Curly Howard
04-08-2003, 12:46 AM
From http://www.mmaweekly.com/
Today Ambriz and his people released an official statement exclusively to MMAWeekly.com.
Setting the record straight about Ambriz competing in New Japan
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – April 7, 2003 – Combating rumors circulated by a recent report on MMA Weekly, Jimmy "The Titan" Ambriz would like clear up any confusion about and his future in combat sports. Plain and simple, accusations that Ambriz signed to fight Eric Pele for the King of the Cage pay-per-view are 100% false.
New Japan Pro Wrestling will be hosting a mixed card featuring several MMA bouts using Pride rules on May 2, 2003. Josh Barnett, who is under contract with New Japan, needed an opponent for his comeback fight. An offer was made to Jimmy Ambriz, who had no existing contract with KOTC.
Realizing Ambriz’ limited career options in the United States, along with KOTC’s failure to market him properly, the decision was made to give Ambriz the chance of a lifetime. "It’s a shame that someone like Jimmy isn’t pushed in this country since over 50% of MMA fans are Hispanic," says Clint Dahl, Jimmy’s spokesperson. "He’s a hardworking, young fighter whose weight class poses problems in this country for him to earn top dollar. In Japan, he will be pushed to become the superstar we know he can be. But rest assure, Jimmy will be making a return to MMA in the states very soon…and when he does, a real marketing arm will create a commercial fan base outside of the hardcore segment who know him from KOTC."
With nothing standing in the way, the deal between New Japan and Ambriz was tested when KOTC promoter Terry Trebil**** issued a stern warning that legal action would be taken if Ambriz competed. His proof rested on a one-page contractual agreement, the same one Ambriz signed when he fought on the February 21st KOTC. Strangely enough, that document was cosmetically altered with a handwritten line stating that contract was legally binding for two more fights. Ambriz had no knowledge of this mysterious handwritten line and no initials could be found near that line to prove its validity as an addition.
Trebil****’s warning in the form of a fax to New Japan was discarded and a follow-up call by KOTC’s attorney to Mike Luzzo, Ambriz’ friend and sponsor (Unleashed Clothing) was answered with a stern warning as well: Mr. Trebil**** is never to attempt contact with Ambriz or Luzzo again, as harassment charges could be filed. The KOTC attorney then went so far as to ask for monies from Ambriz’ purse to cover marketing expenses incurred by KOTC to promote the super heavyweight.
"This was simply a ruse to take advantage of a young fighter whose goals in life include buying a car and taking care of his family,” says Dahl. "KOTC has never done anything to promote its fighters, instead marketing their brand name with ‘plug and play’ talent for countless shows that few people remember. My evidence points to their own website where you won’t find bios or profiles or anything to push even their champions. There have been numerous situations where cards are released without the fighters even knowing they were on the card in the first place. Remember when KOTC released a fight card just days before UFC 37.5 saying Zach Light was to compete that same night for their organization?"
Ambriz is excited about the opportunity to compete in Japan and would like to crossover to pro wrestling as well. "This is a lifelong dream," says Ambriz. “I’m fighting the best heavyweight in this sport and I won’t let the fans down. The KOTC belt never meant anything anyway; the only reason they have so many fighters is because they are the only game in town." Obviously, KOTC is not going to receive any money for Ambriz competing in New Japan for a reported $50,000.
"KOTC needs to understand that respect is a two-way street," says Dahl. "I think it's time for this King to be dethroned, replaced by a promotion that understands how to market fighters, creating new avenues for their careers outside the ring or cage."
Today Ambriz and his people released an official statement exclusively to MMAWeekly.com.
Setting the record straight about Ambriz competing in New Japan
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – April 7, 2003 – Combating rumors circulated by a recent report on MMA Weekly, Jimmy "The Titan" Ambriz would like clear up any confusion about and his future in combat sports. Plain and simple, accusations that Ambriz signed to fight Eric Pele for the King of the Cage pay-per-view are 100% false.
New Japan Pro Wrestling will be hosting a mixed card featuring several MMA bouts using Pride rules on May 2, 2003. Josh Barnett, who is under contract with New Japan, needed an opponent for his comeback fight. An offer was made to Jimmy Ambriz, who had no existing contract with KOTC.
Realizing Ambriz’ limited career options in the United States, along with KOTC’s failure to market him properly, the decision was made to give Ambriz the chance of a lifetime. "It’s a shame that someone like Jimmy isn’t pushed in this country since over 50% of MMA fans are Hispanic," says Clint Dahl, Jimmy’s spokesperson. "He’s a hardworking, young fighter whose weight class poses problems in this country for him to earn top dollar. In Japan, he will be pushed to become the superstar we know he can be. But rest assure, Jimmy will be making a return to MMA in the states very soon…and when he does, a real marketing arm will create a commercial fan base outside of the hardcore segment who know him from KOTC."
With nothing standing in the way, the deal between New Japan and Ambriz was tested when KOTC promoter Terry Trebil**** issued a stern warning that legal action would be taken if Ambriz competed. His proof rested on a one-page contractual agreement, the same one Ambriz signed when he fought on the February 21st KOTC. Strangely enough, that document was cosmetically altered with a handwritten line stating that contract was legally binding for two more fights. Ambriz had no knowledge of this mysterious handwritten line and no initials could be found near that line to prove its validity as an addition.
Trebil****’s warning in the form of a fax to New Japan was discarded and a follow-up call by KOTC’s attorney to Mike Luzzo, Ambriz’ friend and sponsor (Unleashed Clothing) was answered with a stern warning as well: Mr. Trebil**** is never to attempt contact with Ambriz or Luzzo again, as harassment charges could be filed. The KOTC attorney then went so far as to ask for monies from Ambriz’ purse to cover marketing expenses incurred by KOTC to promote the super heavyweight.
"This was simply a ruse to take advantage of a young fighter whose goals in life include buying a car and taking care of his family,” says Dahl. "KOTC has never done anything to promote its fighters, instead marketing their brand name with ‘plug and play’ talent for countless shows that few people remember. My evidence points to their own website where you won’t find bios or profiles or anything to push even their champions. There have been numerous situations where cards are released without the fighters even knowing they were on the card in the first place. Remember when KOTC released a fight card just days before UFC 37.5 saying Zach Light was to compete that same night for their organization?"
Ambriz is excited about the opportunity to compete in Japan and would like to crossover to pro wrestling as well. "This is a lifelong dream," says Ambriz. “I’m fighting the best heavyweight in this sport and I won’t let the fans down. The KOTC belt never meant anything anyway; the only reason they have so many fighters is because they are the only game in town." Obviously, KOTC is not going to receive any money for Ambriz competing in New Japan for a reported $50,000.
"KOTC needs to understand that respect is a two-way street," says Dahl. "I think it's time for this King to be dethroned, replaced by a promotion that understands how to market fighters, creating new avenues for their careers outside the ring or cage."