Plainview’s Tommy Rainone to fight in Roc Nation Sports’ first boxing card at MSG
Jay Z has steadily become a major figure in the sports world. Now, he’s turning to boxing.
His company, Roc Nation Sports, will promote its first boxing card on Jan. 9 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. The main event will feature Plainview’s Tommy Rainone (22-5-1) against Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (24-0) in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas title.
“I am looking forward to being a part of Roc Nation’s first boxing event and returning to the Garden,” said Rainone, who has previously fought twice at MSG. “I’ve seen Dusty fight. He is a good, solid fighter, but so am I. I welcome the challenge.”
The Rainone-Harrison fight will be televised live by FOX Sports 1. It’s the first of a three-fight deal Roc Nation Sports has with Fox Sports 1.
“All of us at Roc Nation Sports are thrilled to announce our first boxing event along with our first series and television deal,” said Roc Nation Sports’ COO of Boxing David Itskowitch in statement released to the media. “The January 9th event at The Theater at Madison Square Garden will be an event unlike anything boxing fans have experienced in the past whether they’re at The Garden or watching at home on FOX Sports 1. An evening of exciting fights, great music and fantastic entertainment will be a fitting way to kick off throne boxing, a series that will stand alone on the boxing landscape.”
Itskowitch’s previous work in boxing includes stints with New York-based promoter Lou DiBella and Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.
Rainone, 34, won the USBO welterweight title last month with a 10-round decision over Carl McNickles in what was the inaugural boxing card at The Space in Westbury.