Atlantic City - New York Golden Gloves heavyweight gold medalist George Arias of the Bronx, N.Y. will turn pro on Top Rank's big fight card Saturday, October 4 at Bally's Park Place.
Bob Arum made the announcement today.
Arias, an explosive puncher, will fight on an event headlined by Glen Tapia of Passaic, N.J. Tapia will take on Donatas Bondoras of Lithuania. In the co-feature, popular super middleweight Jesse 'Hard Work' Hart of Philadelphia will face Roberto Acevedo of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Arias, whose favorite fighters are Mike Tyson and Joe Frazier, is trained and handled by Leon Washington of New York.
"My father (Leon) and myself know Bruce Trampler at Top Rank. We called Bruce and told him George is prepared and ready for professional boxing," said Washington. "We call him 'Gentleman George' because he smiles and shakes everyone's hands going into the ring. But then he goes in and destroys, shaking hands again as he walks down the ring steps."
Arias, born in the Dominican Republic, moved to the Bronx. He began boxing at the Morris Park Boxing Gym. Each morning he runs on a track outside of Yankee Stadium.
Arias, 22, said he always liked Tyson and Frazier "because they entertained the crowds with their outstanding skills and domination over their opponents. At the same time I learned to love and respect the sport because every fighter who goes into the ring against me is a warrior too."
Arias was a 2013 silver medalist at the New York Golden Gloves, then won the gold medal this year. He hits so hard, he's been called 'The Next Tyson."
"He's the real deal, believe me," said Leon Washington.
Arias will take on Edwin Ranquillo, 2-2, of West New York in a four-round bout.
Doors open 6:30 pm and the bouts will begin 7 pm local time.
Tickets are $75 VIP ringside and $50. Tickets may be purchased on Ticketmaster.com.
