SHOXC FINAL QUOTES
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008,
Chumash Casino Resort, Santa Ynez, California
The first-ever EliteXC bantamweight (140-pound) champion will be crowned when promising, undefeated Brazilian Wilson Reis (5-0) of Philadelphia faces streaking King of The Cage titleholder Abel “The Silent Assassin’’ Cullum (11-1) of Tucumcari, N.M., in a solid matchup in the main event on ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series tomorrow/Friday, Sept. 26, live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) at the Chumash Casino Resort at Santa Ynez, Calif.
ShoXC, a presentation of Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live fight division, EliteXC, showcases young, talented fighters in tough matchups. A springboard for the future stars and champions of EliteXC, ShoXC is patterned after the SHOWTIME boxing series ShoBox: The New Generation.
In other SHOWTIME fights, Shane Del Rosario (4-0) of Irvine, Calif., faces Carl Seumanutafa (4-0) of San Francisco, Calif., in a battle of unbeaten heavyweights; Malaipet (3-2) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., meets David “Tarzan” Douglas (5-1) of Antioch, Calif., at 150 pounds; Giva “The Arm Collector” Santana (11-0) of Laguna Niguel, Calif., takes on Jaime Jara (19-5) of North Highlands, Calif., at 185; and Matt Makowski (3-0) of Philadelphia throws down with Eric “Bad” Apple (9-1) of Irvine, at 170.
Tickets, starting at $35, are available by visiting the Chumash Casino Resort’s Club Chumash, by visiting the website at http://www.chumashcasino.com or by calling StarTicketsPlus at (800) 800-585-3737. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. First live fight is at 6 p.m. PT.
What the SHOWTIME fighters had to say Thursday:
WILSON REIS
“I feel only excitement, no pressure at all. Fighting a big opponent, for the EliteXC title, in the main event, on SHOWTIME is truly exciting.
“I have grown up in a hurry in the cage and this is my chance to show how much I’ve developed. My last three fights have all been against fighters with more experience. But it hasn’t been a problem yet.
“Cullum is a legitimate fighter with a lot of experience, too. This is going to be an excellent fight. The fans are going to love it. I am going to take him.’’
ABEL CULLUM
“Fighting for the EliteXC world title, in the main event on SHOWTIME, doesn’t get bigger than that for me. I think, for both of us, this will be our toughest fights. He is a great opponent, but I am ready and totally pumped.
“I want to break Reis, take the fight out of him. You do that to someone, it makes you feel good. I can see it in the eyes.’’
SHANE DEL ROSARIO:
“Obviously, he is a big guy who, I think, is probably going to come out swinging. But I’m confident in my wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu. I have concentrated and worked hard on those aspects for two months. My cardio is great and I am in the best shape of my life. I will be prepared for anything.
“The main key for me is to relax, keep my hands held high and to do what I do best. But all my fights are tough. I am confident, of course, but I expect another tough one here.’’
CARL SEUMANUTAFA
“I’ve seen his last two fights so I know he’s good. Shane’s got a good stand-up game and is probably the tallest guy I’ve fought. But I know my skills, I am confident in my skills and I know I can beat him.’’
MALAIPET
“I’m looking forward to fighting again and it doesn’t matter against whom. I feel good and am ready to put together a good winning streak.’’
DAVID “TARZAN” DOUGLAS
“Malaipet is highly regarded and most will say he’s the favorite, but these are the kinds of fights I want and the reason I got into MMA. I really appreciate the opportunity EliteXC is giving me. I am ready for a war. I’ve had my last meal. I hope he’s had his.’’
GIVA SANTANA
“I am in with a good, hard opponent with a lot of experience. I’ve trained for everything and am ready for anything.
“It doesn’t make any difference that I have won all these fights in a row in the first round by armbar. I just want to win and don’t miss any opportunities to win. So, if I can end it with one punch, I will.
“I feel more comfortable on the ground, but I like to consider myself well-rounded. So, whether we wind up standing, or going down to the ground, it’ll be good.’’
JAIME JARA
“Mentally, this is the best I’ve been and, physically, I’m in the best shape of my life.
“I have destroyed my last three opponents and I want to stay on that path. I’m a tornado right now, and everyone knows what kind of damage a tornado can do.’’
ERIK APPLE
“I think this is going to be one of the best fights. I know Matt likes to stand. He has a lot of videos on the internet and I’ve never seen him initiate a take-down. He’s been real successful with his kicks. But I like to stand, too, and would love nothing more than to go Muay Thai style and go kick-for-kick with him.
“I’ve really excited for this fight. Matt is a good, young prospect but I feel I am a little better than him in every aspect and that will be the difference.
MATT MAKOWSKI
“I feel good and had a lot of help for this fight. I’m excited for the opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME. I want this to be the fight of the night.’’
