Las Vegas . . . Atlantic City . . . Glendale? Okay, maybe this erstwhile West Valley city isn't as synonymous with championship boxing as others, but don't tell that to the good people at Showtime. The truthful among us would admit that there is nothing cooler than watching two warriors pummel each other for our amusement, a possibility that makes a trip to the west side mandatory when Showtime Championship Boxing presents "Unfinished Business: Tszyu vs. Mitchell," Saturday, November 6, at Glendale Arena, 9400 West Maryland. The mayhem begins at 3 p.m. Sparks and fists are sure to fly during the night's main event, a highly anticipated rematch between IBF/WBC "super" 140-pound champion Kostya "The Thunder Down Under" Tszyu and interim IBF junior welterweight champion Sharmba "Little Big Man" Mitchell. Ticket prices begin at $34.95 and are on sale at the Glendale Arena box office and all Ticketmaster locations. Call 623-772-3800. -- Craig Wallach
Eat My Dust!
Pedal pushers compete for awards
Sat 11/6
Now that the mercury's down to tolerable levels, there's one less reason to let that snazzy mountain bike gather dust. Yep, better break in that bad boy in time for the Dust Devil Mountain Bike Races on Saturday, November 6, at White Tanks Regional Park, 13025 North White Tank Mountain Road in Waddell. Events include cross-country races consisting of multiple loops around a three- to six-mile course for men, women and children in eight categories, followed by time trials, where the top three winners in each category nab awards. The pedal pushing starts at 9 a.m. Registration is $35. Call 480-460-5052. --Benjamin Leatherman
Tires, Huddled Masses
NASCAR, natch
11/4-11/7
Ever wondered where the term "religious fervor" originated? Chances are it was coined in homage to the millions of converts who worship weekly at the altar of the NASCAR Nation. So it goes for the country's number one spectator sport; a world in which speed, skill, danger, and a never-ending series of left turns have graduated from regional attraction to national phenomenon. More than 200,000 of the faithful are expected at the Valley's racing mecca for the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Weekend, Thursday, November 4, through Sunday, November 7, at Phoenix International Raceway, 7602 South Avondale Boulevard. Sunday's big race featuring superstars Jeff Gordon and Rusty Wallace headlines four days of racing that also includes Friday's "PIR After Dark," the ultimate NASCAR bash featuring driver appearances, live entertainment, and interactive NASCAR displays. Call 602-252-2227. -- Craig Wallach
