Jeremiah

If only Jeremiah Wright knew Michael Schiavello. His gaffes wouldn’t have made him America’s most haunted. If anyone would have watched K1, Max and now DREAM—we can only compare him to a Jeremiah, who is “right”. Judging by his last performance with Ray Sefo at ring side, it was like “Right” in action with a sugar-footed Barrack Obama.

“Big-Kabosh” is a phrase he coined for Mark Hunt, and on 21st July—Monday night, Hunt will make his DREAM debut against an opponent who will replace an originally scheduled Jerome Le Banner. If the money is right it could be Sergei Kharitonov or Alistair Overeem from Golden Glory in Holland.

It was a great omen to see and hear Ray Sefo alongside "The-Voice" Schiavello who did Oceania justice as far as calling fights for K-1 Max just past in Japan (July 7th), from a most un-biased and entertaining perspective.

As a publication which stands for non-PC, straight up shooting with a sarcastic twist, it was fully in line what the new generation of fight fans wanted to hear. It is a breath of fresh air.

Let’s hope Jeremiah Wright would have heard what “Big-Kabosh” said and says on K1 transmissions, maybe his relationship to potential US president in the making, Obama could have been salvaged.

Continuing on, SKY BOX the PPV (Pay-per-view) arm of New Zealand’s only digitally subscribed and Pay-per view broadcaster will carry DREAM 4 on a re-scheduled date of 24th July and eventually DREAM 5, which will be a huge attraction for Kiwi fight fans with Mark Hunt in the mix.

“It’s real good see K1 and FEG events back on New Zealand television! Hopefully it will start more fight events aired locally and who knows…” quipped the cheerful and jovial Schiavello full of confidence. Partly if not largely the reason for K1 and their transmissions have been his commentating skills and entertaining approach. It works like candy to a kid with Kiwi audiences.

Being synonymous with K1, it is well and truly part of the package fight fans expect. What’s more a style such as that will attract non-fight fans who may watch an event by chance, as the dissecting of a fight to average Joe is hugely important. Most commentators who take an overly technical and boring (not to forget PC) approach think every person watching is a corner-man or Mohamed Ali. Take Joe Rogan of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) for example, K1 and Schaveillo are very much a pound for pound their match. 

Ray “Sugar-foot” Sefo, who is New Zealand’s best known kick boxer, could very well see himself as K-1’s next resident commentator alongside Mr. “Right”. His uncanny sense of humour and super star status in the fight game makes him an instant hit. Its star appeal people want and Ray says all the right things. With his career as a professional fighter in its latter stages (possibly), it would be an easy transition. After all there is only one Ray Sefo, not someone you could replicate.

It’s more than likely starting next season on K-1, Schaveillo and Sefo will be teaming up to call most events from ring side. Fair game, kick boxing will have two of the best commentators at the highest level to rival some bigger sports and be on par.

Mike Kogan, who is head of FEG in USA—a purple belt in Jiu Jitsui himself will be calling DREAM 5 alongside Schaveillo, this means the Oscar Wilde like satire is set to continue. People in modern day and age expect a lot from professionals and these guys gladly deliver, that’s probably why things have gotten as good as they are.

You only have to look at what professional wrestling has to offer and Schiavello can step into the WWE at the drop of a hat, literally speaking. Jerry the King Lawler and Taz might both have a hard time keeping their jobs! 

Editor’s note: DREAM 4 scheduled 24th July—Check SKY BOX for times-- Pictures courtsey "The Vocie" MS (C)