by Michael LelloWeekender Editor
A New Jersey promoter is looking to punch up boxing in Northeastern Pa., beginning with a night of fights Saturday, April 11 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort.
KEA Boxing Promotions hopes the event is the first of many in the region.
Highlighting the card will be Scranton’s Jason Gavern (16-5-3, 8 KOs), a former police officer and current heavyweight, and Anthony Cusumano (2-2-1) of Old Forge. Antonio “Tony the Tiger” Espinoza (9-0, 1 KO) of New Jersey, Philadelphia’s Clinton Douglas (2-2-2) and New York City light heavyweight Denys Lozada (5-2, 2 KOs) will also get in the ring.
“From what I understand, boxing used to do well [in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre] for years and years, and there were shows at the [Scranton] CYC and Genetti’s, but it was inconsistent,” said Andre Kut of KEA.
Kut said Pennsylvania Boxing Commissioner Greg Serb contacted him about bringing fighting to Pennsylvania. Most promoters in the state are based in Philadelphia.
“He actually said they could use somebody to bring shows to that quadrant, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area,” said Kut.
A couple of people Kut knows also know Mitch and Rick Kornfeld of The Woodlands, so Kut reached out to them.
“I was pleasantly surprised, and they were very good guys,” Kut said. “It’s very rare that you hear everybody say good things about someone, but I can’t find anything ugly about those two guys. … The Woodlands has been a pleasure to work with.”
Also on the bill Saturday will be Julie “The Irish Fury” Albanese, who will make her professional debut in a special women’s junior middleweight contest.
“She’s an Irish girl who looks Irish and acts Irish and is very charismatic; I don’t know where the Albanese came from,” Kut said, laughing.
Bobby Czyz, former light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion, will also be in attendance.
Tickets sell for $40 (general admission), $60 (preferred seating) and $100 (VIP ringside).
“I’m looking to give the fans their money’s worth,” Kut said, “and I’m just concerned with moving tickets, with the economy and it being the Saturday before Easter.”
Last June, ESPN broadcasted from the Lackawanna College Student Union — formerly the Scranton CYC — for an edition of “Friday Night Fights.” The venue was sold out.
Kut’s matchmaker, Nick Tiberi, also does work for promoter Dino Duva, who promoted the Scranton “Friday Night Fights.” Duva is the son of legendary trainer and manager Lou Duva.
Kut, a former boxer, went into training and managing amateurs and professionals.
“I managed about 60 boxers, going back to ‘Tuesday Night Fights,’” he said, referring to the show that aired on USA Network. “We’re looking to develop some kids and get some kids from the local area. And hopefully everybody can have some fun.”
The fan-friendly event will feature round card models, a full bar and snack bar, a 50/50 raffle benefiting a local charity and the opportunity to have photos taken with boxers and models.
KEA is planning to bring another night of fights to NEPA on May 23, Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend, and again in July.
“The first one is going to be a rough one,” said Kut. “If this thing works and I don’t die from heart failure, I want to continue and keep coming back.”
w
KEA boxing, Saturday, April 11, doors at 7, fights at 7:30, at The Woodlands Inn & Resort, Route 315, Plains Twp. Tickets: $40 (general admission), $60 (preferred seating), $100 (VIP ringside) available at www.kea-boxing.com. Info: 570.824.9831
