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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE PROFESSIONAL BOXING RETURNS TO THE CAPITAL REGION May 10, 2005, Saratoga Springs,
NY– Professional boxing returns to the Capital Region with “Friday
the 13th Fights at Saratoga,” 7:00 pm, Friday, May 13, 2005 at
Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, Crescent Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. The event will showcase many local boxers including Frank Houghtaling, of Albany, against Shakha Moore, of Norwalk, CT, in an IBC International Welterweight Title bout. Matches featuring veteran Albany contender Tony Marshall, rising heavyweight star Shannon Miller of Troy, promising up-and-comer Liz Mooney of Feura Bush and the pro debut of standout amateur Cory Jones, Albany by way of Brooklyn, will complete the card. “Saratoga Gaming and Raceway is proud to host the return
of professional boxing to Saratoga,” said Gene Calabrese, Manager,
Group Sales, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway.
“Fans can enjoy an exciting evening of boxing, harness
racing, video gaming machines and fine food and drink.” The return of boxing to the Capital Region – after an absence of more than three years – has broad support from business leaders, public officials and boxing enthusiasts from throughout the region and beyond. Honorary co-chairs of the event at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on May 13 are Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno and former heavyweight contender and founder of the Fighter’s Initiative for Support and Training (F.I.S.T.), Gerry Cooney. Also represented at the event will be sponsors Trustco Bank, DeCrescente Distributors, the Swyer Companies, Newmark and Companies, Pat Lynch Associates, Delaware North Companies and community leaders, business executives and others. As
part of the evening’s activities, Senator Bruno will be recognized for
his commitment to
advancing legislation and policy in the areas of athletics, fitness and
health. As a former amateur
boxer himself, Senator Bruno appreciates the dedication and hard work
required to compete at the highest levels in sport, particularly boxing.
Throughout his career, he has been a friend of athletic and
fitness programs across New York State.
A number of regional elected officials, including Senator Hugh Farley, Saratoga Mayor Michael Lenz and Albany Mayor Gerry Jennings, also are expected to attend the show. The event’s promoter, Lisa Elovich of Pugnacious Promotions, will donate one dollar from each ticket sold to Gerry Cooney’s F.I.S.T., a charitable organization that assists retired boxers with the support and training needed to carry on their lives after they leave the ring. Though often in the shadow of New York and other eastern
cities, the Capital Region has witnessed its share of boxing history,
including fights of Hall of Fame boxers like Jack Dempsey, Sandy Sadler,
Emile Griffith and Sugar Ray Robinson.
Recent decades have seen contenders and world champions rise from
regional amateur ranks, including Kevin Pompey, Verno Phillips, Tony
Marshall and Mike Tyson. “Capital Region boxing fans have been forced to travel
some distance to see the sport live for more than three years,” said
Lisa Elovich, the promoter of the May 13th, Saratoga event.
“Pro boxing has changed quite a bit recently as a new
generation of promoters have tried to restore the image and ‘grass
roots’ of the sport. The
Albany-Saratoga region will participate in the rebirth of boxing and
host world championship fights.” “We are committed to building a community of fans and
sponsors who will support regional boxing and give local fighters a
chance to fight near home,” 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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