May 16,
2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Franciosi
(732) 829-3530
LOCAL FIGHT PROS HELP DRUNK-DRIVING VICTIMS VIA
MARTIAL ARTS EVENT
Two local men known for their professional boxing and mixed
martial arts (MMA) expertise are taking
their fight into a new arena: the battle against drunk driving. An MMA
fight event June 1 at Jackson Liberty
High School not only aims to raise
awareness of the dangers of drunk driving, but also seeks to raise medical-relief
funds for three area men recently harmed by a drunk driver.
David Franciosi, a Brick-area business owner, and John Rush
of Toms River, co-founders of Krush Promotions, agreed to devote a portion of
ticket sales to help relieve the stress of bills that these accident victims
now face.
Specifically, the Krush fight will benefit Edwin Triana and
Brian Unglert, both 28, and Anthony Nieves, 25, injured May 3rd in
an accident at the intersection of routes 70 and 88 in Brick.
Dozens of fighters—including a surprise appearance by
popular world-class pros—are slated for the June 1 event, during which time
attendees also will have a chance to make direct donations.
“The community is showing great interest in the MMA
fight, and this is our way of expressing our appreciation,” according to
Franciosi.
Franciosi and Rush are widely known throughout and even
beyond New Jersey for their
intensive involvement in competitive combat sports.
Franciosi, for instance, is a professional boxing referee for the N.J. State Athletic Control Board, and currently is a
pro ring official for the North American Boxing Federation. Franciosi, who also
owns the boxing-themed Knockout Pizza in Lakewood,
is former president of the Howell Township Police Athletic League, where he and
Rush have helped nurture countless amateur boxers from the Ocean and Monmouth
County area.
Rush currently is vice president and head boxing trainer for
the Howell PAL. A former amateur boxer, he
has coached three international boxing teams representing New
Jersey. Rush has trained several amateur MMA
fighters as well a professional MMA fighter
who has fought in the UFC and appeared on the Ultimate Fighter television show.
Tickets for the 7 p.m.
event are available via krushpromotions.com, or can be purchased at Knockout
Pizza, located on Chambers Bridge Rd
at the Lakewood/Brick border. General admission is $43. Cage side seats are
$58.
For those who would like to donate but cannot make it to the
event, visit www.edwinbenefit.com
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