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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE COMMUNITY
LEADERS SUPPORT RETURN OF PRO BOXING TO THE CAPITAL REGION The return of professional 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 from the regional business community. “Few sports are as unpredictable and entertaining a boxing," said C.J. DeCrescente, president of DeCrescente Distributing Co. “As a boxing fan and a local business person, I'm glad to be part of its return to our area". 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. “We are enthusiastic about the return of professional boxing to Saratoga,” said Mayor Lenz. “The city has a long tradition of hosting quality boxing events. We hope to see many more shows here in the future.” As
part of the evening’s activities, Senator Bruno will be recognized for
his strong commitment to advancing legislation and policy in the areas
of athletics, fitness and health. Throughout
his career, he has been a friend of athletic and fitness programs across
New York State. "Saratoga
is an exciting location to have boxing", said Senator Bruno.
"We are happy to see its return in the Capital Region and I
hope this event leads to future bouts here."
"As a former boxer and friend of Gerry Cooney, I appreciate
what he has done for the sport and his efforts to bring this kind of
excitement to Saratoga." The May 13 Saratoga 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.
Cooney, a Long Island resident, 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, 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. “We are appreciative of Pugnacious' Promotions commitment to F.I.S.T.,” said Cooney. “I’m happy to be part of the return of boxing to Saratoga, one of my favorites places.” “Friday the 13th Fights” at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on May 13 (doors open at 5:00 pm, bouts start at 7:00 pm) will showcase many local favorites including Frank Houghtaling, of Albany, against Shakha Moore, of Norwalk, CT in an IBC International Welterweight Title bout. Bouts 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. “May 13 will be an exciting evening of boxing, harness racing, video lottery terminals and great food and spirits,” said Lisa Elovich. “This is just the first of many events we have planned for the Capital Region.” Ms. Elovich, of Selkirk, is founder and president of Pugnacious Promotions and a licensed boxing promoter in New York State. She is a mother of two young children and an administrative law judge in Albany. -30- Return
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