Huntington, N.Y. (June 17, 2026) — Long before television contracts, social media followers, and worldwide pay-per-view events, Irish and Italian fighters filled New York’s boxing clubs and arenas, creating some of the sport’s most memorable rivalries. From Madison Square Garden to neighborhood fight clubs throughout the city, Irish and Italian boxers battled for pride, opportunity, and local bragging rights, helping build boxing into America’s most popular sport.
On Saturday, June 27, that proud tradition returns to Long Island when Brooklyn-rooted Italian-American Micky Scala (13-1, 7 KOs) faces Long Island’s own Irish-American Zay Flaherty (8-1, 4 KOs) in a featured attraction at Joe DeGuardia’s Rockin’ Fights 54 at The Paramount in Huntington.
While separated by heritage, both fighters have become fixtures of the Rockin’ Fights series and have earned reputations as crowd-pleasing action fighters willing to test themselves against quality opposition. Now, they meet in a matchup that feels like a throwback to boxing’s golden era.
Scala enters the bout riding the momentum of a spectacular first-round knockout victory last time in the ring in his home state of Arizona. Though he grew up in Arizona, Scala proudly carries his Brooklyn roots into every fight and has become one of the Rockin’ Fights series’ most popular returning fighters thanks to his aggressive style and willingness to take on all challengers.
“These are the kinds of fights I want,” said Scala. “Zay is a good fighter, a tough fighter, and I know he’s going to come ready. That’s what makes this exciting. We’re both coming to win and give the fans a great show.”
Standing across the ring will be Flaherty, a proud New Yorker who has built a loyal following at The Paramount through a series of gritty and entertaining performances. Flaherty will have the support of a passionate hometown crowd as he looks to add another memorable chapter to his growing career.
“This is exactly the type of fight I asked for,” said Flaherty. “Micky has the momentum heading toward the 27th, but this is New York and this is my home. I plan on putting on a performance and entertaining all at the Paramount.”
For Star Boxing President Joe DeGuardia, the matchup represents more than just another exciting fight. “There’s something special about this one,” said DeGuardia. “For generations, Irish and Italian fighters helped shape boxing in New York. The backgrounds may be different today, but the pride, toughness, and determination are exactly the same. Micky and Zay are both fan favorites because they bring everything they have every time they step into the ring. This is the kind of matchup that Rockin’ Fights was built on.”
Neither fighter is willing to take a step backward in pursuit of bigger opportunities, making this one of the most compelling matchups on the June 27 card. With hometown pride, momentum, and future positioning all on the line, fans can expect an atmosphere reminiscent of the great neighborhood rivalries that once defined New York boxing.
On June 27, two modern-day warriors will add their names to a tradition that stretches back generations, proving that while boxing continues to evolve, some rivalries never go out of style.
The Scala-Flaherty showdown is just one of many reasons fans are eagerly anticipating Rockin’ Fights 54. The June 27 event is headlined by the return of Deer Park School District bus driver and reigning IBF/USBA Junior Middleweight Champion Wendy Toussaint, whose remarkable journey from driving his daily route to facing top contender Austin “Ammo” Williams under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden on just one day’s notice created a real-life, made-for-the-movies boxing moment.
Also appearing on the card are undefeated U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Hofstra graduate student Peter LaTorre and fellow undefeated knockout artist Ralph Clemente, both of whom have ended every professional victory inside the distance, along with Wyandanch veteran Terrell Bostic and several of the region’s top rising prospects. Together, they promise another unforgettable night of world-class boxing at The Paramount.
Tickets for Rockin’ Fights 54 are available through Star Boxing and The Paramount box office.
