Local boxers to ‘Rumble in the Desert’

LANCASTER – Lancaster and Palmdale will be well represented at the “Rumble in the Desert,” taking place this Saturday, July 19, at the Pioneer Event Center (PEC).

Local fan favorite Giovanni Sarran of Palmdale will take on Makanni Sarellano of Santa Maria.

“My style is fan pleasing. I go to knock every time!” Sarran said, adding that this hometown fight is especially important to him.

“I want my family to be proud of me… my mom is terminally ill and I don’t know how many fights she’s going to be able to make it to, and she is my inspiration,” he said. “I love you mom!”

The card will also showcase female boxing, introducing former #3 Olympic Team member and Palmdale resident Poula Estrada.  She makes her professional debut against seasoned professional Blanca Raymundo, who has 10 professional fights under her belt.

“[The fans] are going to expect a show, so I’m gonna give it them,” Estrada said.

Other local boxers to be featured Saturday include Lancaster residents Johnny Reyes, Helaman Olguin, Steven Zayas, and Ismael Fernandez. Reyes will battle Alejandra Ochoa of Santa Ana; Olguin takes on Andrew Tinae of Samoa; Zayes is up against Alejandro Artega of Bakersfield; and Fernandez takes on Benito Salazar of Paramount.

Sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission, each match is sure to have boxing fans on the edge of their seats, according to local boxing matchmaker Hervi Estrada.

“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,” Hervi Estrada said.  “I’m glad I can give local fighters an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of their hometown folks.”

In the Main Event, scheduled for six rounds, Eric Ruiz (professional record – 10 wins, 1 loss) will take on Jonathan Alcantara (professional record – 6 wins, 10 losses, 2 draws) in the Super Bantamweight division.

“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.

Ticket prices range from $35 to $100. For ticket information or to see what other events are coming to the PEC, visit them online at www.uavpec.com.

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