The fight’s pace picked up in Round 2, with Chism continuing to push forward early and landing a big right after absorbing several kicks from Keefe. After resisting several of Keefe’s attempts to shoot his legs and bring the fight to the mat, Chism drew blood from Keefe’s mouth and nose when he caught him across the face with a sweeping left hand, and then he landed a solid kick to Keefe’s head. He tried to follow this blow with more punching combinations, but Keefe pressed Chism back toward the fence and took him down to the mat. For about 45 seconds, Keefe hit Chism with a flurry of punches and elbows, but Chism maintained enough leverage from his back to avoid any knockout blows.
With the fight undecided, both fighters pressed hard at the outset of Round 3. They peppered each other with jabs, looking for an opening, and Keefe tried twice to bring the fight back to the floor. Chism resisted and landed several huge swings before Keefe’s third attempt found success, and he regained his position on top of Chism. Again, Chism avoided any serious damage despite a long series of punches to his face and ribs, and Keefe was unable to gain enough leverage for a fight-ending blow. In the closing seconds, both fighters pounded each other savagely, but the bell sent the fight to a decision. Though Keefe walked away victorious with a unanimous decision, his swollen left eye and bloodied mouth and nose bore witness to the fact that Chism fought him hard to the end.
In an interview a week after the match, Chism credited Dan Keefe for being tough and said both the fighters and the promoters were pleased with the performance they put on, although Chism still feels he should have walked away as the winner. Chism said his strategy of staying upright and striking was working well and frustrating Keefe until Round 2, when Chism’s booming kick to Keefe’s head actually dislocated his knee. “I don’t want to take anything away from him as a fighter, but his whole momentum changed after that injury slowed me down, and his confidence shot through the roof,” Chism said. “It popped back in at some point when we were on the ground, but I was a lot slower after.”
Still, Chism acknowledged Keefe as a top fighter from the North, and said he was looking forward to taking some down time in December after four tough fights in the last four months. “I’m gonna act my age a little bit, have some fun,” he said. Though Chism doesn’t have his next opponent scheduled yet, he said he will definitely fight again at Winter Heat on Jan. 30 in Valdosta, Ga. Everyone at Consuul would like to congratulate Brett “Bedtime” Chism for another excellent fight and wish him luck in Valdosta.
To see a video of Chism’s most recent bout, check out Combat Zone (http://www.czmma.com/media1.asp?cznum=30).
Consuul’s expanding capabilities have allowed the transition into printing for athletes and sports teams, as well as retail ready clothing lines. In addition, Consuul has had the opportunity to get involved with several companies in the action sports industry.
One of our valued customers is Mission, the world’s biggest roller hockey company. Mission has been the front runner in the industry over the last decade and continues to set the standard for stylish apparel. Over the last few years, we have had the privilege of working on their apparel line from conception to distribution. Mission has continued to break away from their competition and create an impact in the action sports industry.
Another company we have the privilege of working with, and that constantly exceeds what we thought was possible of a clothing line, is Forged. Forged was founded by two Navy SEALS on the values of Brotherhood, Respect and Freedom. They have created a unique culture and following by pushing the limits of custom printing and design. Forged is currently carried in over 80 stores across the nation, and the owners donate a percentage of every sale to military affiliated non-profit organizations. Forged is making a difference in the community and brings excitement to the Consuul Facilities.
With these new clients comes the opportunity for Consuul to grow, both in numbers and in talent. Consuul recently hired Max Putzulo (Print Engineer), Jonathan Alexander (Artist and Printer), and Andrew Walker (Graphic Designer). Also, with every passing day in the industry, our knowledge, experience, and drive are even further strengthened. One of Consuul’s new capabilities is the ability to import raw materials and export our finished products to distribution centers worldwide.
Consuul’s growth and presence in the industry has not gone unnoticed; recently, Consuul had the honor of being recognized as an ASI member with vertically integrated manufacturing, as well as finishing and logistics departments. These services have allowed us to make an even bigger impact with our clients, which in turn allows them to be at the forefront on their respective industries.
What 2010 will hold is still a mystery. As our capabilities and collective imaginations continue to grow, so do the limits of what Consuul can strive to accomplish. With so many possibilities, one thing is for certain; we will be working on the creation of our own clothing line. Consuul Clothing is a vertically integrated line for the action sports industry and is set to launch in Fall 2010.
