Boxing Could Use Some More Vinny Maddalones

When Star Boxing's fan favorite heavyweight Vinny Maddalone (31-5, 22KO) steps into the ring this Tuesday, April 28th against Benji “Boom Boom” Baker (18-6, 9KO) at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, NY it will mark his ten year anniversary boxing in the professional ranks. Maddalone successfully turned pro on April 23, 1999, stopping Kinard Thomas at one minute twenty four seconds of the very first round.

VINNY MADDALONE – Photo by Star Boxing Photographer Marty Rosengarten

Over the past ten years the Italian American Maddalone has continuously excited crowds with his aggressive come forward style, and knockout power. A recipient of the 2004 ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights” fight of the year, Maddalone has earned the accolades as one of boxing's ultimate blood and guts warriors, something he showed in his most recent outing, a extremely competitive, bloody and action packed eight round decision loss to highly regarded and undefeated Russian heavyweight Denis Boytsov (24- 0, 19KO).

Boytsov who is ranked as the WBA #6, WBO #7 rated heavyweight in the world had all he could handle with Maddalone who just wouldn't stop coming forward all night long. Although Boytsov is Russian he now lives and trains in Germany, where the fight took place. The fans in attendance were so impressed with Maddalone's effort that they were chanting his name and U.S.A. at the culmination of the 8th and final round.

MADDALONE AT BOYTSOV PRESSER

“It felt great having them cheer for me, Germany is a great country I loved my time there,” stated Maddalone. “The people there seemed to really like me and like my style and what I was about. At the pre- fight press conference some of the reporters asked me about my tendency to get cut and bleed and how it affects me. I told them that when I bleed, when I start to actually see blood, that's when I really start to fight. Everyone there got a real kick out of that.”

Maddalone lives a double life. Inside the ring he is a fierce warrior, looking to take your head off with each monstrous shot he throws. Outside the ring though is a different story. Maddalone is a successful business owner, happily married to his wife Kathy for 2 years. Rarely seen with out his trademark ear to ear smile Maddalone recently purchased the Bar/Restaurant 14 Below located in Whitestone, Queens. Maddalone has been operating the Bar/Restaurant, which he plans to change the name to Ringside Lounge, for the past few months. As if weighing his training with operating his bar wasn't enough to keep him busy, his wife recently opened Fahrenheit Physical Therapy in Omni Fitness located in Pelham, NY. Fahrenheit PT specializes in all types of injuries, something that comes in very handy to any athlete, especially a professional boxer like Maddalone.

“Oh it's great having my own Physical Therapy center. I can go as many times as I want and best of all my appointments are free,” laughs Maddalone.

So why does a 35-year-old successful business owner continue to fight? To Maddalone the answer is simple, “I love the sport.”

“Boxing has been great to me. If it weren't for boxing I don't really know where I would be right now. I love going out and giving fans exactly what they want to see and that's an old school all-out war. When people see me fight they know that they are going to get their money's worth and are not going to be disappointed. I give it my all each and every-time I step in that ring and to me that's what boxing is all about.”

MADDALONE WITH PROMOTER JOE DEGUARDIA

“Boxing could use some more Vinny Maddalones,” stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing, the longtime promoter of Maddalone. “Vinny never backs down from a challenge, and always gives everything he has each fight out. He is like a real-life Rocky. I can't tell you how many times people have come up to me after seeing him fight and tell me that it was one of the most exciting fights they have ever seen and on April 28th we expect nothing less. To top it all off, he is one of the nicest guys in boxing.”

The show will kick off at 7PM sharp with an hour long cocktail reception. Immediately following the reception a four course elegant dinner will start being served, at which time the first bout will go on. There will be cocktail service throughout, with an open bar running for the remainder of the evenings fights.

AUCTION AT FIGHTS TO BENEFIT CHARITIES

In addition, Star Boxing has teamed up with Eagel Sports Promotions and Angel's On The Bay, to showcase some of the most incredible sports and entertainment memorabilia for auction throughout the night. A silent auction will be going on at different tables throughout the arena during the bouts, with the feature items of the evening being auctioned off inside the ring between fights. Proceeds from the auction will benefit local charities.

After the boxing has concluded those sitting at the $3500 premier tables will be invited to join a post fight party with celebrities, boxing insiders and the beautiful ring card girls courtesy of Larry Flynt's Hustler Club for an ultra exclusive after party held in the exquisite Florentine Room at Russo's.

The show is being billed as “VIP BOXING” and is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing. Tables of ten are still available for purchase for $2500 (Ringside), and $3500 (First row Ringside and elevated Ringside) respectively. There will be a limited amount of individual seats at select tables available, with the cost for each seat at $250, and $350. You may contact Star Boxing for tickets at 718- 823-2000 or by visiting www.starboxing.com. Russo's On The Bay is located at 162-45 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414.