New York, —The iconic New York Daily News Golden Gloves returns to Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway for the second straight year, headlined by the Finals of the 108-pound Novice and Open Divisions, as well as the 101-pound and 176+ pound Women’s Finals. New Rochelle’s Krystal Graham-Dixon (Main Street BC) will square off against Naralie Pacheco (World Wide BC in the Bronx) in the 176+ pound ladies finale. The 2012 Semi-Finals of both the 104-Pound Novice and Heavyweight Open Divisions of the fabled amateur boxing tournament will also be hosted on the Fourth Floor of the Casino.
The match up in the 108-Novice Final pits Alcidez Martinez (Gym X, Brooklyn) against Chayanne Rivera (Willis Avenue BC in the Bronx); the 108-Pound Open Final has Daveshua Sepulveda (John’s Gym in the Bronx) colliding against Melvin Vegas (Crom MMA); in the 101-Pound Women’s Final, Aly-sha Dandridge (Heavy Hitters in Long Island) squares off against Holly Stevens (Team Free Form in Long Island). The full bout card is at the end of this release.
General Admission tickets will be priced at $25; senior citizens, college students (with proper ID) and children under 14 priced at $15. For more information logo onto www.nydailynews.com/Golden Gloves; or call Brian Adams at the Daily News at 212-210-1908 ( badams@nydailynews.com ) or Clare Galterio at Empire City at 914-457-2609 ( crgalterio@yonkersraceway.com ). Doors open at 6:15 PM, and first bell is at 7:30 PM sharp. Tickets will be sold at the door only on fight night.
Last year, for the first time in the storied history of Yonkers Raceway, hundreds of fans flocked to the raceway to attend the Golden Gloves. The oldest and most esteemed amateur event in the U.S.A., celebrating its 85th anniversary this season, has produced generations of legendary boxers including Sugar Ray Robinson, Emile Griffith, Floyd Patterson, Riddick Bowe, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Jose Torres, and Zab Judah.
Yonkers Raceway first opened its doors in 1899, and in over 100 years of its history has been the home to harness racing’s Triple Crown events such as the Yonkers Trot, Cane Pace and Messenger Stakes, as well as such premier stakes races as the Art Rooney Pace. Professional boxing had been held in the Old Glory Horse Pavilion, and many major fights shown on closed circuit television. But the Daily News Golden Gloves, the most
elite Golden Gloves tournament in the country for 85 years, became a “first-time starter” in 2011.
“We are delighted to again bring the Daily News Golden Gloves to Yonkers Raceway,” said Rooney. “Two New York institutions are teaming for a spectacular evening of boxing for fight fans.”
“It will be another historic night for the Daily News Golden Gloves,” said Campi. “Our rich history grows even richer, and we are looking forward to making the return of the Golden Gloves another memorable night at the casino.”
About Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway features: 5,300 slot machines, video roulette, electronic craps and baccarat tables, Italian dining in Nonno’s Trattoria, and trackside dining in the Empire Terrace Restaurant, which overlooks the track for live harness racing, as well as a quick bite at the International Food Court and its wide-ranging menu. The multi-faceted Good Time Room is available for parties, benefits, weddings, and major events for up to 500. Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (at Central Avenue) in Yonkers, New York, Westchester County, (I-87 to Exit 2). Empire City Casino is open seven days a week, every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM For more information call 914.968.4200 or log onto www.empirecitycasino.com .
