20.07.05 -Professional boxing returns to the Mecca of world-class thoroughbred racing when popular heavyweight contender Vinny Maddalone (24-2, 17 KOs) takes on local rising star Shannon Miller (11-0, 6 KOs) at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Friday, August 19, 2005. Televised live by ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights,” the card will be held during the heart of the famed city’s horseracing season, one week prior to the 136th running of the Travers Stakes.
Maddalone, of Flushing, NY, is an exciting fighter in high demand since he is the hottest ticket seller in New York and surrounding areas. He is known for his tantalizing fights and his last appearance on ESPN (a war versus Brian Minto) was considered by many in the boxing industry to be one of the best heavyweight bouts of last year. “I am thrilled to be fighting in Saratoga”, said Maddalone, “I love it there, and I go up there every year during racing season. It is the place to be”.
“Vinny Maddalone is in the best shape of his career and is just a few fights from a heavyweight title shot,” said Joe DeGuardia, Maddalone’s promoter, who hopes the racing season will bring out the Italian Stallion in Maddalone. Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, which is co-promoting the show with local promoter Lisa Elovich, of Pugnacious Promotions, has promoted professional fights for more than 15 years, most recently the two Antonio Tarver-Glen Johnson Light Heavyweight Championship cards.
Miller, who trains at the Uncle Sam Boxing Club in Troy, NY, is no stranger to the boxing ring. Miller has been training since he was a child and is undefeated as a pro after a successful amateur career. Miller is trained by his father, Bob Miller, who founded the boxing club famous for such contenders as Verno Phillips and Kevin Pompey, and has become fixture in the upstate NY boxing region.
The under card will include competitive fights featuring local favorites from the Albany-Saratoga region.