June 27, 2011

JOE DWYER RE-ELECTED NABF PRESIDENT

By Jill Diamond

The NABF Annual Convention was held June 5-8 at the Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Delegates from Canada, the United States, and Mexico met to review the priority actions of the sport of boxing.

Over 100 delegates coming from many different states of these three countries unanimously re-elected NABF president Joe Dwyer and his Executive Committee for a new two-year term.

WBC President Jose Sulaiman addressed the audience with a sensitive message which included a report of the WBC Cares Program and the presentation of a medal to Keaton Wong, a WBC Honorary Champion, who sadly passed away a few days ago after his high school graduation.

Dr. Sulaiman and the NABF family have launched the Tornado Relief Fund with the NABF matching all the funds raised during the convention and the WBC matching the complete amount.

These efforts will help victims of Iowa, Alabama, Tennessee and Missouri.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – JUNE 2011

By Joe Dwyer

Irish eyes were smiling when the sun came out on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, signaling the opening of the 43rd annual NABF convention. I want to thank the delegates for re-electing me to my second term as president, together with our Executive Committee. We are committed to continue to work hard for the improvement of your organization.

Resorts International Hotel provided a nice stetting for our convention, and both the judges and referees clinics were both well attended and received. WBC President Jose Sulaiman attended both and gave insight to means of improving performance in both ares of officiating. Duane Ford and Jay Nady have our unending thanks and gratitude for an outstanding job as only they can do it.

The time has come, and we will be implementing a new incentive to all NABF-rated boxers:

When any NABF-rated boxer meets another NABF-rated boxer in a 10 or 12-round NABF elimination bout, the winner will become the new NABF No. 1 rated contender.

Any champion at the time of his mandatory defense who fails to meet the # 1 contender will then be vacated of his/her title.

The highlight of the convention had to be the awards dinner, when I was honored to present the Nick Charles “Good Guy Award” to actor Holt McCallany, star of the series, “Lights Out,” on the FX network. Holt was most gracious, signing autographs and posing for photos with our members. 2011 Award winners were also honored at that time, including welterweight champion Shawn Porter, matchmaker Nate Yoder, and promoter Russ Young. On behalf of WBC Cares, Jill Diamond presented an award to Monique McClaine (13 years old) as the “Youngest World Boxing Cares Ambassador.”

There is none better than Don Griffin, who did an outstanding as our auctioneer, and we thank Gale Van Hoy and Rick Crocker for their efforts in securing great boxing items.

We are off to a good start, with 10 NABF title bouts to be contested during June and July. In closing I want to thank our Executive Committee for their untiring work throughout the past year, as well as to each of the members who attended and supported our Convention.

In your corner,

Joe Dwyer

NABF CONVENTION NEWS

By Bob Newman and Jill Diamond

Newly re-elected NABF President Joe Dwyer welcomed everyone at the general session of the NABF convention on Tuesday in Atlantic City. Despite the economy, the NABF has had 26 title fights in the last year. Concerning mandatory challenger status, Dwyer explained that being rated No. 1 didn’t make a fighter the mandatory challenger – the date of the last mandatory defense determined the mandatory. Dwyer referred everyone to the NABF website for upcoming events, discussed the issue of a real belt vs. an ersatz ‘world’ title when it came to women, and said the judges clinic would be held by Duane Ford. Also, the board would be running for re-election in unity. Dwyer was very pleased that so many from Mexico and Canada made the journey to the convention.

WBC President Jose Sulaiman spoke and expressed great satisfaction with the advances made by the WBC Medical Congress – he said everyone in all bodies were acting in unity and there were no fatalities this year. Sulaiman went on to say that referees learn by watching each other, and judges should be objective and not be influenced by fans or preconceptions: “It is the objective of the NABF and WBC to have excellent officials.” He is creating guidelines to monitor officials throughout the years. Sulaiman concluded, “The boxer is king and we should go to all lengths to treat them as such.”

The by-laws were changed to read that any champion fighter who fights within their weight division and loses, their title can be vacated.

WBC Executive Secretary Mauricio Sulaiman commented that everyone says Mexico is dangerous, but last night an 80 year-old woman stole WBC President Jose Sulaiman’s wheelchair! It was all a misunderstanding – he finally got it back this morning.

The film, “Risen,” won the Bronze Palm Award at the 2011 Mexican International Film festival.

Day 2

At the general assembly it was decided to try and have the next conventiion in Mexico, out of fairness and cost to our Mexican delegates. Also, it will be the 50th Anniversary of the NABF’s association with the WBC. We also collected $800 for the Tornado Releif fund, which will be matched and then matched again.

The Judges seminar was held by Jay Nady in his usual competent and energetic style. The supervisors met with Lee Peters, and went over the rules and shared experiences with each other.

The Awards Ceremony was a great success. A great part of it – and terrific fun – is the auction and raffle hosted by Gale, Glen and our fabulous MC, Donny G! Holt McConnally, star of Lights Out, won the first “Nick Charles Good Guy Award.” Joe Dwyer was very emotiuonal during its presentation. Also, Jose Sulaiman presented Holt an award for his work and named him a WBC Ambassador. Our youngest WBC Cares Ambassador, Monique McClaine (13 years old), was honored, as were Nate Yoder, Shawn Porter, Fernando Guerrero, Prize Fight Promotions, and Four Corners (for Best Fight of the Year). We also did a 10-count for our beloved Genaro Hernandez, who passed the day before. Lee Peters received a the President’s Award, which was a complete and welcome surprise to him.

Given the many events and personal issues during the convention, it was one to remember and a treasured, shared experience.

NABF’S NEWEST CHAMP

AMANDA SERRANO: NABF FEMALE CHAMP

By Jill Diamond

I thought you’d like meeting the NABF’s newest champ. Amanda is our featherweight titleholder, taking it in 1:40 of round one. She’s Bob Duffy’s newest star at 360.

Amanda Serrano is a visual artist focusing on mixed-media sculpture and installation art. Born in the United States, she has lived and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Mexico, as well as the U.S. She earned a bachelor of arts and a masters and studied at Academy of Art in San Francisco. Inspired by the ocean’s ability to transform discarded glass into perfectly and uniquely formed sandblasted gems, she develops eco-friendly art that celebrates transformation, redemption, and beauty in everyday objects that are commonly thrown away. Not bad!

GRADY BREWER

By Claude Jackson

For those who did not see the television broadcast or results of this past Friday’s NABF super welterweight title match, here are the results:

Grady Brewer, 153.7, Lawton, Oklahoma, WTKO4 (2:16) over Fernando Guerrero, 152.7, Salisbury, Maryland.

Guerrero, our former middleweight champion, gave up that title and came down in weight to fight as a super welter – and just seemed not strong enough at this lower weight to hold off veteran (40+ years old) Brewer. Guerrero started fairly strong, but once Brewer, winner of season 2 of the TV series “The Contender,” found the target with his right hands, he sent Guerrero down twice in round four when referee Jon Schorle stopped the fight.

Judges: Jesus Sandoval (former WBC and NABF SF champion under the name of Jesus Chavez) – 29-28 Guerrero; Perry Hillin – 29-28 Guerrero; David DeAlejandro – 30-27 Guerrero.

The show started off with a wild action heavyweight six-rounder that saw Maurice Byarm and Homero Fonseca slug it out to a draw decision.

Karim Mayfield stopped veteran Stevie Forbes in the first televised fight (welterweights) at 1:03 of the 10th round when Forbes absorbed several hard punches to the head without firing back in return.

Javontae Starks W4 (SD) over Antonio Gamez – the decision was loudly booed by the spectators.

Cory Yett WKO1 (0:23) Zach Briones in a four-round welterweight match between two young pros from Austin.

Promoter: Prize Fight Boxing.

Arena: Erwin Center – University of Texas.

Televised on ESPN2.

UPCOMING NABF TITLE FIGHTS & UPDATES

By Joe Dwyer

July 8 (168 pounds): Jesus Gonzalez vs Henry Buchanan for the vacant title in Phoenix.

July 15 (130 pounds): Champion Diego Magdaleno vs Alejandro Perez in a title defense in Las Vegas.

July 13 (140 pounds): Champion Josesito Lopez defends against Steve Upsher-Chambers in Reno.

NABF TITLE FIGHTS – RESULTS 2011

By Joe Dwyer

January 22 (130 pounds) Josesito Lopez defeated Mike Dallas by KO7 in Lemoore,Ca., to win the vacant title.

January 28 (140) Diego Magdaleno defeated Marcos Leonardo Jimenez by TKO5 in Las Vegas, Nev., to win the vacant title.

February 4 (190) Champion Lateef Kayode defeated Nick Iannuzzi by unanimous decision at Chumash Casino to retain the title.

February 5 (105) Juanito Hernandez defeated Moises Fuentes by unanimous decision; Hernandez failed to make weight, title remains vacant.

February 18 (147) Shawn Porter defends and retains his welterweight title against Anges Adjaho by unanimous decision in Salisbury, Md.

February 18 (160) Fernando Guerrero defends and retains his middleweight title by unanimous decision against Derrick Findley in Salisbury, Md.

March 4 (175) Ishmayl Sillakh beats Yordanis Despaigne in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

March 26 (126) Matt Remillard lost his defense of the title to Miguel Angel Garcia in Atlantic City, N.J.

April 1 (135, vacant) Hank Lundy beats Tyrese Hendrix at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Ct.

June 10 (190) Champion Lateef Kayode defeated Matt Godfrey by unanimous decision in Santa Ynez, Ca.

June 11 (126, female) Amanda Serrano defeated Jennifer Scott by TKO 1 in New York City.

June 11: (112) Luis May W KO 11 Omar Lina in defense of NABF flyweight belt in Valladoid, Yucatan, Mexico.

June 17 (154) Grady Brewer beat Fernanado Guerrero for the vacant title in Austin, Tex.

June 18 (105) Armando Torres W TKO 9 Ivan Meneses to win the vacant NABF strawweight title at Foro Polanco in Mexico City.

June 25 (115) NABF super flyweight champ Jose Salgado retained his title by KO 4 against German Meraz.

Posted under Articles

On behalf of the the Board and Membership are prayers and thoughts are with the Charles family for their loss…Nick , just recently became very special to the members of Ring 8 for his kindness and thoughtfulness he extended to the membership ….he will be best remembered at the BWAA when he came over to Ring 8 tables and made it a point to say a gracious hello and sit down and reminisce about the boxers affiliated with Ring 8 and how the work we do does not go unnoticed …Nick made such an impression that the following year the board unanimously awarded the “Ring 8 Inspirational Award” to Nick Charles at last years Holiday Party an award that was accepted by a dear and close friend , also a Ring 8 member , Steve Farhood ..”.always the gentleman” … he will by missed by the Boxing world

so please keep a thought today of Nick Charles and a special thought to his wife and daughter ( who truly was the love of his life )

bob duffy

Thank you

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/podcasts/gupta/site/2011/06/20/sgmd.charles.lessons.cnn

 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/06/25/nick.charles.obit/

(CNN) — Nick Charles, who started off as a taxi driver and later became the first sports anchor at CNN, died Saturday after battling bladder cancer since 2009. He was 64.

Charles died peacefully, looking out at the spectacular land that drew him to Santa Fe, New Mexico, his wife, Cory, said.

Charles began at CNN on the network’s first day, June 1, 1980, and covered nearly every sporting event over the years.

He was paired with Fred Hickman for most of the next two decades on “Sports Tonight,” a show that beat ESPN in ratings when the upstarts were battling for viewers. To this day, he and Hickman remain one of the longest-lasting anchor duos in television.

Topps, the trading-card company, put Charles’ million-dollar smile on a bubble gum card, a rarity for a television personality. People magazine once dubbed him one of the most handsome men in America.

“Nick was your friend from the moment you met him — and he stayed your friend forever,” said Rick Davis, one of Charles’ producers at CNN in the 1980s. “All of us who had the very good fortune to have been his friend have so much to remember about how he touched our lives in his own special way,” said Davis, who is CNN’s executive vice president of News Standards and Practices.

At his home in Santa Fe recently, Charles pointed to his signature mop of curly black hair as he scrolled through photographs of his on-air days. “Look at that thing,” he said with a laugh. “It’s my Billy Ray Cyrus mullet.”

Facing death, Charles embraced life

While the world knew Charles for his sportscaster days, it was his battle with cancer that inspired tens of thousands of people. In a recent CNN.com article, he talked openly about the dying process and preparing his family for when he was gone. He made birthday video diaries for his 5-year-old daughter, Giovanna, in the years to come.

“This is a gift from God where I need to build these memories for her, so that I’m not a blur,” he said. “I feel that when I go, that I’m going to prepare a place for my daughter and my wife. I’m going to be in their heart and soul. I tell them that every day.”

His message, he said, is to “never give up on life.”

“It’s an imperfect world, but, boy, it’s still beautiful.”

“What is life?” he said. “It’s 20 percent what happens to you and 80 percent how you react to it.”

“Find that little kernel every day that brings you pleasure and joy — and fasten onto that. That’s what’s going to make life worth living. Always look for the best.”

“When you’re contemplating your mortality and your life,” he said, “those are the things I reflect on.”

The son of a taxi driver who was mostly absent from his life, Nicholas Charles Nickeas grew up poor in inner-city Chicago. In grade school, during the frigid winters when his dad didn’t pay the heat bills, Charles would curl up in bed with his mother and brother to stay warm.

He struggled in high school. He had no mentors. He was too busy working late-night jobs at produce docks in desolate Chicago neighborhoods. Once, his boss pointed to mounds of rat feces, threw lye all over the floor and handed the 17-year-old Charles a pair of gloves, rubber boots and a hoe.

He scrubbed away, but thought to himself: “I’ll never be trapped again in life. Never. Never.”

“That was a watershed, life-changing moment for me. It really drove me to the point where I had focus in my life.”

He eventually went to Columbia College Chicago, where he studied communications and journalism.

He drove a taxi to help pay for college. Even in the driver’s seat, he was practicing for his broadcast career.

“I wasn’t nosey, but just curious about people’s life. I’d ask, ‘How’d you get to this country? What was the spark that motivated you in life?’ … I don’t know what it was, but people would open up.”

Charles was still driving taxis in the fall of 1970 when he auditioned for his first television job, at WICS in Springfield, Illinois.

Two days later, he got the job. He took a pay cut to enter the television business: $130 a week as a sports anchor, compared with $200 driving a taxi.

He was told by his news director that his Greek name was too ethnic and to change it to something more “vanilla.”

“Nick Nickeas, sounds like you got a stutter, too,” the news director added.

At the age of 24, Nick Charles was born. He covered sports for WICS, before the job rolled into just about anything, from farm reports to fluff. A wolf once urinated on his leg: “The mother wolf was a little mad. We got a little too close to her cubs.”

From Springfield, he worked at local stations in Baltimore and Washington before joining CNN.

And it’s at CNN where he shined.

In his prime, he and Hickman had chemistry, charisma and dynamism — a duo of boundless energy. The two were revolutionary for their time, a white and black man sitting side-by-side live every night in studios from the once-segregated South.

“We just clicked from the very beginning,” Hickman said in an interview before Charles’ death. “In television, you always have personality conflicts. Nick and I never had one. Nick and I have always had a tremendous relationship.”

Hickman’s favorite memory with his long-time friend came in the 1980s when they arrived in Los Angeles for the Cable Ace Awards. Stretch limousines and other luxurious cars were parked everywhere. “We pulled up in a red Ford Tempo,” Hickman said with a laugh.

His favorite line ever uttered by Charles came after Mike Tyson demolished an opponent: “Tyson tore his meat house down.”

“I still don’t know what it means,” Hickman said, “but I love it.”

Charles covered everything from the Olympics to the Super Bowl to the Kentucky Derby. But boxing was his passion.

He covered some of the most classic boxing matches — when Tyson bit Evander Holyfield’s ear, when Roberto Duran quit and told Sugar Ray Leonard, “No mas.”

Seeing an undefeated Tyson get knocked out by Buster Douglas in Tokyo in 1990 was epic.

“That night was magical,” Charles said. “It speaks to the uncertainty, that anybody’s cloak of invincibility can be ripped away.”

Charles would cry when he talked about the strength of boxers, because when he looked at the ring, he saw young men like him from the inner city who had to rely on themselves to reach success.

“You have to walk down that alley way to the ring,” he said. “You’re going to get hit. You have to take pain to get it. You have to fight through fear.”

“There’s just such an empathy I have for these guys. They want it so badly.”

In an interview in March, he had said he hoped to make it to one more Easter, to see his dream home completed in May, to see his daughter play the piano, to reach his 65th birthday on June 30. He made three of those four goals.

“If I don’t make it,” he said, “there’s no need for any pity parties.”

“People won’t remember who you are or what you said,” he said. “It’s really about: Are you going to be remembered as a good person?”

“That’s victory to me. That’s success.”

Charles is survived by his wife, Cory, of 13 years and their daughter, Giovanna. He has three children from two previous marriages: Jason, 39; Melissa, 36; and Katie, 24.

“His passing is a loss to CNN, to the sports world and to the fans and friends everywhere who were with him to the end of his extraordinary life,” said Jim Walton, Charles’ field producer in his early days and current president of CNN Worldwide.

Nick Charles and his family formed the “Embrace Life” project to help stop child trafficking and abuse, increase access to education and allow children to embrace life. Working with the humanitarian organization World Vision and the TEACH NOW: Preventing Child Labor in the Philippines project, the family welcomes support here: www.worldvision.org/EmbraceLife.

Posted under Articles

Executive Board Meeting:

The monthly Executive Board meeting of the Veteran Boxers Association of NY, Ring 8, Inc was held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the Waterfront Crabhouse in Long Island City, New York.

Board Members in attendance: President Bob Duffy, V.P. Henny Wallitsch, Paulette Balog, Bobby Bartels, Tony DiPippo, Joe Dwyer, Tommy Gallagher, Henry Hascup, Jack Hirsch, John Labate, Vinnie Maddalone, Lenny Mangiapane, Tony Mazzarella, Frank Pena and David Yatkowitz.

President Bob Duffy talked on our recent Amateur Boxing Show that was held at the Plattduetsche. Even with the rain and only 3 bouts, Ring 8 came out with a profit of $2600. Duiffy thanked Joe Dwyer, who brought over 50 people, and Frank Pena, who worked the show. The next night on ESPN, Teddy Atlas talked about it and promoter Gary Shaw gave a 10% discount to all the boxers that were scheduled to box on the show. Plattduetsche also had an all out buffet for a cost of $46 a person.

President Duffy talked on our lawyer, Keith Sullivan, who is in contact with another lawyer, who would work on getting Ring 8 a 501-C-3. Right now Ring 8 has a 501-C-4. This lawyer would give us a 50% discount on his regular fee. A motion was made to do so, and it was passed by the Board.

Our accountant, David Yatkowitz talked about our tax return and Ring 8 is all up to date with their returns.

President Duffy stated that John Edebohls of the “Greater Astoria Historical Society” wants to donate $2,000 for the monument at Wendy’s, the former site of Sunnyside Gardens, but only if it is done by the end of the year.

President Duffy talked about how many people have commanded about how good the Ring 8 web site is and asked if we could give Henry Hascup’s son David, who actually formed the web site, something for his hard work. The Board all agreed to do so.

Tommy Gallagher talked on getting Old-Time boxing pictures of New York fighters. He also talked about getting a poster, with would include many of these pictures.

President Duffy talked about Tony Nap and what he wants to put up on our web site. Tommy Gallagher talked on this as well, stating that this is history and that it is a part of Ring 8. Bobby Bartels also talked on the subject. The Board voted against putting material on Tony Nap on our web site.

Jack Hirsch talked on the newly formed “New York Hall of Fame for Boxing.” He stated that they had there first meeting last night, which included Jack, Henry Hascup, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Ron McNair and Neil Terens. Also in attendance, just as observers, were Keith Sullivan and Ring 8 President Bob Duffy. This committee agreed for the first year, that we would in 18 people. 8 living fighters and 4 deceased, along with 3 living non-fighters and 3 deceased. It was voted on at our last meeting that Tony Mazzarella would be the first President of this new Hall of Fame. Tommy Gallagher, Bobby Bartels and Henny Wallitsch all had some ideas about this.

President Duffy talked on an open membership for all the active pro and amateur boxers for the rest of the year. All they would have to do is to show us their ID card. A motion was made to do so, and the Board all agreed.

Tony DiPippo stated that we have our New membership cards and mailing list available.

General Meeting:

President Duffy opened the meeting Flag salute and then we had a 10 count.

Paulette Balog gave a report on all the sick Ring 8 members including Emile Griffith, Charlie Noel, Bill Tate and others. President Duffy thanked Paulette once again for keeping us informed.

President Duffy talked on our up-dated by-laws that was handed out last month and asked for them to be approved by the general membership. A motion was made to do so and the motion was passed.

President Bob Duffy talked on our recent Amateur Boxing Show that was held at the Plattduetsche. Even with the rain and only 3 bouts, Ring 8 came out with a profit of $2600. Duffy thanked Joe Dwyer, who brought over 50 people, and Frank Pena, who worked the show. The next night on ESPN, Teddy Atlas talked about it and promoter Gary Shaw gave a 10% discount to all the boxers that were scheduled to box on the show. Plattduetsche also had an all out buffet for a cost of $46 a person.

It was reported that Ring 8 has new hats and T-shirts for sale at a cost of only $15 each. The Daily News informed us that they would support this, as Bill Gallo’s name is on them.

President Bob Duffy talked on the newly formed New York Hall of Fame for Boxers. The chairman of the nominating committee, Jack Hirsch told the membership that they had there first meeting last night and Henry Hascup stated that 18 people will be inducted the first year, 8 living fighters and 4 deceased, along with 3 living non-fighters and 3 deceased and that we plan on having our first Induction Ceremonies sometime in late March or early April. Also all the monies made from the Hall of Fame will go to Ring 8.

Tony Mazzarella talked about the monument that we plan on putting up at Wendy’s, the former site of Sunnyside Gardens. Tony stated that John Edebohls of the “Greater Astoria Historical Society” wants to donate $2,000 for the monument, but only if it is done by the end of the year.

Charlie Norkus Jr. wanted to know, because of the Hall of Fame; if we are still going to have are Christmas Party. The answer was YES!!!. Our next Ring 8 Christmas Party will be on Sunday, December 19th at Russo’s on the Bay.

President Bob Duffy stated that all active pro and amateur boxers, will get free membership to Ring 8 for the rest of the year.

Frank Pena welcomed back Christina Vila, who just got back from Afghanistan. The membership gave her a warm welcome back.

Mike Carry talked on the LONG ISLAND AMATEUR BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP & CHARITIES which is hosting their 6th ANNUAL TOURNAMENT, Friday August 12, Check-in and Final Registration, Saturday August 13 & Sunday, August 14 and Saturday, August 20 & Sunday, August 21 at Gleason Gym 77 Front Street 2nd floor Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Jack Hirsch introduced one of our guest speakers; Gabe Perillo Jr. Gabe talked on his father, who was a well-known artist, and his new book. The 50 pages of Perillo’s exquisite realistic renderings, titled “The Boxing Art of Gabe Perillo,” is currently on sale at the Clove Lakes Book Store on Victory Boulevard and is expected soon in other Island book outlets. It’s a must read for anyone who remembers watching boxing greats Marciano, Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier — or didn’t have the privilege of seeing them fight. “The Boxing Art of Gabe Perillo” is also available through Gabe Perillo Jr. at 718-720-6035 or online at www.gabeperilloart.com. He will gave a donation to Ring 8 for every book he sells.

Gabe stated that his father went to school on a GI Bill and became an artist for Ring Magazine. He did all the artist work for the ESPN’s 50th Greatest Athletics, except for one, O.J. Simpson. He also did one on his hero Rocky Marciano and Jersey Joe Walcott. Gabe Sr. was also an opera singer and received many awards. In 2002. He painted a picture of Joe Miceli back in 1999. They once received $22,000 for one of his father’s painting. In 2002, Gabe Sr. died after a massive heart attack.

President Bob Duffy introduced New York State Athletic Commissioner member Judge Edwin Torres, who also wrote “Carlito’s Way.” Judge Torres stated that he signed up for the 1949 New York Golden Glove Tournament but broke his hand and had to drop out. He also talked on the Ali/Frazier I at Madison Square Garden.

David Yatkowitz talked on a Dental Care facility that would give every Ring 8 member a 25% discount. It is located at 133-36 Lightstone Expressway, Flushing, N.Y, 11354 (718-762-0202).

http://www.demandforced3.com/www/1.0/1/home/home.jsp?d3cp_exid=111390

President Duffy talked on our 1st Annual Picnic on July 31st at Brady Park. Tickets are $20 per person, $35 per family.

Jill Diamond and Joe Dwyer from the NABF talked on the Serrano sisters and gave Amanda Serrano, who recently won the NABF female featherweight title with a 1st round knockout, another award from the NABF. Joe went over Amanda’s record and then had her come up. She thanked President Duffy, Joe and Jill, as well as her trainer, Jordan Maldonado. She also talked about where she wants to go in the future.

Amanda’s trainer, who is also her brother-in-law, Jordan Maldonado, also talked about Amanda and her sister and his wife, Cindy Serrano. Cindy also talked as well and they both thanked everyone for their support.

Tommy Gallagher introduced Vinnie Maddalone who will be fighting again in August. He also gave us an up-date on his undefeated fighter and last years Ring 8 prospect of the year, Gabriel Bracero. Tom then introduced our other guest speaker and owner of Gleason’s Gym, Bruce Silverglade.

Silverglade told everyone that it was such a pleasure to be here. He talked on the history of Gleason’s Gym. It first opened in 1937, when Bobby Gleason , who was a cab driver decided to open up a gym. They had old pulley’s and punching bags. When Stillman’s and the Garden Gym closed down, Gleason’s gym stayed so they got all the greats, from Jake LaMotta, Jimmy Carter, Phil Terranova, who was their first Champion back in 1943. They also had Carlos Ortiz, Benny Kid Paret, Gerry Cooney, Vito Antuofermo, Muhammad Ali and Roberto Duran trained there as well. All the well known trainers came to Gleason’s as well, including Freddie Brown, Whitey Bimstein, Nick Rocha and Tommy Gallagher. The gym was also used for many movie sets. The gym was moved several times from where it first started. In 1974, 82-year-old Bobby Gleason moved it to 254 West 30th St., then to its present location under the Brooklyn Bridge.

In the early 1980’s Ira Becker sold the gym to its current owner Bruce Silverglade. Right now they have well over 1,000 members, of which 350 are females. The cost is $85 a month and for amateurs it’s only $65. They also have weddings, art shows, parties and music events there as well. They will be having another art show from September 24th to the 26th. Everyone is welcome and the youngest boxer they have is only 6 years old.

President Bob Duffy stated that the Gleason Gym is the best gym around today and then presented Bruce Silverglade a check from Ring 8 for $250.

Bob Duffy received this E-Mail and letter from Bruce Silverglade:

Hi Bob,

Thank you again for the other night. I enjoyed myself very much.

Attached is a thank you letter on  a Give A Kid A Dream letterhead. The contribution id tax deductable.

See you soon.
Bruce

June 21, 2011

To: Bob Duffy

From:  Bruce Silverglade

Owner

RE: Give A Kid A Dream

Gleason’s Athletic Club, Inc. is recognized as exempt from federal income tax under section 501 C 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization has a determination of Private Foundation. All contributions to the organization are considered tax deductible. The Federal ID number is 11-3093704.

Gleason’s Athletic Club, Inc. sponsors a program called Give A Kid A Dream. This program allows underprivileged youth to train at Gleason’s Athletic Club at no charge.

Your donation of $250.00 is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

There will be no Ring 8 meetings in July and August, so please enjoy the summer and stay healthy and we hope to see you all on Tuesday, September 20th.

Posted under Meeting Notes

 

Ring 8 Notebook

Silverglade, Serrano & Parillo guest speakers Tuesday in NY

NEW YORK, NY (June 16, 2011) – Gleason’s Gym owner Bruce Silverglade, NABF featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano and award-winning boxing artist Gabe Parillo, Jr. will be special guest speakers Tuesday night (June 21, starting at 7 PM/ET) at RING 8’s monthly meeting at the historic Waterfront Crabhouse in Long Island City.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We’re very fortunate to have such a diverse group of speakers this month,” RING 8 president Bob Duffy said. “They have a lot of valuable experience and interesting stories, both in and out of the ring. All of our members are looking forward to listening and meeting this boxing trio.”

Silverglade, a former boxer, is a well known, highly-respected member of the New York City boxing community. He owns and operates the oldest active boxing gym in the world (circa 1937), historic Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.

Undefeated Serrano (10-0-1), fighting out of Brooklyn, captured the women’s NABF featherweight title last Saturday via a first-round knockout of her opponent at Roseland Ballroom.

Parillo is recognized as one of the foremost painters in boxing. His works include legends such as Muhammad All, Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier and many more. His book is entitled, “The Boxing Art of Gabe Parillo.”

Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, RING 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association — hence, RING “8” — and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community that may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $25.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August.

CONTACT:
Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, 978.664.4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Posted under Meeting Notes

Emile Griffith the former 6 time World Champion is doing a lot better, keep your prayers coming in.

I just received a call from Emile’s son Luis, who is pictured above with Emile, and he told me that Emile is talking and even joking with the nurses. This is wonderful news, as a few weeks ago, Emile just stared at you with no reaction. Luis also told me that his blood work is back to normal, as well as his liver, heart and kidneys.

Emile has been a longtime member of Ring 8 and the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. He was Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the World Boxing Hall of Fame, Ring Magazine Boxing Hall of Fame, as well as the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. Not only did he box more Main Events at Madison Square Garden then any other boxer But he also boxed more Championship rounds then any boxer in the history of our sport.

We still must keep him in our prayers as now he has to build up his strength.

If you care to visit him or send a card, here’s where Emile is at:

Nassau Extended Care Facility

1 Greenwich St
Hempstead, NY 11550
Room 435A – West Wing

Also, if you want to help Emile out, with Hospital expenses etc., you can send your donation to the following address. Every little bit counts.
Luis R. Griffith c/o Emile Griffith
150 Washington st. apt 6J
Hempstead, N.Y. 11550
If you have any questions, please contact his son Luis Rodrigo at:
Crazylou1262@yahoo.com

Thanks, Henry Hascup

Posted under Articles

 

Boxing Under the Stars – Thursday, June 9th at the Plattduetsche was rained out after a couple of bouts.

Pictures taken by Stan Janousek  (professional fight name Stanley Yanachek)

Just double click on any picture to enlarge it.

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Posted under Articles