Boxing

Balletto-Irwin in IBU lightweight shootout on Halloween

Oct. 31 on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights

06.09 - PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – Trick or Treat? Tiger vs. The Kid on Halloween!

International Boxing Union lightweight champion Gary “Tiger” Balletto (29-1-2, 25 KOs) steps up in class October 31 in his first ESPN2 Friday Night Fights main event against Canadian lightweight title-holder Billy “The Kid” Irwin (41-5, 29 KOs), it was announced today by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.

Balletto, of Providence (RI), will defend his IBU title for the second time in this 12-round bout, at a site to be announced within 48 hours, featuring a classic match-up between a puncher (Balletto) and a boxer (Irwin).

Based on Irwin’s high rating in the World Boxing Association (No. 12), as well as his vast experience against superior opposition such as former IBF lightweight champ Paul Spadafora and ex-NBA lightweight title-holder Dorin Spivey, “Billy The Kid” figures to enter the ring Oct. 31 as a decisive favorite against the relatively lightly tested Balletto. Irwin also is riding a seven-fight win streak, including a July 25th first-round KO of 24-0 Mark Riggs in his last action.

“This is a perfect match-up of two very exciting fighters,” promoter Jimmy Burchfield said. “I worked very hard to make this happen as the main event on national television (ESPN2). It’s a great test for Gary. He’s never been in against an opponent as talented and experienced as Irwin.”

Irwin is rated No. 2 and No. 8 by the NABA and USBO, respectively, while Balletto is ranked No. 9 and No. 16 by the same organizations. Irwin’s five losses have come against fighters with a combined record of 108-9-4 going into their fights against Billy. In 46 pro fights, Irwin has fought 273 rounds, including five 12-rounders and seven 10-rounders. He is the former IBO, WBC Continental Americas and British Empire lightweight champion. Balletto has fought a total of 115 rounds - 10-rounds only three times - in his 32 matches as a pro.

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