Kimbo slayer Petruzelli out, Shamrock vs Lashley now the Main Event at March Badness

Sakara=Excitement · 03-05-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

With Seth Petruzelli being forced out of a scheduled bout with Doug Marshall due to an undisclosed injury suffered in training, a heavyweight matchup between Ken Shamrock (27-13-2) and Bobby Lashley (1-0) has been promoted to MMA main-event status for the MMA/boxing hybrid event "March Badness."

The organization today issued a press release announcing the change.

"March Badness," promoted by the event's boxing headliner Roy Jones Jr. and his Square Ring Promotions company, takes place at the Pensacola Civic Center in Florida on March 21 and airs on pay per view.

In February, Shamrock submitted Ross Clifton in the main event of Wargods' "The Valentine's Eve Massacre." The win was the 45-year-old's first in his past six bouts.

Clifton was a highly criticized opponent based on his losing record and less-than-impressive, 300-plus-pound frame. "The World's Most Dangerous Man" said he's excited to be taking part in such a high-profile event.

"I've done a lot of firsts," Shamrock stated. "I was the first heavyweight champ of MMA and first foreign champ in Japan. This is the first time two champions (Jones and Shamrock) in their individual sports, at this level, will be fighting on the same card -- boxing and MMA. I think it’s the way of the future and it’s happening now.

"Lashley got things going in wrestling and then the WWE. Now he's in MMA. He's very good. I think he's 270-pounds of muscle -- quick, explosive and strong. The area he lacks, ground skills, he makes up for with his strength and ability to move on the ground.

"He can really move on his feet. This isn't a fat guy laying on his back."

While many observers have been quick to point out the danger that could accompany facing an opponent like Lashley at this point in his career, Shamrock recently told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) he believes he's earned the right to decide who to face.

"As long as we can get in there and put on good fights, and the fans want to watch us, we should be able to do this," Shamrock said. "People shouldn't be so critical about what we do. We've done a lot for the sport. We've done a lot of fights. I've had a lot of world championship bouts. Now I'm doing it because I'm enjoying it and I'm having fun."

Former collegiate wrestling champion and WWE superstar Lashley made his professional MMA debut with a 41-second TKO win over fellow MMA rookie Joshua Franklin in December 2008. While Shamrock is no longer the feared combatant he once was, Lashley said he's still looking forward to the next test in his very young career.

"I am excited to be part of this card alongside Roy Jones, Jr. and Square Ring Promotions," Lashley said. "I am looking forward to fighting an experienced opponent like Ken Shamrock and showing the fans that Bobby Lashley is a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. I am going to come out from the opening bell and show Ken Shamrock and the rest of the world that Bobby Lashley is not someone you want to mess with."

Additionally, former top UFC heavyweight contender Jeff Monson (27-8) takes on IFL heavyweight champion Roy "Big Country" Nelson (13-3).

On the boxing portion of the card, Jones (52-5), an eight-time world champion and former Olympian, takes on Omar Sheika (27-8) in a light-heavyweight contest.

Petruzelli out, Shamrock vs. Lashley to main event at "March Badness" | MMAjunkie.com

Y2JUBAE · 03-05-2009, 03:56 PM

Man, I'm worried for Ken lol.

I predict, Lashley wins by 1 punch decapitation. Maybe Frank will be there and the head will hit him and knock him out, giving Ken final justice lol!

I do hope Ken doesn't get hurt though, this is not a good match up for him at all! He would be better off fighting Kimbo than Lash. Hell, Ken would be better off fighting Timmy than Lashley. Hope he gets a big payday is all I can say.

World... Meet Lashley.

IF Lashley wins, where does he go from there? (I have to say if, it's MMA, no guarantees).

I would rather had seen Ken v. Frank and Kimbo v. Lashley. Kimbo could not knock Lashley out, his head is way too big, and I don't think Kimbo's stand up/boxing is as good as Lashley's, nor is he as fast or strong... basically, Lashley is Kimbo's worst nightmare.

Fedorlei Gomipierre · 03-05-2009, 04:02 PM

I think the moment Lashley faces a top thirty heavyweight, we'll see if he's got any form of talent or credibility. Fighting Ken Shamrock does nothing for him, he should challenge himself against Ricco or Monson or some semi-good heavy if he ever wants to be a top tier fighter.

I've heard alot about Lash and Lesnar since they've got similar histories, but honestly, Brock Lesnar is a different kind of beast and was special, Lashley is physically imposing, but I don't know if he's got the athleticism or cred that Brockberg does. Lashley needs to challenge some real fighters to see if he's got it.

This is gonna be a shitshow, in which uncle ken may ACTUALLY die!

Sakara=Excitement · 03-05-2009, 04:28 PM

Funny thing is, Lashley is being built up by everyone and he hasnt shown SHIT. He looked subpar in his one fight. Someone was commenting on Lashley's stand up, where did you see any of Lashley's stand-up?

Renny · 03-05-2009, 06:47 PM

i think Lashely's arms and lats are too big for him to be able to throw punches effectively...

grambino · 03-05-2009, 07:56 PM

Shouldn't it read "Kimbo Exposer"

ripitupog · 03-05-2009, 08:49 PM

stop hating on kimbo.
the mans a genius. he can still shit kick alotta people includin ken shamrock.
hes a genius cuz he made more money in his time than most top 10 guys will in their careers.
btw lashley will kill shamrock. BADLY

marekny144 · 03-05-2009, 10:49 PM

When I read "Petruzelli out" I thought the thread was partly about him coming out of the closet after the photos that surfaced after the Kimbo fight of him wearing makeup and a wig. Damn some of the thread titles are misleading!