Fight Night in Key West Offers Hard-Hitting Action and Memories of the Hemingway Era on Jan 18
January 14th, 2008
Key West, Florida Keys - The Key West boxing tradition that dates back to Ernest Hemingway’s residence is to return to the island city in a series of bouts set for Friday, Jan. 18, overlooking Key West Harbor at Mallory Square.
Dubbed “Fight Night in the Keys,” the seven-bout evening card is to feature a title fight and is slated for a live broadcast on ESPN 2’s “Friday Night Fights.”
In 1930s Key West, when he wasn’t writing, fishing or indulging at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, Ernest Hemingway often officiated boxing matches outside a small bordello near his Spanish colonial home on Whitehead Street.
“There is a very rich history of boxing in Key West,” said Si Stern, an island city resident who manages several boxers. “When Hemingway lived here, there were a number of championship fights.”
Scheduled marquee events Jan. 18 include Randall Bailey, a former two-time junior welterweight world champion, against Anthony Mora for the WBC Latin American Belt; and Tarvis Simms versus a contender to be announced.
“We’ve enjoyed boxing since I was a youth in the ’70s,” Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson said. “This is a great event.”
The venue at Mallory Square is to open at 6 p.m. ET and the first bout is slated to begin at 7 p.m. ESPN is to begin its live broadcast at 8 p.m. ET.
General admission tickets begin at $35 per person and cap at $165 per person for VIP seating that also includes parties and a prefight reception with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
“Where else in America can you have an outdoor boxing ring in January?” Stern said.
To purchase tickets online, visit www.keystix.com.
For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539), or visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
