Iona College Friday Night Fights

On Friday February 10, for the first time ever, a professional boxing card comes to the Hynes Athletic Center at Iona College in New Rochelle. Promoter Bob Duffy of Ring Promotions, along with Tony Mazzarella, have put together an exciting card filled with local young talent featured in competitive bouts.

The main event features junior middleweight prospects Maximo Cuevas (6-2-1, 2 KOs) of West Palm Beach, Florida taking on Bronx native Allen Conyers (8-1, 6 KOs) in what should be a very competitive 10-round fight. In the co-feature, junior welterweight Ann Marie Saccurato (10-1-2, 5 KOs) goes eight rounds against Victoria Cisneros (3-2-2). Also featured in a lightweight 4-round special attraction will be Iona College’s own Maureen Shea, an undefeated pro and former amateur standout. Shea is best known for her role as Hillary Swank’s sparring partner during the actress' preparation for her starring role in “Million Dollar Baby.”

Promoter Bob Duffy of Ring Promotions is a 20-year veteran in the world of boxing, and he absolutely loves what he does. “People ask me all the time why I keep doing this. The answer is simple: you can’t put a price on doing what you love. I love boxing and I love promoting fights,” Duffy adds. “I don’t care if I’m ever the next Don King or Bob Arum.”

It’s that attitude that has made Ring promotions boxing events a success, his last three boxing events have all sold out and the fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. Duffy, an ex-NYC homicide detective and the previous Director of Boxing for the New York State Athletic Commission, has been involved in boxing since 1984 and founded Ring Promotions in December of 2000. This being his 15th boxing card Duffy has worked with several name fighters such as former welterweight champ Jose Antonio Rivera, and middleweight prospect Daniel Edouard.

Undefeated Maureen Shea is especially looking forward to her fight on February 10 – because she will be fighting on the Iona College campus where she is currently attending classes. “I’m really excited about fighting her at my alma mater,” said the 25-year-old Bronx native. “Everyone has been extremely supportive and it’s an honor for me to be fighting here in front of all my friends and family.” Shea who is 3-0 with 2 knockouts looks to stay unbeaten as she takes on Salena Hayden in her pro debut.

Also featured on the card are super featherweight Pasquel Rouse of Westchester, middleweight Richard Pearson of Patterson, New Jersey, and heavyweight Victor James out of Brooklyn, NY.

Iona College is located at 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle. Tickets are priced at $100 Reserved Ringside, $50 Ringside (floor), and $30 General Admission. Iona students can purchase tickets at a special school rate of only $20 (with student ID). Tickets can be purchased by calling (914) 235-2325, (516) 313-2304. Tickets can also be purchased at Souler Gym located at 170 East Post Road in White Plains (914) 946-3500.

Doors open at 6 p.m. First bout starts at 7:30 p.m.