Fight Forum - MMA - UFC - Boxing - K1 - EliteXC - View Single Post - IFL Pulls Rothwell Out of World Grand Prix

russhutton · 10-09-2007, 04:45 PM

ProElite.com has learned from a high-ranking source within the IFL that top-seeded heavyweight Ben Rothwell has been pulled from the promotion's upcoming World Grand Prix on Nov. 3 in Chicago Illinois at the Sears Center.

Mike Whitehead has also been pulled from the light heavyweight portion of the World Grand Prix.

The IFL made a decision to pull both Rothwell and Whitehead from their respective brackets after the promotion was unable to secure signed commitments from each fighter for the 2007 season. Rather than risk having one or both of the fighters winning a title only possibly to see them never defend it within the IFL, a decision was made to change directions.

The IFL's policy in this regard is similar to the UFC's of not allowing fighters with only one fight remaining on their contract to challenge for a title.

The IFL felt it had secured verbal commitments in regard to 2008 from Rothwell and Whitehead's camp. Both are managed by Monte Cox.

However, when the IFL tried to finalize the 2008 contracts for Rothwell and Whitehead they felt as though their management was being unresponsive. After a deadline passed, the team-oriented fight promotion was left with the feeling that the two might be considering offers from outside the organization.

It should be made clear that both Rothwell and Whitehead are still currently under contract to the IFL. The promotion has no intention of releasing either fighter from their respective contract early so if they are in fact considering other offers, they would not be able to fight for another promotion until 2008.

It should also be noted that the IFL still has strong interest in bringing both Rothwell and Whitehead back for next season.

There was also some concern that welterweight World Grand Prix qualifier Jay Hieron might be pulled as well. However, Hieron responded to the IFL at the eleventh hour and has formally signed a contract for 2008 and his involvement for the WGP has been secured.

Bryan Vetell has been named as Rothwell's replacement. He'll be fighting Antoine Jaoude in the heavyweight tournament semifinals on Nov. 3 while Roy Nelson will fight Reese Andy in the other semifinal bout.

...Ballsy move on the part of the IFL, but not sure how smart it was considering they still hope to have Rothwell and Whitehead back for the next season...

10-09-2007, 04:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
russhutton Up and Coming Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: West Virginia Posts: 116 Points: 1,315 Bank: 0 Total Points: 1,315 Donate	IFL Pulls Rothwell Out of World Grand Prix ProElite.com has learned from a high-ranking source within the IFL that top-seeded heavyweight Ben Rothwell has been pulled from the promotion's upcoming World Grand Prix on Nov. 3 in Chicago Illinois at the Sears Center. Mike Whitehead has also been pulled from the light heavyweight portion of the World Grand Prix. The IFL made a decision to pull both Rothwell and Whitehead from their respective brackets after the promotion was unable to secure signed commitments from each fighter for the 2007 season. Rather than risk having one or both of the fighters winning a title only possibly to see them never defend it within the IFL, a decision was made to change directions. The IFL's policy in this regard is similar to the UFC's of not allowing fighters with only one fight remaining on their contract to challenge for a title. The IFL felt it had secured verbal commitments in regard to 2008 from Rothwell and Whitehead's camp. Both are managed by Monte Cox. However, when the IFL tried to finalize the 2008 contracts for Rothwell and Whitehead they felt as though their management was being unresponsive. After a deadline passed, the team-oriented fight promotion was left with the feeling that the two might be considering offers from outside the organization. It should be made clear that both Rothwell and Whitehead are still currently under contract to the IFL. The promotion has no intention of releasing either fighter from their respective contract early so if they are in fact considering other offers, they would not be able to fight for another promotion until 2008. It should also be noted that the IFL still has strong interest in bringing both Rothwell and Whitehead back for next season. There was also some concern that welterweight World Grand Prix qualifier Jay Hieron might be pulled as well. However, Hieron responded to the IFL at the eleventh hour and has formally signed a contract for 2008 and his involvement for the WGP has been secured. Bryan Vetell has been named as Rothwell's replacement. He'll be fighting Antoine Jaoude in the heavyweight tournament semifinals on Nov. 3 while Roy Nelson will fight Reese Andy in the other semifinal bout. ...Ballsy move on the part of the IFL, but not sure how smart it was considering they still hope to have Rothwell and Whitehead back for the next season...