Duva Boxing: Team China Hits Empire State Building

Boxing promoter Dino Duva has high hopes of taking the Team China amateur fighters to great heights. That upward move began yesterday when he joined super middleweight Olympian Zhang Jianting and super heavyweight silver medalist Zhang Zhilei at the top of the Empire State Building for a view of Manhattan from the famous 86th floor observatory deck.

The Chinese standouts were joined by lead trainer Al Mitchell, Team U.S.A. 114-pounder Miguel Cartagena, Duva’s Global Sports & Entertainment partner Peter Columbia, and the entire Chinese contingent to promote the “Empires Collide” blockbuster amateur card set for Friday night, October 1, in New York City’s Chinatown.

Duva has made the journey to China 14 times, totaling 196,000 miles, over the past two years, establishing a long term relationship with the Chinese Boxing Federation. That road now leads to the Capitale venue, located at 130 Bowery, when Team China squares off against the best United States amateurs.

“Being on top of the Empire State building makes me feel like I am on top of the world,” said Zhilei, the 6-7 super heavyweight. “It’s been a very nice, very enjoyable experience.”

The fighters and entourage then headed to Chinatown for authentic Chinese cuisine, chowing down at a variety of noodle dishes, pork buns and dim sum at Jing Fong Restaurant just a few blocks from the venue that they will show their talents at a week from now.

What does Duva do with the frequent flyer miles? “I upgrade from business to first class,” he laughed.

Tickets for “Empires Collide” are priced at $120 for Ringside, $70 for Reserved and $25 for standing room/general admission. The Reserved and Ringside seats include two complimentary beverages. They may be ordered by calling 973-291-4529 or by email at tickets@empirescollide.com.