Wharton Journal

Issue date: 2/22/10 Section: News

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's that time again. Philly Fight Night, aka "The Greatest Show On Earth", is almost upon us. This superlative boxing event is famed for being too dangerous for Mike Tyson, too skillful for Floyd Mayweather, Jr, and too high-pressured for Manny Pacquiao. Only the finest of the finest athletes dare to compete.

Carefully choreographed ring entrances, and an inebriated full-capacity crowd, go hand in hand with the boxing to create the perfect recipe for some explosive entertainment. Yes my friends, it's going to be an unforgettable, raucous and uplifting occasion. So believe the hype, believe the hyperbole, and be there. Wharton, let's get ready to rumble!

Honed To Perfection

On the card for this Saturday is the meanest, leanest group of fighters ever assembled at Wharton.

Each has been hand-picked and put through hours of grueling training by legendary Philadelphia boxing coach Clif Johnson. Daily sparing sessions, weekend treks across the Antarctic, and OPIM sessions with Anjani Jain are just some of the more arduous tasks these brave souls have been put through.

At a packed press conference, Donal McElwee, Wharton's resident sports guru and Boxing Team mastermind, revealed, "Our fighters have all reached the peak of human physical and mental perfection. They are just itching to get into the ring and pummel some unprincipled, nit-picking, library-loving law students."

Remarkably, the Wharton fighters have become so intimidating, so terrifying, so extraordinary, that opponents have been running scared. As a result, Saturday's crowd will now witness some specially arranged all-Wharton fights. With cohort/country/clique bragging-rights at stake, these bouts are sure to add a little spice to the occasion.

Entertainment Guaranteed

Preparations have been no less rigorous on the promotions side. Arie Barendrecht and Johnathan Peterson, who head up Philly Fight Night Productions, have put together a show that even Don King would be proud of. The uber-charming Barendrecht commented, "Forget the Super Bowl. Forget the Soccer World Cup. Philly Fight Night is where the real entertainment is at. In fact, Philly Fight Night is Entertainment, period. … But amazingly, it doesn't just stop there! We're putting on a show of the noble art for a noble cause. All the proceeds go the Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia. So, like me, it really is the complete package."

Barendrecht went on to reveal that he expects this year's show to totally eclipse the 2009 version. And that really is saying something, especially when one considers that 12 months ago we were treated to delights such as fighters emerging from coffins, Berger eating Stone for breakfast, and, of course, dancing-leprechauns.

Heroes and Heroines

But what of the heroes and heroines who will be putting it all on the line for a chance to claim a place in the Wharton history books? Luckily for you, dear reader, The Wharton Journal has painstakingly complied detailed profiles on each them. So, please, take a closer look. With these fighters on show, this year's event at the legendary Blue Horizon promises to be, quite literally, knock-out entertainment. But, of course, the evening is so much more than that. It's about guts and determination. It's about charity. And it's about Wharton pride and passion. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Philly Fight Night.

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