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San Diego-based Sycuan Ringside Promotions brought three of its boxers, IBF lightweight champion Julio Diaz, undefeated heavyweight Shawn Hawk and teenage lightweight sensation Jorge Paez Jr., to the National Indian Gaming Association’s annual convention at the Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center in Phoenix Tuesday and Wednesday.
“It’s great to have three of our boxers here, including a world champion in Diaz, showing their support for Native American Tribes and Sycuan Ringside Promotions,” said Glenn Quiroga, President of Sycuan Ringside Promotions.”
“The convention is pleased to have them here interacting with all the delegates. They proved to be a very popular attraction; our booth was jammed.”
“This is one of the benefits of signing with Sycuan Ringside Promotions,” said Diaz (33-3, 24 KOs), who claimed his current hardware with a third-round knockout over defending champion Jesus Chavez on Feb. 3, 2007, in Kissimmee , Fla. , on a card televised by Showtime.
“We come to these annual conventions and shake hands and talk with the Native American gaming world so they get to know us a little bit.”
“Actually, I think I get more out of it than the delegates; they get autographs, but I end up learning so much about other Native American tribes,” Diaz said.
Also making the trip to the desert was undefeated heavyweight Shawn Hawk (13-0-1, 11 KOs).
“It’s great to be part of Sycuan Ringside Promotions because I believe it may be the only boxing promotional company that gives me the opportunity to appear at this annual event,” said Hawk, who has the nickname “Sioux Warrior.”
“We’re all glad to be here; actually, it’s a lot of fun,” said Paez Jr., who has a record of 13-1 and eight knockouts and is the son of former IBF lightweight champion Jorge Paez Sr.
“You don’t get these opportunities with other boxing promoters. It’s such a unique experience. I look forward to going each year.”
Hawk appeared at the convention Wednesday, while Diaz and Paez Jr. were in attendance both days.
Next year the convention will be held in Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ hometown of San Diego .
