Countdown to “Rumble in the Desert”!

LANCASTER – Professional boxing returns to the Antelope Valley this Saturday with a powerhouse lineup that is sure to be a knockout!

“Rumble in the Desert” takes place from 7 to 11 p.m., Saturday, July 19 at the Pioneer Event Center (PEC), located at 45000 Valley Central Way in Lancaster. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the action starts at 7 p.m.

The lineup features boxing professionals of all weight classes, and more importantly, boxing talent from Palmdale and Lancaster.

The Card:

Jonathan Alcantara (Novato, CA) professional record (6 wins, 10 losses, 2 draws)

VS

Erik Ruiz (Oxnard, CA) professional record (10 wins, 1 loss)

The fight card will also showcase female boxing, introducing former #3 Olympic Team member Poula Estrada, as she makes her professional debut against seasoned professional Blanca Raymundo, who has 10 professional fights under her belt.  This bout will test the fortitude of a former Olympic athlete against an established professional.  (View a flyer listing the entire fight card here.)

“It’s been six years since I put on my last fight card in the Antelope Valley, and I’m excited to bring professional boxing back to the AV, as well as continuing to work with local gyms,” stated Event Matchmaker Hervi Estrada. “I’m glad I can give local fighters an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of their hometown folks.”

The Pioneer Event Center (PEC) is known for being the Antelope Valley’s premier venue for sporting events, concerts, expos, graduation ceremonies, etc.  So when it came time for Estrada and fight promoter Rodriguez Promotions to book their next professional boxing event, the Pioneer Event Center won by unanimous decision.

“For years, boxing fans have been asking when I was going to bring professional boxing back to the Antelope Valley.  So when the opportunity presented itself to put together an exciting fight card, I knew I had to find a partner that would fit my needs like a glove, which is why I contacted the Pioneer Event Center,” said Estrada.

“The goal of the PEC is to bring top notch entertainment to the Antelope Valley.  When Rodriguez Promotions and Hervi Estrada approached us about hosting a professional boxing match, sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission, I knew this would be a great partnership and opportunity to bring this sport back to our community,” stated PEC Co-Manager Raul Castellanos.

For ticket information or to see what other events are coming to the PEC, visit www.uavpec.com.

[Information via press release from University of Antelope Valley.]