Joe DeGuardia (born July 4th, 1963) is one of America's most respected boxing promoters, an accomplished attorney, former New York Golden Gloves Champion, and the founder, president, and CEO of Star Boxing, one of the nation's longest-running independent promotional companies. Born and raised in the Morris Park section of the Bronx, New York, DeGuardia was introduced to boxing at an early age by his father, former professional prizefighter Joseph DeGuardia Sr. His lifelong involvement in the sport has given him a unique perspective as a boxer, lawyer, promoter, and industry leader.

While attending Fordham University and later Hofstra University School of Law, where he graduated near the top of his class and served as an associate editor of the Law Review, DeGuardia continued to pursue an accomplished amateur boxing career. In 1988, he captured the prestigious New York Daily News Golden Gloves Open Welterweight (147-pound) Championship, defeating future professional contender Larry Barnes in the finals. Following law school, DeGuardia served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx before establishing the Law Offices of Joseph M. DeGuardia, specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and sports law.

In 1991, DeGuardia assumed management of the Morris Park Boxing Club, originally founded by his father, transforming it into one of New York City's premier boxing gyms and a developmental home for aspiring fighters. Building on that foundation, he established Star Boxing in 1992 with a vision of developing world-class talent while producing competitive, fan-friendly events. Over more than three decades, Star Boxing has earned a reputation for integrity, consistent matchmaking, and successfully guiding fighters from local prospects to world championship status.

Under DeGuardia's leadership, Star Boxing has promoted and developed numerous world champions and elite contenders, including Antonio Tarver, Demetrius Andrade, Chris Algieri, Joe Smith Jr., Joshua Clottey, Carlos Takam, and Cletus Seldin. The company achieved worldwide recognition as co-promoter of the historic Antonio Tarver-Roy Jones Jr. trilogy, one of boxing's most successful rivalries, generating more than $50 million in revenue while airing on HBO and Showtime. Star Boxing events have also been televised on ESPN, MSG Network, Telemundo, pay-per-view, and other major broadcast platforms.

In 2011, Star Boxing launched its signature Rockin' Fights series at The Paramount in Huntington, New York. Now recognized as New York's longest-running club boxing series, Rockin' Fights has become a proven "forge of champions," consistently producing sold-out events while serving as the launching pad for future world champions and top contenders, including Chris Algieri and Joe Smith Jr. At a time when developmental boxing has diminished nationwide, the series has become an essential platform for cultivating the sport's next generation of elite fighters.

Beyond promotion, DeGuardia has played a significant leadership role in shaping professional boxing. He testified before the United States Senate on boxing reform and industry regulation, helped establish the Boxing Promoters Association, and was elected by his peers to serve as its president. Widely respected for combining firsthand boxing experience with legal expertise, DeGuardia has been a leading advocate for improving governance, protecting fighters, and strengthening the sport's long-term future.

DeGuardia's contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013 and the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016. He was also named Ring 8's Promoter of the Year in 2015. More than three decades after founding Star Boxing, Joe DeGuardia remains one of boxing's most influential and respected figures, continuing to develop championship talent, produce nationally recognized events, and preserve New York's rich boxing tradition through his enduring commitment to the sport.