LIGHTWEIGHTS REYES, GRADOVICH CLASH AT BATTLE AT THE BOAT 81, UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT THOMPSON HIGHLIGHTS UNDERCARD
TACOMA, Wash. – Undefeated Evgeny Gradovich will square off against once-beaten Francisco Reyes in the main event of Battle at the Boat 81 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma on Saturday, March 19.
Since turning pro nearly a year ago, the 24-year-old Gradovich has done everything right – registering a stellar record of 8-0-0 with six knockouts with two of his victories coming against previously unbeaten opponents.
Gradovich, who is coming off a fourth-round TKO of Tommy Atencio on Dec. 17, closed out 2010 by handing both Jesse Carradine (6-1-1) and Cordaro Simpkins (5-1-0) their first career defeats.
The 22-year-old Reyes, who fights out of Renton, Washington, has been equally impressive, winning three consecutive fights after losing a six-round decision to Michael Perez (12-0-1) in New York on March 14.
Since that setback Reyes (8-1-0, 2 KOs) picked up victories against Heder Rivas (6-1-0) and Marcos Herrera (6-1-1) before stopping undefeated Robert Vargas in January.
“It’s going to be an exciting match-up. You have two young fighters that are both looking to climb the rankings,” said promoter Brian Halquist. “Gradovich is undefeated, while Reyes only has that one loss. Whoever wins is going to take a giant step forward.”
Highlighting the undercard will be undefeated heavyweight “Vicious” Vincent Thompson (6-0-0, KO).
Thompson, a native of Federal Way, Washington, faces Ryan Shay (5-11-0, 4 KOs).
Thompson last fought on Nov. 13, 2010 when he scored a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Charles Ellis, the 2003 National Golden Gloves heavyweight champion.
Thompson dominated the six-round contest, appearing as the 60-54 winner on two judge’s scorecards and the 59-55 victor on the third judge’s.
Also appearing on the undercard will be light middleweight Donatas Bondoravas (11-2-1, 3 KOs), who faces Paul Mpendo (7-6-4).
First fight on the card will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, $45 and $100 and are available at the Emerald Queen Casino box office 1-888-831-7655 and at all Ticketmaster outlets.
For more information please visit www.Halquistproductions.com.
BATTLE AT THE BOAT 81 CARD
Main Event
Francisco Reyes (8-1-0) vs. Evgeny Gradovich (8-0-0)
Under Card
Sylvester Barron (1-0-0) vs. Joey Montoya (3-0-2)
Vincent Thompson (6-0-0) vs. Ryan Shay (5-11-0)
Ricardo Garcia (1-0-0) vs. Corben Page (0-1-0)
J.R. Delgadillo (1-0-1) vs. Nate Serrano (1-0-0)
Donatas Bondarouas (11-2-1) vs. Paul Mpendo (7-6-4)
Miguel Garcia (2-2-1) vs. Ralf Prescot (1-5-0)
TICKETS
Tickets are available at the Emerald Queen Casino box office 1-888-831-7655 and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Or online at www.ticketmaster.com
Ticket Prices: *$100 – $45 – $25
Get up to date information at: www.Halquistproductions.com
* Includes VIP Party 5:00-7:00 pm at the Bridge Night Club.
