Sky Ute Casino promises plenty of action for

Sky Ute Casino promises plenty of action for "Fists of Thunder" boxing

May 19, 2001

STAFF REPORT

IGNACIO — Sky Ute Casino announced it is hosting "Fists of Thunder," a live pro/amateur boxing event tonight, May 19, under the Tecate Pavilion.

A total of five professional and eight amateur bouts, including two title fights, are on the card.

The main event matches the current IFBA (International Female Boxing Association) Featherweight Champion Layla McCarter (8-5-1, 2 KO) of Las Vegas against Jo Jo Wyman (7-2-0) of Los Angeles. The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds.

"This will mark our fourth IFBA title event here at Sky Ute Casino and we are pleased to welcome back Layla McCarter to defender her crown," Ben Fernandez, Sky Ute Casino Marketing Director, said.

McCarter won the IFBA Featherweight championship over former champ Sandra Yard at Sky Ute Casino late last year. Yard is now a representative of the IFBA and will be in attendance to supervise the bout.

"Ben Fernandez and Sky Ute Casino have been supportive of women’s boxing since it started promotional efforts in the summer of 2000," Yard said. "I am happy to now be representing the IFBA and look forward to a great fight Saturday (today)."

The night’s second title fight pits former IFBA Junior Lightweight Champion Tracy "The Lady" Byrd (11-2) against challenger Brenda Vickers (4-2) for the IFBA Intercontinental Junior Lightweight title. Vickers is from Tampa, Fla., where she was a bodybuilder and fitness champion before turning to professional boxing. She has been boxing professionally since 1999 and has named herself "The Real Deal, Too" after world champion Evander Holyfield. Byrd is a police officer and mother of one, she hails from a famous boxing family in Flynt, Mich.

Local favorite Elco Garcia of Ignacio will take on Jeremiah Torres of Albuquerque. Robert Manore will go toe-to-toe against Bobby Joe Valdez from El Paso in a professional middle weight contest.

Andres "Panda" Pacheco from Pueblo returns to Sky Ute Casino for a second time in what could be another knockout performance against Cabien St. Pierre of Bullhead City, Ariz.

Eight amateur bouts also are on tap beginning at 5 p.m. The professional contests begin at 7:15. Gates open at 4. Ringside tickets are $30, preferred $20, and general admission $10. Tickets are available at the door.