Premiere Issue - KNUXX_1-4 by Defined Publishing

KNUXX

New Mexico’s Fighting & Training Monthly Published by Defined Publishing, Inc.

april 2011

www.KNUXX.com

The Journey to “Mecca”

Page 2 KNUXX of New Mexico

KNUXX KNUXX is published monthly by:

Defined Publishing, Inc. 925 Luna Circle NW Suite 1 Albuquerque, NM 87102

888.908.2487

For Advertising call 505.750.2487

We’re here! KNUXX is a monthly paper that focuses on all fighting sports – MMA, Boxing, Karate, Kickboxing, Wrestling, JiuJitsu, & other martial arts. We cover local fighting events, profiles of New Mexican fighters, analysis of national fights, and opinions from trainers, announcers, fighters, referees, judges and all the other folks who work and live in the New Mexico fighting world. KNUXX includes the following sections:

abq-sales@KNUXX.com

www.KNUXX.com Publishers/Owners: Heath & Rachael Holmes Contributing Writers: Heath Holmes Marty Busse Daniel Rocha Distribution: Paul Spencer

•Events Calendar •Training & Event Locations •Fighter Profiles •Ringside Information •Health & Nutrition •Business Roster •Retailer Info This is New Mexico’s finest fighting and training publication for professionals, amateurs & recreationalists alike.

Advertising Info: Marty Busse marty@knuxx.com 505.712.7867 Paul Spencer paul@knuxx.com 505.287.0156 Charles McMillian charles@knuxx.com 505.702.3945 Phil Marquez phil@knuxx.com 505.269.1413

Twitter: @KNUXXNM Facebook: KNUXX Over 20,000 papers printed and distributed every month to over 150 locations in NM!

Do you want it right or just right now? When I used to have a “real job”, one where I sat behind a desk and tried to look busy all day by staring at a computer, I had a boss who was sometimes unrealistic in his expectations and requirements for various tasks. On one particular occasion we were working on a pretty significant project that required a lot of complex formulas, crazy calculations and a high level of detail. Add to it the fact that ½ of the project required that I build a database from scratch, a task that I didn’t do very well at the time, and then populate it with the data derived from the first set of requirements. My boss came to me one day and told me that he really wanted the results of the project on his desk so he could start using it. I told him that we were still a few days from completion and he said that this was “unacceptable”. To which I responded “do you want it right or do you just want it right now?” He quickly snapped back “both”. Well sir, sometimes you just can’t have both.

Ultimately this paper is for you, the reader, to enjoy. You are the one who wants to read about your favorite fighter, learn about upcoming events, and find where you can go to train or just watch the fights. Help us make this paper “right, right now”. Shoot me an email and let me know what you think about the paper and how we can improve. We hope you enjoy it for many months to come. Thanks, Heath Holmes heath@KNUXX.com 505-750-2487

KNUXX

The paper you hold in your hands is our newest paper from Defined Publishing, KNUXX. We fought over many of the details and wrestled with a lot of questions (no puns intended) regarding what the paper should cover, what it would look like, how it would be distributed, and why we were doing it. We thought a lot about who we would get to write, what they would write, and how we would make money (one of the key questions). We finally got to a

point where I said to myself “do we want this right (perfect) or do we just want it right now?” The answer is the paper in your hands. It’s kind of a mixture of “right now” and “right”. We know that it isn’t perfect but we wanted to get it out to you so you could take a look at it and help us make it what you want.

Heath Holmes

publisher/owner

KNUXX

Published by Defined Publishing, Inc. PO BOX 411 Bosque Farms, NM 87042

Page 3

www.KNUXX.com

Does your gym towel work as hard as you do?

The Journey to “Mecca” According to Islamic tradition, one of the 5 pillars of their faith is a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca (at least once in a follower’s lifetime). This pilgrimage, known as the Hajj, occurs once a year when millions of people descend upon the city to practice various rites and prayers. Because of this annual tradition (based on the lunar calendar) it is common to refer to one’s pilgrimage in life as a “journey to Mecca”. Most religions have a holy place of some import or religious significance. The Catholics have Rome, most Christians and Jews have Jerusalem, Mormons have Salt Lake City, and fighters, it would seem, have always had New Mexico. We are a fight community, we have a fight culture, and we stand behind good fighters. Over the next few issues we are going to take our own journey to Mecca to discover just how New Mexico became the fight state that it is. We will take a look at the history of boxing, kickboxing, and the recent explosion of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the state – from Albuquerque to Las Vegas (the small one). We will profile local boxers, local wrestlers and other local fighters. How did we get here? Why is New Mexico in the national spotlight when it comes to fight stables full of great fighters? And why do so many non-native New Mexicans make the pilgrimage to the “Fight Mecca” to train and live? Take this journey with us as we explore New Mexico’s Fight Culture & Community over the next few issues - as you know, all worthwhile journeys start with the first step.

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Tools for Your Roc Body by Daniel Rocha

The Right Supplements at the Right Time So many times I always get asked… “Hey brother, so what do you take?” Really my answers are very simple. Almost nothing, Whey Protein, BCAA, NO Booster, Glutamine and Gatorade. Every thing else is just not necessary and used pre or post training when the body needs it most. The first real surprise is Gatorade, but it was designed to not only hydrate but also replenish lost nutrients so it shuttles simple and complex carbohydrates into already drained muscles. The insulin spike from the sugar also helps in recovery and anabolic effect for damaged muscles. So please with all these complex carbohydrate mixes, if you are trying to keep your supplement bill low, pick up some Gatorade at your local Walmart, yes its that damn good. I usually like to mix my Gatorade with my whey protein of which I use the isolate form so it digests quickly and hits my system even faster. Again the insulin effect begins the anabolic process repairing my muscles from intense training. I will add in 10g of glutamine for a couple reasons. It will keep my muscles fuller aiding in muscle cell volume, the second is that it does boost your immune system while raising my HGH levels. Pre-work out mixes are all based around one main ingredient L-Arginine. I am fortunate enough to be sponsored by MRI Nutrition of which I use Black Powder. L-Arginine is used before and after workouts to boost nitric oxide levels for overall muscle pump and volume. Studies have shown that L-Arginine has been used to also aid in nutrient absorption for better muscle growth. Lastly is the use of BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acids). I am currently coached by IFBB Pro George Farah and he has me using 5g of BCAA with every meal. The use of BCAA aids in muscle preservation during stressful times - like strict dieting, illness, or fatigue. Other benefits

aid in appetite suppression, and fat reduction. You have no idea how essential this is when preparing for a show. So with the variety of supplements out there, keep things simple for your overall health and save some money. There are no real magic pills except how consistent we are with our diet, our training and yes our proper use of supplements. So till next time, train hard, eat well, and keep pushing yourself towards your goals. Daniel Rocha is an athlete, personal trainer, body builder, coach and owner of RocBodyFitness / RocBodyAngels. He is also an NPC National Athlete. For more information please visit his website at www.drocbody.com or read his blog for more articles and commentary-www.drocbody.net.

Page 4 KNUXX of New Mexico

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Page 5

www.KNUXX.com Quick Count

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by Herb Jones

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Question and Answer with Rocky Burke Boxing Referee - Las Cruces, N.M. Battle at the Bosque’s referee for the evening’s first six bouts. Q: How long have you been a referee? A: 15 years as referee. I started boxing at 7 years old, fought in the ’76 Olympic Trials and turned pro afterwards. Q: What led you to become a referee? A: After my career as a fighter ended, I worked as a trainer, manager and judge. I became a referee on the suggestion of Dickie Cole, executive director of boxing in the state of Texas, suggested it. Q: How many fights have you refereed? A: More than 300 pro and more than 700 amateur. Q: What’s your most memorable experience as a referee? A: In Japan just before the most recent tsunami. I was in Osaka and developed a close bond with their people, the disaster felt extra close to home personally. Q: Is there a direction in which you would like to see boxing in NM take? A: To become more promoter friendly. It’s very difficult for local promoters to turn a profit without TV tie-ins and a lot of them risk losing money. Q: What are your future plans in boxing? A: I love the kids. Amateur boxing is where my passion lies. That’s the future and I want to promote that. Q: Are you licensed to referee elsewhere? A: California, Arizona, Texas, Mexico, Japan, Russia and Germany. Q: What’s the best fight you’ve ever refereed? A: I’ve refereed a number of fantastic fights in Tucson, Arizona over the years. In Juarez, Mexico, about a year ago, I refereed a bout that was a literal war. In 2001, I refereed a WBO world title fight on Showtime that was an awesome battle. KNUXX would like to thank Rocky Burke.

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Page 6 KNUXX of New Mexico

Herb Jones: Profile Chewy Saenz General Manager Round One Promotions and on-air radio host Involved in fighting in his own words “since as old as I could walk and talk”, Chewy Saenz is a 21 year old phenomenon. As a child, watching Jean Claude van Damme and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, he quickly started karate and other fight sports - if he liked it - he just did it! Growing up in a boxing family watching and being around fights just came naturally and Chewy has quite a background in fighting sports - with many years in and out of karate (due to battling injuries for 8 years) but still obtaining a red belt by the time he entered high school. Upon entering high school, Chewy competed in wrestling and wrestled with passion. In his senior year his passion started to focus on MMA. In talking about his work with Round One Promotions, Chewy stated that about three years ago, Mike Adams (the owner of Round One Promotions) contacted him in Las Vegas, Nevada (where Chewy was living at the time). Mike asked him if he wanted to come out to Albuquerque because he had ambitions of opening a fight store. With only 8 days until the store opening, Chewy packed up and brought himself

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straight to town with no real assurances that it would work. But it sure did and now Round One is on its third year - and Chewy couldn’t be happier than being where he is now - Albuquerque, NM. The work Chewy does with Round One at the Coronado mall in Albuquerque, and with the local fight community, started out with just managing the store. Soon he realized how strong the fight world in NM is, in talking to fighters, fans and enthusiast, and his passion blossomed. Interacting with fighters on a daily basis, his ability to relate with them became a truly unique insight from all angles - personal, professional and from a business aspect. Local fighters, as well as fighters from all over the world, visit the store, and it’s not unusual for fighters to stop by, with friends, fans and family in-tow. Whether pro or amateur, they all seem to stop by and visit Round One. There’s a mutual respect that’s shared – and all respect what the other does. Chewy participates in a weekly radio show, “On the Mic with Mike Adams” on 610 AM “The Sports Animal”, as one of the in-studio hosts - which only adds to the respect he commands in the fight world of NM. Working with Mike Adams and James Lindenmuth, the show airs every Saturday from 11 am-1pm. They are willing to talk to anyone; fans, fighters, trainers, promoters, network reps and any others involved in combat sports. So take the opportunity to stop in and enjoy the shop at the Coronado Mall - and say hello to an up-andcomer in the world of competitive fighting Chewy Saenz.

Herb Jones: Ringside The Rising Stars Battle at the Bosque April 2, 2011

The Undercards: Fight 1-Antonio Martinez vs John Herrera, 4 rounds. The fight switched back and forth for the first three rounds. The fourth round saw a battle for control and in the end it was scored a majority “draw”. Fight 2-Donald Sanchez vs Michael Gallegos, 4 rounds. It was a bloody fight and the decision went to Sanchez even though Gallegos fought gallantly throughout. Both fighters fought tough. Fight 3-Mike Herrera vs Leonardo Sanchez, 4 rounds. The first round saw both fighters throwing hard at one another and it continued to be a battle for most of the second round until Sanchez started to take control. He continued to assert control for the rest of the fight and it went the distance. Sanchez won by unanimous decision. Fight 4-Tim Means vs Andrian Lopez, 4 rounds. Both fighters came out strong (fighting only four rounds it would seem there was not holding back, it would seem). Means has an MMA background and was noticeably checking himself from using MMA moves and tactics – which is understandable. There was a lot of hard punching – a lot of “all-ornothing” blows and through the third it was hard to say who was in command as both fighters were going at each other in fury. The fourth round saw both fighters let up a little on the fervor as both had used up a lot of gas in the first rounds. The fight ended up going to Tim Means by split decision an awesome win for him, no doubt, but heartbreaker in my mind for Lopez. Fight 5-Brandi Montoya vs Natalie Roy, 4 rounds. This was the first of two women’s bouts of the night. And they sure came out fighting! Head shots were the aim for both – which lasted through the entire fight. Roy was declared winner by decision. Fight 6-Vincent Mirabal vs Trenton Titsworth, 6 rounds. The first “six rounder” of the evening and the first of two title fights. Mirabal entered the ring as the local crowd favorite amongst much fanfare. Titsworth offered a tremendous reach advantage but was out-matched by Mirabal from the start. Mirabal held down the role as the aggressor throughout the entire fight. Titsworth tried to take advantage with his reach but his style and physique was just no match for his opponent. Mirabal controlled the fight from every aspect, only if heart could be a factor for a win would Titsworth have had a chance for a decision. ...continued on page 8

Page 7

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Ed Erler’s Martial Arts Supply 533 Louisiana Boulevard SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 Phone: 505-255-1328 www.iokka.org

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Danny Romero Productions 1225 4th Street NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 Phone: 505-203-0758/505-508-5529 www.danny-romero.com

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Page 8 KNUXX of New Mexico Herb Jones: Ringside (Continued from page 6)

Of course Mirabal won the title unanimously – AND THE CROWD WENT WILD! The Main Events: Fight 7-Amanda Crespin vs Carla Torres, 6 rounds. Crespin, the local favorite, squared off against Torres in what would be, in my opinion, the “fight of the night”. This was the night’s second women’s bout and the only disappointment was the shortening of the fight from 8 rounds to 6. Crespin entered the ring in this title match with the fanfare the local fans raved. Torres had an uphill battle even before the first bell due to the home crowd’s backing of Crespin (Torres was fighting out of Cleveland, OH). From the very start this was a true technical boxing match. With strong skill and ma-

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neuvers exchanged between the fighters. In the early rounds the fighting seemed even although Torres taunted Crespin continuously and Torres switched stances from left to right regularly. Through four rounds the punches stayed crisp from both fighters. Crespin drew inspiration from the favorable crowd just as Torres drew the same inspiration from them being against her. The boxing was still aggressive into the final round. The decision was a shock to the crowd, as well as to myself, Torres was given the win in a split decision. Not that she didn’t earn it, it just seemed that with the crowd behind her, Crespin as the local fighter, had controlled the ring more so than Torres. Both fought extremely well and, win or lose, both fighters fought the nights finest fight.

(fighting out of Las Vegas, NV) entered the ring first and unlike in some of the night’s previous bouts, with glam and fanfare. Followed by hometown boy Marquez – of course favored by the local crowd. The bout began and there was no question that these were top tier fighters. The fighters started out pacing themselves and I personally began to wonder about the fact that throughout 7 completed bouts, not one single knockdown occurred. After two rounds the methodical pace remained consistent. The punching was crisp through three round but without any real sustained exchanges. The bout continued pretty much the same into round six – finally, late into the seventh round, the entire night’s first and only knockdown happened. It was more of a slip really, Marquez bounced back into the ropes and Frazier was credited with the Fight 8-The Featured Bout-Archie Ray Mar- knockdown. Frazier was docked a point in quez vs Johnny Frazier, 8 rounds. The Na- the closing seconds – maybe a questionable tional Anthem rang out pre-fight as Frazier call – but no matter as the fight went to Marquez unanimously. A good night of boxing for all the Santa Ana Star Casino ended on a high note for local Marquez. As for my very first experience as a fight commentator in NM I was impressed at how expertly the fight ran. The promoters pulled off a fight that would have even had the Vegas people envious and I look forward to many fantastic bouts here in the future. This is boxing in New Mexico, be proud, it’s deserved.