AJC Article

BOXING: Promoters move up in class

BYLINE: J.C. CLEMONS
DATE: April 23, 2004
PUBLICATION: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (GA)
EDITION: Home; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
SECTION: Sports
PAGE: F9

In their journey from small-time boxing promoters to, well, slightly bigger boxing promoters, David Oblas and Austin Wingo have spent a nice chunk of money. They have also survived, which makes them -- Atlanta-wise -- boxing movers and shakers.

"They are laying seeds that are going to keep growing," said state boxing commission director Tom Mishou. "I'm getting calls from people who have noticed they always sell out, and now [others] want to put on shows."

Tonight, that appeal goes to trial.

After putting on nine cards at smaller venues around town since June 2002, at a cost of about $250,000, Oblas and Wingo take their show to the 5,000-seat Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. Local favorites and national-TV headliners Ebo Elder and Cedric Boswell fight main events, but the true test will be at the box office.

So far, so good.

"We've sold almost twice as many tickets as we have in the past [about 3,500]," Oblas said. "We never imagined it might sell out. We figured to do the best we could and roll with it."

Oblas, 28, is an Auburn journalism grad and former waiter. Wingo, 33, is an ex-Marine and investigator for a law firm. Neither grew up with visions of morphing into Don King, but their affection for boxing eventually brought them together.

"David has a lot of integrity, that's the only reason I have dealt with him," Wingo said. "Our one desire has been to get local fighters more exposure. If something good happens for us, well and good. We both just love the sport."

Their company -- Undisputed Productions -- has had discussions with Dan Duva to co-promote a fight for Elder, a junior-welterweight from Newnan, on ESPN2. Last year, the network announced it would no longer pay site fees, forcing local promoters to make their cards economically viable.

Apparently, that plays into Oblas' strength.

"He put together a very solid, very conservative business plan when he first started," Mishou said.

Oblas and Wingo said fan appeal is a main focus.

"Our primary goal is to make sure everyone has a good time and leaves wondering when will our next fight card be," Oblas said.