07.04.06 – By MICHAEL MARLEY: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.–Take it from the president. The first-ever boxing promotion partnership between Sycuan Ringside Promotions (owned and operated by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation) and Warriors Boxing (Seminole Tribe of Florida) is getting rave reviews at the ongoing annual National Indian Gaming Association convention here..
“This May 18 world lightweight title bout on pay-per-view TV is giving me goose bumps already,” NIGA President and ex-heavyweight boxer Ernie Stevens, Jr., said at a news conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel to announce “Tribal Pride,” the International Boxing Federation interim lightweight championship bout between former IBF lightweight champ Julio Diaz and No. 1 contender Ricky Quiles.
“This is exciting because it is winner-take-all. This is a special event because by Sycuan and the Seminoles working together like this, everybody in Indian Country wins. They call this event ‘Tribal Pride’ for good reason. In this case, ‘Tribal Pride’ goes a long way.”
President Stevens, who shared the dais with Julio “Kidd” Diaz, Sycuan Ringside Promotions’ former IBF champ; Warriors’ Ricky “Showtime” Quiles; and leaders of both tribes, harkened back to his amateur boxing days in Wisconsin.
“I think Sycuan and the Seminoles will develop and make many world champions. I remember when we used to fight wearing socks for gloves and all you would win is a medal or a cheap shirt. This world championship professional boxing show (May 18 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.) is just another sign that Indian Country has come a long way.”
Sycuan Tribal Chairman Dan Tucker joked about Stevens sitting on the Seminole side of the dais.
“How come you’re sitting over there instead of over here with the good guys?” Tucker said.
“It’s really neat to be here and doing this world title bout which matches East Coast against West Coast. It really is ‘Tribal Pride.’ Boxing has been dominated by (Don) King and (Bob) Arum, but now many fighters are getting great opportunities. Now we have tribal promoters who are doing it and who are showing that boxing can be promoted the right way, the honest way. This is just another way for us to diversify in the entertainment business.”
Sycuan Ringside Promotions President Glenn Quiroga echoed Tucker’s comments.
“So much work went into making this great title fight,” Quiroga said. “It is great to see Sycuan and the Seminoles working together and it will be a great boxing show. If you can’t be there in person, you should catch it on pay-per-view television.”
Max Osceola Jr, spoke on behalf of the Seminoles.
“This is historic. This is a first in America. And we want to do this on a regular basis, this East Coast versus West Coast rivalry. It’s great for everybody. Maybe for the next show we can go out to Sycuan. Come to the show on May 18 and you will see ‘Red Power.’ “
Quiles is getting a title shot after 17 years as a pro, but a confident Diaz said he will win the battle for the interim IBF 135-pound title.
“I understand his words and I respect him, but Ricky has never fought anybody like me,” Diaz said. “I am sure we both appreciate the hard work by the tribes and this great opportunity. But I know my one loss was to a great champion (Jose Luis Castillo) and that loss has made me a better fighter. I will win this fight.”
Quiles begged to disagree and also spoke with confidence.
“I will win,” Quiles said. “I have great respect for Diaz but I can tell you there is no way I will lose this fight. Trust me.”
One thing you can trust is that “Tribal Pride” is on a roll and gaining momentum.