OGDEN -- More than 15 years ago, Weber State football player Billy Zumbrun was looking for a way to stay in shape while he pursued the dream of a professional football career. At that time, Zumbrun didn't realize that trip to the gym would lead to what's turned into a successful boxing career.
"I was trying for the NFL, and a guy recommended that I try boxing," said Zumbrun, as he prepared one recent Saturday to spar a few rounds at Foley's Gym in Ogden. The former football defensive specialist lost his first couple of amateur fights, but then started winning. That led to a 40-fight amateur career, and later a professional career that has seen the Ogden heavyweight -- through sheer perseverance -- move past the preliminary ranks and into established main bout status.
On Saturday, Zumbrun, 24-12-1, with 14 KOs, will fight Las Vegas journeyman Cliff Couser, 26-21-2, in the main event at Fight Night Showdown at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center. The eight-rounder headlines six professional fights that involve local boxers.
Zumbrun, 39, is considered a dangerous opponent to fight, a reputation that has unfortunately stalled his career at times. More hyped boxers, including Eric "Butterbean" Esch, have been bested by Zumbrun. Top-ranked contenders, including Chris Arreola and former heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield, have passed when offered Zumbrun as a TV opponent. Several of Zumbrun's losses have been questionable decisions, -- most notably a TV loss to former heavyweight champ Riddick Bowe -- a fate that befalls many boxers who have to travel to an opponent's home towns to earn a fight payday.
Also, because of the relative boxing obscurity of northern Utah, it's difficult to lure opponents with a good reputations, such as Couser, to Ogden. Zumbrun's last fight was 13 months ago, in Ogden, a quick KO of Jason Nicholson.
For the Couser bout, Zumbrun, who usually fights close to 220 pounds, has trained daily, running daily and sparring 20 rounds a week. Zumbrun's trained by former Denver middleweight pro Ron Brown, who works at Millcreek Youth Center, where Zumbrun is a supervisor.
If he defeats Couser, Zumbrun will continue to fight, hoping he can get another big-money bout. He's had a few in his career. If the Ogden fight makes promoter Tracy Spinks a profit, Zumbrun may headline again in Ogden sooner rather than later.
"I'm excited. It's been a year. I love the sport," said Zumbrun, who now spends time in the gym mentoring younger fighters. "I just want to give back. People pay to watch me. I want to pay them back," he adds.
One fight Zumbrun would welcome is a rematch with "Butterbean," who recently resumed his boxing career.
Saturday's most intriguing preliminary fight will feature Clearfield light middleweight Eddie Cordova (2-0-1), who fights a rematch against Bozeman, Mont.'s Chris Asher (0-4-2). Asher held Cordova to a draw in the former's pro debut last year in Ogden.
"The draw will stay on my record, but I want to follow it up with a win," said Cordova.
Also, featherweight prospect Jose Haro (4-0) of Salt Lake City, is scheduled to fight Moreno Valley, Calif.'s Jason Hayes (0-1). Ogden heavyweight Fred Spitzenberg makes his pro debut against Clearfield's Gary Cobia, also debuting. Ogden light welterweight Stanley Robinson (2-9-1) fights Salt Lake City's Cesar Olmedo (6-6), heavyweight Charles Presnell (1-3), of Fernley, Nev., meets Junaid Farooki, making his pro debut, and super middleweight Nelson Lopez (1-1) of Reno, Nev., meets David Otis, also debuting as a pro.
The 6 p.m. card also includes five amateur fights.
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