Ruffin ready for TI’s fight debut

When Phil Ruffin purchased Treasure Island from MGM Mirage in April, one of his first projects was to bring boxing to his newly acquired property.

But given the limitations of the resort, Ruffin knew he needed to start small — which is why the TI’s first venture into the sport will come in a 1,000-seat ballroom Saturday.

“It’s going to put our name out there,” Ruffin said. “We’re looking for different ways to drive traffic into the TI, and we think boxing can help us to that end.”

Ruffin said he’s a fight fan, and he knows the value of having a big fight on the Strip. He has been to fights at Caesars Palace and The Mirage.

He’s also aware of the exposure the MGM Grand Garden and Mandalay Bay receive when they host a major card.

“It can be good for business if you do it right,” Ruffin said. “I don’t know to what extent we’ll get involved with boxing. We’ll see how this card goes.”

Ruffin has a couple of things going for him in his first attempt.

One, he has a good show to sell, with Joseph Agbeko facing Yonnhy Perez for the IBF bantamweight title in the main event of the Don King Productions card. And with the loquacious King returning to Nevada for the first time since 2005, Treasure Island figures to get plenty of mention during fight week.

The other factor is the card will be televised on Showtime, which will give the TI lots of exposure.

“Having Showtime really helps us,” Ruffin said. “It’s going to help put our name out there.”

• CASAMAYOR’S OPPONENT — Joel Casamayor finally has an opponent for his Nov. 6 super lightweight bout at the Palms.

Jason Davis of Vancouver, Wash., will face the Cuban veteran in a 10-round bout as part of a card that also will feature former world champion Zab Judah against Adailton De Jesus in a 10-round welterweight bout. De Jesus replaces Ramon Montano, who pulled out to take a fight in December.

• HOUSE OF BLUES CARD — Top Rank traditionally hosts a card the night before a Manny Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas.

The latest one will be Nov. 13 at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay, with welterweight Mark Melligan facing Michel Rosales in a 10-round bout and Alberto Rojas meeting Federico Catubay in an IBF super flyweight elimination bout.

Also scheduled on the card is a six-round super featherweight fight between Las Vegan Diego Magdaleno (11-0, three knockouts) and Josenilson Dos Santos.

The card is the appetizer for the Nov. 14 main course that pits Pacquiao against Miguel Cotto for the WBO welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.