By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Tristate fight fans with HBO-TV will want to tune in to tonight's Boxing After Dark card, because it features Cincinnati's two premier boxers - bantamweight Tim Austin and junior welterweight Ricardo Williams Jr.

"And another one of our Cincinnati fighters is on the card, too - Robert Dula," Williams said from Las Vegas. "It's good exposure for Cincinnati boxing. We get to showcase our talents."

The televised portion of the card, featuring Austin and Williams, begins at 10:45p.m. EST.

The main event is Austin (25-0-1, 22 knockouts) making his 10th title defense. His opponent is No.1 contender Rafael Marquez (28-3, 26 KOs).

Austin, 31, has sparred in 200 rounds in preparation for tonight's fight. The card is being promoted by Don King Productions. Austin may move up from his 118-pound weight after this fight, to seek some bigger paydays. He'd like to fight featherweight Marco Antonio Barrera.

The opponent for Williams (8-0, 5 KOs) is Juan Pollo Valenzuela (15-6, 6 KOs), a late fill-in for Juan Carlos Rubio.

"They're the same fighter, anyway," said Williams, known for his fast hands and flashy footwork. "They've got the same style - they're both straight-ahead brawlers. That's the style I've prepared for; there won't be any changes."

A lot of fight fans were looking forward to seeing Williams fight Rubio, who had won an upset decision over up-and-comer Francisco "Panchito" Bojado last February. But Rubio had to pull out of tonight's fight only three days ago because of a retinal injury. Valenzuela, Rubio's replacement, isn't as highly touted.

Williams, 21, came in one pound under the 144-pound weight.

"My hand's bounced back good from my last fight (a decision over Terronn Millett last Nov.2) and I'm in great shape," Williams said. "I trained hard. My buddy, Ravae Springs, is here, and when I see how hard he works, that just makes me work all the harder. He lifts my spirits."

Springs (25-2) fights Friday on ESPN2 for the WBC cruiserweight title at the Miccosukee Casino in Miami. His opponent is Wayne Braithwaite (18-0, 15 KOs).

Cincinnatian Dula (13-0-1) fights Calvin Odom (11-4) on tonight's HBO card at Caesars Palace.