Shadow Boxing

Boxing remains a mere shadow of its former self — looking as though the sweet science could use a few more lab credits, perhaps — so the rise of mixed martial arts to a respectable athletic art form has been a real boon for men and women who still yearn to solve physical challenges after getting clobbered in the solar plexus. Why the success of MMA? Could be that it incorporates enough varied styles to attract a greater range of fighters — or does it conform to the street-fighting adage that crazy beats big? MMA fighters have also usurped boxing’s hardscrabble story lines. Look no further than Carlos Garcia, one of almost two dozen fighters with scheduled matches at Warriors Collide 5. He’ll fight Kyle Fanelli for the International Sport Kickboxing Association welterweight belt in the main event; at the last Warriors Collide, the native Nicaraguan said he beat previously undefeated Aca Tempow for his countrymen “who are poor and have dreams,” and for a fellow boxer shot to death in Miami. Package and exploit that, Don King!

Once the fighters re-center their noses, look for them at the after-party at All Stars Sports Bar and Grill (2440 State Rd. 84, Fort Lauderdale), where there will be, in the auspicious words of organizers, “UFC on every TV.” The convivial carnage begins Saturday at 7 p.m. at War Memorial Auditorium (800 NE 8th St., Fort Lauderdale). Tickets will set you back $20 to $75. Call 954-523-3309, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For further info, contact Left Hook Productions at 954-235-2952.
Sat., May 24, 2008