‘Friday Night Fights’ returns to DDC

Two months after a surprisingly successful fight card at Desert Diamond Casino, ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” returns to Southern Arizona on Aug. 14.

Last time out, local fight fans were treated to a wonderful performance from top-flight middleweight prospect Daniel Jacobs. This time, a former world champion will grace the canvas.

Hard-nosed Brooklyn fighter “Vicious” Vivian Harris (29-3-1, 19 KO) makes his first appearance in Arizona, where he will battle Mexican junior welterweight Noe Bolanos (20-4-1, 12 KO).

Harris burst onto the scene in 2002, when he captured his first world title (the WBA belt) by knocking out Diosbelys Hurtado. He defended that belt three times — twice against rugged German Oktay Urkal on Urkal’s home turf.

He lost the title in 2005, but built his way back into contention in late 2007. He faced off with Junior Witter for the WBC belt, but was knocked out in the seventh round.

Due to a litany of contractual problems with former promoter Gary Shaw, Harris has only been in the ring once since that loss to Witter — a sixth-round KO win against obscure Octavio Navarez on Oct. 29, 2008.

Hot-shot Golden Boy prospect Danny Garcia (13-0, 8 KO) will be featured in the co-main event. Oscar De La Hoya and company have high hopes for the Philadelphia-based welterweight, as he has appeared on many of the firm’s high-profile cards.

The card will also feature popular local female boxer Anette “Netta” Agredano (3-0), who opened some eyes with her impressive win on the June 26 card.

In addition, hard-hitting heavyweight Deontay Wilder — who added another first-round knockout to his r/sum/ in his last appearance in Tucson — will be back, as well.

nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747

More boxing

Check Wednesday’s Green Valley News for further coverage on the Aug. 14 card, as well as photos, blog posts and analysis throughout the week leading up to fight night.