AMATEUR EVENTS

Daily News Golden Gloves Finals: 2^nd Night of Fury
By David Pambianchi. Photos by Christy Coppilino
New York April 17, 2009 Once again on April 17, 2009, Madison Square Garden became electrified with action as New Yorkers cheered fine boxing. Fighters slugged it out Friday night and into early Saturday to gain this years title and receive the gold necklace.

A few notable finishers among many great matches:

(125-W) Melissa Roberts got the better of trading punches with Chala A. Yancy with Yancy taking multiple hits to the body and head, but fighting back round upon round with an exceptional display of valor and heart until the referee stopped the bout near the end of round 4 for a Melissa Roberts win.

Roberts (gold) stops a game Yancy in the 4th.

Wiliams Jr. takes it to taller opponent Newman in Super heavyweight matchup.

(201+N) Refusing to be intimidated, Joseph Williams Jr. used speed and maneuverability to slip in and slide away from his larger heavy hitting opponent Patrick Neumann. Williams frustrated Neumann and managed to accurately rack up more points rushing in with volleys of lefts and rights before his opponent could effectively counter. That’s how to do it and paid off with a win for Williams.

(201+O) Showing heart and determination, Adam Kownacki and Davone Jones finished off the night slugging it out. Taking turns on the ropes, trading hard, heavy brawling punches, neither fighter would give in and battled until both were near exhaustion at the final bell. Kownacki came away with a tough earned win

Adam Kownacki wins Open class after two tries . .

.Ruth O'Sullivan returns to the winner's circle . . again.

How the rest of the battles went:

(141-W) Kristin Havdoglous slugged it out with Grace Claudio for a second round stop and Kristin win.

(106-W) In a lot of “heart and blood” match, Ruth O’Sullivan defeated Jill Kerry Ward with a 4^th round stop.

(178+W) Sonya Lamonakis got the better end of trading blows with Shanell Mathes for the win.

(112-N) Daveshua Sepulveda and Joshua Gonzalez wailed away at each other for a Sepulveda victory.

(119-O) Raul Lopez with left and right body shots and the 2^nd round stop win over Noel Solis.

(178-N) Leon Falconer and De’Vaun Lee in a heavy trading close one with a comeback win for Falconer.

(141-N) Jayquran Hazel with a win over Jose Peralta after a lot of trading.

(152-O) Steven Martinez with a win over Christopher Ventura after some holding/tie-ups and trading of fast flurries.

(119-N) Kelvin Heredia defeated Claude Staten Jr. after some trading and a bit of holding/wrestling.

  (165-O) Naim Terbunja getting the better of head-shot trading with a big left hook and win over Marcus Browne.

(125-O) Dominique James controlled the bout, picking punches for the victory over Frankie Garriga.

And so passes another Daily News Golden Glove Season, time to get over to the gym and get ready for next year.

Visit David's Website: "Writer's Edge"
http://davidmtc.web.officelive.com/

82^nd Annual Daily News Golden Gloves: Slug Fest in the Garden
By David Pambianchi Photos by Christy Cappillino

On April 17, 2009, a packed WaMu theatre at Madison Square Garden witnessed a night of intense boxing finals. The oldest and largest amateur boxing tournament in the world gave the crowd 16 bouts to cheer away their voices.

Some extras of an overall great Thursday event:

(119-W) Christina Cruz displayed some of the finest boxing in town evading a talented Alexis Asher and made scores look easy. One round after another of left, right, right hook, mix in a few uppercuts, changing patterns, a bit of speed, some fine movement to pick punches, and that’s a Christina Cruz win.

Cruz uses movement to defeat Asher . . .

(165-N) Vincenzo D’Angelo traded fast, hard and furious hits every round against Gadiel Romero in a nothing but flying fists match that earned D’Angelo the decision.

D'Angelo a GG Novice Champ

(201-N) The final bout and upset of the night drove fans wild as the 18 year old Stivens Bujaj with solid defensive blocking and counter punching stifled and kept 32 year old Dmitriy Dudenko off his game forcing the referee to stop the fight in the third round for a Stivens win.

Heavyweight Boxing -- textbook Bujaj in blue, stops KO artist Dudenko

Egan secures GG medal . . .

How the rest slugged it out:

(112-W) Nicole Dean with an overall aggressive win over Emily Kramer

(165-W) Jennifer Egan to win a close, tough bout of heavy scoring against Dana Best

(101-W) Laura Ramirez taking a small-with-a-lot-of-guts bout over Lisa Marie West

(178-W) Dawne Thomas winning a first round Stop with a hard hit to Fallon Farrar’s eye

(132-W) Julie-Anne Kelly with a slug fest win over Cherrie Retamozzo

(125-N) Trevis Hall outscored Abdul Perry in a fast Action bout

(141-O) Hard hitting Pedro Sosa defeated Jeremy Fiorentino

(152-N) Shawn Cameron won after heavy trading over Richie Neves

(132-N) Wesley Ferrer Overwhelmed William Moyet for a 3^rd round stop

(201-O) Ngoli Okafor defeated Abdelghani Bousmah after a lot of trading

(132-O) Shemuel Pagan over Vassiliy Zherebnenko in a close one

(112-O) Julion Ramphal with a win over Jose Rivera

(178-O) David Thompson, traded but with more control over Ahmad Mikens

Fine New York evening of boxing? Stay tuned, Friday night’s the other half.

David

"Hold on tight to your dreams."
               - Electric Light Orchestra

Visit David's Website: "Writer's Edge"
http://davidmtc.web.officelive.com/

“Around The Ring”

by Bobby Breen

2008 NJ Diamond Gloves Crown Champions!

            11-16-2008. The NJ Diamond Gloves Championships were contested Friday night at Linden, NJ High School’s gym. In all ten bouts went off entertaining the always dedicated NJ amateur boxing fans who come out to support this show year after year. One thing noticeable about this year’s show, the fans were not disappointed! The bouts got better as the night went on. Wow, were there some great amateur boxing going on here!

            All of the bouts were extremely competitive but I can only comment on a couple for the purpose of this article. Chris Velez put on a great display of boxing skills by decisioning Tyrone Luckey from the Middletown PAL in their 141 lbs. Open class matchup. Velez, from the newly formed Aspira Boxing Club was sharp in landing combinations as well as demonstrating good defensive skills. Luckey was not able to overcome the total package that Velez brought to the ring this night. Velez was on his way to “Boxer of the Night” accolades until the next bout got into the ring.

            The 152 lb. Open class bout between Juan Rodriguez of Union City BC and Caleb Hernandez from Joe Grier Boxing Academy was a tremendous show of two young amateur athletes giving their all. Rodriguez won by me the first two rounds in a slugfest where he landed decisively and quantatively over the game Hernandez. In fact Rodriguez looked well on his way to simply out hustling Hernandez until an exchange toward the end of round two, that caused referee Richie Perez to give Rodriguez a standing-eight count. From there, Hernandez started the body attack he is known and capable of having in his arsenal. Rodriguez was far ahead on points and tried as he may to keep in the bout, Hernandez came on strong in rounds three and four of their four round two minutes each open class bout. I didn’t think Hernandez could overcome the point’s differential, but the judges did, awarding Hernandez a very close and well fought split decision. For his efforts Hernandez also won the “Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament, Open Class” award along with the 152 lb. open class championship.

            165 lb. Open class boxer Denis Douglin continued his winning ways by decision over Dushawn Johnson of the International School of Boxing. Douglin, of New Breed BC won the 2008 National Golden Gloves in his weight class earlier this year and made it to the finals of the National PAL Championships was honored this past Thursday at the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame dinner as “2008 Amateur Boxer of the Year” (along with Mike Perez who also won the 2008 National GG’s at 132lbs.) He won his 165 lbs. division title and also picked up the NJ Diamond Gloves tournament “Sportsmanship” award.

The other special awards were; Super-heavyweight Kyle Hirschklau (Final Round BC) “Outstanding Boxer Sub-Novice Class” as well as a trophy for fastest knockout, which was at last week’s Plainfield, NJ show (0:13 seconds of round one). Lance Goodall, 165 lb. Novelus class of Bergen PAL won the “Outstanding Boxer Novelus Class”. All the boxers fought their hearts out and the action was crowd pleasing.

            Speaking of Mike Perez, while the NJ Diamond Gloves finals were going on, Perez was entering his second pro bout at the New Alhambra Center in Philadelphia, PA. in a card put on by Top Rank Inc., Peltz Boxing and Joe Hand Promotions. Perez a “Brick City” Newark, NJ native, who came up through the NJ USA-Boxing amateur program, won by TKO at 2:40 in round one over Tommy Garcia of Hartford, CT. Listed as “Michael Angelo, The Artist, Perez” and boxing in the super-featherweight division, he improves to 2-0, with 2 KO’s. He is trained by NJ USA-Boxing President Jose Rosario.

Seen “Around The Ring” – At the NJ Diamond Gloves finals. Bobby “Matinee Idol” Czyz, former NJ Middleweight Champ, IBF Lt-Heavyweight Champ, and WBA Cruiserweight Champion. Czyz always comes out to be with the amateur boxers and he is much respected for it. Tony Orlando, Chairman of the NJ State Athletic Control Board (Boxing Commission). Orlando’s group the Linden Boxing Association sponsors this show every year and has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars as a result to recreation programs in Linden, NJ. Pro-Referee Randy Neumann was seen taking in the action. Tony Santana, former professional lightweight from Brooklyn, NY who fought for the world title twice was in the audience. And special mention and thanks should be made for Henry Hascup, and his lovely wife, Joyce. Henry Hascup is the NJ Diamond Gloves tournament director, and this could not be possible without his dedication and sacrifice to his family. It takes a lot to run an amateur boxing tournament. Hascup also runs the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame and he does a fantastic job doing it. My words to Henry at the end of Friday’s night show and the tournament, “I wonder how many kids he helped throughout this tournament keep out of trouble and off the streets”. That we may never know, but I do know, without people like Henry and Joyce Hascup, many more of our youth not would be at a boxing tournament on a seven week run on Friday and Saturday nights and afternoons. Thank you Henry for all you do.

            It is with some regret that I must inform you this will be my last article on the NJ amateur boxing scene. Sometimes we just need to take a break. That time has come for me. I hope I was able to bring to the fans some fresh boxing news, some excitement for the amateur boxers to get their names in the press, and for amateur boxing in our area to have a way to let people know, amateur boxing is alive and thriving in the NJ & NY area. Thanks and who knows, maybe I’ll make a comeback. Thanks for the memories.    BB



The complete results of the 2008 NJ Diamond Gloves Championships Nov. 14^th at Linden, NJ;

1)      Gary Bonilla Passaic PAL dec. Jonathon Gonzalez Passaic PAL 141 lb. Sub-Novice

2)      Anthony Jones Intl’ School dec. John Saible Checkmate BC 152 lb. Sub-novice

3)      Emmanuel Abreu New Brunswick BC dec. Adrian Marte Ike’s Gym 152 lb. Novelus

4)      Rashad Jennings Passaic PAL dec. Brian Paiz Bayonne PAL 119 lb. Open class

5)      Andrew Bentley Renegade BC dec. Rickey Edwards Joe Grier BA 125 lb. Open class

6)      Wanzell Ellison Dew Drop BC dec. Joseliz Cepeda 1^st Class BC 132 lb. Open class

7)      Christopher Velez Aspira BC dec. Tyrone Luckey Middletown PAL 141 lb. Open class

8)      Caleb Hernandez Joe Grier BA dec. Juan Rodriguez Union City BC 152 lb. Open class

9)      Denis Douglin New Breed BC dec. Dushawn Johnson Intl’ School 165 lb. Open class

10) Lisandro Tupete Ike’s Gym dec. Ibn Akbar Richardson Gladiators BC 178 lb. Open class

BB

“Around The Ring”

NY/NJ Amateur Happenings

NJ Boxing HoF Dinner Nov. 13^th 7pm

By Bobby Breen

             11/05/2008. The NY/NJ amateur boxing scene is always ongoing. A couple of tournaments, smaller compared to the Golden Gloves tournaments are currently underway. These tournaments, the NJ Diamond Gloves on the West side of the Hudson, and the NY Metropolitan Championships in the Big Apple are the breeding grounds for those who succeed and enter to compete in the larger more popular Golden Gloves. There is also the upcoming Silver Gloves, which is an amateur boxing tournament for Junior Olympian boys ages eleven through sixteen.

            Let’s take a look at the schedule and add a few comments on which shows are worth seeing;

1)      Saturday Nov. 8^th NJ Diamond Gloves, 5^th St. Gym 233 E. 5^TH St. Plainfield, NJ. 12:30pm weigh-in, 3pm start. This show will feature some finals bouts in the Novice and Sub-Novice divisions. Also scheduled are a few Open Division bouts (experienced boxers) and some Junior Olympian bouts.

2)      Friday Nov. 14^th NJ Diamond Gloves Finals, Linden High School, 121 St. Georges Ave. Linden, NJ. 5:30pm weigh-ins, 7:30pm start. Great show! Always a good show, good crowd, many boxing celebrities in attendance. Most bouts are in the Open Division, with some other Novice and Sub-Novice bouts scheduled. For more info check out the NJ USA-Boxing website at: http://www.usaboxingnj.com/

3)      Saturday Nov. 8^th NY Metro-Championships, NY Kidz Gym 165 Weirfield St. Ridgewood, NY. Weigh-ins 2pm, 4pm start.

4)      Saturday Nov. 15^th NY Metro-Championships Finals, at the world famous Apollo Theater 253 W. 125^TH St. NYC, NY. Weigh-ins 5:30pm, show time 8pm. For Info contact Antonio Midyette (917) 346-2340.

5)      Saturday Nov. 22^nd NY Metro-Championships Finals, Aviator Sports & Rec. Facility (great venue!), Floyd Bennett Field Brooklyn, NY. Weigh-ins 11am, start 1:00pm. For more info check out the NY Metro-USA-Boxing website at: http://www.usaboxingmetro.com/

The NJ Silver Gloves will be held on Saturday Dec. 6^th in New Jersey at the C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Gym in Newark, NJ. The Silver Gloves Regional Tournament will be held up in Oneonta, NY the weekend of January 10^th-11^th2009. The National Silver Gloves will be held in Independence, MO., Feb. 4^th – 7^th, 2009.

      I would be remiss to not mention a great show happening next week, the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame’s annual induction dinner and ceremony. Scheduled for Thursday Nov. 13^th at the Venetian Catering Hall 546 River Dr. in Garfield, NJ 7pm. Some of this year’s inductees include; World-Class pro-referee Eddie Cotton, former Heavyweight Champ Tim Witherspoon, champions cut-man Danny Milano, and boxing reporter/writer Keith Idec. There are other inductee’s and this event is one of boxing’s best evening’s on the entire East coast! You would not want to miss it!! For more information contact Henry Hascup, President NJBHOF website at: http://www.njboxinghof.org/

That’s it for now boxing fans. See you “around the ring”.          BB

“Around The Ring”

Summer Time Blues Hits Amateur Boxing?

By Bobby Breen

                8/25/2008. Ah, Summer time, my favorite time of year. With all the criticism about the USA Olympic Boxing Team one may think amateur boxing is in some form of crises. If you listen to the boxing beat writers (or dead-beat writers) it is easy to believe amateur boxing is barely on life support. Yes, we had our worst showing in the Olympics in a sport we dominated for decades. There is something definitely wrong with USA-Boxing’ (the governing body of Olympic style boxing in North America) approach to selecting our boxer’s, coaches, and the training in preparation for the Olympics. But I am one to believe it is not all our kids fault. Our young athlete boxer’s are the greatest kids you would ever meet. They overcome many obstacles and barriers to make it to the gym and train to be successful at the National and International levels. The coaching they receive is the best next to anywhere. I believe the problem lies from the Regional to National levels and how we prepare them for that.

                The local level is the club shows, local area tournaments like the Golden Gloves, Junior Olympics, and those type tournaments. Our kids in NY & NJ excel at that level.. They then go on to the Regional level and some to the National level. This is where there’s a drop off effect. Same as in any sport. Take basketball, baseball, football, the kids in little league, boys’ club, and high school, the stars there are regular or average players as they advance to the higher levels. We compete with the rest of the country quite evenly. But something happens when our kids make it to the National level. Teams are selected to represent our nation internationally, and we do so-so. Why is that? I don’t know all the answers to that question, but there are some general observations that I would like to mention. It isn’t only that we have failed to perform well. These other countries have excelled to ours and beyond our level. Take Cuba for example. I bet you their Olympic Team trained and prepared for four years for this Olympics, with the same coaches. Our USA Team was selected last August ‘07 and trained for ten months out in Colorado Springs, CO at the Olympic training center. Big difference folks. Our coaches, selected last year. They had to build rapport with new boxers, train and prepare them, plus meet all the administrative and political needs of the organization. Not an easy task by any means. One direct effect of this, the boxers are taken away from their regular training atmosphere, not to mention home environment and coach(es) who may have been with the boxer athlete for many years. Not a great recipe for success in my training book. There needs to be a better balance there.

                In watching the 2008 Olympic boxing some things I observed. The opponents our team faced, many of whom have been in two and three Olympics, were much older, 25-27 yrs. old. Our team, only one boxer, Rau’shee Warren was in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

Our team, mostly 18-22 yrs. old in age. We are out matched in experience and maturity. No training regimen can deal with that but a close duplicate of the same. We need to train our boxers for Olympic-style, point-scoring, and medal winning competition. This I give Teddy Atlas credit for in bringing out during the Olympic boxing coverage. According to Atlas, “does the US system of boxing, USA-Boxing specifically, want to be a breeding ground for the professional ranks in our country, as we currently are? Or do we want to train, prepare, and mold our program to be successful and triumphant in the Olympic sport of boxing”?

                Did you notice the boxing gloves used in the Olympics? The white portion of the boxing glove seemed to be a bit smaller than the boxing gloves I see in our home country competitions. The scoring area (the white portion) of the glove must connect, cleanly, without being blocked or guarded, and land in the scoring area of the body, front and sides of the body & head, not on the arms, and be with the closed hand and in addition to all that criteria, have the weight of the shoulder and body behind it. That’s a lot. That was why many blows that looked like scoring blows were not counted. Now the computerized scoring system I am not a fan of. Give me a judge with an objective impartial eye any day over a machine. I specifically do not like the one-second window that three of the five judges must compute a scored blow. Any delayed reaction takes away from an honest scored blow by a boxer and is just unfair in my book.

                Give our kids the same opportunity that the boxers in these other countries have in preparing for the Olympics and I believe we will be a force to contend with. Ragging them in the press does nothing for the hard work they have put in to live their dreams. I was at both NYC media events with the Olympic Boxing Team back in July. All were exceptionally polite, cordial, and receptive to the fans. They should be lifted up not put down. Why a boxer didn’t make weight? That’s a coaching problem. The coach is responsible. If he could not make the weight, then why is he at that weight class? Why our boxers did not show sportsmanship in the ring in losing? That’s an attitude problem and I cite the boxer for that. That should not happen. I think we expected a lot of this Olympic Boxing Team, too much in fact. We underestimated our competition, we did not train for them like they did us, and they beat us to the punch. It’s that simple!

Latest Rounds: There has been a lot going on in amateur boxing this summer. I had last reported on the Ringside Tournament at the beginning of this month and wanted to write about the results of some of our area boxers and how they fared.

I have yet to get the complete results and did not want to leave anyone out. So, that is forthcoming. Let’s go back in the schedule and get out a few accomplishments in the recent few months and weeks.

Under 19 National Championships: held Aug. 5^th – 9^th Kansas City, MO. Marcus Browne, 165 lb. Open class boxer from Staten Island, NY lost in the finals of his match with Luis Arias of Milwaukee, WI. The score was 15-11. The word “around the ring” (according to the Browne camp) the officiating was lousy. Browne was given a warning which put two points on to Arias’ score. Certainly a closely disputed bout. Arias is ranked #2 in the nation. For Browne, he has already made his mark on the National scene. Browne was the 165 lb. Novice 2008 NY Daily News GG Champ, along with many J.O. titles and has just recently turned Open Class. Look for more success from Marcus Browne of Staten Island, NY in the near future.

Long Island Amateur Boxing Championships: Held last weekend in Lawrence, NY from Thurs. 8/14 thru Sat. 8/16. Many NY amateur boxing champs participated. Shemuel Pagan, Tor Hammer, Steve Martinez, are a few who I saw in action. Hammer and Martinez both are National GG’s Champions. Two boxing rings, three nights, almost seventy bouts went off. This was the second consecutive year the Long Is. Amateur Boxing Championships were held.

2008 Women’s National Golden Gloves: Special kudo’s go out to some of the area Female boxers who competed and won the Women’s National GG’s held in July in Hollywood, FL. Bringing home National titles in the Open Division; 106 lbs. Laura Ramirez, Bronx, NY. 114 lbs. Sacred Downing, Trenton, NJ. 119 lbs. Cristina Cruz, Bronx, NY, and 138 lbs. Althea Martin, Absecon, NJ. Runner-ups included; 114 lbs. Keisha “Fire” McLeod, NYC, NY, and 154 lbs. Nisa Rodriguez, NYC, NY. Placing second in the Junior Division: 154 lbs. Elycia Goldbolt, Trenton, NJ and 125 lbs. Anashia Burgess, Trenton, NJ. Great job Ladies!

Upcoming Amateur Boxing Shows: Amateur boxing fans, you got two chances remaining to catch an outdoor summer boxing show; 1) This Saturday August 30^th at Dawson St., between Rogers Pl. and Longwood Ave. Bronx, NY. Weigh-ins 1pm, show-time 2:30pm. 2) Saturday Sept. 6^th at 916 South Orange Ave. Newark, NJ. Weigh-ins 2pm, show-time 4pm. This was a great show last year. Great attendance, great bouts, good police security. Weather providing the outdoor amateur boxing shows have a special flavor to them, all their own.

2008 New Jersey Diamond Gloves: The NJ Diamond Gloves runs from Oct. 4^th thru Nov. 14^th. They start on Sat. Oct. 4^th in Seaside Hts, and continue on Oct. 11^th in Newark, Oct 18^th and 24^th in South River, Nov. 1^st in Whippany, and end Nov. 14^th at Linden H.S. in Linden, NJ. For more direct info contact tournament director Henry Hascup at (973) 471-2458.

Kendall Holt Night Aug. 27^th Paterson, NJ: Newly crowned WBO Light- Welterweight Champ Kendall Holt will be honored in Paterson, NJ at a ceremony on Sat. Aug. 27^th 7:00pm at St. Joseph’s Community Center 437 Chamberlain Ave. There is a $5.00 fee to attend. Holt won the title in early July in Las Vegas, NV in a rematch with Ricardo Torres of Columbia.

That’s it folks, see you “Around the Ring”.           BB



“Around The Ring”

Ringside & Under 19 Nationals Tournaments Kick-Off

By Bobby Breen

             8/7/08. The Ringside World Amateur Championships kicked off Wednesday Aug. 6^th in Kansas City, MO. At the same time the Under 19 National Championships are also in action. Over 1400 amateur boxer’s from the USA and abroad are competing for amateur titles. The Ringside Tournament is a five day event that anyone can enter and includes all ages and weight divisions. Six boxing rings are going at once twice a day. Ring # 7 is the Under 19 Nationals which will determine the next new breed of U.S. Champions. The winners from the Under 19 Nationals will compete in Mexico at the AIBA (International Amateur Boxing Organization) World Championships in October.

            Too much to report on the Ringside Tournament. So I will just mention some items seen by the Breen-Man.

            “Seen Around The Ring” – Teams from all over the USA, some from Canada, and Mexico. Teams from the NY/NJ area; Betances BC, Bronx, NY, Bronx PAL, Gleason’s Gym Brooklyn, Joe Grier BC, Paterson, NJ, Middletown PAL, NJ, just to mention a few. Julian Rodriguez of N. Bergen, NJ boxing in the 106 lb. Open 13-14 yrs. old bracket looked good in his first two bouts. Rodriguez will box in the Semi’s Friday Aug. 8^th. Christian Bermudez Brooklyn, NY 75 lbs. 11-12 yrs. old bracket won on day one. Deshawn Cleaves looked good in his win on day one. Cleaves of Paterson, NJ boxed in the 70 lbs. 11-12 yrs. old boys’ bracket. Jeremy Fiorentino of NY boxed well in the first two days earning victories in the Men’s Open 141 lbs. class. Fiorentino moves onto the Semi’s Friday Aug. 8^th. Marcus Browne 165 lbs. Open class of Staten Island, NY earned a “W” by retiring his opponent in the first round of their Under 19 match up. Browne moves onto the Semifinals set for Friday Aug. 8^th. This is a step up for Browne, who had a stellar JO boxing career. He won the NY Daily News Golden Gloves this past April in the 165 lb. Novice division and is now boxing in the Open Class division. There is some heavy competition at the Under 19’s National Championship as the Olympic team prepares to launch their quest for Gold Medals starting this weekend, the young new breed are boxing their way from Kansas City to Mexico. Speaking of the Olympics the schedule for the boxing competitions are listed on the USA-Boxing website at http://www.usaboxing.org/10_2289.htm

Sadam Ali of Brooklyn, NY, who will be representing USA at 132 lbs., was an Under 19 National Champion. That’s all for now, see you “around the ring”. BB

Around The Ring”

NY Metro Empire State Games at Gleason’s Gym

By Bobby Breen

6/19/08. The NY Metro USA-Boxing Empire State Games box-offs are being held at Brooklyn’s Famous Gleason’s Gym. This past Tuesday June 17^th a card was held featuring seven bouts. The next card will be Tuesday June 24^th with the finals scheduled for Saturday June 28^th. The 2008 NY Empire State Games are being held this year in upstate New York hosted by Binghamton and Broome Counties the week of July 23^rd thru 27^th. The boxing schedule is listed for three days July 24-26 at Susquehanna Valley High School in Conklin, NY. For more direct information visit the website at: http://www.empirestategames.org/summer/sched/

            The card at Gleason’s was extremely competitive. The boxers are vying for a spot to represent NYC against the rest of the best across the state. The first bout of the evening was a 141 lb. Open class box-off for the Hudson Valley team and had Joe Isaacs of Yonkers PAL winning by retirement over Tresean Johnson from Newburgh PAL. Making his 165 lb. Open Class debut was highly regarded Marcus Browne of Park Hill BC in Staten Island, NY. Browne, a recent champion in the 2008 NY Daily News Golden Gloves in the 165 lb. Novice Division decisioned Jamaal Spence of Morris Park BC. Browne shows all the potential of a rising amateur superstar, but has to learn to discipline his temper. It appeared at the end of the bout Browne shoved Spence causing the referee to caution his actions. One of the rules of USA-Boxing is that “a boxer can be disqualified up to the point the decision is announced”. So, it would be ludicrous after a beautiful winning performance to “blow-it” with unsportsmanlike conduct. Spence was a great test for Browne, as he enters the class of “Men” the senior division, where you can box somebody much older and mature in body development than the new younger guys entering at 17 and 18 yrs. old. We hope Marcus Browne takes the lessons of this bout and the outer lessons learned, conduct before, during, and after the bout, that a true champion must possess to earn the respect of all fans.

Junior Olympic Championships – The JO Championships are underway at Marquette, MI this week. Several area Junior Olympic boxers competed from NY & NJ. Making it to the finals are; Pedro Sosa (145 lbs.) of the New South Bronx PAL, and Eddie Gomez (154 lbs.) Bronx, NY. Both Sosa and Gomez compete in the finals Friday June 20^th at 11am in the Superior Dome. Kelvin Heredia (110 lbs.) Bronx, NY, Christopher Galeano (132 lbs.) Bronx, NY, Wilfredo Morales (106 lbs.) Bronx, NY, and Malik Gary (176 lbs.) Newark, NJ, made it to the Quarterfinals. George Borges (125 lbs.) Newark, NJ, and Randy Luciano (119 lbs.) Passaic, NJ, boxed in the preliminaries.

Upcoming Amateur Events: Saturday June 21^st Irvington, NJ Club Show, 910 Springfield Ave. Supreme Supermarket Parking Lot (outdoor show) 12pm weigh-in. Saturday June 21^st Club Show 78 McGraw St. Shirley, NY, 4pm showtime. Contact Mike Murphy 631-839-4148. Thursday June 26^th 237 W. 42^nd St. NYC, NY 7:45pm showtime. Contact Josh Lane at (212) 920- 8406. Saturday June 28^th Club Show, Ivy Hill Park 222 Mt. Vernon Ave. Newark, NJ, weigh-in 12pm. Contact Jose Rosario 201-679-0485.

The complete results of the NY Metro Empire State Games Box-Offs at Gleason’s Gym;

1)      Joe Isaac Yonkers PAL RET. Tresean Johnson Newburgh PAL 141 lb. Open

2)      Jayquan K. Hazel Gleason’s dec. Khalid Billings Coney Is. BC 138 lb. Scholastic

3)      Johnny Briones, Jr. Brotherhood BC dec. Luis Cintron New So. Bronx PAL 165 lb. Schl.

4)      Marcus Browne Park Hill BC dec. Jamaal Spence Morris Park BC 165 lb. Open

5)      Ahmad Mickens Team Free Form dec. Patrick Pierce Gleasons’ 178 lb. Open

6)      Jerrel Miller Gleasons’ dec. Samar Bowe Gleason’ 201+lb. Super/Hvy. Open

7)      Davon Jones Gleasons’ RSC Francis Broderick Unattached 201J+ lb. Super/Hvy. Open

“Around The Ring”

Oldest NJ Amateur Show

By Bobby Breen



6/11/08. The longest running amateur boxing show in NJ was held for the thirty first time Friday June 6^th at PS #27 in Jersey City, NJ. Six bouts headlined the card. What was great about this show was not only has it been the longest-running, but the Brighton Boxing Club, as in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, NY came over with three boxers. And all three Brighton BC boxers are won! Not an easy feat, as it is a common concern when traveling out of and into other territories, getting a fair decision sometimes can be hard.

Appearing on this card was Vassilliy Zherbnenko, a recent finalist in the NYC Daily News 2008 Golden Gloves, who went up against #4 nationally ranked Shemuel Pagan in the 132 lb. Open class. Zherbnenko, a 132 lb. Novice NYC GG Champ in 2007, lost a tough decision to the highly rated Pagan. Zherbnenko, as well as tough 165 lb. Sub-novice Dimitri Domanko and 200 lb. Jr. Olympian Sub-novice German Tyhryayen, all won by decision.

            Zherbnenko won over Rickey Edwards of Joe Grier Boxing Academy in their 132 lb. Open class matchup. Zherbnenko appeared to be the stronger boxer and puncher. Domanko, won a close split decision over Jaime Burdetto of Final Round BC in their contest. But it was the battle of two young (both14 yrs. olds) J.O. boxers who stole the night. Tyhryayen and Robert McCarthy of Team Gladiator went at it toe-to-toe. Many in the crowd waited to see who would tire first. That didn’t happen!! Both boxers’ put on some show of conditioning and stamina. It made the night! McCarthy despite his noble efforts lost a close split decision to Tyhryayen.

            Zherbnenko was awarded “Boxer of the Night” for his efforts.

The complete results of the June 6^th Jersey City show;

1)      Lloyd Cain Union City BC dec. Luis Hernandez L. Costello BC 125lb Novice

2)      Vassilliy Zherbenko Brighton BC dec. Ricky Edwards J. Grier BC 132 lb. Open

3)      Jamaw Jerido 1^st Class BC dec. Rolando Achta L. Costello BC 141 lb. S/N

4)      Juan Rodríguez Union City BC dec. Damián Rosado J. Grier BC 152 lb. Open

5)      Dimitri Domanko Brighton BC dec. Jaime Burdetto Final Rnd. BC 165 lb. S/N

6)      German Tyhryayen Brighton BC dec. Robert McCarthy Tm. Gladiator 200 lb. S/N J.O.

“Around The Ring”

Spring Amateur Boxing Events

By Bobby Breen

             5/29/2008. The Golden Gloves are over, so now what? Amateur boxing continues to entertain and provide an outlet for inner-city youth, and older boxers as well. For example, on May 17^th an amateur card was held in Jersey City, NJ between the Jersey City Police and Firemen going up against the NYPD and FDNY. Billed as the “Battle of the Badges” this event, in its third year was a nice night of boxing. Hey, where else can you go to see Cops get punched? And you can cheer on the action without consequence! But the event itself is a testament to the fun rivalry and camaraderie of the Police and Firemen, not only from these great two cities, but in general. Plus it keeps them in shape.

            Take Benny Torres of the Jersey City Fire Dept. for instance. At fifty-one years old, Benny came in the ring and went all three rounds in a tough contest with Jose Quinones of the NYPD. This 165 Novice bout was a decent matchup. Torres did some slamming and kept a good pace for his age. Quinones put up a good fight, but Torres would not relent. In the end, it was close, but the judges had it 3-2 for Torres. Great heart and great effort by Fireman Benny Torres.

Seen “Around The Ring” at the Jersey City show; Iran “Blade” Barkley. Sitting next him, Mark Medal. You may remember him. Medal was from Jersey City and fought Earl Hargrove (who was 24-0 at the time) and won the IBF Lt. Middleweight title in 1984. He also fought and lost to Tommy Hearns. Medal is now a Jersey City Policeman. He still looked to be in great shape.

More Amateur News: After winning the 2008 National Golden Gloves 132 lb. Championship earlier this month, Mike Perez of Newark, NJ who boxes out of the International School of Boxing was selected to train at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center, in Colorado Springs, CO. Perez was to box this Saturday May 31^st against the Dominican Republic National Team in Chattanooga, TN. In addition to winning the 2008 National Golden Gloves, Perez has won two New Jersey GG’s and two NJ Diamond Gloves (2007 & 2008). He also won the 2003 National Silver Gloves. Perez is trained by Jose Rosario, who won the National GG’s back in 1982.

Rosario currently serves as President of the NJ USA-Boxing LBC (local boxing committee). Trufanboxing wishes Mike Perez continues success at this next level of competition.

Side note: “Relentless” Ronica Jeffrey goes for her second professional win this Friday May 30^th at the Monticello Raceway card in upstate NY. Jeffrey, a three-time NYC GG Champion, and former National (PAL) and Empire State Games Champ was a USA Team member (she competed in the Pan-Am Games) is managed by David Selwyn. You go Girl!

Upcoming NJ Amateur Boxing Shows;

1)      Saturday May 31^st Team Gladiator Gym Forked River, NJ Club Show. 2pm weigh-in, 4pm Showtime.

The complete results of the May 17^th, 2008 Jersey City Battle of the Badges card;

1)      Cristino Feliz JCPD dec. Louie Lopez NYPD 178 lb. Novice

2)      Mike Izzo FDNY dec. Ramon Aponte JCPD 155 lb. Novice

3)      Steve Camarda FDNY RSC Julio Ortiz JCFD 201 lb. Novice

4)      Mike Russo NYPD dec. Joseph French JCFD 178 lb. Novice

5)      Felipe Irazarry FDNY dec. Joseph Cossollini JCPD 152 lb Novice

6)      Benny Torres JCFD dec. Jose Quinones NYPD 165 lb. Novice

7)      Tyrone Classen Hoboken FC RSC Rodney Quinones NYPD 165 lb Novice

8)      Jerry Healy JCFD RSC Tom Miskrando NYPD 201 lb. Novice

BB

“Around The Ring”

NJ/NY Amateur Boxers Make National GG’s Finals

By Bobby Breen

            5/10/08. The National Golden Gloves Championships took place this week in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thirty teams from thirty cities across the U.S. competed in one of the most prestigious tournaments for one of the most coveted amateur boxing titles, National Golden Gloves Champion.

            NY Metro LBC and NJ LBC (local boxing committee) each sent a team of boxers to compete for a national GG’s title. All open division boxers who win the Golden Gloves in their respective city earn a trip to compete in the Nationals. It is the foremost breeding ground for the future Olympians and Professional boxers in our country.

            Making it to the Finals this year from NJ; Mike Perez 132 lb. Open boxer from the International School of Boxing in Irvington, NJ and Dennis Doughlin 165 lb. Open boxer from New Breed Boxing Club in Morganville, NJ. From NY Metro making the finals; Steve Martinez 152 lb. Open boxer from NYC PAL and Tor Hammer 201+ Super Heavyweight lb. Open division of Gleason’s Gym.

            The finals take place Saturday evening May 10^th. Last year the semi-finals and finals were broadcast about one week later on CN-8, a cable television network out of Philadelphia, PA. CN-8 is viewable in many parts of NJ.

            On another note, Sadam Ali 132 lb. 2008 Olympian from Brooklyn, NY (Carnarsie) boxed last night in Bridgeport, CT. The competition was an international meet between USA, Brazil, and China. Ali lost by decision 17-12 to Everton Lopes, an Olympian from Brazil. Sadam Ali, a two-time NY and National Golden Gloves champion, will compete this summer in the Olympic Games in Beijing, China. He is the first boxing Olympian since 1988 when Riddick Bowe made the Olympic team and competed in Seoul, South Korea. Mark Breland was on the 1984 Olympic boxing team that competed in Los Angeles, CA. Ali, Bowe, and Breland all hail from Brooklyn, NY.

The list of boxers from NJ & NY who competed in the 2008 National Golden Gloves May 5-10;

1)      Tyshawn Jones 106 lb. Open Newark, NJ lost in preliminary

2)      Raul Lopez 112 lb. Open Bronx PAL, NY Metro lost in quarterfinals

3)      Brian Paiz 119 lb. Open Bayonne PAL, NJ lost in preliminary

4)      Shavez Peters 119 lb. Open Gleason’s Gym NY Metro lost in preliminary

5)      Ricky Edwards 125 lb. Open NJ lost in preliminary

6)      Emmanuel Gonzalez 125 lb. Open Betances BC, Bronx, NY lost in semi-finals

7)      Mike Perez 132 lb. Open Irvington, NJ won 4 bouts made the finals

8)      Shemuel Pagan 132 lb. Open Mendez BC NY Metro won 1 lost in preliminary

9)      Dustin Fleischer 141 lb. Open Gladiator Gym, NJ lost in preliminary

10) Mike Brooks 141 lb. Open Freeport PAL, NY Metro won 1 lost in preliminary

11) David Roman 152 lb. Open Passaic PAL NJ won 1 lost in preliminary

12) Steve Martinez 152 lb. Open NYC PAL. NY Metro won 4 bouts made the finals

13) Philip J. Benson 165 lb. Open Gleasons’s Gym NY Metro won 2 bouts lost in quarterfinals

14) Dennis Doughlin 165 lb. Open New Breed BC, Morganville, NJ won 4 bouts made finals

15) Lisandro Tupete 178 lb. Open NJ lost in preliminary

16) William Rosinsky 178 lb. Open Starrett City NY Metro won 2 bouts lost in quarterfinals

17) Tyrell Wright 201 Hvy. Open NJ won 2 bouts lost in quarterfinals

18) Junior Gellin 201+S/Hvy. Open 1^st Class BC NJ won 1 lost in preliminary

19) Tor Hammer 201 + S/Hvy. Open Gleason’s Gym NY Metro won 4 bouts makes finals

“Around The Ring”

USA vs. Puerto Rico World Duel Results

NYC’s Sadam Ali Wins

By Bobby Breen

4/29/08. USA-Boxing had an International World Duel night of competition at Temple University’s Liacouras Athletic Center in Philadelphia, PA. on Saturday April 26^th. Broadcast live on Philadelphia channel CN8, the show had eleven bouts with several 2008 Olympians competing.

            Brooklyn’s own Sadam Ali, a 132 lb. 2008 Olympic Boxing team member won by decision in his bout over Puerto Rico’s Reynaldo Ojeda. Ali looked sharp and crisp boxing well on the out and inside. Ali demonstrated just a bit more speed over the dead game Ojeda. With a home town crowd who traveled down from Brooklyn to cheer him on, Ali pleased the crowd and his Olympic Team coaches with a very clear and convincing performance as he conducts his final preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China this coming August. Ali is the first NY Boxing Olympian since Riddick Bowe ’88 and Mark Breland ’84.

            Fellow 2008 Olympians, Luis Yanez 106 lbs., Warren Rashee 112 lbs., and Javier Molina 141 lbs. all won their respective bouts in fine fashion. Yanez and Rashee both stopped their Puerto Rican counter parts with an RSC/OS (referee stops contests/out-scored). With the Olympic computerized scoring system, when one boxer gains a 20 point lead the bout is automatically stopped, except in the last round. The boxers box four rounds two minute each.

            Puerto Rico’s 2008 Olympian Carlos Negron looked impressive stopping Siju Shabazz of USA in their 178 lb. bout. Negron, at six foot six, is not only tall lean and muscular, he was relentless ending the bout with an RSC/OS by convincing margin. Shabazz an Olympic Trials semi-finalists and a 2007 National GG champion and who is currently ranked #4 is no easy opponent. Negro just had a great night. Look for him this Summer in Beijing, China representing Puerto Rico at the Summer Olympic Games.

            USA won nine of the eleven bouts but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Puerto Rico earned two wins, Negron’s in the 178 lb. division and Jonathon Gonzalez over Bruno Escalante in the 112lbs. division. David Clark of USA and Hector Marrero of PR put on a great show in their 119 lb. bout bringing the crowd to its feet. Clark won by decision but Marrero was in the bout until the last round when Clark put him down on the canvas for a standing eight count, then came right back with a right hand that snapped Marrero’s head back.

That must have been what pulled it out for Clark in a very close bout. When the decision was announced, a predominantly Puerto Rico favored crowd booed.

            What was impressive in both teams is the level of conditioning all the boxers had. One could tell these athletes train full time. I attend amateur boxing events all the time, but the Olympic caliber level is really a league apart from what I usually observe, and I get to see some of the best amateur boxers from all over the country. The USA Olympic Boxing team is coached by Willy Price and Robert Martin. They were assisted by 2004 Olympic coach Anthony Bradley and Mike Stafford.

            The level of officiating was superb as well. Sharing referee duties were, Emanuel Valentin (Puerto Rico) and Angel Villareal (USA). Also officiating was Gerardo Montero (Dominican Republic). There were other officials from USA-Boxing, as well as the Local Boxing Committee officials from the Mid-Atlantic Association of USA-Boxing. Mr. George Hill Chief of Officials of Philadelphia, and referee David Braslow were seen at ringside.

The complete results of the USA vs. Puerto Rico World Duel meet April 26, 2008;

1)      Luis Yanez USA RSC/OS Bryan Aquino PR 106 lbs.

2)      Jonathon Gonzalez PR dec. Bruno Escalante USA 112 lbs.

3)      Warren Rashee USA RSC/OS Carlos Ortiz PR 112 lbs.

4)      David Clark USA dec. Hector Marrero PR 119 lbs.

5)      Robert Rodriguez USA dec. Jorge Maysonet PR 125 lbs.

6)      Sadam Ali USA dec. Rey Ojeda PR 132 lbs.

7)      Javier Molina USA RSC/OS Luis Gonzalez PR 141 lbs.

8)      Javontae Starks USA dec. Ricardo Reyes PR 152 lbs.

9)      Luis Arias USA Ret. Enrique Collazzo PR 165 lbs.

10) Carlos Negron PR RSC/OS Siju Shabazz USA 178 lbs.

11) Kimdo Bethel USA dec. Juan Jacob PR 201+ lbs S/Hvy.

Iron Will At MSG Golden Gloves

by David Pambianchi

On April 18, 2008, Night Two of the 81^st Annual Daily News Golden Gloves Finals, an anxious crowd packed the WAMU Theatre. A massive image of Iron Man against Madison Square Garden’s facade foreshadowed tonight’s event. Every fighter fought with Iron Will resolve.

From the onset of the 145 pound women’s bout, Ebonny Fowler fought hard against a quick and accurate punching Dariana Casado who won the decision. Later, Heavyweights Sonya Lamonakis and Shayna Hargraves of Gleason’s Gym slugged it out with Sonya using that left hook to Shayna’s head enough times to secure the win.

Amanda Walsh fought Yuku Yamamotto (110 pounds), with both fighters tossing defense to the wind, trading and racking up points that resulted in a definitive fourth round and overall victory for Amanda. Soon after, Jody-Ann Weller spend most of her fight locked up close to Amanda Serrano (125 pound), trading body uppercuts. Whenever Serrano got a little space, she popped most of her left and right hits in for the win.

A nonstop slug fest between Ruth O’Sullivan and Laura Ramirez (106 pound), resulted in a win for Ramirez. While an aggressive Ramirez sent a barrage of left and right roundhouses toward O’Sullivan, they were no match for Ruth’s right handed uppercut replies. Both fighters had soul, but there seemed to be the counting of punches that did not land.

                            132lb Champ Amando Serrano after win . . .

The bout between Chinazo Rena Anakwe and Kathleen Walsh (138 pound), told it all. These boxers traded punches in an incredible match of blood, sweat and heart with Chinazo taking the decision.

Other Results:
Allen Littlejohn over Anthony Caramanno (112)
Walter Velazquez defeated Marlon Baird II (152)
Anthony Karperis beat Marlon Charlton (132) (with good hard combinations from both)
Will Rosinsky jammed up and maintained control to defeat Peter Lawson (178)
Joseph Livingstone took a close one over Mike Brooks (141)
Ngoli Okafor over Jerry Gaspard (201) in a hard hitting match up
Tor Hamer over Adam Kownacki in a close one (201+) amid an end of night wild crowd of U.S.A. and Poland chants

David

Around The Ring”

NJ Golden Gloves Battle On

By Bobby Breen

                04/02/2008. The NJ Golden Gloves continue to pound away to the finals and championships for our young boxers vying for the golden crown. The tournament completed its fifth week and the semifinals are in full swing with shows scheduled for the first three Fridays in April.

Thursday night March 27^th a card was held at JFK High School in Paterson, NJ, the “Silk City” where so many boxing personalities hailed from. Lou Costello (of Abbott and Costello) and the boxing club that bares his name, Ruben “Hurricane” Carter, Lou Duva, Kendall Holt, and former IBF Featherweight Champ Frank Toledo Jr., all hail from Paterson.

Dustin Fleischer of Gladiator Gym decisioned Anthony Bryant from Joe Grier BC in a 141 lb. Open bout. Fleischer was the quicker more skillful boxer putting on a great exhibition of speed and style. His efforts earned him “Boxer of the Night” honors. Bryant tried as he may and showing decent moments himself, could not stick with the better boxer Fleischer this night. Adrian Marte of Ike’s & Randy’s Gym defeated Charles Dixon from Gladiators Gym by decision in a 152 lb. Sub-novice match. Marte boxed well on the inside and had to go the distance. The winner of this bout had to also box the next night on the Westfield High School card to make it to the Semi-finals. Marte again was a winner the second night in a row. The card was televised by Cablevision to be shown at a later date.

The complete results of the March 27^th card at JFK H.S. Paterson, NJ;

1)      Pedro Rodriguez Passaic PAL dec. Corey Beckett Lou Costello BC 141 lb. S/Novice

2)      Mike Perez Intl’ School BC dec. Alberto Manukin Union City BC 132 lb. Open

3)      Adrian Marte Ike’s & Randy’s Gym dec. Charles Dixon Gladiators Gym 152 lb. S/Novice

4)      Mike Hilton Goss&Goss BC dec. Alberto Miguero Unattached 201+ lb. Sub-Novice

5)      Courtney Knight Renegade BC RSC Karim Aki Gladiator Gym 165 lb. Sub-Novice

6)      Dustin Fleischer Gladiator Gym dec. Anthony Bryant Joe Grier BC 141 lb. Open

7)      Glen Tapia Passaic PAL dec. Juan Rodriguez Union City BC 152 lb. Open

The second consecutive night of NJ Golden Gloves action took place at Westfield High School in Westfield, NJ. This night had eleven bouts with the winners going to the Semi-finals. Adrian Marte, who had to box the night before ended his bout quickly at 1:37 of round two. Going up against unattached Dennis McGill, Marte used a steady body attack to score and hurt his opponent calling for a mandatory eight count by the referee. A second eight-count was given with the referee stopping the contest (RSC) giving Marte another win. Marte from Ike & Randys’ Gym moves onto the semifinal round in his 152 lb. Sub-novice class.

Tyrone Lucky of Middletown PAL earned an RSC in his bout at 1:59 of round 3. Lucky boxing in the 141 lb. Open class stopped Don Bernard of Passaic PAL. Lucky looked impressive enough in his efforts to be selected as “Boxer of the Night” by the ringside officials. David Roman of Passaic PAL looked like his old self again boxing beautifully against Abbad Townsend from Dew Drop BC in their 152 lb. Open match-up. Roman, last year nationally ranked in the top ten ripped Townsend repeatedly to the body with quick combinations. Roman was relentless throughout the bout and really looked at the top of his game. The tournament moves into Semifinal round action with the weight classes shaping up to be some major battles for those amateur boxers going for the gold. NJ Golden Gloves action continues this Friday April 4^th at the Marriott Hotel Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ. Bouts begin at 8pm. The following shows are April 11^th at Linden High School and April 18^th at Dunn Sports Center Elizabeth High School. For more info contact Dan Shannon at (908) 380-0829.

The complete results of the March 28^th card at Westfield H.S. Westfield, NJ:

1)      Adrian Marte Ike’s & Randy’s Gym RSC Dennis McGill Unattached 152 lb. Sub-Novice

2)      Gary Mitzner Unattached dec. Chris Libel Union City BC 178 lb. Sub-Novice

3)      Sean Daniels IBN Ali BC RSC Greg Quarentello Howell PAL 178 lb. Novice

4)      Esweldo Disla Intl’ School BC dec. John Bowden El Coqui BC 201 lb. Sub-Novice

5)      Donald Roberts Goss&Goss BC dec. Mike Gizzi Final Rnd. BC 132 lb. Novice

6)      Juan Nina Elite BC dec. Don Brennan Brick PAL 152 lb. Novice

7)      Junior Gelin First Class BC dec. German Cambero 201+ lb. Novice

8)      Deroy Beaton Team Gladiator dec. Dean Spadaveccia Team BC 141 lb. Sub-Novice

9)      Tyrone Lucky Middletown PAL RSC Don Bernard Passaic PAL 141 lb. Open

10)   Lisandro Tupete Joe Grier BC dec. IBN Akbar Richardson Gladiators Gym 178 lb. Open

11)   David Roman Passaic PAL dec. Abbad Townsend Dew Drop BC 152 lb. Open

Note: A check with Henry Hascup, President of the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame, who provided me with the following boxers who hailed from Paterson, NJ. Austin Gibbons, Jimmy Nina Gorman, Tommy Tuohey, Tommy Elm, Paul Cavaliere, Frankie Bauman, Al Diamond, Carl Duva (Lou's older brother), Jackie Shupack, Joey Haddad, Johnny Juliano (Lou Costello was his manager), Roy Lazer, Willie Herman, Al Capone, Benny "Lope" Berman, Georgie Carlo, Don McAteer, Tony Alongi, Vince Martinez, Joe Blackwood, Pat Comiskey are the ones that I can come up with. Some of these go back to the 1890's, such as Gibbons and Gorman.

“Around The Ring”

NJ Amateur Boxing March Madness

Bobby Breen

3/21/2008. The NJ amateur boxing scene is quite busy these days. The NJ Golden Gloves kicked off March 7^th in Eatontown, NJ. The NJ Golden Gloves run thru April 18^th with the next show to be held on Thursday March 27^th at JFK High School in Paterson, NJ. The tournament rivals the NY Daily News Golden Gloves with all open class boxers who win their respective GG tournament earning a trip to the National Golden Gloves Championships to be held this year in Grand Rapids, MI., the week of May 5^th – 10^th.

Last Friday night the third New Jersey Golden Gloves show was held at Plainfield H.S. Ten bouts headlined the card. Lance Goodall from Bergen PAL earned “Boxer of the Night” honors for decisioning Bryant Dimetro of Bayonne PAL in their 152 lb. Sub-novice bout. Also honored on this evening was Mary Glover, First Lady of NJ Amateur Boxing. Glover has served as an amateur boxing official since 2003, and is the only Female amateur referee in NJ USA-Boxing. The City of Plainfield, NJ honored Glover along with Albert “Steel” Mills, another Plainfield resident, who boxed professionally as well as an amateur and continues to coach the city’s youth in the “Sweet Science”.

New Jersey Golden Gloves Schedule: March 27^th JFK High School Paterson, NJ 8pm March 28^th Westfield High School Westfield, NJ 8pm

April 4^th Marriott Hotel Whippany, NJ 8pm

April 11^th Linden High School Linden, NJ 8pm

April 18^th Dunn Sports Center Elizabeth, NJ 8pm

More Info contact Dan Shannon (908) 558-2031

Saturday March 15^th an amateur card was held in North Bergen, NJ. Hosted by Dover Boxing Club of Dover, NJ and headed by Ed Leahy, the card featured amateur boxers from NJ going up against a team from Montreal, Canada. Please note highlights below.

NY Daily News Golden Gloves – The premier tournament of tournaments completed its tenth week of competition with a show on March 20^th at the Hempstead Rec. Center in Hempstead, L.I., NY. Boxer’s in the female divisions of 165 lb. 132 lb. and 106 lb. divisions competed. Ruth O’Sullivan of Gleason’s Gym won by decision over Nicole Dean from Team Free Form in a 106 lb. Female bout. O’Sullivan boxed well enough to earn the PC Richards “Boxer of the Night’ honors. O’Sullivan, a two-time NY GG Champion earned a trip to MSG and the finals for a another time. Additionally, one 119 lb. Novice and two 141 lb. Open class bouts were on the card.

In the 141 lb. Open class Livingstone Joseph from Harlem PAL stopped Orland Ortiz of Morris Park BC at 1:26 of round three by a vicious body shot that dropped Ortiz solid. Joseph originally from St. Croix, V.I., looked impressive as he heads to the Finals at the WAMU Theater at MSG. Joseph will face off against a strong Mike Brooks of Freeport PAL, who won his 141 lb. Open bout over a very game and competitive Chris Ventura from Yonkers YMCA. Ventura actually was in the bout the entire time, boxing extremely well in the first two rounds. Brooks came on as the bout progressed, being the active aggressor and landing more effectively, certainly persuading the judges so. The crowd thought otherwise judged by the boos from the crowd when the decision was announced. Frank Garriga from Morris Park BC won by decision over Jose Badillo of Team One BC in their 119 lb. Novice matchup. Garriga goes on to the Golden Finals round as a result. The NY Daily News Golden Gloves has one more week of Semi-finals action with shows scheduled next week for; March 25^th Lindenhurst H.S. Lindenhurst, NY 7:30pm

March 26^th Poly Prep School Brooklyn, NY 7:30pm

March 27^thMsr. Farrell H.S. Staten Island, NY 7:30pm

March 28^th Aviator Sports Complex Floyd Bennett Field Brooklyn, NY 7:30pm

Finals - April 17^th & 18^th WAMU Theater Madison Square Garden, NYC

NJ USA vs. Canada Saturday March 15^th – Canada brought a team of amateur boxers to NJ last weekend for a night of International competition. The card, held at Schuetzan Park in North Bergen, NJ featured a six bout preliminary Junior Olympian card followed by twelve bouts between boxers from NJ against Canada. Eighteen bouts in all and well worth the ticket. At the end of the evening each country had six wins apiece. The competition is always fierce between countries, as home town country pride is at stake. Any team traveling that distance to compete usually brings their best. Canada was no exception. The NJ USA team knocked off four straight wins in the first four bouts. Looked like a tough evening was ahead for the Canadians. Then David Gautier won by decision over Victor Montero-Cruz in a 130 lb. Open bout, giving team Canada a “W”. Gautier was chosen as “Boxer of the Night”. Patrick Farrell of Jersey City, NJ stopped Alec Bilodean from Canada at 1:12 in round one of their 201 lb. Heavyweight Novice matchup. Farrell just overpowered the Canadian with multiple punches, dropping him twice along the way. Sebastien Bouchand out boxed David Roman in a 152 lb. Open bout. Quite a feat for Bouchand as Roman was ranked in the top ten nationally last year. This indicates that the Canadian team had some very good boxers. Steve Harvey of Canada won in his 201 lb. Heavyweight Open bout. Harvey faced off against Audeliz Rivera of NJ and earned “Most Courageous Boxer” of the night after an excellent showing of boxing skills.

The complete results from Saturday March 15^th NJ- USA vs. Canada:

1) George Borges Elite BC NJ dec. Tommy Cote Canada 130 lb. J.O.

2) Juan Rodriguez NJ USA dec. David St. Pierre Canada 141 lb. Open

3) Andrew Bentley NJ USA dec. Chris Plaitis Canada 125 lb. Open

4) Mike Perez NJ USA dec. Dave Reginbald Canada 130 lb. Open

5) David Gauthier Canada dec. Victor Montero-Cruz N. Bruns, NJ 130 lb. Open

6) Patrick Farrell NJ USA RSC Alec Bilodean Canada 201 lb. Novice

7) Sebastien Bouchand Canada dec. David Roman NJ USA 152 lb. Open

8) Antwon Aikens NJ USA dec. Vincenzo Crispo Canada 152 lb. Open

9) Mian Imtiaz Hussain Canada dec. Anthony Gangemi NJ USA 152 lb. Open

10) Schiller Hyppolite Canada RSC Dishan Johnson NJ USA 165 lb. Open

11) Steven Harvey Canada dec. Audeliz Rivera NJ USA 201 lb. Open

12) Dannay Perez Canada dec. IBN. Akbar Richardson 178 lb. Open

“Around The Ring”

NY-NJ Amateur Boxing Scene Busy

By Bobby Breen

2/19/2008. The amateur boxing scene in NY/NJ is busy this time of year. The NY Daily News Golden Gloves enters into its fifth week of a total of eleven. Last week I was able to attend two shows in NY at the greatest amateur boxing tournament in the country, and perhaps the world. Wednesday Feb. 13^th the show at Petrides HS on Staten Island had a large crowd, upwards of several hundred, maybe even a thousand on hand. Only problem was, there were very few bouts. Fifteen boxers did not show up this night, very unusual for this well respected and run tournament. Hence, those fifteen boxers are out of the tournament. Six bouts were matched and with one winding up as a walk over, only five bouts went off. The first two were in the 132 lb. novice division. The other three were in the 201 Heavyweight and 201+ Super-Heavyweight divisions. The crowd didn’t seem to mind. Entertainment was still in the air as several former NY GG Champ’s were on hand as well as several former and one World Champion. Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Renaldo Snipes, Michael Moorer, Iran Barkley, Paulie Malignaggi, Brian Adams (who coordinates the Golden Gloves for the Daily News) and Johnny Davis, all got into the ring to be recognized. Teddy Atlas’s Foundation put on the show and had a host of celebrities in attendance in addition to those already listed. Lou Duva, Max Kellerman, Bob Papa, Jets Eric Mangini, former Met John Franco, the West Point Boxing Team with Coach Ray Barone also were invited into the ring. This was a nice night out for the boxing fans to enjoy.

The night got started with Jonathon Hernandez of Schwartz PAL in Brooklyn, NY earning a decision over Cesar Francis from Starrett City BC. This contest was in the 132 lb. novice class as was the second bout. Grashine Yancy of Park Hill BC in Staten Island earned a decision over Andres Cerpa of Trinity BC. For Yancy, winning on home turf is special. Nothing like the home town crowd behind you. The next three bouts were the big boys. Dushane Crooks defeated Thomas Kaliszuk of Rhino BC in a 201 lbs. novice bout. Crooks of Starrett City BC looked impressive landing with uppercuts and the stronger punches, not only winning the bout, but also capturing “Fighter of the Night” honors. Another 201 lbs. novice bout had David Sparks of Starrett City BC going up against Elvin Vargas of Church St. BC. This was a competitive bout with Sparks doing the boxing and Vargas trying to get on the inside to do some punching. Sparks landed enough to convince the crowd he was the winner, but not the judges, as Vargas was declared the winner after Sparks was originally announced as the winner. Nothing like confusing the crowd who seemed to be pro-Sparks.

Sparks did box well, but the aggressive style of Vargas won over the judges, and they boxing fans are who count when it comes to the scorecards. The last bout of the evening had Ramadan Abdul-Mateen of Hempstead PAL winning by RSC (referee stops contest) over Adam Helmsley who boxed unattached. Helmsley covered up too much and as a passive boxer, the referee had no choice but to stop the slaughter. This was a 201+ Superheavyweight bout and both boxers looked super-heavy. Both were over the 225 mark. Yeygenly Tsyguley a 201+ boxer of Brighton BC won by walkover and advances in the gloves.

Friday night Feb. 15^th the NY Golden Gloves moved to Yonkers, NY at the old National Guard Amory, now home of the Yonkers PAL. Ten bouts headlined the card for a full night of Friday Night At the Fights, Golden Gloves style. Now here was a good card. Some of the bouts were really great. One in particular had Anthony Fiore, who was listed as Unattached, but had corner men from Newburgh PAL, going up against Matthias Reischi of D’Awesome BC. This bout was in the 201+ novice class. The power is evident in the bigger stronger boxers, but Fiore unleashed a left hook on Reischi that dropped the boxer down pretty hard. Reischi, much to his credit and condition beat the eight count, and continued, only to get nailed with a devastating right cross. This time the taller Reischi went down like a towering timber. Wow, what a knockout, as a loud hush silence filled the armory arena. Reischi was out cold for over two minutes, which in amateur boxing rules translates into a 180 days medical restriction. No boxing, no sparring, no competing. It took EMT’S and Ringside Physicians several minutes to revive Reischi and get him stable, then moved onto a stretcher and brought to a local hospital for proper observation. As much as a KO is the king in boxing, as a home run is to baseball, the slam-dunk to basketball, it is mind shattering to see someone knocked out unconscious for a few minutes of their life. Boxing resumed, life went on, and the show continued. Five of the ten bouts were stoppages this night. The amateur referee’s did a great job, monitoring and assessing the boxer’s condition and stopping the bouts before someone got injured.

Saturday Feb. 16^th Seaside Heights, NJ had the first amateur card in NJ for the 2008 year. Put on by Darren “Checkmate” Maciunski, who as a middleweight had wins over Meldrick Taylor and Buddy McGirt, the card was held right on the Boardwalk and Dupont Ave. at the Original Steakhouse. Fifteen bouts, yes 15 bouts folks, Jersey doesn’t play. A full card with some great bouts as NJ gets ready for their own NJ Golden Gloves which commence Feb. 29^th at the Eatontown Sheraton Hotel in Eatontown, NJ. The full results are listed below;

1) Salvatore Monaco J.Harris BC dec. Donald Swider So.River BC 70 lb. JO

2) Damien Brown Elite BC dec. C. Spinosa Checkmate BC 160 lb. Open

3) Mahmoud Hafiz Elite BC dec. Joseph Rulli Checkmate BC 130 lb. JO

4) Chris Murphy Dover BC dec. Antoine Akens Pleasantville BC 165 lb. Open

5) Sean Boyle So. River BC RSC Danis Monaco Dover BC 75 lb. JO

6) Edward Ventura So. River BC dec. Ibo Szalsrowski Checkmate BC 135 lb. JO

7) DeCarlo Perez Pleasantville BC dec. Anthony Gangemi Dover BC 152 lb. Novice

8) Joseph Griffin Howell PAL dec. Bryant Romero Bayonne PAL 152 lb. Novice

9) Peter Deyonker Checkmate BC dec. Elizer Pagan So. River BC 152 lb. Novice

10) Michael Nesci Middletown PAL dec. Paolo Francisco Final Rnd. BC 152 lb. Novice

11) Joseph Donovan Middletown PAL Ret. Dante Rossetelli Final Rnd. BC 165 lb. Novice

12) Justin Fleisher Gladiator BC dec. Ryan Mickendrow Dover BC 152 lb. Open

13) Robert Russo Checkmate BC dec. Christopher Rodriguez Final Rnd. BC 178 lb. Novice

14) Robert Beplinski Checkmate BC dec. Edwin Arriaga So. River BC 165 lb. Novice

15) Jason Wilson Middletown PAL dec. Matthew McKinley Checkmate BC 178 lb. Novice

Other Events: Congratulations go out to three boxers from the NY/NJ who recently brought home National Silver Gloves Championships after competing in Independence, MO. the week of Jan. 30^th to Feb. 2^nd, 2008. Cristino Ceballos 125 lb. from Brooklyn, NY won a title in the 12/13 years old bracket. Ceballos is trained by Robert Pagan, father of Shemuel Pagan who is competing this year in the NY Golden Gloves at 132 lbs. Open Division. Trent Tedesco 147 lbs. of Nutley, NJ won a title in the 12/13 years old bracket. Also bringing home a National Silver Gloves title to New Jersey was, Isiah Casitanon of Hackensack, NJ who competed in the 156 lbs. 14/15 years old division. Both Casitanon and Tedesco are trained by Alex Devia. Making it to the finals were; Julian Rodriguez of NJ, Christian Bermudez of NY. Tremaine Williams 100 lbs. of New Haven, CT., won a title in the 14/15 years old division and also came home with “Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament”. Williams boxed beautifully, winning one bout by RSC (referee stops contest) and two others by decision. Williams’s boxes out of the Ring One BC in New Haven, CT. Don Simpkins of Rochester, NY was honored and inducted into the National Silver Gloves Hall of Fame for his years of sevice. Simpkins serves as Regional Coordinator for the Silver Gloves. Region One covers New York and New Jersey, as well as New England. Feb. 29^th a pro card will be held at the Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark, NJ. Jerome Ellis headlines against Josh Oyango in a 152 lb. matchup for 8 rounds. Akima Stocks, former nationally ranked Women’s amateur makes her pro-debut. Gold Ringside $75, Reserved Ringside $50, General Admission $25. For info call (973) 364-0500. Doors open 7pm, first bout 7:30pm. C.O.M.B.A.T.T a Newark, NJ based amateur boxing program will hold their 6^th annual awards dinner fund raiser, Tuesday March 25^th at 5:30 pm at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ. Tommy Hearns, Michael Spinks, are some of the celebrities scheduled to attend. For tickets and information contact (973) 824-4900. See you “around the ring”. BB

"Around The Ring”

National Silver Gloves Semifinals Update

By Bobby Breen

2/1/08. The National Silver Gloves Semi-finals concluded today with over seventy bouts conducted narrowing the field for Saturday’s Championship Finals. Several NY/NJ area boxers competed and won advancing to the finals. This is a premier tournament testing the skills and abilities of young boxer athletes. It is the Silver Gloves that breed tomorrow’s champions in the Junior Olympics, National Golden Gloves and US Championships. The top of these major tournaments are the boxers who win at national and international levels, some of the many but only few chosen to represent the USA in the Olympics as this year’s 2008 boxing team will do during this coming summer in Beijing, China. Heard “around the ring”…there’s no tomorrow…there’s only today!

There is no talk here about the Super Bowl. No other subjects here but boxing in its purest living form. Young athletes who train and live to compete in the ring, representing their boxing clubs, their home states, or USA-Boxing Region, neighborhoods and communities. Coaches, trainers, parents, it is quite a sight to see such dedication and determination that makes this tournament and others like it work to help these young athletes perform, and learn about boxing, competing, themselves, and in general learn about life thru sport. Additionally, the USA-Boxing Officials, National Silver Gloves representatives, and Ringside Boxing Equipment, all make this happen. It is amazing to see boxing clubs come from all over this country, by car and plane, some traveling long distances, often on broken shoe-string budgets, so their boxers can compete, win, and earn the title “2008 National Silver Gloves Champion”.

Julian Rodriguez made it to the finals this year in his 90 lbs. 12/13 age class. Rodriguez boxed very well using side-to-side and counter movements to out box Manuel Robles of Region 8. Rodriguez lost in the finals last year and hopes to bring a title back to NJ this time. Pedro Sosa of the Bronx, NY who won the National Silver Gloves last year, lost this time in the semi-finals to Zeddie Adams of Cleveland, OH. Adams must be some boxer because Sosa is one of the best in the nation. Hoshwan Sambolin of Rochester, NY won by a very close margin to make it to the championship round. The team from Rochester, NY under Coach Jiles has 3 boxers in the finals. Trent Tedesco had a good bout winning by decision over Kewin King from Region 2. Tedesco looked strong in his efforts and will face off against Milton Williams from Cheletan, MD Region 3. Toka Rahn boxed very well and appeared to do enough to win but the judges thought otherwise awarding Brian Nichols the decision in their 132 lb. 14/15/ yrs. old bout.

Region 1 results from the 2/1/08 afternoon session;

James Johnson, Jr. R5 dec. Deshawn Cleaves NJ 65 lbs. 10/11 yrs. old

Ernesto Delgadillo R6 dec. Carlen Wright R1 85 lbs. 12/13 yrs. old

Trent Tedesco NJ dec. Kewin King R2 147 lbs. 12/13 yrs. old Tedesco in finals!

Daquan Arnett R3 dec. Ramiel Shelton R1 165 lbs. 14/15 yrs. old

Georgie Nacerio CT. dec. Jamontay Clark R2 100 lbs. 12/13 yrs. old Nacerio in finals!

Eric Flores R8 dec. Shakur Jackson NJ 147 lbs. 14/15/ yrs. old

Adams Zeddie R2 dec. Pedro Sosa Bronx, NY 139 lbs. 14/15 yrs. old

Trewaine Williams CT. dec. Jordan Deieon R5 100 lbs. 14/14/yrs. Old Williams in finals!

Christian Bermudez Brooklyn, NY dec. Alex Barrientos R2 70 lbs. 10/11 yrs. old Bermudez in finals!

Edwin Espinal Providence, RI dec. Kevin Kelly R2 156 lbs. 14/15 yrs. old Espinal in finals!

Rahim Gonzales R8 dec. Yanil Osorio R1 90 lbs. 10/11 yrs. old

Brian Nichols R6 dec. Toka Rahn Providence, RI 132 lbs. 14/15/ yrs. old

Region 1 results from the 2/1/08 evening session;

Hoshwin Sambolin R1 dec. Eduardo Alvarez R8 80 lbs. 10/11 yrs. old Sambolin in finals!

Robert Jiles Rochester, NY dec. Quartvorge Peavey R3 85 lbs. 10/11 yrs. old Jiles in finals!

Julian Rodriguez NJ dec. Emmanuel Nieves R8 90 lbs. 12/13 yrs. Old Rodríguez in finals!

Brian Alvarez R8 dec. Junior Younan Brooklyn, NY 132 lbs. 12/13 yrs. old

Jesus Luna R8 dec. Axel Cruz Bronx, NY 75 lbs. 12/13 yrs. old

Cristino Ceballos Brooklyn, NY dec. Max Diaz R8 125 lbs. 12/13 yrs. old Ceballos in finals!

Tyshon Coker Rochester, NY dec. Blake Flores R8 80 lbs. 14/15 yrs. old Coker in finals!

Miguel Cartagena Phil. PA dec. Jessie Noble R1 106 lbs. 14/15 yrs. old

Isaiah Casitanon Hackensack, NJ dec. Ernesto Hernandez R6 156 lbs. 12/13 yrs. old Casitanon in finals!

Marcio Figueroa R3 dec. Malik Gary NJ 178 lbs. 14/15 yrs. old

Gervonta Davis Baltimore, MD dec. D’Andris Hockerson R1 80 lbs. 12/13 yrs. old

Carlos Osorio Syracuse, NY also will box in the finals Saturday 2/2/08 at 120 lbs in the 10/11 yrs. old age class.

There were 260 amateur boxers entered in this year’s National Silver Gloves. With the three (3) age categories, 10&11, 12&13, and 14&15, there are the standard twelve weight classes, plus the 60 lbs. up to 100 lbs. divisions, so there will be 46 Championship bouts in the finals. The boxers and other participants will attend a banquet and awards ceremony at the end of the National Silver Gloves tournament.

“Around The Ring”

National Silver Gloves Kickoff @ Independence MO

By Bobby Breen

2/1/08. The National Silver Gloves Tournament kicked off last night in Independence, MO. Some 300 boxers between the ages of 10-15 yrs. of age will compete over the next two more days for a National Silver Gloves title and national ranking points. With three boxing rings going, each having some 26-28 bouts last night, the ballroom at the Hilton Gardens hotel was busy. The nationals are broken up into eight regions. Region 1 Northeast covers, NJ, NY Metro, Adirondack (upstate NY) Niagara (way upstate NY), CT, New England (including Maine). I’ve been trying to follow the Region 1 boxers from NY & NJ. So far, most have faired well in this very competitive tournament. The National Silver Gloves is the premier tournament for young boxers at this stage of their careers as athletes. The kids have to train hard, win to make it to this level, and fight their hearts out. The coaches, officials, family and friends who support these young athletes deserve some credit. Boxing may be an individual competitive sport but the boxers need a team behind them. We get to see at this level some of the best boxers prior to them moving up to the larger more visible and recognized tournaments as they grow and mature.

Coming up winners in the opening rounds; R= Region #

Deshawn Cleaves NJ dec. Cody Waslager R7 65 lbs. 10-11 yr. old

Pedro Sosa NY dec. Alantz Fox R3 139 lbs. 14-15 yr. Old

Georgie Nacerio CT. dec. Dusty Harrison 100 lbs. 12-13 yr. old

Cymear Prescott Albany, NY dec. Shannon McCray R5 125 lb. 14-15 y/o

Toka Kahn N.E. dec. Anthony Lane R5 125 lbs. 14-15 yr. old

Shakur Jackson NJ dec. Edward Davis R2 147 lbs. 14-15 yr. old

Julian Rodriguez NJ dec. Janeil Foy R5 90 lbs. 12-13 yr. Old

Trewaine Williams CT. RSC-H Nathan Sainz R7 100 lbs. 14-15 yr. old

This is not an inclusive list of all the boxers from NY/NJ. A few boxers drew byes and will box today. One is Cristino Ceballo 125 lb. 13 yr. old from Brooklyn, NY. Ceballo is trained by Shem Pagan father of NY Golden Glove Champion, US Champion and 2008 Olympic finalist Shemuel Pagan. Look for the younger Pagan in this year’s NY GG’s before he turns professional later this year. Marcos Suarez highly regarded and ranked 112 lbs. 15 yr. old from the Bronx, NY lost in his first bout. Word was Suarez struggled to make weight. This is a setback as Suarez has won in many national tournaments and was a favorite here to win again in his weight and age class.

Shakur Jackson won a very close decision in his contest with Edward Davis in a 147 lb. 14-15 yr. old class. I spoke with Jackson this morning at breakfast. The 15 yr. old Jackson trains at Elite BC in Newark, NJ under coach Rob Griffith. Trewaine “Midget” Williams of Ring One BC in CT. looked impressive with a KO at 1:08 in round one over Nathaniel Sainz from Region7. Actually there are no KO’s in amateur boxing; the correct term is RSC, or Referee Stops Contest. In this case it was an RSC-H. RSC Headshot. Sainz receives a 30 day restriction from sparring and competing as a precautionary safety measure. Toka Kahn did well in his bout with Anthony Lane of Region 5. Kahn a southpaw used good movement to land his punches and gain advancement to today’s round of boxing. The crowd was roaring at Ring #1 when Pedro Sosa and Alantz Fox were going at it in a 139 lb. 14-15 yr. old match up. Sosa of the Bronx PAL looked strong with good inside punching that is his trademark. Ring #2 was the scene of a tremendous bout late in the evening between Christopher Picas of Region 8 (California) and Kevin Kelly of Region 2 (Pennsylvania, parts of VA and DE). Picos of East L.A. was stopped with a devastating body shot, a left to the ribs. This was in the final round after it appeared Picos was wining the bout. This was only one example of the exciting and well matched bouts that took place on opening night. Boxing resumes today at 1pm Kansas City time with a day session and at 6pm tonight for another evening session. The Championship rounds take place Saturday February 2^nd at 3pm More updates and results will follow. Until then this is Bobby Breen reporting from the National Silver Gloves and I’ll see you “around the ring”.

“Around The Ring”

Staten Island, NY Amateur Card a Success

By Bobby Breen

1/22/2008. A NY Metro USA-Boxing amateur card was held Saturday night at the Universal Boxing Gym on Staten Island, NY. Eleven bouts in all entertained a lively heavily local crowd, with several boxers from Staten Island competing against each other. Nothing like local titles on the line, even if in the form of bragging rights or titled Staten Island Championships. Some fine boxers performed with teams from New Jersey and Connecticut competing as well as some local NY Metro USA-Boxing clubs. Seen in the corner for the Hamden, CT. team, Gaspar Ortega, a decent professional boxer himself, circa 1950/60’s and father of famed current pro-referee Mike Ortega. The younger Ortega recently refereed the Calzaghe/Kessler Super-Middleweight Championship bout in Wales back in November ’07. The older Ortega, known as “El Indio” campaigned as a welterweight and fought such notables as, Tony Demarco, Kid Gavilan, Emile Griffith, Benny Paret, and Carmine Basilio. With a professional record of 131 wins, 39 loses, 6 draws with 69 wins by KO, I’m sure he had some great advice for the young boxers he trains. It did, as the Hamden Team looked strong and well coached.

Universal Boxing Gym opened in May 2007. They are located at 101 Ellis St. This was their first amateur boxing show. Hopefully more will follow. Owner Rommel Malabanan told me he hopes to do one show a quarter. There was a sad note for the evening. Wachey Hartley, a 20 yr. old boxer from the Park Hill Boxing Club on Staten Island, NY was hit by a car last week and was fatally injured. Hartley was trained by Gary Starks at Park Hill BC for the last four years and was to enter this year’s NY Daily News Golden Gloves. The evenings matches were dedicated in his memory and the boxing tradition of the bell ringing ten-count was conducted by an official ringside. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of Wachey Hartley.

All of the bouts were exciting in their own right, but a couple really stood out. A female bout turned “Girls Gone Wild” as Amanda Serrano battled with Lenore Nieto in a 125 lb. matchup. Serrano of En-V-Us BC got the upper hand after some fair trading by Nieto of Rudy’s Gym. The referee had to stop the contest (RSC) at 1:45 of the second round as Nieto had taken the maximum number eight counts. In USA-Boxing 3 standing eights in a round or 4 standing eights in a bout automatically call for the referee to stop the contest(RSC). Quite a display of physical endurance as both female boxers were very well conditioned. Marcos Suarez of Webster PAL squared off with Luis Rosa from Hamden, CT. in a 115 lb. JO bout. Both of these boxers are nationally ranked. This was a bout of two highly skilled, trained, and coached amateurs going against each other at a young stage in both of their careers. Rosa was awarded the decision of what was a closely scored bout.

Anthony Cusamano of Park Hill BC got a decision over Andy Ramawwa of the PBA Boxing Team in their 112 lb. novice contest. This was the first of four Staten Island rivalry bouts as it was a mainly Staten Island cheering crowd for both corners. Park Hill BC and Universal BC are both on Staten Island. So, a little territory rivalry and bragging rights were at stake. The next bout was the only Super-Hvy + bout as Anthony Negron from Park Hill BC stopped Will Martin of Universal BC at 1:40 of the second round. Both boxers started off well but Negron started to land the heavier leather on Martin causing a couple of standing eight counts. Again the referee was forced to stop the bout with RSC, Referee Stops Contest. This is the equivalent to a TKO in professional boxing. An amateur boxer is not supposed to absorb the punishment as in the pro ranks, hence you see amateur referee’s stopping bouts earlier, much to the disagreement of the crowd, but the safety of the amateur boxer is of the utmost concern.

So, Park Hill BC had two up on the other Staten Island clubs up to this point of the evening but not for long. Tony DeFeo from Universal BC fought a very good bout against Odago Benson of Park Hill BC in a 178 lb. novice bout. This bout looked close to this writer, as both boxers did well enough to make it competitive. DeFeo was awarded the decision. Kenny Robles of Universal BC evened it up with an RSC at 0:40 seconds of the second round over Chad Trabuschio from Park Hill BC in a 132 lb. novice matchup. The bouts, crowd and energy was incredible. In fact, announcer Pat Russo of the NYC PAL and NYPD Boxing Team said after the DeFeo/Benson bout, you could pay $20 for this show or $50 for the HBO Trinidad vs. Jones, Jr. Pay for view, and get a better deal on Staten Island. How right he was!

Also appearing on this card was Marcus Browne a 165 lb. novice boxer from Park Hill BC. Browne faced Charles Foster of Hamden, CT. Folks, if you haven’t seen Marcus Browne box check out this year’s NY Golden Gloves. I was able to witness Browne last summer at the Ringside Tournament in Kansas City, MO. He handled everybody he boxed there with a domination and determination I haven’t seen in an amateur boxer since Mark Breland. Browne is a key prospect in the amateur ranks with all the potential to achieve success at every level of competition. Browne won by decision over Foster fairly easily, but Foster was game, he just did not have the skills to counter Browne. Tyshawn Jones of Elite BC out of Newark, NJ also boxed and won over Hector Torres of Park Hill BC in a 106 lb. JO bout. Jones won the 2007 National Junior Olympian Championship last year as a 90 lb.’er and was ranked #1 in the nation. The new rankings for 2008 are not out yet for J.O.’s. So, there you have it, boxing at its best on Staten Island on a Saturday night. Who needs the Garden and PPV when you have some of the best amateurs and future Champions right in the neighborhood. See you “around the ring”. BB

The complete results from the Jan. 19^th Staten Island amateur show;

1) Julian Sosa Red Hook PAL dec. Axel Cruz Webster PAL 80 lbs. JO

2) Hector Colon Rhode Is. dec. Christian Rodriguez Hempstead, NY 112 JO

3) Armanda Serrano En-V-Us BC RSC Elenore Nieto Rudy’s Gym 125 lbs. F

4) Luis Rosa Hamden, CT. dec. Marcos Suarez Webster PAL 115 lbs. JO

5) Tyshawn Jones Elite BC NJ dec. Hector Torres Hamden, CT 106 lbs. JO

6) Marcus Browne Park Hill BC dec. Charles Foster Hamden, CT 165 lbs Nov.

7) Chris Murphy Dover BC NJ dec. Olsen Naranjo Elmcore BC 165 lbs. Nov

8) Anthony Cusamano Park Hill BC dec. Andy Ramawwa PBA BC 112 lbs. Nov

9) Anthony Negron Park Hill BC RSC Will Martin Universal BC 201+ S/H Nov

10) Kenny Robles Universal BC RSC Chad Trabuschio Park Hill BC 132 lbs. Nov

11) Tony Defeo Universal BC dec. Odago Benson Park Hill BC 178 lbs. Novice

9/27/07. Summer comes to an end and so another season begins in Amateur
Boxing. Although boxing is a year around event, the amateur boxing scene has annual events that make it seasonal. With the past year in amateur boxing and this being an Olympic Trials year it is seasonal that certain amateur
boxing shows/events take place at certain times of the year.. The recent
Olympic Trials in August had Sadam Ali 132 lb. from Brooklyn, NY earn a spot
on the Olympic Boxing Team, something a New York amateur boxer has not
accomplished since Riddick Bowe in the 1988 Seoul, Korea Olympics. Ali is
currently in Colorado Springs, CO. training for the upcoming World
Championships to be held in late October in Chicago, IL. The National PAL
Championships take place starting this weekend, Sept. 30th thru Oct. 6th in
Oxnard, CA.

Locally the amateur boxing scene continues to flourish weekly with shows
all around the NJ/NY area. On Saturday Sept. 15th a show was held in
Brooklyn, NY at Aviator Park on Floyd Bennett Field that showcased NY versus
NJ. Billed as the “Garden Gloves” as it was sponsored and filmed by Madison
Square Garden cable network, to be aired at a later date, the card had 14
bouts in all. Originally this was to be an all “open class” card but bouts
were hard to match and several Junior Olympian (J.O) bouts filled in.
Several of the top prospects in each State had just completed competition in
the Olympic Trials and were unable to compete in this show. Many of the
boxers competing this night all have earned numerous titles, championships
and trophies, at the local, regional, and national levels, in fact is was
difficult to keep track of the multiple championships many of the boxers
held. Most were multi-NY or NJ Golden Gloves, National GG’s, National Silver
Gloves, and National Junior Olympian champions.

The complete results from the Sept. 15th Brooklyn, NY Garden Gloves show;
1) Julian Rodriguez NJ dec. Chris Chavez NY 90 lb. J.O.
2) Ricardo Caraballo NJ dec. Joseph Rodriguez NY 80 lb. J.O.
3) Matthew Gonzalez NY dec. Milton Santiago NJ 85 lb. J.O.
4) Marcos Suarez NY dec. Jesus Gonzalez NJ 110 lb. J.O.
5) John Stanley NY dec. Christian Bermudez NY 70lb. J.O.
6) Axel Cruz, Jr. NY dec. Edgar Berbunza NY 77lb. J.O.
7) Victor Valenzuela NJ dec. Christian Concepcion NY 125 lb. Open
8) Anselmo Perez NJ dec. Vasily Zherenhrenko NY 132 lb. Open
9) Steven Martinez NY dec. Alvin Santiago NJ 155 lb. Open
10) Pablo Velez NJ dec. Mike O’Connor 165 lb. Open
11) Jonathan Jenkins NY dec. Lisandro Tupete NJ 178 lb. Open
12) Elvin Sanchez NJ dec. Paul Royal NY 201Hvy.Nov.
13) Tor Hamer NY dec. Houdini Moore NJ 201+ S-Hvy. Open
14) Mike Brooks NY dec. Mike Concepcion NJ 141 lb. Open
All of the bouts were good in their own right but several stood out as show
stoppers. Marcos Suarez of Webster PAL defeated Jesus Gonzalez of Elizabeth,
NJ Recreation in a 110 lb. JO match up. Both boxers were very competitive
and evenly matched. It was Suarez pulling out the victory over a very game
Gonzalez.

Victor Valenzuela of Passaic PAL, NJ decisioned Christian Concepcion of
Johns’s Gym Bronx, NY in a 125 lb Open contest. Valenzuela seemed to through
off Concepcion with his steady go forward style, keeping Concepcion on the
defensive throughout the bout. It is difficult to win an amateur boxing
match when you are on defense more than offense, being a point driven
scoring system that scores jabs the same as power punches.

Anselmo Perez of NJ did a magnificent job by decisioning Vasily Zherenhrenko of Brighton Beach BC, Brooklyn, NY. Zherenhrenko, the defending NYC GG 132 lb. Novice Champion had difficulty with the body attacks of Perez and his constant pressure. Pablo Velez of Morristown, NJ won a huge decision over Mike O’Connor of Webster PAL Bronx, NY in a 165 lb. Open bout.

These two met in Kansas City, MO at the Ringside World Tournament with O’
Connor coming away in that bout with the “W”. This time it was Velez earning
a decision by a very close margin, strongly contested by the majority NY
crowd.

Mike Brooks from Freeport, LI PAL came up with a big win over Mike
Concepcion of Dukers BC, NJ in a 141 lb. Open bout. Both of these boxers are
tied for the # 9 ranking in the nation on the USA Boxing 2ND Quarter
rankings and put on a great show. These bouts along with the others this
night were of the quality and caliber of amateur boxing at its finest.
A joint team of Officials performed the refereeing, judging, and
timekeeping duties, along with the behind the scenes clerking duties. The
weigh-ins, matchups, physicals, and other administrative duties are all
conducted in the couple of hours prior to each show. Officiating from NY
USA-Boxing Metro, Co-Chief of Officials, Sparkle Lee and Robin Taylor, Eddie
Claudio, Frankie Martinez, Kurt Hoskins, Steve Willis, M.S. Murdaugh and
Dennis Legall. Officials from USA-Boxing NJ LBC #7 included, David Joseph,
Evelyn Perez, Carmen Benitez, Mary Glover, and Jimmy Kinney. NY Metro LBC
President Joe Higgins and NJ LBC President Don Givens coordinated the show between the two Local Boxing Committees. Upcoming Events: The Long Island Boxing Championships, sanctioned by USA Boxing Metro Inc., will be held
September 27th, 28th, and 29th, 2007 at Kennedy Memorial Park 335 Greenwich
St. Hempstead, NY 11550. Contact Mike (917)945-3480. Jersey Joe Walcott
Monument Dedication, Saturday Oct. 6th, 2007 11am at the Jersey Joe Walcott
Park at the corner of Chelton Ave. and Master St., Camden, NJ. Contact Henry
Hascup, President of the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame at (973) 471-2458. Ring #25
of the Veteran Boxers Association will do the unveiling of the monument. NJ
State Athletic Control Board Commissioner Larry Hazzard and many Ex-boxing Champions and Champions are expected to attend. Speaking of Henry Hascup, President of the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame. The NJBHOF Induction and Awards dinner will be held Thursday Nov. 8th, 2007 at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.
Inductees include, Frank Brunette, Guy “The Rock” Casale, Al “Ice” Cole,
Hillaird Jr. Edmonds, Diane Lee Fischer, Melvina Lathan, Albert “Steel”
Mills, Kevin Moley, Charles Murray, and Carl “The Truth” Williams.
Additionally, amateur boxer of the year Jeremy Bryan, amateur Official of
the year Mary Glover, and amateur Coach of the year John Silogy, will be
honored, along with some posthumous awardees. Tickets are $75.00 and can be
purchased from Henry Hascup (973) 471-2458. NJ Diamond Gloves competition kicks off Saturday Oct. 6th, 2007 at 6pm Gladiators Gym in Forked River, NJ. Contact Shawn Darling (609) 513-6359

1) 112 lb. Qa’id Muhammad Atlantic City, NJ RSC-2 J. Franklin Ft. Carson,
CO.
2) 125 lb. Shemuel Pagan Brooklyn, NY dec. 29-21 D. Caferro Helena, MT.

6) 201 lb. Adam Willett Bellport, NY dec. 20-7 D. Carey Anchorage, Alaska

Aug. 21st Afternoon session; Semi-Finals
1) 132 lb. Sadam Ali Brooklyn, NY dec. 23-13 M. Gonzalez Cleveland, OH.

Aug. 21st Evening session; Semi-Finals
1)    112 lb. R. Warren Cincinnati, OH RSC-2 Qa’id Muhammad Atlantic City, NJ
2)    125 lb. R. Williams Cleveland, OH dec. 22-12 Shemuel Pagan Brooklyn, NY
3)    141 lb. J. Molina Commerce, CA dec. 27-20 Jeremy Bryan Clifton, NJ

6) 201 lb. Q. Graves Cutoff, LA. dec. 16-14 Adam Willett Bellport, NY

Aug. 22nd Afternoon session;
1) 132 lb.(W) Sadam Ali Brooklyn, NY dec. 32-23 J. Belmontes C. Christi, TX.

3) 201+(W) M. Hunter Las Vegas, NV dec. 16-6 Kimdo Bethel Albany, NY
Aug. 22nd Evening session:

5) 201 lb.© Adam Willett Bellport, NY dec. 20-5 Anthony Tettis Ridgeway, PA.

The Olympic Boxing Trials are underway this week in Houston, TX. Several area amateur boxers are vying for a spot to compete in Beijing, China in the Summer of 2008. NY USA-Boxing Metro’s former Chief of Officials, David
Lladro is in Houston doing officiating duties. As you can see from the
results listed above our own NY/NJ boxers are doing well. Brooklyn’s Sadam Ali 132 lb. has won all three of his preliminary bouts which places him in the winner’s bracket.
This is a double elimination tournament, which means you have to lose twice
to be out of the running. The preliminary’s establish the Winner’
s/Challenger’s brackets.
What is unclear to me is do the Winner’s face off against the Challenger’s
bracket to determine the finalists? I would guess that may be the way it
works, providing the Challenger’s a second chance to make the team, while
testing the Winner’s bracket finalists in keeping their spot for the 2008
Olympic Boxing Team. We can find out the answer to that question this
weekend when the finals take place. If memory serves me correctly, in the
1964 Tokyo Olympic Boxing Trials, the Heavyweight finalist was Buster
Mathis, but due to injury (I think a broken hand) Joe Frazier, who was the
alternate, filled in and won the gold. So, anything can happen boxing fans.
Let’s analyse for a minute the factors at work in a tournament such as this.
These boxers may have to box 2 and 3 days in a row, and then box again after
a day or two rest. It is difficult enough to train, prepare and box for one
bout, but a tournament is a tough schedule for the boxing athlete.

Imagine boxing some of the top amateur boxers in the country, and barring injury, not to mention being away from home, travelling, keeping mentally prepared, it is a very demanding process. Some of these boxers may not have their
regular trainer/coach with them, so another factor is performing at your
best, against the best competition, without the benefit or your regular
cornermen. These boxers are nothing less than phenominal, believe me!
As I look over the results (researched from the USA-Boxing website) what
stands out to me is the quality of boxing going on. These boxers are all
products of LBC’s (Local Boxing Committee’s) from across the country. In NY, there is the NY USA-Boxing Metro (NYC, and vicinity, Duchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, and Westchester Co.’s). The NJ LBC is almost the entire State of NJ (excluding parts of South Jersey and the Trenton, NJ area which is part of Philidelphia, PA.). Our boxers at the Olympic Boxing Trials are the direct products of these LBC’s which
incorporate all the Boys Clubs, PAL’s, and other community and neighborhood
boxing clubs, with the Trainers and Coaches, who put in such long thankless
hours not only keeping these kids off the streets and teaching them life
skills, but some get to compete at the highest level of competition, the
Olympic Trials and hopefully in the Olympics themselves. These boxers all
come from the Golden Gloves, Silver Gloves, NJ Diamond Gloves, and other
such local/regional tournaments.
As stated, Sadam Ali 132 lb. boxer from Brooklyn, NY looks very well going
into the winners bracket this weekend winning all three of his preliminary
bouts. Ali, the 2007 National GG Champion beat Jerry Belmontes from Corpus Christi, TX who was a finalist at the US Championships. Angel Santos 165 lb. Newark, NJ lost to Fernando Guerrero Salisbury, MD. Guerrero was the 2007 US Champion and is ranked #2 in the country. Angel Concepcion E. Orange, NJ lost his first bout to Chris Downs. Downs was the 2007 US Champion and is ranked #1 in the country. Downs also won a Bronze medal at this year’s Pan-Am Games. Concepcion came back to win his 2nd and 3rd bouts. The third bout, his second win, was over 2007 National GG Champ Siju Shabazz from Las
Cruces, NM. Daniel Jacobs 165 lb. Brooklyn, NY won over Shawn Porter from Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Porter won the 2007 National GG’s.
So, you can see our best amateur boxers are going against the best amateurs from everywhere.

The standings as of today 8/23/07:
1) 112 lb. Qa’id Muhammad(NJ)    2-1
2) 125 lb. Shemuel Pagan(NY)          2-1
3) 132 lb. Sadam Ali(NY)                3-0
4) 141 lb. Jeremy Bryan(NJ)         2-1
5) 165 lb. Daniel Jacobs(NY)     2-1
6) 165 lb. Angel Santos(NJ)          0-2
7) 178 lb. Angel Concepcion(NJ)     2-1
8) 201 lb. Adam Willett(NY)        2-1
9) 201+lb. Kimdo Bethel(NY)    2-1

All of the NY/NJ boxers at the Olympic Trials are still in the mix except
for Angel Santos 165 lb. from Newark, NJ. Santos lost 2 bouts and was thus
eliminated. His 2nd bout was to Zach Hardrick Ft. Carson, CO and was on a
score of 23-21, which was a squeeker and sounds like it could have went
either way. One other good boxer from the New England Region is 152 lb.
Demetrius Andrade Providence, RI. Andrade is a 2007 National GG Champ,
Silver Medalist at the 2007 Pan-Am Games and currently ranked #1 in the
country and is 3-0 at the Olympic Trials.
Considering all the boxers from NY/NJ over the years it is difficult to
guess who could make the Olympic Boxing Team. Not since ’88 Riddick Bowe (NY) ’84 Mark Breland (NY) ’72 Reggie Jones (NJ) and ’68 Sammy Goss, has NY/NJ had an Olympian on the USA Olympic Boxing Team. Pagan, Ali, Bryan, and Jacobs, are all highly ranked and regarded, as are the other boxers. We will find out this weekend folks, stay tuned! See you “around the ring”! Bobby B

8/7/07. The Ringside Boxing Equipment World Championship finals were held on Saturday Aug. 4^th at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City, MO. After three days of competition involving over 1200 amateur boxers from all over the country plus Ireland and Canada the tournament moved into the championship round. Six (6), yes six boxing rings each had roughly 31-32 bouts each for the championships. This is an incredible site folks! Boxing non-stop from 11am until almost 6pm. A brief intermission included a ceremony for all walkover champions. The weigh-ins were conducted at 7am. That’s some 180 bouts with some 360 boxers. Quite an undertaking I must say. I wouldn’t believe it without seeing it.

Ringside runs a great tournament. This being the seventh year they are getting good at it. John Brown (who I do not know personally) runs Ringside and aside from being a good businessman, from what I can tell is genuinely a decent person who cares about amateur boxing. He supposedly started Ringside in his living room and since 1977 has brought it to the forefront of boxing equipment. He is seen onsite throughout the tournament speaking to the coordinators, working corners for his boxers and thanking the officials and those others that make the tournament a success. Seems like a regular guy.

The Ringside staff does a magnificent job assisting the numerous competitors, coaches, officials, ringside doctors, etc. All equipment is provided by Ringside. They set-up the arena, clean the arena. They even vacuum the rings in the morning prior to the start of boxing each day! I thought that was impressive. I observed an injured boxer in one bout and medical attention was superb. Doctors worked the incident professionally (which appeared to be a severe ankle fracture after a knockdown) and medical assistance was present and prompt and the injured boxer transported to the hospital for further treatment. This was all handled with no interruption to the other action in the other five boxing rings. I also observed a ringside doctor attending to a cut on the chin of a boxer and doing a suture job on the spot. These are seasoned boxing people doing their duties and it was quite interesting to observe.

Tidbits: I could not confirm Dennis Douglin 165 Open of New Breed BC, N.J. winning in the finals but was told he was the winner. I saw his bout from another ring and they announced the winner while I was caught up with the action at the ring I was at. Raul Lopez looked excellent all tournament. He dominated his opponents and added a Ringside World Championship to his already 2007 accomplishments, National JO Champion, National Silver Gloves Champion, and Empire State Games Gold Medallist. Lopez is trained by his Dad Marcos at the Webster PAL in the Bronx, NY.

Marcus Brown looked good too winning decisively in his finals bout. Keep an eye on these boxers. They are ours and yours future champs. They train hard, stay in the gym and off the streets. Brown and Lopez are only 16 yrs. old. Look for them in the NY Daily News GG’s next year. I could not at the time of this article learn of the results of Tyshawn Jones 95 lb. J.O. Newark, NJ who also made it to the finals. Filix Rodriguez 106 lb. J.O. Millville, NJ got off to a great start in round one in his final bout and looked to be on his way to the Ringside WC. His opponent Ray Ximenez of Dallas, TX. came on strong in rounds two and three to take it away from the game Rodriguez. The level of competition is tremendous. These young boxers box and fight hard. It is truly amazing to see the coaches and trainers work with these youth and see the results in their performances. Sportsmanship, respect and courtesy is the norm in dealing with these young boxers. These coaches and boxers need to be recognized for their efforts and that is why I try to report on these type of amateur boxing events.

The Ringside World Championships is a great tournament to test yourself against national and international competition. Anyone can enter. Some advantages of participating are traveling to a big tournament and boxing in a big area in front of a large crowd. I cannot think of any disadvantages except for the fact it is not a qualifier for a National Ranking. For example, if a young JO boxer (11-16 yrs. old) or any class boxer wins at the Ringside Tournament, they do not earn “points” for the National Rankings. When a boxer competes in National competitions such as the National GG’s, Silver Gloves, National JO Championships, U.S. National Championships, Pan-Am, World or Goodwill Games, they earn points if they advance and/or win at these tournaments and those points count toward the USA-Boxing National Rankings. Aside from that it is a fantastic competition and a well-organized tournament worth checking out. They also have a Master’s Class in which boxer’s can compete against someone near their age in the over 35 yrs. of age division. Also it offers the opportunity for officials to officiate a large tournament and get some condensed training as an official and this is useful to newer and younger officials who may not get selected to the above-mentioned National Tournaments. There is a combination of well-seasoned officials and newer officials and in between working this event. That’s it for now, see you “around the ring”.