JOEY GILBERT – “SINK OR SWIM” MAY 22ND

Posted on | May 18, 2010 | No Comments

May 18th, 2010, RENO – Former NABO, USNBC middleweight champion, and Contender season one alum, Joey Gilbert (18-2, 14KOs), will be returning to the ring on May 22nd at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno against tough veteran Anthony “Powerhouse” Bartinelli (20-13-2, 13 KOs).

Gilbert, who is coming off of an impressive stoppage victory of Ivan Stovall, looks to put his name at the top of the middleweight rankings once again. He turns 34 in June and realizes that the clock is ticking.

“This will be sink or swim for me.” Says Gilbert. “I have to perform well. I have to win on May 22nd in order to earn the chance to fight the bigger fights. This is my last run at it.”

Although Gilbert is coming off of a win, this will be his first fight back in his hometown since losing to local rival Jesse Brinkley in February of 2009. Brinkley, who is currently the IBF super-middleweight mandatory contender, beat Gilbert in a one-sided unanimous decision. Since then, he has changed his team, refreshed his outlook on boxing, and rededicated his efforts to becoming the best fighter he can be. In the only other loss of his career, Gilbert was on the wrong end of a close split-decision when his fight was prematurely stopped due to a cut caused by an accidental headbutt against world title challenger, Peter Manfredo Jr.

Anthony Bartinelli promises to be a test for Joey Gilbert. With a similar fighting style, the tough journeyman from Phoenix looks at this fight as his chance to gain the recognition he has never received.

“This could be a big break for me.” Says Bartinelli. “I’ve wanted this fight before, and I’m thankful to have it now.”

Both fighters find themselves at a crossroads. On May 22nd, it may be decided who continues down the path towards bigger and better things, and who will find themselves at a dead-end. The Gilbert vs. Bartinelli fight is scheduled for eight rounds.

Fight card subject to change. Ticket information is below.

Reno Xtreme Fights is a boxing and mixed martial arts series of events between Grand Sierra Resort and Casino and Let’s Get it on Promotions. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for the fight on Saturday, May 22nd with the first bout at 8 p.m. in the Grand Theatre. Tickets are $75, $55 and $35. Tickets for a King’s Row Booth for four are $1,000 which includes an exciting spot to get close to the action with light appetizers and one bottle of alcohol included. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call 1.800.648.3568 or visit www.grandsierraresort.com.

ABOUT LET’S GET IT ON PROMOTIONS:

Reno, Nevada based “Let’s Get It On” Promotions was founded in 2000 by legendary boxing referee Mills Lane. In early 2005 he was joined by sons Terry and Tommy in the operations of the company. Along with super middleweight contender Jesse Brinkley, Let’s Get It On Promotions also promotes middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales, lightweight contender Rustam Nugaev, lightweight prospect Bayan Jargal and highly regarded brothers Tyler and Derek Hinkey. They have consistently promoted world class boxing events on a national basis.

About Grand Sierra Resort and Casino:

Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (GSR) is in the heart of Reno/Tahoe. GSR is northern Nevada’s most complete resort destination with nearly 2,000 guest rooms and suites. The property offers a wide variety of accommodations for the everyday business traveler to the complete family vacation with amenities that include 200,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, branded retail shopping, headliner entertainment, a cinema, a 50-lane championship bowling center, outdoor thrill rides, aqua golf driving range, an 85,000 square foot casino with 24 hours of heart-pounding action plus so much more. GSR is a proud member of Summit Hotels and Resorts, a prestigious brand of Preferred Hotel Group. For more information, please visit www.grandsierraresort.com or to make reservations call 800-648-5080.