Heavyweight Tom Hardwick is off the card, but it's all systems go for Jim Foley's Old World Boxing which makes its promotional debut June 24 in Woodhaven, Queens.
The first Celtic promotional outfit in New York since John Duddy's former backers Irish Ropes went out of business two years ago, Old World's maiden show is a joint production with New Legend Boxing Promotions at the Cordon Bleu restaurant.
Hardwick's absence, because of a cut received in his pro debut last month (a third round stoppage of Derek Walker at Manhattan's Roseland Ballroom) means that there will be no native Irish fighters on the card.
However, three of the scheduled six bouts will be for New York State titles.
These include undefeated Brooklynite Juan Dominguez [7-0] challenging for the State bantamweight title against TBA in the main event and Eileen Olszewski taking on Melissa McMorrow for the super flyweight belt.
"Everything is coming together. We pretty much have all the matches made," said Foley, a County Tipperary native and the brains behind Old World Boxing.
He plans to co-promote events with New Legend Promotions while he learns the ropes in the fight business.
The partners are already planning a second show in September with a decidedly more Irish flavor.
"I'm [talking] with people both in Ireland and here to get Irish fighters in September," said Foley.
On Hardwick, Foley said the Dubliner could return to action next month.
"I'm working on something for July 16 in Atlantic City. It's 90 percent certain," he added.
Hardwick, who fights out of Yonkers, suffered a cut over his right eye that required four stitches in his win over Walker on May 19.
Limited tickets are still available for the June 24 Old World Boxing co-promotion. Prices are pegged at $80 ringside and $150 ringside table seats. The latter include a gourmet dinner and an open bar all night.
Call Sykes Boxing Gym at (646) 831-9233 for more information. The Cordon Bleu is located at 96-01 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven, N.Y.
