Boxing Coming Back To Boston; O'Connor Headlining

BOSTON, MA (November 19, 2012) – TD Garden announced today the main event for 'TD Garden Night at the Fights' on Friday, December 14, 2012 at 7:00PM is Danny O'Connor vs. Derek Silveira in a 10-round match at a catch weight of 145 pounds. Also competing in professional matches are undefeated junior lightweight Ryan Kielczewski of Quincy and Portland-trained middleweight Russell Lamour. Five amateur matchups showcasing USA Boxing New England All-Stars will round out the evening. A memorabilia show presented by Saugus-based SportsWorld will accompany the event and ticket holders will have the opportunity to pre-purchase access to a limited pre-event autograph signing featuring local boxing legends and World Champions Micky Ward, Tony DeMarco, Vinny Pazienza, Marlon Starling, and John Ruiz. Tickets for TD Garden Night at the Fights ($37.50 and $47.50) and VIP autograph event ($50, available to all ticket holders) are on sale now at the TD Garden Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Framingham's light welterweight Danny 'Bhoy' O'Connor is looking for his 20th victory in the 10-round main event. He is a two-time national amateur champ and has a 19-1 professional record with seven KOs. O'Connor is ranked 15th in the world by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and 22nd in the World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings.

“Fighting at the TD Garden in front of all my fans is a dream that I have had since I put on the gloves,” said Danny O'Connor. “Derek is a solid fighter, but also a cocky guy with lots to say. That talking isn't going to help him when it's just he and I between the ropes.” In the past year, O'Connor commenced training under the tutelage of hall of fame trainer Ronnie Shields who claims O'Connor 'is the most improved fighter in boxing'.

Both boxers are coming into this fight fresh off knockouts wins. Salem's Derek Silveira retained his New England welterweight title when he knocked down William Correa in the sixth round of a bout on November 10.

“When the call came, I did not hesitate, I know I can beat him,” said Derek Silveira. “We're both good boxers, but I think I'm the bigger puncher, the stronger man and just as fast. I honestly see nothing in Danny O'Connor that scares me.”

Quincy's 'Polish Prince', junior lightweight Ryan Kielczewski will compete in front of his hometown crowd in an 8-round bout. Kielczewski won a silver medal in the 2008 national Golden Gloves tournament and will look to continue his undefeated streak, currently at 14-0. Russell Lamour, 'The Haitian Sensation' of Portland, Maine, will round out the professional matches in a 4-round middleweight bout. USA Boxing New England All-Stars and world-class prospects will make up the additional five amateur matched bouts. Remaining professional match opponents and amateur talent will be announced at a later date.

Boston's boxing heritage runs deep. The first event held at the Boston Garden on November 17, 1928 was a 'Boxing Carnival' featuring a non-championship bout between featherweights Dick 'Honeyboy' Finnegan of Dorchester and Andre Routis of France. New England has a long and proud tradition of producing world champion boxers as well. Local boxing legends and World Champions Micky Ward, Tony DeMarco, Vinny Pazienza, Marlon Starling, and John Ruiz will be on hand to meet with fans and sign autographs at a VIP autograph event from 4-6PM. These limited tickets are available for pre-purchase by 'TD Garden Night at the Fights' ticketholders

Tickets for 'TD Garden Night at the Fights' are on sale at the TD Garden Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets. Event tickets are $37.50 and $47.50 and there is a separate, limited admission ticket to the VIP autograph event for $50, available to all ticket holders.