January 10, 2000

Bruno on Boxing

By Joe Bruno--Former Vice President of the Boxing Writers Association and the International Boxing Writers Association

Former Barnum & Bailey Circus Arena Turns to Boxing

The Venice Arena, the former home of the Barnum and Bailey Circus on the Suncoast of Florida, will showcase the first of five scheduled Sunday night boxing shows on January 23rd. The fight card, promoted by American Presents and televised by Fox Sports Network, headlines unbeaten heavyweight Lawrence Clay-Bey (10-0 8 KO's) against Terrence Lewis (25-5 18 KO's). Co featured are welterweights Emeliano Valdez (10-2-1 6 KO's) versus Carlos Martinez ( 12-2 3 KO's).

Erin Shearer, President of the Venice Arena, told the CBZ, "This national TV deal puts Venice Arena on top of the Boxing World. We've already heard from Sugar Ray Leonard and Christy Martin, who want to bring their fighters here to fight."

Louis DeCubas, who did a site inspection for Fox Sports Network, said of the Venice Arena, "This is the best pure boxing venue in America. I guarantee the Venice Arena a minimum of five televised fights here. A minimum of five, and possibly more."

The Venice Arena, located at 1401 South Ringling Drive, Venice, Florida, seats 5200 people, and is also used for Championship Wrestling, Concerts and Roller Hockey. For ticket information, call 941-480-1300.