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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact: Lisa Elovich,
Pugnacious Promotions “KO AT
‘THE JOE’”: PRO BOXING RETURNS Miller
Returns to the Ring in Front of Hometown Fans Troy, N.Y. April 26, 2007 – Pro boxing returns to the Capital Region this summer when Pugnacious Promotions presents its first fight card of the year Saturday, July 7th at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, N.Y. Hometown favorite heavyweight Shannon Miller (14-3, 8 KOs), who most recently challenged for the NYS Heavyweight title at Madison Square Garden, will end his retirement to fight in one of the evening’s feature bouts against an opponent to be announced. Miller will return to the ring to fight in front of friends and family at home in Troy for the first time in 10 years. Undefeated prospect Wayland Willingham (11-0, 6 KOs), who most recently stepped up in competition by winning his first eight-round fight against tough Mexican Carlos Molina (8-3, 4 KOs), also will be featured against an opponent to be announced. Willingham, a native of Albany, N.Y., is increasingly recognized as an up-and-coming fighter to watch. In March, national magazine Boxing Digest featured him in its “Prospects” profile, citing his “lightening speed, tons of talent and … world of potential.” Before the Molina bout, the 28 year-old southpaw won two consecutive six-round fights by impressive early KOs. Additional feature fights, and an undercard of competitive bouts with young fighters from around New York, will be announced at a later date. “We are so pleased to be part of Troy’s resurgence,” said Lisa Elovich, promoter of the event. “It is a city rich in cultural attractions and history. We hope to make boxing a regular event at The Joe.” The Independence weekend celebration is the first outdoor fight card in the Capital Region in nearly a decade. Joe Bruno stadium is a state-of-the-art professional baseball facility and home of the Tri-City ValleyCats, Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros. The venue features 4,500 permanent seats, 10 luxury suites, and an open air concourse designed to give every seat a great view of the field and an intimate ballpark feel. “The ValleyCats are very excited to bring professional boxing back to Troy”, said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy. “Baseball and boxing have had a long, rich history together. All-time greats like Muhammed Ali, Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson all had championship bouts at Yankee Stadium. Now to have local favorite Shannon Miller come out of retirement and fight in his hometown at ‘The Joe’ is something everyone is looking forward to.” Troy has a rich tradition of pro boxing, from its days as launching ground of world-class bare-knuckle pugilists, like nineteenth century heavyweight champ John Morrissey, to more recent fighters, like Kevin Pompey and Verno Phillips, from the Uncle Sam Troy Gym. Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson also began his rise to stardom in Troy, fighting his first nationally televised bout – a disqualification win over Jesse Ferguson – February 16, 1986 at RPI’s Houston Field House. “We are extremely excited that outdoor boxing will return to the area this summer with this terrific event at ‘The Joe’,” Mayor Tutunjian said. “Joe Bruno Stadium has a festive atmosphere throughout the summer, and this event will only add to its success.” Tickets are available from Pugnacious Promotions or at the Joe Bruno Stadium box office. Call 518-326-9756 or visit www.pugnaciouspromotions.com for more information. Tickets are $15 for kids under 12, $25 for bleachers, $40 for Reserved on the field and $75 for Ringside. VIP tables for six – with service, light fare and complimentary beverage – also are available. ### Return to News |
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