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Contact: Lisa Elovich “FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS: SEPTEMBER STOMP” AT TIOGA DOWNS PRO BOXING RETURNS TO TWIN TIERS ON SEPTEMBER 29TH Nichols, N.Y. Sept. 6, 2006 – Professional boxing returns to the Twin Tiers September 29, 2006 when Tioga Downs and Pugnacious Promotions present their inaugural boxing card at the new harness racing, gaming and entertainment venue in Nichols, N.Y. “Friday Night Fights: September Stomp” features two exciting, eight-round main bouts* including accomplished Rochester heavyweight Jermell Barnes (17-13, 4 KOs), who takes on tough Zack Page (11-7, 4 KOs, Warren , Ohio ) and undefeated Albany , N.Y. junior welterweight Wayland Willingham (10-0, 6 KOs ) vs. an opponent to be announced. “I am thrilled to be part of boxing's debut at Tioga Downs. It is a fabulous venue for boxing and entertainment,” said Lisa Elovich , president, Pugnacious Promotions. “I look forward to working with Tioga Downs and the community to return pro boxing to the region.” Barnes is a skilled boxer who has faced difficult opposition in his nine-year professional career. He won the WBO NABO cruiserweight title and challenged for the IBC Americas and USBA cruiserweight titles. In the last two years, he has faced opponents with a combined 151-27 record, including cruiserweight champions Dale Brown (35-5-1, 22 KOs) and Felix Cora (18-1-2, 9 KOs) and heavyweight prospects Brian Minto (25-1, 14 KOs) and BJ Flores (16-0, 11 KOs ). In his last fight August 18, 2006, Barnes 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 has traveled a similar path in boxing, facing opponents in his last six fights with a combined record of 101-20, including controversial majority-decision losses to prospects Mike Marrone (14-0, 11 KOs) and Chad Van Sickle (21-4, 12 KOs) and a win over Evander Holyfield comeback opponent, Jeremy Bates (21-12, 18 KOs). The fight with Marrone – in which Page knocked down the Duva Boxing prodigy and had him in trouble for several rounds – was broadcast live from Central New York on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights this past February. Undefeated junior welterweight Wayland Willingham (10-0, 6 KOs), a native of Albany, N.Y. boxing out Atlanta, Ga. while in college, will step up in competition in his first eight-round fight. The 26 year-old southpaw won his last two fights by impressive early KOs and is moving up in class toward 10 and 12-round fights. He’ll challenge for a regional title in his next few bouts. Also appearing on the undercard are Rochester’s Darnell Jiles (1-0, 1 KO), a former junior national champion and 2006 Empire State Games gold medalist, and Broderick Antoine (1-0, 1 KO, Troy, N.Y.), who impressed in his first pro fight with a devastating one-punch KO. “Tioga Downs is pleased to play a part in bringing professional boxing back to the Twin Tiers,” said Dwayne Spitzer, Regional Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We expect this is the first of many fights to be contested here at our great venue.” The Twin Tiers has a rich history in boxing. Hall of Fame heavyweight champion Jack Sharkey, the only man to fight both Jack Dempsey and Joe Louis, was born and raised in Binghamton. Many local fans will remember bouts at the Kaluhra Temple in the 40s-50s – featuring all-time greats like Carmen Basilio – to 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. Return to News |
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