Cruiserweight champion Cora headlines Quest Casino card

Felix Cora Jr. couldn’t keep from smiling, and for a guy whose nickname is “Bad News,” that seemed out of character.

Stripped to his Fruit-of-the-Looms and standing in front of a room full of strangers, some with cameras and all with the prurient interest that comes with a professional boxing weigh-in, Cora posed for photos: your basic two-fisted, face-to-face pictures with your opponent.

The more the photographers asked Cora to put on a serious face, the more the United States Boxing Association Cruiserweight champion smiled.

“I enjoy this part of the business,” Cora said. “I enjoy talking to people and putting a good face on this business. I know how to turn it on and off. I’m all business when it comes time to step into the ring.

“I like to think I’m creating opportunities for other boxers. We’re opening up a new market here. If we do well, this will be a place where other fighters can come in and fight.”

Cora (15-0-2, seven knockouts) faces James “Thunder” Elizalde (14-0-1, nine KOs) in the main event of tonight’s inaugural Northern Quest Casino fight card – two good-old-boys from Texas fighting in the snow.

The casino’s foray into professional boxing includes at least three more fight cards in 2005, each to be broadcast on ESPN television. There is no television coverage of tonight’s bouts.

In a sports world in which brawls have become commonplace, and in a sport that has, at times, been on the cutting edge of mayhem, this weigh-in was surprisingly amicable.

“I’ve had people say some pretty nasty things and I’ve had people throw drinks at me,” Elizalde said, wearing a smile to match Cora’s. “That’s not pleasant, but you have to remember why you’re there. And you have to remember that you’re a professional.

“I’m just thankful to have this opportunity and I’m enjoying it.”

“I’m expecting a good, tough fight between gentlemen,” Cora said. “I expect my opponent to come out and fight hard. That’s what we’re here for.”

Cora weighed in at 200 pounds, the maximum for a cruiserweight. Elizalde weighed 192 1/2 .

Also on tonight’s card are super middleweights Antwun “Kid Dynamite” Echols (30-5-1, 26 KOs) vs. Jameel “Black Gold” Wilson (13-6-2, eight KOs) in the co-main event.