In a region that has hosted fights featuring hall of famers such as Jack Dempsey, Sandy Sadler, Emile Griffith, and Sugar Ray Robinson, boxing fans have been forced to travel to casinos or big city venues for live boxing.  Now Pugnacious Promotions founder Lisa Elovich plans to bring professional boxing back to the Capital Region with “Friday the 13th Fights” at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on May 13.  The main event features a welterweight matchup with local favorite Frank Houghtaling (18-9-5, 4 KO) of Albany, going up against Shakha Moore (9-8-3, 1 KO) of Norwalk, CT.

Other action includes recent Fernando Vargas challenger Tony Marshall (36-12-6, 12 KO) of Albany, in a middleweight bout. Hard punching heavyweight Shannon Miller (10-0, 6 KO) of Troy, vs TBA.    Junior middleweight Elizabeth Mooney (1-1) of Albany, vs Amy Burton (6-2-1, 3 KO) of Syracuse.  Junior welterweight Wayland Willingham (6-0, 4KO) of Atlanta, GA, vs TBA.  Cory Jones (198-20 amateur) of Brooklyn, NY, makes his pro debut in a junior middleweight bout.  The fights start at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm).  Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketweb.com or call 866-468-7619.  Tickets will also be on sale at the door on May 13th.   Prices are $30 general admission, $50 reserved seat, and $75 ringside.

Editors Note: Boxingtalk would like to welcome Randy Wright to our team.