SCHUYLKILL - James Wayka has made the flight from Mounds View, Minnesota, for Friday night's main event of an eight-bout professional boxing card against "Lightning" Harry Joe Yorgey at Phoenixville Area High School.

On Wednesday afternoon, he worked out at the Phoenixville Civic Center on Main Street, home site of the Phoenixville Area Police Athletic League (PAL) boxers.

"It is a good experience to come here," Wayka said prior to an afternoon press conference at Valley Forge Pizza Wednesday afternoon. "I want to put on a good show."

Wayka has a 14-5 record with eight knockouts while Yorgey brings a 17-0-1 (eight knockouts) log into the scheduled 10-round junior middleweight bout.

Wayka, an American Indian, recorded an outstanding 95-10 amateur record, including a National Silver Gloves championship. His log included wins over well-known former boxing world champions Fernando Vargas and Diego Corrales as amateurs.

As a professional, under manager Ron Peterson, Wayka holds victories over previously undefeated Mohamed Ali (6-0) and former featherweight champion Frank Toledo, who was 43-6 before the encounter against Wayka.

Wayka works at a youth center to help troubled youngsters. He is the father of three girls, ages 7, 4 and 3. Besides boxing, his other hobbies include basketball, soccer, meditation and weightlifting.

Wayka's last fight was a loss by knockout in five rounds against Russian Vladimir Zykov on Aug. 5, 2006. Wayka began his pro career with an 11-0 record in 2001 and 2002 before being knocked out in the fifth round by Mark Riggs on March 6, 2003.

"Boxing is no joke," he said. "I think it is the toughest sport. You try to knock each other out. It is the closest thing to death. You are so nervous and scared."

"I didn't do anything different," Yorgey said. "I train for every fight like it is 15 rounds, regardless if it is six, eight or 10 rounds. I am sparring more. I am definitely ready. That is the main thing. I stay in shape. I am doing what I do best."

Yorgey and Phoenixville featherweight Jules Blackwell are anxious to fight so close to home. Blackwell (4-0, two KOs) has a four-round bout against Edward Valdez of New York, N.Y. (3-4-2, two KOs).

"This is real nice to showcase our skills here in Phoenixville where we train," Yorgey said. "The kids have a chance to see us fight. We are a role models for kids."

"It is nice to be fighting in Phoenixville," Blackwell said. "I have trained hard for the fight. People I went to school with are coming to the fight and asking me about it.

In a four-round female welterweight fight, Olivia "The Great" Fonseca, 19, of Philadelphia, will make her professional debut against Angelica Neal of New York, N.Y., who is also making her pro debut. She has been boxing as an amateur for nine years and captured four Golden Gloves championships.

"I never dreamed of being a role model," Fonseca said. "I am a woman and representing my culture and family. I have trained twice as hard. I am excited and can't wait for the fight."

Fights start at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 for general admission, $60 ringside and $75 for VIP ringside (first two rows). Tickets can still be purchased by calling 610-917-3735 or 610-327-3392.

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