Tacoma, WA (April 21, 2012) - Promoter Brian Halquist of Halquist Productions announced that former amateur sensation Mihai Cotruta will make his pro debut against Omar Cruz in a three round lightweight contest Saturday, April 28 as part of the "Cagesport XIX" card.

The card takes place in Tacoma, WA at the Emerald Queen Casino and tickets are available at the EQC box office or on ticketmaster.com.

Originally from Moldova, Cotruta had an 8-1 amateur record and is an expert in the Russian martial art Combat Sambo. During his brief but successful stint in the unpaid ranks, Coutra finished in the top three of the Combat Sambo National Championship, World Combat Sambo Championships and National Wrestling Championships. He was discovered by Richard Steele, who currently serves as his advisor.

A recognizable face in the boxing world, Steele officiated 167 world title bouts featuring legends such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar De La Hoya, Roy Jones Jr., Felix Trinidad, Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Leonard amongst others. The Las Vegas native, whose career as the third man in the ring spanned three decades, was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing him fight and I've got a feeling that he's going to try to make a major statement," Halquist said of Cotruta "He did quite well in the amateurs, especially considering how few bouts he had."

Halquist also likes the link between the fighter and advisor.

"Due to his involvement in many big fights, most people think about boxing when they hear the name Richard Steele. What most people don't know is that he's been involved in the mixed martial arts scene during the last five years and his knowledge is widely respected by MMA fighters as well. The UFC actually donated equipment to support Steele's program, so that definitely tells you something."

The card is headlined by a championship twin bill featuring a CageSport lightweight title bout between Julian Erosa and Ryan Mulvihill as well as Jeff Hatton vs Brandon Hempleman bantamweight belt.

For more information on "Cagesport XIX", go to HalquistProductions.com.