arts & lifestyle
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Mixed martial arts fighter Ryan Ford tackles Ginch Gonch
by William Yeoman
"I'll knock out anyone who makes fun of
me in my Ginch," warns Ryan 'The Real
Ryan Ford
the mighty-muscled, multi-tattooed mixed
martial arts welterweight fighter is the new
celebrity face of under
wear fave, Ginch Gonch.
"Ginch Gonch reminds
me to take at least two
moments each day from
my rigorous training and
smile. After all, I'm living
my childhood dream."
"In it to win it" Ford
aims to become champi-
't
I
Deal" Ford. And he means it too. Standing
5 feet 11 inches and weighing 170 pounds.
on of the MFC (Maximum
Fighting Championship)
and the UFC (Ultimate
Fighting Championship)
leagues. With his record five wins and no
losses, he's on his way. His most recent and
most anticipated win was against Pete
Spratt of the UFC via submission, where
Ford first used the move he has become
famous for, the Rear Naked Choke.
He is the son of retired boxer Allen -
Ford, once ranked third in the world and
recently inducted into the Boxing Hall of
Fame. As the celebrity face of Ginch
Gonch, the young Ford is making history
of his own, becoming the first professional
Martial Arts Fighter to win an endorsement
contract with a leading underwear brand.
How did you become the
new face of Ginch Gonch?
A lot of my buddies wear it and
I reached out to the company
for some digs. After chatting
with them, badda boor# badda
bing, I was in the back of a
dump truck doing my thing.
Did you have to fight for
mer campaign model
Benjamin Bradley for the
Job?
Who is Benjamin Bradley?
He was one of the original
Ginch Gonch boys.
Not familiar with him. So, to answer your
question, I didn't fight him. I don't fight
"boys" anyway. ,
Fighting is in your blood. Is it true
your dad was a boxing champ?
Yes, he was. My dad, Allan Ford, was
ranked third in the world and was induct
ed into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame.
Did he inspire you to get into
the ring?
I guess he did. I always wanted to be
like Dad.
But you went a different route — the
mixed martial arts ring. Why?
I started boxing, but it just wasn't hardcore
enough for me. I wanted to go crazier in
the ring and nothing is more intense than
MMA fighting.
How do you explain the overwhelm
ing popularity of the sport?
MMA fighting is raw and animalistic. It's
not controlled. Anything can happen and
that really appeals to a lot of people.
Is the sport aware of Its huge gay
following?
Gays are guys and every guy likes to see a
good fight.
Yeah, but many gay men aren't watch
ing for the fight. Many are watching
because half-naked guys wrestling is, well,
pretty hot...(Laughs) I don't know how to
respond to that except to say that, yeah,
I'd agree I'm pretty hot.
Is homophobia a problem In the
league?
Not that I'm aware of.
Would an "out" fighter be accepted?
see Ryan Ford on / 9
Hoedown in the big town
' Summer Fashion and
Swimsuit issue preview
Pick up the next print issue on April 18 for more
hot and sexy summertime fashion.
Queen City Stomp gears up for annual event
by Matt Comer. Q-Notes staff
D ust off that cowboy hat and boots,-
partner, and saddle up for this •-
year's Queen City Stomp. Southern
Country Charlotte is gearing up for its
annual hoedown, hosted at The Charlotte
Eagle. The weekend-long event takes place
April 17-19, including silent auctions, dance
workshops, dance exhibitions, cocktail and
after-hours parties and a barbecue lunch.
Queen City Stomp has become one of
several premier events in a growing list of
gay and lesbian country western dance and
rodeo activities. Crowing every year. Stomp
attracts people from all over the southeast
and from as far away as Washington, D.C.,
Boston, Houston and San Francisco.
The Stomp kicks off Friday, April 17, 6
p.m., with a pre-party and welcome recep
tion at Hartigan's Irish Pub in downtown's
Third Ward, hosted by the Queen City
Outlaws. Later that evening, the Charlotte
Eagle hosts a welcome dance.
Qn Saturday, Queen City Stomp will
present several dance workshops facilitated
by instructors from Georgia, Texas and ,
see Queen City on 27
www.q-notes.com/qliving • ([{Notes