Chaos Surrounding ICS Mania 1
The big question is will boxing be returning to The PIT this Saturday as scheduled?
Concerns about ICS Mania 1 arose when “Rampage” Jackson announced he was pulling out of the main event where he was scheduled to re-engage in hostilities with former rival “Suga” Rashad Evans. “Rampage” sighted contractual obligations not being met have led to his withdrawal.
Subsequently Evans confirmed the news on his social media. While Evans didn’t mention it during the video he posted on Instagram, Signature Punch posted to their Instagram story that the former UFC Light-Heavyweight champion will remain in the main event of the card. Local Albuquerque News KRQE 13 reported Cody East was among possible replacements.
At the time of writing Signature Punch hasn’t made an official announcement about the main event but sources have told Cage Minds that Shannon Briggs is who the promotion is in negotiations with. A name that has been linked to a possible fight with “Rampage” several times in recent years.
The plot thickened today when Teresea Tapia, who was in association with Gary Lewis & Signature Punch for ICS Mania 1, announced that several fighters; her husband, UFC vet Diego Sanchez, sons Nicco & Johnny Tapia Jr., and associate Josh “Pitbull” Torres would all be withdrawing from ICS Mania 1. Cody East was also present and in agreement about not fighting on the card.
A press release from Team Tapia stated that “Tapia promotions has withdrawn from the ICSmania One event scheduled for April 12 after discovering significant financial and ethical concerns regarding event funding. Investigations reveal that ICS, under the leadership of Gary Lewis, planned to host the event without securing proper funds to ensure fighter compensation – a pattern observed in previous events”.
We have received confirmation that Brian “La Bala” Mendoza & Matthew “Diamond Boy” Griego are still intending on fighting at ICS Mania 1.
The latest update from ICS from their Instagram story is that “Rashad has a new opponent. Announcing today.” In response to Team Tapia “We did not cancel their fights. They are under contract. We have no understanding why this was pulled”.
ICS Mania is scheduled to have a huge week in Albuquerque. Open workouts are scheduled for Wednesday 4/9 from 3 p.m. MT to 6 p.m. at Civic Plaza. The PIT lobby is scheduled to host a Press Conference on Thursday 4/10 at 1 p.m. MT. Friday 4/11 The PIT parking lot is expected to be taken over for a Fan Fest and weigh-ins. The PIT doors are scheduled to open at 2 p.m. MT on Saturday 4/12 for fight night.
We’ll keep you updated as the story develops.
Fight Card
- Rashada Evans vs. TBA
- Fernando Vargas Jr. vs. Gonzalo Coria
- Shane Mosley Jr. vs. Deaundre Pettius
- Brian Mendoza vs Jireh De Los Santos
- John Makdessi vs. Diego Sanchez
- Harold Calderon vs. Josh Torres
- Tatakai Kawakami vs. Nicco Tapia
- Thane Wadams vs. DJ Swearinger
- Matthew Griego vs. Ephraim Bui
- Jordan Burnett vs. Trap Yayo
- Tim Witherspoon Jr. vs. Malcom Peck
- Billy J. vs. Johnny Tapia Jr.
- Chaz Gotti vs. Lena Ovchynnikova
- Jadalie Medeiros vs. Mollie Backowski
- * Card & Order Subject to change
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