San Manuel Indian Nation, Calif. - Boxing fans are in for a treat on Thursday, Feb. 23, as Jorge Lacierva (26-6-6, 18 KO'S), the world class fighter out of Mexico City, looking to get back into contention for a World Championship, takes on the crafty and speedy Jorge Martinez (13-3-2, 4 KO'S), from San Diego, for the GBU (Global Boxing Union) Featherweight Championship title at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Yuhaviatam showroom.
Martinez has established himself as one of the top Featherweights in the world in a very short period of time. Only after 12 pro fights did he win the NABF Featherweight Championship, which was his first scheduled 10 round fight. At the age of 27, he is just now hitting his prime and he is looking to get a shot at the World Championship soon. This fight with Jorge Lacierva is a cross roads fight for Martinez. If he can win, it will put him in great position for a title fight. Martinez has fought on Fox Sports and Telemundo Networks.
Jorge Lacierva is a classic Mexican fighter with excellent power and good boxing skills. He is a world class fighter who has fought on Telemundo, Telefutura, ESPN, and Fox Networks. Lacierva has won several titles including the WBC Latino Title, IBA World Championship, NABO Championship, and he has challenged for the IBF World Championship only to lose by technical decision to Mark Johnson. He is a very exciting action fighter who is very popular with the Mexican fight fans. In addition to the titles he has held, Martinez has an impressive resume of victories over Harold Grey, Jesus Perez, Gerardo Espinoza, Jose Lopez, among many others.
Also on the exciting undercard is the fresh new comer, 18-year-old Kaliesha (Kay) West of Redlands, Calif. In her pro debut, she will take on Suszannah Warner (2-2-0) of London, England. Kay was one of the very best amateur fighters in the country and many local fans are excited about Kay making her professional debut. As an amateur she won a National Championship, however she has longed to turn to the professional ranks for quite some time now. West is a very popular and likeable young boxer who has also has excelled in other sports. In High School, she made the CIF conference finals in Track as she ran the 880 and the two mile runs.
Tickets for "Thursday Night Thunder" are on sale for $35, $45 and $65 and can be purchased at the San Manuel box office or by calling 800-359-2464.