Banner Promotions Press Release

Promoter Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions will present a sensational championship fight card on Thursday, December 2, 2004, in the Pend O'reille Pavillion at Northern Quest Casino, located at North 100 Hayford Road, Airway Heights, Washington, 99001.

The main event will match two undefeated prospects - USBA cruiserweight champion Felix "Bad News" Cora Jr., 15-0-2, with 7 knockouts, of Galveston, Texas, will defend the title against James "Thunder" Elizalde, 14-0-1, with 9 knockouts, of Corpus Christi, Texas, scheduled for 12 rounds.

Cora scored his career-best win on June 25, a 12 round majority decision in the rematch against former 1999 World and U.S. National amateur champion Michael Simms (13-1-1). It was an exciting fight - Felix fought at a relentless pace and set a Compubox punchstat record for the most punches thrown in a cruiserweight fight. He had fought Simms to a 10-round draw in March, 2003. Just 24 years old, Felix has climbed in the world rankings to IBF No. 8, WBC No. 11, WBO No. 14, and WBA No. 15.

Elizalde, now 34 years old, is a 4 ½ -year pro. He is the Texas state cruiserweight champion, and has made four successful defenses of the title. James is currently ranked No. 5 by the NABF, No. 9 by the USBA, and No. 29 by the WBC. He fought Cora once as an amateur in the Texas USA Boxing championships - it was a good, close fight, but Cora won by decision.

Hard-hitting middleweight contender Antwun "Kid Dyn-o-mite" Echols, 30-5-1, with 26 knockouts, of Dade City, Florida, will be featured in the 10-round co-featured bout against an opponent to be announced. Antwun is trained by Dan Birmingham, who also trains world champions Winky Wright and Jeff Lacy. Now 31 years old, Antwun has fought top opposition, including current middleweight world champion Bernard Hopkins twice, former super middleweight world champions Anthony Mundine, Charles Brewer, and Eric Lucas, and several top contenders. Antwun is ranked No. 4 by the Ring, No. 6 WBA and No. 7 WBC.

More exciting bouts will complete the card. All fights subject to change without notice.

Ticket prices: $75 ringside, $50 gold section, $25 general admission.

Tickets are available at Northern Quest Casino Box Office - 877-777-5252, and Tickets West - 800-325-SEAT, and www.ticketswest.com.

Doors open at 6:00 P.M., first fight at 7:00 P.M.