News: Daniel Jacobs; Erislandy Lara; Michael Franco

(Tucson, Arizona) – Desert Diamond Casino and Golden Boy Promotions announce the return of boxing to Southern Arizona. World-class pugilism will be showcased at the Diamond Center on June 26, 2009. Select fights will be televised on ESPN. The main event of the evening features Brooklyn, New York’s Daniel Jacobs (16-0, 14 KOs), a prized prospect that is on the verge of becoming a legitimate contender. He recently won a wide decision over Michael Walker on the undercard of the Pacquiao/Hatton mega-fight.. Fighting as part of the co-main event is Guantanamo’s Erislandy Lara (5-0, 3 KOs). Lara is a former amateur world champion and, prior to defecting from Cuba, was favored to take home the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics.

Additional fighters have yet to be determined. Treena Parvello, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “June 26th is shaping up to be one of our best fight nights yet! ESPN is coming to town to catch the action, and with two up-and-coming stars like Jacobs and Lara leading the night, Desert Diamond Casino will be the place to be!”

Doors open at 6:00 PM with the first fight beginning at 6:30 PM. Tickets range from $25 to $120 in advance and are on sale now. They can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location, by calling 1-800 745-3000, by contacting the Desert Diamond Casino Box Office, or by visiting www.desertdiamondcasino.com.

Desert Diamond Casino on Pima Mine Road, Desert Diamond Casino&Hotel on Nogales Highway, and the Golden Ha:san in Why, Arizona, are enterprises of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Further information can be found at www.desertdiamondcasino.com or by calling 866-DDC-WINS.´

UNBEATEN FRANCO FIGHTS FOR FIRST PRO TITLE

“LIL’ WARRIOR” HEADLINES MAY 30TH CARD AT AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY IN SAN BERNARDINO

LOS ANGELES, May 27 – He’s one of Southern California’s hottest prospects, and with 14 wins and no losses, 21-year old Michael “Lil’ Warrior” Franco has gotten the boxing world buzzing. On Saturday, May 30th, the super bantamweight powerhouse will look to win his first professional title when he takes on Juan Jose Beltran for the WBC Youth title at American Sports University in San Bernardino, California.

Also in action will be some of the top rising stars in the sport, including Anthony Villarreal, Kerry Foley, and Efrain Esquivas.

Franco vs Beltran, a ten round WBC Youth super bantamweight championship fight, headlines an exciting afternoon of professional boxing presented by II Feathers Promotions. Doors open at 1:00pm and the first bell rings at 3:00pm.

American Sports University, the nation’s only four year university dedicated to sports management, and the home to the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum, is located at 374 Court Street in San Bernardino.

Tickets, priced at $20, $35, $75, and $100, may be purchased by calling 760-559-6419 or 909-889-5555.

The pride of Riverside, California, 21-year old Michael Franco (14-0, 9 KOs) passed on a college baseball scholarship to follow his dreams of boxing glory, and he has no regrets. 46-1 as an amateur, Franco turned pro in 2005 and has been tearing through his opposition ever since. Fresh off a 68 second knockout of Antonio Diaz in February, The “Lil’ Warrior” is eager to get back in the ring for another spectacular performance. Standing in his way on May 30th will be hard-nosed Los Mochis, Mexico battler Juan Jose Beltran (19-12-3, 11 KOs). Beltran is a fighter who is never in a bad fight, and with his recent win over 29-6-1 Akihiko Nago fresh in fight fans’ minds, he’s thinking upset this weekend.

Known as the “Baby Assassin”, Riverside flyweight Anthony Villarreal (6-2, 4 KOs) brings the pain every time he steps into the ring. Just 22, Villareal is on a five fight winning streak that includes a win over previously unbeaten Manuel Roman in April that netted him the WBC Youth international title. He will face Phoenix’ Jaime Gutierrez (3-2) in a six rounder.

A highly touted super middleweight from Sydney, Australia, Kerry Foley (10-0, 8 KOs) will make his United States debut on Saturday against always tough Terrance Smith (5-10-2, 3 KOs) of Oklahoma City.

The 2006 National Golden Gloves Champion, Carson, California’s Efrain Esquivas (4-0) looks to keep his perfect pro record intact when he takes on Oxnard’s Miguel Reza (3-4-1) in a super bantamweight six rounder.

Also on the May 30th bill will be a light heavyweight matchup between Anatoly Dudchonka (4-2, 4 KOs) and William Harmon (6-7, 5 KOs), a super bantamweight clash pitting Jesus Adame (1-3) against Frankie Gutierrez (1-6-1, 1 KO) and a bantamweight bout featuring debuting Richard Contreras against Miseal Martinez (0-9).

The weigh-in for the event is open to the public and will be held on Friday, May 29th at 1PM at 399 D. Street in San Bernardino.

Bouts subject to change.