Two Philadelphia-bred prospects willing to put risk well before reward truly makes this one a Philly Special.

Local lightweights Damon Allen and Steven Ortiz have agreed to terms for what will serve as the main event of the March 27 ‘Philly Special’ show at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The show is presented by Michelle ‘Raging Babe’ Rosado, who debuted the series last February and—with this headliner—couldn’t wait to head back home.

 Ortiz’s Pennsylvania State lightweight crown will be at stake in the scheduled 10-round main event, which tops a seven-fight bill. Tickets—priced at $50, $75 and $125—go on sale Friday, although anticipation of the card’s headliner could produce an even bigger splash than when the series hit town last year and established the venue record for the largest attended boxing event.

 “The recipe for success in Philly always has been Philly vs. Philly,” said Rosado, who carries on the tradition of her longtime mentor, Hall of Fame matchmaker and promoter J Russell Peltz of meaningful fights gracing the Philly club show circuit. “It’s what made Philly a great fight town.

 “The hard part today is getting Philly fighters to fight each other so I’m thankful that Steve Ortiz and Damon Allen bought in.”

 The bout had been in talks for some time before all parties came to terms in what is a two-way risk for the pair of lightweights. Ortiz (11-0, 3KOs) has developed a cult following in his home region, as he fights for the eighth time in the greater Philly area and only a small handful coming against made-to-order competition.

 Three of the previous five fights for Ortiz have come versus unbeaten foes. Included among the lot is an eight-round majority decision over Wesley Ferrer who was 12-0-1 heading into their September 2018 clash which aired live on Showtime’s ShoBox series.

 For this clash of crosstown rivals, network affiliation was less important to the equation than the opportunity to claim local bragging rights.

 “It’s a big fight because we are both very talented,” said Ortiz, a 26-year North Philadelphia native who fights under Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella. “It will draw a lot of attention because of our amateur backgrounds. A lot of people always wanted to see us fight.

 “As amateurs, Damon was always the top guy in his division. I was the top in my division. We went to the National Golden Gloves together and we fought great fights. This match-up is going to bring the best out of us.”

Agreeing to such a fight only makes things that much easier for those who guide his career. 

 “This is a great opportunity for Stevie Ortiz in a hometown, Philly Special main event against Damon Allen,” said DiBella, whose DiBella Entertainment serves as the event's co-promoter. “This is reminiscent of the great Philly fights of old. The card is stacked and will be a great representation of Philly boxing and the best of local shows. 

  “I look forward to working with Raging Babe to secure a television or streaming partner for the March 27 Philly Special. The Philly Special will be special and I can’t wait for fans to see it."

 Although it’s Ortiz who puts his “0” and regional title at stake, there is arguably more to lose for his opponent.

 Allen (16-1-1, 5KOs) was able to return home—and to the ring—last October following the lone loss of his career. A 7th round stoppage at the hands of unbeaten Jonathan Navarro in August 2018 forced the West Philly product to reassess his career.

 From there came a 14-month ring break before resurfacing at this very venue for a pick-up win last October. The natural order of progression in today’s climate would be to play it safe and collect a few more ‘guaranteed’ victories before stepping up in class.

 Then again, there’s nothing Philly or special about going that route.

 “I never wanted to be the best in the city; I want to be the best period,”said Allen, who is guided by the dream team of managers Tim VanNewhouse and David McWater of Split-T Management, and multi-time Trainer of the Year nominee Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre. “I know he’s looking at it like it’s a big fight. This isn’t my first rodeo in a fight like this.  I know what to bring and what not to bring. My mind is straight. He is going to be game.  

 “I have more experience in and out of the ring. He’s just another fighter in front of me. I live a boxing lifestyle. I told him to ‘come ready and prepared’ because I’m coming 110 percent.”

 Of course, the anticipatory part of the evening isn’t limited to the main event. Six bouts precede the marquee bout, all in the model shaped by Peltz Boxing and continued through Raging Babe who keeps her mentor on board as an adviser and series matchmaker.

 That said, there is plenty to look forward to in the high-stakes headliner.

 “This fight is happening at the right time for both of them,” notes Rosado. “The winner can break into the world rankings.”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox