Phil Baroni and Frank Shamrock Ready to Fight

Mixed martial arts legend Frank Shamrock (21-8-1) can’t wait to get in the cage with “The New York Badass” Phil Baroni (10-7-0).

And the feeling is mutual.

In a conference call to promote their June 22 fight in StrikeForce Elite Xtreme Combat: Shamrock vs. Baroni , both fighters had their share of stinging comments for their opponent.

Baroni, as usual, was especially outspoken.

"He’s a scumbag," he said of Shamrock. "When he was being an armchair quarterback, I was fighting the best in the world. The guy had a lot to say. I never thought he’d back it up and I still won’t believe it until they lock the cage. Everyone wants to fight that punk."

Later, Baroni replied to one question by urinating near his phone.

"Baroni has a puncher’s chance," Shamrock responded. "He’s got brute force. He can wrestle. I’m a professional fighter. Phil is a professional idiot."

Both fighters have been training hard to prepare for the bout; Shamrock with his long-time friend, former UFC and Extreme Fighting heavyweight champion Maurice Smith (10-9-0) and Baroni with the IFL Anacondas’ team coach, kickboxing guru Shawn Tompkins (0-4-0).

The winner of the fight will be awarded with the currently vacant Strikeforce middleweight title but Shamrock, at least, isn’t in it for titles.

"I’ve won more titles than most people will ever win,” he said during the conference call. "My plan is to come back and fight the best and be the best. Now is my time. The game is the same, but the money is bigger and the stakes are higher."

So who will Shamrock face if he can get past Baroni? Names he mentioned included Renzo Gracie (13-6-1), Cung Le (3-0-0) and Ken Shamrock (26-12-2), calling a fight with his adoptive brother "an idea that’s been floated around." Plus, he said “if Baroni and me have a good fight, maybe I’ll give him a rematch."

Baroni, meanwhile, said he’s looking forward to going back to the UFC after knocking Shamrock out. "Look at who’s in the middleweight division there,” he said. “It’s a bunch of reality TV rejects.”

Source: sports.bodogbeat.com