James Toney Returns to Boxing on The Empire's Fight Night in America Series


NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Empire Sports and Entertainment Holding Co. (OTCBB:EXCX), "The Empire,"a promoter of entertainment and sports events, will proudly present the next installment of its "Fight Night in America" series on Thursday, February 24th, featuring all-time-great champion James "Lights Out" Toney (72-6-3, 44 KOs) making his return to boxing at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in San Bernardino, California.

James Toney, the current IBA Heavyweight Champion and former middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion, will be facing veteran "Dangerous" Damon Reed (45-14, 32 KOs) in the Fox Sports televised 10-round main event. Considered a defensive wizard and a throwback to boxing's glory days, Toney was last seen in a boxing ring in September 2009 when he stopped Matthew Greer in two rounds. Toney won the IBA Heavyweight Championship in December 2008 with a split decision over perennial top contender Fres Oquendo.

"We're thrilled to bring the return of such a great champion in James Toney to the fans in attendance as well as the national television audience. He is the perfect fighter to headline our first show at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino. Not only is his fighting style like watching a daredevil walk a tightrope, but outside the ring he's such a colorful personality. There is never a dull moment with James and he is an amazing talent, beloved by fans all over the world," said The Empire Sports and Entertainment President, Greg Cohen.

"Fight Night in America" is a yearlong national television series that showcases and chronicles the best of the new breed of boxing talent from around the world. The series consists of monthly events airing across Fox Sports Net's national network of 85 million homes and delivers the most classic of sports action to the demands of a sophisticated and avid 21st century audience.

About The Empire Sports and Entertainment

The Empire Sports and Entertainment, Inc. is a promoter of sports-driven promotions and entertainment events such as concerts, music festivals, pay-per-view programming, as well as other exciting events. The company is led by CEO Shelly Finkel, a legendary promoter and member of The Boxing Hall of Fame.

For more information about this fight or to learn more about "The Empire," visit www.theempirese.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, those with respect to the objectives, plans and strategies of the Company and SPI set forth herein and those preceded by or that include the words ``believes,'' ``expects,'' ``given,'' ``targets,'' ``intends,'' ``anticipates, "plans,'' ``projects,'' ``forecasts'' or similar expressions, are "forward-looking statements". Although the Company's management believes that such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that such expectations are, or will be, correct. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's future results to differ materially from those anticipated. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of the information contained or referenced in this press release.



            

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