Promoter Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions and Rodney Berman/Golden Gloves will present a sensational world championship fight card on Friday, August 22, 2008, at the Sommet Center, located at 501 Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. The main event and co-featured bout will be televised live on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights..”

In the 12 round main event for the vacant IBO featherweight world title, Fernando Beltran Jr., 30-3-1 with 18 knockouts, of Culiacan, Mexico, will fight Takalani Ndlovu, 28-4 with 18 knockouts, of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Beltran, now 26 years old, is a veteran contender and two-time world title challenger. In April, 2005, he challenged WBO jr. featherweight world champion Joan Guzman. Fernando finished the fight very strongly – he won the eighth and ninth rounds on two judges’ scorecards then swept the eleventh and twelfth on all three, but lost a competitive 12 round decision. He challenged IBF jr. featherweight world champion Steve Molitor in his last fight in April, 2008, and gave another strong effort, but lost by decision in that fight, as well. Fernando also has a win to his credit against former WBC bantamweight world champion Victor Rabanales in a nontitle fight.

30 year-old Ndlovu is a former IBO super bantamweight world champion with three successful title defenses, as well as a former South African featherweight champion. He is 7-1 in his last eight fights, with five wins by knockout. The only loss in that streak was by decision in an IBF featherweight world title challenge against Steve Molitor.

In the co-featured bout featuring two super undefeated prospects, Harry Joe Yorgey, 20-0-1 with 9 knockouts, of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, will face Jason LeHoullier, 21-0-1 with 8 knockouts, of Portland, Maine. The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds for the vacant IBF North American Junior Middleweight title.

More exciting bouts featuring the best in local boxing talent will complete the card. All bouts subject to change without notice.

Doors open at: 6:00 P.M. (All times Central time)

First bout: 7:00 P.M.

Tickets prices: starting at $27.50

Tickets available Friday, July 18 at 10 AM at Sommet Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 615-255-9600, and online at sommetcenter.com

Velasquez Twins Return to the Ring July 23 2008

The highly talented Velasquez Twins, Carlos Ivan (7-0, 6 KO’s) and Juan Carlos (8-0, 4 KO’s) return to the ring July 23, 2008. Golden Boy Promotions in association with ESPN 2 will air the action live from the Morongo Resort and Casino in Cabazon CA.

Carlos Ivan will be showcased as the co-feature to the main event which features Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (23-1, 17 KO’s) vs Colombia’s Epifanio Mendoza (28-5-1, 24 KOs) with the possibility of brother Juan Carlos getting some airtime as well.

“I’m very happy with the way I’ve been training for this fight. It’s been difficult being out of the ring for the last five months. I want to come out with an aggressive style and give the fans something to remember.” ~ Carlos Ivan Velasquez

“Being a prize fighter is a rough job, but one I enjoy greatly. All the experience I’ve gotten this year is preparing me for the next level. My goal is to continue winning and give the fans the action they deserve. I’m coming to fight. I can’t wait.” ~ Juan Carlos Velasquez

Opponents for both fighters will be announced shortly.

Tickets, priced at $35, $75 and $125, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa Box Office at (951) 755-5391 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first bell rings at 5:30 p.m