Rosenberger to fight tonight

October 4, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

The last time Dan Rosenberger fought, he scored a second-round TKO at Pittsburgh’s Club Ivy to improve to 22-8.

That was five weeks ago and despite winning for the third straight time, he felt as if he wasn’t really tested.

Akron’s Brian McElrath should provide Rosenberger with more of a challenge when the two fighters meet in tonight’s main event of Lights Out Management’s 15-bout amateur card, scheduled for St. Mary’s Assumption Center, 356 S. Belle Vista Ave.

Entitled “The Connection,” monies generated from ticket sales and a side auction will be earmarked for YSU scholarships.

“I don’t know very much about McElrath, other than he’s an aggressive, hard-hitter who comes right at you. The key will be to hit without being hit.” Rosenberger said. “I haven’t used my jab as much as I would have liked the last few times out, so I want to use it a little more this weekend.”

Rosenberger said that being the son of a fighter — his father Rusty was 20-8 with 8 KO’s as a professional middleweight — has its advantages.

“Growing up with a father who taught me the ropes at an early age helped. I feel that my strengths are my speed, footwork and adaptability,” he said. “I want him [McElrath] to fight my fight and hopefully we can put on a good show for everyone.”

Other locals on the card include Hubbard’s Michael Fasline, who will take on Austin Gibson of Struthers’ Burnside Boxing Club in a 125-pound pairing, Youngstown’s Chris Young, Colton Elser of Leavittsburg and Columbiana’s Mardell Halas.

A female fight will feature Cleveland’s Danielle Culic, who fights out of Youngstown’s Downtown Boxing Club when she takes on fellow Clevelander Marion Rosado in 140-pound action.

Young will meet Chris Hardaway in a 178-pound pairing and Eliser goes up against Carlos Vega at 125 pounds with Halas, who fights out of Salem B.C., squaring off against Akron’s Josh Wadsworth.

“This is an excellent amateur card and one that is sure to feature plenty of hard-hitting. Once the fighters enter the ring and the bell sounds, anything can and usually does happen,” Mike Cefalde of Lights Out Management added.

Western Pennsylvania will also be well-represented with Akeem Bolden (130) of Farrell, New Castle’s Nico Froce (135) and Charlie Closten (130), Rosey Morales (147) and Dan Buckley (145) of Ellwood City.

Fighters from Akron, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are also scheduled with two Browns-Steelers matchups taking place, featuring Levi Patterson (Cleveland) when he takes on Kionte Irving (Pittsburgh) at 175 pounds and Pittsburgh’s Elliott Brown, who will meet Cleveland’s Marty Adams in 142-pound action.

The card will also include a three-round sparring session between former UBO All-American lightweight champion Jake “The Bull” Giuriceo and former WBF and IBC welterweight titleholder Ken Sigurani.

Giuriceo (17-2-1, 4 KO’s) is hoping to raise additional funds and awareness for fellow Campbell native and friend, Kevina Koval, 27, who has an inoperable brain tumor.

The event will also honor former Austintown Fitch and Youngstown State football players Chris and Dan Inglis, Frank Kaydo, Mike Stanec, Ron Strollo and Jeff Wilkins; a 14-year NFL veteran who played with the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams.

“Our last four shows have raised over $20,000 with funds raised earmarked for those less fortunate from our area. We fully expect that this show will be just as rewarding,” Cefalde said.

The card begins at 7:30 p.m. with doors set to open at 6 p.m. General admission is $15; VIP tickets are $50, and tables can be reserved for $400 and $300. Ticket outlets include The Wine Cellar, Austintown Fitch High School Touchdown Club (Mark Presley), Giannos Candies, Komara Jewelers and Vista Lounge.

Call 330-787-4228 or 330-717-4201 for more information.