Picking Fights

Boxing is such a hot ticket that fans have to pay real money to watch it -- on television. Pugilism is one sport that takes on new dimensions in the live setting: The pop of the gloves hitting bone, the slap sound of leather on skin, the sweat -- and other body fluids -- flying, the grunts, groans, and moans have special power when you’re actually sitting in the arena. Here’s a rare live and local chance to see a topnotch card of championship boxing, which includes Miami native Stacey “Stay Lo” Reile taking on Yessenia de Jesus in a four round featherweight bout. Two of the matches qualify as main events: Miguel Hernandez versus Ryan Lee Davis in a ten rounder for the WBC United States Middleweight Championship, and Danny “The Bronx Bomber” Santiago (pictured) battling Rayco “War” Saunders in an eight round light heavyweight mill. Several other fights are scheduled -- a full night of pugilism in your face -- beginning at 8:00 at the 7000 seat BankUnited Center at the University of Miami. Tickets cost $25, $50, $75, and $125 plus service charges. Call 305-284-8686, or visit www.bankunitedcenter.com. You can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster by calling 305-358-5885 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.
Fri., Feb. 10, 8 p.m.