Las Vegas Sun

Kaspars Kambala never played for legendary ex-Rebels coach Jerry Tarkanian, but the former UNLV basketball player has enjoyed Tarkanian’s support in the boxing ring.

Kambala, 29, is 1-0-1, and Tarkanian watched both bouts in the Mardi Gras Showroom at the Orleans. In March, Kambala knocked out Mike Goins in the second round.

“He was a lot better in the second one,” Tarkanian said. “A lot more confident. He’s undefeated, that’s what counts. He’s a tough kid. Maybe he’ll do it.”

The 6-foot-9 Kambala will fight fellow heavyweight Emile Whiterock, making his pro debut, in a bout scheduled for four rounds Friday at the Orleans.

Kambala, who only knows that Whiterock goes about 6-2, said training has been going well and he’s having fun.

“I’m still working on being completely comfortable and relaxing in the ring,” he said. “Just taking my time. That last fight, I could have knocked him out in the first round but I got excited. I rushed.

“It’s hard work, but it’s well worth it. As long as I continue to get better I’m on the right path.”

The fight site boxrec.com rates Kambala No. 647 in the heavyweight ranks, behind Alex Mene (2-8) and ahead of Junior Pati (2-10).

Kambala was hoping Tarkanian would attend Friday’s fight, but Tarkanian will be out of town.

“It will still be a very good home crowd,” Kambala said. “Hopefully, I can take advantage of being more agile and fast, and try to use that jab to my advantage.”