Approx 500 boxing people showed up at the 3rd Annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame, which was a Great Success!

(L-R) Seated – Mustafa Hamsho, Tracy Patterson, Billy Backus, Gene Moore, Howard Davis Jr and Juan LaPorte; Standing – Steve Farhood, Keven Kelley, Lou DiBella, Teddy Atlas and Gerry Cooney.

Above photo by Peter Frutkoff

The following pictures were taken by Stan Janousek  (professional fight name Stanley Yanachek)

The Class of 2014

Master of Ceremonies David Diamante

President of the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Bob Duffy

Paulette Balog led the Flag Salute & John Holden gave the 10 Count

Billy Backus being Inducted by Boxing Historian Don Majeski

The daughter & son of Floyd Patterson accepting the Award from President Duffy

Kevin Kelly being Inducted by Heavyweight Contender Vinnie Maddalone

Lou DiBella accepting his Award

Gerry Cooney being Inducted by Bobby Cassidy Jr. and Sr.

Steve Farhood being Inducted by Gordon Hall

Henry Hascup Inducts Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Whitey Bimstein & William Muldoon

Mustafa Hamsho being Inducted by Steve Farhood

Gene Moore being Inducted by Bobby Cassidy Jr. and Sr.

Teddy Atlas being Inducted by his daughter

Juan LaPorte being Inducted by BWAA President Jack Hirsch

Tracy Harris Patterson being Inducted by President Bob Duffy

Henry Hascup Inducted Tom O’Rourke with his Great Grand Robert Miles accepting the Award

Jack Hirsch Inducting Angelo Prospero

Boxing Judge Ron McNair accepting the Award for Angelo Prospero

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame

 Class of 2014 Induction Ceremony a KO

NYSBHOF CLASS OF 2014 (L-R) Seated – Mustafa Hamsho, Tracy Patterson, Billy Backus, Gene Moore, Howard Davis Jr and Juan LaPorte; Standing – Steve Farhood, Keven Kelley, Lou DiBella, Teddy Atlas and Gerry Cooney. (All photos take for this article were taken by Peter Frutkoff))    NEW YORK CITY (April 1, 2014) – A sold-out crowd turned out this past Sunday night to honor 20 members of the Class of 2014 inducted into the third-year New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF), sponsored by Ring 8, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.   “This was our largest crowd we’ve ever had with more than 500 people,” Ring 8 & NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said.  “Everyone was so receptive, commenting about how much they enjoyed the ceremony, and there was a lot of emotion displayed. The whole point of starting the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame was to recognize New Yorkers in boxing and to honor them for their contributions.  New York has been the centerpiece of boxing for the past 50 years.  Some of our inductees may not have been international stars, but they helped make boxing what it is in New York.  We wanted to do the right things and recognize the New York guys who made boxing was it is today.”   Living boxers inducted into the NYSBHOF were Tracy Harris (63-8-2, 43 KOs), the former WBC/IBF Super Featherweight Champion from New Paltz; former WBC/WBA Welterweight Champion Billy Backus (49-20-5, 23 KOs), of Canastota; former WBC Featherweight Champion Kevin Kelley, of Flushing, Queens; former WBC Featherweight Champion Juan LaPorte (40-17, 22 KOs), of Brooklyn; Huntington’s World Heavyweight title challenger Gerry Cooney (28-3, 24 KOs), Brooklyn’s two-time World Middleweight title challenger Mustafa Hamsho (44-5-2, 28 KOs) and Glen Cove’s Howard Davis, Jr. (36-6-1, 14 KOs), a 1976 Olympic gold medalist as well as Outstanding Boxer, and a three-time World Lightweight title challenger.   Posthumous participants inducted were two-time World Heavyweight Champion Patterson (55-8-1, 40 KOs), of Brooklyn, World Lightweight Champion Lou Ambers (91-8-7, 28 KOs), of Herkimer; three-time World Welterweight Champion Jack Britton (239-57-44), of Clinton; and World Featherweight Champion Terry McGovern (55-8-1, 40 KOs), of Brooklyn.   Living non-boxers inducted were ESPN boxing commentator and trainer Teddy Atlas, of Staten Island; promoter Lou DiBella (DiBella Entertainment), of Brooklyn; boxing historian and Showtime analyst Steve Farhood, of Brooklyn; trainer and Sunnyside Gardens matchmaker Gene Moore, of Queens; and boxing writer/historian Angelo Prospero, of Rochester.   Deceased non-boxers in the Class of 2014 are trainer/cutman Whitey Bimstein, of Manhattan’s Lower East Side; legendary trainer Cus D’Amato (Bronx and Catskill), who launched the career of “Iron” Mike Tyson as well as Floyd Patterson and Jose Torres; trainer William Muldoon (Belfast/Caneadea and Westchester County), who was also the first Chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission; and manager Tom O’Rourke, of New York City.     (L-R) – NYSBHOF inductee Howard Davis, Jr. and presenter Steve Farhood    HOWARD DAVIS JR.: “I want to thank Bob Duffy for putting on such a great ceremony.  I want to dedicate my career to my father.  I dedicated my gold medal (Olympics) to my mother who died three days before my first fight.  A coach looked me straight in the eyes and said, what would your mother want you to do?  The last thing she said to me was I better bring back that gold.  I made a promise to my mother that I do it.  I felt the only way I wouldn’t is if I died in the ring.  I was into music when I was young.  One day my father asked me if I wanted to go the movies with him.  He didn’t say the name of the movie.  It was in 1971, ‘AKA: Cassius Clay.’ It moved me to teats and to get up at 4:30 to run the next morning.  I’d never run before.  My father trained my amateur team and a few became pros.  I fired him later in my career and I still regret that.  He (Howard David Sr.) was a great trainer.  I said was because he passed away three years ago due to complications from diabetes.  I also want to dedicate this to my children who didn’t see me as much as could be because of my training.  And to my wife, Carla Davis, who been there through the good and the bad.  It’s wonderful being here.  I got to see some guys I hadn’t seen in a long time like Tony Santana.  We fought in the 1970’s Golden Gloves together but not against each other.  Tracy Patterson, Kevin Kelley and Gerry Cooney, who I go way back with.”     (L-R) – NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy, NYSBHOF inductee Tracy Patterson and presenter Brian Burke    TRACY PATTERSON:  “I want to thank everyone for supporting this big event.  Without a doubt I had a tremendous role model (father Floyd Patterson).  Dad was my super hero.  We’d see him put on a suit and go down to the city and then he’d be at the gym later that night.  He was a very special man.  I can’t thank him enough for what he did.  I want people to know he did real good things for me that I’ll never forget.  I miss him very much.”    (L-R) – Presenter Jack Hirsch and NYSBHOF inductee Juan LaPorte    JUAN LAPORTE:  “I finally got here, huh?  I want to thank these guys up here.  I wish the best to the Class of 2014.  This is my world, this is what I love.  A lot of guys forget where they came from.  I didn’t and you guys will always be with me.  I miss a lot of Ring 8 guys, my trainer, Emile Griffith, who aren’t here today with us but they will always have my back.” (L-R) – NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy and NYSBHOF inductee Teddy Atlas    TEDDY ATLAS:  “I have five tables of friends and family, some have come from Las Vegas and Florida, and I’m proud to have them here.  Boxers don’t always get the same respect athletes in other sports do.  All they need are loyal fans and boxing fans are the best.  Cus (D’Amato) didn’t believe in long visits home because you’d be away from the gym.  Nearly 40 years later in the fight game, I think I’ve done okay.  I want to thank my wife, Elaine, and my children Nicole and Teddy.  You can’t win any fight without a good corner and my family has given me the best. There are some people here today who are part of my life and family.”     (L-R) – Presenter Bobby Cassidy Sr., NYSBHOF inductee Gene Moore and presenter Bobby Cassidy Jr.    GENE MOORE:  “Who is Gene Moore?  Nobody knew but I’m here anyway.  Boxing’s a great game.  I used to go to fights with my father in the ’40s…..1840s.  I’ve been doing this 40 years and it’s been a great trip.”   (L-R) – NYSBHOF inductee Mustafa Hamsho and presenter Steve Farhood    MUSTAFA HAMSHO:  “I want to thank everyone for this.  I saw two guys here I go back 35 years with, John Turner and Bobby Cassidy, Sr.  I’d also like to thank my family and friends for supporting me.”   (L-R) – NYSBHOF inductee Steve Farhood and presenter Gordon Hall    STEVE FARHOOD:  “I’m a little emotional right now.  Any mentions of Nick Charles does that to me.  This honor is very special to me.  I’m a typical New Yorker and proud of it.  I’ve never been away from New York for more than two weeks.  This is special being inducted with friends like Teddy Atlas and Lou DiBella.  And with the exception of Billy Backus, I’ve covered all of these guys.  For 36 years it’s been boxing all day, every day for me and I’ve never been bored.  I’ve been blessed.” (L-R) – Presenter Bobby Cassidy Jr., NYSBHOF inductee Gerry Cooney and presenter Bobby Cassidy Sr.   GERRY COONEY:  “It’s great being up here today.  I’ve had a great life.  I see a lot of old guys who used to be fighters.  I had some great fights and I’ll always be connected with Larry Holmes.  I’m blessed, especially coming from my background.  This is a miracle.  There I was one night fighting in Madison Square Garden for the heavyweight championship of the world.  What a life! I got to know fighters like (Willie) Pep, (Carmen) Basilio, (Jake) LaMotta, (Muhammad) Ali, (Kenny) Norton….  I was recently diagnosed with CRS.  Do you know what that is?  Can’t remember s***.  I will forever be connected to you guys.”   (L-R) – NYSBHOF inductee Lou DiBella and presenter Steve Farhood    LOU DIBELLA: “It’s an honor sitting here on this dais with so many New York men I’ve known and each I can call a friend.  I’m proud to be part of New York boxing. We’re part of a great sports that sometimes stumbles and forgets it’s the king of sports with a lot of angels.  Kevin Kelley got me started at HBO.  He handed me a pencil with Flushing Flash’ and said there were a lot of hungry fighters like him to put on better shows.  Guys like, him Tracy (Patterson), Arturo Gatti, and others.  Teddy (Atlas) told me to be true to yourself and, Teddy, I hope I’ve done that. I bought two tickets for this dinner for my parents; my father passed away and my mother’s in the hospital with a broken hip.  I’m going to bring this (belt) to her.”       (L-R) — Presenter Vinnie Maddalone and NYSBHOF inductee Keven Kelley     KEVIN KELLEY:  “Without you guys, like Howard Davis and Juan LaPorte, I wouldn’t be here.  I wouldn’t have been in boxing.  I’d like to thank everyone.”   (L-R) — NYSBHOF inductee Billy Backus and presenter Don Majeski    BILLY BACKUS:  “In my older days I’m getting a little emotional.  When they (NYSBHOF) called, again, I got a little emotional on the phone.  Thank you all.  I appreciate being her with this class.”   Supporting the Class of 2014 were past NYSBHOF inductees such as Iran Barkley (2012), Mark Breland (2013), Jimmy Glenn (2012) and Harold Lederman (2013).  Other dignitaries in attendance included boxers Vinnie Maddalone and Steve Bujaj, Showtime executive Gordon Hall and legendary trainer Al Certo.   Each attending inductee received a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.  Plaques honoring each class are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission and Waterfront Crabhouse.  Ring 8 also plans to build a monument in Long Island City with every NYSBHOF inductee’s name inscribed.   The 2014 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members:  Jack Hirsch, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens.   All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers. (L-R) — Master of Ceremonies Dave Diamante and NYSAC Chairperson Melvina Lathan    Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.     CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and referee Arthur Mercante, Sr.   CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum,  Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano,  Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard, and Don Dunphy.

About Ring 8: 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 who 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 $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.

 

CONTACT:

Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 978.664.4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, @FightPublicist

                                                             

      The following pictures were taken by Stan Janousek  (professional fight name Stanley Yanachek)

                  

Posted under Articles

President Bob Duffy opened the meeting with Carmine singing the National Anthem followed by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the 10 count by Paulette in the memory of all those who recently passed on, including Lou DiBella’s father Pete. Ring 8 will present his family a Ring 8 Glove.

Danny Gant, Ring 8’s Amateur Official of the Year, talked on several other Amateur and Pro Officials and stated years ago they use to call him Dancing Dan, now they just call him Dan. He then announced that it was time for him to step down as an Official and he announced his retirement. President Duffy thanked Dan for his many years of service.

President Duffy introduced New York Marathon race director Leo Nicholas.

Frank Pena talked on an upcoming New York Golden Glove Show at Glen Cove next Thursday, March 27th.

President Duffy talked on the recent Ring 8 New York Golden Glove Show which was held at the Plattduetche Park Restaurant, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, New York. The show raised approx. $1400. President Duffy thanked all those who attended especially Charlie Norkus Jr who made a generous donation. He also stated that Charlie was selected as our newest Board member.

President Duffy talked on the upcoming New York State Boxing Hall of Fame affair next Sunday, March 30th at Russo’s on the Bay. He stated that it was close to a complete sellout and if anyone still wanted tickets that they better hurry. All Ring 8 members the price will be $125, all others $150.

President Duffy introduced Robert Miles, the Great Grand Son of one of our Inductees, Tom O’Rourke.

President Duffy talked on having a few of our monthly meetings at the Plattduetche. He stated that we would have 6 meetings at the Crabhouse and 3 meetings at the Plattduetche. The reason is that we can reach out to a lot more people.

President Duffy stated that in May we will be inviting all the finalist of the New York Golden Gloves to come to our meeting.

Frank Pena talked on our Annual picnic which will be held on Sunday, July 27th in Glen Cove. The price will be $20 for adults, $5 for kids, up to $15, meaning if you bring 4 or more kids all you will pay is $15.

President Duffy introduced NY State Commissioner John Signorile. John congratulated Charlie Norkus and talked on the recent passing of New York Boxing Inspector Felix “Figgy” Figuora. He then talked about getting more people getting involved in Ring 8. He also talked on several Officials who were in attendance including Eddie Claudio & Danny Gant. President Duffy also talked on several other Pro Officials in attendance including John McKaie, Robin Taylor and Carlos Ortiz Jr.

Stan Janousek (professional fight name Stanley Yanachek), who takes all our pictures at the meetings and affairs, stated that were missing many old-time fighters that use to come, and asked how we can go about on getting them back.

Harold Lederman asked how do we get in contact with the families of our deceased honorees. President Duffy stated word of mouth, and also stated that Henry Hascup is a Big help.

Harold then talked on several HBO Shows that are coming up, including the rematch of Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley. He stated that he had Manny winning 11 rounds to 1 and he lost. He also talked on the Miguel Cotto and Sergio Gabriel Martinez fight at Madison Square Garden, which the catch weight is 159 pounds.

Frank Pena asked Harold if there any up and coming fighters that he thought had a future that come from this area. Harold stated that he liked Frank Galarza, who recently stopped John Thompson in the 2nd round. He also likes Tommy Gallagher’s fighter Gabriel Bracero, who is said to have a title bout lined up against Danny Garcia. Harold is also very high on Sean Monaghan.

Eddie Claudio talked on Julian Williams who just scored a knockout the night before.

Stan Janousek stated that he was very disappointed that very few Ring 8 members showed up for our Golden Glove Show.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 15th.

Posted under Meeting Notes

World Ranked Juan Dominguez takes on German Meraz to headline April 5th at Resorts World Casino New York City in Jamaica, Queens

Plus undefeated Frank Galarza and world-ranked Rafael Vazquez to appear in separate co-feature bouts

For Immediate Release
Queens, NY (March 13, 2014) — On Saturday night, April 5, 2014 at Resorts World Casino New York City, New Legend Boxing will present a big night of boxing that will feature two world ranked fighters plus another fighter coming off the biggest win of his career.

In the 10 round main event, WBA number-12 ranked Super Bantamweight Juan “Baby Tito” Dominguez will see action against Veteran German Meraz (46-30, 25 KO’s). Dominguez of Brooklyn, New York has a record of 16-0 with 11 knockouts. Dominguez boasts wins over Gabriel Gomez (4-0), Arturo Santiago (7-2-1) for the New York State Bantamweight title, Geyci Lorenzo for the WBA Fedecaribe Super Bantamweight title. In his last bout on December 7, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn Dominguez scored an 8 round unanimous decision over the highly touted Camilo Perez (9-1).

Meraz of Agua Prieta, Mexico is a veteran of 76 fights. He has fought the likes of world champions Hernan Marquez, Gerry Penalosa, Martin Castillo, Cruz Carbajal, Hugo Ruiz, Tomoki Kameda and Juan Francisco Estrada, as well as world title Challenger Zsolt Bedak. Meraz has faced a plethora of undefeated fighters which include going the distance in his last two bouts with three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren and Juan Carlos Payano on February 22nd in Bethlehem, PA.

In the first of two co-main features, WBA Number-14 ranked Super Bantamweight Rafael Vazquez will see action in an 8 round bout. Vazquez of Brooklyn, New York has a record of 10-1 with 8 knockouts. On September 21, 2013, Vazquez scored a stunning come from behind 9th round stoppage over Leon Moore (30-2) to win the WBA Fedelatin Super Bantamweight title. In his last bout on January 30th, Vazquez stopped Brad Patraw in the 1st round of a scheduled 8 round bout at the Barclays Center on January 30th.
The second co-main event will feature Undefeated Jr. Middleweight prospect Frank Galarza will take part in an 8-round bout against Franklin Gonzalez (16-12, 10 KO’s).

Galarza of Brooklyn, NY with a record of 12-0-2, is coming off a career best win by stopping fellow undefeated prospect John Thompson (14-0) in the 2nd round of a nationally televised event on ShoBox this past January 17th. Galarza also won the New York State Jr. Middleweight title with a 4th round stoppage over previously undefeated Rich Neves (6-0-1) on September 21st at Resorts World Casino New York City.

Gonzalez of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic has a signature victory over Eddie Hyland (16-1) and has faced top competition such as former world champion Luis Collazo; undefeated Pablo Vasquez (14-0), Julio Reyes (13-0), Danny O’Connor (10-0), Sadam Ali (14-0) & Glen Tapia (14-0) as well as former world title challenger Dmitry Salita. Gonzalez is coming off a unanimous decision over Franklin Frias on February 2, 2013.

In six Round Bouts:

Rich Neves (6-1-1, 3 KO’s) of New York will fight in a Welterweight bout against veteran Antonio Chaves Fernandez (4-15-2) from Brockton, MA.

Undefeated Welterweight Rajiv Bhattacharya (9-0, 6 KO’s) of Stamford, CT will take on Maurice Chalmers (11-11-1, 6 KO’s) of Lynchburg, VA.

In four round bouts:

Cruiserweight Jay Rodriguez (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) of Queens, NY will take on Jose Torres (2-2, 2 KO;s) of Springfield, MA.
Super Middleweight Devaun Lee (1-0) of Queens, NY will take on Josue Valdez (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Jr. Middleweight Gary Beriguette (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY; Super Bantamweight Claude Staten Jr. (1-0-1) of New York and Pro debuting Middleweight Timothy McDermott of Yonkers, NY are also scheduled to see action that night.

Doors Open 6pm / First Bout 7pm. All bouts subject to change

Tickets are on sale now….

General Admission $50/ Ringside $125*/ VIP Ringside (1st row) $150*
*VIP Ringside will be sold on a first come/first serve basis…

Maybe purchased online at www.newlegendboxing.com or by calling 718-487-4474

Resorts World Casino New York City 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11420

Corporate Advertising Sponsorship packages also availablehttp

Posted under Articles

 

Please be advised that as per information by Bob Duffy, president of Ring 8 (www.ring8ny.com), the Ring 8 New York Golden Gloves Event was rescheduled for March 11, 2014, at 7:30PM at the Plattduetche Park Restaurant, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, New York 11010, B#516-354 3111. All tickets to the boxing show are $20.00.

Posted under Articles