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Contact: Lisa Elovich ST.
PATRICK’S DAY SHOWDOWN: BOXING
RETURNS TO THE ARMORY Albany, N.Y. – Professional boxing returns to the Washington Avenue Armory on Friday, March 17th, when local boxers fight in competitive match-ups in front of friends and family on a St. Patrick’s Day card presented by Pugnacious Promotions. “Friday Night Fights: St. Patrick’s Day Showdown” will be headlined by IBC Welterweight titlist Frank Houghtaling (19-9-5, 4 KOs), of Colonie, who will face former Canadian Welterweight Champion Hercules Kyvelos (22-2, 11 KOs), of Montreal, Canada, in a challenging eight-round fight. Houghtaling headlines his second Pugnacious Promotions card against Kyvelos, who returns to the ring after two years of inactivity. Kyvelos reeled off 22 consecutive victories without a loss before facing welterweight champions Antonio Margerito and Cosme Rivera. In her first pro fight in front of hometown fans, welterweight Liz Mooney, (3-2, 1 KO), of Feura Bush, will fight six rounds with 7th-ranked Cristy Nickel (7-4, 4 KOs), of Augusta, Ga Mooney has fought at a high level in her brief career. She turned professional in 2004 after compiling a 14-5 amateur record and competing twice in the Women’s Nationals Finals. As a pro, she debuted against welterweight contender Ann Marie Saccurato and fought for a WIBC Championship belt in her fifth pro fight. Troy heavyweight Shannon Miller (12-1, 6 KOs) will continue his climb up the rankings in a six-rounder against brawler David Chappell (7-5, 3 KOs), of Portsmouth, Va. Miller will take another step toward once again facing Vinny Maddalone, who he battled in one of 2005’s most thrilling fights – which ESPN.com boxing columnist Dan Rafael called "ESPN2's most dramatic fight and the best heavyweight bout of the year." Promoters Lisa Elovich, of Pugnacious Promotions, and Joe DeGuardia, Star Boxing, have begun negotiations for the rematch of that fight later in 2006. Junior welterweight Wayland Willingham (7-0, 4 KOs), a native of Albany who also is fighting his first pro fight in the city, will face Jose Angel Roman (9-11-3, 5 KOs) in a six-round fight. Willingham grew up in Albany and lives in Atlanta, Ga. while attending college. The undefeated southpaw, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Pugnacious Promotions, has strong ties in the Albany community. His mother, Wanda Willingham, is a long-time community activist currently serving her second term in the Albany County Legislature. Also appearing is Kingston middleweight Brandon Mitchem (22-4, 8 KOs), who will return to the ring against journeyman Daniel Neal (9-13, 4 KOs), of Columbus, Ohio. Mitchem, a native of the South, began his pro career in Las Vegas before moving to Kingston, NY, where he and his wife, Leah, continued their college studies. As a pro, he just missed the final cut for NBC’s The Contender and has traveled the world assisting world-ranked and champion boxers for big fights, including Bernard Hopkins, William Joppy and Kostya Tzyu. As an amateur, Mitchem won the 1996 National Golden Gloves at welterweight and earned a spot as 1996 Olympic alternate, narrowly losing the Olympic Box-Off match with Fernando Vargas 17-14. Mitchem, who has been inactive for two years, also signed an exclusive promotional contract with Pugnacious Promotions. “I’m so happy that we could get all the local fighters on our first card of 2006,” said Lisa Elovich. “I hope the community comes to the Armory on St. Patrick’s Day to support all of the local fighters. It’s going to be another great night of fights. I am sure that the fans will be on the edge of their seats with this card.” Former world champion Tony Marshall, one of the most successful boxers ever from New York’s state capital, will be honored at the show, which will benefit former heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney’s F.I.S.T., a charitable organization that assists retired boxers and their families with the support and training needed to carry on their lives after they leave the ring. Marshall, who earned the NABF junior middleweight championship and challenged for the WBA and WBC belts in his 14-year career, will be honored for his achievements in the ring. “Tony Marshall deserves to be recognized in front of his fans for his great achievements” said Lisa Elovich. “His strength of character inside and outside of the ring is apparent to all that know him and have followed his career.” Doors open at 6:00 pm for the St. Patrick’s Day event showcasing local fighters and Irish entertainment featuring the Farrell School of Irish Dance and an Irish harmony duo. Tickets are on sale at the Armory box office, 518-694-7160, or through Ticketmaster by phone, 518-476-1000, any outlet or online at www.ticketmaster.com. General Admission tickets are $25; Reserved, $40, Ringside, $75 and first two rows, $100. -30- Return to News |
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