As Brinkley-Gilbert draws nearer, the questions begin

BY MIKE HOUSER

Nevada Appeal Sports Writer

When speaking of the Feb. 14 meeting between Yerington's Jesse Brinkley and Reno's Joey Gilbert, Let's Get It On Promotions chief executive officer Terry Lane has two questions.

"As a fan, going into the fight I wonder who is the mentally stronger fighter," Lane said. "The answer to who is the mentally stronger fighter is who will win the fight " who's stronger between the ears."

The second question Lane has comes from the perspective as a promoter. Along with his brother, Let's Get It On president Tommy Lane, Terry will co-promote the long-awaited show with Houston businessman Chet Koerner, founder of TKO Boxing Promotions, located in Las Vegas.

"I have a hard time making a distinction between being a fan and a promoter," Lane added, "but as a promoter, the question I have is, Is boxing alive and strong again?"

Lane said he was referring to the sport as a whole, not just as it pertains to this fight in Reno. Either way, the showdown between rivals Brinkley and Gilbert should go a long way in answering that question.

If the box office is any indicator, then Lane, by nature somewhat of a conservative, shouldn't be disappointed.

"Ticket sales have beyond exceeded our expectations," Lane said. "Take the 'virtually' out of the equation, with no marketing and only the one press conference, we're selling tickets every day. I hope everyone who wants to see the fight can see the fight."

The Reno Events Center, which is the venue for the 12-round contest for Brinkley's WBC-affiliated United States National Boxing Championship (USNBC) super middleweight belt, has a maximum capacity of 7,200. This initially prompted Lane to look into taking the fight to Lawlor Events Center, which seats 11,784.

Lane said the Reno Events Center made a better business offer, leaving him with the option of selling standing-room-only tickets if the event sells out.

Advertising will begin in earnest in one week and both fighters are expected to do 10-14 days' worth of public appearances, open workouts, radio spots and press conferences to further hype the fight.

Lane said the bout will be televised, but on a two-week tape delay on a network to be announced, so the best option for those wishing to see it is to visit the Reno Events Center or www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets are $253.25, $153.25, $78.25 and $43.25. A $5 discount on the $43.25 tickets is available for all students, military, police and firefighting personnel with valid identification.

FIVE OTHER QUESTIONS

Lane's queries aside, the matchup between Brinkley, 32-5 with 22 knockouts, and Gilbert, 17-1 (13) with 1 no-contest, should answer several other questions about the 32-year-old rivals.

- Will Brinkley, who appears obsessed about fighting Gilbert, let his emotions get the better of him?

Brinkley, who went 3-3 as an amateur, started his pro career as a brawler, but under former trainer Miguel Diaz, became more of a stylist. Under the tutelage of Peter Manfredo Sr., he has risen to No. 13 in the IBF ratings, become more effectively aggressive and has scored knockouts in five of his last six fights. Against Gilbert, Brinkley, who has seemingly found a great balance as a boxer-puncher, may find it difficult not to revert to slugging against his hated rival.

- Will Brinkley try to box too much and fall victim to an energetic, motivated Gilbert?

Against Sergio Mora, Alfonso Gomez and former WBC super middleweight beltholder Robin Reid, Brinkley relied too much on defense and didn't let his hands go. He may be cognizant of the urge to trade with Gilbert and overcompensate by trying to box too much. In the past, Brinkley occasionally used the ropes to lay back and display his defensive prowess. But if he gets too cute against his foe, a roaring crowd and a busy Gilbert could influence the three judges to score the other way.

- Will Gilbert box or slug?

As with Brinkley, Gilbert, who went 27-1 as an amateur, began as a slugger and has evolved more as a boxer. Since returning from a 13-month layoff, including a 12-month suspension for testing positive for one metabolite of the steroid Stanazolol, Gilbert has scored a pair of two-round knockouts against limited competition. Gilbert, a three-time national champion for the University of Nevada club boxing team, has never been in a fight where he hasn't let loose. If he feels Brinkley is overly emotional, this fight could be the exception to that rule, especially if Gilbert feels he could take advantage of that by boxing more.

- What kind of condition will Gilbert be in?

Gilbert has always been a conditioning fanatic, but there are some, including Brinkley and some fans on the Internet, who have questioned whether Gilbert has benefited from performance enhancing drugs. But Gilbert has been randomly tested by the Nevada State Athletic Commission since his reinstatement and has come up clean. As an amateur and professional, whatever the altitude, Gilbert has never stepped in the ring in anything other than excellent shape. With Brinkley's constant badgering, Gilbert should be even more motivated.

- How will the crowd affect the fighters?

Everyone who's anyone in Yerington should be there for Brinkley; everyone from UNR should show up for Gilbert. Every boxing fan in Northern Nevada " and some from out of town who saw the pair on the NBC reality show "The Contender" " should join them. Brinkley has relentlessly pursued Gilbert and ripped him in the press. Gilbert has embraced the underdog role and has played the role of abused foil to the hilt. When the leather begins to fly before a fanatical crowd, both boxers will feel the need to hit the throttle. If either fighter hurts the other, the temptation to close the show in emphatic style will be rivaled only by the bloodlust of the crowd.

- Contact Mike Houser at mhouser@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1214