Boxing returns to Diamond Center on June 26

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When Spanish-language TV network Telefutura pulled the plug on its “Solo Boxeo” boxing program, Southern Arizona fight fans worried that might signal the end of live boxing in the area.

Without the revenue brought in by “Solo Boxeo,” would the promoters find enough money to keep these cards going?

Fortunately for the surprisingly high number of boxing fans scattered throughout Arizona and northern Mexico, Golden Boy Promotions has found ways to keep boxing at Desert Diamond Casino, thanks to ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights.”

The partnership’s first card — which featured local favorite David Lopez edging out hard-nosed Ossie Duran on April 10 — was successful enough for the two boxing heavyweights to try it again on June 26.

This card won’t feature Lopez — who typically brings more than enough fans to pack the 2,000-seat Diamond Center — but Golden Boy hopes fans will turn out to watch some of their most talented prospects in action.

Oscar De La Hoya’s promotional firm plans to use these “Friday Night Fight” dates to showcase some of the best young fighters in their stable in hopes of giving them the exposure and experience to battle on the biggest stages.

Headlining the June 26 card will be rising middleweight star Daniel Jacobs (16-0, 14 KO). Since turning pro in late 2007, the 22-year-old Jacobs has been a busy man, winning 16 fights in the span of 18 months.

Golden Boy has featured the heavy-hitting Jacobs on many of its high-profile cards, including his most recent appearance — an impressive unanimous decision over the tough Michael Walker on the Manny Pacquiao versus Ricky Hatton undercard.

In Jacobs’ last appearance on “Friday Night Fights,” he knocked out Jose Valera in round two on April 24. In that bout, Jacobs displayed a measured pace, a quick jab and a thudding right hand.

Golden Boy plans to put the Brooklyn-based Jacobs in a step-up fight on June 26, with hopes of finding a title fight for him by this time next year.

Cuban defector Erislandy Lara (6-0, 4 KO) will be featured in the co-main event. The 26-year-old Lara is one of Cuba’s most decorated amateurs, and it hasn’t taken him long to establish himself as a professional.

Lara’s last appearance in the ring was this past Friday, where he dismantled veteran Edwin Vazquez (22-14-2) with an impressive fourth-round knockout. The 154-pound Lara is yet another flashy, exciting prospect in an increasingly deep junior-middleweight division. Golden Boy is moving Lara quickly, with the June 26 bout being his third fight in two months. His opponent is yet to be determined.

Other fighters will be announced shortly, but ESPN.com has listed heavyweight Deontay Wilder as one of the possibilities.

Golden Boy has very high hopes for the 23-year-old Wilder (5-0, 5 KO). In his last bout this past Saturday, he drilled Charles Brown with a couple of heavy right hands and put him to sleep in the opening round. Wilder was the only American Olympian to win a medal in the 2008 Beijing games, taking a bronze.

Wilder is still raw, but he has a crowd-pleasing style and knockout power in his right hand — which, in today’s era of heavyweight parity, might be enough to get him a legitimate title shot within two years.

Golden Boy also has plans for another “Friday Night Fights” card on Aug. 14.

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nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747