The show, which is being promoted by Tommy Gallagher, will take place at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City. Light heavyweight Yusaf Mack, 24-2-2 (15 KOS), of Philadelphia, is expected to headline the card.
Moore’s opponent for the eight round opener is Ishmail “The Arsenal” Arvin, 14-1-4 (6KOS), of Baltimore. Arvin has fought draws with two undefeated fighters: Jose Angel Rodriguez, who was 12-0, and Darnell Wilson, who was 2-0.
Moore, who in his last fight impressively beat veteran J.C. Candelo of Colombia by 10 round decision on March 15 at Madison Square Garden’s WaMu Theater, had initially planned on returning to Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains to train for this bout.
Instead he opted to travel to Italy for two weeks to help prepare IBF junior welterweight champion Paul “Magic Man” Malignaggi for his May 24 rematch against South African Lovemore N’dou in England.
“I can’t wait to open the ESPN show,” said Moore. “I’ve been waiting a long time to have a year like I plan on having this year. I hope to acquire a lot of new fans by giving an impressive performance.
“Paulie’s speed will help me prepare for anyone,” he continued. “Everything is falling into place. The victory against Candelo set the stage for the ESPN fight. Good things are happening, and preparing with a fighter like Paulie will only benefit me.”
Matchmaker Bruce Silverglade thought it was a good idea for Moore to work with Malignaggi. “These guys are not bosom buddies, but they’ve trained together at Gleason’s and will give each other great work. James went over there more as a friend than a sparring partner. I’m sure the sparring sessions will be very spirited.”
Malignaggi has great respect for Moore, and knew he was getting a handful when he invited him to Italy. “Don’t let his (boyish) looks fool you,” said Malignaggi. “He’s vicious in the ring. He’d knock his mother out if she was in the ring with him.”
PHOTO Robert Mladinich: James Moore (left) and Paulie Malignaggi share a laugh at a recent boxing function in New York.
CONTACT: Colleen Ashton, Premier Strategies & Communications
For more on Paul Malignaggi's up and coming bout May 24th and James Moore vs J.C Candelo go to; Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
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