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From the event's promoter: Leading U.S. Shooto event to crown first-ever Americas Division champions. HAMMOND, IN - On Saturday, November 19th, diehard fight fans will visit the pumps and pay good money to fuel up in preparation for a ritual trek from all corners of the Midwest to a common destination in Hammond, Indiana. Once again, the Hammond Civic Center will host the annual Ironheart Crown full-contact submission prize-fighting event, sanctioned by the International Shooto Commission based out of Tokyo, Japan. In this year's show, the recently established Shooto Americas chapter, covering North, Central, and South America, will crown its first-ever champions in the Lightweight and Featherweight divisions. In the Lightweight division, local hero and international fight veteran Jeff Curran (27W-7L-1D) will take on one of his most dangerous opponents to date in the form of a stone-faced Canadian by the name of Antonio Carvalho (9W-0L-0D). Curran needs no introduction, having fought the world over against top international opponents, beating the likes of Baret Yoshida, Bao Quach, Ryan Ackerman, and others. While not quite as seasoned, his opponent, Antonio Carvalho boasts an undefeated record with all but one of his wins by smooth submission or brutal TKO, a testament to his balanced fighting skills. Included in his list of credentials is a second round TKO over Brian Geraghty (14W-10L-1D), a first round triangle choke submission over Tommy Lee (13W-5D-0L), and a recent decision win over one of Japan's finest lightweights, Lion Takeshi (6-1-0). This Shooto Americas Lightweight Division tile bout pits America's best against Canada's finest. One will emerge victorious and claim the belt to become the first ever regional champion in the Shooto Americas Lightweight Division. In an equally heated battle, Miguel Torres (34W-1L-0D) and Ryan Ackerman (12-7-1) will face off once again in a highly anticipated rematch to determine the regional champion in the Shooto Americas Featherweight Division. When these two last met in 2003, Torres burned out after a strong first round and Ackerman quickly capitalized to win a unanimous judges' decision. It was an exciting display of standing exchanges punctuated by episodes of arduous ground fighting. Undefeated ever since, Torres has been on a warpath, destroying every one of the five opponents he's faced with a newfound aggression that was never previously a part of his game. While Ackerman remains confident and undaunted, Torres swears that his game has grown exponentially since their last meeting, and vows to avenge his only loss to capture the Shooto Americas Featherweight belt. In addition to the two featured title bouts, multiple class A and B matches will make up what promises to be an action-packed undercard. Clay Guida of Gilbert Grappling seeks to continue his 12 fight winning streak against a tough opponent in Antoine Skinner of Team Wolfpack. Virgil Strzelecki of Team Oyama will face Jay Estrada from the All-American (Combat-Do) Academy. Joao Herdy of Team Monteirao will face his toughest opponent to date in Joe Pearson of Miletich Fighting Systems. Juan Magana of Torres martial arts will face Andre Kariosillas, training under former IHC champion Jim Theobald. Jeff Serafin of McVicker's martial arts will face Sean Sallee fighting independently out of Muncie, Indiana. John Hossman of Team Oyama will face Eddie Wineland from Duneland Valetudo. Otto Torriero of the Chicago Fitness Center will face Miguel Gamez, Junior of the Carlson Gracie Team. Ironheart Crown veteran Bill Hill will test his skill against Matamoros protégé, Eric Shaefer. Several other fights are still being negotiated. A total of fifteen bouts are planned, all of which are sure to be dynamic exhibitions of fighting skill, the likes of which have made the Ironheart Crown the most highly respected venue for mixed martial arts competition in the Chicago area. The lovely ladies of Coyote Ugly Chicago will be on hand distributing programs and promotional materials, and there are rumors of guest appearances by multiple UFC stars, including Andre Arlovski, Shonie Carter, and Stephan Bonnar. After the action-packed fights the fun will continue right at the civic center as the ring is broken down to make room for a live band that will play while fans are encouraged to socialized with IHC fighters and staff at the official after-fight party right in the arena. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as snacks and concessions will be available throughout the evening. Don't miss this landmark Shooto event, with the crowning of the first two Shooto Americas division champions ever! Saturday, November 19th at the Hammond Civic Center Arena, located at 5825 Sohl avenue in Hammond, Indiana, just 30 minutes outside of downtown Chicago. Tickets are on sale now and a limited number of ringside and VIP seats are available. Call now to reserve yours: 219-688-7363 or 773-793-6555. |
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