Press Release: Contender 2 contestant Gary "Tiger" Balletto is headlining a December 1, 2006 pro-am show at the Rhode Island Convention Center in downtown Providence. Balletto (30-3-2, 25 KOs) hasn't fought since February 6, when he lost a five round decision to Noberto Bravo, eliminating him from the reality series. "No fighter likes to leave the ring a loser and just walk away," Balletto explained why he's still fighting. "I have plenty of ability and feel I can go with anybody. I just hadn't focused on boxing but now I'm ready to go. I have no goals right now, just fighting one fight at a time. I'm not sure where it'll end up. I'm more comfortable fighting at 140 pounds. When I was on The Contender, I'd been out of the ring 2 ½ years and didn't have sparring or the tools to get ready (for five round fights). I trained hard, ran hard and I finished first running everyday. But something's been missing. I have the ability. I've been sparring five nights a week for this fight. Now it's all about timing." Balletto takes on "Mayhem" Matthew Strode (20-1, 9 KOs), fighting out of Greensboro (NC), in the 10-round main event. Promoter Jimmy Burchfield is dedicating the show to Rhode Island's 91-year old Ralph "The Ripper" Zanelli (92-48-7, 31 KOs), who beat Hall of Fame Boxer Fritzie Zivic twice during his career. Also on the show, cruiserweight Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey (13-0, 7 KOs) faces Lloyd "Jabba" Bryan (22-14, 10 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature. Fighting on the undercard are Ossie Duran (22-5-1, 9 KOs), and women's lightweight and featherweight titlist Missy "The Fury" Fiorentino.  Tickets for "Jingle Bell Pop"  are now on sale at the Rhode Island Convention Center (860.249.6000) or on line at www.cesboxing.com.