Evander Holyfield was among the celebrities to attend the first annual “Hassle at the Castle” on Friday evening at the famed Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York.
The star-studded professional boxing event and gala was co-produced by Film Producer John Edmonds Kozma of Bang Productions, Inc. and promoted by Nick Garone of X-Cel Worldwide. The event benefited the Elena Melius Foundation, which strongly supports local charities and organizations primarily concerned with the health and welfare of children, and the Shea Megale Trust for SMA. The event also featured celebrity meet and greets, a fashion show, and a special tribute to boxing legend Lou Duva for his 88th birthday. Celebrities in attendance included Michael Lohan, Kate Major, Dina Lohan, Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants), Pernell Whitaker, Tyrell Biggs, Gerry Cooney, Burt Sugar and others.
“We had some of the best boxers of past and present in the room tonight, along with a strong celebrity contingent,” said John Edmonds Kozma. “We were so honored that everyone came out to support the event, the Shea Megale Trust for SMA, and the Elena Melius Foundation.”
The main event of the evening featured power punching two-time former Super Middleweight World Champion Byron “Gator” Mitchell (28-5-1, 21 KOs) who was defeated by the “Next Great Champ” winner Otis “Triple OG” Griffin (21-6-2, 8 KOs) in a 12-round duel for the USBA Light Heavyweight Title. In the main supporting bout, “Big” Michael Grant (45-3, 33 KOs) former No. 1 Heavyweight Contender returned to the ring and defeated Kevin Burnett (13-3-1 KOs). Maryland-based welterweight Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (6-0, 5 KOs) took on Ayi Bruce (6-1-1 KOs) and won, while Patterson, New Jersey’s Elvin “KoKo” Sanchez (3-0, 3 Kos) was defeated by Josh Harris (5-4-1 KO).
