Billups to Fight in Irvine Tonight

San Diego heavyweight Levi Billups, who went 10 rounds with former world champion Lennox Lewis three years ago, will fight in tonight’s co-main event at the Irvine Marriott.

Billups (20-10 with 11 knockouts) will face Obed Sullivan of Phoenix, who is 7-1-1 after a knockout victory over Jimmy Mullins in his last fight. In 1991, Billups defeated James (Bonecrusher) Smith and last December he lost to Jeremy Williams of Long Beach, a top-10 heavyweight.

Billups’ last fight at the Marriott was a knockout over Mike White in 1990 for the state title.

In the other main event, state bantamweight champion Joe Manzano (10-2) of Torrance will fight Oscar Saenz (6-1, five knockouts) of Los Angeles in an eight-round bout. Huntington Beach bantamweight John Vasquez (3-2-1) is featured in the undercard against Sergio Perez of El Monte, who is making his pro debut in a four-round fight. The undercard starts at 7:30.