LOCAL AMATEURS HIGHLIGHTED IN RETURN 0F PRO-AM BOXING OCTOBER 23^RD AT HVCC

Troy, N.Y., October 15, 2009 – In New York’s first pro-am since 2005, local amateur boxers will have the opportunity to compete on a larger stage Friday, October 23rd when Pugnacious Promotions presents "Friday Night Frights: Future Stars Pro-Am” at Hudson Valley Community College's McDonaugh Fieldhouse. 

Featured amateur boxing includes a bout between two boxers who represented the state at last year’s National Golden Gloves, light welterweight (141 lbs) Will Madera, Albany, vs. welterweight (152 lbs) Ray Velez, Troy.   In a female welterweight bout, Troy’s Natasha Jefferson will seek to avenge her loss in last year’s Golden Gloves qualifier to Sarah Kuhn, of Schoharie.  Heavyweights (201 lbs) Roger Zapada, a University at Albany student and amateur mma fighter, vs. Catskill’s Edwin McLucas and junior 65-lb boxers Jonathan Rodriguez, Albany, vs. Riley Mabee, Waterford, complete the USA Boxing-sanctioned, amateur portion of the show.

"I would like to thank the NYS Athletic Commission and, in particular, Chairwoman Melvina Lathan, who authorized us to present the first pro-am card in several years,” said Lisa Elovich, promoter of the event.  “This will give local, up-and-coming amateur boxers a chance to fight at a big venue in front of a much wider audience to showcase their talent.  I would also like to thank Jerrick Jones and the other hard-working amateur trainers for their participation in this novel event.  The boxers have been training really hard for this show and it will be evident by their exciting bouts on the 23rd! "   

In professional fights, Schenectady NYS correction officer Brian Miller (5-0-3, 2 KOs) and Albany rival Rafael Luna (4-3-1, 1 KO) will battle for the vacant NYS Lightweight Title in the card’s main event.  Light welterweight prospect Mike Faragon (8-0, 3 KOs) faces tough Philadelphia fighter Julias Edmunds (5-5) in the six-round co-feature.  Other professional bouts on the card feature former All-American athlete Shawn Miller (1-0, 1 KO), light heavyweight of Troy, exciting female featherweight Jaci Trivilino (1-1-1) and cruiserweight pro debuter Brian Cloakey, both of Plattsburgh.

Tickets and more information are available from Pugnacious Promotions, www.pugnaciouspromotions.com or 518-527-0160.  Ringside tickets are $75 and Reserved $45.  General Admission open seats in the bleachers are $30 and $25 for students with a current ID.  Ringside VIP tables, including light fare and table service throughout the evening, also are available.