Boxers Prepare For Friday Fight Night

By Andy Simek

“We’re bringing quality boxing back to the Catskills, and we’re happy to do it,” said Jeff Wurst, president of Sweet Science Events Ltd., at a press conference Wednesday afternoon at Mr. Willy’s Restaurant. Sweet Science Events Ltd. is one of three sponsors presenting the biggest boxing card Monticello Gaming & Raceway has seen to date.

Sweet Science Events Ltd., along with Duva Boxing and Final Forum Boxing, announced at the press conference that on Friday, August 3, Mighty M Gaming & Raceway will host a boxing card that will be, according to Wurst, “an unrivaled event.” The card will feature New York State Heavyweight Champion Derric Rossy, of Medford, Long Island. Rossy will defend his title against Rochester native Jermell Barnes.
A total of seven bouts will be presented on the card, including the debut fight of Poughkeepsie native Nagi Aguilara. Aguilara may be new to the business, but he’s bringing some experience to his fight next Friday night in Monticello. Greenwood Lake resident Lou Savarese, who retired after narrowly losing a 10-round bout with Evander Holyfield on June 30 in El Paso, Texas, will be cheering on Aguilara from his corner. Savarese attended Wednesday’s press conference along with several fighters on the card as well as boxing Hall-of-Famer Lou Duva. “I don’t think The [Madison Square] Garden puts on a show this big,” said Duva, who has boxed, trained, managed and promoted with the likes of Holyfield, Darrin Van Horn, Pernell Whitaker and about 13 other world champions.

The doors to the Aug. 3 boxing event at Mighty M Gaming & Raceway open at 6:30 p.m., with the first bout set to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the event are $100 for premium, $75 for ringside and $30 for general admission. To purchase tickets, or for more information, please call 794-4100, ext. 494.