Corona (CA) - The title of the Thompson promotions fight card on Friday, August 20th is the "Path to Glory." For the fighters in the main event, Juan Carlos Rubio and Raul Franco, they're hoping this fight leads them back onto the path of glory. Two solid fighters on the comeback trail lead a solid six fight card at Omega Products International in Corona, California on Friday night.

Rubio shocked the world on February 16, 2002 when he upset phenom Francisco "Panchito" Bojado. Rubio was thrust into the spotlight with his 10 round unanimous decision victory. After the first Bojado fight, Rubio kept his momentum going by winning his next two fights, before losing to Bojado in a rematch in
November of 2003. Rubio hopes that a win on Friday can jump start his career again.

Raul Franco of Anaheim, California is also on the comeback trail, like Rubio. Through 2002 and most of 2003, Franco put together a seven fight win streak. Then in November of 2003, Franco was upset by Jessie Feliciano at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim. Ironically, both Franco and Rubio suffered their last defeat on the same day (November 22, 2003), and on Friday their careers will change on the same day
again. Franco hopes a win over Rubio can reignite his career in the welterweight division.

In the semi main event, Junior Lightweight prospect Jose "Josesito" Lopez of Riverside, California battles Mauricio Borquez of Lakeside, California. Lopez sports a 9-1 record with 5 KOs, and has a seven fight win streak.

In a special attraction, Heavyweight Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola of Riverside, California battles Eddie James Smith of Miami. The "Nightmare" is making a name for himself in Southern California with a 6-0 record, with all of his victories by knockout.

Three more bouts will be included in Corona on Friday night. Here's a look at the weights and records for Friday's participants. Weights are in parentheses:

Main Event - Welterweights - 12 Rounds

Semi Main Event -  Jr. Lightweights - 6 Rounds

Heavyweights - 4 Rounds

Welterweights - 4 Rounds

Super Middleweights - 4 Rounds

Jr. Welterweights - 4 Rounds

The card is being being held at the Omega Products International in Corona, California and is brought to you by Thompson Boxing Promotions.

The doors open at 6:30 PM Friday August 20th, with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM.

8-19-2004