Maximus! Maximus!

Gone are the days when tens of thousands of people would gather in a local arena to watch armed men fight to the death (or become a play toy for a hungry lion). Thanks to a newfound respect for human life, our bloodlust must be satiated in entirely different ways. Traveling to a foreign country to see a public execution is exorbitantly expensive (not to mention entirely creepy), so let’s focus on things to do here in South Florida. We could sit down and watch a mixed martial arts match, which can be entertaining -- but that, more often than not, turns into a glorified wrestling match with more grab-ass than a cheesecake flick. What a boring way to end a fight. For good old fashioned fisticuffs, purists can still turn to the sweet science of boxing. ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights will be in attendance when two super middleweight stars co-headline at Hard Rock Live Hollywood (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood): Edison ‘Pantera” Miranda battles The Contender’s David Banks and Jean Pascal takes on Omar ‘Pitbull’ Pittman in what is sure to be a world class night of professional pugilism. Tickets start at $25. Call 954-835-8000, or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Fri., Jan. 11, 2008