WORCESTER, Mass. – Boxing promoter Steven “Tank” Tankanow and former New England middleweight champion Sean “The Irish Express” Fitzgerald have teamed to bring professional boxing back to Worcester on a regular basis. Tank Enterprises presents Fights By Fitzy I, June 23 at the Army National Guard Armory (Lincoln St.).
“Tank,” a respected Worcester businessman who owns the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy (BSMT), has a strong background in boxing. In addition to promoting numerous shows, he also managed Jose Antonio Rivera to the WBA welterweight title and brought his first world championship match to Worcester in 2005.
“Our intention is to keep boxing alive on a monthly basis, showcasing local fighters and giving boxing fans a great night out at a reasonable price,” Tankanow said. “Any young fighters who want to fight on our cards, develop their record and build a following should contact me or Sean.”
“Fitzy,” who owns a boxing gym (Camp Fitzy) in Worcester, now trains fighters after an 11-year pro career and standout record of 29-2-2 (11 KOs) record. His only losses were to legendary Roberto Duran and Dana Rosenblatt.
“After I retired as a boxer,” Sean explained, “ I started training fighters. I opened a gym so I could help kids and keep them off the streets. I love training fighters and watching them grow as boxers and individuals. I encourage them to follow their dreams in boxing and life. Tank and I are bringing boxing back to Worcester and getting more people involved.”
Scheduled to fight on the June 23rd show against opponents to be determined are five Worcester boxers: hot middleweight prospect Enrique “El Palo” Palau (3-0, 3 KOs), former Massachusetts cruiserweight champion John “House of Rain” Rainwater (10-12, 3 KOs), undefeated cruiserweight Adam Harris (6-0, 5 KOs), and junior middleweight Edwin Rosado (1-0, 1 KO). Former Central Massachusetts heavyweight title-holder Joe “The Fighting Cop” Siciliano (3-3, 1 KOs), of Leominster, makes his comeback after a five-year absence. All fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $20 (general admission) and $40 (first row gold ringside), are on sale at Camp Fitzy (6 Jacques St.) and BSMT (333 Shrewsbury St) or on-line at www.bancroftsmt.com/store/site/index.cfm. For more information call Camp Fitzy (508.579.5167), BSNT (508.757.7923) or visit www.fightsbyfitzy.com.
