ROF LIVE WIRE

Special Edition

TONER WINS IN JAPAN!!!

ROF Young Guns Champion Tyler THUNDER Toner traveled to Japan this weekend and scored a K.O.

victory over Shootboxing legend Kenichi Ogata.

Toner was a huge underdog in this fight. So much so that some of his team mates were telling him not to

take the fight.

"He has too much experience!" "They aren't paying you enough!" were the sentiments echoing in his head

during the 15 hour travel time to Japan. Except for Duane BANG Ludwig, who traveled to Japan with Toner.

Ludwig had 100% confidence in Toner from the start.

Initially the fight with Ogata was offered to Ludwig, and not Toner at all. However, Ludwig was already signed

to an upcoming bout in Strikeforce. Ludwig had to turn down the fight, but immediately asked if Toner could

take his place. ROF promoter Sven Bean pitched the idea to the Shootboxing organization and they agreed

to let Toner step in.

At the 3:00 minute mark of the first round Toner landed a picture perfect high roundhouse kick to the neck of

the Shootboxing legend. Ogata crumpled to the floor, and Toner was winner by Knock Out!

From ROF promoter Sven Bean:

"I know Tyler was receiving some heat before the fight, but he had such a great outlook going in to it. And he

had BANG behind him from the beginning, which I know gave him a lot of confidence. Tyler was able to go to

Japan and fight. This is something that very, very few people get to do. He was able to bring his girlfriend with

him and stay for a few extra days too. I knew Tyler had an uphill battle in this one, but he is one of the most

rugged, durable, dedicated fighters I have ever worked with. I also believed Tyler had it in him to win this. He

took the opportunity, and made the most of it. Its good to see someone still willing to go against the odds

and swing for the fences. I couldn't be happier for Tyler and I am very, very proud to call him champion. Way

To Go Thunder!"

Brought to you by:

- From Sven Bean with a little editing from us (color, etc...)

- Photos courtesy of Sven Bean

(6/1/09)