Trump Taj Mahal Hosts ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series

Courtesy of EliteXC:

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey -- (January 22, 2008) --The EliteXC Presents ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series will hold their first show of mixed martial arts bouts in 2008, featuring recently-signed Eddie Alvarez vs. Ross Ebanez, in the Mark Etess Arena at Trump Taj Mahal on Friday, January 25. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the first bout begins at 9 p.m. Bouts will be broadcast live on Showtime, beginning at 11 pm.

Eddie Alvarez (11-1) of Philadelphia, PA recently signed with EliteXC. The former Bodog Welterweight Champion is as popular in Philadelphia as Philly cheesesteaks and has been known to draw thousands of fans. In this EliteXC debut, he will face Ross Ebanez (16-5) of Hilo, HI at 165 pounds.

Alvarez battled his way through the mean streets of Kensington in Philadelphia on his way to becoming a two-time All-American wrestler who can move fast, sprawl and shoot. Known as an explosive striker, this fighter garners as much attention in and around Philadelphia as a rock star.

In other Showtime-televised events, Elite Xtreme Combat has announced that Paul "Semtex" Daley (16-6-2) of Nottingham, UK, will take on former Ultimate Fighter cast member Sam Morgan (19-9) of Minneapolis, MN (Team Bison).

Daley is currently riding a four-fight winning streak. His last victory was a TKO win over Mark Weir at Cage Rage 23: Unbelievable in September. Morgan has competed in some of the biggest organizations in the world such as the UFC, Strikeforce, and King Of The Cage.

Additionally televised matches will include: Bobby McMaster (8-2), of Boston, MA will try to regain his winning ways against the always dangerous Bao Quach (11-8-1), of Irvine, CA at 150 pounds; "The Hawaiian Rocky Balboa," Kala Kolohe Hose (4-1), of Honolulu, HI faces Fred Belleton (5-1) of Easton, MA at 185 pounds; and a bout that continues to illustrate EliteXC's unyielding commitment to women fighters, Julie Kedzie (9-6) of Greenwood, IN will attempt four victories in a row when she battles Tonya Evinger (5-3), of Oak Grove, MD at 140 pounds.

Scheduled non-televised undercard bouts include some hot local names: Zack Makovsky (3-0) against Wilson Reis (2-0), both of Philadelphia, PA at 140 pounds; James "Binky" Jones (4-5) of Baltimore, MD versus Mark Getto (1-3-1) of Philadelphia, PA at 150 pounds; Sergio Vinagre (2-1) against Brett Linebarger (2-1), both from New Jersey at 170 pounds; and Joe Shilling (professional debut) of Los Angeles, CA against Matt Makowski (1-0) of Philadelphia, PA at 170 pounds; and Charlie Brenneman (4-0) of Philadelphia, PA at 170 pounds against Drew Puzon (1-0) of Hamilton, NJ.

The bouts are schedule for three, 5-minute rounds with the exception of Kedzie vs. Evinger, which is slated for three, 3-minute rounds.

For more information on EliteXC and other MMA-related stories, including bios, video, on-demand, photos, stats, Fantasy Fight Game TM and more, please visit proelite.com and eliteXC.com.

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $200, $150, $100, $60 and $40. Tickets can be purchased by either calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420, on line at Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Taj Box Office.

For box office hours and more information call (609) 449-5150. Log on to Trumptaj.com for more information about all Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort's promotions and events.