NEW
YORK, May 8, 2008 – The International Fight League
(IFLI: OTC.BB) today announced it is in the
process of developing a hexagon-shaped mixed martial arts
ring, to be used in future IFL competitions. The new ring,
created in conjunction with Throwdown Industries, the makers
of Throwdown Energy Drink, will debut on Friday, August 15,
at the Izod Center in East Rutherford,
N.J. The fight card for that event will be announced in June.
Dubbed “The Hex,” the six-sided
surface will measure 24 feet across (27’ 8 ½” end-to-end)
and will be enclosed by five ropes. The use of The Hex maintains
the viewing advantage for fans in attendance as well as the
television audience that the ring provides, while also allowing
for the strategic benefits of a hexagonal surface.
“From a production and live event standpoint, the ring
has proven to be the most fan and media friendly environment,
as well as providing the safest possible environment for our
athletes,” said Jay Larkin, IFL CEO. “The Hex allows
for the larger surface that is utilized in other MMA organizations
while still retaining the advantages we have enjoyed with
the ring.”
A prototype of The Hex is currently being constructed and
will be housed in Las Vegas. Throwdown, the leader in MMA
Gyms and Training centers, has built training centers and
personal gyms for the top MMA athletes in the world. Athletes
and coaches will have the opportunity to work out in it prior
to the August 15 New Jersey event.
“‘The Hex’ is quite different from the other world-class
MMA facilities we have built,” said Throwdown President
Mike McIntyre. “We are excited to be putting our expertise
to work in developing what we feel will be an optimal surface
for the sport as it continues to grow.”
Tickets for the East Rutherford, N.J. event will be available
at the IZOD Center Box Office (located at the Meadowlands),
www.ticketmaster.com or
by calling (201) 507-8900.
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