Press Release:  When Israel "Pito" Cardona came out of his 3 1/2-year retirement last year, he dreamed of an opportunity for a high-profile fight like the one he just signed against former world champion Zab Judah on April 27, 2007 in Southaven, Mississippi. Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Pito won his first 24 pro fights, 18 by knockout, including wins against Jeff Mayweather, Steve Larrimore. His career best win came in 1997, when Pito stopped "Mighty" Ivan Robinson in the third round for a regional lightweight title (three fights later, Robinson beat Arturo Gatti). In his only world title fight, Cardona lost a 12-round decision to undefeated Paul Spadafora for the vacant IBF lightweight title in 1999. Cardona, frustrated by boxing politics, retired in mid-2002 at the age of 27 with a 34-6 record. He returned to the ring last year with a new manager, Bret Hallenbeck, and new trainer, John Scully and has won two comeback fights. "I'm very excited," Cardona said. "I know I'm taking a big chance. I'm fighting a former world champion; he's Zab Judah! I could have continued doing what I've been doing, waiting around for fights and hoping for a break, or jump right into a fight like this where a win will get me right back into the top ten. Hey, I only have a few years left and we decided to make the most out of this fight. I've got the right team behind me now and I have three months to get ready." Cardona works nights as a lieutenant for a security company in Hartford, as well as a boxing trainer at LA Boxing in Hartford.