SUPERSTAR IN THE MAKING:DEMETRIUS ANDRADE OPENS ESPN2 TELECAST

On Friday March 6th, the 2007 amateur world champion and 2008 Olympian Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade (2-0, 2KO) will look to showcase his talent to the boxing world when he opens up the March 6th ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" telecast at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT against Tom Joseph (4-1-1). The bout against Joseph will be held in the light middleweight division and is scheduled for four rounds. It will be the second time in just three fights the 21-year-old Andrade will be fighting on National T.V. (pro-debut was on the Versus network). The card, which is being promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing in association with the Mohegan Sun, is being headlined by Delvin Rodriguez (23-2-2, 14KO) defending his USBA welterweight championship against highly touted contender Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez (20-1, 11KO). Also on the line will be the number two ranking in the IBF world ratings.

Andrade, who is co-promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing, and Art Pelullo's Banner Promotions, was last seen in action in his home state of Rhode Island on November 29th where he handed out a vicious four round beating of Eric Marriott before the referee finally called a halt to the contest at 50 seconds of the fourth round.

Andrade, who was chosen by ESPN.com's Dan Rafael as one of boxing's top prospects this past year, has been very impressive thus far in his young pro career, garnering rave reviews from some of boxing's top experts. "The Providence, R.I., native nicknamed "Boo Boo" was the best pro prospect on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team and first squad member to turn pro in October. Besides making the Olympics, Andrade, who started boxing at age 6, was an amateur world champion, two-time U.S. national champion and two-time national Golden Gloves champion. He has everything you like to see in a rising talent: good size (he's 6-foot-1), a deep amateur background, fast hands, power and ring smarts," stated Rafael.

"I feel very blessed to be given an opportunity to showcase my skills on ESPN2 this early in my career," stated Andrade. "I want to thank my promoters Star Boxing and Banner Promotions for putting this fight together and am just really looking forward to getting a chance to perform to the best of my ability on March 6th. The Mohegan Sun is just about an hour or so from my home in Providence, RI so I am looking forward to having my fans and family there supporting me and cheering me on. It is always nice to get a chance to perform in front of them, to me it's my way of giving back to them and saying thank you for all the support you have shown me throughout my career. I plan on opening the "Friday Night Fights" show with some serious fireworks so make sure to tune in early because I promise you are not going to want to miss it. I am ready to start taking my career to the next level in 2009 and it all starts on the 6th."

The card is promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing in association with Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort. A complete list of the undercard will be announced shortly. Tickets are priced at $75.00, $45.00 and $30.00 and are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets by calling 1 (800)745-3000 or by calling any Ticketmaster Charge by Phone number; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office subject to availability or by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823- 2000.