Assorted: Broadway Boxing, CES/ESPN, Kahn, Casamayor, Shobox, Lawyers, more

Broadway Boxing Returns to the BB King Blues Club featuring Puerto Rican Sensation José Pedraza

New York Citys longest running and most successful boxing series, Broadway Boxing presented by Coors Light, returns March 29 to the most intimate venue for boxing in the country, the BB King Blues Club in Times Square. In the main event, José Pedraza, who turned pro in his last fight in his native Puerto Rico, returns to the ring.

Tickets for Broadway Boxing are on sale now through DiBella Entertainment, and start at only $55. Tickets can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577.

Those scheduled to see action on the undercard include several of the most popular and exciting pugilists that the New York fight scene has to offer, such as junior welterweight Willie Monroe, light heavyweight Seanie Monaghan, and junior middleweight Delen Parsley. In addition, lightweight Scott Burrell (2-0, 2 KOs), and super middleweight Travis Peterkin (1-0, 1 KO), both from Brooklyn, will face opponents to be named, as well as junior welterweight Gabriel DaLuc, of Quincy, MA, making his pro debut.

Pedraza (1-0, 1 KO), 21, after a stellar amateur career, is already poised to become the next boxing superstar out of Puerto Rico. Highlights of Pedraza’s amateur résumé include competing in the 2008 Olympic Games, winning a gold medal in the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2010, silver in the World Amateur Championships in 2009 and the 2010 Pan American Championships, and bronze at the 2007 Pan American Games and the 2008 Boxing World Cup.

Pedraza professionally debuted as a junior lightweight with a TKO1 over Felix Rivera on February 18, at Coliseo Pachin Vicens in Ponce. Although only one fight into his professional campaign, with his amateur pedigree, it won’t be long before Pedraza is in contention for a world title and is sought after by the major networks.

Monroe Jr. (10-0, 4 KOs), 24, has had boxing in his blood from a young age. His father was a middleweight contender in the 90s, and his great uncle was the famous middleweight contender out of Philadelphia, Willie “The Worm” Monroe. Three years into his pro career, he has been carrying on the tradition nicely. In his last bout, Monroe, who lives and trains in Rochester, stopped then 6-2 Mickey Scarborough inside five rounds.

Monaghan (6-0, 4 KOs), 28, a brick layer out of Long Beach, NY, carries the luck of the Irish each time he steps into the ring. Although he did not have much amateur experience, with only 15 bouts, Monaghan was able to reach the finals of the New York Golden Gloves tournament before turning pro last May. Making up for lack of an amateur background, Monaghan is keeping a busy schedule as a pro, and will be fighting for the second time this month when he steps into the ring at BB King Blues Club on March 29. In his last fight, Monaghan outclassed Billy Cunningham over four rounds, winning a unanimous decision on the Martinez-Dzinziruk undercard.

Parsley (4-0, 2 KOs), 23, of Brooklyn, NY, is a former amateur standout and son of famed Gleason’s Gym trainer Delen “Blimp” Parsley, who doubles as his trainer. Standing at 6’2”, Parsley used his exceptional height to his advantage in winning a four-round unanimous decision over Eberto Medina in his Broadway Boxing debut on December 1.

Tickets for Broadway Boxing are on sale now through DiBella Entertainment, and start at only $55. VIP Ringside tickets are $125, Floor Seat tickets are $75, and General Admission tickets are $55. Tables for groups of 5 are also available. Tickets can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment: (212) 947-2577, and more information can be obtained by visiting www.dbe1.com.

CES’ primetime players share ESPN spotlight

Jimmy Burchfields Classic Entertainment and Sports, in association with Foxwoods Resort Casino, returns to Mashantucket, Conn., on Friday, April 1, 2011, as part of ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights” with “Coming Attractions,” a showcase of boxing’s best young talent at the spacious Fox Theater.

“Coming Attractions” will be headlined by the nationally-televised, 10-round main event between Philadelphia’s “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (19-1-1, 10 KOs) and Venezuelan Patrick Lopez (20-3, 12 KOs) of Londonderry, N.H., for the vacant NABF lightweight title. Former University of Rhode Island football star Vladine Biosse (10-0, 5 KOs) of Providence, R.I., will battle St. Louis’ Tim Connors (10-2, 7 KOs) in ESPN2’s 10-round super middleweight co-feature.

“Vladine and Hank truly are the ‘Coming Attractions’ in professional boxing,” Burchfield said. “They’ve both fought on ESPN, dazzling 42 million homes worldwide in the process, and are next in line among the future world champions in their respective weight classes.

“We’re honored to bring this star-studded event to the beautiful Foxwoods Resort Casino, specifically the Fox Theater, where we brought boxing back to this casino last March when we sold out the venue with our ‘Brace For Impact’ show. It had been 11 months since Foxwoods hosted a boxing event, but we filled every seat in the Fox Theater that night and actually had to turn people away at the door. We will sell out the arena again on April 1st with an even better lineup of local talent.”

The undercard features some of the newest – along with several already-established – household names in professional boxing, including New Haven, Conn., veteran Elvin Ayala (21-5-1, 9 KOs) facing former world-title challenger Samson Onyango (20-7, 13 KOs) of Newark, N.J., in a six-round super middleweight bout. Fellow veteran “Machine” Mike Oliver (24-2, 8 KOs) of Hartford – a former super bantamweight world champion and winner of three consecutive fights – will take on Sande Otieno (16-2, 7 KOs) of Nairobi, Kenya in a six-round bout.

The remainder of the card will showcase a mix of young, rising stars in several weight classes. Middleweight Thomas Falowo (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., who has turned heads with impressive knockouts in each of his first two professional fights, will put his perfect record on the line in a four-round bout against Antonio Sadler (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Columbia, S.C. New Haven super middleweight Greg McCoy (2-2-1, 1 KO) will look to rebound from a loss on Feb. 4 in a four-round bout against the dangerous Tafari Lawton (1-1-1) of Orlando, Fla., while Rick Dawson (2-0, 1 KO), also of New Haven, will face Fort Myers, Fla., veteran J.C. Peterson (1-9) in a four-round middleweight bout.

Christian Lao, a highly-touted lightweight prospect from New Haven, will make his pro-debut in a four-round bout against Joal Alarcon (0-1) of New Bedford, Mass., and CES’ newest acquisition, southpaw welterweight Dominic DeSanto (5-0, 5 KOs) of New Haven will attempt to keep his five-fight winning streak intact in a four-round bout against Kenny Gerald (1-1, 1 KO) of Marion, S.C.

The excitement on the undercard will help set the stage for the thunder looming in the nationally-televised portion of “Coming Attractions.” Both Biosse and Lundy have starred on ESPN within the last eight months; Biosse made his ESPN debut on July 9 with a dominant victory over “Irish” Joey McCreedy in Rhode Island, while Lundy scored a decisive win over Omri Lowther in Montreal in August. April 1 will be Lundy’s fourth consecutive fight on ESPN, a stretch that includes victories over Lowther and Tyrese Hendrix.

“Hank is one of the top 135-pound lightweights in the world,” Burchfield said. “This is a dangerous fight, and we respect Lopez, but Hank is ready to fight any and all of the 135-pound champions after this fight. Juan Manuel Marquez, Brandon Rios, Humberto Soto – we’re ready to fight any of them.”

Tickets for “Coming Attractions” are priced at $40, $65 and $105 (ringside) and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254 or the Foxwoods box office at 800.200.2882, or online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com. For more information, visit www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7.

“KING KHAN RETURNS” TO SHOWCASE BRITAIN’S BRIGHTEST BOXING TALENTS ON APRIL 16 UNDERCARD

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, March 15 – Amir “King” Khan will lead a fantastic bill on Saturday, April 16 as he returns home to defend his WBA Super Lightweight World Title against undefeated European Champion Paul McCloskey at the M.E.N Arena.

In what is sure to be an action-packed night presented by Hatton Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, some of British boxing’s hottest prospects will be featured including world title contender and European Middleweight Champion Matthew Macklin who takes on savvy German Khoren Gevor, British Welterweight Champion Craig Watson who will defend his belt against Lee “Lights Out” Purdy and rising star Scott Quigg lined up to face tough Andrei Isaeu.

“I am proud to showcase some of the most exiting and talented young champions from the Hatton Promotions stable on what I believe is one of the best undercards that has been staged in the history of the M.E.N. Arena,” said Hatton Promotions president Ricky Hatton. “The chief support for this card sees Matthew Macklin take on Khoren Gevor, with the winner looking for a world title shot.

“It is the philosophy of Hatton Promotions to stage well matched and entertaining fights. Craig Watson, Scott Quigg and Martin Murray are three champions who are never in a dull fight and who will hopefully be challenging for world titles themselves in the near future,” Hatton continued. “On top of that, we have prospects like Richard Towers, Adam Etches, Tasif Khan and Dezzie Higginson all hoping to make their mark as they move up the professional rankings.”

President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya agreed when he stated, “When we decided to bring Amir’s next fight back to his hometown fans in Manchester, we wanted to have a stacked undercard to support him. This is exactly what the fans will be getting on April 16, with an excellent co-feature of Macklin vs. Gevor along with the other British stars being featured. We’re also excited to bring Ireland’s up-and-coming star Jamie “The Nuisance” Kavanagh closer to home in his first professional fight outside of the United States.”

The full fight list includes: Matthew Macklin vs. Khoren Gevor, Craig Watson vs. Lee Purdy (British welterweight title) Scott Quigg vs. Andrei Isaeu (WBA super bantamweight interim title), Martin Murray vs. John Carvalho (WBA middleweight interim title),Dezzie Higginson vs. Andy Murray, Jamie Kavanagh vs. TBA, Richard Towers vs. TBA, Adam Etches vs. TBA and Tasif Khan vs. TBA.

“King Khan Returns,” the WBA super lightweight championship fight featuring Amir “King” Khan defending his title against undefeated European Champion Paul McCloskey on April 16 at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester, is a 12 round bout presented by Hatton Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. The event will produced and broadcast live on Sky Box Office and in high definition on Sky Box Office HD in the U.K., with the main event being aired on a delayed basis in United States on HBO.

U.K. viewers can order the fight on Sky Box Office for £14.95 by calling 08442 410 888.

Tickets for Khan vs. McCloskey, priced at £300, £200, £125, £75, £50 and £40, are on sale now and may be purchased at the M.E.N. Arena Box Office, by calling +44(0)8448478000, or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.men-arena.com

JOEL CASAMAYOR SEEKS BIG FIGHTS WITH RECENT VICTORY

With his recent victory over once beaten Manuel Leyva (18-2, 10 KO’s), former three time World Champion and Olympic Gold medal winner, Joel Casamayor (38-5-1, 22 KO’s) is seeking fights against anyone in the top ten at Lightweight and Jr. Welterweight.

“I know I can compete at the top level,” said Casamayor. “I just beat Leyva who had only been beaten once in eighteen fights. My only losses in the past five years are to Juan Manuel Marquez and Robert Guerrero, who many consider to be the best in the lightweight division. My track record shows that I’ll fight anyone, anytime so I want to let everyone know that I’m not going anywhere. My goal is to keep wining, and eventually get another title shot at Lightweight or Jr. Welterweight.”

Luis Decubas Jr., who manages Casamayor went on to say, “Joel is an elite fighter and anyone he fights will have their hands full. I’m looking to get him right back in the ring against a top level opponent as soon as possible.”

WBA Interim Super Bantamweight Champion Rigondeaux crossed Atlantic to make big splash in Saturday’s world title fight defense versus Irishman Casey in Dublin

CORK, Ireland (March 15, 2011) – WBA Interim World Super Bantamweight Champion Guillermo “The Jackal” Rigondeaux, arguably the greatest amateur boxer of all-time, arrived March 7 in Ireland to complete his extensive training for his first title defense this Saturday night (Mar. 19) in Dublin against Irish favorite, former European title holder Willie “Big Bang” Casey.

The Guillermo-Casey title fight features a pair of unbeaten boxers headlining a show promoted by Top Rank, Nowhere 2 Hyde Promotions and Dolphil Promotions. RTE will air the fight live in Ireland and it’ll be available to watch online at www.rte.ie/live starting at 6 PM/ET, 3 PM/PT in the United States.

Rigondeaux (7-0, 5 KOs), a southpaw now fighting out of Miami, was a 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist, as well as a 7-time national champion who captured a pair of World Championship titles during his amazing 243-4 amateur career.

After breaking training camp in Houston (TX), The Ring No.6-rated super bantamweight Rigondeaux traveled to Ireland for his third visit having experienced an Irish heart-warming welcome in January, when he held a public workout before hundreds of mightily impressed boxing fans at the luxurious Montenotte Hotel in Cork.

Unlike other world champions who would have a half-dozen or so supporting team members for a fight in a foreign country, especially one half-way around the world, Guillermo’s fans have purchased more than 1,200 tickets for the nearly sold-out show at The City West Convention Centre in Dublin.

Rigondeaux’ somewhat surprising popularity in the Emerald Isle can be traced to his amateur days and Guillermo’s winning 2001 gold-medal performance at the World Championships in Belfast.

“Rigo” defected from Cuba and made his pro debut May 22, 2009, won the NABA super bantamweight title in his third action as a pro and last November in only his seventh fight, he won a unanimous 12-round decision against Ricardo Cordoba (37-2-2) to become the WBA Interim 122-pound divisional champion.

Casey (11-0, 7 KOs) stopped Paul Hyland in the fourth-round of their November 6 fight in Willie’s hometown of Limerick (Ireland), capturing the vacant European super bantamweight crown. The 29-year-old Casey, however, relinquished that strap in order to challenge Rigondeaux, who will have Ronnie Shields as his chief second for his third straight fight.

Irishman Gary Hyde has been Rigondeaux’ manager since he signed “The Jackal” in Cuba to an exclusive management agreement in early 2007. “Rigondeaux defending his world title in Ireland is a dream come true for me,” Hyde said from his office in Cork. “We are all very confident that ‘Rigo’ will leave here March 20th with his title and continue his quest to unify the 122-pound division.

“Casey is a true warrior and I’m sure that he will turn in the fight of his life to try and dethrone the greatest amateur boxer of all-time, ‘Rigo,’ who became world champion in only his seventh professional bout. But he hasn’t fought anybody close to having Guillermo’s brilliance and he’ll realize that right after the opening bell. In my lifetime, I have great memories of Irish fighters in world title fights – some won and others didn’t – but Casey will not have the luck of Irish this fight. He will be thoroughly out-classed by this modern-day phenomenon, Guillermo Rigondeaux.”

Hyde also has two other unbeaten fighters in action on the Rigondeaux-Casey card, Manchester, England welterweight prospect Mark Heffron (4-0, 3 KOs), and Georgian junior welterweight Levan Ghvarmichava (2-0, 2 KOs).

The highly-touted Heffron makes his first Irish appearance, in his first scheduled 6-round bout, against David Pulido (6-9, 2 KOs) having fought all of his pro fights, thus far, across Europe in The Netherlands, Poland, Hungry and at home on the undercard David Haye-Audley Harrison WBA Heavyweight Championship show.

Hyde first took special notice of 2007 and 2009 World Championship fighter Ghvamichava in 2009 when Levan defeated 2-time World Amateur Championship winner and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, Rosniel Iglesias Sotolongo, of Cuba. Ghvamichava, who is trained by Paul and Sean McCullagh in Belfast, faces veteran Mihaita Mutu (27-16-2, 10 KOs) in a 4-round bout. Levan has already dazzled fans with his immense potential, starting with his pro debut this past January in Dublin, in which he defeated Konstantins Sakara by a second-round knockout. In his most recent fight last week, Levan took on 72-fight veteran Laszlo “The Rock” Komjathi, who went the distance with current WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan, former world titlist Andriy Kotelnik, and world title challenger Wily Blain. Ghvarmichava nearly put Komjathi to sleep in the opening round and finished-off his rubbery legged opponent in the second.

OFFICIAL UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED FOR “MARCH MAYHEM” AT THE PLATTDUETSCHE

On Thursday March 17th, St. Paddy’s Day, Star Boxing, brings live professional boxing back to Long Island, when it presents, “March Mayhem” at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, NY. Headlining the show is Huntington’s popular undefeated jr. welterweight prospect Chris Algieri (10-0, 5KO’s) as he takes on Philadelphia’s tough Julius Edmonds (7-10). Algieri-Edmonds is scheduled for eight rounds.

Fighting in his first bout since he was shot and nearly killed last year will be the former four-time national champion, Adam “Showtime” Willett (1-1). Willett, who was the number one ranked heavyweight in the US for three consecutive years and was an alternate to the 2008 US Olympic Team, was shot once in the chest while working as a High School Security Guard and defending two of his female students who were being harassed by two older men. Willett is fighting Sharieff Hayes, who has two professional bouts under his belt as well. The bout is scheduled for four rounds in the heavyweight divison.

World-rated jr. featherweight Leon Moore (27-2, 22KO’s) will also see action on the card when he takes on Jason Rorie over six scheduled rounds. The WBC #3, and WBO #13 rated Moore originally hails from Ghana but now lives and trains in New York City.

Rising prospect, Issouf Kinda (9-0, 4KO’s), who hails from Burkina Faso but now calls Long Island his home, will take on Jorge Ruiz in a six round jr. welterweight contest.

Also scheduled to appear on the card is the Bronx’s heavy-handed, Danny “Joey” Valle (3-0, 3KO’s). Valle, a former NY Golden Gloves Champion, is trained by his father Victor Valle Jr. Between Valle Jr. and his father, world renowned trainer and Danny’s grandfather, Victor Valle Sr.,(now deceased) the two have been training fighters for over 100 years. Valle is scheduled to square off against New Jersey’s Sidell Blocker in a four round lightweight contest.

Super Featherweight, Kamil Łaszczyk (1-0, 1KO) will also see action on the card when he takes on an opponent TBA. Łaszczyk had a decorated amateur career in his native country of Poland, amassing an impressive 110-7, which included winning six Polish national championships. Łaszczyk made his pro debut a few weeks back on March 5th, scoring a 2nd round TKO over Emil Brooks in Woodhaven, NY. Łaszczyk’s bout is scheduled for four rounds.

Rounding out the card is Newark’s, Joseliz Cepeda (3-1) who looks to make it four wins in a row when he takes on Corey White (1-0, 1KO) in a four round super featherweight showdown.

Tickets for “March Mayhem” are priced at $100 for Gold Ringside (first row), $75 Ringside, and $50 for General Admission. Tickets can be purchased by calling Star Boxing at 718 823-2000, or visiting www.starboxing.com. Doors open at 6:45PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:30PM. The Plattduetsche Park Restaurant is located at 1132 Hempstead Tpke, Franklin Square, NY 11010.

Johnson vs. Davis Headlines ShoBox Triple Header in Laredo, Texas

On Friday, April 8, C.Y. Benavides in association with DiBella Entertainment, Warriors Boxing and Keeppunching Entertainment will proudly present “Rumble on the Rio” a night of world class professional boxing at the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas, with three main bouts televised live on Showtime’s popular ShoBox “The New Generation”.

In the main event, undefeated Houston, Texas, super middleweight Marcus “Too Much” Johnson (20-0, 15 KOs) will face Florida’s Dyah Davis (18-2-1, 9 KOs), son of 1976 Olympic gold medalist Howard Davis Jr., in an 10-round match-up.

The other televised bouts will feature 6′ 3″ welterweight up-and-comer Willie Nelson (16-0-1, 10 KOs) taking on Buffalo’s once-beaten Vincent Arroyo (10-1, 7 KOs) in a potentially explosive eight rounder and undefeated Framingham, Massachusetts native Danny O’Connor (14-0, 3 KOs) going against Brooklyn’s undefeated Gabriel Bracero (14-0, 1 KO) in a terrific eight-round light welterweight duel.

25-year-old Marcus Johnson won the WBO NABO championship last April by scoring a 10-round decision over then-unbeaten Derek Edwards at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. 29-year-old Davis was last seen in February, fighting to a controversial 10-round majority draw with formidable Mexican Francisco Sierra. Most observers, and one judge, felt Davis had done enough to win.

Cleveland’s 23-year-old Nelson draws comparisons to a young Thomas Hearns with his lanky frame and heavy hands. Power punching 23-year-old Arroyo was last seen scoring an upset KO over formerly undefeated Jeremy Bryan.

As an amateur, 25-year-old southpaw Danny O’Connor was the 2008 National Golden Gloves and the 2008 United States Light Welterweight Champion. His clever style of boxing is reminiscent of his idol, former champion Paul Spadafora. 30-year-old Puerto Rican American Gabriel Bracero will be fighting outside New York for the first time, but has shown tremendous talent since returning to boxing in 2009 after an eight-year hiatus.

Tickets are priced at $25, $35, $45, & $75 (facility fees not included) and are available at the LEA box office, various H.E.B. locations, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Doors at 7pm first bout at 8pm. All bouts subject to change.

For more information, visit learena.com, keeppunching.com or call the LEA at 956-791-9192.

Attorneys at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP in boxers’ corners fighting injustices

Professional boxers need a real fighter in their corner such as attorneys Keith Sullivan and James Galleshaw, whose passions for the sweet science finds them leading a crusade to aid active and past participants, as well as organizations and groups associated with the sport.

The New York based attorneys and childhood friends five years ago formed their practice – Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP – concentrating on personal injury, criminal defense and commercial litigation with locations in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. They have 24 years of legal experience between them.

Sullivan & Galleshaw LLP also seriously takes its commitment to pro bono and civic work, taking on less fortunate individuals and causes who otherwise would be left without legal representation and likely taken advantage of.

For Attorney Sullivan, 38, boxers and boxing have been special clients for him dating back to his work on a landmark victory representing two-time world champion Joey Gamache against the New York State Athletic Commission. A case that took many twists and turns, as well as 10 years to reach a verdict. Attorney Sullivan charged the NYSAC with negligence for failing to properly carry-out its duties and responsibilities, by conducting an improper weigh-in of Arturo Gatti that allowed him to exceed the 141-pound weight limit for his February 26, 2000 fight against Sullivan’s client, Gamache.

The judge admitted in rulings before the trial that this was a very difficult case for the plaintiff and that Gamache’s legal team would have an up-hill battle proving the NYAC’s negligent. Attorneys Sullivan and Galleshaw were not intimidated or scared off; it strengthened their resolve to fight to expose the pure incompetence of the Commission.

During the trial, the NYSAC Executive Director who conducted the weigh-ins was exposed in that when Gatti was weighing-in the Commission member touched the scale, pushing the counter-weight to a heavier position past the pre-set weight of 141 pounds. Gatti was then told to raise his arms but when the needle failed to balance, his weight was quickly and erroneously called by the same NYSAC Executive Director as 141 pounds. Gatti got off of the scale and immediately guzzled liquid to hydrate as Team Gamache immediately protested, albeit, in vain.

The following evening, only a few hours before the fight, an unofficial weigh-in was conducted and Gatti tipped the scales at 160 pounds. Now effectively a middleweight, fighting an opponent three weight divisions below him, Gatti floored the lighter welterweight Gamache twice in the opening round, and brutally knocked him out in the second. It took several minutes for Gamache to regain consciousness and he was hospitalized for two days. Gamache, who suffered migraine headaches and neurological damage, never fought again.

Nearly 10 years after the fight, Judge Melvin Schweitzer ruled in Gamache’s favor, finding that Gatti had been given an unfair advantage due to the negligent NYSAC. “We were extremely pleased that by making that decision,” Attorney Sullivan commented, “the court said that the commission can and will be held accountable when they conduct themselves in a negligent manner that results in injuries to the fighters. They had a duty that day that, when Joey weighed in at 141 pounds, that his opponent also weigh in at the same weight. It was disgraceful. The decision sent a very strong message to all commissions everywhere in the United States that fighters are more than pawns for profit and cannot be used and abused.”

Today, Attorney Sullivan is still deeply involved in boxing as legal counsel for former Irish Olympian and world middleweight contender, Andy Lee (24-1, 18 KOs), who fights Craig McEwen this Saturday night (March 12) live on HBO Championship Boxing at MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods; the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), a not-for-profit regional sanctioning body within the World Boxing Council; and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

“I’ve always loved boxing since I first watched Mike Tyson fight on HBO,” native-New Yorker Sullivan explained. “I was in grammar school and was fascinated by boxers. My grandfather was a big fan of boxing. Boxing was a sport I gravitated towards because of its one-on-one pure human challenge.

“I first got involved representing boxers after meeting legendary trainer Bob Jackson, who was also a state corrections official, when I was working out at the famed Gleason’s Gym. We hit it off right away and he’s been like an uncle figure to me ever since. Boxing is a great outlet for troubled youths – a safe haven – and it’s very rewarding helping some of them become successful young men. A lot of boxers get taken advantage of and I couldn’t stand it. They need people on their side, so I got involved, and it’s been a labor of love for me. More often than not, I end up agreeing to take on cases or causes for boxers on a pro-bono basis. Together with my partner, James Galleshaw, and our good friend and fellow lawyer, David Berlin, we make a great team representing many fighters, organizations and people in the sport.”

Sullivan and Gallleshaw LLP also are strong supporters of The Dr Theodore A. Atlas Foundation, named in memory of ESPN boxing analyst and world-renown trainer Teddy Atlas’ father. Attorney Sullivan is a Board of Director with the foundation. Additionally, he is a board member with RING-8, a 57-year-old organization that is Veteran Boxers Association for New York State.

The Dr. Atlas Foundation provides financial, medial, and emotional support to individuals and organizations in need, particularly for the needs of children. Two non-profit youth boxing gyms were recently opened-up, one in Sullivan’s childhood neighborhood – Flatbush, Brooklyn – by the Dr. Atlas Foundation. “It is amazing for me to be able to give back to the youth in this much need community,” Attorney Sullivan noted, “where I was born and raised, and where my family’s story really began.”

RING 8 is dedicated to its motto of Boxers Helping Boxers: lending a helping hand to those in the boxing community who are less fortunate and may require assistance in terms of paying their rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need may arise.

Outside of the boxing world, Sullivan and Galleshaw LLP has raised $30,000 for U.S. War Veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project, founded a promotional and event company – Cocktails 4 Charities – that donates 100-percent of its proceeds to charity, and currently the firm represents Merit Matters, an FDNY (Fire Department of New York) civic organization, on a purely pro bono basis. Merit Matters is comprised of current and retired members of the FDNY and concerned citizens of New York City. The firm is working with Merit Matters to raise awareness and will file an appeal of a recent Federal Court ruling, which has abolished merit-based hiring and uses race as the basis for hiring and to promote within the FDNY.

Attorney Sullivan is an adjunct law professor, lecturer for the National portion of the Bar Exam, and a legal commentator for Fox News, CNN and MSNBC.

For more information about Sullivan & Galleshaw LLP go on line at www.sullivangalleshaw.com.