FORMER CHAMPION MARSHALL TO BE HONORED, COONEY’S F.I.S.T.
TO BENEFIT AT FIRST 2006 ARMORY PRO BOXING EVENT 

Albany, N.Y. – Former world champion Tony Marshall, one of the most successful boxers ever from New York’s state capital, will be honored at the first pro boxing card of 2006, which will benefit former heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney’s F.I.S.T. charity. 

Marshall, who earned the NABF junior middleweight championship and challenged for the WBA and IBF belts in his 14-year career, will be honored for his achievements in the ring St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17^th, at the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany, N.Y. 

Marshall faced many of the best fighters of his generation, from Aaron Davis and Glenwood Brown to Ronald “Winky” Wright, Kassem Ouma and Fernando Vargas.  In October at the first Armory pro boxing card, which marked the return of the sport to the capital city, Marshall faced rising middleweight star Lenord Pierre.  Before that, Marshall last fought in Albany in 1997, a 10-round unanimous decision win over future WBC Light Middleweight champion Keith Mullings at the Pepsi Arena. 

“Tony Marshall is a true champion both inside and outside of the ring,” said Lisa Elovich, Pugnacious Promotions.  “I think it’s important for boxing fans to acknowledge Tony’s great achievements.  He is one of the greatest boxers to come out of Albany and a terrific role model for children in the community.  Tony is a humble and gracious person who has never backed down from a fight and when he was in the ring he always gave 100 percent.  I was very fortunate to have Tony fight on two of my boxing cards.  He deserves to be honored in front of his friends and fans on March 17^th at the Armory.”

 Gerry Cooney’s Fighter’s Initiative for Support and Training (F.I.S.T.) is 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.  Cooney, a Long Island native, fought some of the best heavyweights of his time, including George Forman, Ken Norton, Michael Spinks, Ron Lyle and Jimmy Young.  In 1982, he earned a shot at champion Larry Holmes, which was one of the more memorable fights of that era. In 1998, he founded F.I.S.T., which provides treatment, counseling and career path assistance to fighters who lack the resources needed for a successful transition after prizefighting.  

F.I.S.T. will receive promotional benefits throughout the evening and receive a donation from Pugnacious Promotions. 

“We are grateful for Lisa Elovich and Pugnacious Promotions commitment to F.I.S.T.,” said Cooney.  “And what better place to see the fights on St. Patrick’s Day than a great Irish-American city like Albany.”

“I really admire and respect Gerry Cooney’s commitment to assisting retired boxers once they are out of the ring,” said Lisa Elovich, Pugnacious Promotions president.  “F.I.S.T is doing important work for the boxing community.  It’s an organization that should be embraced not only by the boxing industry but by all sports enthusiasts who care about the well-being of athletes.  I am happy to help spread the word about F.I.S.T. and its dedication to former boxers.”

The St. Patrick’s Day boxing card will be headlined by IBC Welterweight titlist Frank Houghtaling (19-9-5, 4 KOs), of Albany, who will face former Canadian Welterweight Champion Hercules Kyevelos (22-2, 11 KOs), of Montreal, Canada, in an eight-round fight.  Also, appearing on the card are Troy heavyweight Shannon Miller (12-1, 6 KOs), Albany welterweight Liz Mooney (3-2, 1 KO), Kingston middleweight Brandon Mitchem (22-4, 8 KOs), and Wayland Willingham (7-0, 4 KOs), a native of Albany.