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02/13/2004 Archived Entry: "Simonyan vs. Ruiz Headlines Feb 27th Fight Card in Vegas"
Simonyan vs. Ruiz Headlines Feb 27th Fight Card in Vegas
Las Vegas, NV - Promoter Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions, in association with Guilty Boxing, will present a sensational championship fight card on February 27, 2004, in the Mardi Gras Ballroom at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fights will be televised on ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights."
In the main event scheduled for 12 rounds, Art Simonyan, 13-0-1, with 7 knockouts, of Glendale, California, will fight Juan Ruiz, 16-1, with 5 knockouts, of Newhall, California.
Now 28 years old, Simonyan is a native of Armenia. He stepped up in class of opposition in his last three fights and scored three of his career-best wins against former world title challenger Carlos Contreras (19-6-3), Ablorh Sowah (17-3-1), and former world title challenger Radford Beasley (22-1). Simonyan currently holds the USBA jr. featherweight title and is ranked No. 8 by the IBF and No. 18 by the WBC in the world ratings.
25-year old Ruiz has won three fights in a row since his only loss on February 7, 2003, in Las Vegas, by eight-round split decision against Erik Rodriguez (10-0-1). Many of the fans in attendance thought Juan deserved to win and booed the announcement of the decision. Juan has impressive wins to his credit against hard-hitting Dustin Kim (18-4) and previously undefeated John Nolasco (8-0-2).
The co-featured eight-round bout will feature rising young cruiserweight prospect Felix Cora Jr., 13-0-2, with 7 knockouts, of Galveston, Texas, fighting an opponent to be announced. Just 23 years old, Cora is ranked No. 7 by the NABF, No. 8 by the USBA, and No. 24 by the WBC.
Four more exciting bouts will complete the card. All bouts are subject to change without notice.
Doors open at 5:00 P.M., first fight at 5:30 P.M. Pacific Time.Ticket prices: $20, $30.Tickets are available at all Coast Casinos Box Offices, or online at UNLVTickets.com. To purchase tickets by telephone and for more information, call The Orleans Hotel & Casino Box Office at 702-365-7075.
