Professional sporting events are returning to the Long Island University Paramount Theatre.
The former home of the Blackbirds’ basketball teams will host its first-ever boxing event on June 4. The card is part of the Brooklyn Brawl Series promoted by professional boxer Dmitriy Salita’s Star of David Promotions.
“Over the last few years, Star of David Promotions has brought New York boxing fans exciting shows with incredible fights through our Brooklyn Brawl Series,” Salita said. “This card will be an exciting addition to our series.”
The event will feature plenty of local talent. Brooklyn heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller takes on Damon McCreary. Brooklyn’s Dimash Niyazov and Akil Aguste will also be featured along with Bronx-based fighter Steve Martinez, a two-time Daily News Golden Gloves champion.
“This June 4 boxing event will reintroduce LIU Brooklyn Paramount to the sports community,” said Brett Yormark, chief executive of Barclays Center. “Dmitriy has provided great opportunities for aspiring fighters and we are looking forward to working with him to solidify our grassroots boxing efforts in Brooklyn.”
Long Island University and Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment, an affiliate of Barclays Center, reached a deal back in February to bring live performances to the historic Paramount Theatre on Flatbush Avenue at DeKalb Avenue. The 24-month renovations have yet to begin. When they’re done, the Brooklyn Paramount will host more than 120 events annually.
“Boxing is flourishing right now in New York, especially in Brooklyn,” said New York boxing promoter Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Being a fellow Brooklynite, it is wonderful to see yet another venue in this great borough opening up its doors to the sport. I see a lot of potential at LIU Brooklyn Paramount, and would definitely be open to staging a card there in the future.”
The theater opened in 1928 as a movie house and performance hall. It played host to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly, and became a mecca for jazz. Long Island University bought the building 1950 and converted it into a gymnasium for intramural sports before opening the multi-million dollar Wellness Center in 2006. The Paramount building now contains a basketball court and bleachers and is still used as practice space and matches of the Gotham Girls Roller Derby league.
