Bronx, NY – Jun 18, 2008 Former IBO Middleweight Champion of the world Raymond Joval (37-4 16 KO’s) will face off against rising prospect James “Buddy” McGirt Jr. (18-1 9 KO’s) on July 25th at the City Center in Saratoga Springs, NY in the 10-round main event. The fight which will be aired on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights,” will also mark the opening week of the 2008 Saratoga Race Track Season. This will be the fourth annual, “Night of Future Champions,” card held in Saratoga Springs.
After taking a two year layoff from the sport, Joval returned in 2007 and seems to have come back better than ever. Since teaming up with trainer Tracy Patterson, and promoter Joe DeGuardia, Joval has gone 2-0 with two dominating performances over Willie Gibbs (20-3 16 KO’s) and Alban Mothie (28-17 8 KO’s). Joval looks to continue his winning ways when he takes on tough up and coming prospect, James “Buddy” McGirt Jr. McGirt Jr., who is trained by his father, former world title holder, James “Buddy” McGirt, is coming off his first professional defeat at the hands of Carlos De Leon Jr. back on April 11th. McGirt was actually winning the fight (even scoring a knockdown in the 6th) when he got caught early in the 7th and eventually was stopped later on in the round. Joval v McGirt Jr. is truly a crossroads battle as neither fighter can afford another loss on their record at this stage in their career.
Joval has proven over the years that he belongs in the elite of the Middleweight division. McGirt Jr., who is only 25, knows that another loss severely damages his chances at making a run towards Middleweight supremacy. Joval v McGirt Jr., stylistically and on paper, stands to be one of the most exciting matchups to hit the Capital District in recent memory, as both fighters like to come forward and throw lots of punches.
The “Night of Future Champions” is being presented by Pugnacious Promotions, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and DiBella Entertainment. Star Boxing’s president and founder Joe DeGuardia is thrilled to be back to the Capital District. “There is nothing like the atmosphere of the Saratoga area during race season. We are very excited to once again be a part of this annual show. We feel that Raymond is ready to make a push towards a Middleweight Championship and expect a fantastic showing from him on July 25th,” stated DeGuardia.
Tickets ranging from $40 to $125 are available through Star Boxing, www.starboxing.com, or by calling 718-823-2000.