By Jake Donovan
A long and exhausting search to house the September 8 SHOWTIME doubleheader has finally concluded.
Multiple sources have confirmed that the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas will play host to the aforementioned card, headlined by a welterweight title fight between Randall Bailey and Devon Alexander.
“A request to secure the location was filed and approved today,” confirmed Keith Kizer, Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. “The fight will take place at the Hard Rock on September 8.”
The co-feature pits unbeaten 140 lb. contender Ajose Olusegun against free swinging Lucas Matthysse in an interim title fight.
Olusegun is currently training outside of the United States, though his team confirmed the location – or at least that it’s the latest spot that they heard for the show.
“They told me it’s at the Hard Rock,” confirmed Damian Ramirez, Olusegun’s manager. “I mean, nothing’s definite with this show the way it’s gone, but from what I know it’s a done deal.”
A nationwide tour had been underway from the moment all parties agreed to terms for the fight. Bailey – who won the vacant belt with an 11th round knockout of Mike Jones in June – was noncommittal to any location other than Alexander’s hometown of St. Louis.
Several different cities have been rumored as the final destination, including Memphis, San Antonio and New Orleans.
“It don’t matter where it’s at,” Bailey insisted. “When they send me the plane ticket, I’ll be there.”
The show has received little to no promotion thus far, despite the intention of the main principles – Golden Boy Promotions and Showtime – to have the card double as a preview for the September 15 event headlined by the super welterweight title fight between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Josesito Lopez.
Helping the September 8 show – if not both cards – is that they are now in the same town.
Ticket information will be released shortly.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
