Sacramento State University is set to make history this week with the hosting of the first-ever Causeway Boxing Classic. The event, which will take place at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium on Friday at 7 p.m., promises to be a thrilling display of boxing prowess.

Uniting Universities and the Boxing Community in an Epic Battle

1. The Inaugural Event and Its Lineup

The inaugural Causeway Boxing Classic will feature a remarkable card of 14 fights, bringing together amateur boxers from various colleges including Sac State, UC Davis, Air Force Academy, USC, UC Berkeley, and more. These boxers will compete across multiple weight classes, each vying for victory and showcasing their skills. For example, Giovanni Serrano from Cayuga Boxing will face off against Matthew Buhagiar from Benjamin’s Boxing in the 108/13 weight division. It’s a diverse and exciting lineup that is sure to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Another notable fight is that of Ayahna Gonzales from Sacramento State, who is scheduled to compete against Alondra Valdez from Santa Clara in the 156-pound category. Ayahna expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s a big opportunity to showcase our skills and everything we’ve been working towards this whole time.”

2. The Rivalry Weekend and Football Connection

Friday not only marks the day of the boxing event but also serves as the eve of the 70th Causeway Classic football game between the Sac State Hornets and the UC Davis Aggies. This creates a unique rivalry weekend between the two schools, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already anticipated boxing event. As Brandon Gonzalez, the Sac State boxing coach, mentioned, “We’re also putting some outstanding USA boxers, some of the best in our area on the card, as well as other collegiate boxers. So, it’s going to be a huge event for not just the two universities, but for the boxing community in general.”

The combination of boxing and football creates a sense of community and competition that is hard to match. It brings together fans of both sports and showcases the spirit of rivalry and excellence.

3. The Combat U Program and Its Impact

Sac State is hosting the event through its Combat U program, which formed in January with the partnership of UFC Hall of Fame Urijah Faber. This is reportedly the first-ever university-backed development program for combat sports, providing a platform for these young boxers to showcase their talent and grow in their sport.

Ayahna Gonzales further emphasized the significance of the program, saying, “It’s a great opportunity to be part of something new and exciting. The Combat U program has given us the chance to train with the best and compete on a big stage.”

4. Ticket Information and Availability

Tickets for the Causeway Boxing Classic are available online through Ticketmaster. General admission tickets start at $53, with prices increasing depending on the proximity to the ringside. Seats closer to the action can range from $71 to $171.50. This provides fans with the opportunity to choose the seating option that suits their preferences and budget.

Whether you’re a die-hard boxing fan or simply looking for a unique entertainment experience, the Causeway Boxing Classic is sure to deliver. With its star-studded lineup, exciting rivalry, and great ticket options, it’s an event not to be missed.