23.12.04 – Fight promoter Art Pelullo is a cigar-puffing Philadelphia guy. He loves his Eagles, his Phillies and his pasta. Artie is an Old School fight guy. Fight promoter Glenn Quiroga is the New Breed of fight promoter. Only age 26, Quiroga loves his Chargers, his Padres and his tacos and enchiladas. And with Quiroga’s International Boxing Federation junior featherweight champion Israel Vazquez making his first title defense Tuesday, Dec. 28, at the Sycuan Resort & Casino in El Cajon, Calif., against Pelullo’s Armenian tiger and No. 1-ranked contender Artyom Simonyan, the rival promoters have agreed to disagree..
Quiorga, tribal treasurer for Sycuan and the head of Sycuan Ringside Promotions, is putting his money where his mouth is, as is the Pennsylvania-based boxing impresario.
They have agreed to disagree as to who will win this key showdown in the 122-pound weight class.
“I see Israel knocking out Artyom in a late round,” Quiroga said. “I am quietly confident in Israel. He will be out to shine like new money at Sycuan.”
“Glenn is a nice fellow but he’s got a lot to learn,” Pelullo said. “The Armenian tiger is going to light Mr. Vazquez up like I light up my Cuban cigars. I would not be shocked to see Artyom stop Izzy in the middle rounds. If not, my challenger will become champion by decision. As the rounds go by, Artyom gets stronger and stronger.”
Wanna bet? Quiroga and Pelullo have done just that.
“I know that my Eagles are going to be playing in the Super Bowl in Jacksonville (Florida) on February 6,” Pelullo said. “I think they might even have to beat up on Glenn’s red-hot Chargers down there. But, if Simonyan loses, I will guarantee Mr. Q two sideline tickets for the Super Bowl regardless of which teams are squaring off. San Diego is a nice city but they should stick to Over The Line beach softball and sailing.”
Quiorga, while skeptical of any scenario that doesn’t have his beloved ‘Bolts winning the Super Bowl this year, accepted the challenge.
“What the heck is in Artie’s cigars?” Quiroga laughed. “He comes from a town where they boo Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. The Eagles are tough but the Chargers have gone from worst to first. So I accept that bet and, if Vazquez loses, I will supply Artie with four sideline Super Bowl seats. The way I see it, I will be there and probably have some Eagles seated around me.”
Ouch!
The Sycuan card, aptly titled “Devastation On The Reservation,” begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday with doors to the Sycuan Showcase Theatre opening at 5:30. Plenty of good seats are available in the cozy confines of the theatre at prices of $100, $200 and $250 for the Golden Ringside premium seats.
There will be an exciting undercard featuring not one, but two female bouts; three San Diego resident boxers will be in action as well.
More information and tickets may be obtained 24 hours a day by phoning the Sycuan Resort & Casino at 619-445-6002 or 619-659-3380. Tickets also may be purchased in person at the Sycuan Resort & Casino gift shop.