United States Men’s National Team to Play Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in World Cup Send-Off on May 27

The United States Men’s National Team will open a three-game FIFA World Cup send-off series against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park on Tuesday, May 27. Kickoff is 7 p.m. PT on ESPN2, WatchESPN and UniMas.

The match marks the first time the USMNT will visit Candlestick Park. The U.S. has only played in San Francisco once before, garnering a 3-2 win against Japan at AT&T Park in 2006. The match will also be the first time the United States and Azerbaijan’s senior teams have played against each other.

In addition to the match in San Francisco, the United States will also face Turkey at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sunday, June 1 (11 a.m. PT / ESPN2, WatchESPN and UniMas) and Nigeria at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. on Saturday, June 7 (3 p.m. PT / ESPN, WatchESPN and UniMas).

“We are absolutely thrilled with the schedule we have put together for the Send-Off Series,” said U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. “We have some fantastic opponents that will help us get prepared for the teams we will meet in the World Cup, and also the opportunity to experience different climates and conditions in the venues. There has been amazing support from our fans these last years on our path to Brazil, and we know there will be awesome atmospheres in each of the stadiums. It’s the perfect way to start our journey.”

Ticket information for all three matches will be provided at a later date. To receive updated ticketing information, join the U.S. Soccer Supporters Club at any level. Members at the Star Club and above will have access to priority ticketing benefits.

The U.S. will begin its World Cup training camp in mid-May. The exact starting date and location will be released in the near future.

After the match in Jacksonville, the U.S. MNT will travel to Sao Paulo, Brazil, its base camp location during the World Cup. The U.S. is training at Sao Paulo FC, and will conduct its final preparations in advance of Group G matches against Ghana, Portugal and Germany.

PALA CASINO SPA & RESORT Weights from Pala, California

GARY SHAW PRODUCTIONS    Rustam Nugaev vs. Marvin Quintero Will weight in tomorrow morning Roman Morales 118.5 vs.Khabir Suleymanov 119 Dusty Harrison 147 vs. Michael Balasi 147 Alejandro Luna 137 vs. Sergio Rivera 140 Kenneth Sims Jr. 139 vs. Cory Muldrew 141 Eduardo Martinez 124 vs. Juan Urbina 119.5 Mario Barrios 125.5 vs. Kellly Lionell 126 Franscisco Santana 148 vs. Jorge Pimentel 149 Aaron Garcia 131 vs. Thomas Herrera 133  Roman Morales 118 vs.Khabir Suleymanov 119 Dusty Harrison 147 vs. Michael Balasi 147 Alejandro Luna 137 vs. Sergio Rivera 140  Kenneth Sims Jr. 139 vs. Cory Muldrew 141 Mario Barrios 125.5 vs. Kellly Lionell 126  Franscisco Santana 148 vs. Jorge Pimentel 149  Eduardo Martinez 124 vs. Juan Urbina119.5 Aaron Garcia 135 vs. Thomas Herrera 133      Tickets for the Gary Shaw Productions event, priced at $150, $100, $50 and  $25, go on sale this Friday February 7 at 10:00 am PST and can be purchased at Pala Resort Casino Box office, at the Pala Privileges Center, or by calling 1-877-WIN-PALA.  Tickets can also be purchased online at www.startickets.com or by calling 1-800-585-3737. The Pala Casino Resort and Spa is located at 11154 Hwy 76, Pala, CA 92059.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m, first fight starts at 5:30 p.m (PST).  ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST.

MERCITO 'NO MERCY' GESTA

Returns To The Ring April 11 In Del Mar, CA

Paco Presents in association with A&T Gym, Don Chargin, Golden Boy Promotions and San Diego-based Barron Entertainment, is happy to announce the second edition of its popular boxing series titled "Ringside at Del Mar" taking place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on April 11, 2014. 

The 8-round main event will feature the return of former world title challenger,Mercito "No Mercy" Gesta (26-1, 14 KOs), as he faces an opponent to be announced in the Lightweight division.  Gesta, who resides in San Diego, by way of Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines, is eager to get back in the ring since his last fight in December of 2012, a world title bout against Miguel Vasquezon the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez IV.

"The time is now for me to get back in the ring and show the world that I can still compete at the championship level," said Gesta. "Although I don't know who my opponent is at the moment, I'm ready for anyone they put in front of me.  I've had time to reflect on my loss to Miguel Vasquez, which was a great learning experience, and vow to come back stronger than ever."

"San Diego is my second home so I'm excited to be making my ring return at the Del Mar Fairgrounds where all my family and friends can come see me fight.  I want to thank all the promoters who help put this fight card together.  "No Mercy" is back!" Gesta concluded.

  

"Every card has been great since we started the Ringside at Del Mar boxing series mid last year, but this one is shaping up to be the strongest card to date." Andy Perez president of A&T GYM said. "The response from the San Diego fans has been overwhelming.  We have great passion to grow the series and bring world class fights while showcasing the sports best rising talent to a legendary venue that is the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Del Mar Fairgrounds offers a first-rate environment, where you can bring the entire family to enjoy a great night of boxing."

  

"This is a new beginning, a new team, and a new Mercito Gesta.  A loss does not end a career, in fact that is where fighters become champions!" said 

Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Robert Diaz. "If he can put together a few good victories, he'll be right back in the mix to challenge any of the current lightweight world champions.  Jorge Marron and I are working together to get an opponent for Mercito and you can expect an announcement on Gesta's rival as well as the complete undercard in the near future." 

Undercard To Be Announced Shortly

Tickets for "Ringside at Del Mar" priced $25 (General Admission) $45, $50 and $60 are on sale now and can be purchased online viaTicketmaster, at www.RingsideatDelMar.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000, in person at the Del Mar Fairgrounds ticket office, or by calling (858) 755-1161.  Select VIP table seating is available at $75. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the night of the event, based on availability.  Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended.  Parking is only $10. The"Ringside at Del Mar" live boxing event is sponsored in part by 7UP, Joel Diaz Training Camp, and El Latino Newspaper.

The Del Mar Fairgrounds are located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevardin Del Mar, Calif. Doors open at 7:00pm. The evenings first of seven bouts is scheduled for 8:00pm.  We'll see you Ringside at Del Mar!

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Mario Serrano 

Publicist - Barron Entertainment

boxingpublicist@aol.com

(408) 607-5756