Abie Han Title Eliminator Highlights PBC Return to El Paso

Abie Han has won three of his last four fights and two of his three career losses have come via split decision. The toughest part for the 33-year old El Paso native has been securing quality fights. On Saturday night, April 28th, Han will get his wish when he squares off against top prospect Anthony Dirrell in the co-main event of a huge boxing card that marks the return of Premiere Boxing Champions to the Don Haskins Center. Veteran Josesito Lopez and unbeaten prospect Jorge Lara will also appear on the card nicknamed "World War III" that will be televised live on FOX and FOX Deportes.

Han (26-3-1, 16 KOs) last fought in the DHC in July 2009, but he knows how important this 10-round 168 pound battle with be. Dirrell (31-1-1, 24 KOs) is a former world champion from Flint, Michigan, and he is ranked by ESPN's Dan Rafael as the third best super middleweight in the division. A win over the favored Dirrell would put Han in position to challenge unbeaten WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez, WBC champion David Benavidez, or IBF champion Caleb Truax for a world title.

Lopez (35-7, 19 KOs), nicknamed "the Riverside Rocky" has fought some of the best boxers in the sport, including Marcos Maidana, Saul “Canelo’’ Alvarez, Andre Berto, Victor Ortiz, and Jessie Vargas. His opponent, Miguel Cruz (17-0, 11 KOs) was a member of the Puerto Rican national team as an amateur and he won four fights last year.

Lara (29-0-1, 21 KOs) is from Guadalajara, Mexico and the 27-year old knocked out former champion Fernando Montiel last April at the StubHub Center. He will meet Claudio Marrero (22-2, 16 KOs) who was riding an eight-fight win streak before losing by knockout to Jesus Rojas last September for the WBA World Featherweight title.

Tickets for World War III go on sale this morning at 10 a.m. and will be priced at $25, $40, $60, $100, and $200. They can be purchased at the UTEP Ticket Office and online at Ticketmaster.