Thursday: Legends of Boxing Appear at Sands

Bethlehem’s own Ronald Cruz headlines a seven-fight card as boxing returns to the Sands Event Center at 8 tonight in what is being billed as the “Legends of Boxing.”

Cruz, the former WBC Continental Americas welterweight champion, carries an 18-2 record with 13 knockouts into a scheduled 10-round bout against up-and-coming fighter Alberto Morales (11-2-1, 8 knockouts) of Miami.

The undercard features young undefeated junior welterweight Jerome Rodriguez of Allentown, who will take a 5-0-1 record into the ring, against Juan Serrano of Killeen, Texas in a scheduled six-round fight.

Easton welterweight Arturo Trujillo and Allentown heavyweight Billy Marks are also scheduled to step into the ring for four-round fights against respective opponents Terrell James of Philadelphia and Dan Pasciolla of Toms River, N.J.

Larry Holmes, “the Easton Assassin,” will lead a team of legendary fighters—Thomas Hearns, Earnie Shavers and Gerry Cooney—who will be ringside to provide commentary for a pay-per-view television audience on Ustream and on Service Electric, Channel 628. The cost to watch on television is $4.99.

In person, tickets can still be had for $50, $75 and $100.

Also happening in Bethlehem today:

• It’s National Pancake Day and Perkins restaurants are celebrating by giving away free short stacks.

• Peggy Orenstein, the bestselling author of Cinderella Ate My Daughter and Waiting for Daisy, speaks at 7 p.m. at the Zoellner Arts Center. Admission is free.

• Godfrey Daniels hosts its annual Celtic Classic Preview Concert at 7:30 p.m. with the Glengarry Bhoys. Admission is $17.50.

• Former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart performs at 8 p.m. at the Musikfest Cafe. He is joined on this tour by Dave Schools, bassist for Widespread Panic. Tickets range from $34 to $49.