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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE April, 28, 2005, Saratoga Springs, NY – Professional boxing, much in the press recently, returns to the Capital Region with “Friday the 13th Fights” at Saratoga, Friday, May 13, 2005 at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, Crescent Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. Along with NBC’s “The Contender,” the Oscar-winning "Million Dollar Baby" and soon-to-be-released "Cinderella Man,” starring Russell Crowe and directed by Ron Howard, recent portrayals of boxing in popular media include USA Network’s broadcast of "Ring of Fire," a documentary film that tells the tragic story of Hall of Fame boxer Emile Griffith and rival Benny “Kid” Paret, on April 20. Though often in the shadow of New York and other eastern cities, the Capital Region has witnessed its share of boxing history, including Emile Griffith fights in Saratoga Springs in 1963 and Albany in 1977. The region also hosted fights of other Hall of Fame boxers like Jack Dempsey, Sandy Sadler and Sugar Ray Robinson. The match considered the first “international” heavyweight championship saw British champion Tom Sayres defend against American John C. “Benecia Boy” Heenan, of Troy, in 1867. Nineteenth century heavyweight champion John Morrissey, also of Troy, went on to be a US congressman and participated in Saratoga Springs’ rise as a resort town. Recent decades have seen contenders and world champions rise from regional amateur ranks, including Kevin Pompey, Verno Phillips, Tony Marshall and Mike Tyson. “For some time, the area’s boxing fans have been forced to travel to casinos or big city venues for live boxing,” said Lisa Elovich, the promoter of the event. “But across the country, professional boxing has been changing as a new generation of promoters work to restore the image and ‘grass roots’ of the sport. Albany, Saratoga and the surrounding region should participate in the rebirth of pro boxing and host world championship fights.” The Saratoga card on May 13
will include many local favorites including Frank Houghtaling, of
Albany, “We are committed to pursuing a long-term effort to build a community of fans and sponsors who will support the regional boxing community and give local boxers opportunities to fight near their hometowns,” she said. Lisa Elovich, a Selkirk resident, is founder and president of Pugnacious Promotions and a licensed boxing promoter in New York State. Ms. Elovich is a mother of two young children and an administrative law judge in Albany. -30- Return
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