YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Youngstown's favorite Italian American boxer and lightweight champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini is organizing a match between amateur boxers in Youngstown and Pittsburgh against the motherland Italy.

The event "Youngstown Versus Italy" will be at the Covelli Centre October 5 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Organizers said that proceeds will benefit the Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini Foundation, which supports local causes.

"I always hear about these people, 'Hey I'm Italian like you. I'm proud to be Italian,' well good, we're going to see how proud you are," Mancini said.

During a press event Friday, Mancini encouraged people to sponsor a fighter or a fight to raise money for the charity.

He said, "I'm excited. It's a great event. First of many hopefully of cultural events here and if this does well, maybe we'll bring an Irish team later on, who knows. We're going to make it multicultural here."

Italy's team will be coached by their Olympic and world champion Roberto Cammerelle who was in town Friday.

A second event will be held in Pittsburgh October 9 at The Priory.

According to a press release, this is another edition of ethnic-themed boxing events created in association the Hibernian Celtic Athletic Fund of Pittsburgh.

"We've done exchanges home and away with Cuba and Ireland and looking forward hopefully to next spring be in a position to take some young boxers to Italy to take on an Italian team in an away match," said Michael Diven with the Fund.

Tickets go on sale August 31 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster and the Covelli Centre Southwoods Health Box Office. 

Tickets are $15, $25 and $100 for the gold circle. Special VIP Hospitality tickets are also available by inquiring at youngstownboxingitaly@gmail.com.