Analyzing Georgie "El Torito" Garcia Jr.'s boxing style can be as perplexing as a politician's talking points on tax reform -- though with more sudden and painful consequences. The heavyweight Garcia, who brings a 5-0 professional record (with four KOs, including three in the first round) to "Fight Night at the Den," is right-handed, but usually boxes as a southpaw. "I switch between the two styles to confuse my opponents," says the soft-spoken Garcia. Such an unorthodox approach serves the Glendale resident well, as last year he came within two points at the Olympic trials of a free ticket to Athens. Six other bouts are on the card at Glendale Arena, 9400 West Maryland, including Valley-based pugilists Noel Mendoza (5-1, 1 KO) and Jesus Soto (3-0, 3 KOs). To spice things up, Hondi Hernandez and Amanda Roberts each make their women's professional boxing debut. The opening bell sounds at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 29. Tickets are $10 to $40. Call 623-772-3200. -- Douglas Towne
Monster Mayhem
Bigger, faster motor sports
SAT 4/30
For those of us used to bottoming out over speed bumps and enduring the torture of going from 0 to 40 in just under 10 minutes, bulldozing trucks with 10-foot tires, and jet-fueled dragsters topping out at more than 300 mph make for a scintillating pair of spectator sports. Join a crowd of more than 35,000 for the power and speed of the Coors Light Monster Truck & Jet Car Jam, Saturday, April 30, at Firebird International Raceway, 20000 South Maricopa Road in Chandler. The biggest names in monster trucks vie for the title of 2005 Freestyle Champion on a day that also includes jet car racing and a Pit Party autograph session. Gates open at 4 p.m. The action starts at 7 p.m. Call 602-268-0200. -- Craig Wallach
Teen Spirit
Cheerleaders get their rah-rahs out
4/30-5/1
Okay, stop drooling. Yes, cheerleaders are hot. Yes, they are usually doing things that make their bosoms jiggle. Yes, their bottoms look good peeking out from under their skimpy uniform skirts. But most of the cheerleaders competing in the regional Creation Dance Championships are in high school (ya perv!) and they mean serious business, as they compete alongside various dance performers for scholarships and titles in categories like Ballet, Jazz, Clogging, Hip-Hop, Baton, Pom Pon, and, of course, Cheerleading. The ultimate prize is a spot in the national finals, where we imagine the jailbait ogling shall increase tenfold. The hip-hip hoorays hit Horizon High School, 5601 East Greenway Road in Scottsdale, on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1. Call 480-491-2488 or visit www.azcheerevents.com for ticket information.
