Senator DeFrancisco in the "Fight for a Future" with Boxing Hall of Fame Coach Ray Rinaldi

State Senator John A. DeFrancisco took the ring on Saturday night to help in the fight against youth violence.  The match titled 'Fight for a Future" benefited the Ray Rinaldi Foundation, which provides healthy alternatives to at-risk youth living in the Greater Syracuse area. Ray Rinaldi is a Syracuse Hall of Fame Boxing Coach who operates the West and North Area Athletic and Education Centers. 

The match was declared a draw by Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler, who served as the referee. Senator DeFrancisco's corner man was Syracuse Common Council President Van Robinson, and Ray Rinaldi's corner man was Assemblyman William Magnarelli.

The event was held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Liverpool on April 26, 2014.