Friday, August 17, 2001
The seven-bout professional card will begin tonight at 7:30.
NILES -- The time of truth will come tonight at the Eastwood Expo Center if boxing will again take hold in the Steel Valley area.
The seven-bout card, promoted by Power Pac Productions and Double G Productions, features two co-main events with lightweight Lou Bizarro Jr. in one and Cleveland's Ruben Torres, a light heavyweight, in the other.
"Again we feel like we are putting on a great card and it will be another step forward for area boxing," said Gregg Augustine, the matchmaker for the fights. "This card will really tell the future of our boxing in this area."
Family tradition: Bizarro (14-1) returned from Florida where he has been training the last three weeks for this fight. He said, "I really like fighting in the Niles-Youngstown area. My father, Lou Sr., fought there, my Uncle Johnny fought there too, as well as my brother Johnny and other relatives.
"Youngstown is always a good fight town. The people there are great and it is only an hour and a half [from Erie] to get there."
Warren's P.C. Torres will make his pro debut after 70 amateur bouts.
"I always wanted to fight professionally. I am in good shape and I will give the local fans my best," said Torres.
The other eight-round co-main event will feature tough Ruben Torres (11-8) against the veteran Ruben Ruiz (14-14-2), of Indianapolis. If Torres wins there could be an Ohio light heavyweight title fight against E.T. Whittaker in November.
Tickets available: The gates will open at 6:30 p.m. with the first bout slated to start at 7:30. Seats remain available. Admission is $30 for ringside and $20 for general admission.
Ticket outlets are Dubic Palm Cafe, LaVilla Sports Bar and Grill, Lou's Beer and Wine, Eastwood Mall Offices, Buena Vista Cafe, Cordy's Cigar Box, Bobby D's, Nannicola, Inc., A & amp; C Southway Beverage, Pizza Hut, The Wine Cellar, The People's Store, Jolly Joe's, Pemberton Pub, Our Place.
The card is sponsored by Miller Light, Miller Genuine Draft, U.A.W. Local 112, Don Tequila Mexican Restaurant-Youngstown, The Cumulus Broadcasting Center and Eastern Offset.