Vinny Maddalone A Hit In Texas Before Clashing With Boxing Legend Evander Holyfield

Although Vinny Maddalone is squaring off against living legend Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield this Saturday at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX, the amiable slugger took some time out of his training schedule to meet and greet some of the local boxing community. Although Corpus Christi is virtually Holyfield’s backyard, Maddalone was welcomed with open arms.

“I came into Texas thinking I would be treated like the villain in a Wild West movie,” said Maddalone. “Instead, the people treated me like family. Two gyms here invited me in, the Alice Warriors Boxing Club and Neighborhood Center Boxing.”

Coaches Luis Monsevais and Billy Blanco of Alice Warriors Boxing Club, and Coaches Benjamin Flores and Rena Pena of Neighborhood Center Boxing, brought Maddalone to their respective gyms to make the final preparations for the biggest showdown of his career.

While visiting both gyms Maddalone worked with some of the young fighters, and offered advice and tips on The Sweet Science. Maddalone was so moved by the kids he met that he decided to make a generous donation to both gyms.

“It was a pleasure talking to them,” he explained. “They remind me of me when I was younger. I had the privilege of having good people around me, and I want to make sure that the fine facilities remain in the community.”

Main Events, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and SportsNet NY have great news for New York boxing fans. SportsNet NY has agreed to televise live the match between Maddalone and Holyfield, which begins at 10:00 PM/ET. Channel 60 for Cablevision subscribers and Channel 26 if you use Time Warner Cable. DirecTV and Dish Network subscribers should check their local listings. Fans outside of the CN8 subscriber area can catch the fight via a live stream at CN8TV