NEWPORT BEACH, CA, February 3 – For over two decades, Roy Englebrecht’s Battle in The Ballroom series has set the standard for quality boxing action in California, and to kick off the 25th Anniversary of this legendary series, the February 19th event at the Irvine Marriott promises to be the most hard-hitting card yet.
In the main event, which is presented in association with Golden Boy Promotions, highly touted middleweight prospect Craig McEwan puts his unbeaten record on the line against popular Pomona product Ivan “Sitting Bull” Stovall, his toughest test to date.
Also in action will be world-ranked featherweight star Rhonda Luna, and unbeaten 21-year old phenom “Mad” Max Skayzer.
Another highlight of this very special Opening Night will be the induction of the first four boxers into the Inaugural Battle In The Ballroom Hall of Fame. Inductees include Gernaro Hernandez, Johnny Vasquez, John Montes, and Freddie Roach. In the non boxer category, the Marriott’s first promoter Don Fraser will be honored.
Plus promoter Roy Englebrecht has completely redesigned the www.battleintheballroom.com website, with a new blog, updated photo gallery, and new ticketing system…check it out.
The pride of Edinburgh, Scotland, 26-year old Craig McEwan (12-0, 7 KOs) has made more than a few fans on this side of the ocean with his exciting style and growing talent. A 6 foot 1 southpaw who has dominated the opposition thus far in his two and a half years as a pro, McEwan will step up the competition when he takes on hard-hitting Ivan Stovall (10-2, 7 KOs), one of Southern California’s most popular fighters, and one eager to pin the first loss on McEwan’s record.
Rowland Heights, California’s Rhonda Luna (13-1-1, 1 KOs) is widely considered to be one of the top featherweights in the world of female boxing, and she is rapidly closing in on her dream of a world championship in 2009. Fresh off a win over Kina Malpartida last November, Luna will first have to get by scrappy competitor Tammy “The Tigress” Franks (2-6-1) if she hopes to keep her title hopes alive.
A proud native of Russia who now makes his home in West Covina, California, welterweight Max Skayzer (5-0-1, 1 KO) has already garnered a significant buzz on the west coast fight scene since turning pro last March. Winner of consecutive bouts over undefeated Johnny Suarez and Nam Phan, Skayzer will get another stiff test in 22 fight veteran Francisco Rios Gil (13-9, 9 KOs), a hard-hitting 22-year old native of Sonora, Mexico who is looking to pull his opponent into deep waters on February 19th.
Rounding out the six bout card will be Santa Ana’s1-0 Arquimedez Garcia facing 1-3 Cesar Garcia; 2-0 middleweight Terrell Hendrix in against pro debuter Ayo Olorunsola, and two more pro debut fighters will meet when La Habra’s Ramon Camacho faces Carlsbad’s Scott Rose.
Tickets prices at $40 and $32 are available online at www.battleintheballroom.com. Irvine Marriott doors open at 6:30pm and first fight at 7:30pm.
