Boxing returns to Casino Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday, August 10th for “Summer Slugfest”; an exciting fight card presented by Al Bonanni’s Tiburon Promotions, featuring some of the most exciting young fighters in South Florida.
In the main event, “The Haitian Hitman” Azea Augustama (14-1, 9 KO) returns to the scene of his last victory to take on New York’s Newton Kidd in a 10 round cruiserweight bout.
Augustama, who represented Haiti in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, is a talent to watch in the cruiserweight division. He believes he’s ready to compete with anyone at 175, or cruiserweight.
“I think I’m at that level to compete with the best in the division,” Augustama said. “One day soon I’ll get my chance to showcase that I’m a world class fighter.”
Also on the card is Cuban born Jessy Cruz. Cruz (9-5-1, 3 KO) was a standout amateur, and has had success as a professional. He has impressed in his last two bouts, and is ready to do it once again in front of his hometown crowd.
“I’m very excited to be fighting at Casino Miami Jai-Alai,” Cruz said. “It’s been two years since I’ve fought in my hometown, and I’m training harder than ever to give my fans their money’s worth.”
Cruz, a fan favorite in Miami, will be taking on upset minded Lamar Charlton in a six-round bantamweight bout. Charlton, who fights out of Ocala, Florida, fought another Cuban, Hairon Socarras, to a draw. It is Socarras only blemish in his young, but stellar career.
Another crowd favorite fighting that night will be Egyptian light heavyweight Ahmed Elbiali, who will be taking on Jerrod Caldwell in what should be a four round war.
For Elbiali (1-0, 1 KO) this will be his second fight as a pro after having a great amateur career. Elbiali now resides in Miami, and represented the Miami Gallos in the World Series of Boxing.
The 22-year old power-puncher completely annihilated Pernell Mitchell in his pro debut earlier this year, and would love to do the same to Caldwell in front of his friends and family.
“This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills here in Miami,” Elbiali. “Hopefully it can be the beginning of a bright future for me.”
For longtime trainer and matchmaker Al Bonanni, this will be the second fight card of 2013. In April he resurrected Tiburon promotions, alongside his daughter Kristina, to bring boxing back to its roots in South Florida, at the venue where many champions have graced the squared circle. Some of them include: Wilfredo Benitez, Wilfredo Gomez, Aaron Pryor, Alexis Arguello, Jeff Chandler, Alfredo Escalera, Sugar Baby Rojas, Miguel “Happy” Lora, Freddie Pendleton, Randall Bailey, Frankie Randall and Antonio Tarver. Ticket prices: $15 general admission, $25 ringside, and $75 VIP Ringside. To purchase tickets call Casino Miami Jai-Alai at 305-633-6400.
