BOXING AT THE ORLEANS

BY GARY TURNER jmastalir@yahoo.com

'FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS' @ The Orleans Hotel and Casino presented by
Platinum Entertainment (Thell Torrence-President) in Association With
Roy Jones Jr. Boxing (Keith Veltre-CEO) and The Orleans Hotel @ Casino
had a great opening night of boxing, the first of six under contract,
with next boxing card in January.  Great to see this 3-way partnership
work to perfection.  1)  All 5 matches were competitive thanks to
matchmaker Guy Taylor.  Boxers should get extra purse money because of
all 10 boxer's efforts.  2)  No dead time with matches in between each
with a short intermission before main event,  3)  Crowds should get
better with future nights with advertising after this half full crowd. 
4)  Lisa Veltre, VP of Roy Jones, was a perfect media contact person
providing credentials and a table in first row ahead of fans with great
view of the action. Photographers ahead of us @ ringside SAT IN CHAIRS. 
5) The Mardi Gra room @ Orleans a great venue for boxing and staff
always friendly.  6)  All fighters but one had records and all tried to
win.  Never saw a fight stopped like third one by referee Jay Nady when
boxer Charvis Holifield dislodged his mouthpiece 3 times.  7) Main event
was rubber Match with ladies Melissa Hernandez and Layla McCarter going
eight 2 minute rounds and scored 80-72 twice and 79-73 once with Layla
winning @ age 35.  This event this night was run beautifully and I want
attend all future bouts held @ the Orleans.  I recommend boxing here to
the world.  Ticket prices start @ $25.

LVEN REPORTER FRANK ARNOLD CONTRIBUTED TO THIS STORY