Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist Turns MMA Promoter

---

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Retired U.S. Olympic boxer Howard Davis, Jr., has returned to the fight game, but this time as a mixed martial arts promoter.

The 1976 Montreal Games gold medalist announced at a Monday press conference that his company, Fight Time Promotions, will stage Fight Time 3 “It’s War” on Feb. 18 at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale.

The event will be televised on Florida-based sports network Sun Sports, with the fight card expected to be announced soon. The main events of Fight Time’s first two outings featured former UFC heavyweight Jeff Monson going against Jason Guida and Travis Fulton, respectively.

“It’s War” has gained the support of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, who attended the press conference and praised the performances of today’s mixed martial artists.

“These fighters are tremendous athletes and they work hard,” said Seiler. “This is a great venue to host MMA fights and, from our standpoint, it’s all about the economy and jobs. I think it’s good for the city of Fort Lauderdale to bring tourists in and the people of Fort Lauderdale together. This is a sport that has come of age.”

Despite his boxing background, Davis is no stranger to MMA. In his work with the Coconut Creek-based American Top Team, the 54-year-old has served as a striking coach for such fighters as Chuck Liddell, Mike Thomas Brown, Thiago Alves and Monson.

“I’m living my dream now as a promoter in Florida and it’s amazing to have the mayor of Fort Lauderdale in our corner,” said Davis.

Fight Time Promotions was founded by Davis and his wife, Karla Guadamuz-Davis. The company has plans for five events for 2011, with shows slated for Feb. 18, April 1, June 17, Aug. 19 and Oct. 7.