Star Boxing and the American Cancer Society are teaming-up in the ring to throw cancer a beating.
Joe DeGuardia, founder and CEO of Star Boxing on 991 Morris Park Avenue, has loined forces with the American Cancer Society and the Hunts Point Produce Terminal Market for a monumental Bronx event.
On Saturday, July 23, the first annual Star Boxing Knock Out Cancer event will take place outdoors in the heart of the Hunts Point Produce Terminal Market, and all proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
DeGuardia, along with Ted Vlavianos, regional vice president of the American Cancer Society, Myra Gordon, executive administrator of the Hunts Point Produce Terminal Market, and Melvina Lathan, commissioner of New York State Athletic Commission, gathered at the Havana Cafe on 3151 E. Tremont Avenue on Wednesday, June 29 to announce the event.
“In boxing, we have fighters who go into the ring every day, but the same thing goes for cancer fighters, who wake up every morning and battle,” DeGuardia said. Tickets are officially on sale for the big night that will include a series of great fights, including a square-off between undefeated Joe Hanks and veteran Alfredo Escalera Jr. for the currently vacant International Boxing Association World Heavyweight Title.
Vlavianos, who battled lymphoma cancer when he was 30 years old, recalled how much of an impact being diagnosed with cancer can really have on one’s life.
“I was always on the run and always felt like I was invincible because I was still young,” Vlavianos said. “It changed my life to say the least. That’s when I realized I wanted to help others and joined the American Cancer Society. We know that Knock Out Cancer is going to be a great night.”
The card for the evening will feature bouts of some of the most up-and-coming boxers, including many Bronx-grown fighters. Gordon said Hunts Point was honored to have been selected as the location.
“There is nothing more dear to the Hunts Point Produce Market then to be part of this wonderful evening,” Gordon said. “We are proud to be a partner to make sure today’s loved ones are not tomorrow’s statistics.”
Tickets are $50, $75 and $100, and can be purchased by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000.
