Star Boxing: Young Muriqi Looks To Follow In Cousin Elvir’s Footsteps

On Friday May 14th undefeated super middleweight Shqiprim “White Tiger” Muriqi (3- 0, 2KO) makes his Bronx debut, when he squares off against Rondu Campbell (2-4) at the historical Paradise Theater, on the Golden Boy Promotions and Star Boxing, TeleFutura “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” promoted card.

The show is being billed as “Punchin at the Paradise 10,” and is headlined by undefeated lightweight prospect Adrien “The Problem” Broner (14-0, 11KO).

The 22-year-old Muriqi, born in the Bronx and raised in nearby Yonkers, NY, first began boxing when he was 14-years-old.

“Boxing is in my blood,” stated Muriqi. “My whole family is into boxing. My uncles in Kosovo, and of course my cousin Elvir all box. Watching Elvir fight as a kid I knew that I wanted to follow in his footsteps one day.”

Being related to a world title challenger such as Elvir, certainly has its perks, something that Muriqi certainly recognizes.

“Being that Elvir is my cousin, I have had the opportunity to do some things maybe someone else in my position haven’t be able to do. Because of Elvir I have been able to work with some very good fighters. I have worked with world champions Guillermo Jones, and Elios Rojas, as well as top contenders Mike Arnaoutis, and Peter Quillin.

“I am very grateful for the opportunities I have been given thus far, getting to work with these guys have really helped me improve my game, and showed me what I have to do to become a world champion like them.

His fight on the 14th will be Muriqi’s second consecutive fight on a Star Boxing promoted card, he last fought on April 2nd at the Mohegan Sun, handing out a brutal beatdown to Fasika Bezabeh before scoring a third round TKO.

“I grew up watching Elvir fight on Joe’s (DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing) cards, and now I’m doing the same thing. This will be my first fight in the Bronx since turning pro, and I am really looking forward to it.

I have a lot of fans, and Albanian supporters in the Bronx, so I am expecting a very big turn out.”

While most guys Muriqi’s age are out partying and enjoying their youth, Muriqi spends his time outside of the ring, working and going to school.

“In addition to my full-time training schedule, I am also a full-time student at Westchester Community College, and in my spare time I work as a personal trainer at Main Street Boxing in New Rochelle, so I guess you can say I’m kinda busy,” says Muriqi with a grin.

And while the work load might be a bit heavy at times, Muriqi believes in the end, it will all pay off.

“The harder I work now, the more it will pay off down the road. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke; my whole life is geared around boxing. I have a great trainer in Colin Morgan, working with him has helped me improve my game so much. I know I have what it takes to become a world champion one day, and as long as I keep working hard I know there is nothing that can stop me from achieving that goal.”

The Paradise Theater is located at 2403 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY. Doors open at 7:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. Tickets are priced and available at $100, $50 and $30 and are on sale now.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000. To find out more information about exclusive tickets please call Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000 or visit www.starboxing.com.

Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Paradise Theater Box Office, or by calling (718) 220-1015.