Really Old School

A pair of aging boxers tries to regain former greatness

A A A Comments (0) Thursday, Aug 21 2003

SAT 8/23

Ray Mercer: an oldie but a goodie

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Ray Mercer headlines the seven-bout fight card on tap at the Seminole Casino (5550 NW 40th St., Coconut Creek) sponsored by Warrior's Boxing. Mercer (30-5-1, 22 KO), former WBO heavyweight champion, takes on Mario Cawley (22-9-0, 16 KO) in the ten-round main event.

Mercer's been out of the ring for more than a year following a six-round TKO loss to Wladimir Klitschko. Some might wonder what the 42-year-old has left, whether the years of pounding have rendered his tank empty. Mercer has no doubts. Asked what his motives are in the comeback, he answers pointedly: "My goal is to get another title shot. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think it was possible." His plan to achieve this has been worked out: get four or five fights under his belt within the next year, then set his sights on a big name, whether that be Lennox Lewis, Roy Jones, or even Mike Tyson.

Former heavyweight champion Michael Moorer (44-3-1, 34 KO) also steps into the ring, taking on Rogerio Lobo (27-7-0, 21 KO). Earlier in the evening, Tito Mendoza (28-4-0, 21 KO), ranked eighth worldwide, goes against Tyler Hughes (20-16-1, 6 KO) in a supermiddleweight contest.

Tickets range from $30 to $150. The first fight is at 6:30 p.m. Call 877-50-FIGHT. -- Russ EvansSAT 8/23Service!

Beach 'ball competitors step up to the net

Does anything scream summertime more than beer and volleyball while frolicking on the sandy beaches of South Florida? The Bud Light Beach Volleyball Seriescomes to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday and Sunday. This is the last of ten stops leading up to the national championships to be held in September in Miami.

Divisions include open, amateur, and beginner, for both men and women. Saturday's competition consists strictly of same-sex teams, with Sunday reserved for co-ed play. The courts are located on the south end of the public beach, directly across from the Yankee Clipper Hotel. Athlete check-in for both days begins at 7:15 a.m., with the first matches starting at 9 a.m. Finals matches kick off around 5 p.m. Call 888-ESM-SPORTS for more information or to register a team. -- Russ Evans