Contact:   Lisa Elovich
518-312-2200
lisa@pugnaciouspromotions.com

“FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS: SEPTEMBER STOMP” AT TIOGA DOWNS
HEAVYWEIGHTS RETURN PRO BOXING TO TWIN TIERS SEPTEMBER 29TH 

Nichols, N.Y. Sept. 27, 2006 – Professional boxing returns to the Twin Tiers Friday with a card featuring two heavyweight bouts presented by Pugnacious Promotions at Tioga Downs, the new harness racing, gaming and entertainment venue in Nichols, N.Y.

“Friday Night Fights: September Stomp*” is headlined by a match between two skilled heavyweights, Rochester, N.Y.’s Jermell Barnes (17-13, 4 KOs) and Warren, Ohio’s Zack Page (11-7, 4 KOs). In the co-feature, Scottish heavyweight prospect Ian Millarvie (4-0, 3 KOs), fighting for the first time in the U.S., faces tough Rodney Ray (3-3-1, 3 KOs, Brooklyn, NY). 

Barnes is the former NABO cruiserweight champion who has faced opponents with a combined 151-27 record over the past two years. In his last fight August 18th, he lost a close decision to Queens power-puncher Vinny Maddalone (26-3, 19 KOs), which was broadcast live on the MSG network from Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Page’s last six opponents had a combined record of 101-20, including a controversial majority decision loss to Duva Boxing prospect Mike Marrone (14-0, 11 KOs), which was broadcast live from Central New York on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights this past February.

Millarvie, a six-time Scottish amateur champion, will face Brooklyn’s Rodney Ray (3-3-1, 3 KOs) in his first fight outside his native Scotland. He has been training for his US debut in the Catskills under the direction of manager Stan Hoffman after signing a 10-fight deal with Northeast Promotions. His workouts include sparring with contender Monte Barrett, who is in training for his challenge to WBA heavyweight champ Nikolay Valuev in October. Ray’s opponents have all sported winning records, including former amateur champion and pro prospect Chazz Witherspoon (14-0, 8 KOs) and NYS heavyweight champion, Derrick Rossy (13-0, 8 KOs). In his last fight, he earned a draw with former amateur champ Tony Grano (5-0-1, 5 KOs). 

Appearing on the undercard are:

• Rochester lightweight Darnell Jiles (2-0, 2 KO), a former junior national champion and 2006 Empire State Games gold medalist, vs. Markel Muhammed (1-0);

• Binghamton’s own light heavyweight Daren Graham (0-1) vs. pro debuter Carlos Harris;

• Former Golden Gloves champ from Brooklyn, Curtis Jones (3-2-1, 2 KOs), vs. an opponent to be announced;

• Pro debuters at 140 lbs, Arte Bembry, Bronx, N.Y., vs. Jose Guerrido, Bronx, N.Y., and at 130 lbs, Francisco Palacios, Bronx, N.Y., vs. Luis Rodriguez, Puerto Rico.

The Twin Tiers has a rich boxing history. Hall of Fame heavyweight champion Jack Sharkey, the only man to fight both Jack Dempsey and Joe Louis, was born and raised in Binghamton. Joltin’ Joe Mitisi, of nearby Endicott, fought many notable heavyweights of his day in including future champion Ezzard Charles. Local fans also may remember bouts at the Kaluhra Temple in the 40s-50s – featuring all-time greats like Carmen Basilio – or fights at the Broome County Arena in past decades. Hudson Valley world featherweight champion Tracy Harris Patterson won an NABF belt there in 1990. 

In recent years, fight fans have been forced to travel to big city venues for live boxing entertainment. Pugnacious Promotions and Tioga Downs are working to build a community of fans and sponsors who will support the regional boxing community, give local boxers more opportunities to fight near their hometowns and encourage young boxers from the regional amateur ranks to pursue the sport to the highest levels.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster by phone, 607-722-7272 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also on sale at the Tioga Downs Gift Shop. Call 888-WIN-TIOGA (888-946-8464) for more information. General Admission tickets are $25 and Ringside are $60. 

-30- 

* All bouts and boxers subject to change.

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