By Jake Donovan
For decades, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” has been the working mantra for the tireless staff at Peltz Boxing. It holds true for 2017, as no fewer than four cards of its popular Philly Fight Night boxing are in store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“We have a minimum of four fight cards scheduled—one each quarter—with the first one set for Friday, March 10, at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.,” confirmed J Russell Peltz, the Hall of Fame promoter and founder of Peltz Boxing. “Last year was a good one with four solid main events: Jesse Hart vs. Dashon Johnson; Johnson vs. DeCarlo Perez; Tyrone Brunson vs. Ismael Garcia; Tevin Farmer vs. Dardan Zenunaj.
“Our plans are to make 2017 even better.”
The formula worked to a tee in 2016, kicking off with the headline-grabbing 10-round war between Hart – a locally-raised second-generation boxer – and Dashon Johnson last March.
Hart remains a super middleweight prospect on the rise. However, he was fortunate to have escaped with his unbeaten record intact as he was down and nearly out in the closing seconds only to survive and claim a decision win over Johnson, a veteran journeyman from California who is now officially part of the Peltz Boxing stable.
Johnson’s effort that night was rewarded with a returning headlining clash versus another Philly-proud boxer in DeCarlo Perez. This time, the visiting fighter saw his hand raised in outslugging Perez to claim an upset decision win.
While not every main event is the prototypical grind ‘em out Philly war, the series provides a quality service in other ways. Resurgent super featherweight contender Tevin Farmer was able to manage four fights in 2016 thanks to Fight Night appearances last October and December, the latter a 10-round decision win over Dardan Zenunaj in their main event at 2300 Arena, which was filled to capacity for all four of its shows.
Tickets are already moving quickly for the March 10 card, a remarkable statement considering the show has yet to announce a main event or full details of the undercard. It was only recently learned of two boxers guaranteed to see action in separate preliminary bouts – unbeaten newcomers Joseph Adorno and Victor Padilla, both of whom scored 1st round knockouts in their respective pro debuts on the December 2 show.
Regardless of whom winds up topping the bill, fans in the area know their hard-earned money will go towards a quality night of in-ring action.
“[I]f we cannot make the main events we want to make, then we will alter our strategy and present the best of the up-and-coming fighters in competitive matchups,” Peltz promises. “We are not in the business of building fighters’ records at the expense of the paying customers.
“When you shell out anywhere from $40 to $75 for a ticket, you are entitled to watch competitive fights. That remains our business model.”
SHOW AND TICKET INFO
The March 10 card will carry a minimum of eight fights with the first one beginning at 7.30 pm, 30 minutes later than last year's start time at exactly 7:00 pm (Peltz not only demands that his athletes are entertaining, but also punctual). The cards are promoted by Peltz Boxing, BAM Boxing and Joe Hand Promotions.
Tickets priced at $40, $50 and $75 are on sale at Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and also online at www.2300Arena.com
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox_v2