Irvine Boxing’s Ninth Opening Card Features the ‘Fighting Lifeguard’

IRVINE —  Jim Browning, promoter of the boxing show at the Irvine Marriott, has big plans for the monthly card.

He hopes to keep bringing in better-known boxers to Irvine, and Brown-Kow Promotions, which he formed with partner Ted Luckow, has a tentative deal with ESPN to televise the April card. But for now, Browning is more concerned about getting tonight’s year-opening card off without any major problems.

It’s the ninth year of boxing at the Irvine Marriott, but the first for Browning and Luckow, who purchased the show from Roy Englebrecht last May.

To help ensure a successful card tonight, Browning is featuring John (The Fighting Lifeguard) Armijo in the main event. Armijo (15-5), of Huntington Beach, who is the California Super Welterweight champion, has been one of the more popular draws at the Marriott.

However, he won’t be risking his title in the 10-round nontitle bout against James Revuss (9-5) of Phoenix.

On the undercard: Mike Semaza, a talented featherweight from the Westminster Boxing Club, returns to the ring after missing about a year because of hand injuries.

“It’s the start of the year and that means every fighter has to renew his license,” Browning said. “It’s been kind of stressful and worrisome. I just want to get a good show to start the year. This is a crazy time, but we’re going to make it.”

The first of five scheduled bouts starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets--priced at $35, $32 and $25--go on sale at the hotel at 10 a.m.