When Oscar De La Hoya sat down at the Honda Center to watch former UFC champion, Andrei Arlovski fight the world’s No. 1 heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko, just 30 miles away Shane Mosley was fighting for Antonio Margarito’s WBA welterweight title. The conundrum is that both of these events were promoted by Oscar’s Golden Boy Promotions. Two high-profile fights on the same night, under the same banner; one a boxing match and the other a mixed martial arts (MMA) bout. The mere fact that Oscar, a famous boxer, chose to attend the MMA match speaks volumes about how far the sport has come, and where it is heading. Ever since the UFC held its first fight card in 1993, MMA has been on the rise. Ultimate fighting has surpassed boxing as the pay-per-view of choice, and its popularity growth rivals that of NASCAR’s a decade ago. More encouraging of all is the strong resurgence of the local fight scene. Promoters such as Wisconsin’s own Konquer the Kage (KTK) had about 800 enthusiasts in attendance at their last Eau Claire event, which took place in fall. KTK’s next event is scheduled for Feb. 14, and I highly recommend the viewing! If it follows the national fight scene, we very well could be seeing the next big thing in local recreation. Also, Andrei Arlovski hopes to make his boxing debut later this year. It will be interesting to see if Oscar attends the event.

    Konquer the Kage 24: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre • Saturday, Feb. 14 • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road • 6 pm • $25-$75 • 829-3425 • www.ktk1.com