Post by anthonyksavage on Sept 22, 2022 13:15:13 GMT -5
Anna Woolhouse: December 23rd, live from the 02 Arena in London, is the date for an amazing boxing double main event. One of those fighters on the main card; he’s a face combat sports fans across the globe as well as Sky Sports viewers know all too well. Multiple-time pro wrestling champion, undefeated in MMA, and on that night fighting WBC Champion Oscar Rivas for the WBC Bridgerweight title. We have with us in the Sky Sports studio our favourite American boxing import Tony Savage. Tony, welcome back to the studio.
Tony: Always a pleasure, Anna. *adjusting his tie*
Anna: There was controversy in the European Boxing Union when despite winning the heavyweight eliminator months ago, they wouldn’t grant you a title shot. Many say that was the motivation for you to drop down to the WBC’s fledgling new weight class. Explain to us what exactly compelled you to switch divisions when your heavyweight career has been skyrocketing.
Tony: Oh, I’m still committed to becoming a world champion in the heavyweight division. Right now, my goal is to put emphasis on the fact that the work myself and my team have put in the last several years merits us a shot at a strap. And with the heavyweight division right now kind of in a transition phase determining who gets what shot, what payouts they deserve, and whatnot…
I’m out there taking the fights some of the top stars and their camps won’t take, building up the resume and the fights. A lot of people associated with boxers…promoters, managers…they don’t want to risk their guy’s perfect records or hold out for payouts a lot of times they don’t deserve. The problem with that is, a lot of fighters in the sport are getting frustrated because they WANT those matchups, they want those tests of their abilities even if it means a lower payday. They want to get out there and prove their value. But between politicking and inaction by some firms, we’re getting great matchups being put on freeze.
Yeah, I probably would have gotten a better payout waiting for months, years for a heavyweight bout, waiting with my hand out.
Anna: I see. Instead of sitting by hoping for an opportunity, you’re taking an alternate route, making it happen.
Tony: Exactly. Bridgerweight division has great fighters from both the heavyweight and light heavies looking to create a new market. It’s young, it deserves to showcase amazing talent. I mean my opponent, Oscar Rivas (28-1), he’s one of the best boxers in the sport. And he keeps getting looked over because he doesn’t quite fit into industry norms. Me, I want the best I can get into a ring. When I got this offer, it was a no-brainer. Go in, beat one of the best in the biz, and once I have that title over the shoulder, that proves to the powers that be in the sport I AM worth the price I ask for. A pay cut now for a massive raise later.
Anna: A potential 1.5 million pound purse doesn’t hurt either, I assume. *chuckles*
Tony: *laughs* Hey, Christmas is coming. Got a lot of family and friends to shop for.”
Anna: “What’s the strategy for the fight on the 23rd?
Tony: “ I’m not giving away too much, but this is what I’ll tell you. Rivas is just gifted all around. Good power and technique. The guy is a champ for a reason. But frankly, he’s not used to the body punches, not used to taking on somebody that’s willing to take time to drain the gas tank. Plus he’s been offline for over a year, and even with the neck injury, I've been keeping the swords sharp in the ring. He’s got ring rust, and I’m gonna knock it off him the hard way.”
Anna: “There’s been a lot of concern from critics and fans, with you involvement in 3 sports, that you try to do too much. You’re spreading yourself thin.”
Tony: “If what I do is spreading myself thin, *laugh* I don’t see it on my records or bank account. I think I’m gaining weight actually. People underestimate what wrestlers can do. I mean, we’ve got grapplers that do all sorts of multi-tasking. A true professional wrestler to me is an athlete that does whatever they want. Very flexible as long the focus is on point. But very few are doing what I’m doing and emphasizing the point. I mean, with Quantum MMA’s Gobalweight tournament, this match with Rivas, and some very juicy opportunities in UGWC and Action Wrestling, I’m looking to come out as a combat sports Triple Crown. Very few, if any, have pulled that off.”
Anna: “Speaking of those companies, this fall and winter both are putting on some incredible shows. Give us a look into the other side of the fight industry, what do fans here in the UK have to look forward to on the schedule?”
Tony: “UGWC has the Massive Melee supershow. We’re going to have stars all over the industry along with our amazing roster going at it for a place at Keys to The Kingdom. Considering I already have a key, I won’t be in the melee, but I’ll be there. I put out some feelers for a special one-on-one fight and considering the lineup they have already I’m trying to bring in a big name for a once-in-a-lifetime matchup. Over on the A-Dub side, just like the U, that company’s pumping out banger after banger. Clash/Crusier Clash continues to set standards…”
“I dunno if the next PPV will be named Execution, forgive me if I don’t have all the info. But, regardless of what it’s named, an Action PPV is always a mega event. Huge names, huge fights. A Dub does it in style. And with that new deal with our streaming carrier *name withheld due to corporate b.s* now available in the UK, more fans here on our side of the Atlantic get to witness it.”
“I love being one of the best in the 2 best companies on Earth. We’re ending the year huge.”
Anna: “Very busy and very productive holiday season for you. Oh, I have to bring this up….”
*A picture of buses in London with his face, along with Sebastian Everet Bryce and Gabriel Ba’al from UGWC are painted on the sides. *
Anna: “You and your friends have your faces on the side of coaches. That is something else. Quite an honour for you three.”
Tony: *looks almost shocked* “I can’t help but feel honored this nation has embraced me like this. Really makes an immigrant like me feel like they belong to the Commonwealth. And Seb and Gabe deserve this. They’re some of the best athletes this nation’s produced; they deserve this recognition.”
“So, next time people need public transport; they should look for one of our coaches. They’ll be rolling in style.”
Anna: “Appreciate you dropping by the studio. As a reminder to our viewers, you can catch Tony Savage Versus Oscar Rivas live on Sky Sports in the UK and on ESPN+ in the States. Tony, always a pleasure.”
Tony: “Always enjoy being here every time, Anna. Be seeing you fight night!”
Tony: Always a pleasure, Anna. *adjusting his tie*
Anna: There was controversy in the European Boxing Union when despite winning the heavyweight eliminator months ago, they wouldn’t grant you a title shot. Many say that was the motivation for you to drop down to the WBC’s fledgling new weight class. Explain to us what exactly compelled you to switch divisions when your heavyweight career has been skyrocketing.
Tony: Oh, I’m still committed to becoming a world champion in the heavyweight division. Right now, my goal is to put emphasis on the fact that the work myself and my team have put in the last several years merits us a shot at a strap. And with the heavyweight division right now kind of in a transition phase determining who gets what shot, what payouts they deserve, and whatnot…
I’m out there taking the fights some of the top stars and their camps won’t take, building up the resume and the fights. A lot of people associated with boxers…promoters, managers…they don’t want to risk their guy’s perfect records or hold out for payouts a lot of times they don’t deserve. The problem with that is, a lot of fighters in the sport are getting frustrated because they WANT those matchups, they want those tests of their abilities even if it means a lower payday. They want to get out there and prove their value. But between politicking and inaction by some firms, we’re getting great matchups being put on freeze.
Yeah, I probably would have gotten a better payout waiting for months, years for a heavyweight bout, waiting with my hand out.
Anna: I see. Instead of sitting by hoping for an opportunity, you’re taking an alternate route, making it happen.
Tony: Exactly. Bridgerweight division has great fighters from both the heavyweight and light heavies looking to create a new market. It’s young, it deserves to showcase amazing talent. I mean my opponent, Oscar Rivas (28-1), he’s one of the best boxers in the sport. And he keeps getting looked over because he doesn’t quite fit into industry norms. Me, I want the best I can get into a ring. When I got this offer, it was a no-brainer. Go in, beat one of the best in the biz, and once I have that title over the shoulder, that proves to the powers that be in the sport I AM worth the price I ask for. A pay cut now for a massive raise later.
Anna: A potential 1.5 million pound purse doesn’t hurt either, I assume. *chuckles*
Tony: *laughs* Hey, Christmas is coming. Got a lot of family and friends to shop for.”
Anna: “What’s the strategy for the fight on the 23rd?
Tony: “ I’m not giving away too much, but this is what I’ll tell you. Rivas is just gifted all around. Good power and technique. The guy is a champ for a reason. But frankly, he’s not used to the body punches, not used to taking on somebody that’s willing to take time to drain the gas tank. Plus he’s been offline for over a year, and even with the neck injury, I've been keeping the swords sharp in the ring. He’s got ring rust, and I’m gonna knock it off him the hard way.”
Anna: “There’s been a lot of concern from critics and fans, with you involvement in 3 sports, that you try to do too much. You’re spreading yourself thin.”
Tony: “If what I do is spreading myself thin, *laugh* I don’t see it on my records or bank account. I think I’m gaining weight actually. People underestimate what wrestlers can do. I mean, we’ve got grapplers that do all sorts of multi-tasking. A true professional wrestler to me is an athlete that does whatever they want. Very flexible as long the focus is on point. But very few are doing what I’m doing and emphasizing the point. I mean, with Quantum MMA’s Gobalweight tournament, this match with Rivas, and some very juicy opportunities in UGWC and Action Wrestling, I’m looking to come out as a combat sports Triple Crown. Very few, if any, have pulled that off.”
Anna: “Speaking of those companies, this fall and winter both are putting on some incredible shows. Give us a look into the other side of the fight industry, what do fans here in the UK have to look forward to on the schedule?”
Tony: “UGWC has the Massive Melee supershow. We’re going to have stars all over the industry along with our amazing roster going at it for a place at Keys to The Kingdom. Considering I already have a key, I won’t be in the melee, but I’ll be there. I put out some feelers for a special one-on-one fight and considering the lineup they have already I’m trying to bring in a big name for a once-in-a-lifetime matchup. Over on the A-Dub side, just like the U, that company’s pumping out banger after banger. Clash/Crusier Clash continues to set standards…”
“I dunno if the next PPV will be named Execution, forgive me if I don’t have all the info. But, regardless of what it’s named, an Action PPV is always a mega event. Huge names, huge fights. A Dub does it in style. And with that new deal with our streaming carrier *name withheld due to corporate b.s* now available in the UK, more fans here on our side of the Atlantic get to witness it.”
“I love being one of the best in the 2 best companies on Earth. We’re ending the year huge.”
Anna: “Very busy and very productive holiday season for you. Oh, I have to bring this up….”
*A picture of buses in London with his face, along with Sebastian Everet Bryce and Gabriel Ba’al from UGWC are painted on the sides. *
Anna: “You and your friends have your faces on the side of coaches. That is something else. Quite an honour for you three.”
Tony: *looks almost shocked* “I can’t help but feel honored this nation has embraced me like this. Really makes an immigrant like me feel like they belong to the Commonwealth. And Seb and Gabe deserve this. They’re some of the best athletes this nation’s produced; they deserve this recognition.”
“So, next time people need public transport; they should look for one of our coaches. They’ll be rolling in style.”
Anna: “Appreciate you dropping by the studio. As a reminder to our viewers, you can catch Tony Savage Versus Oscar Rivas live on Sky Sports in the UK and on ESPN+ in the States. Tony, always a pleasure.”
Tony: “Always enjoy being here every time, Anna. Be seeing you fight night!”