Manny Pacquiao's next big test inside the ring will be against Oscar De La Hoya, but before he takes on boxing's most popular figure, the four-division champion faces the challenge of co-promoting his first boxing show with Sycuan Ringside Promotions on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 at Sycuan Resort and Casino in San Diego, Calif.
"I love the San Diego area," said Pacquiao, who's promotional company is titled Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP). "Before I won my title against David Diaz, I spent several hours touring San Diego after one of our press conferences. I can honestly say it is the most beautiful city in America."
"Sycuan Ringside Promotions is extremely excited to be partnering with Manny in his first boxing promotion," said Scott Woodworth, vice president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. "You can only do this once and we're happy to be a part of it. We've lined up an exciting card with an exciting twist."
Tickets for the outdoor venue are on sale now. Tickets are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $50. You can purchase online at www.sycuan.com, via phone at (619) 659-3380 or in person at the Sycuan box office.
The memorable night of boxing features Mexican boxers against Filipinos with the main event pitting Bernabe Concepcion against Giovanni Caro in a ten-round super bantamweight bout that begins at 7:30 p.m. PT, televised by Azteca America.
Concepcion, who is promoted by Pacquiao, is 26-1 with 15 knockouts while Caro is the Mexican 122-pound champion with a record of 11-4-4 with 9 knockouts.
Pacquiao, who is training in Los Angeles under long-time trainer Freddie Roach, will be seated ringside to watch all the action as it unfolds.
Other Pacquiao-backed boxers include junior welterweight Dennis Laurente (29-3, 15 KOs) fighting against Arturo Urena (20-15, 12 KOs) and lightweight Aaron Melgarejo (11-6-1, 3 KOs) competing against Alain Hernandez (12-5-2, 7 KOs).
Willie Tucker, vice president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions, said Pacquiao's presence is a highlight of his five-year-old promotional company.
"Dealing with Manny and his organization has been a real honor," Tucker said. "He is a class act, and he handles the best Filipino fighters. We are fortunate to have thousands of Filipino-American customers in Southern California. We're expecting ticket demand to be extremely high for this event."