Multi-bout boxing extravaganza starts 5:30 p.m. at Cotai Arena — first bout at 5:45 p.m.
MACAO, March 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — With the Showdown at Sands less than a week away, the full fight card has been announced and it contains some exciting matchups. A seven-bout undercard includes two title fights, one eliminator bout and a wealth of talent sure to have boxing fans frantic in anticipation of the March 7 slug fest at The Venetian®Macao’s Cotai Arena. It all culminates with the headline battle between Zou Shiming and Amnat Ruenroeng for the IBF world flyweight crown.
Macao’s latest boxing spectacular, Showdown at Sands, happens at The Venetian Macao March 7, featuring Zou Shiming and Amnat Ruenroeng, with an undercard that includes Ik Yang, Rex Tso, Ng Kuok Kun and more.
The main event will see two undefeated fighters go head to head, with China’s double Olympic gold medallist and national hero Zou Shiming (6-0, 1 KO) looking to take the IBF world flyweight title from reigning champion Amnat Ruenroeng (14-0, 5 KOs). They met in the ring three times as amateurs, with Zou earning victories in their last two encounters. But as a pro, Zou will on Saturday be lacing his gloves in what is only his seventh career fight — and his first-ever attempt at a world title. It could prove to be a tall order, as Ruenroeng counts more than twice the number of professional fights under his belt. The 35-year-old champion from Thailand has already successfully defended his title twice since first earning it a little over one year ago. The Cotai Arena crowd will likely give Zou a lift with a home-country advantage, but will it be enough to dethrone the Thai?
Zou isn’t the only fighter flying the flag for China at the Showdown at Sands. Undefeated Ik Yang (18-0-0-1, 13 KOs) from Dalian will take on another Thai fighter in Patomsuk Pathompothong (30-2-1, 18 KOs). With 13 knockouts from 18 fights, Yang will be looking to add to that tally against 31-year-old Pathompothong when they meet in their 12-round IBF light welterweight title eliminator. Yang is no stranger to Macao, having fought in the city on four previous occasions. Pathompothong will be making his Macao debut and like his compatriot Ruenroeng will likely have to deal with the crowd, who will almost certainly be rooting for the Chinese fighter.
One of two undercard title fights brings New Jersey native Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia (22-1, 14 KOs) to face off against 37-year-old Australian Daniel “Awesome” Dawson (40-4-1, 26 KOs) in a 10-round contest for the NABO junior middleweight championship. Tapia is 12 years Dawson’s junior at just 25 and has only one loss on his nearly flawless record. Dawson on the other hand is 6-1-1 in his last eight fights and has spent time as a sparring partner for the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
The other undercard title fight will see Hong Kong’s undefeated Rex “The Wonder Kid” Tso (15-0, 9 KOs) take on Filipino fighter Michael Enriquez (10-2-1, 6 KOs) over 10 rounds for the WBA international super flyweight title. The 27-year-old Tso has nine knockouts in 15 fights, some of which have come against opponents with considerably more experience. Tso will likely be confident going into the fight as he is currently ranked No. 3 by the WBO. Enriquez will also go into the fight with his confidence high after winning his last fight in emphatic style after beating Michael Estrada in the first minute and a half of the first round.
Mexico meets the Philippines as Jose Felix, Jr. (28-1-1, 23 KOs) takes on Raymond “Foreman” Sermona (17-4-5, 8 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. A nine-year professional, Sermona will be making his Macao debut at Showdown at Sands. With 26 professional fights he is evenly matched with Felix, who has made good progress for a young fighter at just 22 and is a former super featherweight interim world title challenger.
In another Philippines–Mexico duel, Aston Palicte (16-1, 14 KOs) meets Ismael Garnica (13-5-1, 5 KOs). A professional for only three years, Garnica will be making his Macao debut in this 10-round super flyweight contest against Palicte who will also be making his first Cotai Arena appearance. Garnica will have his work truly cut out for him when he takes on a man who has amassed an incredible 14 knockouts in just 16 professional fights, including his last six. Even more staggering is the fact that five of those last six knockouts came in the first round.
Local pro “The Macao Kid” Ng Kuok Kun (6-0, 2 KOs) faces five-year pro Chingchai Kiatpracha (7-2, 3 KOs) of Thailand in what will likely be a hometown crowd favourite. The undefeated local fighter will be looking for a seventh win in his sixth consecutive fight at The Venetian Macao. His last performance was a hard fought six-round unanimous decision against Australian Stephen Attard. Kiatpracha has four more years’ experience than Ng, but the Macao audience will almost certainly make it hard for him to concentrate as it cheers for its homegrown hero.
Rounding out the undercard is Chinese fighter Zhou Yunfei (4-0, 1 KOs) who will take on Mexican fighter Paul Valenzuela (3-1, 2 KOs). A professional for only 10 months, Zhou makes his Cotai Arena debut in the six-round super middleweight fight. Valenzuela has more experience than Zhou, although not by much, and will likely be looking to use all of it to win over the crowd, but with only four fights under his belt, including a loss in his last fight, this matchup seems very evenly balanced.
Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with Tecate, SECA, Kreerin Promotions, Sampson Boxing and Foreman Boys Promotions, the Zou Shiming vs. Amnat Ruenroeng world flyweight championship fight takes place Saturday, March 7, at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena. The multi-bout Showdown at Sands kicks off at 5:30 p.m., with the first fight beginning at 5:45 p.m.
For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or twitter.com/hboboxing.
NOTE: Bouts and times subject to change
Ticketing details:
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Event
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Showdown at Sands
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Date and Time
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March 7, 2015; 5:30 p.m. (first bout begins 5:45 p.m.)
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Venue
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Cotai Arena
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Ticket Prices
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MOP/ HKD 4,680 (Gold Reserve)
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MOP/ HKD 1,680 (Silver Reserve)
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MOP/ HKD 1,280 (Bronze Reserve)
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MOP/ HKD 980 (A Reserve)
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MOP/ HKD 580 (B Reserve)
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MOP/ HKD 280 (C Reserve)
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MOP/ HKD 180 (D Reserve)
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Ferry Packages
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Add HKD/MOP 108 to ticket price for a round trip Cotai Water Jet ferry ticket between Hong Kong and Macao (D Reserve excluded)
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Hotel Packages
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Available only through Cotai Ticketing via phone, starting at HKD/MOP 3,760 (plus 5% government tax and 10% service charge).
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Includes two tickets and one night’s accommodation at a choice of:
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– The Venetian Macao
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– Conrad Macao, Cotai Central
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– Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central
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– Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central
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Ticketing Outlets
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Cotai Ticketing
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– Online: www.cotaiticketing.com
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– Box offices:
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– The Venetian Macao — Cotai Arena and Main Lobby box offices
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– Four Seasons Hotel Macao — The Plaza™ Macao box office
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– Sands® Macao — Level 1 box office
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– Sands® Cotai Central — Sheraton Main Lobby and Holiday Inn Main Lobby box offices
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– Phone:
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– Macao: +853–2882–8818
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– Hong Kong: +852–6333–6660
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– China toll-free: 4001 206 618
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– Thailand toll-free: 1 800 852 2282
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Hong Kong Ticketing (customer service fee applies)
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– Online: www.HKTicketing.com
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– Phone: +852–3128–8288
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Macao Kong Seng Ticketing Network
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– Online: www.macauticket.com
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– Selected retail outlets, as listed at www.macauticket.com/TicketWeb/ServiceStations.aspx
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– Phone: +853–2855–5555
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Entertainment at Sands China Ltd. Properties
Sands China Ltd. has as a clear vision to establish Macao as Asia’s top entertainment destination.
The 15,000-seat Cotai Arena is the only venue in Asia ranked in Pollstar’s Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues based on ticket sales. It is the top entertainment destination in southern China, hosting the world’s and the region’s biggest names in music, sports and awards shows. Superstars frequently choose the venue as the starting point of their Asian tours.
The 1800-seat, multi-purpose Venetian Theatre is one of the most luxurious entertainment venues in greater China. Featuring ushers in black-tie, champagne service, gourmet food and beverage items and other unique, premium amenities, it offers an intimate, luxurious and exclusive venue experience. The Venetian Theatre is playing a key role in bringing the best in international and Chinese entertainment to Macao, with a luxury theatre experience like no other in the region.
The 650-seat Sands Theatre regularly features internationally-renowned singers, performers and artists of the highest calibre. From traditional Chinese-costumed dancers to modern performances, and from singing troupes to contemporary bands, everything from Western rock to Cantonese pop is covered.
With an unbeatable diversity, the entertainment offering of Sands China Ltd. is ushering in a new era of entertainment in Macao.
For information about upcoming shows and events, visit http://en.sandsresortsmacao.com/macau-shows.html and www.sandsmacao.com/entertainment.html.
About The Venetian® Macao
Opened in 2007, The Venetian®Macao is Macao’s first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat Cotai Arena designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; TAIVEXMALO Day Hospital & Spa; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes at Venetian. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.
For more information, please visit www.venetianmacao.com.
About Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao — Sands China’s Integrated Resort City
Sands China Ltd. is the leading developer, owner and operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The befittingly named Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao, situated on reclaimed land between the islands of Coloane and Taipa, is the one destination that provides a stunning array of experiences at the heart of Cotai. Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao has transformed a day-trip market into an integrated resort city and international hub for business and leisure travellers.
Pulsating with life, both night and day, Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao features an expansive offering of affordable luxury available nowhere else in Macao, with approximately 9,000 hotel rooms and suites, international superstar live entertainment, duty-free shopping with more than 600 retailers offering an unparalleled array of name brands, 1.5 million square feet (120,000 square metres) of meeting and exhibition space for Asia’s leading conferences and exhibitions, transportation offerings and well over 100 dining options, including Michelin-starred restaurants, bars and lounges. Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao is a must-go destination providing every guest with an unforgettable experience and unparalleled excitement.
Comprised of The Venetian®Macao; The Plaza™ Macao, featuring the Four Seasons Hotel Macao; and Sands® Cotai Central, featuring the world’s largest Conrad, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn hotels Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao is where Asia’s ultimate destination is all within reach. And coming in late 2015… the crowning achievement of Sheldon G. Adelson’s vision of the Cotai Strip… The Parisian Macao.
Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao… Be at the Centre of It All! For more information, please visit http://en.sandsresortsmacao.com.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Media):
TOP RANK
Lee Samuels: +1-702-378-1083 / Lee@toprank.com
Ricardo Jimenez: +1-909-615 -3436 / Ricardoej@aol.com
Fred Sternburg: +1-303-548-0707 / TooFred@aol.com
Ed Keenan: +1-609-399-1330 / Keenan@emcevents.com
VENETIAN MACAU LIMITED
Mabel Wu: +853-8118-2268 / mabel.wu@sands.com.mo
Josie Ho: +853-8118-2024 / josie.ho@sands.com.mo
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150303/8521501338-a
