Fight fans in San Antonio, Texas will be treated to an explosive night of boxing action featuring Texas’ top prospects on Saturday, March 2, when Weslaco’s Omar “Panterita” Figueroa steps into the ring for the first time in 2013 against Colombia’s Henry Aurad in the eight-round junior welterweight main event at the Our Lady of the Lake University Wellness & Activities Center which will be televised on FOX Sports Networks, FOX Deportes and FUEL TV.
Plus, Houston’s undefeated prospect Jermall Charlo and 2012 United States Olympian Errol Spence Jr. of Desoto add even more Texas power to the card in separate televised undercard bouts.
Rising star Omar Figueroa (19-0-1, 15 KO’s) of Weslaco, Texas made several end of year top prospect lists thanks to a 2102 that saw him go 6-0 with five knockouts including victories over quality competition such as Michael Perez, Ramon Ayala and Dominic Salcido. Eager to not just match, but surpass his efforts of last year, Figueroa will compete in his home state of Texas for the first time since June of 2011.
The power and crowd-pleasing style of Colombian veteran Henry Aurad (14-6-1, 11 KO’s) guarantees that he will be in every fight he agrees to and his bout with Figueroa should be no exception. The 28-year-old from Cartagena was in with tough completion in 2012, stepping through the ropes with former World Champion Julio Diaz and unbeaten Viktor Postol. On March 2 he will look to take the young Texas star into deep water.
Former amateur star Jermall Charlo (11-0, 7 KO’s) is beginning to make his presence felt in the professional game. After a strong finish to 2012 with a fourth round stoppage over Edgar Perez last December, the 22-year-old twin brother of top contender Jermell Charlo began 2013 with an equally promising start when he halted Josh Williams in five rounds on January 26. Now the Houston native returns to his home state to impress his local fans.
One of the most promising talents from the Olympic class of 2012, United States team member Errol Spence Jr. (3-0, 3 KO’s) has blasted through all three of his opponents since turning professional last November, knocking out Jonathan Garcia, Richard Andrews and Nathan Butcher. On March 2, the DeSoto, Texas prospect tries to make it four for four.
As has been consistent at all Leija & Battah Promotions events, San Antonio’s finest young prospects will also be showcased.
Featured on the undercard in separate six round bouts will be light heavyweight Emanuel Ledezma (11-1, 2 KO’s) and bantamweight Felipe Castaneda (7-4, 3 KO’s).
Rounding out the card in scheduled four round bouts are San Antonio’s junior welterweight Jairo Castaneda (1-0, 1 KO) and featherweight Joseph Rodriguez (1-0) along with middleweight Kenton Sippio-Cook, (1-0, 1 KO) of Austin, Texas and Kingsville, Texas bantamweight Oscar Cantu (3-0). Also fighting on the card will be Austin, Texas middleweight Kurtiss Colvin, (6-1, 5KO’s) in a scheduled four round fight.
Figueroa vs. Aurad is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT on fight night and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. PT. The FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes bi-lingual simulcast will air live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT. FUEL TV will rebroadcast the fight on May 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT.
Tickets, priced at $125, $100, $75 and $20 are available for purchase by calling Leija & Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302 or through email at m@leijabattahpromo.com.
