Amateur boxers to duke it out at `Desert Showdown’

Starting tomorrow, amateur boxers from around the UnitedStates and the world will duke it out at the “Desert Showdown” at the FantasySprings Resort Casino in Indio.

More than 1,000 boxers will compete in the 12th Annual Desert ShowdownWorld Amateur Boxing Championships Tuesday through Saturday.

Weigh-ins start at 7 a.m. and boxing begins at 1 p.m. daily, FantasySprings spokeswoman Anndee Laskoe said.

Kansas-based tournament sponsor Title Boxing will bring its new tractor-trailer outfitted with boxing equipment and a mini boxing ring.

The Desert Showdown will have four rings, with 160 fights a day, Thesingle-elimination tournament is open to men, women, boys and girls from 8years old through the Master Division, which is 35 to 65 years old, Laskoesaid. Winners get a belt.

Tickets are $5 for children under 10 and $10 for adults. For tickets,call (800) 827-2946 or go to www.fantasyspringsresort.com.