AJC Article

BOXING: Homecoming for Cobb's Delgado

BYLINE: J.C. CLEMONS
DATE: October 24, 2003
PUBLICATION: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (GA)
EDITION: Home; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
SECTION: Sports
PAGE: E11

He has taken the long way home, but Paul Delgado gets a chance to headline an Atlanta boxing show tonight. The east Cobb welterweight says his supporters will not be disappointed.

"They are going to see an exciting boxer/puncher, one with good defense," Delgado said. "This is my first opportunity to really fight at home. They have been having all these shows in Atlanta, and I have been trying to get on a card.

"Finally, someone gave me a chance."

Delgado (8-2-1) takes on Marteze Logan (10-3-1) of Memphis. The night will also be the setting for a wedding reception of sorts for Delgado and his newlywed bride.

They expect a supportive cheering section.

"I have a little following around here," said Delgado, who trains in Alpharetta with Carl Davis. "Hopefully after [tonight] I will have a huge following."

A sold-out crowd of about 2,000 is expected.

"We're where we need to be, downtown Atlanta," said David Oblas, the promoter along with Austin Wingo. "We have good promotion arrangements with a lot of local sponsors, and that's what we need.

"It's been a lot of hard work getting boxing going again in Atlanta, but it's starting to pay off."

In the co-main event, Atlanta firefighter Janaye Davis (2-0), who turned pro this summer, fights Trini Guzman (0-0) of San Antonio.

> When; where: 8 p.m. today; the Tabernacle

> Who: Paul Delgado vs. Marteze Logan; Janaye Davis vs. Trini Guzman; Waylon Willingham vs. Tyrone Wiggins; Tom Nguyen vs. Baki Zymberi; four other bouts

> Tickets: Box office; TicketMaster