligundua baadaye kuwa ilikuwa baa inayomilikiwa na Hulk Hogan, kwa hivyo niliamua kuongeza siku kwenye safari yangu kwa mwaka ujao kutembelea baa hiyo. Ilikuwa nafasi yangu ya kupata picha niliyohisi nilistahili. Katika 2015, Nilikwenda Hogan's Beach na kamera yangu tayari, isipokuwa hakukuwa na Hulk Hogan kwenye Pwani ya Hogan.

Na Hogan's Beach inafunga 2016, Nilisikia kwamba alikuwa na duka la kumbukumbu huko Clearwater Beach na kwamba wakati mwingine angejitokeza bila mpangilio. Nilifanya ziara ndani 2016, 2017, 2018, na 2019, wote bila bahati. Wakati fulani nilisikia kitu kama "Mbaya sana. Alikuwa hapa jana." Kila mwaka, Nilinunua shati na kuchukua picha nikiwa nje ya duka. Rafiki yangu na mwenzangu wa zamani Jason, ambaye alikuwa kwenye safari hiyo mbaya ya ndondi 1997, wangenibavu kila mwaka na kutoa maoni yao na picha yao kutoka uwanja wa ndege miongo miwili iliyopita. Ningejibu kila mara kuwa ningependa kumpata bondia huyo wa Reno ili hatimaye tupate mechi hiyo ya ndondi na kila mwaka, Ningeongeza mwaka mwingine wa riba juu ya kipigo alichokuwa anaenda kupata 20 miaka iliyopita.

Licha ya wakati wangu mbaya kila mwaka, kwenda kwenye Duka la Hogan's Beach huko Clearwater Beach lilikuwa jambo la kufurahisha. Nilipokuwa mtoto, kulikuwa na mazungumzo ya kufungua duka la mieleka kwenye soko la karibu la mkulima, na watoto katika ujirani wangu wote walizungumza kuhusu kile ambacho tungenunua, au katika hali halisi, tuwaombe wazazi wetu watununulie. Nilikuwa na hakika kwamba nilikuwa nikitoka na shati la Hulk Hogan linalotoa machozi, vigogo vya njano, magoti nyekundu, na buti za njano. Wazazi wangu hatimaye walinichukua, na, kwa kukata tamaa kwangu, ilikuwa ni takwimu chache tu za hatua ambazo tayari nilikuwa namiliki, t-shirt chache, na baadhi ya kadi za biashara. Duka huko Florida lilikuwa paradiso ya watoto wa miaka ya 80. Kulikuwa na kadhaa ya mashati ya kuchagua, pamoja na vitambaa vya kichwa, miwani ya risasi, takwimu za hatua, na mikanda ya replica. Kulikuwa na vitu vilivyoonyeshwa, kama vile mikanda ya kichwa ya Hulk iliyovaliwa na pete, an authentic Ric Flair robe, and a pair of Andre the Giant-sized wrestling trunks. During one of my talks with Hulk’s friend and business partner, Ron, he asked if I wanted to take a photo holding a few of the ring-worn belts. I first got to hold the spray-painted NWO belt, which was amazing. But what he brought out next nearly buckled my knees. It was the authentic belt that Hulk wore to the ring at Wrestlemania III when he battled Andre the Giant. The real-life belt from maybe the biggest match of all-time was resting on my shoulder. I tried to make a tough face for the photo, but I couldn’t resist the urge to break out a beaming smile as I held this iconic piece of my childhood.

I finally saw the golden opportunity for my long-awaited photo opportunity with the opening of Hogan’s Hangout bar and weekly karaoke nights. My visit was planned for March 14, 2022, and I was ready to impress the Hulkster will my version of Sir Mix-a-Lot’s classic “Baby Got Back”. I arrived early to get a good spot at the bar, and I had another ace up my sleeve. I brought a replica of the Thunderlips cape that he wore in Rocky III. There was no way that I could leave without a photo.

After meeting and chatting with longtime WWE/WCW manager and Hulk’s personal friend, Jimmy Hart, Nilichukua tena nafasi yangu kwenye baa na kungoja kwa hamu kama nilivyofanya nilipokuwa mtoto nikingojea kiingilio chake kwenye Philadelphia Spectrum. Kawaida kuwasili kati 8:15-8:20, Hulk hakufika hadi baadaye 8:30 na wakati bado alifanya mlango, ilikuwa imetiishwa kidogo. Kisha alichukua kipaza sauti na kutangaza kwamba alikuwa ametoka tu kupokea simu kwamba rafiki yake na mshirika wake wa NWO Scott Hall alikuwa amefariki dunia dakika chache kabla ya kuondolewa kwenye usaidizi wa maisha kufuatia mshtuko wa moyo. Kisha Hulk alituma msururu wa vinywaji katika baa ili sote tushiriki toast.

Baada ya hapo, the karaoke started. There wasn’t a board to see who was scheduled in queue and I impatiently waited to hear my name. I had heard that others had sent the DJ a Venmo bribe to ensure they were called. It was too late for that route. I could not think of leaving without getting that photo opportunity. Not only would I get ribbed mercilessly, but I also knew the reality of the rigors that professional wrestling takes on the body. Scott Hall had just passed away that day. Others like Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, and Curt Henning all died young. I couldn’t take the risk of waiting another year. I maneuvered myself towards the front, like I was navigating to the restroom, and I found the perfect spot where Hulk would pass on his way out. As he was getting ready to leave, he saw me and gave a “Yo Thundelips. Great cape, Brother!” comment. In that moment, I was not a 45-year-old insurance executive. I was again 10 umri wa miaka, and my favorite wrestler was calling me out. I extended my hand, and he accepted. Knowing I only had a second, I had the camera on selfie and got my photo.

A few weeks before my 2023 Clearwater trip, I saw that Hulk was doing a signing at his beach shop on the day I was scheduled to arrive. I had a morning flight and if all went well, unlike the six-hour delay the prior year due to a fuel leak, I would be able to get a photo and signature. I purchased the appearance ticket and prayed for no delays. After arriving with no issues, I took my place in line which was about a two-hour wait. Why so long?  Because Hulk wanted to take a few moments with everyone. When it was my turn, I introduced myself as “Tony Tornado” from Philadelphia. He responded “YO TONY TORNADO!  Nini juu, brother?” He asked if I was a wrestler and responded that I was not a wrestler but a boxer. He threw his hands up saying, “Don’t hit me, brother!” I thanked him for making my childhood special, especially that first Wrestlemania with my dad, and he signed a red Hulkamania tanktop for me. I told him that I would see him on Monday night for karaoke.

Unlike the previous year, they had an electronic board where you could see where you were in the queue. I arrived with some friends and texted in my go-to song except they had put time limit restrictions of four minutes, likely because the previous year, people were choosing songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Rappers Delight” (short version) that were lengthy song choices and didn’t give others their opportunity. With my signature song off the book, Nilichagua wimbo wa kawaida wa Run DMC "It's Tricky" kwa vile walikuwa wametumbuiza katika Wrestlemania V. Wakiwa wamevalia kofia yangu ya Thunderlips na fedora nyeupe yenye manyoya mekundu yanayolingana na nikingoja Hulk aingie., rafiki yangu alinyoosha kidole kwenye ubao wa foleni ya nyimbo kuonyesha kwamba nilikuwa wa pili kuimba. Wakati hatimaye aliingia dakika chache baada ya utendaji wangu, aliona cape na fedora na kupiga kelele "Tony Tornado!  Je, unaimba, Brother?” Nilimwambia tayari nimeshaimba akaitikia kupanda jukwaani kwa sababu alitaka kupiga picha na mimi.Kama nipo Cloud 9 mwaka uliopita, hii ililipua kabisa kutoka kwa maji. Rafiki zangu wachache pia waliimba na tulipiga risasi chache katika kusherehekea, hatua ambayo nilijuta baadaye kwani hangover ya siku iliyofuata haikuwa ya kupendeza.

Niliimba mara nyingine katika Hangout ya Hogan mwaka wa 2024. Nilichelewa kufika Clearwater Beach na nikaona marafiki wengine kwenye baa huku Hulk akiwasili tu. Nilijiunga nao na kutafakari kama ningeimba au la. Mara moja mchezaji mashuhuri wa ligi kuu Roger Clemens na mwanawe Kody walitumbuiza na wimbo wa heshima wa Toby Keith., Niliamua kuweka jina langu. Wakati huu waliniruhusu niimbe wimbo wangu wa kwenda na niliweza kupiga selfie na Hulk nikiwa katikati ya wimbo wangu wa kusisimua au wimbo wa asili wa Sir Mix-a-Lot.

Wakati usiku ulikuwa ukiisha, Nilipata muda wa kuzungumza na mtoto wake, Nick. Nilionyesha picha kutoka kwa Rocky Run ya mwaka uliopita, where I had completed a 5K on a sprained ankle in a full Thunderlips costume, including a costume muscle suit, fedora, cape, compression socks gimmicked to look like wrestling boots with tassels, and carrying a championship belt. Nick took my phone and showed it to his father who looked at me and said “You ran in that?  Nice job, Brother!” That was the last night that I saw Hulk Hogan in person.

They always say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I’ve been imitating Hulk Hogan for over 40 Miaka sasa, whether it was cupping my hand to my ear and posing while on camera at a Phillies game, dressing as Hulk for our work Halloween party and bringing and extra shirt just so I could imitate his tearing the shirt off during my parade entrance, doing the Rocky Run dressed as Thunderlips while captaining a team named “The Ultimate Meatballs”, or doing a Hulk Hogan promo while selling Christmas trees.

I built a tradition every year with my nephews buying them Hulk Hogan shirts. I bought Dominic his first shirt, the classic yellow, when he was just a year old in 2018. When my nephew Matteo was born three months early, I was in Clearwater. I went to the shop the next day and bought him a Hulkamania infant jumper. When he was finally able to come home after months in the NICU, his parents dressed him in that leaving the hospital. He had made his first Hulk Hogan superman comeback in life. This year, I bought our matching shirts again and the young lady running the register remembered me and my tradition with the boys. She gifted them both costume mustaches. When I gave them their shirts and mustaches, they were so excited to take their pictures. Matteo even fell asleep in the car wearing his shirt and mustache. I felt like the coolest uncle in the world. Because of Hulk Hogan, I was able to give these two little boys a tradition that they could look forward to.

Last Thursday, the news of Hulk Hogan’s sudden passing sent a shock through the wrestling and entertainment communities. There had been rumors of serious health struggles following cervical fusion surgery. Some reports had him on his deathbed and others said he could no longer speak. A report from Jimmy Hart came out on Thursday morning that the reports were exaggerated, and Hulk was recovering, slower than expected, but still recovering. A few hours later, the news broke that he was gone after suffering cardiac arrest at his residence.

I had just finished a meeting at work when I saw a direct message from a friend saying “Hulk died!” with the TMZ link. Before I could even click the link, I had another message, then a text, as everything moved in a blur. This was Hulk Hogan. Surely, he would kick out one more time at the count of two, power up and stare the Grim Reaper down. Sadly, it was true, and our beloved Hulk Hogan was gone. I arrived at the gym after work that evening and finished my last round on the heavybag with Hogan’s signature tune “Real American” cranked up through my headphones. About to leave, I saw a friend and mutual wrestling fan. We shared our disbelief, and he uttered some disgust at people on social media celebrating his death. As we were talking, the reality started hitting both of us and we stood there as two grown adults, one a weightlifter and one a boxer, both holding back tears.

To truly memorialize Hulk Hogan, you also must remember that he was a real human being. Terry Bollea had faults and made mistakes. He had been accused of playing politics backstage and holding back other wrestlers. There was a rant at his home that captured a racial slur that he may have said in anger. What recently hurt his popularity with many people was the backing of a polarizing political candidate. Many people who had been fans never forgave him for the racial slur and others turned on him for his political affiliation.

For me to remember Hulk Hogan, the wrestler, and Terry Bollea, the man, I accept the fact that we are all human, and we all have faults. Many who work in any business can be accused of using clout and gossip to further their own careers while holding back colleagues. In what has been the supposed sanctity of our own home, many of us have said things that could be considered racist, sexist, or homophobic. Many times, those words are said in anger and not a true reflection of one’s true feelings. With regards to political candidates, it is a very slippery slope in this divided culture. But, part of the freedoms we enjoy is the right to vote as we desire and back any political candidate we choose. To blindly hate a person, especially a person you have never met, solely for political reasons, shows a narrow-minded view of the world. You can disagree with their stance, but you can still enjoy their form of entertainment.

I will remember Terry Bollea had faults. He was a human like the rest of us. But I will also remember the good he brought into the world. He revolutionized the wrestling industry just like Babe Ruth did for baseball. Without Hulk Hogan, the wrestling boom of the 80s would never have occurred. Vince McMahon’s vision of a global federation would have likely faltered. Without Hulk Hogan, there would be no Wrestlemania, no Monday Night Wars, no Rock, no Stone Cold, no John Cena, etc. Aside from building that foundation, I will also remember the good he brought into the world. He visited sick children up until his final weeks. He inspired kids to work out, to train, say their prayers, and take their vitamins. Most importantly, he made you feel good about yourself. He made you believe in something bigger than life. He really was the “Babe Ruth of Wrestling.” There was baseball before Babe Ruth and baseball has flourished in the decades after his passing. Players are faster, nguvu, and better conditioned. But there still is only one Babe Ruth. Just like in wrestling. There was wrestling before Hulk Hogan and today’s wrestlers are more acrobatic and more athletic. But there still is and will always be only one Hulk Hogan.

After Hulk’s passing last week, one of the things that hit me the hardest was the thought that some of the traditions I had built the last few years would no longer continue. It took me a few days, but I decided that I will continue to don the Thunderlips attire for the Rocky Run, similar to my friend Mark who continues to honor the late Burt Young and his Paulie character during his participation. I still plan to do Hulk Hogan imitations while at the tree lot while trying to entertain our customers. Most importantly, I want to keep my annual tradition with Dominic and Matteo. Indications are that his shop in Clearwater Beach will remain open and, for as long as it is, I will continue that special tradition of buying us matching shirts and taking photos of us posing.

Terry Bollea may be gone. I believe in God and the afterlife. I believe that Terry has been forgiven, and he now resides in paradise. While Terry Bollea may be gone, the legend of Hulk Hogan will live now and forever. Heroes get remembered but legends never die. And Hulkamania will live forever.

Hulk Hogan, I would like to thank you. Thank you for bringing joy to my childhood. Thank you for giving me the strength to break out of my shell and make friends in my new school. Thank you for making me believe in the power of training, prayers, and vitamins. Thank you for making me believe that a mortal man can really be a superhero. Thank you for showing me that it can be cool to be bad. Thank you for giving me something to share with my nephews. Thank you for your kindness when I finally got to meet you. And most of all, thank you for bringing Hulkamania into my life. Rest in Peace!

559 Mapigano, ndondi Amateur, Amateur mchanganyiko karate, Amateur MMA, mkono mieleka, BAMMA, Tu Knuckle Boxing, BBC, Bellator, BET Mtandao, Big Knockout Boxing, BKFC, Bounce TV, Boxcino, ndondi, Cage Warriors Kupambana michuano, CBS Boxing, CBS Sports Network, Mabingwa TKO Boxing Gym, charity, Zima Eneo la MMA, Combate Amerika, Vichekesho, DAZN, ESPN Boxing, ESPN Ijumaa Usiku mapambano, Shabiki Duel, Ndoto ya michezo, FDNY Boxing, FFC, Kupambana Network, Pambana na Mazungumzo bila Ukomo, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE, FITETV, usawa, FNU Michezo ya Kupambana Show, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Ijumaa usiku Knockout, GFL.TV, Gleason ya Gym, Global kuthibitisha Ground, UTUKUFU, Golden Boy Promotions, Golden kinga, Goodwin Boxing, Chin ya Chin, Grappling, HBO Boxing, Afya na Urembo, IBA, ICB, ICBL, iKon Shirikisho la Kupambana, Judo, Keith Thurman, kickboxing, Ndugu Ndugu Ndondi, Las Vegas, Hebu Kupata It On Promotions, LFA, LGM Promotions, M-1, M-1 Challenge, karate, Mayweather Promotions, mchanganyiko karate, MMA, Ligi ya MMA Pro, MMAPRO, sinema, Muay Thai, Ndondi ya Murphys, NBC, New England mapambano, NFL, lishe, Oktagon, Olimpiki, Michuano moja, Mtandao Mkubwa, PBC juu ya ESPN, PFL, Premier Boxing Mabingwa, Matangazo ya Probox, Mapitio ya Bidhaa, Mkali Babe, Randy Couture, Reyes Boxing, RFA, Rich Bergeron, Pete 8, Michezo ya Ringstar, Matangazo ya Rivera, Rizin FF, Robert Guerrero, Roc Nation, Russia, Shinobi MMA Kupambana Mabingwa, Shinobi Vita, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, Spike TV, Kituo Kikuu, Super Kupambana Ligi, virutubisho, Takedown Wrestling Radio, Timu Kupambana na Walk, Chuo Kikuu cha MMA, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, Top Rank, Jumla ya kupambana na Boxing, TruTV Boxing, Tuff-N-Uff, UFC, Uingereza Boxing, Chuo Kikuu cha MMA, USA Boxing, USA Wrestling, Valor Bare Knuckle, Warriors Boxing, WFF, WMMAA, ndondi wanawake, wanawake MMA, Dunia Boxing Super Series, Dunia Mfululizo wa Kupambana na, Risasi ya Mada ya Ulimwenguni Pote, wrestling, WWE

Statik 360 is the Best Charger Cord You Will Ever Own

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Take it from the guys at Fight News Unlimited. We love this product. It is durable, practical and will keep your hassles with phone charging to a minimum. Check it out:

ndondi Amateur, ndondi, Tony Penecale

TRIBUTE TO DR. KEN “DOC” COX

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By: Tony Penecale

Lock Haven Boxing

darasa la 1998

Dr. Ken “Doc” Cox was a legend of a man. He was a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a confidant, and a friend. He passed away on February 5, 2022 katika umri wa miaka 88 umri wa miaka, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.

I’ve pondered over the last 24 hours how we are going to navigate through a world without Dr. Cox, aka “Doc”, a man who coached us, taught us, pushed us, and mentored us. He was a man that could light up a room and command attention. He could leave you hanging on every word as he shared life experiences or he could have you rolling on the floor, laughing until it physically hurt.

While his passing last night was not unexpected, it still hurt with the force of a thousand sledgehammers. I know I will likely break down and sob or flat out cry several times while I am writing this piece. There is definitely crying in boxing and tonight the Lock Haven Boxing and our extended collegiate boxing families are all in mourning.

Dr. Cox came into my life in 1994 when I was a freshman at Lock Haven University. I decided to go to Lock Haven, in truth it was my only choice, because I had become so enamored with the dream of boxing. When I found out that Lock Haven had a nationally-ranked team with a well-known coach, I set my heart on attending.

When I arrived on campus that fall semester, my first point of business was to seek out and meet Dr. Cox, armed with a list of excited questions. He agreed to meet with me a few weeks before he held the open meeting for prospective team members. I walked into the building where his academic office was located and it was then I saw a rotund man with white hair and a big smile on his round face walking towards me. I’m not sure who he was but it certainly couldn’t be this legendary coach. It was then he walked up to me and, in a voice that is so often imitated, he introduced himself. I did not realize then that I had just met a man who would so positively influence my life.

To know “Doc” was a true blessing in life. He could make you laugh or make you angry. He would call you out and put you on the spot. Being a professor, he valued education and he enforced that his student athletes, boxers at the time, and wrestlers before that, focused on their education. He would, without hesitation, withhold a competitor from a show or tournament if they were not keeping up with their academics.

He knew when to push you and exactly what buttons to push. He would bring the Lock Haven boxers to Rockview St. Penitentiary to train and spar with the inmates. The first time he brought me along, I was getting bullied and beaten up by an older and more experienced inmate. I was afraid and I kept looking over at him, in a way hoping that he would stop the sparring session. But he looked back and his eyes calmed me and I knew to throw a counter punch out of the corner. Dr. Cox believed in me at that moment when I didn’t believe in myself. A few years later, after me appointed me President of the Lock Haven Boxing Club, he asked me to submit the paperwork on which of his boxers he was selecting to compete in an upcoming show in New York. He also knew that I would see those papers so he wrote on there that I was “not nearly as talented” as another boxer on the roster. While we never spoke of it, he knew that he would ignite a fire in me to overcome my lack of natural ability through dedication and determination. It was just one of his many methods of motivation. As he would often say, he was “using a negative stimulus to produce a positive result.”

In essence, Dr. Cox was a giver. He shared his knowledge, his experience, na muhimu zaidi, his time to mold young men and women into competitive student athletes and decent human beings. He shared his family with us, including his wife Glenda, who was the driver (“the pilot”) of so many of our road trips. Those road trips, whether they were 45 minutes to Penn St. or several hours to Annapolis, were always entertaining life lessons. We were never allowed to sleep on those trips as “Doc” found this was the perfect time for education. He would discuss whatever topic hit his mind and they often came from left field. Those trips were never boring.

Dr. Cox always implored us to give back to the sport that gave us so much. He encouraged his student boxers to go into coaching and officiating, often allowing us to assist him in working the corner of one of our teammates, or setting up seminars so we could get our certification. He would, bila swali, gladly write a recommendation for a job or internship. He asked me to sit in his office while he wrote a letter of recommendation for me. He educated me on how to effectively communicate through the written word and focused on using “power” and “impact” words that would command attention and respect. He was always willing to be listed as a job reference because he wanted to see those who had trained and mentored become successful in life.

Since yesterday, I have been thinking a lot about my favorite “Doc” stories, the ones that I tell the most often. Of course, you can’t tell a Doc story without imitating his voice and mannerisms. Every year, when the LHU boxing alumni would gather for the annual boxing homeshow and after party, we would all tell our favorite stories while doing the Doc imitation. Sadly, the next time we gather will be for his funeral. This is a way for me to cope with his death and smile through the tears. These are in no particular order. For the most part, I will avoid using any names in the event someone doesn’t want to be called out.

  • First Roadtrip and “Barnyard Beef” – My first roadtrip with Doc and the LHU team was October 1994 to the US Naval Academy. It was the annual season kickoff meeting and a round of sparring sessions with boxers from Navy, VMI, Lock Haven, Shippensburg, and Mansfield. It was a relatively uneventful day except for one of the Haven’s novice boxers had taken a few solid punches and was now complaining how bad his jaw hurt. On our way home, we were expecting to make a quick dinner stop, likely a McDonalds, until Doc spotted a little shack-looking place on the side of the road called “Barnyard Beef.” Once he saw it, he implored Glenda to cut off the driver in the right lane so we could pull over as he boomed “Hun Hun… That’s where we need to stop. It’s called Barnyard Beef. It has to be good!” He gave us all a few dollars to order and we all went with roast beef sandwiches with Doc getting an extra-large selection which looked to be about as big as the moon. Our sulking boxer implored that his jaw was too sore to chew so he opted for a cup of soup. Doc took the first bite of his gigantic roast beef sandwich and rolled his eyes in delight “Oh My God!  This is the BEST roast beef sandwich ever” and looking over at his lone soup-eating boxer, he followed with “You gotta get one of these!  Forget about your jaw! Stop being such a pansy and get one!"
  • Mad in the Corner – As mentioned, Doc wanted to give his student boxers opportunities to learn to coach. There was a December card at Penn State my sophomore year where I and another teammate had our bouts canceled when our opponents from Buffalo were snowed in. Doc saw an opportunity to have us help in the corners with each of us taking two bouts and he would allow you to get in the ring and give the instructions. The first bout I worked with him was a clear Lock Haven victory. The second bout I worked with him did not go so well. The Lock Haven boxer was not doing well and certainly not up to his potential. Through the first round, I could tell Doc was getting angry. As the bell rang, he snarled “Let me have the ring” which was never a good thing. As I sat there, I made a vow that situation would never happen to me. Fast forward two months later, I am competing in that same PSU ring against a very sloppy and awkward opponent and the first round was going poorly, very poorly. The bell rung to end the first round and, as I started walking back to my corner, I saw Doc getting in the ring with a wild and angered look in his eyes. I almost considered walking to my opponent’s corner and asking if I could stay there for the next minute because I knew my corner was not going to be a fun place to be. In a crazy way, Doc’s unleashing on me actually forced me to refocus and allowed me to come back to win that one.
  • President’s Dinner – At the end of every year, the president of the university would have a dinner for the boxing team. As Doc had retired as a professor in 1996, they decided that year that the dinner would not just be for the current team but also for some selected alumni. After the boxing nationals had ended in April, Doc was flying to Fiji for a few weeks to participate in a boxing seminar. He was scheduled to return only a day before the dinner banquet. We were waiting for him at the gym so we could travel to the dinner as a team. When Doc walked through the doors, our collective jaws hit the floor. He was wearing a suit jacket and tie and a traditional Fijian sulu. In our eyes, he was wearing something that resembled a skirt. He just smiled back and said “These are so comfortable. I think I am going to start wearing them more often.” To say his attire was the talk of the dinner was an understatement for sure.
  • Pork & Beans – One of Doc’s defining characteristics in life was his generosity and willingness to help others. He had a close relationship with the local Salvation Army and every year, he would set up a day for the boxing team to ring the bells for the Salvation Army kettle. When Doc found out that one of his boxers was struggling financially and unable to afford food, he worked out a deal with the Salvation Army where they would donate some food for him. We were loading a box of groceries donated when this boxer who came from a Muslim family looked at the one item and declined it as it included pork. Doc picked up the can and said “Are you sure?  How can you tell?” to which he was informed that it was a can of Pork & Beans. He pondered for a moment simply said “Hmmm… You know I never knew that had pork in it?"
  • Don’t Eat the Pizza – We were traveling to New York for the annual show at the New York Athletic Center a few days before Thanksgiving. This was a rare show with the weigh-in the day before the show and the whole ride to Manhattan, Doc was talking about how we were going out to eat after the weigh-in. Since it was my first year competing on the NYAC show, he allowed me to choose the ethnic food we would be indulging in later. Of course, I picked Italian. Doc had one more very important piece of advice. After the weigh-in, there would be pizzas there. Even though we were all hungry from making weight for the show, he advised that we do not eat the pizza because we were going out to dinner. The three Lock Haven boxers made weight and, after changing, we walked over to find Doc eating his third slice of pizza. A short while later, we are seated at the famed Luna’s restaurant in Little Italy and Doc is complaining that he shouldn’t have eaten that pizza and he was too full to order a meal. The legendary Dr. Cox, the man who stories recount ate so much Chinese Food the year before, was reduced to ordering a side salad. As we were eating and laughing, Coach Ken Cooper made an astute observation. Doc had finished his salad and was now eating from his wife’s plate, all the while mentioning how he wasn’t hungry. Not missing a beat, Doc proceeded to take the extra meatballs from the one boxer’s meal.
  • Cigars and Vodka –This is one that I didn’t get to witness personally but he told it so often that I felt like I was there. As a highly-respected wrestling coach, Doc was often invited to wrestling seminars in Russia where that sport is God-like. Doc was often the recipient of many bottles of the finest Russian vodka. He would attend boxing seminars in Cuba. Before flipping truck tires became a trendy thing in most fitness centers, Doc borrowed the Cuban method and would have his fighters bounce on truck tires to increase leg strength and conditioning. He also came home from many of these trips with some authentic Cuban cigars. He would tell us how he would then go to the store and buy the cheapest cigars and vodka, only to switch the labels. He would then imitate those smoking the cheap cigars and drinking the cheap vodka thinking they were consuming the real goods. He would pantomime their sipping of the vodka and slow puffing of the cigars while commenting “how you can really taste the difference”, his whole time cackling at the knowledge that he knew they were really gushing over the lowest quality of both items.
  • Weight – It’s no secret, Doc wanted his boxers to compete in different weight classes. He also always envisioned a dominant heavyweight on his team and he would workout football players or wrestlers who had exhausted their eligibility in those respective sports. At the beginning of each school year, I would show up around 190-195 and Doc would envision me being his solution at heavyweight, despite the fact that I didn’t have the height, and once I started conditioning, the weight to sustain it. I still remember those conversations. “Ok Penecale, you weighed in at 185 for last week’s bout. What did you weigh today?” I would respond with “182” and he would shoot back “Ok, wiki hii, I am going to put you in with a ‘small’ heavyweight.” When he meant “small”, it was usually anyone under 235 and I would show up to weigh-ins with rocks in my pockets. Then one day, only a few days before regionals, he decided to try another avenue. I had been between 178-180 and fully expecting to compete at 180 in the regionals when he asked “Do you think you can make 165 by Friday?” It was already Tuesday afternoon. He felt that was my best path to the National tournament so I agreed. In spring 1997, between January 30 and April 12, Doc had me compete in five separate weight classes.
  • My last homeshow – Fitting that this anniversary is tomorrow (Februari 7) and I will be posting the Youtube video like I do every year. The homeshow was always a big event and Doc would want everything to be perfect. As Coach Coop would say to us, Doc would be very impatient or as so eloquently described “he would be a bear with a sore ass.” The last thing you wanted to do was annoy Doc before, wakati, or after the homeshow. My senior year, I was taking on a boxer from Army by the name of Michael Jordan. My friends and roommates showed up with custom signs and shirts and they were seated in the bleachers close to my corner. Earlier in the card, when I was getting changed, a boxer from Kentucky had knocked out an opponent from Penn State and drew the crowd’s ire by jumping on the ropes and showboating. I was unaware of this, so as the emotion hit me at the final bell, I banged my gloves and started a run to my corner to jump on the ropes and salute my cheering section. Doc read my mind and sternly said “NO!” which forced my momentum into an awkward gallop, looking like a bucking bronco that was just hit with a cattle prod.

The last two days have been emotional and difficult, from finding out that Doc was soon-to-be transitioning to the crushing news of his passing. Being an admin on the LHU Boxing Facebook page, one of the abilities is to approve posts. I saw so many posts submitted for approval from friends, familia, fellow alumni including so many photos. It was nearly impossible not to break down.

Dr. Cox was a coach, an educator, a mentor, and a friend. As I first said in the post after his passing, he taught me so many lessons in and out of the ring. He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. He pushed me to be better, a better boxer, a better student, a better son, a better friend, and a better human. Those life lessons still impact me every day and I find myself sharing them often.

Coach Cooper added in his tribute “He who is in the hearts of so many is never truly gone”.  That is a true statement. Dr. Cox will live on through the positive impact that he has made through so many of his students, Wanariadha, familia, na marafiki.

You will certainly be missed, Dr. Cox. Thank you and We Love You!!!

ndondi, sinema, Tony Penecale

Tornado goes to the movies: rocky iV remastered review

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na: Tony “the Tornado” Penecale (juu)

Here is my review of the Rocky vs Drago movie plus a photo with the movie poster. Guess who walked out with it!

So I went to see the Rocky vs Drago Director’s Cut film last night.


Here are 2 spoilers that shouldn’t be spoilers. Apollo still dies and Rocky still wins.


So the movie had approximately 40 minutes of new footage. It also kept approximately the same run time so with 40 minutes of new footage, there is nearly 40 minutes of omitted footage.


Now for some spoilers. If you don’t want anything spoiled, I suggest you stop reading here.


There were two shots that I really hoped would have been edited out for this film but somehow still made it in. I’ll get to them later.


So I’ll breakdown some of the changes/additions/omissions and give my thoughts.


1) New opening. Usually, it starts with the ROCKY title scrolling across the bottom to one of the series signature songs. Then it breaks into the last round of the previous movie. This movie starts with various clips from Rocky 3 including Rocky’s loss to Clubber Lang, Apollo talking him out of retiring, and the climatic fight scene. It completely omits the Rocky and Apollo sparring session. I was not a fan of the new opening. I am used to the normal movie openings that last 2-3 minutes and set the stage for the new installment. I wasn’t a fan of the song they used “Sweetest Victory” which is on the Rocky IV soundtrack but never used in the original.


2) No robot. While this was seen as a cross between corny and creepy (Paulie’s girlfriend?), the omission of the robot, likely due to licensing agreements, meant that many scenes with Paulie or Rocky Jr had to be cut including Paulie’s birthday scene.


3) The new Drago introduction press conference explains that they tried to arrange a fight with Rocky. I thought that was good but they cut out Drago’s wife comparing him to Popeye eating spinach. Kwa kweli, a lot of Brigitte Nielsen’s dialogue was cut. Could it be because of her “rocky” relationship with Stallone?


4) The reasoning for Apollo to take the fight was improved. Ndiyo, he still shows up out of nowhere and part of the table scene had to be cut (no robot, remember) but they talked about how Rocky ignored the challenge and Apollo feeling the need to take it.


5) I thought the omission of the whole pre-fight dressing room scene with Rocky and Apollo was a mistake. Not only does it cut one of my favorite lines “I didn’t say anything about snails, I said Nails N-N-Nails” but it shows Apollo’s overconfidence and Rocky’s trepidation. The only part of the original dressing room scene that is preposterous is where Rocky was trying to convince Apollo to postpone. Seriously, who postpones 5 minutes before they are scheduled to walk to the ring?


6) The Creed-Drago fight was greatly improved. Except for the one shot they left in from the original where Apollo is clearly not wearing gloves. They missed that edit the first time. How did they miss it again? The fight was extended and Apollo got up after an early knockdown and kept trying to fight back.


7) Apollo’s funeral was extended and improved with his father-figure Duke giving a speech and Rocky giving a more emotional speech.


8) The scene with the boxing commission not sanctioning the fight between Rocky and Drago was included as it was shown in the original 1985 trailer but cut from that movie.


9) The scene of Rocky talking to his son before leaving was extended and improved.


10) The training montages were slightly changed and some edits to the scenes in Russia.


11) The final fight was still enjoyable. There were some added elements to it.


12) Two of the better movie speeches were changed to voiceovers. Apollo in the dressing room telling Rocky he would understand when it was over was changed to voiceover in Rocky’s head. The epic speech to Adrian where he said Drago would have to kill him to beat him was also changed to an inner-monologue voiceover. I definitely think that was a mistake because it takes the charm away from seeing the facial expressions of Apollo and Rocky respectively as they said those lines.


13) The moment before the final round when Drago’s manager ran from his balcony seat with the Kremlin to berate Drago in his corner. I was hoping that if any scene was cut, it would be that one. I would rather there be a scene of Paulie marrying the robot and announcing she was pregnant than this scene. I hated it in 1985 (when I was 9 umri wa miaka) and I hate it now. There is 60 seconds between rounds of a boxing match. This man ran from the balcony, through the crowd, got to Drago’s corner, and berated him in less than one minute. Drago, for having endured 14 punishing rounds, is able to stand up and lift him with one arm before dropping him off the apron. Talk about taking some serious liberties.


14) The fight end. You get used to the way a Rocky fight ends. He scores the big knockdown, his opponent struggles to get up, and ultimately falls back down as the count reaches 10. This one, Drago goes down, makes a move to get back up, a falls flat. The referee stops with no count at all. I also hated Rocky’s leap at the end. In the original, he was lifted in the air as he stood there exhausted by triumphant. This one looks like he is able to do a leaping swan dive into a pool.


15) The speech is different. He couldn’t reference his kid because showing him would show the robot. I was glad in a way they cut the scenes of the kids watching the fight. It always posed some serious questions to me. If Rocky, Adrian, and Paulie were all in Russia, who was watching the 9 year old kid? The robot? Who is going to let an unsupervised 9 year old watch a fight where there is a fear that his father could be killed? The part of the speech that was comical was Rocky’s talk about change. He mentioned his friend (Apollo) couldn’t change and now he’s dead. Wow. Way to perk up the crowd there, Rock!


Overall it was enjoyable. The changed scenes and alternate takes threw off the cadence so you were in truth watching a new movie. There were a lot of scenes in this film that I prefer to the original (the extended Creed-Drago fight, the extended funeral, Rocky meeting with the commission). There were some scenes that I think should have been kept (Rocky and Apollo in the dressing room, Mrs. Drago talking about her husband, nk). There were a few things that I definitely prefer the original, most notably the superior intro scrolling logo/final round of previous movie scene.


So in my conclusion, there needs to be a Director’s Cut of the Director’s Cut and combine the best of the original and the best of the new version.


We can call this one “Rocky IV Take III: The Tornado Cut”


Tornado 🌪

ndondi, Las Vegas, Premier Boxing Mabingwa, Tony Penecale

Wilder vs. Fury the rematch In-Depth Preview and Analysis

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By: Tony Penecale

The Heavyweight Championship has always been the most noteworthy prize in the sport. Over the last few years, the interest in the fistic giants has dwindled. That has changed with the exciting power of Deontay Wilder and the charismatic showmanship of Tyson Fury.

With their first encounter ending in a controversial draw, they find themselves sharing the ring again. Both men with undefeated records and only a single draw (against each other) on their ledger.

The big men are taking center stage for the undisputed prize. “The Bronze Bomber” and “The Gypsy King”…. Who will reign supreme?

UMRI, RECORD, NA STATS

Wilder:  Umri:   34 umri wa miaka

Rekodi:  42-0-1 (41 Knockouts)

Urefu:  6’7”

Uzito:  219 * * Uzito kwa mwisho bout (11-23-19)

Kufikia:  83"

Hasira: Umri:  31 umri wa miaka

Rekodi:  29-0-1 (20 Knockouts)

Urefu:  6’9”

Uzito:  254 * * Uzito kwa mwisho bout (9-14-19)

Kufikia:  85"

RING mafanikio

Wilder:

WBC Heavyweight Champion (’15-Pres)

Hasira:

WBA Heavyweight Champion (’15-‘16)

WBO Heavyweight Champion (’15-‘16)

IBF Heavyweight Champion (’15-‘16)

IBO Heavyweight Champion (’15-‘16)

Lineal Heavyweight Champion (’15-Pres)

STYLE

Wilder:  

A wild-swinging, often-sloppy fighter with long arms and fight-changing power in both fists, Wilder likes to set the range with his lead hand and follow it with a variety of power punches. He carries his power late into his fights and is capable of scoring a knockout at any time.

Hasira:

A confident, self-assured, and sometimes cocky fighter, Fury has nimble moves and quickness for such a large fighter. He combines good footwork with upper-body movement and ability to box either orthodox or southpaw, keeping opponents off-balance and setting up his own offensive attack.

THEIR FIRST BOUT

Wilder-Fury I: Fury opened the bout with effective movement, keeping Wilder off balance and unable to land anything significant. Wilder was able to land several hard jabs in the 4th pande zote, trickling blood from Fury’s nose. Fury spent time in the mid rounds as a southpaw and found success. Wilder scored a knockdown in the 9th round but his follow-up attack left him fatigued, allowed Fury to regain the momentum through the 11th round. The memorable 12th round saw Wilder break through and land a right hand and left hook combination. Fury fell hard to the canvas, flat on his back. He amazingly rose at the count of 9 and was outlanding Wilder as the final round concluded. Alejandro Rochin scored 115-111 Wilder, Robert Tapper scored 114-112 Hasira, and Phil Edwards scored 113-113.

NZURI

Wilder:

* Power – The detonation at the end of Wilder’s fists, primarily is right hand, is of nuclear proportions. While his left hand carries substantial pop in it, it is Wilder’s right hand that is seen as maybe the most devastating punch in boxing today. He can end fights by landing his right hand straight down the middle, arcing it over the top, or splitting the guard as an uppercut.

* Conditioning – Early in his career, when he was ending all of his fights within a few rounds, there were question marks if Wilder would fade in the later rounds. He has proven that he can fight equally as hard in the late rounds and capable of a knockout until the final bell.

* Athleticism – Wilder combines a rare blend of size, kasi, nguvu, and athletic ability where is easy to imagine him being dominant in any type of athletic environment.

Hasira: 

* Movement – For a man with the size and physique that resembles a silverback, Fury moves with the grace and agility of a ballet dancer. He is light on his feet and possesses shifty upperbody movement that is uncanny for someone so large.

* Confidence – Fury is supremely confident in himself and believes in his ability. He shows little or no fear in the ring. His self-assured charismatic nature gives him a psychological advantage.

* Resilient – Whether it was climbing off the canvas against Wilder, overcoming a horrific cut against Wallin, or battling against depression and substance abuse, Fury has shown a toughness and resiliency that are to be admired.

UDHAIFU

Wilder:

* Sloppy – Wilder shows so much faith in his power that he is frequently wild and sloppy with his punches and footwork. He often times looks very amateurish in the ring.

* Trouble With Boxers – Fighters who use good movement and boxing ability trouble Wilder. He struggles setting his feet and is often a step behind. He was trailing Luis Ortiz in both fights and was outclassed for most of his first fight with Fury.

* Chin – The few times that Wilder was seriously chin-checked, he showed some flaws in his durability. Ortiz had him badly hurt and close to a knockout loss.

Hasira:

* Distractions – Fury is loving his new-found fame and talking WWE and MMA. He split with his trainer Ben Davidson and is calling his own shots. Fury also has spells in the ring where he loses focus and he has found himself on the canvas more than once during a lapse in concentration.

* Personal Life – It is well-documented Fury’s past personal demons with depression and substance abuse, along with a weight gain to over 400 lbs. While his triumphs over those demons is admirable, the lasting physical effects cannot be denied.

* Skin– It’s only been five months since Fury suffered a terrible gash over his right eye against Otto Wallin, requiring 47 stitches. While doctors have deemed the cut sufficiently healed, his tender skin could reopen at the most inopportune time.

PREVIOUS bout

Wilder:  (11/23/19) – Wilder again scored a come-from-behind knockout against Luis Oritz. After being outboxed for the majority of the first six rounds, Wilder set his range against a tiring Ortiz and landed a pulverizing right hand which resulted in a one-punch knockout.

Hasira:

(9/14/19) – Fury survived a bloody contest with the undefeated but unknown Otto Wallin. Fury suffered a cut over his right eye in the 3rd round and the blood clearly affected his vision. Despite the impairment, Fury still controlled the action and hurt Wallin several times en route to a decision victory.

3 BEST maonyesho

Wilder:

* Arthur Pin (1/16/16) – After falling behind early, Wilder took over in the 4th round and started to settle down and control the action. A single right hand in the 9th round sent Szpilka down and unconscious, akaonekana 2016 Knockout ya Mwaka.

* Gold Cup (1/17/15) – Wilder answered questions about his stamina by going the full 12 rounds for the first time in his career and capturing the WBC title in the process. Wilder utilized his long jab and kept Stiverne at bay with his underrated skillset.

* Luis Ortiz (3/3/18) – Wilder survived some scary moments against the oft-avoided Cuban veteran before prevailing by 10th round knockout. Wilder was troubled by Ortiz’s boxing skills early before knocking him down in the 5th round. An Ortiz rally in the 7th had Wilder seriously hurt but Wilder was able to regroup and score the knockout a few rounds later.

Hasira:

*  Wladimir Klitschko (11/25/15) – Fury went into Klitschko’s backyard and wrested the unified and lineal heavyweight championships via unanimous decision. While the bout was a cautious affair, Fury was able to outwork Klitschko with superior footwork, harakati, and a higher punch output.

* Derek Chisora (11/29/14) – Fury dominated the rematch with his British rival, boxing from a distance, switching between orthodox and southpaw, and punishing his adversary until the corner stopped the fight after 10 one-sided rounds.

* Deontay Wilder (12/1/18) – With the exception of two knockdowns and some curious judging, Fury was in control for most of the bout. He avoided Wilder’s punches and landed effective counters, making Wilder looked confused and off-balance in the process.

SIRI VICTORY

Wilder:

* Utilize his jab and negate Fury’s awkward style

* Keep his power punches short and compact

* Don’t get mesmerized by Fury’s upperbody movement

Hasira:

* Change the pace and keep Wilder guessing

* Use lateral movement to keep Wilder from setting his feet

* Do not get cocky against the ropes

SWALI

Wilder:

* Can Wilder handle Fury’s unorthodox movement?

* Will Wilder employ a better gameplan?

*  Will Wilder become frustrated?

Hasira:

* Will Fury try too hard for the knockout?

* Is Fury totally focused on boxing? 

* Is his cut eye susceptible to reinjury?

PENECALE utabiri

Both combatants are exceptional showmen and their respective ring entrances will have the crowd abuzz. The electricity will be at a fever pitch at the opening bell. With their familiarity, there will be less of a feeling out process than their first encounter. Fury will be on his toes moving forward and Wilder will try to time his advances and land counter punches. At the end of the 1st pande zote, Fury will taunt Wilder and there will be an exchange of words.

Fury’s constant movement and single punches will trouble Wilder as his counter punches will find mostly empty air. The following rounds will be an exciting game of cat and mouse with the smaller Wilder in the role of the cat, futility trying to corner the larger Wilder.

Wilder will find success with his jab in the 6th na 7th rounds and a looping right hand will catch Fury on top of the head, knocking him off balance to the canvas. Fury will rise, wink at his corner, and come bouncing back into action. The excitement will have Wilder swinging wildly and falling to the canvas himself after missing overexaggerated right hand.

With Wilder seemingly arm-weary from his punch output the previous round, Fury will turn southpaw and land several hard right hands, then bounce out of range of any counter punches.

Fury’s movement and higher workrate will carry the action through the championship rounds, leading him again to an apparent lead going into the final round.

The decision this time will be unanimous with Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman both scoring 115-112 and Steve Weisfeld a shade closer at 114-113, all in favor of “The Gypsy King” Tyson Fury.

ndondi, Las Vegas, Tony Penecale

tony penecale’s Box Fan Expo Ringside report

Acha maoni

By: Tony Penecale

Quick video intro here:

https://www.facebook.com/TornadoTP/videos/10156003723726436/

Last weekend’s middleweight title showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs also featured the annual Box Fan Expo, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The amazing memorabilia on display and live amateur boxing action complemented an array of past and present world champion fighters available for quick meet and greets.

As a lifelong boxing fan, it was a shame that I only had a little over two hours to spend at the event before heading back to the T-Mobile Arena for the start of the undercard bouts. The time I was able to spend was thoroughly enjoyable. The prices were reasonable to meet these fistic legends and have a few moments to talk and take photos. The average $20 -$25 price for a photo op was significantly less than what would have been lost at the casino in a single roulette spin.

James Toney was there in a suit, proving that he can even make plaid look stylish. For a guy known for a surly nature, he was very accommodating and mentioned he will be in Philadelphia for a live show on June 7 and hopes to see me there.

In the booth next over was Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Al Berstein, who I had the privilege of interviewing in 2011. When told of my admiration of his classy work and being a fan since his days with Barry Tompkins on ESPN’s Thursday Night Fights, he was humble and appreciative.

The line to meet Roy Jones Jr. was long but worth the wait. While the time to talk with Roy was short, I was able to mention what an honor it was to meet one of the greatest performers of my generation and how I sat only a few feet from him when he was on the Creed II set.

While the line to meet the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard was exceptionally long, you could see he was truly enjoying himself, flashing that million-dollar smile and doing his famous fists-raised photo op with fans. Unfortunately, with time running short, I did not have the opportunity to meet one of my favorite fighters growing up. I would have loved to have shown him a photo when I was four-years-old, swinging away on the Sugar Ray Leonard punching bag I was given.

A few feet away was one of Sugar Ray’s most-famous rivals, the great Thomas “Hitman” Hearns. While the Hitman has shown some slowing as he has aged, he still proves to be an imposing figure, but he now replaces that fearsome glare with a warm smile.

Also coming up to meet Thomas Hearns was current IBF Super-Featherweight Champion Tevin Farmer, a fellow Philadelphian, who I’ve had the opportunity to watch grow from a 7-4-1 journeyman boxer to a 29-4-1 bingwa wa dunia.

My visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping to see “The Pazmanian Devil” Vinny Paz, always one of my favorite action fighters and charismatic personalities. Instead of a handshake, he greeted me with a big hug and expressed disappointment that my dad didn’t join me at the expo.

In the short time frame, it was impossible to meet all of the great fighters there including Michael Spinks, Riddick Bowe, Errol Spence, Anthony Dirrell, and Earnie Shavers. With it being Cinco de Mayo weekend, the lines for some of the Mexican legends wrapped around the convention center floor. Mikey Garcia, Marco Antonio Barerra, Erik Morales, and Juan Manuel Marquez all proved to be exceptionally popular. But nothing compared to the roar of the pro-Mexican crowd when the great Julio Cesar Chavez was introduced.

Attending this event was a dream come true and I could only wish I had more time to spend at the event. Everything was so professionally done and those in attendance were beyond accommodating.

Kudos to Box Fan Expo for such an exceptional event.

Listen to our radio show episode from earlier this week for more insight from Tony “Tornado” Penecale about this event.

Full Gallery:

ndondi, DAZN, Las Vegas, Tony Penecale

Canelo ALVAREZ VS. Daniel JACOBS ** Katika kina Preview na Uchambuzi **

1 Maoni


By: Tony Penecale

The biggest week in boxing is upon us with the annual Cinco de Mayo weekend extravaganza in Las Vegas. The Mexican marquee star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez returns to his home-away-from-home to face the challenge of fellow middleweight titlist, Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs, who is intent on spoiling the homecoming.

Can Canelo sprinkle some extra cinnamon on an explosive victory? Or will it be Jacobs who provides another miracle in his story-book comeback?


UMRI, RECORD, NA STATS

Alvarez: Umri: 28 umri wa miaka
Rekodi: 51-1-2 (35 Knockouts)
Urefu: 5’9”
Uzito: 167 * * Uzito kwa mwisho bout (12-15-18)
Kufikia: 70"


Jacobs: Umri: 32 umri wa miaka
Rekodi: 35-2 (29 Knockouts)
Urefu: 5’11”
Uzito: 159 * * Uzito kwa mwisho bout (10-27-18)
Kufikia: 73"


RING mafanikio

Alvarez:
WBC Junior Middleweight Champion (’11-’13)
WBA Junior Middleweight Champion (‘13)
Ring Magazine Junior Middleweight Champion ('13)
WBC Middleweight Champion (’15-Pres)
WBA Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres)
Ring Magazine Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres)
WBA Super Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres)
Ring Magazine Pound-4-Pound #3 Bondia


Jacobs:
WBA Middleweight Champion (’14-‘17)
IBF Middleweight Champion (’18-‘Pres)

STYLE

Alvarez:
Fujo, physical fighter with underrated boxing skills, Alvarez mara nyingi wears wapinzani chini na shinikizo thabiti na kukwepa makonde nzito mitupu. Will use feints and counters to throw is opponent’s timing off and create openings for a strength-sapping body attack. Carries fight-changing power in both hands but sometimes doesn’t throw enough punches. While he is most known for his offensive skills, Alvarez na heshima, lakini si kubwa, ujuzi kujihami kuteleza na kuzuia kukwepa makonde.

Jacobs:
A lanky, long-armed boxer with versatile skills who often fights aggressively and is not afraid to exchange punches. Jacobs couples good boxing skills and fundamentals with knockout power in both hands. Will sometimes be too offensive-minded and is susceptible to counter punches. Shows tremendous heart in the face of adversity.








NZURI

Alvarez:
* Power – Alvarez carries thunder in both fists. He has knockout power in either hand, lakini silaha yake makubwa zaidi anakaa katika ndoano wake wa kushoto, especially to the body. He has three knockout-of-the-year candidates in his career.

* Nguvu - Alvarez ni kimwili-madeni na thickly-kujengwa mpiganaji na nguvu za uchawi. He is effective in backing fighters up, hata wakati si kutua kukwepa makonde kuvuta. He has grown from junior-middleweight and has competed recently at super-middleweight.

* Experience – Alvarez has come a long way during his professional career and has competed against some of the biggest names in boxing. He has been in this moment numerous times and the raucous atmosphere will be second nature to him.


Jacobs:
* Character – Jacobs stood up to and defeated the most daunting adversary of his career when he overcame bone cancer in 2011. His character shows in the ring as he has handled some difficult challenges in his career.

* Power – Jacobs has registered 29 yake 35 professional victories via stoppage. He has the power to change the fight with one punch and the killer instinct to finish a wounded opponent.


* Versatile – Jacobs possesses good boxing skills and movement, sometimes switching between orthodox and southpaw stances. If against another aggressive opponent, Jacobs will box on his back foot and seek counter-punching opportunities. He is adept at accelerating the pace when needed.




UDHAIFU

Alvarez:
* Tactical Mistakes – Alvarez has made tactical mistakes in some previous fights, including trying to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. by boxing with him on the outside. In other fights, he has allowed his opponents to control the pace and steal rounds.

* Easy-to-Hit – While his offensive skill is his calling card, Alvarez has a decent defense. When he loses focus or becomes overly aggressive, he is wide open for straight right hands and counter punches.

* Heavy Feet – Alvarez has good boxing ability but is often slow-footed in the ring. When matched against taller fighters with good lateral movement, he frequently struggles, as was the case in his bouts with Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara.


Jacobs:
* Suspect Chin – Jacobs is no stranger to tasting the canvas. He was knocked out in devastating fashion by Dmitry Pirog in his first professional loss. He was also on the canvas against Gennady Golovkin and Sergio Mora.

* Reckless – In his first fight against Mora, Jacobs became overly aggressive after scoring a knockdown and left himself wide open for a counter punch that put him on the canvas. He was also off-balance and reckless again when he had Peter Quillin stunned.

* Atmosphere – Jacobs has fought in Las Vegas before and main-evented in Madison Square Garden. Hata hivyo, this is his first marquee Las Vegas Cinco-de-Mayo weekend extravaganza.



PREVIOUS bout

Alvarez: (12/15/18) – Alvarez made a successful super-middleweight debut by destroying the game but overmatched Rocky Fielding in three rounds. Alvarez punished Fielding’s body, bao knockdowns nne, and finishing him with his signature left hook to the liver.

Jacobs:
(10/27/18) – Jacobs had a tough encounter with undefeated but unknown Serhiy Derevianchenko, winning a 12-round split decision. Jacobs scored a 1st-round knockdown and landed more punches during the back-and-forth contest.



3 BEST maonyesho

Alvarez:
* James Kirkland (5/9/15) – The fireworks were on display from the opening bell as Kirkland engaged Alvarez with a kamikaze attack. Alvarez countered and scored a 1st-round knockdown and ended the fight in the 3rd round with a picturesque right hand.

* Liam Smith (9/17/16) – Alvarez methodically broke down the previously-undefeated Smith, controlling the bout from the beginning. Alvarez scored knockdowns in the 7th na 8th rounds before ending the show with his left hook to the liver in the 9th pande zote.

* Carlos Baldomir (9/18/10) – Alvarez was a 20-year-old prodigy facing a durable former world champion in Baldomir. Alvarez was successful boxing early and using his advantages in speed and skill to sweep the first five rounds. But it was his display in the 6th that was memorable. Alvarez rocked Baldomir before finally dropping with a left hook, utoaji naye fahamu kabla kugonga kitanda na kushughulika kwake majeruhi wake hasara tu katika kazi miaka 16.



Jacobs:
* Sergio Mora (9/9/16) – Jacobs wiped away any controversy from their first fight, which ended with Mora injuring his ankle, by dissecting him in the rematch, culminating in an impressive 7th round TKO. Jacobs scored a knockdown each in the 4th na 5th rounds before opening up and dropping Mora three times in the 7th pande zote, forcing the stoppage.

* Peter Quillin (12/5/15) – In a battle for Brooklyn Bragging Rights, Jacobs stunned the undefeated and favored Quillin with a 1st round TKO. Jacobs landed a right hand early, sending Quilling staggering into the ropes. A follow-up flurry sent Quillin across the ring where the referee stopped the fight.

* Kalebu Truax (4/24/15) – Jacobs dominated Truax with a masterful performance over 11 raundi, controlling the action with a heavy jab, and wearing his game opponent down. Comfortably ahead going into the final round, Jacobs unloaded on his weakened adversary until the referee saved him from further punishment.




SIRI VICTORY

Alvarez:
* Start fast and don’t allow Jacobs to become confident

* Cut off the ring and force Jacobs to fight in confined spaces

* Go to the body early and often



Jacobs:
* Use a stiff jab and lateral movement to keep Alvarez off balance

* Land something to get Alvarez’s respect early

* Do not get reckless







SWALI

Alvarez:
* Will the move back to middleweight drain Alvarez?

* Is Alvarez overlooking Jacobs?

* Will Alvarez become frustrated if Jacobs uses effective lateral movement?


Jacobs:
* Can Jacobs win a decision in Las Vegas?

* Will Jacobs be able to exploit Alvarez’s tactical shortcomings?

* How will Jacobs handle the pro-Alvarez atmosphere?



PENECALE utabiri

The crowd will be buzzing at the opening bell. Alvarez will move forward, hands up, probing with his jab and trying to set his feet. Jacobs will be moving laterally, pawing a tentative jab and using head feints. The cautious 1st round will end with Alvarez stepping in and throwing a few hard body shots, causing the partisan crowd to erupt in cheers.

Alvarez will continue to apply pressure in the 2nd na 3rd rounds with Jacobs working to establish his jab with more authority. Jacobs will land a few heavy jabs to the face with Alvarez countering with right hands over the top. Jacobs will step to his left to avoid Alvarez’s left hook to the body.

The action will continue to intensify through the middle rounds. Jacobs will be following his jab with a straight right hand. Alvarez will be crouching and using his strength on the inside, using overhand rights and hooks to the arms and ribs.

Alvarez will sport some redness around his eyes and Jacobs will show welts across his torso. The pro-Alvarez crowd will gasp as Jacobs lands a series of hard right hands in the 6th round but will then erupt in the 7th when an exchange of left hooks sees Alvarez land first, sending Jacobs sprawling back to the canvas.

Jacobs will rise and affirm to referee Tony Weeks that he is okay to continue. Alvarez will attack, throwing his left hook to the body and head. Jacobs will stagger back, set his feet, and respond with a right hand and wild left hook. Alvarez will land a counter left hook to the head and Jacobs will clinch, with the bell ending the round.

The crowd will be wild with anticipation going into the 8th pande zote, sensing the Alvarez might be closing in on victory. Jacobs will use lateral movement while he clears his head, probing with his jab to keep Alvarez at bay. Alvarez will continue to look for the homerun punch, but Jacobs will stay out of range for the duration.

Throughout the 9th na 10th raundi, Jacobs will be sufficiently recovered and willing to engage Alvarez, throwing more right hands, and increasing the tempo. Alvarez will land a series of thudding hooks to the body and Jacobs will counter with uppercuts on the inside.

The 11th round will continue the intense action with both fighters having their moments. Alvarez will become inactive for stretches of the round, allowing Jacobs to again control the pace.

Going into the final round, Jacobs will know that he is in danger with the bout being so close. He will initiate the pressure on Alvarez and there will be some toe-to-toe exchanges. As Alvarez takes a deep breath, Jacobs will successfully back him on his heels with a jab, followed by a straight-right hand. Alvarez will roll with the punch and counter with his own right hand. The crowd will be on its feet as the fighters exchange punches and embrace the final bell.

The decision will be unanimous with Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman both scoring 115-112 and Steve Weisfeld with a wider margin of 117-110, all in favor of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Below you can access this week’s radio show where Tony , “Psychic” Tom Padgett and “Rabble Rousin'” Rich Bergeron discuss the fight.


Listen to “Canelo vs.. Jacobs Preview, Lesnar Retires from MMA, MacDonald questions will to keep hurting people after Fitch Draw” on Spreaker.

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Fight Talk Unlimited DOUBLE Episode

Acha maoni

Tonight, Tom, Tony and Rich recapped the last two weeks of action in combat sports. Listen to the whole broadcast to catch up on all the major news and events that you missed and what’s coming up this weekend, pia.

 

ndondi, mchanganyiko karate, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, Top Rank, wrestling

Fight Talk Unlimited Latest Show

Acha maoni

This week on Fight Talk Unlimited we discuss a wide range of topics, beginning with the death of three pro wrestlers in one day. We go on to chat about Cody Garbrandt’s biting comments about fighter pay. We touch on bareknuckle fighting’s resurgence (adding Shawne Merriman to the roster of fighters for one organization), and we recap a wild fight between Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier on last weekends UFC on Fox card. We also preview Garbrandt’s second bite at the TJ Dillashaw apple this weekend at UFC 227. Tony also helps preview one of the biggest fights of the week in Kovalev vs. Alvarez, which he will be attending in Atantic City. We do a boxing roundup of results and previews, and then we end the show with an off-topic talk about nature 🙂

 

Sikiliza kuishi hapa:

 

Tu Knuckle Boxing, ndondi, ESPN Boxing, Pambana na Mazungumzo bila Ukomo, FNU Michezo ya Kupambana Show, Fox, Keith Thurman, mchanganyiko karate, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC, wrestling, WWE

The FNU Combat Sports Show Launches as Fight Talk Unlimited on SPREAKER

Acha maoni

Fight News Unlimited’s weekly Combat Sports Show is now officially known as Fight Talk Unlimited, and we are now back to a live platform: Spreaker.

 

This week on our debut episode on Spreaker, we discuss a wild week in news, from Floyd Mayweather’s beef with 50-Cent, to Conor McGregor’s slap on the wrist for throwing a hand truck through a bus window, to a Philadelphia area school teacher moonlighting as an offensive German character in his pro-wrestling career. We then recap last week’s major fights, including a vicious KO by Anthony Smith over Shogun Rua at UFC Fight Night 135. We also preview UFC on FOX 30 and Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr., along with all the other combat sports action this weekend.

 

Listen live with the player below:

Listen to “Debut Episode: Tom, Tony and Rich Break in the New Platform” on Spreaker.