“They don’t make fights like this anymore,” promoter Joe DeGuardia hyped Harley Burke’s super middleweight scrap with Bronx firefighter Lou Miaetta at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York, on June 14.
The Star Boxing president noted that Burke brings thunder in both hands, while Maietta, renowned for never backing down, brings heart, toughness, and a no-nonsense approach to the ring. “This Irish-Italian showdown is more than a fight—it’s a battle of wills. Two working-class guys, proud of their roots, coming to put it all on the line in their backyards. You’ll feel the energy fight night.”
Bullish and in peak form, Burke, a 9-0 Galway native with seven KOs, is feeling the energy already as he guns for his 10th pro victory.
“It’s the healthiest I've ever been going into a fight,” he told the Echo last weekend. “I've had a nagging back injury for like the last two years and it's been fine since January. I haven't had any issues with it, and you know, when you get into the thick of a camp, you're kind of worried that maybe something could flare up --- no I've had no issues.”
Earlier scheduled to fight in February, the Yonkers resident has been in the gym since late last year and it shows, by his admission.
“Yeah, I look in much better physical shape, especially after sparring last week,” said Burke. “I'm in much better shape. No setbacks, no cuts it's all just lining up.”
He’s sparred some 80 rounds in preparation for Maietta [6-4-2, 2 KOs]. Among his sparring partners are childhood friend and budding UFC performer Jimmy Drago, who is scheduled to compete in Dana White’s UFC contender series. Burke has also sparred with another buddy of his, Kyle McGrath.
And last weekend, the undefeated Burke got an early feel of the Westchester County Center ring, which for him counts as a huge plus. Ironically, Burke was working the corner of a friend who was fighting Maietta’s cousin on an amateur card.
“I got to the venue last [weekend], which is always important for me,” he said. “Anytime I have a fight, I have to get in the ring the day of and just take it all in. So to be able to do that two weeks in advance, you know. I got familiar with the locker rooms and stuff. It was all good. It’s all lined up for a great night [on June 14]. Sold a lot of tickets, a lot of hype about it -- it's all good.”
