Andy Samuelson

Story Archive

Pound-for-pound champ proves it: Weight wasn't an issue as Pacquiao easily defeats De La Hoya; Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008; This was no dream. Manny Pacquiao, boxing's pound-for-pound champ, proved it once again as he did everything but put the sport's "Golden Boy" to sleep in front of 15,001 adrenaline-filled fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Lopez weighs in with comedy: Comedian steals show as 'Dream Match' duo tips scales; Friday, Dec. 5, 2008; Comedian George Lopez offers up final words during Friday's weigh-in for Saturday night's mega-fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao.
Straight-shooting Torres plans on keeping title for a long time: Bantamweight king sticks to standup gameplan to TKO Tapia; Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008; Miguel Torres retained his WEC bantamweight title thanks to two timely second-round punches that not only dropped Manny Tapia to the canvas, but also into the loss column for the first time.
Historic night on tap for Mexican/American MMA fighters: Torres, Tapia square off in televised title fight; Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008; Pair of Mexican/American bantamweights ready for televised title fight in front of national audience.
Boxers arrive in grand fashion: De La Hoya, Pacquiao prepared for 'Dream Match'; Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008; Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya made their official arrivals Tuesday with much fanfare at the Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand casinos. The two boxers will face off Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in a 12-round welterweight fight.
Kentucky wins LV Invite: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008; Kentucky used a furious second-half comeback and sloppy play from West Virginia to get back in a game that the Wildcats trailed by 10 points after the first 20 minutes.
Once in a Blue Moon ...: Hatton avenges lone loss; earns beer after first stoppage of Malignaggi; Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008; There wasn’t much left for Paulie Malignaggi to say Saturday night at the MGM Grand, so instead, the New York-based fighter offered a fitting gift to the British boxer, who only minutes earlier became the first man to stop Malignaggi in 27 fights.
Hatton wins by TKO in 11th: British boxer keeps titles in dominating victory over Malignaggi; Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008; The pro-British crowd was clearly on his side and Ricky Hatton didn't disappoint Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, dominating New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi on his way to a TKO victory in the 11th round.
Hatton plans on taking Malignaggi out: Friday, Nov. 21, 2008; The Hatton camp knows that the infusion of Brits who came over for the Hatton-Mayweather fight will not be topped, but it is hopeful somewhere around 8,000 members of the “Hitman’s” army will attend the 12-round title fight.
'Magic Man' has plan for 'Hitman': Brooklyn's Malignaggi prepared for mega fight with Britain's Hatton; Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008; When Paul Malignaggi was a youngster growing up in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, there were few fights that he backed down from. That aggressive attitude would later serve the “Magic Man” well in his chosen profession as a boxer, but at the time it presented nothing but trouble.
WEC adds bouts for Las Vegas event: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008; World Extreme Cagefighting announced three more fights for its Dec. 3 card from The Hard Rock casino, which features a main event of bantamweight champ Miguel Torres facing top contender Manny Tapia.
Focused Hatton happy to be back: British boxer returns to Las Vegas ring that gave him his lone setback; Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008; p>There was no elaborate entrance this time around. No British cab needed to drop off Manchester, England’s boxing king in front of the MGM Grand Tuesday afternoon. Something was certainly different about Ricky Hatton’s grand arrival to the Strip’s grand casino than the theatrical walk-up he had for his last fight in Las Vegas a year ago.
New champ reflects on fight, future: Second-round stoppage of Couture adds legitimacy to Lesnar's resume; Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008; Despite having just three mixed martial arts bouts under his belt before Saturday night’s title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Lesnar dismantled former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champ Randy Couture.
Lesnar stops Couture for heavyweight title: Former WWE star proves MMA legitimacy against UFC legend; Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008; A big right hand by Brock Lesnar floored Randy Couture in the second round of their title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday night. Lesnar finished the UFC legend off with a series of blows to become the organization's new heavyweight champ.
Happy Lesnar eyes heavyweight title: Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008; Tonight at 7 p.m. Brock Lesnar, the former WWE sensation, gets not only a shot at the UFC heavyweight title, but a test from a true UFC legend in Randy Couture at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Lightweights standing in each other's path: Florian, Stevenson say win on Saturday propels them towards title fight; Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008; While the main event of Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar has MMA fans in a frenzied state, the Stevenson-Florian match offers a pair of hungry lightweights who each want to get back to the championship fight that recently eluded them.
Maia chooses Las Vegas for business rather than pleasure: Submission specialist trains in Sin City to focus on upcoming fight; Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008; While the majority of travelers come to Las Vegas to forget their daily lives, have some fun, and just maybe get a little crazy, Demian Maia’s sole mission in Sin City is to concentrate on his daily routine, avoid fun altogether and leave the craziness back in Brazil.
No. 10: Holyfield, Lewis set gate record: Heavyweights put fans in the T&M seats, leave them wanting more; Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008; Evander Holyfield’s biggest storyline obviously came at the hands (make that mouth) of Mike Tyson, but the “The Real Deal” Holyfield had several other interesting bouts that didn’t require plastic surgery on his ear.
UFC 94 to feature Penn vs. St-Pierre: Penn looking to be the first to hold two UFC titles at the same time; Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008; The bout marks the highly anticipated rematch from the two fighter’s March 2006 fight, where St-Pierre scored a narrow split decision on his way to the welterweight title.
Q & A with UFC’s Amir Sadollah: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008; Amir Sadollah takes a break during an open workout at the Xtreme Couture gym Wednesday, November 5, 2008.
Athletic Commission raises $3.6 million for general fund: Monday, Nov. 10, 2008; According to the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, major events governed by the commission generated an estimated non-gaming economic impact of at least $58.5 million during the November 2007 through October 2008 term.
UFC study shows impact of sanctioning in NY: Monday, Nov. 10, 2008; The UFC released an economic impact study today that showed that the sanctioning of MMA fighting in the state of New York would have a multimillion dollar boost on state and local economies, specifically in tax revenues and the tourism industry.
No. 14: Legendary fighters highlight first UFC show: Couture, Liddell along with PRIDE's U.S. debut top Mack's MMA list; Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008; There might have been only one major UFC card held in the Thomas & Mack Center, but it was an event of epic proportions. On June 6, 2003, two of the sport's legendary stars met for their first of three battles when Randy Couture squared off against Chuck Liddell inside the Octagon in front of a crowd of nearly 10,000.
Palo Verde disposes of Sierra Vista in fourth: Panthers score two fourth-quarter touchdowns in 21-7 quarterfinal win; Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008; Palo Verde’s dreams of a state championship grew one game closer Friday night, but the display the Panthers put on in their Class 4A Sunset quarterfinal victory over Sierra Vista left plenty to be desired.
Couture ready for return to Octagon: UFC legend laughs off trash talk in preparation for Lesnar fight; Friday, Nov. 7, 2008; Randy Couture’s been labeled an old man for so long he can’t remember when he was considered a young fighter. “That stuff just makes me smile,” said a smiling Couture during an interview this week at his Xtreme Couture gym. Come next Saturday night, all that talk doesn’t make any difference. The guy who goes out and implements his game plan and forces his will on the other guy is going to walk away with the victory that night.”
Rosholt ready for WEC debut tonight: Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008; Jake Rosholt will be making his World Extreme Cagefighting debut tonight in Hollywood, Fla., and also likely his only fight in the UFC’s sister organization.
No. 22: Talking politics: 2004 Republican, Democratic rallies pack Thomas & Mack; Friday, Oct. 31, 2008; Sometimes, things have gotten downright political. Stump speeches and agendas have pushed past “Tark” and taken over the Thomas & Mack floor to the tune of more than 10,000 people.
Vanda ready to tattoo Chavez Jr.: Son of legendary boxer out to prove controversial decision was a fluke; Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008; Vanda (39-7, 22 KOs) would welcome a KO Saturday night in his rematch against undefeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (37-0-1, 29 KOs), who scored a controversial decision over Vanda in Mexico in July.
Halasz propels Gators over Skyhawks: Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008; Green Valley's Dallas Halasz sure could get used to this scoring stuff.
UFC announces fights for UFC 92: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008; The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced today three big bouts for the final card of 2008 at UFC 92 on Dec. 27 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Turnesa adds own name to family's legacy: Rookie fires course record to claim first career win; Monday, Oct. 20, 2008; Marc Turnesa planned on flying back home to Florida Sunday night, but a slight change of plans kept the 30-year-old PGA Tour rookie partying in Las Vegas.
Rookie ready for Round 4: Turnesa focused on finishing strong at TPC Summerlin, not on playoff loss from a month ago; Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008; Marc Turnesa finds himself in the familiar situation of leading a PGA Tour tournament this morning. By dusk, the 30-year-old rookie hopes to be in the unfamiliar spot of hoisting his first trophy at TPC Summerlin.
Putting on a show: Ever the entertainer, Timberlake cracks up crowd at golf clinic; Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008; A night after performing a benefit concert that raised $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children with some of the world’s top entertainers at Planet Hollywood, the pop icon introduced a large crowd gathered at TPC Summerlin’s hitting range to a few more of his pals.
How low will they go?: Record-tying cut level could signal lower scores to come in PGA tourney; Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008; The cut level of 6-under 138 equaled the lowest number in relation to par in PGA Tour history.
Turnesa trying to make name for himself: Co-leader recounts stories from his legendary golfing family; Friday, Oct. 17, 2008; If you don’t know PGA rookie Marc Turnesa’s name, you’re not the only one. But you should. The 30-year-old grad’s pedigree is to golf what the Kennedys are to politics. He’s the grandson of Mike Turnesa, the fourth of the seven legendary Turnesa golfing brothers from Elmsford, New York.
Celebrities play a(round) with Timberlake: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008; As the gathered crowd of a few hundred waited for Justin Timberlake to tee off on the first hole, Ellen DeGeneres pestered him with a bullhorn.
The Ultimate Fighter finale to be held at the Palms: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008; The Ultimate Fighting Championship has announced that the finale of The Ultimate Fighter Team Nogueira vs Team Mir will take place on Saturday Dec. 13 at the Palms’ Pearl Theatre.
Tourney champ looks to repeat: Healthy McNeil remembers 'good feelings' of first win at TPC Summerlin; Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008; Most casual golf fans might not know who George McNeill is.
DeGeneres steals show: Timberlake and pals play on and off course during Celebrity Pro-Am; Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008; The charity golf tournament’s name was still his, but comedian Ellen DeGeneres stole the show Wednesday afternoon at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open Celebrity Pro-Am.
Theus-led Kings keep exhibition competitive: Lakers hold off Sacramento's late rally in 94-89 win; Monday, Oct. 13, 2008; It might have made more sense to let these two squads square off in a pick-up game at Las Vegas’ Sunset Park, the 10 young players provided plenty of last-second drama that eventually saw the Lakers escape with their first preseason win in a 94-89 victory.
Dawson silences Tarver: After weeklong war of words, unbeaten Dawson picks up biggest win; Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008; After all the prefight talk, there was little left to say Saturday night. Unbeaten light heavyweight Chad Dawson translated his thoughts through his gloves, thoroughly outboxing Antonio Tarver to capture the IBF/IBO belts with a unanimous, 12-round victory at the Palms.
Boxing Live Update: Dawson wins by unanimous decision: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008; Antonio Tarver and Chad Dawson have talked the talk for the last two weeks tonight at the Palms, only won can walk the walk in the ring at the Pearl.
Klitschko takes back heavyweight title: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008; http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3638233
War of words comes down to tonight's title bout: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008; The 39-year-old Antonio Tarver, who was the first fighter to knock out Roy Jones Jr. (“Superman”), hasn’t been bashful about bashing his opponent for tonight’s title fight at the Palms, former World Boxing Council champ “Bad” Chad Dawson.
New bike color, same results for Stewart: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008; The color on James Stewart’s new motorcycle Friday night wasn’t the patented “Kawasaki green” Supercross fans have come to know the legendary rider by, but the reward at the end of the night was still a familiar hue.
Tarver ready to back up talk: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008; Antonio Tarver promises his part in the pre-fight promotion is not personal. “He (Chad Dawson) wants to be in my shoes, that’s about as personal as it gets,” Tarver said Tuesday, after a workout for media members at Mayweather Boxing Club.
Blocked extra point helps Green Valley to 21-20 win: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008; Payback seemed like it would be an easy feat for Green Valley High Friday night when Kyle Larimer hit paydirt just 11 seconds into the Gators’ game against Canyon Springs.
Dawson ready for Tarver, title: Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008; A day after Chad Dawson and Antonio Tarver exchanged fiery responses in a national media teleconference, the 26-year-old Dawson again pointed out that he will prove to the world that he, not Tarver, is the sport’s best light heavyweight.
Californian packs a punch as boxing returns to Silver Nugget: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008; The Silver Nugget Casino’s events center is low on the boxing totem pole in a city where world champs are crowned on a regular basis. Don’t look for the MGM Grand Garden Arena to host any upcoming bouts that are broken up by raffles, dueling mariachi singers, and dancing poodles like the ones that performed Tuesday night at the Richard Steele production. But not lost among those colorful sideshows was the fact that professional boxing returned to the North Las Vegas casino for the first time in a decade, and a healthy crowd filled the casino’s attached auditorium to witness the five-card show.
Revved up rivalry: UNLV, UNR fans display differing sentiments at Silver State showdown; Monday, Sept. 29, 2008; A few fights, some flesh and plenty of alcohol fueled the nonstop revelry that broke out at Sam Boyd Stadium on Saturday as UNLV and UNR fans played their part in one of the biggest pregame parties in the 34-year-old rivalry.