KJ NOONS on INSIDE MMA AFTER FIGHT #1
http://www.mmascraps.com/2008/06/kj-noons-talks-nick-diaz-rivalry-on.html
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EliteXC's frustration mounts with lightweight champion KJ Noons
by John Morgan on Aug 20, 2008 at 7:30 pm ET
EliteXC has big plans for its Oct. 4 appearance on CBS. With stars Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and Gina Carano already contracted for the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. card, the next piece of the puzzle should be a 160-pound title rematch between champion KJ Noons (7-2) and Nick Diaz (18-7).
But EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) the organization has hit a roadblock in securing Noons' services for the evening.
"I'm sitting here and I'm drinking from a carton of milk right now," Shaw said. "And the EliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons' face is on the back of this milk carton because he's missing in action. I can't seem to find him."
Shaw said he's been attempting to reach out to Noons in order to finalize plans for the rematch. Those attempts have thus far been unsuccessful.
In the original Oct. 2007 bout, Noons was crowned EliteXC's first-ever lightweight champion after forcing a stoppage due to Diaz's multiple facial cuts.
"When [Noons' camp] wants to track us down and tell us how Nick Diaz isn't the right fight for them -- or they want more money, or they want this out of their contract, or this and that -- they're easy to get a hold of," Shaw said. "But to actually make the fight? Impossible.
"We like to think that KJ Noons is a true champion, a true mixed martial artist. He realizes the opportunity that he's been given that other MMA fighters haven't been given -- the opportunity to be showcased on national television, the opportunities for championships, the money he's already making. We expect him to honor the contract he signed and to fight Nick Diaz, the No. 1 contender. The only contender right now. The leading contender for KJ Noons."
Shaw said he believes EliteXC has been more than supportive of Noons during his time under the ProElite banner. After the organization's commitment to Noons following a Feb. 2007 knockout loss to Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett, Shaw is perplexed by the delay on Noons' behalf to commit to the bout with Diaz.
"Since day one [Noons' manager] Mark Dion has been insinuating that EliteXC has been out to get KJ Noons," Shaw said. "I just can't figure that out. When a guy appears on the very first card -- and the very first fight gets knocked out in the very first round off the very first punch -- and we're there to hold his hand and pick him back up and put him right back on television in a main event on ShoXC?
"And then when he's 1-1, get him right back into a main event situation for the world championship against Nick Diaz, the legend who beat Gomi, how are you going to say that we're not trying to help your kid? What more opportunity could we give the kid?"
Shaw said he supports Noons as a champion but believes his management has made decisions that have led to the current concerns.
"We will not be held hostage by their camp," Shaw said. "Maybe the problem with his camp is it's called City Boxing. They think that they can manage a career like a boxer.
"I come from the boxing world and these are two totally different careers. These contracts are totally different. Fighters in boxing fight on a per-fight basis. [Noons] already has a deal that states what he's going to make. And when you sign that, you already know what you're going to make in your fourth fight. So we expect you to honor that."
Shaw explained that the apparent disagreement over wages was unsubstantiated.
"[Noons] is earning in his next fight about $23,000 to show," Shaw said. "That to me is already more than any fighter who has under 10 fights is making. He's highly paid."
While the full reason for Noons hesitation to commit to the bout with Diaz is unknown, Shaw claimed that any difficulties in booking the bout fall squarely on Noons' camp.
"There's a spot for KJ Noons to face Nick Diaz on the Oct 4. card," Shaw said. "If this fight doesn't go off then this a textbook case in business law of harbor. It would be called the KJ Noons case. It will be the biggest mismanagement of an athlete's career you will ever see. This is a chance to maximize his exposure right now."
MMAjunkie.com spoke with both Noons and Dion regarding Shaw's comments. Both declined to comment at this time.
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EliteXC issues KJ Noons 24-hour deadline to accept Nick Diaz fight
by John Morgan on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:59 pm ET
EliteXC officials have distributed a fight agreement and set a deadline for EliteXC 160-pound champion KJ Noons (7-2) to accept an Oct. 4 title fight with challenger Nick Diaz (18-7).
EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw contacted MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) late Wednesday to discuss the deadline that the organization set.
"A bout agreement has been sent to KJ Noons," Shaw said. "He has until 5 (p.m. PT Thursday) to accept it, or he can face public opinion."
That public opinion has already been decidedly mixed since MMAjunkie.com reported Noons' unwillingness to commit to the bout earlier today. Shaw claims he has been unable to contact Noons' camp but hinted that the fighter may be unhappy with his contracted pay.
(Check out our earlier Jared Shaw interview for more on the situation.)
Messages MMAjunkie.com left with Noons and his manager, Mark Dion, to discuss the deadline weren't immediately returned.
When contacted earlier in the day about the fight, both individuals declined to comment.
In their original Oct. 2007 bout, Noons was crowned EliteXC's first-ever lightweight champion after forcing a TKO stoppage due to Diaz's multiple facial cuts.
John Morgan is the lead staff reporter for MMAjunkie.com.
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KJ Noons' manager says Nick Diaz is not top contendor, scoffs at EliteXC deadline
by John Morgan on Aug 21, 2008 at 4:50 pm ET
With the clock ticking for 160-pound champion KJ Noons' EliteXC-issued 5 p.m. PT deadline to sign a bout agreement to face Nick Diaz on an Oct. 4 CBS broadcast, the situation appears at an impasse.
Noons' manager Mark Dion today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) he is unconcerned with EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw's demands.
"The update on [the deadline] is nothing is going to happen with it," Dion said. "That's what's going to happen with that. I don't care about how many threats [Shaw] wants to pull. We'll be doing a press conference if EliteXC doesn't see the light here pretty soon and if Shaw doesn't stop talking [expletive]."
While Shaw has claimed he's been unable to reach Noons or Dion -- while also hinting that Noons and Dion may have issues with his contract and pay -- Dion said the sticking point is the choice of opponent.
"As far as Nick Diaz, he's not the No. 1 contender out there," Dion said. "To [EliteXC] he is. He's the number one (for getting) eyeballs to (watch) them. They're pushing on eyeballs versus a career move for a champion like KJ. KJ is really not the one who gets anything out of the fight. Diaz does and so does ProElite."
Dion said if the situation between Noons and EliteXC does not improve, he will hold a press conference to bring the particulars of the debate to light.
"We'll do a press conference to discuss everything," Dion said. "But there's nothing in it for KJ unless [EliteXC] finally wakes up a little bit. That's why we'll have a press conference. I don't like to talk and beat a company that's already beat down. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully they'll see the light."
Dion insisted that in Noons' fight for widespread recognition, the champion only wants to fight the best EliteXC can possibly offer.
"I would think Eddie Alvarez is the No. 1 contender," Dion said. "He's definitely ranked higher than Nick Diaz. KJ already beat Nick Diaz."
While Alvarez is currently unavailable due to taking personal time off, Dion does not feel that is reason to arrange a rematch with Diaz.
"Eddie Alvarez is getting married, but that's not our problem," Dion said. "People get married in five or 10 minutes."
Detractors of Dion have pointed out that it was the City Boxing owner's negotiating tactics that kept former client Brandon Vera out of the UFC for nearly a year. Dion counters by explaining that situation resulted in a huge windfall for Vera.
"Look at Brandon Vera," Dion said. "He had a long layoff, but he's making more money than the No. 1 ranked [expletive] fighter in the world, Anderson Silva -- or the same amount.
"And now Anderson Silva is getting Bud Light sponsorships from (UFC President) Dana (White) handed down to him. He's getting to fight at 205 (pounds). He's kind of telling them what he wants to do. Why? Because you got people like Brandon Vera, who's on a losing streak and not performing, making more money than the most valuable guy.
"Who do you think negotiated that [expletive] contract a year and a half ago? And if you look at my Post-it, the one I negotiated was a $7 million deal for four years. It's nothing close to [$100,000] and [$100,000] (as a win bonus). As far as trying to bring in the Mark Dion negatives and stuff, good luck. Show me any negatives on it. And that's just a pitch [EliteXC] can use. But hey, I know my [expletive]. I've been around this sport a long, long time."
In the end, Dion insists it is important for observers to realize his role in the negotiation process.
"I don't bend over for nobody, and I don't let my fighters do it," Dion said. "I'm not a booking agent. I don't book my fighters and schmooze deals to work for the promoters. I work for my fighters."
And Dion has a message for anyone watching closely as Shaw's deadline nears.
"Forget 5 o'clock," Dion said. "I ain't waiting until 5 o'clock. If [EliteXC officials] are holding their breath, then someone's going to pass out."
John Morgan is the lead staff reporter for MMAjunkie.com.
http://www.mmascraps.com/2008/06/kj-noons-talks-nick-diaz-rivalry-on.html
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EliteXC's frustration mounts with lightweight champion KJ Noons
by John Morgan on Aug 20, 2008 at 7:30 pm ET
EliteXC has big plans for its Oct. 4 appearance on CBS. With stars Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and Gina Carano already contracted for the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. card, the next piece of the puzzle should be a 160-pound title rematch between champion KJ Noons (7-2) and Nick Diaz (18-7).
But EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) the organization has hit a roadblock in securing Noons' services for the evening.
"I'm sitting here and I'm drinking from a carton of milk right now," Shaw said. "And the EliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons' face is on the back of this milk carton because he's missing in action. I can't seem to find him."
Shaw said he's been attempting to reach out to Noons in order to finalize plans for the rematch. Those attempts have thus far been unsuccessful.
In the original Oct. 2007 bout, Noons was crowned EliteXC's first-ever lightweight champion after forcing a stoppage due to Diaz's multiple facial cuts.
"When [Noons' camp] wants to track us down and tell us how Nick Diaz isn't the right fight for them -- or they want more money, or they want this out of their contract, or this and that -- they're easy to get a hold of," Shaw said. "But to actually make the fight? Impossible.
"We like to think that KJ Noons is a true champion, a true mixed martial artist. He realizes the opportunity that he's been given that other MMA fighters haven't been given -- the opportunity to be showcased on national television, the opportunities for championships, the money he's already making. We expect him to honor the contract he signed and to fight Nick Diaz, the No. 1 contender. The only contender right now. The leading contender for KJ Noons."
Shaw said he believes EliteXC has been more than supportive of Noons during his time under the ProElite banner. After the organization's commitment to Noons following a Feb. 2007 knockout loss to Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett, Shaw is perplexed by the delay on Noons' behalf to commit to the bout with Diaz.
"Since day one [Noons' manager] Mark Dion has been insinuating that EliteXC has been out to get KJ Noons," Shaw said. "I just can't figure that out. When a guy appears on the very first card -- and the very first fight gets knocked out in the very first round off the very first punch -- and we're there to hold his hand and pick him back up and put him right back on television in a main event on ShoXC?
"And then when he's 1-1, get him right back into a main event situation for the world championship against Nick Diaz, the legend who beat Gomi, how are you going to say that we're not trying to help your kid? What more opportunity could we give the kid?"
Shaw said he supports Noons as a champion but believes his management has made decisions that have led to the current concerns.
"We will not be held hostage by their camp," Shaw said. "Maybe the problem with his camp is it's called City Boxing. They think that they can manage a career like a boxer.
"I come from the boxing world and these are two totally different careers. These contracts are totally different. Fighters in boxing fight on a per-fight basis. [Noons] already has a deal that states what he's going to make. And when you sign that, you already know what you're going to make in your fourth fight. So we expect you to honor that."
Shaw explained that the apparent disagreement over wages was unsubstantiated.
"[Noons] is earning in his next fight about $23,000 to show," Shaw said. "That to me is already more than any fighter who has under 10 fights is making. He's highly paid."
While the full reason for Noons hesitation to commit to the bout with Diaz is unknown, Shaw claimed that any difficulties in booking the bout fall squarely on Noons' camp.
"There's a spot for KJ Noons to face Nick Diaz on the Oct 4. card," Shaw said. "If this fight doesn't go off then this a textbook case in business law of harbor. It would be called the KJ Noons case. It will be the biggest mismanagement of an athlete's career you will ever see. This is a chance to maximize his exposure right now."
MMAjunkie.com spoke with both Noons and Dion regarding Shaw's comments. Both declined to comment at this time.
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EliteXC issues KJ Noons 24-hour deadline to accept Nick Diaz fight
by John Morgan on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:59 pm ET
EliteXC officials have distributed a fight agreement and set a deadline for EliteXC 160-pound champion KJ Noons (7-2) to accept an Oct. 4 title fight with challenger Nick Diaz (18-7).
EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw contacted MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) late Wednesday to discuss the deadline that the organization set.
"A bout agreement has been sent to KJ Noons," Shaw said. "He has until 5 (p.m. PT Thursday) to accept it, or he can face public opinion."
That public opinion has already been decidedly mixed since MMAjunkie.com reported Noons' unwillingness to commit to the bout earlier today. Shaw claims he has been unable to contact Noons' camp but hinted that the fighter may be unhappy with his contracted pay.
(Check out our earlier Jared Shaw interview for more on the situation.)
Messages MMAjunkie.com left with Noons and his manager, Mark Dion, to discuss the deadline weren't immediately returned.
When contacted earlier in the day about the fight, both individuals declined to comment.
In their original Oct. 2007 bout, Noons was crowned EliteXC's first-ever lightweight champion after forcing a TKO stoppage due to Diaz's multiple facial cuts.
John Morgan is the lead staff reporter for MMAjunkie.com.
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KJ Noons' manager says Nick Diaz is not top contendor, scoffs at EliteXC deadline
by John Morgan on Aug 21, 2008 at 4:50 pm ET
Noons' manager Mark Dion today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) he is unconcerned with EliteXC Vice President Jared Shaw's demands.
"The update on [the deadline] is nothing is going to happen with it," Dion said. "That's what's going to happen with that. I don't care about how many threats [Shaw] wants to pull. We'll be doing a press conference if EliteXC doesn't see the light here pretty soon and if Shaw doesn't stop talking [expletive]."
While Shaw has claimed he's been unable to reach Noons or Dion -- while also hinting that Noons and Dion may have issues with his contract and pay -- Dion said the sticking point is the choice of opponent.
"As far as Nick Diaz, he's not the No. 1 contender out there," Dion said. "To [EliteXC] he is. He's the number one (for getting) eyeballs to (watch) them. They're pushing on eyeballs versus a career move for a champion like KJ. KJ is really not the one who gets anything out of the fight. Diaz does and so does ProElite."
Dion said if the situation between Noons and EliteXC does not improve, he will hold a press conference to bring the particulars of the debate to light.
"We'll do a press conference to discuss everything," Dion said. "But there's nothing in it for KJ unless [EliteXC] finally wakes up a little bit. That's why we'll have a press conference. I don't like to talk and beat a company that's already beat down. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully they'll see the light."
Dion insisted that in Noons' fight for widespread recognition, the champion only wants to fight the best EliteXC can possibly offer.
"I would think Eddie Alvarez is the No. 1 contender," Dion said. "He's definitely ranked higher than Nick Diaz. KJ already beat Nick Diaz."
While Alvarez is currently unavailable due to taking personal time off, Dion does not feel that is reason to arrange a rematch with Diaz.
"Eddie Alvarez is getting married, but that's not our problem," Dion said. "People get married in five or 10 minutes."
Detractors of Dion have pointed out that it was the City Boxing owner's negotiating tactics that kept former client Brandon Vera out of the UFC for nearly a year. Dion counters by explaining that situation resulted in a huge windfall for Vera.
"Look at Brandon Vera," Dion said. "He had a long layoff, but he's making more money than the No. 1 ranked [expletive] fighter in the world, Anderson Silva -- or the same amount.
"And now Anderson Silva is getting Bud Light sponsorships from (UFC President) Dana (White) handed down to him. He's getting to fight at 205 (pounds). He's kind of telling them what he wants to do. Why? Because you got people like Brandon Vera, who's on a losing streak and not performing, making more money than the most valuable guy.
"Who do you think negotiated that [expletive] contract a year and a half ago? And if you look at my Post-it, the one I negotiated was a $7 million deal for four years. It's nothing close to [$100,000] and [$100,000] (as a win bonus). As far as trying to bring in the Mark Dion negatives and stuff, good luck. Show me any negatives on it. And that's just a pitch [EliteXC] can use. But hey, I know my [expletive]. I've been around this sport a long, long time."
In the end, Dion insists it is important for observers to realize his role in the negotiation process.
"I don't bend over for nobody, and I don't let my fighters do it," Dion said. "I'm not a booking agent. I don't book my fighters and schmooze deals to work for the promoters. I work for my fighters."
And Dion has a message for anyone watching closely as Shaw's deadline nears.
"Forget 5 o'clock," Dion said. "I ain't waiting until 5 o'clock. If [EliteXC officials] are holding their breath, then someone's going to pass out."
John Morgan is the lead staff reporter for MMAjunkie.com.
