Troy, N.Y., October 8, 2009 – Schenectady NYS correction officer Brian Miller and Albany rival Rafael Luna will battle for the vacant NYS Lightweight Title in a featured bout on Pugnacious Promotions’ "Friday Night Frights: Future Stars Pro-Am Boxing "at Hudson Valley Community College's McDonaugh Fieldhouse on Friday, October 23rd.

Miller (5-0-3, 2 KOs), a correction officer at Greene Correctional Facility, was a running back at Bishop Gibbons and HVCC before turning to boxing, where he won a Novice Division title in the New York State Golden Gloves. A protégé of former standout amateur and pro boxer Andy Schott, Miller, 24, has dropped down a weight class to 135 lbs to challenge for the vacant regional belt. Luna (4-3-1, 1 KO), 27, was a lightweight amateur prospect before turning pro in 2007 and facing tough losses to regional prospects Ryan Kieczewski (5-0, 2 KOs), Zack Smith (3-0) and Mel Crossty (3-0, 1 KO).

"I am so happy to have two local fighters competing for the NYS Lightweight Title on my Oct 23rd card at HVCC," said Lisa Elovich, promoter of the event. "Brian has fought for Pugnacious numerous times and has been a real crowd pleaser. Rafael is a very tough fighter, so this is going to be a very competitive, ‘you pick-em’ fight.’"

Other professional bouts on the card include Miller’s stable mate, undefeated Guilderland lightweight prospect Mike Faragon (8-0, 3 KOs) against tough Philadelphia fighter Julias Edmunds (5-5), former All-American athlete Shawn Miller (1-0, 1 KO), light heavyweight of Troy, and exciting female featherweight Jaci Trivilino (1-1-1), Plattsburgh.

Supporting USA Boxing, Olympic-style, three-round bouts will showcase the region's best young amateur talent, including Albany's Will Madera, Schenectady's Ray Velez, Troy’s Natasha Jefferson, Schoharie’s Sarah Kuhn and others.

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.

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