WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 - Mike Tiberi Fights for First Belt Feb. 24 at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

DOVER, Del. — Dover Downs Hotel & Casino announces the next Friday Night Fights series event will take place on Feb. 24 in the Rollins Center arena with Edgar Santana v. Manuel Perez headlining.  Tickets go on sale today at noon at $40 - $200 and may be purchased by calling VIP Services at 800-711-5882 or visiting doverdowns.com/entertainment. 

Local fan favorite and member of the Tiberi boxing dynasty, "Mighty" Mike Tiberi of Smyrna, Del., will fight for his first title, the WBF Intercontinental Super Middleweight Championship, in the night's co-feature event.  Tiberi said he is more focused now that he is going for a title.  "I'm really excited that it's finally come my way.  I feel like I've paid my dues with a record of 18 and 1, and it's my turn."

"This is what you always dream, what you always work for," said Mike Tiberi.  "Actually, the best part is that my first title shot will be at home.  It's always good to have the crowd on your side."

"This is a great opportunity for a young, local kid to show his talent and prove that he should be in there with some of the top guys in the world," said Nick Tiberi, matchmaker.

The night's main event features Edgar Santana of Bronx, N.Y., defending his NABA Junior Welterweight Championship Title with a record of 26(17)-3 against Manuel Perez, 16(4)-7, of Denver, Col.

"For Santana this is going to be a tough fight with a veteran who's been in the there and had a draw with the champion of the world," said Nick Tiberi.  "This is a good spot to see where Santana is in the world; it pretty much will stand on how he performs here.  It should really be a tremendous fight."

"This next fight is an important one," said Santana.  "I'm grateful to be fighting at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino again for the fans.  Unfortunately, my last fight was canceled because my opponent got injured late in the game.  So now I'm hungry to get back in there and put on a great show for everyone."

The under card features NABF Female Super Featherweight Title holder, "Queen" Ronica Jeffery (8-0), of Bronx, N.Y., and light heavyweight "The Bull" Anthony "Caputo" Smith of Kennett Square, Pa., whose record stands at 12(10)-0 after defeating Douglas "Al Capone" Otieno on Dec. 2.  Smith received the Fight of the Night trophy for his efforts in a tough battle with Otieno on that night.

Completing the under card are light welterweight "Rockin" Ryan Belasco, 16-5-3, of Wilmington, Del., lightweight Omar "Super O" Douglas, 3(2)-0 of Wilmington, Del., cruiserweight Lamont "Problem Solver" Singletary, 3(2)-0, of Dover, Del., and John "Church Boy" Bowman of Dover, Del., whose debut last December ended in a draw.

The first bout will begin at 7:30 p.m.  Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.  Will call from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Visit doverdowns.com/entertainment for updates.  Event, times and card are subject to change or cancellation without notice.