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03/01/2009 Archived Entry: "The Spirit Mountain Casino Brings Boxing Back to Oregon"
The Spirit Mountain Casino Brings Boxing Back to Oregon
Steve Forbes to Headline Inaugural Event March 6
By Ricardo Ibarra
With the decline in the number of boxing events staged in the state of Oregon over the past few years, it’s refreshing to see a local casino take an interest in the sport once again. The Spirit Mountain Casino of Grande Ronde, Oregon recently signed a deal with former pound for pound kingpin Roy Jones Jr. to stage regular boxing events at the venue. The plan calls for the former world champion’s promotional company, Square Ring Promotions, to stage four cards in the next year, with possibly more to follow. The renewed local interest in the sport is great news for fight fans in the Portland area, which has not had a pro boxing event in over two years. If this first card is any indication of things to come, local fans are in for an exciting year of high quality boxing.
The new venture kicks off Friday, March 6th with one of the most intriguing cards the Pacific Northwest has seen in recent years, featuring seven evenly matched bouts in all. Headlining the card will be Portland’s own Steve Forbes taking on young prospect Jason Davis of Vancouver, Washington in a ten round battle between two skilled, quick-handed, crafty boxers.
Forbes, a former 130lbs. world title holder, is looking to rebound after losing his last two fights -- a twelve round unanimous decision to Oscar De La Hoya last May and a twelve round unanimous decision to current WBC welterweight title holder Andre Berto last September. He will be fighting in his home state for the first time in over three years. Forbes has spent the majority of his career taking on some of the best fighter in the world from 130 to 154 lbs. His vast experience against quality opposition gives him a clear advantage over his opponent, but many local boxing pundits think Davis may have the tools to upset the former champ.
At twenty-six, Davis has youthful hunger on his side as well as a solid set of boxing skills. His quick hand speed and good ring instincts make him a live underdog. After losing a decision to Derrick Samuels in a fight for the NABA 140 lbs. title last November, Davis is also looking for a career reviving win. A victory against Forbes would not only revive his career, it would catapult Davis onto the big stage, gaining him the recognition young fighters work so hard to achieve.
With a lot on the line for both fighters, this promises to deliver an intriguing boxing match.
It isn’t often that an undercard fight draws so much attention, but the scheduled six round semi-main event has local boxing insiders very excited. Light Heavyweights Roger Cantrell and Robert Brue will meet up in a highly anticipated match-up that most agree will be an action packed bout sure to steal the show.
Cantrell is a well known prospect out of Seattle, Washington who has been in with some quality opponents, most notably ’04 Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward. With a storied amateur career that included a trip to the Olympic trials, Cantrell possesses sound fundamentals, though he has a tendency to stand and brawl when pressed. Brue, of Portland, Oregon is undefeated in five bouts, winning three inside the distance. The tenacious puncher with a vicious left hook to the body always delivers excitement when he steps into the ring. When these two clash, fans are sure to get an all-out action packed fight.
Five other bouts line the undercard, featuring some well matched bouts between young up and comers from the region. For tickets contact the Casino box office at (800) 585-3737 or visit www.spiritmountaincasino.com.
