Whether it is inside the ring or out, Mat Plant of Power Plant Productions continues to find a way to squeeze more variety into his shows.
The Fight Before Christmas 2, to be held Saturday at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex, is no exception.
In addition to five fights in boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts, plus two pro wrestling matches, a number of things will be happening outside the ring:
• There will be dance performances throughout the evening by Diamond Dance Project.
• The local rock band 3 Above will play from 6:30 to 7 p.m., then during intermission.
• Plant is working with Five-Star Realty on a winter clothing drive and encouraging fans to bring coats, gloves and blankets to donate.
• Plant is also working with Kenai Peninsula College, the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank and Yo Tacos on a food drive for the food bank.
• Gahm’s Guns is doing a wall of guns fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Tickets will be $10, and for every 100 tickets sold, a drawing will be held for a gun winner.
• Food by Yo Tacos will be available at the event.
• There will be an opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus on a Harley-Davidson.
“I’ve been very happy with how the shows have been evolving,” Plant said. “The community has embraced us and businesses are stepping up with sponsorships and people are coming out to see the fights.
“Without a doubt, it’s been the best year for Power Plant Productions, and we’ve got a lot of cool things planned for 2018.”
The main event is a heavyweight boxing match between Scott Mans, the pastor at Aurora Heights Worship Center in Nikiski, and Charlie Christoffersen.
It is the first fight for both men.
“It’s been a passion of Scott’s, he’s been training for a long time,” Plant said. “He’d never actually competed, but he approached me about finding him a fight.
“It took me awhile to find someone to fight him. His appearance is very intimidating. Charlie stepped up and took the fight.”
Christoffersen was in the Marines and now attends Kenai Peninsula College. He went to Plant’s last event as a spectator and decided he wanted in on the action.
In mixed martial arts, longtime rivals Kory Spooner and Cole Aquino will square off. Spooner is 2-0 against Aquino, who will be fighting for the final time.
The other fight Plant wants to highlight is the pro wrestling bout in which the Phoenix Kid will defend his Last Frontier Open Weight Championship against Brody Adams.
Tickets to the beer garden are $25, while general admission tickets are $15. They are available at the Duck Inn. The doors open at 6 p.m., while the fights start at 7 p.m.
