Boxing News Boxing News
“It might be your city, but don’t be mistaken this is my coming out party.” Those were the harsh words of wisdom Curtis “Showtime” Stevens had for Jesse Brinkley when asked about their upcoming showdown on Friday January 29th at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV.
The bout, scheduled for 12 rounds, is IBF Super Middleweight Eliminator for the #2 ranking (Stevens is currently rated #10, while Brinkley is rated #6) and will be shown live as the main event on that evening’s ESPN “Friday Night Fights” telecast.
The 24-year-old Stevens (21-2, 15KO) is currently riding a four bout streak since joining Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing stable of promoted fighters, including a career best victory in his last bout when he scored a third round TKO over previously unbeaten Piotr Wilczewski (22-0) in July of 2009. Coincidently, the fight against Wilczewski, which was on the undercard of fellow Polish native Tomaz Adamek defending his cruiserweight championship, also saw Stevens; as he will do against the Nevada native Brinkley, enter into very hostile territory.
“I feed off the crowd so the more hostile the environment, the worse off it will be for him,” stated Stevens. “As I already told Jesse and all his fans when I went to first announce the fight in Reno, he hasn’t ever been in the ring with someone like me. To be honest, when I first heard about the fight I really couldn’t believe he accepted it. If he thinks he is going to use me as his stepping stone to bigger things in the super middleweight division, then he is in for a rude awakening.”
And according to that awakening Stevens refers to, it will take place on National T.V., center ring, in front of all his adoring hometown fans.
“He will realize he made a mistake when he wakes up on his stool or back in his dressing room because I promise you I am going to knock him out cold. I’m going to catch him and when I do he is going to go to sleep. 2010 is going to be my year. I’m calling out all champions and contenders, you better be ready, because this is my time.”
The card, billed as Reno Extreme Fights II, is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Let’s Get It On Promotions. ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” will begin live coverage of the event at 10PM ET. The bout will take place at the Grand Theatre inside the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.
Doors open at 6PM with the first bout scheduled for 6:30PM. Tickets are priced at $100, $75, or $40 and are available at www.GrandSierraResort.com or by calling 1(800) 648-3568. Tickets for a King’s Row Booth for four are priced at $1000. Included in your V.I.P. ringside booth are light appetizers and one bottle of premium alcohol.
