Phoenix, Ariz., (March 28, 2007) – San Diego-based Sycuan Ringside Promotions brought three of its boxers – International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight champion Julio Diaz, undefeated heavyweight Shawn Hawk and teenage lightweight sensation Jorge Paez Jr., to the National Indian Gaming Association’s annual convention at the Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center in Phoenix Tuesday and Wednesday..
“It’s great to have three of our boxers here, including a world champion in Diaz, showing their support for Native American Tribes and Sycuan Ringside Promotions,” said Glenn Quiroga, President of Sycuan Ringside Promotions.”
“The convention is pleased to have them here interacting with all the delegates. They proved to be a very popular attraction; our booth was jammed.”
“This is one of the benefits of signing with Sycuan Ringside Promotions,” said Diaz (33-3, 24 KOs), who claimed his current hardware with a third-round knockout over defending champion Jesus Chavez on Feb. 3, 2007, in Kissimmee, Fla., on a card televised by SHOWTIME.
“We come to these annual conventions and shake hands and talk with the Native American gaming world so they get to know us a little bit.”
“Actually, I think I get more out of it than the delegates; they get autographs, but I end up learning so much about other Native American tribes,” Diaz said.
Also making the trip to the desert was undefeated heavyweight Shawn Hawk (13-0-1, 11 KOs).
“It’s great to be part of Sycuan Ringside Promotions because I believe it may be the only boxing promotional company that gives me the opportunity to appear at this annual event,” said Hawk, who has the nickname “Sioux Warrior.”
“We’re all glad to be here; actually, it’s a lot of fun,” said Paez Jr., who has a record of 13-1 and eight knockouts and is the son of former IBF lightweight champion Jorge Paez Sr.
“You don’t get these opportunities with other boxing promoters. It’s such a unique experience. I look forward to going each year.”
Hawk appeared at the convention Wednesday, while Diaz and Paez Jr. were in attendance both days.
Next year the convention will be held in Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ hometown of San Diego.
About Sycuan Ringside Promotions
Sycuan Ringside Promotions of San Diego is considered to be the fastest-growing and most dynamic promotional entity in the sport. Sycuan Ringside Promotions made its promotional debut during 2004, but already has or had six current or former world champions and has promoted and presented world title bouts across the country on premium cable networks.
Sycuan Ringside Promotions has many notable boxers in its stable, including undefeated World Boxing Organization junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman, World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Celestino Caballero, International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Julio Diaz, former World Boxing Council welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir, former WBC super bantamweight and IBF junior featherweight champion Israel Vazquez and teenage lightweight sensation Jorge Paez Jr. and cruiserweight Shawn Hawk.