Press release: Boxing makes a triumphant return to the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Friday, January 5th as ESPN opens it’s 2007 season of “Friday Night Fights” live from the beautiful Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. Featured on the 5 bout card from the Beau Rivage will be the undefeated Peterson brothers who will be making their fourth appearance on ESPN. Anthony Peterson 21-0 (16 KO’s) will be facing Juan Humberto Garza 28-2 (23 KO’s) in the 12 round main event. Anthony was recently voted as ESPN’s 2006 Prospect of the Year. Anthony is a lightning fast boxer/puncher who looks to continue his ascension up the world rankings. Standing in Anthony’s way is Juan Humberto Garza from Cardereyta, Mexico. Garza, the current Mexican Lightweight Champion, is aiming to defeat Peterson.

In the feature bout of the evening, Lamont Peterson 19-0 (8 KO’s) puts his undefeated record on the line against Juaquin Gallardo 17-5-1 (6 KO’s) from San Leandro, California. This 8 round bout features the elder Peterson brother against the formidable Gallardo in what is sure to be an exciting affair. There is no doubt that a lot of leather will be exchanged between these two warriors as neither one will back down from the challenge.

The undercard features some of the best boxers on the gulf coast. An unbelievable super middleweight match will put Slidell, Louisiana’s own Dupre Strickland 17-1-1 (7 KO’s) versus “Smiling” Martin Verdin 14-7-1 (9 KO’s) from Dulac, Louisiana. Strickland has appeared many times on the coast and is sure to pack the house with his faithful following of fans.  In another bout, Gary Bergeron 3-1 (3 KO’s) from nearby Chalmette, Louisiana goes to battle with Omar Ballard 5-9 (2 KO’s) from Columbus, MS in a 4 round jr. welterweight match. The opening bout of the night will showcase an exciting fighter from Mobile, Alabama.   Joseph Smith will square off with Reginald Taylor, a stable mate of the Peterson brothers in a 4 round super middleweight showdown.

This unbelievable night of boxing can be viewed live from the Magnolia Room in the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Tickets are $14.95 ($9.95 with Beau Rivage Players Club Card), $29.95 & $49.95* and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage ticket office or by calling the Beau Rivage at (228) 386-7777 or (888) 566-7469.   Doors for the event open at 7:00 PM CST and ESPN will begin it's live telecast at 8:00 PM CST.

*All sales are subject to MS sales tax and applicable service fees.