Bayonne, NJ (October 26, 2010) – Calling Bobby Rooney Jr.’s cell phone rarely elicits an answer from the Bayonne, NJ resident. Instead, the likelihood is that you’ll hear a more familiar voice than the local son done right. Beetlejuice, the pint-sized cult figure of “The Howard Stern Show” fame, often picks up the phone and directs calls.
“He’s my special adviser,” Rooney Jr. jests as he explains his roommate’s role in his career. “He keeps me on the straight and narrow.”
Rooney Jr. (11-3-1, 6 KO) will be making his first ring appearance in nearly a year this Saturday, October 30 when he faces Tyler Seever (11-11-1, 8 KO’s) of St. Louis, Missouri in a six-round light-heavyweight bout at Bally’s Atlantic City. In the main event, New Brunswick, NJ’s unbeaten featherweight sensation Jorge “King” Diaz will face former world title challenger Emmanuel Lucero in a ten round clash. The card will be promoted by Pound for Pound Promotions.
Rooney, 38, credits clean living and his passion for the sport for his ability to continue fighting at an advanced age. Rooney first started boxing in 1984 under the mindful eye of his father Bobby Rooney Sr and current manager Sal Alessi. Rooney had a long amateur career, and in 1992 decided to hang up the gloves and start a family.
Rooney remained away from the sport until 2002, when he decided to lace them back up casually to get back into shape. The daily grind of the sport began to reignite his love for boxing and under the guidance of his father and Alessi, Rooney turned pro.
Aside from his own career, Rooney continues the tradition set by his own father as he now runs the Bayonne Police Athletic League Gym where he originally started boxing. After his father retired from the gym in 2006, Rooney Jr took over and the gym won back-to-back New Jersey Golden Gloves team championships in 2009 and 2010.
“I love fighting in Atlantic City. My fans love it, they come down and spend the night and we always have a good time. After my fight, I look forward to taking a seat in the audience and watching one of the most exciting and talented prospects in the sport, Jorge Diaz.”
The card will also feature highly-touted junior middleweight prospect Glen Tapia of Passaic, NJ in a six-round bout against an opponent to be named. Tapia, aged 20, has a record of 7-0 (5 KO) and is fresh off his tour of duty as Manny Pacquiao’s main sparring partner for his upcoming match against Antonio Margarito.
Junior middleweight prospect Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan (14-1, 7 KO’s) of Paterson, NJ will face off with undefeated Ronald Cruz (9-0, 6 KO’s) of Bethlehem, PA in an eight round battle.
Heavyweight Amir Mansour of Wilmington, DE, super-middleweight prospect Jason “El Monstruo” Escalera of Union City, NJ, light welterweight Christian Martinez of The Bronx, NY, and light heavyweight Anthony Smith of Kennett Square, PA will also be in action against opponents to be named later.
Tickets, priced at $75, and $50 can be purchased at the Bally’s Atlantic City Box office , by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.