Long Island has a rich boxing history that spans back over one hundred years.  Fighters from Long Island have always had a reputation for being tough, hard headed, and having heart- always giving their best and putting on a good show.
From Gerry Cooney of Huntington to Eddie and Johnny Davis of Hempstead, Long Island has had a small handful of great fighters. 

Significant professional champions include buddy McGirt (the Island’s first World Champ) and Jake the Snake Rodriguez, Olympic Gold Medallist Howard Davis, female and male Golden Gloves Champions, Women’s Professional Champion Kathy Collins, plus endless tough club fighters who fought with their all to represent their hometown. 

Even famous referee and Boxing Hall of Famer Arthur Mercante is from Long Island.


Nassau Coliseum has housed such fights as Frazier/Foreman and other arenas such as The Long Beach Arena and The Commack Arena has housed great fights.


Nowadays with Long Island boxing on a dwindle, venues such as The Huntington Hilton has been the local spot to see some great fights as boxing slowly makes its comeback in the area. 


Sal Musumeci, president and CEO of Final Forum Promotions, is passionate about bringing boxing back to the Island.  This Friday night at the Huntington Hilton Musumeci will present “Home Cookin’ at the Hilton”, to feature Long Island’s array of boxing talent.


Included on the card will be unbeaten heavyweight Derrick Rossy (12-0, 7 KO’s). He will face Zakeem Graham of Cincinnati, Ohio (10-1-1, 7 KO’s).  Rossy is a favorite at the Hilton, as he won his New York Heavyweight Title there.  Rossy is the first New York Heavyweight Champion from Long Island.


2005 and 2006 Golden Gloves Champion Kristian Vasquez of will make his pro debut.  Vasquez is a fast and talented fighter with an impressive amateur record as well and a calculating and crafty style.


“I’m so ready for this,” said Vasquez. 


Also making his debut will be Tommy Rainone of Plainview.  Rainone is also a former amateur and Golden Gloves contender with an interesting style and many amateur fights under his belt.  His trainer is Jorge Gallardo- the former trainer of Long Island champs Jake Rodriguez and Willie Wise.
“Jorge has been teaching me a whole bunch of new tricks and moves,” said Rainone.  “I can’t wait for this, it is a great opportunity.”


Also scheduled to appear on the card are Costas Phillipou and Mike Ruiz, both from Long Island; Khabir Suleymanov and Joey Paladino of Brooklyn; and a rematch between Washington Hago (Queens) and Bobby Campbell (Long Island).


Musumeci has promoted shows at Madison Square Garden, Mohegan Sun, and in Atlantic City, but he says that this show is special to him because he wants to give his hometown Long Island fighters their chance to shine.


“I think of the times of the Comack Arena, the Nassau Coliseum. Long Island has seen its fair share of great fights”, said Musumeci. “That’s what we are trying to do here at Final Forum is bring back boxing to Long Island.”

 
Tickets are $50, $75, $100, $150.  They can be bought online by emailing EricBentley@finalforumboxing.com, or at The Maxwell and Dunne’s Steakhouse, Titan’s Gym, The HeavyHitters Boxing Gym, Medford Pastaria or the Ultimate Fitness Patchogue Gym.
Doors open at 7:30 pm. First bout is at 8:00.
Come support these local and talented young athletes as they attempt to represent their hometown in the way they know how- with some good old fashioned boxing!