COLUMBIA S.C. – Any lingering doubts as to the credibility of Platinum Boxing Promotion’s commitment as a serious boxing entity dissipated as soon as veteran referee Steve “SS” Smoger walked into the Exhibit Room at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

His presence at Friday’s press conference and the inclusion of fellow referees Bill Clancy and Mark Campbell to oversee the action during Saturday’s fight card said it all – the organization is determined to provide its paying patrons with the very best in boxing entertainment.

It also means that South Carolina boxing fans finally have someone in their corner.

“This is a historic event for us as it’s our first event, and our first here in Columbia and at the (Metropolitan) Center,” Platinum Boxing promoter D. “Lex” Alexis. “We’re happy to be here and we want to make sure that we give the fans what they came here to see.”

Matchmaker Jim Kelley emphasized that point by saying that the fans were top priority.

“We’re here to entertain, that’s what we’re here for,” he said before warning the fighters (which have come to the Palmetto State from all corners of the world including Egypt and South Korea) against taunting or bad sportsmanship. “I don’t go for taunting and all that. If you say you have it then show me you have what it takes. Show me you’re worth it.”

Nine bouts are scheduled for the card, which is being billed as “Clash In The Carolinas.” Weigh-ins start at 5 p.m.

Prices are $25, $35 and $50.

Fighters scheduled to take part in the card include former WBC Super Middleweight Champion Marcos “The Terminator” Primera (20-18-2), lightweight Ibn Shakir (0-2), South Korea’s Jae-Sung Lee (9-2), local fighter Antonio “The Sandman” Sadler in his professional debut and female fighter and South Carolina native Lisa Bolin.

One notable name missing from Saturday’s lineup is that of South Carolina heavyweight Moultrie Witherspoon (14-2), who fell victim to 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada (TKO 7) in his last bout.

Witherspoon was forced to withdraw from the card with lingering shoulder and neck pain which required pain-killing injections. His disappointment at not being able to be on the show was evident, but the day did bring some good news.

Smoger told Witherspoon he was contacted by an “unknown caller” who asked him to take a look at Witherspoon for a possible future matchup with fellow heavyweight Chazz Witherspoon. The statement seemed to lighten the big man’s mood considerably.

“That sounds good to me,” he said.

Antonio “The Sandman” Sadler – who takes his nickname from the old time song of the same name (he’ll sprinkle sand on you and put you to sleep) – can’t wait to get in the ring.

The 154-pound middleweight took the time on Friday to walk into the convention center’s main room and watch as handlers began to put the ring together in preparation for Saturday’s show.

“Man, I’m just ready to get in there and do what I need to do and give everyone a good show,” he said. “I’m just going to get in there and do what I have to do.”

Saturday’s bouts will start at 7 p.m.

Platinum Boxing Promotions also has an eye on the future, as a second fight card is scheduled for the Greenville area on Saturday, November 7th.

For now though, Kelley and PBP are looking to get off the ground with a solid first show.

“I believe in boxing and I believe that it really is the sweet science,” he said. “I like to see two men stand up and fight. We need to clean up the image of boxing and we can do it.”

For more information, visit www.platinumboxingpromotions.com or call 803-695-1101.

CUTLINES

Columbia’s own Antonio “The Sandman” Sadler will be making his professional debut on Saturday’s fight card at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Veteran boxing referee Steve “SS” Smoger responds to a question during Friday’s press conference for Platinum Boxing Promotion’s Saturday fight card at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Mr. Smoger is expected to handle a pair of Saturday’s bouts.