The Event Center at the SugarHouse Casino recently offered live boxing for the first time in Philadelphia since the iconic Blue Horizon closed in June 2010. The 1,100-seat venue was sold out, featuring a 10-fight card.
The main attraction was Milton Santiago, although 2012 Irish Olympic silver medalist John Joe Nevin also brought out a crowd. He’s fought eight times as a pro since recovering from two broken legs. He easily beat Jesus Lule, who entered their six-round junior lightweight fight 8-18-1.
Nevin stated, “I found out what my conditioning was like, and this was another experience that I need. This is my eighth fight. I’ve been out. I was in a wheelchair for three months. I broke both my legs on St. Patty’s Day, 2014, and had four pounds of iron rods in my legs. I had the rods removed in January. You could still see the scars. I trust my legs now. I have to build up my conditioning. This was great. I like the atmosphere here, there’s a big Irish crowd here in Philly.”
Nevin frequently flies between Ireland and Philadelphia. His trainer is Derek “Bozy” Ennis.
Another fight is planned at Sugar House on October 28 by Will Ruiz, Manny Rivera and Hard Hitting Promotions. “We’re excited to be here and we’ll be coming back. We do have a second show and we can’t wait,” Ruiz said.
