Neutral Corner: Loew teams up with Covelli Centre

When Jack Loew walks around with a smile on his face, one cannot help but get the feeling that something is brewing on the local boxing front.

For some time now, the smile exhibited by Loew has been understandably hard to miss.

Loew and the Covelli Centre have agreed to stage “Championship Night,” a seven-bout, all-professional outdoor card featuring Ohio title opportunities for three local fighters on July 23.

It’s the second time that Loew has used the Covelli Centre outdoor venue as a site for one of his shows, but the first time since 2009.

The fight will also be aired live on MyYTV with Chad Krispinsky calling the blow-by-blow action and former lightweight champion of the world, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini serving as color analyst.

“The Covelli Centre is known for big acts and they have already had one big boxing show, that coming in February 2009 when Kelly Pavlik fought Marco Antonio Rubio to retain his Ring, WBC and WBO middleweight titles,” Loew said. “That fight drew 7,200 people, was live on HBO and was one of the great boxing evenings. I want to bring boxing back to that level and while I’m not na Øve to understand that this card is not a fight of that magnitude, I am still hoping to draw between 1,500-2,000 fans to this event.”

Past cards and promotions have helped Loew as he makes the transition to a larger venue.

“My smaller shows have attracted nearly 1,200 fans so we’re definitely ready to make that next step,” Loew said. “We don’t mind taking smaller steps as we continue to grow so a crowd of 1,500-2,000 is definitely an attainable goal and a very nice beginning for us.”

The main event will feature Alejandro “Popo” Salinas (5-1, 5 KO’s) at 130 pounds with Vic Toney (5-0, 4 KO’s) the co-feature at 160 pounds and Jake “The Bull” Giuriceo (19-5-1, 5 KO’s) the co-main.

Salinas will use his fight Sarturday in Erie, Pa., against Vernon Alston (8-6-1, 6 KO’s, Durham, N.C.) as a tuneup for an Ohio title.

“These next two fights will tell us a lot about where Jake is currently and also where he is heading.” Loew said. “With an Ohio title on the line, we’re hoping to step him up and some of the opponents we have in mind are definitely a huge step up.”

Toney will take on Ismael Garcia (10-0, 4 KO’s) of Vineland, N.J., for an Ohio title while for Giuriceo, adding an Ohio title is very important in his continued progression, according to Loew.

“Vic is just a great, all-around athlete and one who remains focused on the task at hand. We want to see where he is at as well,” Loew said. “With Jake, he’s ready to go and while he has had smaller titles, doing this keeps us on track as we try to revive his career. We’re just a few fights away from a major promoter and right now, he’s making that highlight reel for those promoters.”

Warren’s Anthony Taylor, who is undefeated in tree professional bouts, looks to keep his mark unblemished with Isaiah Steen (1-0, KO) of Cleveland and Juan Tafuano (17-3 as an amateur) of Youngstown set to make his professional debut.

“Both Anthony and Isaiah continue to progress while Juan, who has been in and out of my gym the last three years, is now ready to take the next step in his career,” Loew said. “He’s an excellent all-around fighter, a good puncher and seasoned boxer with 20 amateur fights under his belt.”

Eric Ryan, Covelli Centre executive director, said fans should enjoy the setting.

“We’re excited to have Jack and his team back for another night of fights at the Covelli Centre,” Ryan said. “It’s a great outside event for us during the summer and we’re looking forward to it. The fans will absolutely love it.”

Adding a television audience was important, according to Loew.

“Getting MyYTV involved was huge for our sponsors,” he said. “This all goes with my plan to keep boxing alive in Youngstown and our goal of taking it to the next level.”

Ticket information will be forthcoming while those interested in obtaining further information can call Loew at 330-501-5713.

Greg Gulas writes about about boxing and combat sports for The Vindicator. Write him at sports@vindy.com.