There is always talk about boxers fighting MMA guys and vice versa or guys switching sports. In this case, last week in Las Vegas, former UFC heavyweight champ Ricco Rodriguez competed in a pro boxing match. He lost a four-round decision to Chad Davis, who had a record of 0-1.
Ricco's only other pro boxing match came in October of 2006 when he knocked out a guy name Brandon Baker. In the world of MMA, he has a record of 29-9. Rodriguez beat Randy Couture at UFC 39 in 2002 to become heavyweight champion. In 2007, he lost a decision to Ben Rothwell in the IFL world championship finals.
According to a report in the Las Vegas Sun, Rodriguez had Xtreme Couture boxing coach Ron Frazier in his corner and wore a pair of trunks with a Throwdown logo on them. Mike Tyson was in attendance and made fun of the fight:
“Are you going to throw some punches or what?” he asked in the first round.
And later in the bout, Tyson said, “Come on, try to hurt each other.”
What was even sadder about the card was the main event, during which 41-year-old former featherweight champion Kevin Kelley beat Jamie Palma (13-12-1). Kelley, originally from Flushing, gave fight fans many great moments. And while the Flushing Flash has always been a personal favorite of this corner, the ring is no place for a 41-year-old. -- CASSIDY
Comments (8)
Rodriguez for Antonio Silva not UFC Champ Anderson Silva
How about Tyson vs. Ricco. Tyson goes down!
Please have Tyson fight in the UFC it would be a great match. Boxer against a real fighter.
tyson is retired and had his time no ufc for him they couldnt pay him anyway, i disagree mr cassidy k kelly can still fight i was at msg a little less than 2 years ago and he looked sharp as a tack getting robbbed in a split dec to a former world champ, kelly has all his wits and always stays in shape now if he lost to the 13-10 fighter that would be a different story and i would agree its time to hang them up but he won almost every round
"How about Tyson vs. Ricco. Tyson goes down!"
I doubt Ricco Suave could make the 265lb limit for heavy weight fighters in mma. Ricco has lost a step in the cage/ring but he doesn't look like he missed to many trips to the buffet. Ricco has talent but little heart.
Joey, thanks for your post. Kevin may look good against a 13-10 fighter, but these are the kind of fights that will catch up with Kevin later in life. I was also at the card at the Garden and in his prime Kevin would have destroyed Manuel Medina... I've known Kevin a long time. To continue fighting is not worth it.
if you are 41 an good enough why not? look at Bernhard Hopkins shit for brains!
What does that mean? Bernard Hopkins has lost 3 of his last 5 fights. He's clearly not good enough any more. So what's your point?