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World Boxing League takes first step tonight

The new circuit's only two members, Tampa Bay and Atlanta, meet.

By ROGER MILLS

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 25, 2001

They say they believe it will work, that it will take the sport out of the basement of public opinion.

It is the World Boxing League's inaugural team showcase and Round 1 is set to go off at 7 tonight at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg.

Lightweight Diamond David Santos, welterweight Ali Terra and middleweight Tony Brooks lead a contingent of six bay area fighters in a six-bout card against Atlanta-based fighters.

Tickets cost $50, $40 and $25.

The team concept is the combined effort of WBL president Phil Penston and former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield.

The goal is for the WBL to carve out its niche, much like the Arena Football League did 13 years ago.

"The whole thing is that people are franchised and teamed with their city and it's a grass-roots type of thing," said Holyfield, one of the key financial backers. "Once a fighter losses one time people think you're no good anymore. Everyone else has season after season to make amends, except boxers. Well, in a team situation you'll have a chance at redemption.

"In this league, you'll have teams and the teams will have points and they get to recruit from the amateur ranks, just like the pro sports recruit from the farm systems. It will give a lot of amateurs a chance to come out of the amateur ranks and build up some experience before getting hurt."

These are the basics of the WBL, which has only two teams: Each boxer will fight five rounds against a similar weight-class opponent, and points will be collected for wins, technical knockouts and knockouts. Over time, the points will be tallied and the leaders will have a chance to fight each other in a possible pay-per-view championship, Holyfield said.

"You're selling a team concept and you've got so many boxers who have fallen through the holes; they have never had a chance to fight on TV," said Holyfield, scheduled to attend tonight. "There are thousands and thousands of fighters. Because they have a few losses doesn't mean that they are not good fighters."

Penston, the founder of the league, said the WBL will bring a breath of fresh air into the boxing fraternity.

"Our intent is to build a stable of fighters where they can get regular work and get themselves recognized," Penston said.

One of the keys to the league is the five-round bout, considered relatively short for the professional ranks. The shortened bout, Penston said, will give each fight heightened intensity.

"People fall asleep from a boring fight," Penston said. "What we want to do is get guys to get up and bring it from the opening bell."

Tonight's card

130: David Santos vs. Steve Trumbel

140: Ali Terra vs. Martin Cornejo

160: Tony Brooks vs. Damian Turner

200: Mike Middleton vs. Tony Foster

165: Glenn LaPlante vs. Russell Pirdle

122: Gabriel Krizan vs. Jhanek Thapalia

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