NYSBHOF Class of 2023

(L-R) – seated: Dr. Barry Jordan, Robin Taylor, Zab Judah, Dmitriy Salita and Kevin Pompey; standing: Bob Caico, Tony Paige, Dave Diamante, Bob Mladinich and Kathy Collins

(all pictures courtesy of Peter Frutkoff)

(Inductees’ quotes and pictures below)

NEW YORK (May 2, 2023) – This past Sunday afternoon’s 10^th New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, set a record with 500 attendees honoring its 22-member Class of 2023, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“Thanks for showing up today everyone,” NYSBHOF President Bob Duffy opened the festivities. “This is our largest crowd ever with 500 people. There’s a lot of love with this year’s class.”

“The work Bob Duffy does is amazing,” NYBHOF Nominating Committee Jack Hirsch added. “On behalf of the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, congratulations to all the honorees. Whether or not you realize it, you are bonded for life. It’s your afternoon.”

Past NHSBHOF inductees in attendance included world champion boxers Michael Bentt, Vito Antuofermo, Junior Jones, and Iran Barkley, as well as retired boxers Monte Barrett, Mitch Green and Tommy Rainone, along with referee Randy Neumann and veteran head trainer Orlando Cuellar.

Below is a list of the Class of 2023:

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CLASS OF 2023

Boxers

(Living)

“Super” Zab Judah (44-10, 30 KOs) – Brooklyn

Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi (36-8, 7 KOs) – Brooklyn

Kevin “Mr. Excitement” Pompey (32-18-3, 12 KOs) – Troy

Dmitry “Star of David” Salita (35-2-1, 18 KOs) – Brooklyn

Kathy Collins (14-2-4, 3 KOs) – Plainview

(Deceased)

Johnny Busso (36-12-1, 15 KOs) – Poughkeepsie

Eugene “Silent” Hairston (45-13-5, 24 KOs) – Bronx

Tony “Jimmy Pell” Pellone (51-19-6, 10 KOs) – New York City

Mike “The Bronx Spider” Belloise (91-28-12, 21 KOs), – Bronx

Harry “Black Panther” Wills (70-9-3, 56 KOs) – New York City

Eddie “Wildcat” Davis (34-6-1, 20 KOs) – Hampstead

Non-Participants

(Living)

Dave Diamante – Brooklyn

Tony Paige – Bronx

Bob Mladinich – Latham

Dr. Barry Jordan – Brooklyn

Robin Taylor – Brooklyn

Bob Caico – Buffalo

(Deceased)

Hector Rocha – Brooklyn

Izzy Zwerling – Brooklyn

Dave Wolf – Manhattan

George Washington – Brooklyn

Irving Cohen – New York City

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All boxers needed to have been inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

The 2023 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF Nominating Committee members: Chairperson Jack Hirsch, Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, Jim Monteverde, Neil Terens, Jose Corpas, Bobby Cassidy, and Bob Duffy.

NYSBHOF INDUCTEES’ QUOTES

(L-R) – Kathy Collins & NYBHOF President Bob Duffy

Kathy Collins: “Thanks for being here to support boxing. It is 30 years – doesn’t feel like it – but I remember so many people here. In 1995, New York broke the glass ceiling allowing women to box. I was the first woman to fight in the Golden Gloves in New York. On August 2^nd, 1996, I became the first women’s pro boxer to fight in Madison Square Garden and on national TV. I ended up winning. I was the first female to fight in ESPN and a year later I was the first woman to fight on pay per view.. Because local for me was New York, my story went national. I was featured in Ring, Sports Illustrated and other publications. In 2001, I was part of the first women’s Super-Fight with a $100,000 purse. Women’s sports are better than ever. The pay scale has shattered with seven figures and sold out (Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano) at Madison Square Garden. This is my fourth Hall of Fame induction. My life would have been so different without boxing.”

(L-R) – Bob Mladinich & Bob Duffy

Bob Mladinich: “I got involved in boxing in the late seventies. It was a good time to get into boxing because ‘Rocky’ won the Movie of the Year and the United States had five Olympic gold medalists. I fell in love with the sport. There are no more accommodating, coachable, and down to earth people than boxers. Boxers are the most approachable athletes. I want to thank everyone for coming today, especially my 100-year-old mother, a U.S. Navy retiree, who made the trip.”

(L-R) – Dmitriy Salita & Bob Duffy

Dmitriy Salita: “Many of my friends are here today. I’m so grateful they came to support me today. I almost feel like I’m in the ring. Now, in the boxing business, now that I’m a promoter, sometimes they profile me. There weren’t people at the gym from my background and with my complexion, but I had Jimmy O in my corner. This is one of the most enjoyable moments of my life. Thank you all.”

(L-R) – Melvina Lathan, Dr. Barry Jordan & Bob Duffy

Robin Taylor” “Thank you Bob Duffy and Ring 8. I’m truly humbled to be acknowledged for something I love to do. My father introduced me to boxing when I was 12 and I quickly fell in love with the sport. I remember comparing my scoring with the judges on television. I was encouraged by friends to pursue my dream. In 2000, I receive my license from the New York State Athletic Commission. I’ve judged more than 680 fights, including 131 championship fights. Today, I’m getting my championship belt, and I’ll defend it with my dedication to the sport, I’m truly living my dream and I’m proud to be a part of the boxing community.”

Monte Barrett & Zab Judah

Zab Judah: “This is a big night for me. In 1993, I won my first (NY) Golden Gloves at 15 years old. The year before, my father took me and my brothers to the Golden Gloves. I told my father that I’d win this because these guys can’t beat me. I always had confidence to be great and I worked hard. My father is a fighter. He couldn’t attend today because he’s at training camp with Devin Haney for his big fight. I had 115 amateur fights, losing only five, and turned pro in 1996. I went from the Kid Gloves to the 1996 Olympics. I had a full, great career, winning the world title six times. You have to have will, drive, and dedication to do that. People have come from all over today. I want to thank my family.”

Zab Judah on his knee proposing to Dee Dee

Judah finished his acceptance speech with a surprise. “I’ve made a big transition in my life, concentrating on family and business, and I moved to California with my significant other. She’s everything to me. (Judah called Dee Dee up to the dais and he surprisingly dropped to his knee and said) On the biggest day of my life, will you marry me? Let’s get it done. (Dee Dee, replied: ‘of course’.”

(L-R) – Master of Ceremonies Henry Hascup, Elijah (son) & Kevin Pompey, Bob Duffy & Don Majeski

Kevin Pompey: “I used to get up every day at 4:30 a.m. to run and train, because that’s what it took. It (training) was hard at times, but I loved it, and had fun boxing. I want to thank everybody here.”

(L-R) – Melvina Lathan, Dr. Barry Jordan & Bob Duffy

Dr. Barry Jordan: “Boxing is special. I’ve met some great people in boxing. I had a decent education, but I don’t know where I’d be without boxing. Boxing played a big role in my life. I spent 20 years working in the commission, 40 in boxing. Jose Torres was my godfather. He trusted me at the age of 32 to run the entire boxing commission protecting boxers’ health and safety. I was younger than some of the boxers. Boxing has been so good to me. It afforded me so many opportunities for a kid from Southside Queens.”

(L-R) – Dante (son) & Tony Paige

Tony Paige: “I’d like to thank the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame and Bob Duffy. I’m honored by this occasion. I knew boxing and I were going to have a long relationship. Boxing is a family. It’s not just about the boxers; there are ring announcers, doctors and so many others. That’s why I love this sport so much. I spent 19 years at WFAN and knew I made it in boxing when I became present of the BWAA (Boxing Writers Association of America). I’m honored.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamonte & Tom Hauser

Dave Diamante: “People who know me, know I’ve traveled around the world extensively for three decades. Right here, right now, there’s no other place I’d rather be than here. I had to move to California to get clean and sober. I’ve been clean for 30 years and nothing I’ve done would have happened without sobriety. I boxed a little but learned that my voice was better than my left hook. I’ve dedicated my life to boxing. I started announcing at the Metros and Golden Gloves. I didn’t make any money, maybe they threw me $10 for gas once in a while. I never thought I’d be a ring announcer because of my unconventional look, but who would believe it would be my calling card. I’ve announced big fights at some of the biggest venues in the world. It all stated here in New York City at a small show.”

(L-R): Henry Hascup, Bob Caico & Bob Duffy

Bob Caico: “First, thanks to Ring 8 and Bob Duffy. We are brothers with us because I’m still doing work for Ring 44 (Buffalo). I’m proud to up here. This is a very humbling show.”

Go online at www.nyboxinghof.org or www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

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NYSBHOF

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 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.

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon, and Al Weill.

CLASS OF 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein, and Jimmy Jacobs.

CLASS OF 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan, and Dan Parker.

CLASS OF 2018: Lou Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar, and Sam Taub.

No class of 2019 & 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions

CLASS OF 2021: Jorge Ahumada, Alfredo Escalera, Freddie Liberatore, Dennis Milton, Lou Savarese, Merqui Sosa, Soldier Bartfield, Steve Belloise, Jimmy Goodrich, Tami Mauriello, Davey Moore, Freddie Welch, Don Ackerman, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Rick Glaser, Jack Hirsch, Max Kellerman, Dr. William Lathan, Julie Lederman, Ron Lipton, Kevin Rooney, Dan Daniel, Bobby Gleason, Flash Gordan, A.J. Liebling, Tony Mazzarella, and manager Dan Morgan.

CLASS OF 2022: Michael Bentt, Shannon Briggs, Verno Phillips, Donny Lalonde Johnny Verderosa, Larry Barnes, Johnny Turner, Al Singer, Kid Norfolk, Patsy Giovanelli, Eddie Martin,  Battling Siki, Solly Krieger, Herbie Kronowitz, Tommy Paul, Lou Salica, Ron McNair, Don Elbaum, Ed Schuyler, Bill Verigan, Tom Hauser, Mike Silver, Jill Diamond, Lou Stillman,  Bill Cayton, James Walker, John Condon, Irving Rudd, Richard K. Fox, and trainer Victor Valle.

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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 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 online 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 are only $30.00, and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

INFORMATION:

www.nyboxinghof.org

www.Ring8ny.com

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CONTACT:

Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 978.590.0470, fightpublicist@gmail.com, @fightpublicist, www.fullcourtpressboxing.com