|
|
|
COMMUNITY
LEADERS SUPPORT Saratoga
Springs, NY – The “Battle of the Heavyweights at Saratoga”
professional boxing show, on Friday, August 19, 2005 at the Saratoga
Springs City Center, has broad support from business leaders, public
officials and boxing enthusiasts from throughout New York state.
Former
U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato will announce the headline heavyweight
matchup between exciting power-puncher Vinny Maddalone (24-2, 17 KOs),
of Flushing, N.Y., and local hero Shannon Miller (11-0, 6 KOs), of
Troy, N.Y. “I
am honored to introduce two exciting, young, New York heavyweight
boxers,” D’Amato said. “Representing
the entire state of New York for so many years, I can remain neutral
in this upstate-downstate clash.” Televised
live by ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights,” the bouts will be held
during the heart of the city’s horseracing season, one week prior to
the 136th running of the Travers Stakes. The show is co-promoted by local promoter Lisa Elovich of
Pugnacious Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, of Bronx,
N.Y., who has promoted world-class boxing for more 15 years, including
the recent Antonio Tarver – Glen Johnson light heavyweight
championship fights and the upcoming Tarver - Roy Jones, Jr. match. NYS
Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, who was honorary co-chair and
IBC Welterweight title guest announcer at Pugnacious Promotions’ May
13 boxing show, will attend, along with other elected officials.
“The
‘Battle of the Heavyweights at Saratoga’ is another prime example
of boxing's comeback to the Capital Region,” said Senator Bruno.
“With ESPN Network televising these contests through ‘Friday Night
Fights,’ Saratoga will receive the type of national attention worthy
of a state-of-the-art boxing venue. I am extremely pleased to
participate in such an exciting event that will showcase some of the
world's most talented, up-and-coming young boxers.” Saratoga Springs Mayor Michael Lenz will represent the city as part of the evening’s activities, as well. He will be recognized for his support of the sport’s return to Saratoga and the Capital Region. “We
are happy to host another professional boxing show in Saratoga,” said
Mayor Lenz. “The city’s
long tradition of quality boxing will have another special night August
19. We hope this will be an
annual event.” Also
represented at the show will be sponsors I Love NY, DeCrescente
Distributors, Miller Lite, The Swyer Companies and Tioga Downs. “We're
delighted to support this fantastic sporting event,” said Charles
A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development, which administers the
I LOVE NEW YORK campaign. Former
heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney will be in attendance
representing F.I.S.T., a
charitable organization he founded 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
undisputed champion Larry Holmes, George Forman, Ken Norton, Michael
Spinks, Ron Lyle and Jimmy Young. “We’re
grateful for Pugnacious Promotions commitment to F.I.S.T.,” said
Cooney. “I’m happy to
be part of another boxing event in Saratoga, one of my favorites places
to visit.” Dr.
Barbara Wilmes, Executive Director of the Backstretch Employees
Assistance Team (B.E.S.T.), will represent her organization and accept a
donation of the evening’s proceeds.
B.E.S.T. was created to address the chemical dependency recovery
needs of licensed personnel working on the backstretches of Aqueduct,
Belmont Park and Saratoga Racetracks. “B.E.S.T.
serves people who represent the foundation of the sport of
horseracing,” Dr. Wilmes said. “We are pleased that the people of
another popular sport in Saratoga support our goals.” Other local favorites from the Albany-Saratoga region will fight competitive bouts on the undercard, including Gary Wilcox (18-3-1, 6 KOs), the Saratoga, N.Y.-based cruiserweight contender, who will make his return to the ring at heavyweight against tough veteran Harold Rodriguez of Taunton, Mass. Junior welterweight Wayland Willingham (6-0, 4 KOs, Atlanta, GA.), who grew up and fought as an amateur in Albany, N.Y., and Highland, N.Y. junior welterweight Hervey Medina (3-0-1), also will appear on the undercard. Tickets
are on sale now at 866-468-7619 or www.ticketweb.com
and at the door on August 18th and 19th. Call 518-584-0027 for more
information. -30- Return
to News |
||
events | news | contact | about us | home |
