CES Boxing: Pito Cardona To Be Inducted Into CES Hall Of Fame At “Connecticut Conquest”

Hartford’s popular boxer Israel “Pito” Cardona injured his elbow, forcing him to withdraw from his scheduled June 13 fight against Jason Pires, but promoter Jimmy Burchfield has announced that Cardona will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor during a special ceremony mid-way through the “Connecticut Conquest” pro boxing card at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

Promoter Jimmy Burchfield, president of Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., CES, established the CES Ring of Honor in 2005 in order to pay respect to inductees for their special accomplishments and contributions to New England boxing.

Charter members include five time world champion Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Paz, former WBA and WBC welterweight title-holder Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, and three time The Ring Fighter of the Year (2001-2003) participant “Irish” Micky Ward.

Other CES Ring of Honor members include former 3-time world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, world light heavyweight contender “Iceman” John Scully, “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, famed Connecticut trainer Johnny Dukes, and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade. The last inductee was the late, great Rocky Marciano.

WBC World Youth featherweight champion Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard, 11-0 (7), fighting out of nearby Manchester and recently named the NABF Top Prospect of the Year, headlines in his first title defense versus Mexican challenger Jose Magallon in the 10-round main event.

“He is one of the most exciting fighters in modern New England boxing history,” Burchfield spoke about Cardona. “Coming up, ‘Pito’ was a very entertaining television fighter. He has been a tremendous role model to Latinos in the Hartford area, He could also knockout an opponent at anytime, whether he was winning or losing. ‘Pito’ Cardona very much deserves to be in the CES Ring of Honor.”

Cardona, 36-9 (28), most significant victory was a third-round stoppage of “Mighty” Ivan Robinson (23-1 at the time) for the USBA lightweight championship. In his previous bout, Robinson had lost the IBF welterweight belt to Philip Holiday and three fights after his loss to Cardona, Ivan beat Arturo “Thunder” Gatti for the first of two times in their 1998 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.

“Pito,” who also captured the IBO super featherweight and light welterweight titles, as well as the NABF lightweight crown, lost his only major world title fight to undefeated Paul “The Pittsburgh Kid” Spadafora (26-0 at the time), who won a 12-round decision for the vacant IBF lightweight championship.

“It’s a great honor to be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor and to be considered in the same class as great fighters like Vinny Paz, Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully, Ray Oliveria and all of the others,” Cardona commented.

“I wish I was fighting but my left is my weapon and I injured my left elbow. I’m still going to have fun on June 13th and I’ll be supporting by CES teammates in my hometown. I go way back with Jimmy and I thank him for this honor. I hope all of my friends, family and fans will be there supporting me.”

Unbeaten Hartford heavyweight Tony “TNT” Grano, 13-0-1 (11), 2005 U.S. Nationals champion, is in the eight round co-feature against an opponent to be announced. Former USBA super bantamweight title-holder Pires, 20-3 (9), now a fulltime New Bedford, MA police officer, returns to the ring in a six round junior welterweight bout after a five-year absence.

The newest member of the CES stable, former world middleweight title challenger Kingsley “Sharp Knuckle” Ikeke, 23-3 (13), makes his CES debut in a six round super middleweight clash. Ikeke is a former NABF, NABO, NBA and WBC FECARBOX middleweight champion.

Others fighting on the undercard include Hartford favorite and prison guard, junior welterweight Addy Irizarry, 4-2 (2), coming off a very close loss by decision in Germany, undefeated, top super middleweight prospect Brian Macy, 3-0 (1), of Ledyard (CT), the 2000 National PAL amateur champion and University of Connecticut graduate vs. Adrian Redmond, 3-5-1 (3).

Tickets are on sale now. The $150.00, $100.00 and $55.00 tickets have been sold out. Limited $35.00 (VIP Bronze) and $80.00 (VIP Gold) tickets are still available. To purchase tickets go to or call CES (401.724.2253/2254), Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.000), Manchester PAL (860.645.6261), Willy’s Gym (860.614.2281), Connecticut Restorations (860.528.6800), Strikezone Gym (860.444.2845), L.A. Boxing Gym (860.221.5987) and 401 Boxing (401.261.9800).

“Connecticut Conquest,” promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc., (CES) will be taped live and air Saturday, June 14 at 8 PM/ET on CN8,The Comcast Network, as well as Friday, June 20 at 8 PM/ET on Cox Sports Television.

For more information call CES (401.724.2253/2254), the Connecticut Convention Center (860.249.6000), or go on line at www.cesboxing.com. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout 7 PM/ET.