By Jake Donovan
Fans flocked to the Toyota Center in Houston on Thursday afternoon for the press conference to officially announce the December 15 showdown between Nonito Donaire and Jorge Arce.
Early returns suggest they will return in droves the moment tickets go on sale today at 10:00AM local (Central) time.
“Ticket prices are set at $30, $60, $100 and $200,” informed Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “There are 10 fights on the card. At$30 per ticket, you’re paying $3 per fight. Can you believe it? We’re practically giving it away!”
Donaire’s (30-1, 19KO) return to the Lone Star state will come10 months after a surprisingly close points win over Wilfredo Vazquez Jr earlier this year in San Antonio. The fight was Donaire’s first of what will be four appearances on HBO in 2012.
Arce (61-6-2, 46KO) is also fighting for the 4th time on the year, though his first bout on HBO in nearly six years, when he decisioned Julio David Roque Ler. HBO PPV appearances have followed, though his most recent showing was shortlived – Arce was forced to settle for a two-round no-contest against Tomas Rojas in their foul-filled affair this past June.
HBO is honored to have both fighters on its airwaves.
“I don't need to talk about what an exciting fight it's going to be on December 15,” commented Peter Nelson, Direct of Programming for HBO Sports. “You have two types of fighters - those who fight not to lose, and those who fight to win. Of the ones who fight to win, you have two types - those who just try to win, and those who entertain.
“We have two incredible entertainers here. Everyone knows what kind of entertainers they are. This one (Arce) has his own reality show. This one (Donaire) is starring in movies. In their part-time gigs as fighters, we're all happy to have them on HBO. We're very excited for the fight.”
The bout will serve as the final HBO headliner of 2012. HBO brass confirmed that the show will be presented as a “World Championship Boxing” broadcast. Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant and Roy Jones will be calling the action from ringside.
Tickets for the event are available at the Toyota Center box office (Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM), online at HoustonToyotaCenter.com, by phone at 866-4HOU-TIX (866-446-8849) and select Randalls stores throughout the Houston area.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox