By Sean D. Reed

The city of Dallas – better known as "Big D" to those of us who call it home - is fortunate enough to be the host city for this year’s National Basketball Association All-Star Game.

During that same festive week, Black Gloves Promotions will be hosting an all-star night of its own, displaying some of the best boxing talent in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on Thursday, February 11 at The Showroom at Gilley's.

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and assorted other NBA superstars are scheduled to arrive one night prior, to kick-off All Star Week. The annual Rookies vs. Sophomores Game, Slam-Dunk Contest, 3-Point Shoot-Out and the All-Star Game itself bookend Black Gloves' pugilistic presentation.

Headlining what promises to be an exciting evening of fights is none other than Charles "The Future" Hatley (9-0, 9 KO). The two-time U.S. Olympic Alternate is a gifted fighter with breathtaking abilities; watching him perform live is equal parts poetic and violent.

Simply put, Charles Hatley was born to fight. In his own words, he came out of the womb "throwing punches".

It's fitting that Hatley will be on display during NBA All-Star Week. He is undoubtedly a can’t miss future all-star who will find himself on HBO, Showtime and/or pay-per view audiences before long.

Undefeated Cuban, Stalin Lopez (6-0, 3 KO’s) has signed up to get a glimpse of “The Future” in what figures to be Hatley’s toughest test to date.

On the undercard will be Charles older brother, Greg Hatley, Jr., also a highly decorated amateur.

After starting his own family and assisting his father with their construction business, Greg Jr. is ready to reclaim his lofty position in the boxing world.

Also featured will be "Ft. Worth's favorite son", "Funky Town's finest", Jose Orozco (3-0, 2 KO's), Kendrick "The Apostle" Releford (21-13-2, 10 KO's), James "Boogie" Freeman (5-1, 4 KO's), Arthur Trevino (5-3-2, 2 KO's) and many others.

Among the invited celebrities will be Golden Globe winning, Oscar nominated actress, Mo'Nique, former University of Texas stud current NFL All-Pro quarterback Vince Young, Dallas Cowboys' own Roy Williams and Andre Gurode and additional NFL and NBA stars.