Boxing News Boxing News
Gulf Coast auto magnate Chuck Stevens will return to his singing roots and perform the national anthem at Don King’s world championship boxing card being staged at the Beau Rivage Theatre in Biloxi, MS., on September 13.
The main event will feature unified lightweight champion Nate Campbell opposing undefeated former two-time world champion Joan Guzman.
King gets many requests from those wishing to sing The Star-Spangled Banner at his events, but he specifically asked Stevens to sing at his big Beau Rivage fight card.
“I have been really fortunate to meet Chuck,” King said. “He’s a really great Southern guy, and when I found out what an accomplished singer he is, I was delighted that he accepted my invitation.”
Stevens toured the country while still in high school and was selected to help launch Diet Coke in 1983, singing the “Coke Is It” song in New York and Hawaii during the unveiling of this new brand.
Stevens continued touring while studying at Georgia State University in Atlanta, but after earning his degree in marketing, the Ford Motor Company came calling, and Stevens’ music career took a back seat to the auto maker.
Ford re-located Stevens to Memphis in 1996, one of the world’s music capitals, where he was able perform from time to time on Beale Street and at B.B. King’s annual “Beale Street Live” New Year’s celebration.
Stevens married his longtime sweetheart Rhonda in 1999 and re-located to Biloxi, where he embarked on a career in the retail auto business.
Today, Chuck Stevens Automotive has become the largest automobile retailer on the entire Gulf Coast with dealerships featuring Ford, Lincoln-Mercury, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Hyundai outlets.
King also announced that longtime friend and associate Vernon Pugh will act as “Ringcard Girl Empressario”, aiding in the selection and presentation process.
The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Beau Rivage. The Campbell vs. Guzman main event will be presented in association with One Punch Productions and Sycuan Ringside Promotions and will also be televised live on Showtime Championship Boxing beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT/8 p.m. CT, delayed on the West Coast.
Ticket prices are $39.95, $69.95, $89.95 and $299.95 plus tax and service charge and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Box Office or by calling 888.566.7469 (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily).. Beau Rivage room reservations can be made by calling 888.567.6667 or visiting www.beaurivage.com.
