LOS ANGELES (Jan. 8, 2008) – Popular, flamboyant and charismatic former Bodog star, Eddie Alvarez, has signed a long-term contract with Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.’s live division, EliteXC, and will co-headline on Friday, Jan. 25, at Trump Taj Mahal Atlantic City Hotel & Casino.
 
         “This is another great signing for EliteXC and we’re thrilled to have Eddie with us,’’ said EliteXC Live Events President, Gary Shaw, who made the announcement today.  “Eddie is definitely a promising kid with a great future, but what truly amazes me is his incredibly devoted fan base.

            “He’s a phenomenon on the East Coast where he may fight on a show that draws 5,000 fans, but two-thirds of them are there to see him. He is like a rock star in some respects. In an around Philadelphia, he is as popular as Philly cheese steak and is the best thing they have going as far as mixed martial arts goes. I look forward to introducing him to the world on SHOWTIME.’’

            Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

            A two-time high school All-American wrestler, Alvarez (11-1), of Philadelphia, will make his EliteXC debut against Hawaiian favorite Ross “Da Boss’’ Ebanez (16-5), of Hilo, Hawaii, on ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

The Alvarez-Ebanez fight, which will be contested at 170 pounds, replaces one slated to include Yves Edwards.  In the other ShoXC co-feature, England’s Paul “Semtex’’ Daley (16-6-2) will meet Sam “The Squeeze” Morgan (19-9) of Minneapolis, Minn., in a 160-pound bout.