Vincent Thompson and Jonte Willis both look to remain unbeaten at Battle of the Boat 82

FEDERAL WAY’S THOMPSON, TACOMA’S WILLIS LOOK TO STAY UNDEFEATED AT BATTLE AT THE BOAT 82

TACOMA, Wash. – Heavyweights “Vicious’ Vincent Thompson and Jonte Willis will both look to remain unbeaten when they step into the ring at Brian Halquist Production’s Battle at the Boat 82: Fight Night to the Playboy Mansion on Saturday, June 4 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

Thompson, a resident of Federal Way, has put together a perfect 7-0 professional record and has quickly become a fan favorite at the Emerald Queen Casino.

Thompson’s power was on full display during his last appearance in Tacoma on March 19 when he dominated Ryan Shay with a barrage of crushing body shots – the final coming a little more than a minute into the second round which forced referee Jeff Macaluso to call the bout.

It was Thompson’s first fight in 2011. He closed out 2010 with an impressive victory over the previously unbeaten Charles Ellis, a former 2003 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion, on Nov. 13, 2010.

Thompson also posted an impressive four-round unanimous decision over highly-regarded Villi Bloomfield last August. He made his professional debut in August, 2009 by defeating Freddie Miller.

Thompson’s opponent will be Kelsey Arnold, of Lexington, TN. Arnold (4-7-1) is coming off a loss to undefeated Andy Ruiz, Jr., a top ranking heavyweight in Mexico.

“I don’t care who they throw at me. I am the type of fighter who will step into the ring with anyone,” Thompson said. “This is just another step towards bringing a title back to Washington State.”

Thompson, however, isn’t the only undefeated heavyweight on the card as Tacoma’s Willis (7-0-1, 3 KOs) looks to continue his winning ways.

Local boxing fans will remember Willis from his stellar amateur career.

Willis, the 2006 United States Amateur Super Heavyweight Champion, won the Super Heavyweight Championship at the Tacoma Golden Gloves in 2007 – defeating Canada’s No. 2 ranked superheavyweight Brandon Lowrie – before defeating two-time United States Champion Michael Hunter at the West Regional Golden Gloves in Las Vegas and moving on to the National Golden Gloves tournament where he lost in the semi-finals to Tyler Turner.

Willis turned pro in November, 2007, knocking out Isouf Kone in the third round in his debut performance. He proceeded to win his first seven bouts – three by knockout – before drawing with David Long (10-1-1) on Jan. 15.

Willis faces hard-hitting Canadian Shane Andreesen, who sports a record of 10-3-0 with six wins coming by knockout.

In addition to professional boxing, the event will also feature a ring card girl contests and the famous Playboy Playmates, including Tacoma-native Stacy Fuson, Bridget Marquardt from TV’s The Girls Next Door and Playboy Radio’s Pilar Lastra, with the winner of the ring card girl contest will win a trip to the world famous Playboy Mansion.

First fight on the card will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35, $55 and $100 and are available at the Emerald Queen Casino box office 1-888-831-7655 and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

For more information please visit www.Halquistproductions.com.

TICKETS

Tickets are available at the Emerald Queen Casino box office 1-888-831-7655 and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Or online at www.ticketmaster.com

Ticket Prices: *$100 – $45 – $25

Get up to date information at: www.Halquistproductions.com

For more information or fighter interviews contact event coordinator Marin McCauley at (253) 486-2141

* Includes VIP Party 5:00-7:00 pm at the Bridge Night Club.

ABOUT BATTLE AT THE BOAT EVENT

What: Battle at the Boat 82

Where: Emerald Queen Casino’s I-5 Showroom

When: June 4, 2011

Time: Event starts at 7:00 P.M. Doors open at 6:00 P.M.