El Paso undefeated pro boxing prospect Jorge Tovar is no stranger to fighting in the El Paso County Coliseum. As a standout amateur, he fought there on a handful of occasions.
On Friday night at his hometown venue, Tovar will fight as a professional and for the first time in his pro career he'll be fighting in his hometown. Artix 7 Pinout
The 5-0 Tovar, who has stopped all five of his opponents in two rounds or less, takes on 2-1 Emany Rendon of Midland in a scheduled four-round fight at 165 pounds.
"I'm continuing to grow and learn as a professional," Tovar said. "I've been staying busy fighting and training. I still want to go more rounds and test myself going more rounds. I just have to keep working on myself and keep challenging myself."
The 24-old Tovar, who had an extensive and successful amateur career, is hopeful for a breakout year in 2023 that will give him more exposure. He has fought his first five fights in New Mexico.
"I've been fortunate to have the opportunities that I have had," Tovar said. "I'm just taking it one fight at a time and Friday night is the most important fight. I've been grateful for all the support from family and friends. I've been fortunate to fight close to home and now I'm in my hometown Friday night. I have to take care of business. I just have to stay focused on what I want to do and good things will happen."
El Paso's Stephanie Han returns to the ring on the undercard of the Tovar and Rendon main event. Han, who fought last month to improve to 3-0, will fight Houston's Kim Colbert in a scheduled six-round fight at 135 pounds.
Han is the younger sister of former world champion Jennifer Han and former men's boxer, Abie Han.
"Stephanie has been looking strong and she's focused," said Jennifer Han, who has served as a sparring partner for her sister. "She's a great athlete and she's focused on being as great as she can be."
The fight card, which also features El Paso's Alec McGee (8-2) and Joshua Ramirez (1-0), is slated to begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $38.
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5g Semiconductor Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter