In May 1978 heavyweights Guy “The Rock” Casale of Newark, New Jersey, and Bobby Halpern of the Bronx engaged in an epic battle at Madison Square Garden. At the time Casale was a 23-year-old puncher on the way up, while Halpern was a 44-year-old ex-convict who a year earlier had been released from prison after serving 17 years for an array of offenses that included kidnapping, robbery, assault and grand larceny.

Because Halpern had been the subject of an eight-page Sports Illustrated article, interest in the fight was high. Few people expected Casale to win, but he managed to survive a right hand bomb that was landed by Halpern in the first round. To this day, Casale, who had sparred with the likes of Gerry Cooney and Duane Bobick, still says that was the hardest he’s ever been hit.

The two exchanged vicious punches until Casale ended matters with his own right hand in the third round. Within weeks, Halpern was arrested for arson and then nearly killed after being blasted several times with a shotgun by assailants who were not apprehended. He never fought in the ring again. VIEW FULL STORY…

The monthly executive board meeting of the Veteran Boxers Association, Ring 8, was held from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at the Waterfront Crab House in Long Island City, New York. The following board members were in attendance: Tony Mazzarella, Henry Wallitsch, Lenny Mangiapane, Bobby Bartels, Bob Duffy, Tommy Gallagher Robert Mladinich, Matt Farrago, Jack Hirsch, Howie Albert, Henry Hascup, Johnny Breitenbruck, Lou Raino and Keith Sullivan.
The following items were discussed:

1. The planning of a future fundraiser where Nino Benvenuti and Emile Griffith would be the honored guests. Board member Jack Hirsch stated that he will take over all efforts to bring this to fruition.

2. Continuing discussion on the erection of a statue at a Wendy’s restaurant in Queens, New York, which is on the site of the old Sunnyside Gardens Arena. Discussion centered on Ring 8’s role in bringing this project to fruition, as well as the logistics in determining who would be eligible to have their name etched on the statue. VIEW FULL STORY…