"SATURDAY AFTERNOON FIGHTS" WORLD CLASS BOXING

By Stephen S. Johnson

DENVER, Colorado (INSIDE BOXING, August 17, 2002). T's KO Promotions and Arroyo Entertainment has taken the inside track when it comes to outdoor summer boxing in Colorado. The second collaboration of these two promoters produced another solid and entertaining afternoon of professional boxing.

The number one goal of the "Saturday Afternoon Fights" is to be recognized as being both competitive and entertaining. So far, they are achieving that goal.

The chosen venue of Don Carlos Mexican Grill (3800 Walnut St.) has the surrounding area filled with the smell of authentic Mexican cuisine. Not only does the food smell good…it tastes even better! The addition of ice-cold beverages made available to quench ones thirst provides an unbeatable combination for Denver area fight fans.

Reasonably priced tickets ($30 ringside reserved, $20 reserved and $10 general admission) are attracting larger crowds as word of the Denver Colorado "Saturday Afternoon Fights" spreads.

The Colorado Boxing Commission had Chairman Dan Miraflor along with Director Josef Mason in attendance to coordinate ringside activities.

It was good to see former Commission Chairman Lee Peters at ringside in charge of knockdowns. Lee Peters' knowledge and expertise make him a valued member of the Colorado Boxing Commission team. We are privileged and fortunate to have him.

Nationally ranked heavyweight DaVarryl Williamson and nationally ranked super welterweight J.C. Candelo were both in attendance to cheer on and admonish their fellow area fighters.

Ringside physician: Dr. Scott Hompland. Referees: Joseph Armijo and Woody Kislowski. Judges: Tyrone Short, John Ulibarri and Steve Waldman. Inspectors: Matthew Grimsley and Troy Motley. Timekeeper: Jeanna McEvoy and Tally Judge Curtis Thrasher complete the crew of ringside officials.

******************THE FIGHTS************************

BOUT #1: In his professional debut, welterweight Tony Morales (1-0) won by TKO over Eloy Lucero (0-7) at 1:22 of round 2 in a scheduled 4 round bout.

BOUT #2: Light heavyweight Ayo Fadeyi (5-1-1) KO'd Frederick Hatch (0-1), who was making his professional debut, at 2:34 of round 2 in a scheduled 4 rounder.

BOUT #3: 128 pound female boxer Janae Archuleta (3-2-1) won a split decision over 130 pound Mercedes Mercury (0-2) in what was easily the most entertaining bout of the afternoon.

These ladies received standing ovations at the end of each of the four rounds fought. The action was non-stop, entertaining and well appreciated.

BOUT #4: In a scheduled 6 round Co-Main Event match, Donald Camarena (3-0) made quick work of Emmanuel Corona (0-3-1) when the bout was stopped at 2:35 of round 1.

Camarena showed a keen understanding of the phrase "kill the body and the head will die" as he overwhelmed and then eventually destroyed the overmatched Corona with bone crushing body shots.

BOUT #5: The afternoon would end with the second half of the Co-Main Event which featured the much anticipated match of middleweights Aaron Steadman (8-3-1) and Steve Valdez (19-30-2).

This 6 round match was a good solid professional fight. Both Steadman and Valdez showed the ability to give as well as take, and did so for all 6 rounds. The final tally had all three judges giving the victory to an exhausted Steadman.

Good food, good drink and good solid professional prize fights all at a reasonable price. It's what all fight fans look for on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

For more information on upcoming "Saturday Afternoon Fights" at Don Carlos Mexican Grill in Denver, Colorado contact: Aurelio Martinez at (303) 308-8127.