Category Archives: amateur boxing

USA Boxing Women’s Championships in Ohio to be delivered in association with World Boxing

The inaugural USA Boxing Women’s Championships in Toledo, Ohio, July 22-29, 2023, will be delivered in association with World Boxing.

The eight-day invitational event is open to novice (beginner) and open (experienced) boxers of all ages from pee wee (aged 8-10) to masters (35 and over) and aims to create opportunities for women of all ages and abilities to compete.

More than 200 boxers from eight National Federations across four continents are currently registered to take part.

The President of USA Boxing and a member of World Boxing’s Interim Executive Board, Tyson Lee, said: “USA Boxing is extremely proud to be able to host this event in association with World Boxing.  The Championships aim to celebrate women and create valuable competition opportunities for female boxers of all standards and ages. 

“Working with USA Boxing to deliver this event is a sign of World Boxing’s support for boxers at every level, from the grassroots to the elite, and its commitment to creating competitive opportunities that will enable all boxers to flourish.”

World Boxing was launched in April 2023.  It will hold its inaugural Congress in November and plans to publish details of its competition strategy, tournament calendar and the bidding process for staging events in the latter part of 2023.

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Las Vegas’ Rahim Gonzales Wins Gold and Boxer of Tournament on Final Day of 2023 Strandja Tournament

Rahim Gonzales wins gold at 2023 Strandja.jpg

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 27, 2023) —  Rahim Gonzales (Las Vegas, Nev.) picked up his third straight international gold medal yesterday on the final day of boxing at the 2023 Stranjda Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Gonzales took all five judges’ cards over Hambardzum Hakobyan of Armenia during today’s light heavyweight championship bout. All five judges scored the bout 30-27 to give Gonzales Team USA’s lone gold medal of the tournament and sixth medal overall.

The 2021 Elite Men’s World Champion path to gold included victories over Kristian Nikolov of Bulgaria (4-0), Kein Boakye Schumann of Germany (4-1) and Jasurbek Yuldoshev of Uzbekistan (5-0).

At the conclusion of the event Gonzales was also announced as the winner of the Runner-up Boxer of the Tournament award.

Gonzales gold resulted in six Team USA medals, as the team earned five bronze medals during Saturday’s semi-final bouts.

This marked the 74th edition of the Strandja Tournament and Team USA’s first time competing in the event since 2020. USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.) is leading the team at the tournament, along with Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas), Timothy Nolan (Rochester, N.Y.), Jose Polanco (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Richard Stephenson (Middletown, N.Y.) and Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.). This year’s event featured over 375 boxers from around the world.

Finals Results

80 kg: Rahim Gonzales, Las Vegas, Nev./USA, dec. over Hambardzum Hakobyan/ARM, 5-0

INFORMATION:

Website: www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @therealrahim

Instagram: @USABoxing, @RahimGonzales

Facebook: /USABoxing, / RahimGonzalesEAGonzales

Georgia flyweight Sa’Rai “Warrior Princess” Brown-El the future face of women’s boxing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 14, 2022) – Georgia flyweight Sa’Rai “Warrior Princess” Brown-El is on a sensational run as she prepares to compete in the upcoming Youth World Championships, November 14-26, in La Nucia, Spain.

The 17-year-old from Marietta is a three-time National Junior Olympic champion (2017-19) who has also captured gold medals at the 2021 USA Boxing Youth National Championships, 2020 USA Boxing Junior National Championships, 2019 Junior Open and  2019 National PAL, among the many titles she owns.

She got into boxing at the age of 8 in Albany, New York, where her family was visiting, eventually leading them all to her uncle’s gym. Her father originally wanted her brothers to box, but Sa’Rai also wanted to get involved in combat sports. It was a natural transition for her, who is a legacy boxer because her father, mother and brothers have all boxed.

“Me and my mom went to find a pair of gloves after we were told there weren’t any left. I started hitting the bag and then I did mitts with my uncle. That’s where I fell in love with the sport and discovered I was naturally born to do this.”

She has excelled in every area on her remarkable roll, which she will attempt to extend at the Youth World Championships over the next two weeks.

“I am super pumped and ready to go to Spain for the Youth Worlds,” the ultra-confident Sa’Rai said. “My mindset is on gold. My manifestation and hard work will put me in top by the last day with the gold medal around my neck on that number one podium. It’s truly a blessing to be representing the USA.

“My biggest challenge is probably myself; boxing is 90-percent mental, meaning I have to have a mindset that nothing can be hard enough to stop me from reaching my goals. My short-range goals, right now, are to win the Youth Worlds and finish out the year making the Youth High Performance Team. Long range, I’d say, is to fight in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Being world champ, looked up to as an inspiration to all and, most importantly, having proven to be the most feared female boxer.”

Brown-El believes USA Boxing has helped in terms of working against other styles at tournaments, in addition to benefiting from training with her elite stablemates, and under the guidance of world-class coaches, at the state-of-the-art United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I can show my skills and have learned many other skills and drills there (training center) to become a universal boxer,” she noted. “I’ve been able to go against every style there is in international fighting and be able to dominate every time. USA Boxing has taught me very valuable lessons: to be professional, disciplined and dedicated, because there are a lot of obstacles that come with it. For me, being professional is the only way to have a career in this sport.”
Winning at the 2021 National to be part of the 2022 Youth High Performance Team, thus far, are the highlights of her relatively young boxing career. To win that gold medal, Sa’Rai explained, she needed to push through injuries that nearly forced her to pull out of the tournament.

Brown-El has a high ring IQ. Basically, the sweet science is about hitting the opponent without getting hit, especially in Olympic style boxing. Her ring IQ is advanced beyond her years, using angles, constantly moving, and confusing her opponent with her evasiveness. And, Brown-El quickly adds, that doesn’t mean she won’t bang if needed.

“I love representing my country,” she concluded. “I want to show the world we are the greatest. Team USA will come out on top at the Youth Worlds. My message for U.S. boxing fans is to keep watching. The future of boxing is coming in hot!”

INFORMATION: www.usaboxing,org Twitter: @USABoxingInstagram: @USABoxingFacebook: /USABoxing 

ABOUT USA BOXING: The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

Pennsylvania featherweight Cornellio Phipps living the dream 2022 Youth World Championships November 14-26 in La Nucia, Spain

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 10, 2022) – As talented featherweight Cornellio “Chada” Phipps prepares for the upcoming Youth World Championships, he admits to living the dream, and before he turns pro in a few years, the Olympic-style boxing plan for him is medaling in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

The 17-year-old Phipps, who fights out of Oxford, Pa., first got into boxing four years ago on the advice of his father. Phipps played basketball and football, but he didn’t feel either of those were his true spot. He actually fell in love with boxing while watching fights before he even boxed, when he was seven.   

“I tell people to never give up their dreams, to keep punching, and never let anybody doubt you,” Phipps said. “This feels good (preparing for the Youth Worlds). I never thought I’d get to this stage. It’s been tough but fun. I’m on Team USA representing my country.

“It starts on the big stage by me medaling at the Youth Worlds (November 14-26, in La Nucia, Spain). Being on Team USA has made a big difference for me. I’ve learned how to box against different moves, understanding the points system, and how to win. Training in Colorado Springs has helped me to succeed and also have fun learning from my new coaches.”

Phipps (headgear).jpg

Phipps has already tasted success prior to the Youth Worlds. He has captured gold medals at the 2022 USA Boxing National Qualifier, 2021 USA Boxing Youth National Championships, as well as the 2020 and 2019 Junior National Championships.

All-around boxer-puncher is the best way to describe Phipps style in the ring. He can brawl, box, and move around well. “I’m more of a boxer than brawler,” he noted. “I can fight on the outside or lay on the ropes. I move and show angles, plus I can easily switch to southpaw (from his orthodox stance).”

Like many of his young USA Boxing teammates, the Youth Worlds will be the first international competition of his career. These championships is something he is really looking forward to for a wide variety of reasons.

“I’m excited to be fighting on my first international competition at the Youth Worlds in Spain,” Phipps concluded. “I was supposed to fight in a tournament in Bulgaria in 2020, but that was canceled due to COVID. I’m going to show my skills at the Youth Worlds to prove I belong at the top level, and that is the Olympics.”

Competition begins in La Nucia, Spain on Tuesday, Nov. 15 and can be followed along by clicking here.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing,org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing 

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

USA Boxing finalizes 2022 Youth World Championship Team Members

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 7, 2022) — USA Boxing announced today the nine boxers who will represent Team USA in La Nucia, Spain at the 2022 Youth World Boxing Championships. Full team roster can be seen below.

USA Boxing National Developmental Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.) will lead the team in Spain, with assistant coaches Gilberto Garza (San Antonio, Texas), Blanca Gutierrez (Pacifica, Calif.), Elizabeth Navarro (Mission, Texas) and Richard Stephenson (Middletown, N.Y.), as well as USA Boxing Strength and Conditioning Fellow Gillian Brennan (Overland Park, Kan.). Additional staff traveling with the team include USA Boxing High Performance Coordinator Morgan Bergquist (Colorado Springs, Colo.), USA Boxing Communications Manager Brian Taylor (Whiteville, N.C.) and Dr. Ingrid Carter (Doral, Fla.), who will serve as the Team Physician during these championships.

These Youth World Championships will be the first Youth World Championships attended by Team USA since 2018, where the team won three gold and one bronze medals. The Official Draw will take place on Monday, Nov. 14, with competition set to begin on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Finals will be divided into two days of competition on Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26.

All nine boxers will be making their Team USA international debuts at these World Championships.

89 nations have applied to participate in the tournament, with 476 male and 208 female boxers registered to compete. Final numbers will be announced at the tournament draw.

USA Boxing will continue to update the 2022 Youth World Championships website throughout the competition, including bout sheets, results, livestream information and more.

Team Roster

51 kg: Ryan Williams, Toledo, Ohio

52 kg: Sa’Rai Brown-El, Marietta, Ga.

57 kg: Cornellio Phipps, Oxford, Pa.

57 kg: Yoseline Perez, Houston, Texas

60 kg: Randi Griffith, Gouverneur, N.Y.

63.5 kg: Dedrick Crocklem, Tacoma, Wash.

71 kg: Amir Anderson, Syracuse, N.Y.

75 kg: Talia Halvorsen, Harwood Heights, Ill.

80 kg: Patrick O’Connor, Fort Washington, Md.

www.usaboxing,org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing 

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

USA Boxing Alumni Association to Host Northeast Ohio Celebration at National Qualifier

Ohio alumni banner.jpg
COLORADO SPRINGS, Col. (March 10, 2023) — The USA Boxing Alumni Association will host two events during the 2022 National Qualifier in Cleveland, Ohio, to honor Northeast Ohio Olympians, World Champions, legendary coaches and officials, and others who have helped shape history of amateur Olympic-style boxing in the region. 

The weekend celebration will begin with a meet and greet gathering on Saturday, April 23 at Masthead Brewing Company. This will be open to all USA Boxing Alumni Association members to gather ahead of the weeklong national tournament. The event, which will be free entry, will run from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The events will continue on Sunday, April 24 at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom for the Northeast Ohio Alumni Celebration Banquet. Two-time welterweight champion and Northeast Ohio native “Showtime” Shawn Porter will serve as Master of Ceremonies of the event that is expected to include Ohio greats like Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Raynell Williams, Charles Conwell, Terrell Gausha, Delante Johnson, Oshae Jones, Mickey Bey, Kelly Pavlik, and many more.

“I’m excited about Cleveland hosting this major National USA Boxing tournament,” said former IBF and WBC welterweight champion, Shawn Porter. “We were like a family growing up through the amateur system. I can’t wait to MC this Alumni Association banquet and have fun just like old times.”

The USA Boxing Alumni Association will also be awarding Lifetime Achievement Awards at the event.

The event, which will be from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., will be a ticketed event. Tickets will be $65.00 and will include dinner. Limited tickets will be available for purchase here. There will be no tickets sold at the door, so be sure to get them while they last.

“The USA Boxing Alumni Association is extremely excited to honor Northeast Ohio legends to kick off the National Qualifier,” said Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director. “This weekend will bridge the past with the present. By celebrating the accomplishments of these great champions, coaches, and officials, we hope to inspire the next generation of champions on their road to the 2024 Olympics.”

For more information, please contact alumni@usaboxing.org.
 
USA Boxing Alumni Association
Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches, and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain, and e-wallet.

INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing, USABoxingAlumni
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

Irish amateur standout Tommy Hyde turning pro April 2nd at home in Cork

Tommy Hyde.jpeg
CORK, Ireland (February 10, 2022) –  Three-time Ireland National Champion Tommy Hyde will turn professional April 2nd at home in Ballyvolane, Cork, on a show at The Big Top, Glen GGA Grounds, promoted by his father, renown international boxing manager Gary Hyde.
The 22-year-old Hyde, who participated in more than 100 amateur matches, reached the quarterfinals of the prestigious World Junior Championships in 2015. He was a 9-time National finalist, captured top honors at the 2019 Harringey Box Cup, and was a 3-time Celtic Bux Cup gold medalist.

“Since I started boxing at the age of seven,” the heavy-handed light heavyweight said, “it’s been my dream to box as a professional in Cork, Ireland. I grew up going to world championship shows all over the world and I’ve always wanted to fight at that level. On April 2nd, I will take the first step in getting there. I’ve had more than 100 amateur fights and feel it’s time to make the move to the pros and fulfill my lifelong dream.”

Hyde is training in Springfield, Massachusetts, under Hector Bermudez, who has trained world champions TJ Doheny, Jonathan Guzman, Carlos Gongora, Vince Phillips, Ryad Merhy and Javier Fortuna.

“I am absolutely thrilled to promote a show in which my son Tommy will make his pro debut,” proud father Gary added. “I’ve travelled the world to sign amateur fighters from so many different countries and this kid was in the bedroom next door.”

ABOUT NOWHERETOHYDE:  Founded in 2007 by Gary Hyde in Cork, Ireland, NoWhere2Hyde  offers full services for professional boxers around the world. Hyde has managed numerous world-class boxers during his career including world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux, Youri Kalenga, Nassam N’Dam and Simpiwe Vetyeaka.  He presently manages world-rated European Super Featherweight Champion Samir Ziani (21-3-1, 7 KOs) and Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (4-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:
Facebook: /nowhere2hyde, /tommyhyde
Twitter:  @nowhere2hyde, @tommyhyde99
Instagram:  @gary_nowhere2hyde, @tommyhyde1

TRIBUTE TO DR. KEN “DOC” COX

By: Tony Penecale

Lock Haven Boxing

Class of 1998

Dr. Ken “Doc” Cox was a legend of a man.  He was a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a confidant, and a friend.  He passed away on February 5, 2022 at the age of 88 years old, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.

I’ve pondered over the last 24 hours how we are going to navigate through a world without Dr. Cox, aka “Doc”, a man who coached us, taught us, pushed us, and mentored us.  He was a man that could light up a room and command attention.  He could leave you hanging on every word as he shared life experiences or he could have you rolling on the floor, laughing until it physically hurt.

While his passing last night was not unexpected, it still hurt with the force of a thousand sledgehammers.  I know I will likely break down and sob or flat out cry several times while I am writing this piece.  There is definitely crying in boxing and tonight the Lock Haven Boxing and our extended collegiate boxing families are all in mourning.

Dr. Cox came into my life in 1994 when I was a freshman at Lock Haven University.  I decided to go to Lock Haven, in truth it was my only choice, because I had become so enamored with the dream of boxing.  When I found out that Lock Haven had a nationally-ranked team with a well-known coach, I set my heart on attending.

When I arrived on campus that fall semester, my first point of business was to seek out and meet Dr. Cox, armed with a list of excited questions.  He agreed to meet with me a few weeks before he held the open meeting for prospective team members.  I walked into the building where his academic office was located and it was then I saw a rotund man with white hair and a big smile on his round face walking towards me.  I’m not sure who he was but it certainly couldn’t be this legendary coach.  It was then he walked up to me and, in a voice that is so often imitated, he introduced himself.  I did not realize then that I had just met a man who would so positively influence my life.

To know “Doc” was a true blessing in life.  He could make you laugh or make you angry.  He would call you out and put you on the spot.  Being a professor, he valued education and he enforced that his student athletes, boxers at the time, and wrestlers before that, focused on their education.  He would, without hesitation, withhold a competitor from a show or tournament if they were not keeping up with their academics.

He knew when to push you and exactly what buttons to push.  He would bring the Lock Haven boxers to Rockview St. Penitentiary to train and spar with the inmates.  The first time he brought me along, I was getting bullied and beaten up by an older and more experienced inmate.  I was afraid and I kept looking over at him, in a way hoping that he would stop the sparring session.  But he looked back and his eyes calmed me and I knew to throw a counter punch out of the corner.  Dr. Cox believed in me at that moment when I didn’t believe in myself.  A few years later, after me appointed me President of the Lock Haven Boxing Club, he asked me to submit the paperwork on which of his boxers he was selecting to compete in an upcoming show in New York.  He also knew that I would see those papers so he wrote on there that I was “not nearly as talented” as another boxer on the roster.  While we never spoke of it, he knew that he would ignite a fire in me to overcome my lack of natural ability through dedication and determination.  It was just one of his many methods of motivation.  As he would often say, he was “using a negative stimulus to produce a positive result.”

In essence, Dr. Cox was a giver.  He shared his knowledge, his experience, and most importantly, his time to mold young men and women into competitive student athletes and decent human beings.  He shared his family with us, including his wife Glenda, who was the driver (“the pilot”) of so many of our road trips.  Those road trips, whether they were 45 minutes to Penn St. or several hours to Annapolis, were always entertaining life lessons.  We were never allowed to sleep on those trips as “Doc” found this was the perfect time for education.  He would discuss whatever topic hit his mind and they often came from left field.  Those trips were never boring.

Dr. Cox always implored us to give back to the sport that gave us so much.  He encouraged his student boxers to go into coaching and officiating, often allowing us to assist him in working the corner of one of our teammates, or setting up seminars so we could get our certification.  He would, without question, gladly write a recommendation for a job or internship.  He asked me to sit in his office while he wrote a letter of recommendation for me.  He educated me on how to effectively communicate through the written word and focused on using “power” and “impact” words that would command attention and respect.  He was always willing to be listed as a job reference because he wanted to see those who had trained and mentored become successful in life.

Since yesterday, I have been thinking a lot about my favorite “Doc” stories, the ones that I tell the most often.  Of course, you can’t tell a Doc story without imitating his voice and mannerisms.  Every year, when the LHU boxing alumni would gather for the annual boxing homeshow and after party, we would all tell our favorite stories while doing the Doc imitation.  Sadly, the next time we gather will be for his funeral.  This is a way for me to cope with his death and smile through the tears.  These are in no particular order.  For the most part, I will avoid using any names in the event someone doesn’t want to be called out.

  • First Roadtrip and “Barnyard Beef” – My first roadtrip with Doc and the LHU team was October 1994 to the US Naval Academy.  It was the annual season kickoff meeting and a round of sparring sessions with boxers from Navy, VMI, Lock Haven, Shippensburg, and Mansfield.  It was a relatively uneventful day except for one of the Haven’s novice boxers had taken a few solid punches and was now complaining how bad his jaw hurt.  On our way home, we were expecting to make a quick dinner stop, likely a McDonalds, until Doc spotted a little shack-looking place on the side of the road called “Barnyard Beef.”  Once he saw it, he implored Glenda to cut off the driver in the right lane so we could pull over as he boomed “Hun Hun… That’s where we need to stop.  It’s called Barnyard Beef.  It has to be good!”  He gave us all a few dollars to order and we all went with roast beef sandwiches with Doc getting an extra-large selection which looked to be about as big as the moon.  Our sulking boxer implored that his jaw was too sore to chew so he opted for a cup of soup.  Doc took the first bite of his gigantic roast beef sandwich and rolled his eyes in delight “Oh My God!  This is the BEST roast beef sandwich ever” and looking over at his lone soup-eating boxer, he followed with “You gotta get one of these!  Forget about your jaw! Stop being such a pansy and get one!”
  • Mad in the Corner – As mentioned, Doc wanted to give his student boxers opportunities to learn to coach.  There was a December card at Penn State my sophomore year where I and another teammate had our bouts canceled when our opponents from Buffalo were snowed in.  Doc saw an opportunity to have us help in the corners with each of us taking two bouts and he would allow you to get in the ring and give the instructions.  The first bout I worked with him was a clear Lock Haven victory.  The second bout I worked with him did not go so well.  The Lock Haven boxer was not doing well and certainly not up to his potential.  Through the first round, I could tell Doc was getting angry.  As the bell rang, he snarled “Let me have the ring” which was never a good thing.  As I sat there, I made a vow that situation would never happen to me.  Fast forward two months later, I am competing in that same PSU ring against a very sloppy and awkward opponent  and the first round was going poorly, very poorly.  The bell rung to end the first round and, as I started walking back to my corner, I saw Doc getting in the ring with a wild and angered look in his eyes.  I almost considered walking to my opponent’s corner and asking if I could stay there for the next minute because I knew my corner was not going to be a fun place to be.  In a crazy way, Doc’s unleashing on me actually forced me to refocus and allowed me to come back to win that one.
  • President’s Dinner – At the end of every year, the president of the university would have a dinner for the boxing team.  As Doc had retired as a professor in 1996, they decided that year that the dinner would not just be for the current team but also for some selected alumni.  After the boxing nationals had ended in April, Doc was flying to Fiji for a few weeks to participate in a boxing seminar.  He was scheduled to return only a day before the dinner banquet.  We were waiting for him at the gym so we could travel to the dinner as a team.  When Doc walked through the doors, our collective jaws hit the floor.  He was wearing a suit jacket and tie and a traditional Fijian sulu.  In our eyes, he was wearing something that resembled a skirt.  He just smiled back and said “These are so comfortable.  I think I am going to start wearing them more often.”  To say his attire was the talk of the dinner was an understatement for sure.
  • Pork & Beans – One of Doc’s defining characteristics in life was his generosity and willingness to help others.  He had a close relationship with the local Salvation Army and every year, he would set up a day for the boxing team to ring the bells for the Salvation Army kettle.  When Doc found out that one of his boxers was struggling financially and unable to afford food, he worked out a deal with the Salvation Army where they would donate some food for him.  We were loading a box of groceries donated when this boxer who came from a Muslim family looked at the one item and declined it as it included pork.  Doc picked up the can and said “Are you sure?  How can you tell?” to which he was informed that it was a can of Pork & Beans.  He pondered for a moment simply said “Hmmm… You know I never knew that had pork in it?”
  • Don’t Eat the Pizza – We were traveling to New York for the annual show at the New York Athletic Center a few days before Thanksgiving.  This was a rare show with the weigh-in the day before the show and the whole ride to Manhattan, Doc was talking about how we were going out to eat after the weigh-in.  Since it was my first year competing on the NYAC show, he allowed me to choose the ethnic food we would be indulging in later.  Of course, I picked Italian.  Doc had one more very important piece of advice.  After the weigh-in, there would be pizzas there.  Even though we were all hungry from making weight for the show, he advised that we do not eat the pizza because we were going out to dinner.  The three Lock Haven boxers made weight and, after changing, we walked over to find Doc eating his third slice of pizza.  A short while later, we are seated at the famed Luna’s restaurant in Little Italy and Doc is complaining that he shouldn’t have eaten that pizza and he was too full to order a meal.  The legendary Dr. Cox, the man who stories recount ate so much Chinese Food the year before, was reduced to ordering a side salad.  As we were eating and laughing, Coach Ken Cooper made an astute observation.  Doc had finished his salad and was now eating from his wife’s plate, all the while mentioning how he wasn’t hungry.  Not missing a beat, Doc proceeded to take the extra meatballs from the one boxer’s meal.
  • Cigars and Vodka –This is one that I didn’t get to witness personally but he told it so often that I felt like I was there.  As a highly-respected wrestling coach, Doc was often invited to wrestling seminars in Russia where that sport is God-like.  Doc was often the recipient of many bottles of the finest Russian vodka.  He would attend boxing seminars in Cuba.  Before flipping truck tires became a trendy thing in most fitness centers, Doc borrowed the Cuban method and would have his fighters bounce on truck tires to increase leg strength and conditioning.  He also came home from many of these trips with some authentic Cuban cigars.  He would tell us how he would then go to the store and buy the cheapest cigars and vodka, only to switch the labels.  He would then imitate those smoking the cheap cigars and drinking the cheap vodka thinking they were consuming the real goods.  He would pantomime their sipping of the vodka and slow puffing of the cigars while commenting “how you can really taste the difference”, his whole time cackling at the knowledge that he knew they were really gushing over the lowest quality of both items.
  • Weight – It’s no secret, Doc wanted his boxers to compete in different weight classes.  He also always envisioned a dominant heavyweight on his team and he would workout football players or wrestlers who had exhausted their eligibility in those respective sports. At the beginning of each school year, I would show up around 190-195 and Doc would envision me being his solution at heavyweight, despite the fact that I didn’t have the height, and once I started conditioning, the weight to sustain it.  I still remember those conversations.  “Ok Penecale, you weighed in at 185 for last week’s bout.  What did you weigh today?”  I would respond with “182” and he would shoot back “Ok, this week, I am going to put you in with a ‘small’ heavyweight.”  When he meant “small”, it was usually anyone under 235 and I would show up to weigh-ins with rocks in my pockets.  Then one day, only a few days before regionals, he decided to try another avenue.  I had been between 178-180 and fully expecting to compete at 180 in the regionals when he asked “Do you think you can make 165 by Friday?”  It was already Tuesday afternoon.  He felt that was my best path to the National tournament so I agreed.  In spring 1997, between January 30 and April 12, Doc had me compete in five separate weight classes.
  • My last homeshow – Fitting that this anniversary is tomorrow (February 7) and I will be posting the Youtube video like I do every year.  The homeshow was always a big event and Doc would want everything to be perfect.  As Coach Coop would say to us, Doc would be very impatient or as so eloquently described “he would be a bear with a sore ass.”  The last thing you wanted to do was annoy Doc before, during, or after the homeshow.  My senior year, I was taking on a boxer from Army by the name of Michael Jordan.  My friends and roommates showed up with custom signs and shirts and they were seated in the bleachers close to my corner.  Earlier in the card, when I was getting changed, a boxer from Kentucky had knocked out an opponent from Penn State and drew the crowd’s ire by jumping on the ropes and showboating.  I was unaware of this, so as the emotion hit me at the final bell, I banged my gloves and started a run to my corner to jump on the ropes and salute my cheering section.  Doc read my mind and sternly said “NO!” which forced my momentum into an awkward gallop, looking like a bucking bronco that was just hit with a cattle prod.

The last two days have been emotional and difficult, from finding out that Doc was soon-to-be transitioning to the crushing news of his passing. Being an admin on the LHU Boxing Facebook page, one of the abilities is to approve posts.  I saw so many posts submitted for approval from friends, family, fellow alumni including so many photos.  It was nearly impossible not to break down.  

Dr. Cox was a coach, an educator, a mentor, and a friend.  As I first said in the post after his passing, he taught me so many lessons in and out of the ring.  He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.  He pushed me to be better, a better boxer, a better student, a better son, a better friend, and a better human.  Those life lessons still impact me every day and I find myself sharing them often.

Coach Cooper added in his tribute “He who is in the hearts of so many is never truly gone”.  That is a true statement.  Dr. Cox will live on through the positive impact that he has made through so many of his students, athletes, family, and friends.

You will certainly be missed, Dr. Cox.  Thank you and We Love You!!!

Salita Promotions Signs USA National Amateur Champion Joshua Pagan to a Promotional Contract

Pagan will make professional debut on Salita Promotions’ ‘Detroit Brawl’ event on January 22 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI

Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of Grand Rapids, Michigan-based 2021 USA National Amateur Welterweight Champion Joshua “Double J” Pagan to a promotional contract.

After starting boxing at age 13, in honor of his trainer/father Tony who also boxed, Pagan had approximately 90 fights as an amateur, culminating in winning three State Golden Gloves Championships and this year’s USA national Championships in Shreveport, Louisiana.

A smooth boxer with a mean streak, 21-year-old Pagan will make his professional debut on Saturday, January 22, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, as Salita Promotions returns for another instalment of their popular “Detroit Brawl” series of professional boxing shows.

“I’ve been part of the amateur boxing game for a while now,” explained Pagan. “It’s time to challenge myself again and start something new. Pro boxing is the same sport, but a different game. I want a new challenge.”

The young phenom will face Steubenville, Ohio’s Glenn Mitchell (3-6, 3 KOs) in a four-round welterweight battle to support the 10-round middleweight main event featuring WBC #9- and WBO #15-ranked middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr.
“I’ve watched some fights of his on YouTube,” revealed Pagan.

“Mitchell is a rugged guy. I can’t overlook him because it only takes on mistake. I’m going in there to get my first win and showcase my skills and show the Detroit fans what I can do.”

A non-stop student of the sport, while working with his father/trainer Tony, Pagan says he’s been sparring more rounds than usual against local professionals and picking up their tricks of the trade to prepare.

“I feel I got a good deal and he seems real straightforward and genuine,” added Pagan about the deal with Salita. “We got hooked up by my good friend Joseph Hicks, who is also fighting on the card. I sent him some of my fights for Dmitriy to watch and he liked what he saw, so he told us to get a hold of him. I want to win a world championship. I’ve always dreamt of being on the big stage and fighting in the big fights. I don’t get nervous in big fights. If anything I get more focused. I’m more than ready and very excited for this new challenge. I’m ready to go. I’m training hard and I will be in the best shape I’ve ever been in on January 22.”

“He seems like a really down-to-earth guy,” added father Tony. “He seems like a good promoter and we think he’ll help us grow and do what we have to do. Joshua’s greatest strength is that he’s willing to work hard and wants to keep learning. Those are his best assets. He never stops learning and he really loves the sport.”

Promoter Salita, who has enjoyed several successes in his mission to help revive Michigan boxing, says Pagan is a talented new addition to his growing stable.

“Joshua is a young new talent with tremendous potential,” said Salita. “He’s a very hard worker in the gym with exceptional boxing skills. He’s a new prospective star from the state of Michigan and I’m happy to be working with him and his father to help them reach his potential. He has a lot of fans coming out to watch his professional debut, which will be against a tough opponent with nine more fights.”

In the night’s co-main event is power-punching undefeated Detroit middleweight “prospect to watch” Marlon Harrington (5-0, 4 KOs) will appear in a six-rounder vs. TBA.

Featured in separate eight-round battles, each against opponents to be announced, will be the always-exciting top super-featherweight contender Alejandro “Pork Chop” Guerrero (12-2, 9 KOs) of Irving, Texas; as well as Detroit super middleweight Winfred Harris Jr. (20-1-1, 10 KOs); and undefeated Houston-based welterweight Quinton Randall (8-0, 2 KOs).

And in a very special six-round pro debut will be Salita Promotions’ most recent promotional signee, popular Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Team USA Captain and bonafide amateur star Joseph “Sug” Hicks Jr., who will begin his fast-track route to potential stardom against TBA. 

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $35 (service fees will apply). Order tickets online or call or visit the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office (ph: 313.943.2354) at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn during Box Office hours: Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm on the day of the event. PLEASE NOTE: tickets ordered online will be mailed up to one week prior to event date. Tickets ordered within a week of event will be placed in will call in the box office for pickup. A limited quantity of VIP tickets are also available by calling Lina at 313.529.7604.