'Pride of Huntington' Fights Saturday in Front of Home Crowd

Junior welterweight Chris Algieri from Huntington hopes to remain undefeated against Raul Tovar from Texas Saturday.

Fighting in front of the hometown crowd, Algieri, 14-0-0 (7KO's), said he expects a tough test from Tovar, 10-5-1 (4KO's), in a scheduled 8-round main event on a six-bout card which begins at 7:30 p.m.

Just back from Oxnard, Calif, where he trains most of the year, the graduate said his team is moving him along well and matching him with guys that push him in different ways," said Algieri. When on Long Island, Algieri trains in Bellmore at the Bellmore Kickboxing Academy with Keith Trimble.

"We don't want stiffs to fill my record, we want guys that are going to make me better and have me be ready when it's time for that belt or that championship fight," Algieri said this week to Patch. "This guy is a tough guy to come forward. He's in good shape and he's got a good chin." 

Algerie said he enjoys fighting in front of the hometown crowd. It will be his .

"It helps that it's 10 minutes from your house. When it's fight time and you're strolling out the door a couple of hours before," said Algieri.

It also helps to have Huntington heavyweight boxing legend Gerry Cooney in your corner. Cooney has attended two previous Algieri fights at The Paramount and is expected to be ringside Saturday, according to Algieri.

"Me and Gerry talk almost every other week," said Algieri. "He's definitely an inspiration and a good guy to know." 

Tovar, from Mission, Texas, said he's ready to take on "The Pride of Huntigton."

"I have no fear whatsoever about coming to Algieri's hometown for this fight. I've trained hard in the South Texas heat and I can't wait to fight this guy," said the Tover, in a Star Boxing report.

The event will be broadcast by Azteca America.

Tickets are priced at $100 ringside to $30 for standing room only seats. Call The Paramount box office (631) 673-7300, or TICKETMASTER at Ticketmaster.com 1 (800) 745-3000 for more information.