Star Boxing: Rooney vs. Rooney March 6 At Mohegan Sun

On March 6 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, Star Boxing’s 19-year-old welterweight phenom Raymond “Tito” Serrano, 8-0 (5), will step into the ring against world renowned trainer, Kevin Rooney Sr.’s protégé “Smokin” Jay Krupp, 12-1 (5).

The bout is scheduled for eight rounds in the welterweight division and will be that evening’s ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights” co-main event.

Standing across the ring from Team Krupp on fight night will be a very familiar face, Rooney’s son Kevin Jr., who serves as the Director of Media Relations for Serrano’s promotional company Star Boxing.

Rooney Jr., has known Krupp for the past eight years, serving as both a friend and even assistant trainer at times during Krupp’s career.

Rooney Jr. graduated from Fordham University in 2006 and has been working with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing since early 2008. Rooney Sr. is most famous for his work with former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world Mike Tyson.

After the death of Cus D’Amato, Rooney Sr. guided Tyson to becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever, winning the belt when “Iron Mike” was just 20 years old.

“There will definitely be some weird feelings standing in the opposite corner from my father and Jay come fight night,” stated Rooney Jr.

“I have known Jay for a long time now, I consider him one of my good friends, so of course I want him to do well, and be successful in his boxing career. That being said, business is business and Raymond is our guy. It makes it even harder for me because since working at Star, Raymond and I have built a very good relationship with one another.

“If there was a way that both guys could come out victorious that would be great, but that’s not the business we are in. Bottom line I am just hoping that it turns out to be great fight which we are all expecting it to be, and most importantly that both Raymond and Jay walk away from the fight safe and sound.”

“Not only is KC [the name Rooney Sr. uses for Kevin Jr.] my son but he is also my best friend, but come March 6, he is going to be my enemy,” jokes Rooney Sr.

“I told him not to worry about any hard feeling’s, Jay and I both know this is a business and that KC will have to be on Serrano’s side for this fight. It will definitely be a first for us though.

“We have been in the ring together so many times before, whether it was when KC was fighting or when he was helping me out with my fighters, but never before on opposite sides. It’s an exciting moment for me as a father though seeing the success my son is experiencing with Star Boxing, and I wish nothing but the best for him and all of the fighters on the Star Boxing roster.”

The card is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing in association with Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort. Tickets are priced at $75.00, $45.00 and $30.00 and are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1 (800)745-3000 or by calling any Ticketmaster Charge by Phone number; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.

Tickets may also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office subject to availability or by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000. Doors open at 6:30 PM with the first fight scheduled for 7:30. ESPN2’s telecast will run live from 8:30 to 10:30 PM.