James Toney vs. Damon Reed on 2/24

On Thursday, February 24, at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in San Bernardino, California, The Empire Sports and Entertainment will proudly present the next installment of their “Fight Night in America” series, this time featuring the return to boxing of all-time-great champion James “Lights Out” Toney (72-6-3, 44 KOs).

The former middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion will be defending his International Boxing Association (IBA) Heavyweight Championship against Topeka, Kansas, veteran “Dangerous” Damon Reed (45-14, 32 KOs) in the Fox Sports televised 12-round main event.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino and to be able to bring the fans in attendance, as well as the national television audience, the return of such a great champion in James Toney,” said The Empire Sports and Entertainment President, Greg Cohen.

Considered a defensive wizard and a throwback to boxing’s glory days, Toney was last seen in a boxing ring in September 2009 when he stopped Matthew Greer in two rounds. Toney won the IBA Heavyweight Championship in December 2008 with a split decision over perennial top contender Fres Oquendo.

According to Cohen, Toney is the perfect fighter to headline their first show at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino. “Not only is his fighting style like watching a daredevil walk a tightrope, but outside the ring he’s such a colorful personality. There is never a dull moment with James and he is an amazing talent, beloved by fans all over the world.”

Tickets for Fight Night in America are available at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino box office, www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. They are priced between $40 and $70. The San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino Box Office is located on the main casino level, inside the gift shop. For more information, call the box office at 1-800-359-2464 ext: 2832 or visit www.sanmanuel.com.

The official weigh-in is open to the public (21 and older) and will be held on Wednesday evening, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Tukut Lounge. There is no parking fee for general parking, valet parking available for $3.00. Handicap parking is also available.

A yearlong national television series that showcases and chronicles the best of the new breed of boxing talent from around the world, Fight Night in America delivers this most classic of sports action to the demands of a sophisticated and avid 21st century audience. For more information, visit www.theempirese.com.

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