Press Releases

Rapid Fitness and Jawbreaker Promotions are hosting a "Momma Said Knock You Out!" Fight Night on Saturday, May 8, which promises a line-up of world-class local and international fighters who will compete in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)/boxing fights at the Raleigh Convention Center. The event will bring boxing veteran and champion Paul "The Italian Hitman" Marinaccio back to his hometown for the first time in two years. Marinaccio will be fighting alongside Keith "Bad News" Bell, Darron Billock, Jesus Ortega, Blake Risk, Bonnie Mann and mixed martial artist and former Ruckus in the Cage Heavyweight Champion Chico Santiago, all of whom train at Rapid Fitness.

"These fights pit Marinaccio against fighters he has lost to or tied with in the past," said MMA General Manager Todd Wheeler. "We're thrilled to bring such a high profile event to Raleigh."

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with fights continuing through 11:00 p.m. Tickets start at $35, and attendees are also invited to the Fight Night after-party at The Bassment and Pourch Bar, located at 407 Glenwood Avenue, from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Marinaccio is a World Boxing Federation (WBF) All America's Heavyweight Champion, having won the WBF Americas Title in 2006 by knock out and boasting a 23-3-3 record. He trains at Rapid Fitness in Raleigh with three-time US Olympic Boxing Coach Anthony Bradley.

"Rapid Fitness is the only full-fitness center in Raleigh with a full cage and boxing ring. They've got great facilities and even a hundred bags to beat up on. It's just a wonderful group of people: a nucleus of guys with no egos. Everyone is there to learn from each other. It's a good atmosphere for training," said fighter Keith "Bad News" Bell.

Rapid Fitness is a state of the art gym with three Raleigh locations—Glenwood, North Raleigh and Downtown. The "Momma Said Knock You Out!" Fight Night is part of an all day grand opening celebration of the Downtown Rapid Fitness at 509 West North Street. Guests can stop by the gym from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and get training tips, enjoy music, participate in give-aways and raffles from more than 25 area vendors and take the opportunity to join the gym at a reduced rate.

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For additional information or to request hi-res images, please contact:
Lauren Rivers
919-932-9985
lauren@riversagency.com

Fitness lovers and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)/boxing enthusiasts alike will not want to miss the Rapid Fitness grand opening celebration of its new downtown Raleigh location on Saturday, May 8. The "All Day Extravaganza" is a three-part event, beginning at the new Rapid Fitness location -- 509 West North Street. Guests can get training tips, enjoy music and participate in give-aways and raffles from over 25 area vendors. This is also the perfect opportunity to join the Rapid family of gyms at a reduced rate from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

These festivities are the lead up to Rapid Fitness and Jawbreaker Productions' "Momma Said Knock You Out!" MMA/boxing event featuring Paul Marinaccio, a World Boxing Federation All America's Heavyweight Champion. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center, and fights will continue until 11:00 p.m. Tickets start at $35.

Guests can then continue on to an after-party at The Bassment and Pourch Bar, located at 407 Glenwood Avenue, from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Each of Raleigh's three Rapid Fitness locations—Glenwood, North Raleigh and Downtown Raleigh—have undergone more than $2,000,000 in recent renovations and upgrades to offer state of the art cardio and weight training facilities. Rapid Fitness owner Michael Rattenni aims to create a fitness space that caters to all people and offers a luxury gym experience at an affordable price.

"We're excited to bring Rapid Fitness to downtown Raleigh," said Rattenni. "Our gym's cutting-edge facilities, welcoming atmosphere and value cannot be matched. We hope everyone will come out and celebrate with us on May 8."

The Rapid Fitness Downtown location is open 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Complimentary valet service is available from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m, Monday through Thursday. It is the only gym in Raleigh with full MMA/boxing facilities and also boasts the city's largest free weight floor and indoor cycling center. In addition, members can enjoy Rapid Fitness's yoga/pilates center, aerobics classes, spinning classes, kid aerobics center, chiropractic center, kids' club, business wi-fi lounge, sauna, deluxe locker rooms and smoothie café.

QUICK GUIDE of the grand opening All Day Extravaganza at Rapid Fitness:

Saturday, May 8, 2010
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
509 W. North Street
Raleigh, NC 27603

Momma Said Knock You Out! Fight
Raleigh Convention Center
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm

The Bassment and Pourch Bar After Party
11:00 pm – 2:00 am
407 Glenwood Ave
Raleigh, NC 27603

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For additional information or to request hi-res images, please contact:
Lauren Rivers
919-932-9985
lauren@riversagency.com