Elvir Muriqui is managed by John McKay and trained by Tommy Gallagher both Ring 8 members.

Thompson, Nickey, Young & Wright put undefeated records on the line plus Heavyweight slugfest between Patrick Farrell and John Lennox—PRESS CONFERENCE MARCH 8^TH AT THE MARRIOTT IN WHIPPANY

On Friday night, March 15^th Light Heavyweight contender Elvir “The Kosova Kid” Muriqi returns to the ring when he takes on Paul Vazquez in a scheduled eight round bout at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, New Jersey.

In the eight round co-feature, undefeated John Thompson (10-0, 3 KO’s) will take on Calvin Odom in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Thompson, of Newark, NJ has been stepping up the competition with each fight. The twenty-three year old has quality wins over Jermond Bourgeois (TKO 2), John Mackey (UD) and his last bout when he scored a six round unanimous decision over Elie Augustama on December 1st at Madison Square Garden as part of the Austin Trout – Miguel Cotto championship fight card.

Odom of Inglewood, CA has a record of 15-13 with 11 wins by knockout.  Odom has faced top competition and has defeated the likes of undefeated Juan Gil, Jose Luis Zertuche, and Srrgio Rios and has also faced Grady Brewer (twice),  Roberto Garcia, former world title challenger Marco Antonio Rubio, Sebastian Valdez, Jose Antonio Ojeda, Walter Wright, Luciano Perez, Charles Hatley, Wale Omotoso, Tony Harrison and his last bout he dropped an eight round decision to Joe Greene on January 10th

In what figures to be a six round Heavyweight slugfest, it will be the battle of New Jersey when Patrick Farrell (8-1-1, 4 KO’s) of Jersey City takes on John Lennox (10-2, 5 KO’s) of Carteret.

Also appearing in a six round bout will be undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Washington, DC taking on Josh Thorpe of Cincinnati, OH.

In four round bouts: New Jersey Amateur star Ricky Edwards will be making his long a waited Pro debut against Moses Molina (1-3); Danny Gonzalez (1-0) of Queens, NY will face Carlos Nieves (0-1) in a Jr. Welterweight bout; In a Jr. Lightweight bout, Glenford Nickey (1-0-1) of New York battles Anolan Rigal (1-3-1, 1 KO) of Johnson City, NY; Anthony “Juice” Young (6-0, 2 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on Ronnie Jordan (1-1-1) in a Welterweight bout; Tyrell Wright (1-0) of Bayonne, NJ will compete in a four round Heavyweight against Moses Marshall (0-0-1); Rounding out the card will be popular Jr. Welterweight Vinny O’Brien (3-2, 2 KO’s) of East Hanover, NJ batting Anthony Smith (1-1).

Tickets are priced at $150 (VIP Ringside—which includes a cocktail hour and tickets in the 1st two rows); $100 Ringside and $50 for General Admission and can be purchased by going online at www.gh3promotions.com; www.eliteheatgym.com or calling Elite Heat Gym at 862-772-2532

The Birchwood Mannor is located at
111 N Jefferson Rd  Whippany, NJ 07981

President Bob Duffy started the meeting off with the flag salute and

Carmine sung the National Anthem. President Duffy asked the membership to keep Carl Williams, Emile Griffith and Vince Shomo in our prayers while John Labate rang the bell 10 times in memory of those who passed on.

President Duffy introduced Johnny Colon’s daughter Cheri, pictured on the left.

President Duffy talked on our recent Ring 8 Holiday Award Ceremonies held at Russo’s on the Bay on February 1st. He stated that we had close to 400 people attend and everyone walked away happy.

President Duffy stated that Ring 8 will be running a New York Golden Glove Show next Thursday night. This will be for the Bill Gallo Scholarship Fund. He also stated that he has forms for the Scholarship Fund for anyone that is interested. Tickets are only $25.

President Duffy stated that Jack Hirsch, who is not only the President of the BWAA But he is also the President of the Nominating Committee for the New York Boxing Hall of Fame, and they will be announcing the 2013 Class very shortly. President Duffy announced all the names on the voting committee. We will be having a press conference announcing all the names at the Crab House early in March.

The NYBHOF affair will take place on Sunday, April 28th at Russo’s on the Bay. Tickets will be priced at $125 for all Ring 8 paid up members and $150 for the rest.

President Duffy also announced that former World Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe will be coming. Because of the weather Joe’s plane was delayed and he couldn’t make to our Ring 8 affair in February, so we are inviting him to this.

President Duffy also stated that on Saturday April 27th at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York there will be a Championship Boxing card starring Peter Quillin, Fernando Guerrero, Danny Garcia, Zab Judah and Paul Malignaggi. At that event Ring 8 will be making Award presentations to Bernard Hopkins among others.

President Duffy stated that we will have our 3rd Annual picnic sometime during the summer. He also stated that we are working on having an Amateur Boxing Show sometime in September at the Crab House.

Tommy Gallagher talked on a couple of pro boxing shows that will be coming up in Roseland Ballroom, New York and Whippany, New Jersey.

President Duffy brought up all the Ring 8 honorees, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Eddie Claudio, Ron McNair, John Signorile and Charlie Norkus Jr. Charlie also talked on the California Boxing Hall of Fame affair in which his father Charlie Norkus Sr., was inducted.

Frank Pena introduced several officials that were in attendance, including Carlos Ortiz, Robin Talyor and Sparkle Lee. President Duffy also introduced boxing judges John McKaie and HBO’s Harold Lederman, as well as several other new members.

President Duffy announced that John Rowe is a New Board member and John Holden will be the new Sgt. At Arms.

Eddie Claudio announced that Frank Pena has been appointed to the New York State Athletic Commission as an Inspector.

BWAA President Jack Hirsch announced all the Award winners for the BWAA, and stated that the affair will take place on April 11, 2013 at the Acappella, which is located at 1 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013. Jack also talked on the future of the sport of boxing.

This years Ring 8 Annual Awards Dinner was Another SUCCESS!

Close to 400 people attended along with such boxing standouts as Buddy McGirt, Iran Barkley, Tracy Harris Patterson, Vito Antuofermo, Bobby Czyz, Renaldo Snipes, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, NY Boxing Commissioner Melvina Lathan, Harold Lederman along with Jersey Shores “Snooki”

CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Ring 8 President Bob Duffy who once again ran an OUTSTANDING event!

Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 19th at the Crabhouse !

The Annual RING 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon (12:00-5:00 p.m. ET), February 10 at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Damage from Hurricane Sandy to Russo’s On The Bay forced the event’s postponement from December 9 to Feb. 10.

A star-studded group of past and present world champions and industry dignitaries will be in attendance. Dave Diamante will announce the award winners.

Ring 8 has announced its 2012 award winners (see full list below), including new World Boxing Association middleweight champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (Fighter of the Year), Joe Calzaghe (Fighter of the Decade) if his plane is not canceled, But it looks good right now.

“Our members really look forward to this gala event every year,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. “Some of the biggest names in boxing will be honored as we proudly continue our record for lending a helping hand to those in the boxing community who are less fortunate, some requiring assistance towards paying their rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need. Each year our Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony celebrates our great sport of boxing, insuring much-needed funding is raised so we may continue our mission for our needy brothers and sisters in boxing. We will never waver from their corners. We had to wait a little longer this year because of Hurricane Sandy, but I’m confident it’ll be another knockout Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony.”

Committed celebrity boxing attendees include world champions Bobby Czyz, Iran Barkley, Vito Antuofermo, as well as Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Tommy Gallagher, Melvina Lathan, and Harold Lederman,

2012 RING 8 Award Winners

Fighter of the Year: Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin
Fighter of the Decade: Joe Calzaghe
Uncrowned Champion: David Sears
Coach of the Year (FDNY): Bob McGuire
Coaches of the Year (NYPD): Pat Russo & Dave Seiv
Official of the Year (Referee): Eddie Claudio
Official of the Year (Judge): John Signorile
Boxing Writer of the Year: Mike Woods
Long & Meritorious Service: Ron McNair
Man of the Year: Frankie Russo Jr.
Prospects of the Year: Floriano Pagliara & Joe Smith
Comeback of the Year: Adam Willett
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Last year’s Ring 8 award winners included the now late, great Emanuel Steward, who was honored as Trainer of the Decade, as well as 2008 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne, the Amateur Boxer of the Year.

Tickets, priced at $125.00 per person, are available to purchase by calling1.718.729.4862, emailing DepComish@aol.com or mailing checks (payable to Ring 8) to Tony Mazzarella, C/O Waterfront Crab House, 2-03 Borden Ave., Long Island, NY 11101. Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities.

Tickets include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible in order to secure favorable seating. Boxing and sports memorabilia will be on display.