By Paul Antonelli
It was 24 hours after Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino finished an on-air interview with Live at Five With Glenn Curry on WATN 1240 AM when comments began filtering in on the former Republican congressional candidate’s on-air performance.
Constantino had spent the 45 minute interview, delivering verbal counterpunches and making the case as to why he was the best candidate to replace Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who at the time was slated to vacate her seat and accept President Trump’s invitation to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Constantino attacked his political rivals with the precision of a prizefighter, including the Live at Five with Glenn Curry interview and his strategy to appeal to the voters of NY’s 21 congressional district worked to perfection. He led handsomely in three internal polls as well as a fourth poll conducted by President Trump’s personal pollster, Tony Fabrizio. The special election was called off after President Trump decided to have Stefanik remain in Congress.
“He sounds like a fighter,” one individual on social media said about Constantino. “If someone comes after him, he fights back with his words.”
Well, that’s because Constantino is a fighter, both inside the ring and outside. Constantino, who compiled a 2-1 professional boxing record with two knockouts, is embracing a new challenge in combat sports, taking over majority ownership of Cage Wars.
Cage Wars, under the leadership of Tim Rankins and Tommy Marcellino, had hosted 69 shows - mostly amateur cards in upstate New York with a sprinkle of professional fights in Philadelphia.
“Anthony has been our biggest sponsor,” said Rankins, who will stay on as Cage Wars General Manager. “With his resources and vision, Cage Wars’ future is brighter than ever.”
Constantino has many ideas to enhance entertainment including bringing big name entertainers to increase the prestige of each event. He’ll be bringing Cory Gunz & Schenectady’s own Porsche Truck Ruk to perform at Saturday’s event. The 12-fight card will be highlighted by two pro fights - a featherweight bout between Cole Alaxanian and Isaiah Monroe and a super welterweight fight featuring Luis Melendez, making his pro debut, against Nick Bord.
There will also be 10 amateur fights on the card. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the first fight starting at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.cagewarsmma.com (http://www.cagewarsmma.com/).
“We are working on bringing a big name to every event following the success of our last show which featured Jorge Masivdal,” said Constantino.
Constantino has a long history with Cage Wars - contributing $750,000 in sponsorship as well as his company helping run the promotion’s audio, video and event streaming. His goal is to explode Cage Wars’ popularity and make Upstate, NY more fun.
“Cage Wars is a great brand and important local entertainment business,” Constantino said. “I see
lots of opportunities to make it bigger, more fun and better for the fighters. A number of big names have already called to ask to be part of future events.”
Despite Constantino’s commitment to potential run for the NY21 congressional seat in 2026, he still finds time to train in the boxing ring. Constantino worked out with Mike Tyson’s trainer Billy White two weeks ago in West Palm Beach and has sparred recently at the Cus D’Amato Gym in Catskill, the Watertown Area Boxing Club and his own gyms.
“People keep asking if I’ll fight myself. I wouldn’t say it’s out of the question. It’d make for great entertainment and, perhaps, further intimidate my political rivals who, I’m told, are already quite intimidated,” Constantino said with a grin.
