SAT 5/7
Boxers are pretty much the hip-hop stars of the sporting world. In fact, in a lot of ways, it's hard to differentiate between the two. Both have huge entourages, flashy outfits, and colorful lifestyles -- hell, LL Cool J rapped about being a boxer while boxer Roy Williams Jr. made a rap album. So combining the two seems almost too obvious. That's why it should come as no surprise that the program for Black and Blue Boxing, taking place Saturday at the Palm Beach Convention Center (550 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach), reads more like one for a hip-hop concert than a boxing event.
According to promoter Tim Walker, he's currently in discussions with "International Superstar" Wyclef Jean for a performance and with comedian Benji Brown to host the event. Other entertainment includes melodic metal band Injury Clinic, up-and-coming rappers Suave Smooth and O'Low Da Dizasta, and international compas star Sweet Micky. And during intermissions and breaks, DJ Suicide of 99 Jamz will entertain the crowd. Oh yeah, and there might also be some boxing too. Doors for the "show" open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20 to $55. Call 561-357-3443. -- Paul A. Leone
Cool Cats
Two hulls are better than one
SAT 5/7
The speed junkies who race in the 12-leg, 1,000-mile Atlantic 1000 wear wet suits, not bikinis, because, as one alumnus wrote in his log, "Sometimes the waves wash my feet off the boat and I am upside down with my head dragging in the water." That's what happens when a two-person team squeezes onto an itty-bitty catamaran (18 to 20 feet) and hauls ass from sunny Hollywood Beach to "the Graveyard of the Atlantic" (Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, where more than 2,300 ships have sunk). Before taunting the Grim Reaper, though, these kids want to party. Hobnob with the sailors during a welcome party Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ramada Inn Hollywood Beach Resort (101 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood). The race begins around noon on Sunday from the beachfront by the hotel. Call 954-921-3404, or visit www.atlantic1000.com. -- Deirdra Funcheon
Fish Hot Off the Bat
Marlins begin to heat up as season matures
FRI 5/6
So far, so good for the Florida Marlins during this young 2005 campaign. The season's just about a month in, and the Fish are at the top of the NL East standings. Newcomer Carlos Delgado (pictured) is hitting; the young arms of Beckett, Burnett, and Willis are dealing; and crafty skip Jack McKeon is pushing all the right buttons. This is good news for Marlins fans, and the throngs have a bunch of opportunities to come out and see the team, as it returns for a six-game home stand versus the Rockies and Astros beginning Friday night at Dolphins Stadium (2269 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami). Call 305-626-7492 for game times and ticket information. -- Russ Evans
Go Clubbing
SAT 5/7
As far as these things go, the City of Coconut Creek's 10th Annual Golf Tournament is a bargain-hunter's dream. Eighty-five beans gets you a tee time, breakfast, lunch, prizes, and a golf shirt. Start whacking balls at 7:30 a.m. at Palm Aire Country Club's Cypress Course (2600 N. Palm Aire Dr., Pompano Beach). Call 954-973-6780, or visit www.creekgov.net. -- Deirdra Funcheon
