Boxing News: David Santos Final Fight on Showtime August 6

TAMPA, FL (June 27, 2005) – Three-time world title contender and the pride of St. Petersburg, FL, “Diamond” David Santos, has announced that his fight on the Jeff Lacy – Robin Reid IBF/IBO super middleweight championship card will be his last.

Lacy, the first member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team to win a world title, will make his professional home debut in a mandatory title defense against former WBC super middleweight champion and reigning IBO super middleweight champion Reid, from Runcorn, England, the IBF’s top-rated contender. Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC in association with One Punch Productions, Lacy-Reid will take place Saturday, August 6, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL. Showtime will televise it live beginning at 9 P.M. EDT / 9 P.M. PDT (delayed on the west coast).

Santos, 45-6 (29 KOs), began his professional career almost 14 years ago by knocking out Cornell Harris in the first round at Robarts Arena in Sarasota, FL, September 7, 1991. Santos’ fight resume shines like the ring name “Diamond” he carries. A winning percentage exceeding 88% with over 64% of those wins coming by way of knockout, Santos has earned NABF and USBA featherweight and NABF super featherweight and USBA jr. lightweight titles. Three times Santos challenged for a world title in the 130-pound division, holding his own in decision losses to world champions  Joel Casamayor, Carlos “El Famoso” Hernandez and Steve Forbes. Santos is currently enjoying a three-bout winning streak and has won eight of his last 10 bouts, with the two losses coming in world title fights to Forbes and Hernandez.

“I am honored that David chose this event to end his career as a fighter,” said Lacy.  “David’s has thrilled his hometown fans, me included, with years of great fights in the Bay area. I know he will shine brightly one last time on August 6 and I know the fans will pack the St. Pete Times Forum to show him how much he has meant to them. It will be a great night.”

Tickets for this event are on sale at the McDonald’s Box Office at the St. Pete Times Forum and all Ticketmaster outlets. To order tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 813.287.8844 or 727.898.2100. For more information please call 813.301.2500 or visit www.stpetetimesforum.com. Remaining tickets are priced at $500, $300, $250, $125, $100, $50 and $35. Prices do not include service charges or facility fees. VIP Packages are available by calling 800.255.5070. For dinner reservations at Medallions Restaurant on the night of the event please call 813.301.6926. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit MacDill Air Force Base charities.