Shark Fights 21 - Karl Knothe vs. Bobby Lashley

[keithlewis]

One day after confirming Mark Martinez as Bobby Lashley’s new opponent for Shark Fights 21, Shark Fight Promotions was informed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation that Mark Martinez’s blood work has expired and will be unable to compete. Karl Knothe (17-5) now steps in to fight Bobby Lashley (6-1) for the Shark Fights Heavyweight Title at Shark Fights 21 on November 11 in Lubbock, Texas. Knothe’s manager, Gavin Rydell said, “Karl has wanted to fight Bobby Lashley for a while. He's had some offers before to fight Bobby, but it always fell apart. Karl is excited that not only does he get to fight Bobby Lashley, but it's also for the Shark Fights Heavyweight Title.” Rydell continues, “Karl is in great shape and ready to fight. He’s been training hard for a boxing match this weekend, but jumped at the opportunity to fight for Shark Fights. He only took the boxing match to stay fresh because no one wanted to fight him in MMA. Karl is ready to bring the belt back to Minnesota.” Knothe has finished his last 12 opponents all within the 1st round.

Knothe was originally set to fight in Shark Fights 17 against Ricco Rodriquez, but because of a misunderstanding, couldn’t make the agreed upon catch weight. Knothe spent the next two hours cutting over twenty pounds, but the commission deemed it too dangerous for him to drop anymore weight. Shark Fights executive Wes Nolen states, “This main event title shot against Bobby Lashley is the perfect opportunity to make it up to Karl for the misunderstanding at Shark Fights 17.” Nolen went on to say, “I want to thank Bobby Lashley for all his patience. After three opponent changes, it would have been very easy for Bobby to call off the fight, but he’s a true fighter that accepted any and all opponents we put in front of him. He has never complained once and just continues to train hard.”

Shark Fights 21 will take place on Friday, November 11, 2011 at The Fair Park Coliseum in Lubbock, Texas and will be broadcast via tape delay on FUEL TV beginning December 23, 2011. Doors Open at 6:00pm CST. Fights start at 7pm CST. Tickets for Shark Fights 21 are on sale now at www.selectaseatlubbock.com. Tickets are priced at $20, $30, $40, $55, $65, $75, and $100. For more information, or current Shark Fights news, please visit www.sharkfights.com or www.facebook.com/sharkfights. Fight card subject to change.

Main Event: -Bobby Lashley (6-1) vs Karl Knothe (17-5)

Co-Main Event: -Tony Bonello (15-1-1) vs Dave Roberts (4-7)

Main Card: -Cody Pfister (5-3) vs. Isais Martinez (6-3) -Willie Parks (3-1) vs Anselmo Martinez (7-5) -Gabe Vasquez (4-4) vs Zach Haney (3-5)

Preliminary Bout: -Daniel Almeida (6-0) vs John King (2-2) -Cody East (0-0) vs Adenilson Clementino (1-0) -Matt Hobar (3-0) vs Donnie Frye (3-10) -Jeremiah Castillo (3-13) vs Zavier Garcia (0-1) -Brian Joseph (1-0) vs Marcus Baldivia (0-1)