"Connecticut Conquest" on June 13th!!

May 4, 2008
Report: Pat Kelley
Photos: Emily Harney

A press conference was held this past Thursday afternoon to officially announce Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment and Sports' June 13th "Connecticut Conquest" event which will be hosted at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT.

"Boxing is alive in Connecticut," Jimmy Burchfield stated. "We're very excited about this card, and being back in the beautiful Connecticut Convention Center! Each and every fight will be represented by a Connecticut fighter."

In the evening's main event, undefeated WBC Youth Featherweight Champion Matt "Sharp Shooter" Remillard (11-0, 7 KOs) defends his title against Mexican challenger Jose Magallon (8-4, 3 KOs).

Remillard, who hails from nearby Manchester, Connecticut, expressed how excited he is to be making his headlining debut in what he expects to be an action-packed affair with Magallon.

"With my style of fighting, it's definitely going to be a head to head fight. I believe I have heavy hands, and I am looking forward to hurting people again."

In the co-feature, the ever popular Tony "TNT" Grano (13-0, 11 KOs) - who promoter Jimmy Burchfield refers to as "Arguably New England's most popular fighter" - will face his stiffest opponent to date in Chicago, Illinois' Thomas "Hitman" Hayes (26-2, 18 KOs).

While Grano, the 2005 United States National Heavyweight Champion, has continued his winning ways, thus far as a professional, he know Hayes will represent his most formidable opponent to date.

"This fight will be against my toughest opponent, but I know it's going to be a great night, and I'm going to put on a great show."

In a special six-round welterweight attraction Hartford's Israel "Pito" Cardona (36-9, 26 KOs), a former USBA lightweight titlist, will take on former USBA super bantamweight champion Jason "School Boy" Pires (20-3, 9 KOs).

Ironically, while the bout will be Pires' first entrance into the ring since a February 2003 loss to Rocky Juarez, it will, surprisingly, be Cardona's last time climbing between the ropes.

"I've been here before but this fight is important for me and not just because it's here. No excuses, no complaints; I've done everything I can. I've gotten some new fans in the last three years, but I'm retiring after this fight," Cardona stated at the presser, shocking all in attendance. "I don't know why Jason is taking this fight. He's making a mistake. I'm going to make the best performance of my life. This is my last hurrah, then I'm going to pass the torch to Remillard, Grano, and Mike Oliver!"

Also scheduled to fight June 13, against an opponent to be determined, is crowd-pleasing Hartford junior welterweight Addy Irizarry (4-1, 2 KOs).

While Irizzary appears to be as tough as they come in the ring, her full time job is far more dangerous that her part time positions as a professional boxer. When not climbing the stairs to enter the squared circle, Irizzary walks the beat as a full-time Corrections Officer in Connecticut.

"I'm really looking forward to fighting in the Connecticut Convention Center with so many good fighters on this card, " Irizzary proclaimed. "I've trained hard for this fight. It's going to be an exciting night of boxing."

2000 National PAL Champion, University of Connecticut graduate, and Foxwoods Resort and Casino card dealer, Brian Macy (3-0, 1 KO) will also take on an opponent to be determined shortly.

"I started as an amateur a long time ago in Hartford, but this venue is a lot nicer. Hartford's a great fight town. The great Willie Pep was from here. I hope to continue the (boxing) legacy. I'm very happy to be fighting here."

With an amateur background that also includes a Junior Olympics Silver Medal, and a win over current WBC light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson, Macy is definitely a prospect worth keeping an eye on!

Fellow Hartford native Tylon Burris (1-0, 1 KO) will round out the card in a four-round super middleweight affair, also against an opponent to be named soon.

The very likable Burris, who appeared to be more than content in just taking part in the press conference stated simply: "I want to thank John Scully for taking me on as my head trainer. There's going to be a lot of great boxing on June 13th."

"Connecticut Conquest!" will be taped live and air Saturday, June 14 at 7 PM/ET on CN8 / The Comcast Network, as well as Friday, June 20 at 8 PM/ET on Cox Sports Television.

Tickets to "Connecticut Conquest!" are priced at $35, $55, $80, $100 or $150, and are available by calling 401-724-2253 / 225, 860-249-6000, or online at www.cesboxing.com

CES Presser Photos