It wasn’t all that long ago that boxing was the combative sport of preference in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In fact, there was a time when it seemed that fans of the sweet science could get their fix for live action on a seemingly monthly basis. If you are a fan of the local boxing scene then you probably remember fondly the Texas Slugfest series promoted by Wayne Harrison which was regularly held at the Cowtown Coliseum. In addition to this promotion you had relatively active local promoters like George Galvan, Derrick James, Greg Hatley, and Lestor Bedford bringing small to mid-tier shows here in the Metroplex. However, as the economy tanked so too did boxing promotions here in North Texas. These days it’s quite possible to go nearly six months between local boxing cards.
Fort Worth’s Paulie Ayala has long enjoyed the title of being one of the greatest pugilists to hail from North Texas. Not an easy feat when consider that this region has spawned great fighters such Donald Curry, Stevie Cruz, and Curtis Cokes. But, Ayala is the most recent contemporary champion to hail from the region and unlike a lot of his counterparts; he has managed to keep the aura of fame and adulation so quickly lost when fighters decide to hang up their gloves. But, Ayala never could fully let go of boxing and was fixture at many local amateur shows where his boxing gym would feature a number of talented young kids. Then, in 2009 Ayala did what many never expected him to do; he turned into a professional boxing promoter.
It’s a sort of poetic justice that Ayala, a man who put Fort Worth on the map, may be the one leading the charge in resurrecting the sport again in North Texas. Since 2009 Paulie Ayala Productions (PAP) has been largely the only option for local boxing fans itching to see a live fight card. Having promoted eight pro boxing cards to date Ayala and company continue to tinker with ideas in order to give fights fans the most bang for their buck. Most recently, this has resulted in the pairing of PAP with a music promoters to present the newly minted “Gloves and Guitars” series which features a full boxing card with a live concert immediately following the action. Though it’s not all sizzle with PAP as they have taken the liberty of signing some of the area’s premium pugilistic talent. With fighters like Alex Clarkson, Miguel Buendia, Manual Rojas, and Arthur Trevino under contract fans can rest assured that they will be witnessing some of the action-packed talent in the Metroplex.
This Saturday night PAP will again be the standard bearer of professional boxing in these parts as they hold their second installment of “Gloves and Guitars” at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The seven bout card will be headlined by grizzled veteran Brian Vera who will take on former Texas state middleweight champion Taronze Washington in the night’s main event. Additionally, the six bout undercard will feature PAPs stable of young fighters. As if the lure of live boxing isn’t enough, the concnert following the action will feature Lila Reyna, Siggno, and super group La Mafia.
If you are a fan of live, local boxing you really can’t do better than this card.
FIGHT CARD
WPBA Middleweight International Championship Main Event
Brian Vera (19-6) vs. Taronze Washington (14-16)
Super Featherweight Bout (6 rounds)
Miguel Buendia (7-1-1) vs. Rasool Shakoor (5-7-2)
Super Middleweight Bout (6 Rounds)
Samuel “Alex” Clarkson (3-0) vs. Terrance Anderson (2-7-1)
Super Featherweight Bout (6 rounds)
Manuel “The Punisher” Rojas (5-0) vs. Jaime Villa (8-10)
Super Featherweight Bout (4 rounds)
Arthur Trevino (6-7-3) vs. Raul Carrillo (1-4)
Super Bantamweight Bout (4 rounds)
Joel Hernandez (2-1) vs. Guadelupe Perez (2-6)
Junior Middleweight Bout (4 Rounds)
John Vera (1-0) vs. Ubaldo Torres (0-2)
INFO
What: PAP Presents Gloves and Guitars – A seven bout professional boxing card and concert.
When: Saturday, April 21, 2012, doors open at 5PM with first fight at 6PM
Where: Fort Worth Convention Center
TICKETS
Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster of by visiting www.GlovesandGuitars.com.
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