The Knock Out Dog Fighting (KODF) presentation at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Detention Center, featuring Kris and her Pit Bull Search & Rescue Dog Tahoe, Mr. Universe Doug Burns, UFC Fighter Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and Former Lightweight MMA World Champion Josh “The Punk” Thomson, was very well received by the crowd of close to 200 juveniles! We’ve received several calls and emails from juveniles who attended the presentation, that have since been released, asking for information on getting the help they need to turn their lives around, become champions in life and to help us Knock Out Dog Fighting!
Members of the Knock Out Dog Fighting crew gave a presentation for approximatley 150 juvenile detainees at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Detention Center. Kris Crawford with her Pit Bull Search & Rescue dog Tahoe, spoke to the youth about stereotypes and that a lot of the public view them, the detainees, with the same stereotype as the pit pull. That many people feel they are no good and not worth fighting for or worthy of receiving compassion. But what Kris was able to accomplish with her pit bulls, becoming one of the best search dog teams in the world, in spite of overwhelming obstacles, inspired many of the youth.
Former Lightweight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) World Champion Josh “The Punk” Thomson spoke next about choosing your own path. Josh had actually spent time as a juvenile in this very detention center but look what he was able to accomplish by turning his life around and doing the right things!
Josh was followed by Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) Fighter Anthony “Rumble” Johnson with his dog Ozone. Anthony, who owns 7 pit bulls, asked how many of the youth in the room had pit bulls and over half of the room raised their hand. Many even acknowledged having been at a dog fights. Anthony, who is idolized by many of the detainees, told the youth that there is nothing cool or tough about abusing animals or forcing them to fight. That cowards are people who fight dogs and abuse animals.
Mr. Universe 2006 Doug Burns closed the presentation by talking to the youth about the obstacles he had to overcome to acheve his goals. From being beat up and bullied by girls growing up to being diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of seven. It wasn’t easy but with determination and drive he too was able to overcome overwhelming obstacles to become the best on the world.
The first annual Knock Out Dog Fighting benefit was held last Saturday at the first annual in Hollywood, California at Falcon Bar & Lounge. MMA Fighters – Bas Rutten, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, Kim Couture, celebrities ranging from Mad TV’s, Debra Wilson, Phil Morris, Lana Tailor, and many other boxers were also on hand to support the cause. The Knock Out Dog Fighting association was formed to stopping cruelty and abuse of dogs. The benefit awarded both Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and Kim Couture for their full support and dedication to spreading the word and teaching everyone about the negative effects of animal cruelty. For more information on the organization and how you can help make a donation for a good cause please see more information at http://www.knockoutdogfighting.org/what_we_do.html
UFC’s Anthony “Rumble” Johnson receiving his award
Kim Couture
Lana Tailor
Bas Rutten playfully squaring off with a professional boxer on the red carpet!
Special guest speaker at the event MadTV’s – Debra Wilson
MMA Fighter- Bas Rutton
Debra Wilson
Anthony Johnson, Debra Wilson and Kris Crawford, owner of Knock Out Dog Fighting
Each April, since 1981, the Federal Office of Victims of Crime (OVC),a Division of the Department of Justice, leads an annual observance of National Crime Victims Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights, honoring crime victims and those who serve and advocate on their behalf.
The theme for this 26th year of observance is “Crime Victims’ Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect.” The theme reminds us of the great strides we have made in giving victims a voice and the progress made in making sure that victims get fairness, dignity and respect.
The OVC will launch National Crime Victims Rights Week in Washington, D.C. with it’s annual National Candlelight Observance Ceremony on April 15, 2010. On April 20, 2010, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office will be honoring crime victims and the organizations who support and advocate on their behalf at an event being held at the County Government Center in San Jose, California.
Because of Knock Out Dog Fighting’s tireless work at stopping cruelty and abuse, our advocacy work and support of victims of violent crime, we have been asked to be a part of this celebration to discuss our successful programs that address at-risk youth, domestic violence and animal abuse.
Knock Out Dog Fighting members that will be in attendance are Kris Crawford & her pit bull Tahoe, UFC Welterweight Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, NPC Figure Champion Mona Liza “MO” Reyes, and Kickboxing Champion Jose “La Bamba” Palacios.
Knock Out Dog Fighting presentation for The Boys and Girls Club of America — Passport to Manhood workshop. UFC fighter, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and MMA fighter, Jose Palacios were both guest speakers for this event.
Knock Out Dog Fighting member Kris & her dog Tahoe, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and his dogs Ozone & Megatron, and Jose “La Bamba” Palacios at The Boys and Girls Club of America — Passport to Manhood workshop.
Strikeforce light weight champion, Josh “The Punk” Thomson was the special guest at a special comedy show event that evening. The event showcased some talented Bay Area comedians to help benefit the Knock Out Dog Fighting non profit organization. Josh Thomson was given the hot seat at the end of the show where he was interviewed in front of the audience. There were many other fighters there to support this event including Jose Palacios and Cain Velasquez.
Cain Velaquez with KNOXX video host, Meredith Divita
Thanks to these special guests that were there in attendance!
Cung Le
Josh “The Punk” Thomson
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson
Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski
Jake Shields
Mona Liza Reyes
Ray Arde
Elaina Maxwell
Jose Palacios
David Velasquez
Kim Couture
Jeriel of the Architeckz
Special Guests:
Cung Le
Josh “The Punk” Thomson
Anthony “Rumble” Johnson
Paul “The Head Hunter” Buentello
Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski
Jon Fitch
Jake Shields
Razor Rob McCullough
Mona Liza Reyes
Ray Arde
Proceeds of the sales from these shirts will go toward Knock Out Dog Fighting to help support this worthy cause!
Sportswear Company Teams Up With For Pits’ Sake to KNOXX Out Dog Fighting
KNOXX Gear designs new clothing line to help KNOXX Out Dog Fighting
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA, October 3, 2008 – For Pits’ Sake, Inc., a 501(c)3 non profit organization, and KNOXX Gear today announced that they are teaming up to KNOXX Out Dog Fighting.
KNOXX Gear is a popular casual and sports apparel company that truly captures the urban culture lifestyle. KNOXX Gear caters to the Mixed Martial Arts, fitness, skateboarding and hip-hop industries. “KNOXX is not only a brand it has also been a catalyst for a world-wide movement to open minds,” said a spokesperson for KNOXX Gear. “Dog fighting is a form of animal cruelty and we are proud to be involved in this anti-dogfighting campaign by creating a line of clothing that serves a specific purpose…stopping abuse.”
The award-winning “Knock Out Dog Fighting” program is an unprecedented awareness and educational campaign, designed by For Pits’ Sake, Inc. founder Kris Crawford, to combat the cruel and inhumane activity of dog fighting. “When it’s not on the front page of the news, people often forget about the dogs that are forced into a life of violence and suffering. These dogs have no voice to cry out for help,” said Crawford. “I am thrilled about this partnership with KNOXX Gear because it will help us in our continued mission to stop the abuse and to give these dog’s a voice.
The members of “Knock Out Dog Fighting” produce Public Service Announcements (PSAs), visit schools, children’s groups and youth in juvenile detention centers with the message that dog fighting is not “cool” nor is it a symbol of strength, power or greatness. The goal of this anti-dogfighting campaign is to shed more light on the prevalence of dog fighting, its overall effect on the community and to “Knock Out” the social acceptance of the barbaric activity.
The KNOXX Out Dog Fighting shirts are available on both the Knock Out Dog Fighting (http://www.knockoutdogfighting.org) and KNOXX Gear (http://knoxxgear.com )web sites with proceeds from the sale of the shirts going to “Knock Out Dog Fighting”.For more information about the Knock Out Dog Fighting program, go to www.KnockOutDogFighting.org
About For Pits Sake, Inc. (ForPitsSake.org)
For over a decade, For Pits’ Sake, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been a leader in the community for both human and animal rescue efforts, safety programs for children, and humane education. As world-famous search and rescue dogs, the For Pits’ Sake pit bulls responded to over 200 search missions including high profile cases such as the search for Laci Peterson and the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. These pit bulls – Cheyenne, Dakota & Tahoe – are also trained therapy dogs that work with mentally challenged, disabled and battered and abused children. Because of the success they’ve had with their programs and activities, Crawford and her pit bulls have been featured in news articles, books, magazines and on Animal Planet, National Geographic, The History Channel and A & E. They have received numerous awards, including a Jefferson Award, the American Red Cross Real Hero Award, a Certificate of Appreciation from the FBI, Letters of Appreciation from Senators and Assembly Members, and a letter from the Governor of CA stating they “demonstrate the true strength of California and represent the best of the Golden State”.
About KNOXX (KnoxxGear.com)
KNOXX is a lifestyle brand that sponsors the human race. We listen, feel, and watch the flux of our surroundings which strikes novel thunder into the creation of our designs. This attention allows sub, popular, and counter cultures, to embrace the uniqueness and versatility that reside within. KNOXX is the reflection that moves people to grow in any direction that the minds eye envisions. KNOXX is not only a brand it is the catalyst for a world-wide movement to open minds
