Ticket Information:
Tickets are available at the American Bank Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets including FYE Music Store, Macy's in Padre Staple's Mall, select H-E-B's,* or charge by phone at (361) 881-8499.
*Select H-E-B's: 3500 Leopard
10241 S Padre Island
5313 Saratoga
11100 Leopard – Calallen
3133 S. Alameda
409 E. Kleberg - Kingsville
1115 E. Main Street - Alice
Event Details: Four-Time World Heavyweight Champion, Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield’s quest for a fifth heavyweight title continues on Saturday, March 17th when he takes on Vinny Maddalone (27-3, Flushing, NY) at the American Bank Center Arena in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The Holyfield vs Maddalone non-title featured bout will be one of seven fights on the Main Events’ promoted card which begins at 7:30 pm.
Slated to headline an exciting undercard is 2000 U.S. Olympian and #6 World ranked heavyweight, Calvin Brock (29-1, Charlotte, NC) and undefeated bantamweight prospect, Raul Martinez (17-0, San Antonio). Brock’s last fight was a loss to Wladimir Klitschko for the World Heavyweight Championship on HBO. Opponents for Brock and Martinez are to be announced, as is the remainder of the card.
When Holyfield (40-8-2) steps into the ring on March 17th, it will be the first time he has done so in Corpus Christi, Texas in almost 23 years. The fight vs Maddalone will mark Holyfield’s second ring appearance in the south Texas city. He fought his tenth professional on April 6, 1984 at the Corpus Christi Memorial Coliseum where he registered his tenth professional win, knocking out veteran Jesse Shelby in the third round. In between his first fight in Corpus Christi and his upcoming bout on March 17, all Holyfield did was become one of the all-time greatest fighters.
Just two fights after the ABC-TV, nationally televised win in Corpus Christi, Holyfield would capture his first world title when he decisioned a rugged Dwight Qawi for the WBA World Cruiserweight title. Qawi would be the first of 17 world champions Holyfield would go on to defeat during his legendary career, including – his historic bouts with Mike Tyson (2), George Foreman, Riddick Bowe (3), Lennox Lewis (2) and Larry Holmes.
For Holyfield, coming back to fight in Corpus Christi has always been in the back of his mind. “I remember my fight there very well,” reflected Holyfield. “What I remember most is all the nice people and great fight fans there. I told several folks when I left there that I would be back, but I didn’t expect it to be almost 23 years. But here I am, ready to give the fans another great show and hopefully, two fights later win another world title like before.”
Holyfield recently came off a two year layoff to score two impressive victories. On August 18th, he scored an impressive 2nd round knockout over hard punching Jeremy Bates in Dallas. In his last bout on November 10 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Holyfield decisioned world heavyweight contender, Frez Oquindo.
According to his new promoter (Main Events owner), Kathy Duva, Holyfield has once again worked his way back into heavyweight picture. “No question, Evander has proved that he still belongs in the ring with the best heavyweights in the world,” says Duva, who’s company is ironically back in the saddle with Holyfield after having promoted all of his fights through 1996, including the one in Corpus Christi.
“Assuming Evander takes care of business (wins) in Corpus Christi, he will then be in a position to challenge for the world heavyweight title. Everyone knows that Evander’s goal is to become the only five-time world heavyweight champion and we feel he has a legitimate shot a accomplishing this.”
“So once again, the fans there in Corpus Christi will have an opportunity to see a legend on his way to yet another world title. “
American Bank Center is the premier event center for the City of Corpus Christi. Our mission is to provide our patrons with unprecedented guest experiences by bringing high-quality entertainment to the Coastal Bend.
