Las Vegas (Oct. 16, 2009) – The boxing capital of the world will experience a first as Treasure Island Hotel & Casino hosts its first boxing event on Saturday, Oct. 31 Partnering with Don King Productions, the event has two world championship bouts slated to begin at 6 p.m. PT and several more exciting undercard attractions will precede these matches. (Tickets are on sale now)
“I am thrilled to begin Treasure Island’s boxing career with a legend,” said Phil Ruffin, CEO and President of Treasure Island Hotel & Casino. “Like me, Don King is an American original, a true entrepreneur. Together, we look forward to some thrilling Halloween bouts and an exciting boxing future.”
International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko will face undefeated, No. 1 ranked challenger Yohnny “El Colombiano” Perez in the Treasure Island Ballroom. A second title will be on the line when World Boxing Council No. 1 ranked lightweight Antonio “Tony” DeMarco squares off against former World Boxing Association lightweight champion Jose Alfaro for the WBC lightweight interim championship. Both fights are scheduled for 12 rounds and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
Boxing promoter Don King is known worldwide for his fight promotions that have included boxing greats Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Evander Holyfield. This is King’s first event as lead promoter in Las Vegas since May 14, 2005, when Felix “Tito” Trinidad faced Winky Wright. King was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame last year.
“I have found treasure in Las Vegas and boxing fans can, too, on Halloween at Treasure Island,” King said. “I am so excited to be working with a fellow pioneer, maverick and trailblazer in Phil Ruffin at the T.I. He is a modern-day reincarnation of the legendary strip visionaries who made history before him, and he’s making a splash with his first world championship boxing card.”
Doors are scheduled to open at 3 p.m. Tickets for the fight are $200 plus tax and fees and will be available through the Treasure Island box office or by calling 1-866-9308 or (702) 894-7723.
About Treasure Island
Treasure Island on the Las Vegas Strip, a privately owned hotel and casino boasting nearly 3,000 guest rooms, stands alone as the only major Strip property to claim that unique market position. It’s a world-class destination for headline entertainment, the enchanting Sirens of TI nightly outdoor show and Mystère, the classic Cirque du Soleil performance that combines the powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery that have become the company’s hallmark. Upscale and casual dining choices, hip nightspots and shopping and an indulgent spa further complement the one-of-a-kind Treasure Island guest experience. For information or to make a reservation, call 800-288-7206 or visit www.treasureisland.com.
About Don King Productions
Don King Productions has promoted over 500 world championship fights with nearly 100 individual boxers having been paid $1 million or more. DKP also holds the distinction of having promoted or co-promoted seven of the 10 largest pay-per-view events in history, as gauged by total buys, including three of the top five: Holyfield vs. Tyson II, 1.99 million buys, June 1997; Tyson vs. Holyfield I, 1.6 million buys, November 1996; and Tyson vs. McNeeley, 1.58 million buys, August 1995.
DKP has promoted or co-promoted 11 of the top 20 highest-grossing live gates in the history of the state of Nevada including five of the top seven: Holyfield vs. Lewis II, paid attendance: 17,078, gross: $16,860,300 (NOTE: Also second-highest live-gate gross for any event in the history of the world.), date: Nov. 13, 1999; Holyfield vs. Tyson II, paid attendance: 16,279, gross: $14,277,200, date: June 28, 1997; Holyfield vs. Tyson I, paid attendance: 16,103, gross: $14,150,700, date: Nov. 9, 1996; Tyson vs. McNeeley, paid attendance: 16,113, gross: $13,965,600, date: Aug. 19, 1995; and Trinidad vs. De La Hoya, paid attendance: 11,184, gross: $12, 949, 500. Sept. 18, 1999.
