Georgian-born Avtandil Khurtsidze, a former IBO and WBO interim middleweight champion with a 34-2-3 [23 KO] record is hard-hitting Galwayman Harley Burke’s next opponent on Star Boxing’s 52nd edition of its popular “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount in Huntington, New York, on Nov. 22.
Also on the Long Island card is unbeaten Dubliner Ryan O’Rourke [13-0, 3 KOs] who brings his slick, crowd-pleasing style back to The Paramount for the third time. His opponent in an eight-rounder is TBA.
The main event features Long Island fan favorite Tyrone “Pretty Boy” James [13-0, 10 KOs] in an eight-rounder with Uruguayan Braulio Matias Ferreira [7-1, 2 KOs] for the NBA middleweight title.
“Rockin’ Fights has become one of the most electric boxing experiences anywhere where fans see real pro boxing, with competitive matchups, passionate fighters and fans, and Long Island pride,” said Joe DeGuardia, president and CEO of Star Boxing. “Tyrone James has grown up under these lights, Harley Burke keeps proving he’s one of New York’s toughest prospects, and the rest of this lineup continues our tradition of giving fans nonstop action and great entertainment. November 22 will be another special night at The Paramount, be sure to join us.”
The Burke-Khurtsidze scrap is scheduled for six rounds and on paper is the undefeated Burke’s [10-0, 7 KOs] most dangerous fight ever. Standing no more than 5-foot-six inches and with 23 KOs among his 34 wins, Khurtsidze is a battler known as the “Mini Mike Tyson.”
A Brooklyn resident, the Georgian native, who’s 45, is on the come-back trail after running afoul of the law and serving some four years of a 10-year sentence in jail. He was released in 2022. He’s fought twice since, winning his first fight back and drawing his second last month.
“He was a pretty big name about eight years ago. He was gonna fight Billy Joe Saunders, and then he went to prison,” said Burke, who’s 30. “He's [45] now, so he's obviously there for the taking. He's not what he was eight or nine years ago when I was following him. I was a fan of this guy. I thought he was a very entertaining fighter, action-packed fights. They call him the mini Mike Tyson. So, it's pretty surreal to be matched up with him.
“I like the matchup. I mean, he's obviously past his prime. He's 45 years old. If I can't beat him, if I can't beat a 45 year old, I have no business doing this. So. I'm looking forward to it.”
Burke will not only have youth on his side but, at 6-foot-one, a clear height advantage, too.
