Promoter Plans Seven Bouts July 21 at Pond

Promoter Patrick Ortiz of Ringside Ticket Inc. has signed an agreement with The Pond to put on a boxing show Friday, July 21. The main event is tentatively scheduled to include Ortiz’s promising lightweight Shane Mosely of Pomona, pending approval by the state Athletic Commission. Six other fights are planned for the card that is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Ortiz said Mosely (17-0 with 16 knockouts) would probably face Maurico Aceves of Mexico in a 10-round bout. Aceves is a former World Boxing Organization lightweight champion. Ortiz said Fabian Tejeda (48-3) of Los Angeles is also a possibility.

“Ever since The Pond hit the Southern California sporting scene, I’ve wanted to do a show there,” Ortiz said Monday. “The Pond is a special venue.”

Ortiz’s show would be only the second boxing card to take place at The Pond. The first show, promoted by Forum Boxing, drew more than 11,000 in March. But that card featured three world title bouts and world champion Genaro Hernandez in a non-title bout. It also was on pay-per-view television.

Ortiz realizes this card, which, in addition to Mosely, could also include California middleweight champion Randy Smith (15-1, six knockouts) in another 10-rounder, is a gamble. Mosely has yet to sell out the Irvine Marriott or the Pomona Fairgrounds, both of which hold fewer than 2,000.

“I have no illusions of grandeur,” he said. “It’s a calculated risk, but I think The Pond makes it less risky. If you buy a new car, it’ll last longer. And I think The Pond will last a long time in boxing.”

In order to break even, Ortiz said he will have to draw at least 3,000 fans to cover his overhead costs. He will charge $100 for ringside seats, $75 and $50 for floor level and $30 and $20 for the second-level seats. Ortiz said he would not sell top-level seats. He is also trying to land a television contract, though he admits that is unlikely because the fights are less than a month away.

If his first card sells well, Ortiz said he is hoping to do monthly shows at The Pond, with Mosely being the featured attraction.

“I think he’s one of the best, if not the best, lightweight in the world,” Ortiz said. “I’d put him in against Oscar De La Hoya today. By having Shane fight at The Pond, it will give him the proper exposure to make other people believe that.”