Vinny Maddalone grew up in the era that saw dominant and intriguing heavyweights like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, and he knows that the division is far different today.
“I think it would be good for the sport to get a guy who everyone is excited about,” Maddalone said. “We’re missing that.”
And while the 30-year-old Bayside native longs for the days of yesteryear, he is aware that the current situation could benefit him.
“The way it is now, anyone can get a chance,” Maddalone said yesterday at a press conference to promote his July 23 fight against Brian Minto at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. “You never know when you’re going to get that call, so you always have to be ready for it.”
Maddalone (21-1) last fought a month ago in Bermuda, where he defeated 315-pound Joe Lenart by fifth-round TKO.
“Every time I win, it brings me closer to where I want to go,” said Maddalone, a Holy Cross H.S. grad and former minor- league baseball player. “There are talks that if I win this fight, something might happen. I can really feel it now.”
So can one of his former Gleason’s Gym sparring partners, Oleg Maskaev, who despite being 28-5, may be only a pair of victories away from a title shot. Maskaev will face undefeated heavyweight David Defiagbon in the other featured match.