January 10, 2000
Bruno on Boxing
By Joe Bruno--Former Vice President of the Boxing Writers Association and the
International Boxing Writers Association
Former Barnum & Bailey Circus Arena Turns to Boxing
The Venice Arena, the former home of the Barnum and Bailey Circus on the
Suncoast of Florida, will showcase the first of five scheduled Sunday night
boxing shows on January 23rd. The fight card, promoted by American Presents
and televised by Fox Sports Network, headlines unbeaten heavyweight Lawrence
Clay-Bey (10-0 8 KO's) against Terrence Lewis (25-5 18 KO's). Co featured are
welterweights Emeliano Valdez (10-2-1 6 KO's) versus Carlos Martinez ( 12-2 3
KO's).
Erin Shearer, President of the Venice Arena, told the CBZ, "This national
TV deal puts Venice Arena on top of the Boxing World. We've already heard
from Sugar Ray Leonard and Christy Martin, who want to bring their fighters
here to fight."
Louis DeCubas, who did a site inspection for Fox Sports Network, said of
the Venice Arena, "This is the best pure boxing venue in America. I guarantee
the Venice Arena a minimum of five televised fights here. A minimum of five,
and possibly more."
The Venice Arena, located at 1401 South Ringling Drive, Venice, Florida,
seats 5200 people, and is also used for Championship Wrestling, Concerts and
Roller Hockey. For ticket information, call 941-480-1300.
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