A fight within the ring, any day, is preferable to one without. But once in a while comes that exceptional match-up. It reeks of that tension-filled vibe. Even fans can sense it. Anything may happen, anytime. It needn’t wait for that actual fight. Perhaps the ten-round light heavyweight clash between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz falls into that category. The two former UFC fighters have an unfinished business. It goes back to their first match in 2019. So what better way to settle the score than a boxing rematch? However, as it turned out at the press conference in Anaheim, California, probably the team members weren’t willing to wait that long.
A free-for-all ensued between Team Masvidal and Team Diaz. Reportedly, it came about when Nate Diaz decided to leave the presser. Push and shove gave space to fists and more fists of fury. Thankfully, the security detail brought the situation under control. However, every battle needs a hero. Team Diaz had Nick Kohring, the blonde-haired man, who seemingly threw the early shots. But Team Masvidal wasn’t far behind. Veteran trainer Jorge Capetillo jumped into the fray. A riposte saw him engage in a brief one-on-one with Kohring. So who is Jorge Capetillo? Let’s check out a few details.
Who has Jorge Capetillo trained?
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From his Las Vegas-based Capetillo gym, Jorge Capetillo has over the years seen some of the biggest names in the sport rise through the ranks. It is the sense of community that he builds with each of his trainees that endears him to anyone who comes into contact with him. Some of the most well-known names who picked up the tricks of the trade from Jorge Capetillo in his capacity as a trainer and as a cut-man include Tyson Fury, Andy Ruiz Jr., Shakur Stevenson, Jorge Linares, and many others. But his expertise is not restricted to boxing alone.
When it comes to the octagon as well, coach Jorge Capetillo can present a long list of mixed martial artists who sharpened their skills under his watchful eyes. Brandon Moreno, Anthony Pettis, and, of course, Jorge Masvidal are just a few of the specialists who came out of his renowned stable.
Jorge Capetillo finds himself in the middle of a brawl, Jorge Masvidal speaks
Moving along with his team and the security, the veteran trainer was at the forefront. Jorge Masvidal was trailing closely. Suddenly, a slap was flung at his face. Jorge Capetillo could be seen trying to rein in the situation. But one thing led to another, and soon he was exchanging hands with Nick Kohring. Trading punches both fell to the ground. Other team members followed. The next sequence showed Kohring being dragged away by Jorge Masvidal until the security personnel started exerting authority.
Team Nate Diaz just swung on Jorge Masvidal and an all-out brawl broke out at the presser 😳 pic.twitter.com/qECFKHe6uz
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) June 6, 2024
Later, talking about the fracas, ‘The Gamebred’ said, “They went after the most mature dude. He’s like a father, like an uncle. They went after him. They ain’t go after a young buck.” He may be chiding the opposition, but the statement also throws some light on the kind of relationship he shares with Jorge Capetillo.
When Capetillo helped Fury save millions of dollars
In 2020, Tyson Fury fought the much-anticipated rematch with Deontay Wilder. The bout reportedly fetched him over $25 million without including the earnings from the pay-per-view subscriptions. But the Mancunian could have been devoid of such a lucrative payday.
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A few months before Wilder II, Fury fought a non-title match against Otto Wallin. But the contest had its scary moments when ‘The Gypsy King’ suffered grievous injuries above his eye. However, the ringside doctor, upon examination, allowed the fight to continue. How? Jorge Capetillo was by his side as the team cutman. Thanks to his timely intervention, Tyson Fury could continue with the fight and win with a unanimous decision. In turn, the heavyweight champion seems to have never forgotten Capetillo’s help.
According to a 2020 story on ‘planetsport.com’, while speaking with Sky Sports, Jorge Capetillo recalled, “[Fury] is still very grateful. When he knew we were locked down because of COVID-19 and my gym was closed, he texted me and said, ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’ He is still taking care of me. He sent me money,” the respected coach said.
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‘A friend in need is a friend indeed,’ so goes the saying. But how many follow the proverb? The whole incident just shows the kind of man Jorge Capetillo is and the kind of relationships he has been able to build as time passes.
What’s your take on the Masvidal-Diaz press conference controversy? Do you think it will help sell the fight more?