Hiram Monserrate Enters Boxing Ring for Ironic PR Comeback

Disgraced State Senator and girlfriend beater Hiram Monserrate, who got his ass handed to him in a special election in March, is committed to keeping in the spotlight as he tries to rehabilitate his image and perhaps run for State Assembly. To that end, his first major public appearance since losing to Jose Peralta will take place in a boxing ring. Laugh if you must, but the man's just doing what he loves.

Monserrate wants to square off against State Senator Eric Schneiderman, the Manhattan Democrat who helped drive him from the Senate. But even though the November bout would raise money for autistic children, Schneiderman just doesn't want to fight. "I've watched the video of him assaulting Karla Giraldo enough times," Schneiderman tells the Daily News. "I don't have any interest in watching him hit anyone else—including me. This is a guy who battered a woman. I am not going to a shooting competition with the Son of Sam, either."

Meanwhile, Monserrate is trying to put the whole scandal behind him, and lose a few pounds in the process. "I gained 30 to 40 pounds during that stressful period in my life. I'm looking to lose that now," he told the News yesterday while training at a Long Island gym. "I hope to become a leaner and nicer Hiram because of this... Let's put on a good show. Let's raise money for the kids." Below, enjoy video of Monserrate sparring in the ring: