ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Dodge Arena to host Fourth of July boxing event

HIDALGO — The Dodge Arena will provide some fireworks of its own as Golden Boy promotions, in association with Cavazos Boxing, presents "Fireworks in the Ring" Friday as part of Telefutura's Solo Boxeo Tecate boxing series.

"What a better way to spend the fourth of July than at the Dodge Arena with some great boxing by one of the biggest promoters in the world," said Anthony Cavazos, president of Cavazos Boxing. "While most people will be popping fireworks outside, we will provide fireworks in the ring with some of the best boxers around."

The main event will feature the NABF middleweight champion Enrique Ornelas (27-4, 17 KO's) of Mexico as he will face Daryl Salmon (16-2, 4 KO's) of Alabama in a 10 round middleweight fight.

"I am pumped up and ready to go," said Ornelas. "I am excited to be fighting in the Valley and will definitely put on a good show for the fans."

Scotland's Craig McEwan (10-0, 6 KO's) will appear in the co-main event as he will put his undefeated record on the line against Mexico's Juan Sanchez in an eight round middleweight fight.

The undercard features Weslaco's Eric Molina, who is coming off a devastating first round knockout victory two weeks ago. Molina, who improved to 6-1 with 6 KO's, will face Douglas Robertson of Longview in a four round heavyweight bout.

Also appearing on the under card is Weslaco's Manuel Lopez as he will face his archrival Gabriel Rangel of Mexico. Pharr native Juan Lucio will face Raul Almeida in a four round junior lightweight bout and Casey Ramos of Austin will face Mexico's Saul Gutierrez in the opening bout of the evening.

Two more Golden Boy prospects will also appear on the card besides Ornelas and McEwan. Houston's Hylon Williams will face Ruben Calderon of Missouri in the second swing bout of the evening and Daniel Jacobs of New York will face Julio Perez of Mexico in the premiere swing bout of the evening.

"We expect a big crowd to come out and watch a great night of boxing," said Roberto Diaz, matchmaker and spokesperson for Golden Boy promotions. "It is no secret that boxing has a big following in Texas and the support of the fans the last time we were here was phenomenal. So, we decided to bring boxing back down here on the fourth and give the fans of the valley, as well as Mexico, a great show."

Tickets can be purchased at the Dodge Arena box office or online at www.ticketmaster.com.