Getting in the ring

The 10th annual Fallon Rural Rumble returns to the Churchill County Fairgrounds, Aug. 12, with Reno’s own Oscar “Chapito” Vasquez, 12-1, 2 KO as the main event.

Vasquez, ranked No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization, returns to Fallon Rural Rumble for the seventh time. Joining Vasquez in the spotlight is 17-year-old Stockton, Calif. boxing prodigy, Gabe Flores, Jr., 2-0. Recently signed by Top Rank Boxing, Flores makes his professional debut after a victory against Devon Jones in Reno, May 5.

“The event is truly spectacular, as it brings the community together under the stars to support renowned athletes,” said Jane Moon, city of Fallon director of Tourism and Events. “As we continue to celebrate the rich history of professional boxing and athleticism in Nevada, this event has become a tradition for our families.”

The outdoor Rural Rumble continues a 120-year professional boxing tradition in rural Nevada. The event celebrates the first professional boxing match held in Carson City in 1897, where Jim Corbett and Bob Fitzsimmons fought in Nevada’s first prize fight.

Fallon Rural Rumble, previously known as “Fallon Fights: The Rural Rumble,” began in 2008 — the first to combine boxing with mixed martial arts bouts. It’s reminiscent of the old Nevada mining camp bouts and the popular 70’s-era fights held outdoors at Sharkey’s Casino in Gardnerville. In 2014, the Rural Rumble transitioned to professional boxing when ESPN’s Friday Night Fights broadcast the event nationally. The event has grown to an annual 3,000 attendees.

Fallon Fights is produced by Top Rank Boxing, Let’s Get It On Promotions and the city of Fallon. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first bout is at 7 p.m. For table reservations and additional information, call 775-423-4556, or go to www.VisitFallonNevada.com/FallonFights.