WHITE PLAINS, NY (June 10, 2025) – The atmosphere was electric yesterday at Empire Harley Davidson in New Rochelle, NY, as Star Boxing hosted a live press conference previewing this Saturday’s highly anticipated fight card, “Prospects Collide,” set for June 14 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains..
The “Prospect Collide” Press Conference event drew media, fans, and fight insiders for a live, no-filter look at the combatants preparing for battle on June 14. The venue, brimming with chrome, leather, and legacy, proved to be a fitting backdrop as rising boxing stars met with press and supporters just days before stepping into the ring.
The card’s featured title fight contestants—Rajon “Picasso” Chance and undefeated Yan Carlos “El Baka” Perez —stood face-to-face in a tense stare-down, previewing their can’t-miss Super Bantamweight NBA Title main event. Popular fan favorites, undefeated Harley Burke, a Yonkers Irish-American and his opponent, Bronx battler and FDNY’s Louis Maietta also faced off. Also in attendance were Dominican sensation Rodrigo Marte, alongside rising New York prospects Austin Cassese and Sharif One.
President & CEO of Star Boxing, Joe DeGuardia, emphasized the spirit of the event and its synergy with the venue:
“We are proud to collaborate with Harley-Davidson, a historic brand that has long represented freedom, strength, independence, and heart. That same spirit is at the core of boxing and what we do at Star Boxing.”
“We’re recreating the old-school magic on June 14,” said DeGuardia. “We’ve got 50/50 matchups like Chance vs. Perez and O’Rourke vs. Sylla, and local battles that make this card unique—Burke vs. Maietta is one of those gritty, Yonkers vs. Bronx, pride-on-the-line clashes you rarely see these days. These are real fights, not padded records, and that’s what boxing needs.”
Press Conference Quotes…
Rajon ‘Picasso’ Chance vs. Yan Carlos ‘El Baka’ Perez:
“This is going to be a great fight, and I’m ready to give you the best version of myself” Yan-Carlos Perez.
“I’m excited for this fight, and I’m very happy to be back under the bright lights. I like the Boxer vs. Puncher theme… there’s only one way to find out who can really punch, so I can’t wait until Saturday Night,” Rajon ‘Picasso’ Chance.
Harley Burke vs. Louis Maietta:
“Irish vs. Italian. Yonkers vs. Bronx. I think the fight sells itself…” Harley Burke.
“Look forward to Saturday! We’ll put on a Hell of a performance,” Lou Maietta.
Rodrigo Marte:
“I’m coming Saturday night for one more victory, and I’m going to get it,” Rodrigo Marte
Austin Cassese:
“This fight is going to end in a finish… Body shot, Knockout… Whatever it is, I’m coming to win,” Austin Cassese
Sharif One (Pro-Debut):
“I’m just ready to put on a show! When I get in that ring… I plan on Stompin’,” Sharif Onè
Kyle Hildebrand, General Manager, Empire Harley-Davidson:
“We’re excited about this partnership, and hoping to build on it for years to come. We’ll be there in full force on Saturday night… Saturday night is going to be a great thing!”
Ryan O’Rourke (Dublin, Ireland), Boubacar Sylla (Cincinnati, Ohio), Austin Spivey (Miami, Florida) and Eduardo Monrreal (El Paso, Texas) are flying into NY later this week and could not appear at the press conference.
