Broken Leg Forces Thomson Out of April 11 Strikeforce Title Defense Against Melendez
Josh Thomson Kicks Gilbert Melendez
PRESS RELEASE; New York (April 1, 2009) – A broken left leg sustained during a sparring session earlier today has forced Strikeforce World Lightweight (155 lb. limit) Champion Josh “The Punk” Thomson (16-2) to withdraw from his scheduled title defense against Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez (14-2) at Strikeforce’s “Shamrock vs. Diaz” event at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. on Saturday, April 11.
Strikeforce is searching for a replacement fighter to face the top-ranked Melendez in the live SHOWTIME televised event.
“I was sparring hard and I broke my leg, above my ankle, during an exchange,” said the 30-year-old Thomson, who was trading blows with fellow Strikeforce competitor Billy Evangelista when the injury occurred. Thomson is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday and is expected to be out of action for two to three months.
“I’m very upset. All the hard work was done and it was time to fight,” said the injured champ. “I was looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans. All I can say is that I’ll be back when I get healthy.”
Tags: gilbert melendez, Josh Thomson
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That sucks. I was looking forward to this fight. Hope he gets better and back at it quickly.
Yea, that especially sucks since I’m supposed to cover the show next week.
Eric are you going to be @ the HP on the 11th?
That sucks it was one of the fights I was REALLY looking forward to this rematch, it was one of the main reasons I was going to the event… I’m still going to the event but shhhit this sucks….
Josh hasn’t fought in 7months and with a broken leg hell it might be over a year since his last fight, That is just crazy, he was suppose to fight last November but had a “broken toe” and when I saw him at the event he looked fine, climbing on the top of a Tahoe and taking press pics but whatever it just sucks…
I’m still going but hey I know I will have a good time, just wish that Thomson v Melendez was happening owell
As long as Strikeforce confirms my credential, I’ll be there.
If all the hard work was done then, what were you doing sparring hard enough to break your leg ?