Fight Coliseum set for inaugural bouts

Eddie "Flash" Newman has found boxing promotion in Utah can be a hit-and-miss proposition.

A former pro kickboxer, Newman has organized several fight cards over the past couple years, leasing downtown venues such as the Utah State Fairgrounds and the Centro Civico Mexicano. But scheduling fight cards on prime dates sometimes proved tricky.

Plus, Newman was anxious to enjoy more control over concessions and parking revenues that help support such events.

So instead of remaining a venue lessee, Newman has become a venue owner.

Newman's newly opened Fight Coliseum (750 W. 800 South) will host its maiden boxing cards Friday and Saturday. Both evenings' bouts will include several Utah fighters hoping to boost their developing records.

Friday's event is expected to include 12 contests featuring amateur boxers from various parts of the state. The fights start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Five professional boxing matches and a pair of kickboxing bouts are slated for the Saturday card. The first contest begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Several Salt Lake- area pros will be featured, including promising featherweight Cesar Olmedo, undefeated light heavyweight James Sundin, welterweight Andrew Poulus and middleweight Steve Valdez. Lightweight Jesus Moldonado of Salt Lake City will be making his professional debut Saturday.

Newman expects the Fight Coliseum to stage frequent pro boxing cards, allowing young local fighters to build a fan base and develop their records at home. "We're going to host fights once a month," he said.

Once used as a storage facility and motorcycle shop, the 13,000- square-foot Fight Coliseum can seat some 800 spectators with room for corporate tables. Newman says he's banking on the industrial area's growing number of fight fans to support the monthly boxing events.

When not being used as a boxing venue, the Fight Coliseum operates as a training center for martial artists, boxers and kickboxers and includes space for aerobics, dance and a study hall for students.

E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com

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