Brawl at the press conference... always fun photos (check out the impact shot)

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20051116/capt.nyff10111161857.aptopix_ibragimov_whitaker_nyff101.jpg NEW YORK, November 16 – It was supposed to be your typical boxing press conference, an opportunity for the media to meet with the participants of Warrior’s Boxing Promotions’ December 15th card at the Hard Rock Live Arena, and discuss the highly anticipated “Global Warfare” show. But once heavyweights Sultan Ibragimov and Lance ‘Mount’ Whitaker got close to each other at Gallagher’s Steak House in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, the tension was obvious. And when Ibragimov put his clenched fist to the chin of Whitaker for the third time, the 6-8 contender had enough and the two started swinging at each other a month before they’re scheduled to do it in the ring.. http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20051116/capt.nyff10311162008.ibragimov_whitaker_nyff103.jpg Unfortunately in the commotion, Ibragimov’s agent and matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz – who was trying to keep the two giants apart from each other – got hit by both men simultaneously and was knocked unconscious for a number of minutes. http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20051116/capt.nyff10211161859.ibragimov_whitaker_nyff102.jpg “With the stakes as high as they are, and with both men preparing for battle, sometimes these unfortunate events take place,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Warrior’s Boxing Promotions Inc. “But the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Warrior’s Boxing don’t condone the actions by either fighter, and I can assure boxing fans that this will not be tolerated. We will do whatever is necessary in the future to keep this from happening again because we’re intent on keeping the fighting where it belongs – in the ring. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Warrior’s Boxing Promotions Inc. also sends its thoughts and prayers to Sampson Lewkowicz for a speedy recovery In the “Global Warfare” main event on December 15th, top heavyweight contender Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter returns to the ring for the first time since his epic battle with Wladimir Klitschko in September to face tough Robert Hawkins in a ten round contest. In the co-featured bout of the evening, imposing heavyweight contender Lance Whitaker lives up to his desire to fight only the best in the world when he tackles unbeaten Russian bomber Sultan Ibragimov in a bout that will undoubtedly produce a future challenger for one of the four world champions in boxing’s glamour division. Also featured in separate bouts will be undefeated junior welterweight star Juan Urango and unbeaten Irish sensation John Duddy. “Global Warfare” will air live on pay-per-view from the Seminole Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida. Suggested retail price is $19.95. Doors open at 6:30pm and the first bell rings at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now for “Global Warfare”. They are priced at $150, $100, and $50. For more information please call 954.523.3309 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. *man, the hatred between the two of those guys is enough to make me wanna see the fight :D