Back from a three month hiatus, Ring 8 met on a Wednesday instead of the traditional third Tuesday of the month, and also reminded members that the next meeting will take place on a Monday, October 14th.

Howie Albert was the first to speaker of the evening, giving information on the first show in Jersey City, New Jersey, in over 30 years. The 9 bout card will honor the Jersey City mayor, Glenn Cunningham. The event will take place at the Jersey Armory on Montgomery Street . Ironically, the boxings first million dollar gate was held at Boyles Thirty Acres, on the same street, about three blocks away, on July 2, 1921. Can you name the fighters and the other historical first?**

The champ was in town — Joey Gamache, former WBA lightweight champion, all the way from Lewiston, Maine, now residing in nearby Astoria, said hello to the members. Although Bobby Bartels mentioned the Gatti bout, many boxing fans can never forget the bouts with Tiger Lopez and the gallant effort against Julio Cesar Chavez. Now retired, Joey looks fit and trim and as good as ever.

Next to appear was famous martial arts promoter Aaron Banks — who transcended martial arts into entertainment form. Mr. Banks explained that boxing is an “art” just like the other forms of martial arts — karate, kung-foo etc. Back in the early days, Banks saw the great ones fight — from Joe Louis to Robinson, etc., and always had a respect for the game. His love of boxing came from his father, and he feels that a Hall of Fame here in New York should show the way it was — in New York. He has plans to open up a martial arts hall of Fame — boxing included, at Madison Square Garden. Aaron Banks has a history and has traveled worldwide to demonstrate the art form. The Martial Arts madness in the mid 1970’s sold out the Garden time and time again of which Banks was an integral part of. The New York page of history deserves a place, and we wish him well.

Next, Cliff from Glendale Boxing spoke briefly about his boxing club in Queens. The gym is located at 60th Lane, off Fresh Pond Road, in Glendale. For any youngsters reading it is an excellent place for a kid to get started. Cliff has 7 Golden Glove Champions and 7 pro fighters, one an undefeated Heavyweight.

Next, author, writer Ron Ross introduced a woman that is hoping to produce a boxing program similar to that of TV’s Crossfire. To those unfamiliar to Crossfire, it a roundtable discussion of politics and the opinions that conflict to make the points/counterpoints clear to the audience. Brooke Altman, a producer and agent, has the excellent concept in mind that can bring the hot topics of the sweet science to the top, exposing the frauds and creating a climate that is competitive and entertaining. Brooke stated that “it was an honor be here,” and Howie pointed his cane and said “every guy in the room has about 8 million stories.” The weekly format show gives Ring 8 the opportunity to share ring experiences to the public, and become more popular in the worldwide boxing forum.

Doug Harden, TRUFANBOXING Co-anchor, took the stand to mention upcoming amateur shows that will take place in October. There is a need for the young kids to develop their skills and Doug is also looking for Doctors that will give some time to the event.

TIDBITS: What ever happened to the CYO? Started by Bishop Shell in Chicago in the 1930’s, CYO was popular in New York as well, producing some top fighters. The Catholic Youth Organizations gyms were clean and well kept, and provided kids with a haven that kept them off the streets. Tony Anthony was a kid that was brought up through CYO. A Ring 8 member, Bill Tate, middleweight contender from the 1960’s, recalled how he hitchhiked from Ohio to the south side of Chicago looking for a gym and ultimately finding a clean CYO gym.

Joe Dwyer, IBF chairman, spoke briefly on the efforts of the Commission and MRI/Steroid testing. “Anything that is for the safety of the fighter is good” stated the chairman, who also added that it is important that the Commission and Industry work together.

SHEVLIN is back! Shevlin’s line of boxing equipment is back in business after a brief hiatus. Doug Harden is an official distributor. Shevlin is the producer of fine boxing equipment that is made in New York, USA. More info can be shown at www.shevlinboxing.com

** Jack Dempsey-Georges Carpentier . . . first bout ever broadcast on radio.

NEXT MEETING OCT. 14, 2002