If you’ve ever found it difficult to understand how a sport as brutal as boxing could be characterized as “the sweet science,” then all you really need do is attend a RING 8 meeting. But definitely make sure you’re there for “the opening bell.”

Given that their primary mandate is the health and well-being of retired fighters (as well as the celebration and recognition of those we may have already lost), each and every monthly RING 8 meeting begins with a moment of silence for those members of the fight community who’ve passed away since the previous gathering, a poignant tribute enhanced by the simultaneous ringing of a bell for a full 10-count.

Professional boxing is the only major sport whose athletes do not have a union, pension plan, or even a centralized authority to keep things somewhat tidy. VIEW FULL STORY…

President Matt Farrago
Ring 8 Minutes
Executive Board Meeting

The monthly executive board meeting of the Veteran Boxers Association of NY, Ring 8, Inc. was held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at the Waterfront Crabhouse, 2-03 Borden Ave. Long Island City (718) 729-4862

Board members in attendance: President Matt Farrago, V.P. Henny Wallitsch, Lenny Mangiapane, Bob Duffy, Henry Hascup, Joe Dwyer, Tony Mazzarella, Johnny Breitenbruck, Paulette Balog, Tommy Gallagher, Frank Pena, Jack Hirsch, Richie O’Neill, Tony Di Pippo, John Labate

Our next meeting will be at our 2009 Ring 8 Holiday and Awards Ceremony VIEW FULL STORY…

(As published in LIC Courier Magazine, Dec. 2009)

The crowd beamed as the champ slowly made his way to the microphone. Fifteen years removed from his last dance in the ring, they hung on his every word – even though his slow, slurred speech echoed the countless punches he’d taken over nearly two decades as a professional boxer.
“We love you, Champ,” they shouted with smiles and moist eyes, as Leon Spinks, former Heavyweight Champion of the World, modestly accepted their praise, smiling right back at them.
It was the third Tuesday of the month at The Waterfront Crabhouse in Long Island City. It was Ring 8’s night.
While regulars chowed burgers and sipped beers at the bar, the main event was upstairs at The Terrace where 100 boxing aficionados, former “cutmen” and coaches, and old pros gathered for their monthly meeting.
For $25 a year Ring 8 members are treated to all-you-can-eat buffets, but they have a lot more to chew on than just meatballs and Chinese food.
The roughly 50-year-old organization, which boasts around 400 members, VIEW FULL STORY…