The Jersey Boy, Glen Tapia of Passaic, N.J., coming off a thrilling victory on ESPN2/Friday Night Fights – takes on Elco ‘The Animal’ Garcia of Colorado on Top Rank’s Solo Boxeo Tecate boxing card at Bally’s Hotel and Casino on Saturday, September 28.
Tapia and Garcia will box 10 rounds in the junior middleweight division in Bally’s Grand Ballroom. Tapia, coming off his biggest win, has a record of 19-0 with 11 knockouts. Garcia, with a record of 27-8 with 13 knockouts, has won eight of his last nine bouts. He is living and fighting out of Denver, Colorado.
Tapia’s last fight was an all-out battle, a big, intense, fiery showdown against undefeated Abie Han of El Paso. Tapia went right to the attack, knocked down Han en route to a TKO 8 victory.
“That was a big win, showing everyone I am no longer a prospect, but a real contender working towards a title fight,” Tapia said.
Tapia added “I always want to entertain when I am in the ring. This is what I live for. I love boxing more than anything.”
“Glen really showed his “Jersey Strong” mentality in that fight with Abie. The next step is to showcase him as a true headliner in New Jersey which September 28 will provide,” said Carl Moretti, Vice President, Top Rank.
Tapia is co-managed by Pat Lynch, the long-time manager of Arturi Gatti, and Sal Alessi. Alex Devia is the chief trainer.
The big Top Rank card will include young, hard-hitting super middleweight Jesse Hart, the son of champion Eugene ‘Cyclone’ Hart of Philadelphia. Jesse has a record of 9-0, 8 KOs. Cyclone will be in his son’s corner on fight night.
Former amateur superstar and now a rising prospect with tremendous skillwork, Toka Kahn Clary of Providence, Rhode Island, is on the card. He has a record of 7-0, 5 KOs and boxes in the junior lightweight division.