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www.KNUXX.com/nm What’s a picture really worth?
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t has always been the goal of KNUXX to pull back the curtain and give our readers an opportunity to see some of the action behind the scenes in the New Mexico fight community. We like to introduce you to the local fighters, the local coaches, the fight promoters and even some of the local gyms. By learning about what’s going on in the community you gain an appreciation for the work that goes into the sports we love. We don’t just tell you about the fights, we usually try to have pictures so we can show you some of the action. We have some great photographers we work with who have been more than willing to share their work with us. You have seen some of the spectacular shots on our covers and inside the pages of each issue. A few months ago it hit me (pun intended) that we needed to get some information on the great people who are behind the lens. We had to profile some of the people that make KNUXX fun to read – and look at. We work with photographers who have phenomenal skills, genuine hearts, unmatched professionalism and some who are even fighters themselves (so they have a unique perspective on combat sports). The photos we get in this community are some of the most visually stimulating images around. They add life to KNUXX, they capture historical moment and they help shape each fighter’s image. What we’ve found while building KNUXX is that image is an important part of this fight community – it adds credibility and value to a brand. I have learned that I personally need to work on my image. I get asked all the time if I’m a fighter. I don’t think it’s because I look like a fighter, on the contrary, I think it’s because I don’t look like a fighter. I own a fight paper for crying out loud. What image am I portraying for my paper? To work on this, in this issue we launch another series called The Milano Project. The quick description is that I’m getting into shape and training for a fight – let’s see how this goes. You will notice that KNUXX is working on its image as well. This is the first month that the paper will be printed in full color. Every page, every ad, every photo will be in full color as they should be. There really isn’t a place in the 21st century for black and white print and it only took us 11 issues to realize it! This move should make it even more enjoyable to flip through each issue of KNUXX. Over the coming months you will be able to see many positive changes with the paper. As we grow we have the means to expand our content and present a better product. Please take some time to let us know what you think about the paper (you can contact us on the website) and visit our advertisers – and let them know that we sent you; it only helps our image with them! I hope you enjoy this issue.
KNUXX KNUXX is published monthly by:
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Heath Holmes heath@knuxx.com 505.750.2487 David Miera david@knuxx.com 505.261.2849
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KNUXX of New Mexico
Combat Sports Images For this special profile segment, we asked the same series of questions to three of the most talented photographers from the local fight community. Here’s what they said:
For Advertising call 505.750.0222 What keeps you coming back to the events and taking shots? I’m an adrenaline junkie and I love the sport. I do not, however, like sports – only the fight game. Shooting or watching football or basketball, for instance, bores the crap out of me. Baseball is okay if you’re drinking beer and eating hot dogs and you’re at Wrigley Field (I’m born and raised in Chicago) but sports, in general, is a cop-out for good photography. There are good photogs who do sports but can’t take a decent shot in real life situations on the street. What else keeps me coming back? It’s never dull getting “the shot.” What is your favorite aspect of shooting action photography and what is your least favorite aspect? Least favorite? That it’s just action and you’re limited in where you can go to frame your shot. I don’t think the promoters or networks would care for me to leap into the ring or scale the
you have to start over every single time there’s a first round. Whose work do you admire/try to emulate when you shoot? If you have to emulate anyone, you shouldn’t be shooting! Admiring is different … Will Hart of HBO keeps my competitive juices going but the real giants of photogs are found in war and real life: guys like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Eddie Adams, James Nachtway & Sebastio Salgado – those guys could not take a bad shot. Do you have a favorite photo or experience? Still trying to get it. Anything else? Nope – wait, yes. I’d like to invite readers to really start analyzing – and LOOKING at photos they see on the web. Us photographers are a dying breed – we are trying to make a living and work during an era that no longer
Pacquiao vs. Marquez 3 - Photo by Chris Cozzone
The Godfather Q&A with Chris Cozzone
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t didn’t take long in this industry to hear the name Chris Cozzone while researching combat sports in New Mexico in preparation to start KNUXX. Chris has put an indelible mark on the combat sports community here. His work is referenced and revered in multiple articles, blog posts and in hushed conversations among fighters and his peers. He is “The Godfather” of combat sports photography in New Mexico – not the first but, as far as I can tell, one of the most respected. Chris was willing to take a few minutes to share some of his history with us in this quick Q&A session. How did you get your start in photography & why did you choose to get into combat sports photography and for how long have you been in it? As long as I can remember, I’ve had cameras – but I’ve been shooting professionally since 1990. Really got into it while living in Albuquerque and studying journalism at UNM – started shooting gangbangers, prostitutes and news (for the Albuquerque Tribune), then left NM for NYC where I picked up the action, adding prisons to my subject matter. Made a name for myself with the prison and street stuff, had
stuff published in NY Times, Newsweek, Playboy and got in with SIPA, as well. Then I got into boxing …. Shot a fight at the legendary Blue Horizon in Philly in 1997 and was instantly hooked. Moved back to the Southwest in 2000 and started shooting the fights full time – launched NewMexicoBoxing.com to keep me busy on the local front and, at the same time, hooked up with bigger websites and mags to cover the bigger fights in Las Vegas, Nev., where I currently reside. Been shooting the fights full time since ’00. What was your first equipment purchase and if money wasn’t an issue, what equipment would you own? I’ve always been a Nikon man. Until digital came along, used Nikormats, FM2s and an F4 – then moved on to the top shelf digital Nikons. Using D3 and patiently awaiting the D4 Nikon has promised us in ’11-’12. If money was no issue, I’d have the same stuff, but more of ‘em – and would probably pick up a top level Leica for the hell for it. Where/How did you learn the art? By shooting, shooting, shooting … I firmly believe you don’t really learn the “art” of it – you either have an eye for shooting or you don’t. You can learn the technical aspects and surely improve your game but if you can’t frame a shot, and don’t “see” the shot, you will only get technically – not artistically – better.
Benevidez Training - Photo by Chris Cozzone
fence of the Octagon to get a better or different angle. Favorite aspect: again, getting a shot that’s different than anything anyone else has produced. Impact shots used to be the bomb but after getting a zillion of them, from covering 40 shows a year over 12 years, it’s no longer enough. It’s about expression on an athlete’s face – the eyes, the agony, the sheer joy of victory and/or burying your glove in someone else’s face. And every bout is a different story –
values the still image. Everyone has cameras these days. They’re cheap, they’re easy to use and they are all over the place – but not all images are created equal. Take the time to take in the image. How can people contact you? By email (Chris@cozzone.com), thru Cozzone.com, thru Twitter (@ chriscozzone) or Facebook. Thanks for your time Chris!
Silva vs. Belfort- Photo by Chris Cozzone
www.KNUXX.com/nm
The Milano Project? by Heath Holmes The Pitch his idea (The Milano Project) was spawned within the first few days that KNUXX came into existence. We were going to take an “Average Joe” and turn him into a fighter in 9-12 months – with the help of local gyms and professional trainers. KNUXX would co-sponsor a series of 90 day challenges that would culminate in an amateur or professional fight. The idea was simple; take someone who had never really thrown a punch and, utilizing the local fight community, create a fighter. The whole transformation would be documented in the paper, on the website (weekly blogs) and through vlogs (video blogs). And so it was born – and since it was my idea I would be the first project.
T
The History hen I lived in Italy I would often ride the subway in Milan. One night there was a group of teenage boys who were getting pretty raucous with some girls who were there. They were saying things that were pretty terrible and the girls were getting noticeably frightened since it was late and there were about 5 boys. Without thinking I piped up and said that they should leave the girls alone and quit being. Who was this dumb American trying to tell them what to do? As you can imagine they didn’t take too kindly to me. They got in my face and started talking trash. About that time we stopped at one of the stations and the girls started to get off. The idiot boys started to follow them off and I got in their way (yet another stupid decision) to stop them from getting off. They started yelling, everything slowed down and my heart beat was the only thing I could hear. They threw a bunch of punches but most of them hit the back of my head and back since I was already on my way off the subway as well. One of the boys kicked me in my back as I was quickly exiting. Fortunately the only thing that hurt was my pride. I was pissed – I didn’t even throw a punch and I looked like a tool. But, except for a two-punch-fight in the 4h grade, I’d never been in a fight and I didn’t even know if I could have hit one of them of if I would have just started screaming like a girl and swinging like a windmill. How would I do in a fight? I didn’t know. One day I would fix that
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and so The Milano Project (TMP) seed was planted – it only took 10 years to find a way. The Plan nitially TMP will consist of a series of three 90 day challenges. During the first challenge the goal will be to get into shape. Currently my shape is on vacation so I need to get it back. The second 90 day challenge will be to learn some basic martial arts, kickboxing, and grappling. The third 90 day challenge will be to actually schedule an amateur fight (kickboxing, boxing or MMA (if I’m brave enough)) and train for it. There will be an optional fourth 90 day challenge where I can take another fight or decide to keep fighting. Once a challenge phase is started I don’t have the option to back out on my own. I have to commit 100% and finish it and, most importantly, document the whole thing. There will be two main components to each 90 day challenge: Fitness & Nutrition. 90 Day Challenge Part 1 – Get into shape Fitness: I will be teaming up with Fitness Kicks for the first 90 day challenge. Fitness Kicks specializes in helping people get into shape utilizing various martial arts training (Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai) and proven weight training and cardio exercises. They have a track record of helping people reach personal goals that were thought to be nearly impossible to achieve. The best part for me is that I will not only get into shape but I will also get a foundation upon which I can build for the second 90 day challenge. I can learn some basic skills and not have to get punched in the face – yet. Nutrition: A lot of research went into finding a nutrition program that would help me lose weight, help me maintain my weight and even help me get into great shape. Combine this with the plan to do it in 90 day increments and you can see that I had a hard time finding something that met these criteria until I found ViSalus. ViSalus has perfected the concept of creating a series of 90 day challenges to help you reach personal goals, providing the nutritional products to help you reach those goals, and providing incentives (in the form of prizes) to help you reach them. They do this through the Body by Vi Challenge. Over the course of the next 9 months I will document my results from the Body by Vi Challenge and provide a great third party analysis of the challenge system. I hope you enjoy The Milano Project and I hope it motivates you to make some changes in your own life.
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KNUXX of New Mexico
For Advertising call 505.750.0222 Fidel Maldonado - Photo by Jose Castillo
Austin Trout - Photo by Jose Castillo
The Consummate Professional Q&A with Jose Leon Castillo III
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’ve bumped into Jose Castillo at almost every single event I’ve ever attended (but don’t worry, I didn’t interfere with his shots). He can be seen everywhere in New Mexico and his work testifies to the fact that he really is everywhere. He is well known for being one of the most professional and talented people you will meet. He takes great shots and works hard to make friends and meet deadlines. I’ve never heard an ill word come out of Jose’s mouth and count ourselves lucky to be able to share his work, from time to time, with our readers. Jose graciously took a few minutes to answer our questions. Here’s what he had to say:
What was your first equipment purchase? A Nikon FM2 with kit lenses in 1989. If money wasn’t an issue, what equipment would you own? I currently use Nikon D3/700 bodies with fast pro glass ranging from 14mm – 200mm for fight sports. But if I could, I would use my current studio Canon 1Ds Mark III to supplement a Hasselblad H4D-60 with prime glass, & a dual Profoto Pro-8a 2400 Air 6 point lighting system
Whose work do you admire/try to emulate when you shoot? Where/How did you learn the art? Action photographers: Ed Mulholland, Chris Two parts to consider: I learned the techni- Cozzone & Chris Farina cal aspect through years of documentary surEveryone else: George Hurrell, Zack Arias, veillance. I learned the artistic side by interning Dustin Snipes, John Harrington & David Hobby several years with wedding photographer Kevin Dooley of Kevin’s Photography. In the transition Do you have a favorite photo or experience? every one mocked me. They said: “Jose, for the The next one, but it’s all relative isn’t it? last fifteen years you’ve been a divorce photographer, & now you want to be a wedding phoAnything else? tographer? What gives?” Several great friends Fighters and promoters: I respect the fact that like Jesse Hesch who is an art major and brilliant you have worked hard and invested your time photographer inspires me with honest critiques sweat and tears to develop your craft. But please, on my art work and project direction. The rest reciprocate the respect to those photographers I picked up along the way from observing great who take the images that get used. If a license photographers, attending workshops and read- purchase isn’t possible, at least credit the phoing. tographer with a byline before swiping and using the images frivolously. We photographers work What keeps you coming back to the events hard to perfect our craft too, we invest money and taking shots? and time on proper equipment and training to Sometimes I wonder… Mainly the positive keep us sharp and for most of us, this is how we feedback from Am to Pro fighters. The historical make a living. value of photo reportage is paramount; hopefully Up and coming photographers: You have to a single image can inspire young hopefuls to be have a love for this type of work because there is high achievers. little recognition or money in this field to start. Your photos will be used, chopped, illustrated What is your favorite aspect of shooting ac- and reused without your permission. But I think tion photography? it is a rite of succession to making a name for The action of course! There is a moment when your self as a photographer. Besides if we didn’t everything aligns, the action and camera shutter do it, who would? become one and I am in my zone. Thanks Heath for this recognition, that’s my two cents... What is your least favorite aspect? Politics and the slew of sloppy amateur “phoHow can people contact you? tographers” who bump elbows and get in your www.castilloimages.com, jl@castilloimages. line of view flaking up your shots. com & info@newmexicoboxing.com
Johnny Tapia - Photo by Jose Castillo
How did you get your start in photography & why did you choose to get into combat sports photography and how long have you been a photographer? When I was a kid my architect uncle was a photographer but it all really started 22 years ago when I attended a forensic training program while working for the Sheriff’s Department. I was hooked since then. I went on to be a private investigator documenting thousands of hours of long distance low light surveillances. Combat sports photography is similar for me, so tracking fast moving subjects in low light situations comes naturally. The term “photographer” is such an ambiguous over rated term, any yokel with an iPhone & Photoshop seems to be a photographer these days. 22 years now, I’ve been freelancing for NewMexicoBoxing.com for about a year and a half.
for studio projects (if money wasn’t an issue, of course).
www.KNUXX.com/nm
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Colorado and El Paso Texas, I have have probably shot 15+ fights in the past year.
“Wall of Water” - Photo by Will Fox
Q&A with Will Fox
Photo by Will Fox
The New Kid on the Block
What is your favorite aspect of shooting action photography? Hanging out with the other media What was your first equipment purgeeks and the camaraderie of the chase? I actually skipped the film era. I have fighters. always had some sort of mid-grade digiWhat is your least favorite astal camera for the past 15 years. I have upgraded my gear quite a bit in the past pect? Working on fights with a strict year. deadline. Emailing 10-20 photos If money wasn’t an issue, what equip- within 45 minutes of the event ending is often stressful. If I leave the ment would you own? I would probably pick up two of the venue by 10:00 I am lucky if I get new Canon 1D X’s ($6,800 ea). With the to bed by 2:00. It is also hard to see current momentum, I am right on track a friend lose in the cage/ring. for my “dream bag” in the next year. Whose work do you admire/try to emulate when you shoot? Where/How did you learn the art? Castillo, Cozzone, and Demattos Mentors mentors mentors... Practice are some of my favorite semi-local practice practice... photographers. I am also a big fan What keeps you coming back to the of Esther Lin, Dave Mandel and James Law to name a few. events and taking shots? The fighters. Period. I have built some Do you have a favorite photo or great relationships with gym owners, fighters and their managers. Addition- experience? My favorite photo changes weekally, it keeps me inspired to see my shots published in blogs, papers, magazines ly. Some of my most enjoyable times are joining Brandon Gibson and personal websites. for a mitt session at Jackson’s. I also enjoy the experience of following Carlos Condit through his training camps. I enjoy shooting behind the scenes to capture each fighter’s deep passion behind the blood, sweat and vomit. Anything else? I came up with the photo profile “The Fox Identity” because I am always looking to identify someone’s passion. I enjoy thinking outside the box with creative lighting, angles and techniques.
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How did you get your start in photography & why did you choose to get into combat sports photography?
How can people contact you? wilson.fox@gmail.com thefoxidentity.com facebook.com/TheFoxIdentity 505-349-3629 I come from Automotive photography. For a few years I tried to get into the combat photography, but due to media access only it was difficult. I had lunch with Carlos Montoya from ABQ Sports and he asked if I wanted to shoot Shark Fights. I made some contacts at the fight and the rest is history. I was drawn to combat sports due to the raw passion and the difficulty to shoot through the cage. I always look forward to the challenge. How long have you been a photographer & how long have you been in the combat sports scene? I have been around the fight world for almost a year. New to the scene, but I have not passed up one opportunity for practice. From trips with the KNUXX crew to southern
Thanks for the support Will! Natural Born Killer - Condit - Photo by Will Fox
met Will Fox for the first time at Shark Fights 15 (which, it turns out, was his first combat sports event). My brother and I were there to cover the fights and Will, being about our same age, and us all just sort of gravitated to each other. We had a great time chatting and commenting on the fights (that was actually the first fight I ever covered as well – but don’t tell on me please!). Will seems to have kicked-in the door to the party and made a quick name for himself in the combat sports photography world. He has a natural penchant for the artistic side of the sport – preferring, it would seem, to shoot the “action of the mundane” and making it look like it was the center of attention. KNUXX counts itself lucky to feature some of his great work. Here are the answers to our recent Q&A:
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PROTEIN IS THE KEY
By Max Muscle of Albuquerque & MS&F
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Tools for Your Roc Body by Daniel Rocha
MyByPrinciples Daniel Rocha MRI/NPC National Athlete
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ID YOU KNOW that one of the most debilitating symptoms of aging is muscle loss? We are all aware of the many resources that educate us about the typical symptoms of aging. Prostate, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and heart health. Almost daily I see commercials about the latest greatest drug that enables us to live longer by offsetting the symptoms of life-threatening illnesses. If scientists can figure out a way to keep your heart healthy until you’re 100, then we better figure out a way to be sure you are strong enough to enjoy it! Between the ages of 20 and 90 the average person will lose 50 percent of their lean muscle mass. That’s an incredible amount of muscle loss! Can you really imagine losing half your muscle as you age? If you lost half of the muscles in your legs, could you even walk up a couple flights of stairs? Keep in mind that as you lose all that muscle mass, you’re going to place a huge amount stress on your skeletal system. I am sure we all have aging loved ones who get weaker every year. They start falling down and their bones – especially the hips – break very easily. So much money and resources go into keeping our internal organs healthy as we age. If we spent a fraction of these resources on educating our aging population, they would live a much healthier life. When my grandfather passed away, he was at least half his normal body weight and was very weak and frail his last few years. I can’t help but think that exercise and a good protein regimen would have enabled him to live a longer and stronger life. For the past two decades I have been preaching the benefits of protein. As a young athlete I studied everything I could about protein and amino acids to boost my performance. I learned that by taking in smaller servings of protein several times a day really helped me
recover from intense workouts and increased my muscle mass. This all relates to nitrogen retention and giving your body the nitrogen and amino acids it needs and derives from protein. Protein and amino acids are responsible for tens of thousands of functions within our bodies. Protein is essential for maintaining lean muscle mass as well as contributing to thousands of bodily functions. Some would even argue that as we age, protein is even more important. If our ability to process and assimilate protein slows down as we age, then logic would suggest that smaller, more frequent servings of protein would help the assimilation process. It’s a proven fact that by slowing the loss of lean muscle mass as we age, we can actually slow down the aging process. So, as we age the importance of a multi-dose high protein diet becomes even more important. Smaller servings of high quality protein are extremely beneficial in helping our bodies maintain and increase lean muscle mass. We don’t have to sit around and watch the clock tick as our bodies deteriorate. By developing a good workout program and consuming 15 to 40 grams of protein 3 to 4 times per day you can not only slow down the muscle deterioration, but you can reverse it. Here is a simple scale to help you know how much protein to consume: Basic Guideline for Multi-Dose High Protein Diet Weight (lbs.) Amount 80-120 15-20 grams 125-160 20-25 grams 165-200 25-30 grams 205-240 30-35 grams 240+ 35-40 grams Let’s not all wait until we are sitting in a wheelchair wondering what happened! Get to the gym today and start a healthy training program. Stop by Max Muscle of Albuquerque (505) 294-4828 and let one of our Certified Sports Nutrition Coaches detail a nutritional plan especially for you. Let’s all make sure we do everything we can to ensure quality of life as we age. There’s no stopping Father Time, but we can surely slow him down!
or those who are wondering just F what are my principles behind my coaching, here is what I focus on: 1. Food is your foundation. But how much and what kinds of foods. So many of my consultations begin with the fact that so many people are afraid to eat certain foods yet over eat just about everything else. A big example is the use of low carb dieting! I have seen so many women using the low carb principles and avoid bread, rice, potatoes yet I see then eating a chicken salad with avocado, feta cheese, low fat dressing and oh yea a diet coke. The next thing I also notice is that people try to put themselves on low calorie diets yet snack all day on what society has labeled as “healthy snacks” trail mix, mixed nuts, dried fruit, peanut or almond butter. What they don’t realize is that these foods are very dense. Although a small snack they pack huge calories and can hinder ones diet. 2. Overkill … how much exercise is enough. Now I’ve been doing this long enough to know that most women in the gym are not there to improve their bodies but there to just have their time to themselves. The fact that it could
improve their look is the bonus. But so many women take on so many titles … mother, wife, business woman, cook, maid, etc… the list continues, that their hour or two at the gym is just for them. There is a difference between being fit and being in shape. I think many of us have seen the same person on the same treadmill at the same time almost everyday and yet keeps gaining weight each year. Yet they go to the doctor and everything checks out ok, blood pressure normal, cholesterol good, heart is well, etc. well they are fit but I think its safe to say not in shape. To throw myself under the bus, I am not fit. I couldn’t run a mile for my life much less do the precor past 20min. But take a pic of my abs and I am in shape. 3. What’s the dream? So many of us have so many wishes and yet do nothing. We all think of what could be and yet fall short. Want so much more but give up because things become difficult. What I ask of people is … can you take instruction and follow. For many this is hard as independent thought takes over and people just do what they always have. Taking instruction is hard and does take patience. Will you be ready to have your dream in your hand? Can you take it to another level and now dream new dreams? Not many of us have ever achieved goals that being successful is new and thus different. Most are so afraid of success that we will sabotage our own success. Others will be successful and not realize that they can still be better. So they fall again as they took this success for granted and sometimes as just luck. So I ask my clients… “ What’s the dream?” then after, “ Can you follow instructions?” As I will provide you with every tool to build your own dream. The final thing… “Will you be ready for your own success?” I simply coach… I am an architect… but its up to you…my clients to be the builder and perform. Each of you can achieve what your mind has set out. Till next time…. 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
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journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step and a moment of decision that YOU are going to make genuine commitments and changes to better your life. Once the decision is made, the real work and preparation begin. For 25 of New Mexico’s fittest men and women that decision was made weeks ago and now they will take the stage of the 2011 Fitness America Pageant & Muscle Mania Show in Las Vegas, Nevada on Nov 17-20. Days leading up to the show, these physique athletes are on the brink of exhaustion and fighting the mental mayhem during the final stretch of competition diet and training. Despite these exhausting emotions, deep down there is no greater feeling of achievement than reaching this ultimate goal of stepping on the stage! Five fitness competitions under my belt, I certainly would not consider myself a seasoned veteran to the sport.
unique story of what ignites their interest to compete and what further continues to fuel their fire to go through such grueling preparations. The majority of the women competitors from New Mexico belong to a group of female fitness competitors called the Iron Divas, founded and coached by Cristin Kiburz of CK Iron Nutrition and Fitness. They are a sisterhood of women comprised of working professionals, mothers, students, athletes, etc. all supported by their passion for fitness, health and happiness. These ladies have been hard at work training for the show. Their training/ support system includes weekly training/posing sessions, email blogs, competition diet recipe exchanges and just good ‘ol’ accountability of each other. Don’t be mistaken, these women are dynamite and are predicted to take the show by storm with some leading veterans and knock-out rookies. In the pool of rookies, one new lady
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competing, she has placed top 10 at her very first show, and runner up at her second show at Fitness Universe this past June. Melanie is going for the WIN in bikini--a national title. Jessica Rinaldi - former Figure NM Champion is going for the big WIN as well after placing 2nd in 2009 in figure; Danielle Duran (figure) has completely transformed her physique from bikini to figure and is going for a top 5 at nationals in figure; and the buff Marisa Garcia is going for a top 10 in figure. Also, watch out for the dynamite Delisa Garcia who is coming off her recent win at Fitness NM and looking to take her talents to the next level in Las Vegas. These are just a few of the many fine athletes we will be seeing the Fitness America Pageant. Be sure to stay tuned to see how other fitness all-stars such as Ashley Stavig, Lisa Duncan, Lynette Baca, Marisshia Sigala, Nicole Martinez, Rachel Simmelink, Siobhan Herrera, Stephanie Gonzales and
Iron Diva 2011 Fitness America Pep Rally
Genieve
*Note: My apologies if there are other competitors that were not mentioned in the listing. My best of luck to you all and your competition prep!
stepping on the national stage for the first time is the alluring Danita Trujillo hitting the Bikini Division in her cowgirl sportswear! Fit mom, Camie Guerrero of Farmington is doing it Matador style in her sombrero hat with her six pack abs. Both Jordan Mandagaran the current Ms. Bikini NM and Cara Ovis the NM Model winner, are both trying for a national title to add to their state titles. Last, for Figure - Michelle Hardy in the classic division shows you that women over 35 can still rock it on stage. Some of the vets to recognize are Melanie Velasquez - in her first year
Christine Huang rock the stage. These women are strongly supported by other competitors and coaches consisting of Brittney Jaeger, Meghan White, Kendra Camp and Gretchen Gonzales and many other Iron Diva sisters. As for me, I have huge goals and sights set for me at this show. I am competing in Ms. Bikini & Figure and am striving for a top 5 in both. I have enjoyed helping coach some of the best athletes in New Mexico and across the U.S. who are part of the team we call, Iron Divas! In men’s divisions recognition is given out to powerhouse bodybuilders Ja-
John Camp - 2011 Fitness NM Champ - Preparing for MuscleMania America
I can tell you that if one dares to train and diet for even just a single show, they have EARNED street cred on merit of discipline and sacrifice alone. An experienced competitor, perhaps that’s my title, either way I can tell you that I have learned a great deal about myself, my struggles and what makes me confident and happy through this entire life-changing process of competition preparation. I am truly excited to see how it all unveils at the show; not only for me but for all the hard-working competitors New Mexico is sending to the famous city of Las Vegas. I know that each of these competitors have a
son Borrego and Mike Donathon who will certainly be bringing their diced & outstanding physiques to the stage. Representing the top NM Bodybuilder of the 2011 MuscleMania Show is police officer Jonathan Camp with his spot-on symmetrical and always conditioned physique. Finally rounding out the male competitors in the Fitness Model category is Travis Rogers and Kel Okoro, both bringing lean mass and model good looks to the stage. The journey for these fitness athletes, models, and bodybuilders is no small feat and perhaps their dedication and relentless devotion to their passion of competition can inspire YOU to keep your FITNESS IN FOCUS! Tune in next month to the results of the show.
www.KNUXX.com/nm
Pound-for-Pound Boxing Queen Holly Holm Preparing to establish ‘World Dominance’ Dec. 2 showdown vs. Anne Sophie Mathis at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque
B
oxing’s Pound-for-Pound Queen, Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm, has thoroughly exhausted the list of leading North American challengers, so her promoter, Lenny Fresquez (Fresquez Productions) looked across the Atlantic Ocean to challenge Europe’s premier boxer, French superstar Anne Sophie Mathis. Holm-Mathis will headline “World Dominance”, December 2 at the Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque. Holm (30-1-3, 9 KOs) will be gunning to regain her IBA Welterweight title and WBAN Championship Belt in the 10-round main event against Mathis (23-1, 20 KOs), the WBO European Welterweight Champion. “World Dominance”, presented by Fresquez Productions, is a modern day match-up of contrasting female prizefighters, showcasing a consummate boxer (southpaw Holm) and knockout specialist (Mathis). A multiple world champion in three different divisions (light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight), Holly has defeated virtually all of the significant names of the past decade in women’s boxing
from the 140 through 154-pound classes, including Christy Martin, Mary Jo Sanders, Mia St. John, Jane Couch, Duda Yankovich and Chevelle Hallback (twice). Holm is riding a 24-fight unbeaten streak, dating back to her only pro loss in 2004, when a serious cut under her eye prevented her from continuing to fight. The 29-year-old Holm sports an amazing 20-0-1 (6 KOs) record in world title fights, in addition to a 14-0-1 mark versus world champions. “There will always be somebody out there good to fight, maybe an up-and-comer or somebody overlooked” Holm said, “but I believe I’ve fought the best here but two European fighters (Mathis and Cecilia Braekhus) are good options for me. I haven’t fought either one, yet, and they’re both very good.” Mathis, who will be fighting outside of Europe for the first time, is currently on a 22-fight, 16-year win skein, since she suffered her only pro loss in her second fight. She’s a two-time world light welterweight champion and Dec. 2 will mark the fifth anniversary of her first world title victory, in which she stopped previously unbeaten Myriam Lamare (13-0) for the WBA crown and vacant EBU championship. Ann Sophie’s victims also include world champions Couch, Yankovich, Ana Pascal and Nathalie Toro. “My fight with Ann Sophie is going to be very tough,” Holly remarked. “She’s a tall fighter who uses her range. A fight like this definitely helps women’s boxing. I don’t want to be a paper champ and boxing fans don’t want to see one. On December 2nd they’ll see the top two rated women boxers in the world. My pride will be on the line because I’ve always believed you need to beat the best in order to be the best. I’ve never wanted easy fights. Winning a challenge like this makes it an even sweeter victory. “Women are constantly trying to prove themselves to boxing fans. We put our heart into fighting each time we step in the ring. The top women fights are better than a lot of men’s fight on TV…..and we’re not getting paid $500,000, either.” Holm is expected to fight WBC/WBA/WBO welterweight champion Cecilia ‘First Lady” Braekhus (18-0, 4 KOs) next year. For more information about “World Dominance: Holm vs. Mathis” go on line to www.FresquezProductions.com.
T NG A H I T R STA MONT CT $59 ONTRA NO CITH THIS W YER FL lin nie Pou r Stepha e in a r T l ersona 1 Owner/P sic Bikini 201 s la C s Mis David er UK Archuleta F Wo rld Ch ampio n
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Page 13
CARDIO KICKBOXING KETTLEBELLS
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS FITNESS FOR EVERYONE
The most fun you can have without getting punched in the face!
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teamfitnesskick.bodybyvi.com www.myfitnesskicks.com 11601 Montgomery NE • East of Juan Tabo
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Page 14 KNUXX of New Mexico
Apparel & Gear
Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
30 Buffalo Thunder Trail
Round One Promotions Santa Fe, NM 87506
6600 Menaul Boulevard NE # S4 Phone: 877-848-6337 Albuquerque, NM 87110 www.buffalothunderresort.com Phone: 505-883-2794 www.roundonepromotions.com Route 66 Casino 14500 Central Ave SW OTM Fight Shop NM Albuquerque, NM 87121 2910 San Mateo NE #5 www.rt66casino.com Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone: 505-884-8844 Gyms & Training www.otmfightshopnm.com
Duke City Fight Wear 3250 Coors Blvd NW Ste. F Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone: 505-728-3379 www.dukecityfightwear.com
Shwag - Custom Screen Printing
Facilities
Mean 1 MMA & FitnessEastside 7610 Carmel Ave NE Ste C Albuquerque, NM 87113 Phone: 505-822-MEAN (6326) www.mean1mmanm.com
3300 San Mateo NE Suite C Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone: 505-712-0138
Mean 1 MMA & FitnessRio Rancho 3301 Southern Blvd SE Damage Control Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Mouthguards Phone: 505-891-2600 1924 Juan Tabo Blvd NE Suite C www.mean1mmanm.com Albuquerque, NM 87112 Phone: 505-804-8941 FIT NHB www.dcmouthguards.com 110 Lomas Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 Xtreme Ground N Phone: 505-833-3351 Pound www.fitnhb.com
Fight Shop
1213-C N. Hwy 491 Gallup, NM 87301 Phone: 505-726-8400 www.facebook.com/xtremegroundnpound
Ed Erler’s Shorin-Ryu Karate & Supply 533 Louisiana Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 Phone: 505-255-1328
Fitness Kicks
11601 Montgomery NE Albuquerque, NM 87111 Phone: 505-291-5425 www.myfitnesskicks.com
Rhino’s Gym
1417 Central Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Phone: 505-506-8638 www.rhinosgym.com
David Erler’s Westside Team Los Vatos Shorin-Ryu Karate & Training Facility Martial Arts Supply 4506 4th Street NW 6961-A Taylor Ranch Drive NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone: 505-898-1313
Albuquerque, NM 87107 Phone: 505-453-7777 www.losvatossportswear.com
Team Tapia Gym Event Venues
Hard Rock Casino
11000 Broadway SE Albuquerque, NM 87105 Phone: 505-724-3800 www.hardrockcasinoabq.com
2500 San Mateo Pl NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone: 505-804-7938
Rosales’ Karate & Kickboxing 3208 San Mateo Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone: 505-881-1050 www.rosaleskarate.org
For Advertising call 505.750.0222
Rosales’ Karate &
Kickboxing - Los Lunas 634 Hwy 314 SW Los Lunas, NM 87031 Phone: 505-865-5414 www.rosaleskarate.org
Jack Candelaria Community Center
400 San Jose Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87102 Phone: 505-848-1324 www.cabq.gov/communitycenters/jackcandelaria.html
Tohkon Martial Arts 523 Wyoming NE Albuquerque, NM 87123 Phone: 505-847-6550 www.tohkondojo.com
T-Bones Gym
330 N 1st St Grants, NM 87020 Phone: 505-285-6758
Superior Fitness 6700 Cerrillos Rd #C Santa Fe, NM 87507 Phone: 505-920-0760
AKKA Karate USA Lessons & Supplies 1100 Eubank Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87112 Phone: 505-275-0031 www.akkakarateusa.net
Promoters
Sports Bars
Hooters - Eastside 4601 San Mateo Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 Phone: 505-884-6600 www.hooters.com
Hooters - Westside 1708 NM Highway 528 Albuquerque, NM 87114 Phone: 505-890-4829 www.hooters.com
Uptown Sports Bar /ABQ Brew Pub
6601 Uptown Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone: 505-884-4714, 505-884-1116 www.uptown-sportsbar.com
Tattoos & Barber Shops South Valley Barbershop 3315 Isleta Blvd SW Albuquerque, NM 87105 Phone: 505-414-7699
Archetype Dermagraphic Studios 529 Adams St Ste A Albuquerque, NM 87108 Phone: 505-265-0972
Sports Nutrition & Supplements Max Muscle Rio Rancho
2003 Southern Blvd SE Ste 107 Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Round One Promotions Phone: 505-892-4800 6600 Menaul Boulevard NE # S4 www.maxmuscleriorancho.com Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone: 505-883-2794 www.roundonepromotions.com
Evolution Combat Sports Championship
RevVNRG
Phone: 505-933-5409 revvnrgsucess@gmail.com
P.O. Box 732 Max Muscle - Abq Clovis, NM 88102 4400 Wyoming Blvd Ste B Phone: 575-791-6974 www.evolutioncombatsports.com Albuquerque, NM 87111 Phone: 505-294-4828 www.mmabq.com SWMMA
(Arturo Soliz)
Phone: 817-400-5594 www.swmma.com
Caged Fury MMA
PO BOX 575 Aztec, NM 87410 Phone: 505-419-2434 www.cagedfurymma.com
Sports Medicine
Creative Therapy Services
2003 Southern Blvd Ste 133 Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Phone: 505-891-3777 www.creativetherapynm.com
www.KNUXX.com/nm
World NO GI Championships Update Jess Martinez wins Men’s NO GI Absolute
NUXX would like to recognize one of K our featured athletes from a few months ago. Seventeen year old Jess Martinez
was profiled in our Grappling issue this past summer. Jess is a grappling phenom and, for the first time in history, he successfully defended and surpassed his accomplishments from last year at the World NO GI Championships. Jess was able to grapple his way to a world championship title in the Men’s NO GI Absolute division. This is the first time that a teenager has wrestled outside of his normal “juvenile” division and won the whole thing. To do this he had to wrestle, and defeat, multiple adult males of all weight classes (hence the “Absolute” designation). Congrats Jess – way to represent New Mexico! Thank you for your support and thank you for excelling at your talent.
Page 15
UNDERCARD
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