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Former highly-decorated amateur boxing star Mark “The Italian Bazooka” DeLuca headlines “Pro Boxing,” presented by Rising Star Promotions, on Friday night, June 8 at Freeport (IBEW) Hall in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
DeLuca (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Whitman (MA), was the gold medal winner at the 2004 National Silver Gloves Tournament, among his more notable amateur achievements. The highly touted southpaw passed on an opportunity to fight for a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team to turn pro this past April 7, defeating Elija Dickens who was unable to continue after spraining his ankle in the opening round. DeLuca’s opponent is to be determined.
Six-round cruiserweights bouts on tap include former New England, Massachusetts and EBU champion Tim “The Hammer” Flamos (18-3-1, 7 KOs), of Brockton (MA), against veteran William “The Storm” Bailey (7-12-2, 4 KOs), Stoughton’s (MA) unbeaten Chris McInerney (8-0-1, 5 KOs), 2005 ESPN2 Fight of the Year participant, versus upset-minded Gary Lavender (2-8, 2 KOs).
“We’re trying to help develop New England fighters,” promoter Andrew Kravitz explained. “We’re putting on local shows to develop followings for some of these boxers. Our shows will feature a family-friendly atmosphere with entertaining, competitive fights.
“DeLuca is a southpaw who has been compared favorably by some to Marvin Hagler. We’re showcasing his talents, as well as some of the other New England fighters such as Chris McInerney, Tim Flamos, Rich Gingras, Jose Medina, Ed Caminero and JP Keane.”
New Hampshire middleweight Jose “Stinger” Medina (10-8, 4 KOs), former CAM super middleweight title-holder, faces former WBF light welterweight title challenger Chad “Taz” Greenleaf (10-7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout.
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round match is undefeated Dorchester super middleweight John “J.P.” Keane (4-0, 3 KOs), by way of Galway, Ireland, who meets Timothy “The Boss” Hall (4-4, 3 KOs);
Boston Police officer Tyrone Smith (5-4-1, 2 KOs) takes on heavyweight Mike Sheppard (2-8, 2 KOs), Claremont (NH) cruiserweight Rich Gingras (2-0, 1 KO), 2006 Ringside World heavyweight amateur champion, and Lawrence (MA) middleweight Ed “Thunder” Caminero (1-0, 1 KO) against opponents to be determined. All bouts and fighters subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $50.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission, will be on sale fight night at Freeport Hall. Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET with the first bout scheduled for 8 PM.
