I have a funny story to tell,As I was laying on the couch resting, after a long day of work, and was pretty much half asleep.
Next thing I know, my friend and roommate who also moonlights as a journalist/filmmaker, texted me saying he was invited to a new Boxing show premiere and he couldn't go.So he asked me if I wanted to take his place?
"Hell Yeah" I said but I only had 30 mins to get there before it started!
So I jump in a cab, and get there at 7:35, as soon as I get there I kinda get the red carpet treatment.
But I'm nervous as hell as I'm really pretending to be my friend but no one cared since they sat me in the press section behind Lennox Lewis,Vladimer Klitschko and Joe Frazier LOL!
Anyway so they let us watch the first episode and I was impressed, its kinda like The Sopranos meets Rocky...full of the usual fight cliches but its interesting cuz it tells the story about what happens to a champion after fighting.You know what goe's on after he spends all his millions,or when he forgets things due to his flailing health, and has a family to raise.
So immediately after the premiere, we got to mingle with some of Boxing's royalty and so got the chance to take photos with Lennox Lewis, Vladimar Klitschko, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes,Micky Ward and the main actor Holt McLallany!
Then after meeting up with my friend and actress Debbie Pingitore,
I decided to go to the afterparty at some swanky hotel a few blocks away.
So I made sure I got some free complimentary food, and a free drink to relax.
To my surprise, I see one of the most truly great characters of the fight world, Bas "El Guapo" Rutten former UFC champion and now commentator, sitting and talking with legendary boxing trainer Teddy Atlas.(Guess there's no Boxing vs MMA Beef after all)
But I didn't wanna interrupt him so I sat down on the next table, waiting for the time to spark up a conversation.See for those of you who don't know who el guapo is, he isn't just a regular boring commentators but what most loved him for, was his hilariously animated commentary for the now defunct Pride Fighting Championships from Japan.
So soon as he was free, I mustered up enough courage to go talk to him and the first thing that came out my mouth was "Hey Bas, Just wanted to say I miss Pride man, you and Stephen were the best",
he then replies to me "I miss Pride too man, whats your name?"
Next thing you know we end up talking for over 20 mins about everything,
From him appearing as a fighter on the show Lights Out to training techniques,to ex-champion Mark Kerr and his drug problems,to Fedor getting subbed and how he believes he will avenge it.
To Pettis amazing Ninja kick in the WEC and Also he said he was training Maynard on body shots before the Edgar fight and he said that he was suprised Edgar lasted that first round!
I also asked what he thought of Overeem being a top even great heavyweight?
He said Overeem is a good friend of his, and that he trained him but said he has a unfortunate suspect chin, which he decided to display in front of me, so all of a sudden he starts throwing punches at me and just as I put my hands up, I heard him say "Bong,Bong,Bong,Danga,Dung" trademark!
It sounded like the Bas sound effects, from his self defence videos that are posted on Youtube.
I swear I wish I had moment videotaped...it was so classic, me and Bas sparring on the dancefloor!
Then after talking MMA, Me and Bas both started dancing with some hot model girls and he kept high fiving me the whole time and saying "yeah buddy"! Anyway, he was soon escorted away after partying with me and the girls, but he shook my hand and gave me a hug and said thanks for an awesome night!
Thanks Bas for a memorable night,your a legend in the cage and on the dancefloor!
Here's a few funny videos of El Guapo in action!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNfYDKST95Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SklGwjpJ2A
