Former Pacquiao, Tyson Manager helps grow an empire -- 8CountNews

8CountNews

The Empire Sports and Entertainment is proud to announce that Shelly Finkel will become the CEO of boxing's hottest new promotional firm, effective July 1st.

"Shelly Finkel has signed on as our CEO and will bring his sharp eye for talent and razor-sharp business acumen to our daily operations," revealed an excited Greg Cohen, President and Founder of The Empire.

Over the past two decades, Finkel has served as manager or advisor to more world champions than anyone in the modern sport of boxing including Mark Breland, Mike McCallum, Juan Diaz, Evander Holyfield, Manny Pacquiao, Meldrick Taylor, Mike Tyson, Fernando Vargas, Pernell Whitaker, Michael Moorer, Vinny Paz, Jeff Lacy and current heavyweight champion brothers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. And in the process, he has deftly positioned himself as one of boxing's elite power players.

"This is a game changer for The Empire," Cohen continued. "Shelly has the drive, the clout and the connections to bring this company to an unprecedented level in boxing. His history proves he's a step ahead of everyone and a true visionary in this industry and Barry Honig (The Empire, Chairman) and I are honored to have him come aboard our team."

Cohen says he will afford his CEO a chance to settle into his new role, but gives assurance that "huge announcements" are on their way. "Adding Shelly is a huge piece of the puzzle for us and he and I have already been speaking about all the innovative and, in many cases, blockbuster deals The Empire will be coming out with in the near future."

Finkel initially launched his career in entertainment by running a club called "The Action House," featuring legendary bands such as Cream, The Doors, Procol Harem and some of the most recognized groups of the 1960s. In 1973, he produced and promoted The Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, a rock festival which once received the Guinness Book of World Records entry for "Largest audience at a pop festival." An estimated 600,000 fans attended to see the Allman Brothers Band, The Band and the Grateful Dead perform. During his career he promoted concerts for some of the biggest names in the industry such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Elton John, and numerous other household names.

As newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Empire, Mr. Finkel stated, "It is a great pleasure and honor to join the team at The Empire and to assist in building the ultimate sports and entertainment Event Company. The Empire has already begun establishing itself as a premier boxing promoter. Moving forward our goal is to immediately take the existing solid core business that was built by Mr. Gregory Cohen, our President, and strategically position ourselves as a world-class Entertainment Events Company. It is our intent to become a leading media and entertainment company known for promoting the best events in concerts, music festivals, pay-per-view specials, and sporting events around the world."

Source: 8countnews.com