STAR BOXING’S “Rockin’ Fights” series has seen major success at the Paramount since its creation in 2011. The chic Huntington venue has become the hub for boxing on Long Island. Promoter JOE DEGUARDIA continues to develop world-class talent at The Paramount, most notably world champion, CHRIS ALGIERI, light heavyweight sensation, JOE SMITH JR., and Long Island knockout artist CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN. DeGuardia says the fighters developing at the Paramount feed off the great Long Island boxing fans that come out in droves to every “Rockin’ Fights” event supporting their local favorites.
Chris Algieri (21-3 8KO’s) defeated the feared Rusian Provodnikov, on HBO at the Barclay’s Center in 2014, getting off the canvas in round one, to earn the World Championship. Algieri later went on to face some of the biggest and best fighters in the world, including Manny Pacquiao (in Macao China), Amir Khan, and Errol Spence Jr.. Algieri first fought at The Paramount in 2011, and his eight appearances at The Paramount developed him into a world champion.
Joe Smith Jr. (23-2 18KO’s) burst onto the scene in 2016 when, as a 20-1 underdog, he blasted then, #2 rated light heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara in Chicago on NBC (1st Round KO). Smith Jr. then took on the legendary Bernard Hopkins at The Forum in California on HBO, as he became the first fighter to ever knockout the legend, using a devastating left hand to knockout Hopkins (sending him clear out of the ring). Smith Jr. began his development at The Paramount in 2014, securing four knockout victories in four bouts. “THE BEAST” Joe Smith Jr. returns to the ring on June 30th at Mohegan Sun Arena. (Tickets for Joe Smith Jr. fight at Mohegan Sun on June 30th can be purchased HERE.)
Cletus Seldin (21-1 17KO’s) started his reign at The Paramount in 2011, leading way to becoming the venue’s all-time wins record holder. During his sixteen fights at The Paramount, Seldin owned an unblemished record, recording fourteen knockouts over that time. During his time at The Paramount, Seldin earned the WBC International Silver Super Lightweight title, which eventually led to his HBO appearance against Roberto Ortiz, in which Seldin lived up to his name, “The Hebrew Hammer”, destroying Ortiz in three-rounds.
“Rockin’ Fights 31” will give fans the chance to see if undefeated Elmont prospect TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (7-0 4KO’s) is likely to be the next star to come out of The Paramount. Fans can see and evaluate if James can follow the footsteps of the elite alumni of the Paramount and break on to the biggest and brightest lights in the boxing. Tyrone’s fans certainly can feel it as he has begun to bring the same enthusiastic fans that have made the Paramount such a breeding ground for boxing’s bright lights.
Tyrone comes from an athletic background as his father, Derell, was a standout professional football player for the Oklahoma Outlaws of the USFL and his uncle Jerry was a National Golden Glove champion. Tyrone began boxing at the age of 10, and as an amateur, he won the Nebraska Golden Gloves and became a five-time Junior Olympic champion. He had a stellar amateur record of 79-16.
Fighting five-times at The Paramount, Tyrone James has shown promising speed, and growing power every fight. In his last appearance, he stepped up to face Alex DeJesus (then 13-3-1 10 KO’S). In the third-round at the 1:43 mark, Tyrone landed a flush left hand, stumbling DeJesus, followed by an onslaught of combinations, as the referee called a stop to the action.
On June 8th, Tyrone James will face Keasen Freeman (4-2 2KO’s) of Aiken, South Carolina in his sixth bout at The Paramount. Freeman has recently taken on the likes of Gary Russell (6-0 6KO’s) and Irish prospect Aaron McKenna (3-0 2KO’s). James is looking to climb to the top but the tough Freeman looks to stand in his way.
Joe DeGuardia had this to say about rising star, Tyrone James, “I remember seeing Tyrone for the first time in 2016, and was impressed by his length and speed. Two years later, Tyrone continues to develop in every fight we put him in. We have had serious success here at The Paramount with Chris Algieri, Joe Smith Jr. and Cletus Seldin, and I would not be surprised if Tyrone James is the next name added to that list.”