DICIOCCIO-LOEW STABLE Boom Boom Mancini foresees ring revival

Youngstown-area bouts might merit TV exposure, the former champ says.
YOUNGSTOWN -- A flight mixup caused Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, former world lightweight champion, to arrive late for a press conference promoting tonight's card at the Byzantine Center at The Grove. After apologies, Mancini talked about the revitalization of boxing in the Valley.
"The good thing is that I am here to be part of this promotional venture which I feel will have a future impact for boxing in the area," he said. "From afar I have been very impressed with the way Tank DiCioccio and Jack Loew are doing things."
DiCioccio and Loew are the promoters for the six-bout card at the Byzantine Center, located on Shady Run Road.
"They are doing this the right way," said Mancini. "They are promoting local prospects and they are very committed to this project.
"I believe, with a proper fan base that supports local boxing, Jack and Tank can build up talented local products, giving them drawing power that can be used in other venues," he added.
"With a proper support and buildup we can bring television here," said Mancini. "For many years, going back to my father's time, this was a great area for boxing. Now I am glad to be involved with the same thing happening again."
Others
Billy Lyell, a 22-year old from Niles who has been brought along through a fine amateur career at the Southside Boxing Club by Loew, is 7-1 with three knockouts as a pro. He will be in a junior middleweight, eight-round main event with Corey Budd (6-4, 6 KOs) from Lima.
Darnell Boone, another Loew prot & eacute;g & eacute; from the Southside amateur stable, is now 3-1 with one knockout as a pro. He will be in a middleweight bout with Alex Black (2-3, 1 KO) from Columbus.
Lightweight Davey McBride (5-4) from Salem will be in a six-round lightweight battle with Leo Martinez (2-1) from Columbus.
Three four-round bouts will fill out the card. One has Shane Gierke, trained by Jeff Lampkin, making his pro debut against Dayton's Matt Horning in a battle of lightweights.
Spnsors of the card are Komar Plumbing, Home Carpet Co., W.W. Heating & amp; Air Conditioning, Santon Electric, Youngstown Propane, Howard Hanna Real Estate, H.V. Contractors and local Coca Cola distributors.
The doors open at 6 p.m., with the first bout at 7:30. Tickets at the door are $35 for ringside and $20 for general admission.