A couple of Friday nights ago I attended the boxing matches held at
Hudson Valley Community College. They were very enjoyable as three
local professional boxers continued on their quest for fame and fortune
in the world of boxing.
Schenectady NYS correctional officer Brian Miller defeated Albany's Rafael Luna to capture the Vacant NYS Lightweight title. Shawn Miller (no relation), a newcomer in the world of boxing, remains undefeated with a 2-0 record after a hard fought light heavyweight battle, and exciting light welterweight Mike Faragan remains undefeated extending his record to 9-0.
Promoter Lisa Elovich of Pugnacious Promotions did an excellent job by not only bringing in the area's top professional fighters, but she extended her program to include some of the top amateur boxers. It's the first Pro-Am card in New York State since 2005.
While I found the professionals very exciting, the most enjoyable fight of the evening was watching an amateur bout between 10 year-old 4'4" 64 pound Jonathan Rodriguez battling Waterford's 9 year-old Riley Mabee who came in at 68 pounds and 4'6".
What looked like an overmatch, the diminutive Rodriguez displayed excellent boxing skills and aggressive behavior as he wore down his larger opponent for the victory.
But it was Rodriguez who captured the hearts with his antics after the bout. Shadow boxing for the photographers, standing on the ropes thanking everyone for their support, running through questions, he acted like the true champion he hopes to become some day.
The fifth grade Albany native sports an 8-2 record and informed me his hopes to become the middleweight champion of the world. And you know with his enthusiastic attitude, he just might make it.
In my press interview with the young pugilist, I noticed they gave him a small trophy while his opponent was given a larger trophy. I asked him about it. With a quizzical look, he answered " I thought the same thing, but at least I got the trophy."
Later in the evening they rectified the error and gave him the larger trophy. He certainly deserved it.
The next Pugnacious Promotions professional boxing event will be held in the Saratoga Convention Center in August 2010.
Promoter Lisa Elovich of Pugnacious Promotions did an excellent job by not only bringing in the area's top professional fighters, but she extended her program to include some of the top amateur boxers. It's the first Pro-Am card in New York State since 2005.
While I found the professionals very exciting, the most enjoyable fight of the evening was watching an amateur bout between 10 year-old 4'4" 64 pound Jonathan Rodriguez battling Waterford's 9 year-old Riley Mabee who came in at 68 pounds and 4'6".
What looked like an overmatch, the diminutive Rodriguez displayed excellent boxing skills and aggressive behavior as he wore down his larger opponent for the victory.
But it was Rodriguez who captured the hearts with his antics after the bout. Shadow boxing for the photographers, standing on the ropes thanking everyone for their support, running through questions, he acted like the true champion he hopes to become some day.
The fifth grade Albany native sports an 8-2 record and informed me his hopes to become the middleweight champion of the world. And you know with his enthusiastic attitude, he just might make it.
In my press interview with the young pugilist, I noticed they gave him a small trophy while his opponent was given a larger trophy. I asked him about it. With a quizzical look, he answered " I thought the same thing, but at least I got the trophy."
Later in the evening they rectified the error and gave him the larger trophy. He certainly deserved it.
The next Pugnacious Promotions professional boxing event will be held in the Saratoga Convention Center in August 2010.
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