Medina looking to defend welterweight title

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint boxer and Coeur d’Alene Casino House of Fury favorite Favio Medina puts his U.S. National Boxing Council welterweight title on the line Thursday night in Worley.

Medina (22-2-3, 8-KO) will face Florida’s Damian Frias (16-3, 7-KO) in a 12 round bout at 147 pounds as another big crowd is expected for the six-fight card at the House of Fury.

While Medina is fighting in the main event, another fight also figures to generate a lot of interest, as former local favorite Shawn Hawk (19-1-1, 17-KO), a power puncher from Souix Falls, South Dakota, faces Brooklyn’s Anthony Greenidge (14-3-1, 5-KO) at 178 pounds.

Medina defends his title for the fourth time, and figures to get a stiff challenge from his quick Florida opponent.

Event coordinator Mario Falciani is expecting fireworks in both bouts, one featuring the current House of Fury favorite and the other featuring a past favorite.

“Favio has a real test. That, plus the return of a former crowd favorite like Shawn will make this a big night for fans of both fighters,” said Falciani. “People will be excited to see Shawn again and his in in fine shape for the bout. We expect the fight to be a great addition to the card even though it’s not the main event.

Newman Lake heavyweight Skyler Anderson returns in the semi-main event. He’s 15-1-1 with nine knockouts, and will face Alabama’s Bobby O’Bannon (8-2, 8-KO).

The undercard fights include Spokane’s Dewey Welliver against Eugene’s Paul Mpendo at 154 pounds, Denver’s Chris Green vs. Rapid City’s Emerson Chasing Bear at heavyweight, and Spokane’s Kaleb Fisher vs. Portland’s David Quartz at 154 pounds.

Doors will open for boxing at 6 p.m., and the first bell follows one hour later. General admission tickets are $17.50, ringside seats are $35 and golden ringside seats are $50.