LICONA-FAVELA TO HEAT UP MARCH'S "BATTLE IN THE BALLROOM"

As the longest running boxing series in the United States, the Irvine Marriott's "Battle in the Ballroom" shows have thrilled fight fans for 20 years. On Thursday, March 18, Golden Boy Promotions presents a five-bout card that will feature some of the sport's future stars, as well as a battle between two vets looking to move up the ranks in the crowded featherweight division.

Headlining the show will be Westminster, California's Marcos Licona (20-4-1,
7 KOs), who will tackle rugged Cristian "Filoso" Favela (9-4-3, 6 KOs) in the ten round main event.

Licona, who has battled the best in the business over the course of his career, is all-action from bell to bell, and a crowd favorite wherever he steps into the ring. In Favela, he is facing an upset-minded warrior who is fresh off a victory over former world champion Willie Jorrin last November.
This one has the makings of a classic.

In a six round junior lightweight co-feature, two highly regarded prospects, 5-0 Edgar Vargas of Santa Ana and 5-1 Juan Herrera of Orosi, will put their stellar records on the line in a evenly matched war of wills that will go a long way in determining California bragging rights.

Other high-octane bouts on card include a four round welterweight contest between Santiago Perez (3-0) and Ernesto Anzar (2-1), a junior lightweight four rounder featuring Mario Juarez (1-0) against Hector Rivera (0-2), and a battle of debuting featherweights as Thomas Bernal faces Richard Arduenta.

And just remember, as with any "Battle in the Ballroom" show, you never know when you might be seeing a future world champion in action.