Augustama Now Facing Rayco Saunders; Cuban Torriente Added to Card

MIAMI – Boxing returns to Casino Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday August 10^th for “Summer Slugfest”, an exciting fight card presented by Al Bonanni’s Tiburon Promotions, featuring some of the most exciting young fighters in South Florida.

“The Haitian Hitman” Azea Augustama (14-1, 9 KO) looks to get closer to a world ranking in the light heavyweight division when he takes on veteran Rayco Saunders in the 10 round main event.

Augustama, who represented Haiti in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, is a talent to watch in the light heavyweight division.  He believes he’s ready to face the best fighters, and is hoping to catch the attention of the sanctioning bodies onAugust 10th.

“I think I’m at that level to compete with the best in the division,” Augustama said. “One day soon I’ll get my chance to showcase that I’m a world class fighter.”

It won’t be a walk in the park for Augustama though, as he faces the 44-fight veteran Saunders, a man who’s been stopped only once in his 11-year career.

Also on the card is Cuban Jessy Cruz.  Cruz (9-5-1, 3 KO) was a standout amateur, and has had success as a professional.  He has impressed in his last two bouts, and is ready to do it once again in front of his hometown crowd.

“I’m very excited to be fighting at Casino Miami Jai-Alai,” Cruz said.  “It’s been two years since I’ve fought in my hometown, and I’m training harder than ever to give my fans their money’s worth.”

Cruz, a fan favorite in Miami, will be taking on upset minded Lamar Charlton in a six-round bantamweight bout.  Charlton, who fights out of Ocala, Florida, fought another Cuban, Hairon Socarras, to a draw.  It is Socarras’ only blemish in his young, but stellar career.

Another crowd favorite fighting that night will be Egyptian light heavyweight Ahmed Elbiali, who will be taking on Jerrod Caldwell in what should be a four round war.

For Elbiali (1-0, 1 KO) this will be his second fight as a pro after having a great amateur career.  Elbiali now resides in Miami, and represented the Miami Gallos in the World Series of Boxing.

The 22-year old power-puncher completely annihilated Pernell Mitchell in his pro debut earlier this year, and would love to do the same to Caldwell in front of his friends and family.

“This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills here in Miami,” Elbiali.  “Hopefully it can be the beginning of a bright future for me.”

There are four more fights on the card including a junior middleweight battle that should be a crowd pleaser.  Idel Torriente, a standout Cuban amateur, makes his professional debut against Honduran Harold Calderon, a great amateur in his own right, also making his debut in the pro circuit.

Ticket prices: $15 general admission, $25 ringside, and $75 VIP Ringside.

To purchase tickets call Casino Miami Jai-Alai at 305-633-6400.

First bell is at 8pm.  Doors open at 7pm.