EVER WONDER why those belts that championship boxers carry around the ring are so big? The Bay Area's Andre Ward, at least, has some big titles to justify his oversize bling. An Olympic Gold Medalist in 2004 in the light heavyweight division, he's also an undefeated super middleweight. On Thursday at the HP Pavilion, he'll take on Detroit's Rubin "Mr. Hollywood" Williams, a 31-year-old boxer with nine of those years as a pro. Williams' 29-3 record and 16 KOs promise to make him stiff competition and their 10-round bout one to watch. There are another five other bouts also scheduled: Francisco "Chia" Santana will face off with Karim "Hard Hitta" Mayfield for six rounds, and Rico Ramos from Los Angeles will be making his pro debut.

AMERICAN METAL AND IRON FIGHT NIGHT happens Thursday, March 20, 7:30pm. HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St, San Jose; $25-$95; 408.998.TIXS. For more information and tickets, go to fightnightatthetank.com.

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