FRI 4/22
Few sports can match the savage brutality and enthralling artistry of boxing. Two men enter the ring, but only one can leave victorious. And you probably thought it was just a couple of dudes kicking the crap out of each other. Fight fans looking to quench their bloodlust can check out "Hard Knocks at the Hard Rock" this Friday, April 22, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood.) The main event features rising-star Juan Urango as he defends his WBC Latin American championship against veteran slugger Francisco Campos. Other fights on the card include Syd "The Jewel" Vanderpool squaring off against Alejandro Berrio, Elieser Castillo taking on Otis Tisdale, and Kili Scott Madrid against Maximo Cuevas. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with local product Ed Paredes fighting first at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30 to $100. Call 954-327-7625, or visit www.warriorsboxing.com. My prediction? Pain. -- Paul A. Leone
Seeing Red
Junior hits town
FRI 4/22
The Marlins get their first and only visit from the Cincinnati Reds this weekend, as Austin Kearns, Sean Casey, Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr., and the boys head south for a three-game set starting Friday at Dolphins Stadium (2267 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami). Once upon a time, Griffey's name would be sufficient to headline any sporting event on its own, but that was four years and countless injuries ago. The onetime sure-fire Hall of Famer, who was the fastest to hit 100, 200, and 300 home runs in baseball history, would be remembered as borderline at best if his career were to end today. But it won't, thankfully, which means you've got three chances to see Junior take on Grandpa Jack's boys in person. First pitch Friday is at 7:35 p.m. Saturday and Sunday's matinee affairs both start at 1:05 p.m. For ticket information, call 305-626-7400. -- Russ Evans
Men in Teal
THU 4/21
Ah, the smell of freshly cut grass. The sight of a person in a hot-dog suit racing a person in a pretzel suit. These are just some of the beauties of minor-league baseball. Spring training is over, but you can still go to the luscious field at Roger Dean Stadium (4751 Main St., Jupiter), pile some sauerkraut on a Dean Dog, and listen to the bats crack. Thursday through Saturday, the Jupiter Hammerheads (that's the Marlins' farm team) take on the Brevard County Manatees (that's the Milwaukee Brewers' farm team). Sorry to disappoint, but the 'Heads are in the Florida State League, so they won't face the Batavia Muckdogs or the Winston-Salem Warthogs in the regular season. Tickets cost $6 to $8. Call 561-775-1818, or visit www.jupiterhammerheads.com. -- Deirdra Funcheon