As you know we recently lost one of our most beloved and respected members of our boxing community; William “Doc” Lathan.  For years Doc served as the New York State ringside physician. My association with Dr. Lathan expanded close to thirty years, and throughout that entire time, I could honestly say he consistently remained at the top of his professional game. Doc captivated others in the profession, presenting himself with a calm and coolness, all the while supplying the medical expertise of a prized perfectionist.

As an early ringside doctor, he became the medical director of the New York State Commission. In that position he instituted high standards for physicians in the sport of boxing.  An advocate for extensive testing, Doctor Lathan’s utmost concern was always for the safety and wellbeing of each fighter and participant of the sport, regardless of his/her status in the boxing community. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Dr. Lathan’s involvement in a specific World Title fight many years ago.  During each fighter’s medical assessment, Dr. Lathan was made aware of a situation, causing one of the main bout fighters to fail his exam. Immediately, Doc suspended the major world title fight, putting the safety of the fighters first.  This decision, while an easy one for Doc, led to an insurmountable amount of backlash and criticism for the Doc.  For days following, he received phone calls from around the world, pressuring him to change his decision.  He never wavered. True to his word, Doc stood for the principle of safety and wellbeing, sacrificing his own notoriety in his decision. Doc always felt he never had to make a tough decision because he would always make the right one.

With his overall experience and knowledge, Doc used his expertise by providing medical seminars for the New York and New Jersey Athletic Commissions, the World Sanctioning Bodies along with the Association of Ringside Physicians. Doc Lathan used his position to better the sport and strengthen the protection of fighters. Doc was an advocate for the medical physicians on site, granting them the right to stop a fight when necessary, a responsibility that was once just given to referees.  Doc also spent much of his time as a member and volunteer of many boxing charities such as the AAIB and VBA Ring 8.  In 2019, Doc earned a spot as an inductee to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

Doc was not just a legend of a physician to our boxing family, but was a former captain in the U.S. Army. Doc was also an actor and director, winning an OBIE award for his directing. He was a loving husband to Melvina, former New York State Commissioner and father of 3, including Eddie who like his father became a medical doctor. Doc will undoubtedly be missed.

In closing, it was a pleasure and honor to know my friend Billy. In the end, when we all meet in the heavenly skies, just look for an angel wearing a sun visor and say “Doc Lathan I heard so much about you”.

Greetings to All Ring 8 VBA members. It has been almost one year since we met at our last meeting held in January 2020. Since that time, the sport of Boxing as well as our Organization has been hit hard by the Covid Virus. We have all hoped that this deadly disease would be curtailed by now, but unfortunately it hasn’t.

With the recent news of the virus resurgence, we are once again handcuffed in our efforts to hold a General Membership meeting. I have received many calls during the past summer and fall months to hold an outdoor meeting. New York State regulations that were put in place limiting meetings to 50 people maximum and socially distancing at 6 feet, it was not just feasible. Also, our regular meeting places did not open till late, and they certainly did not have the capacity to hold a meeting.

At this time, we on the Executive Board are ever vigilant of any possible changes that may allow us to do so. Those members who paid their 2020 dues in January and by mail, we will issue you a new updated card for 2021 at our next possible meeting.

Our Hearts and Sincere Condolences go out to All of our members and families who lost loved ones over the past year. The Boxing World lost many former boxers and trainers, promoters, and chief seconds in including some of our own Ring 8 Family. We will Remember them fondly.

Though Boxing has seen limited action these past months out of state, it is still devastating to our NYS registered boxing participants and fans. We all Pray that all involved on the NY Boxing  scene will come back and Ring 8 VBA will continue to recognize our Boxing youths, as well those who performed well during the year.

With the Holiday Season upon us, the Ring 8 Executive Board and  Board of Directors wish All our members and their Families, as well as our Friends and guests A Happy Thanksgiving and a Healthy, Safe Holiday Season, and we all Pray for a better New Year 2021.

The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame continues to be managed by President Robert Duffy. Any decisions of a possible Induction Ceremony will be addressed by Bob in the future.

Thank You All,

Charles Norkus Jr

President-Ring 8 VBA

The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame and Ring 8 have partnered with Hamilcar Publications for the purpose of offering their printed books and ebooks at a discount to our members. We will be splitting the profits with Hamilcar Publications for any book/ebook that is purchased from this page. Any monies collected by the Hall of Fame/Ring 8 will be deposited into our mutual charity fund. This fund has sent payments to the boxing community for COVID-19 relief, as well as subsidized former members of the boxing community in need.

Feel free to browse through the titles, as well as share the discount code with other boxing enthusiasts.

If you have any questions, you may contact the Hall of Fame at:
NY State Boxing Hall of Fame Contact

THE PROMO CODE FOR 20% DISCOUNT ON ALL PURCHASES IS ‘RING8’

Ring 8/NY State Boxing Hall of Fame Bookstore

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen members of Ring 8 and guests,

New York State Boxing HOF & Ring 8 COVID-19 fund assisted boxers and boxing personnel last month in New York

NEW YORK (May 6, 2020) – The jointly established COVID-19 fund by New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) and Ring 8 distributed more than $5,000 last month to assist New York and New Jersey boxers and boxing personnel in financial need due to the coronavirus pandemic.

All applicants needed to be licensed (NYSAC, NJSAC or USA Boxing).  Many boxers, trainers, cut men and the boxing personnel are independent contractors in need of financial support during this trying time.

“We wanted to help people in boxing whose livelihoods have been so adversely affected by this pandemic,” NYSBHOF present Bob Duffy said.  “I’d like to thank Ring 8 president Charley Norkus for partnering with us, along with Ring 8 board members Ron McNair, Bobby Bartels and Henry Hascup. I’d especially like to thank Lou DiBella for his generous contribution, as well as Dave “Scooter” Honig and boxer Richard Kiley for their donations.  And Peter Frutkoff, among others, for all of his hard work getting the word out about the fund.”

“As president of Ring 8,” Charles Norkus, Jr. added, “I was honored to be part of this group relief fund to assist those who were in need.  I am glad that in more than 60 years of existence, Ring 8 still assists those in need from the boxing community.”

CONTACT:

Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 978.590.0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, @FightPublicist