Category Archives: amateur boxing

MORE THAN JUST GOLD IS AT STAKE IN TITLE REMATCH

Lewiston, Maine (May 27, 2016) – One of the past year’s most intense rivalries is about to be reignited.  On June 18, 2016, when New England Fights (NEF) presents “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, former amateur mixed-martial-arts (MMA) flyweight champion Dustin Veinott (4-4) will have his chance to recapture the strap from Ryan Burgess (2-0).  Burgess took the title from Veinott last fall at “NEF XX” in a very close split decision.  The outcome on the judges’ scorecards has been a topic of heavy debate amongst NEF fans ever since.

 

“I have wanted this rematch since right after he took the title,” said Veinott.  “I know I wasn’t at 100% when I fought him last time.  Best believe I will have no distractions this time around.  I also feel he disrespected the whole weight division.  I will teach him to respect this division.  I am here to prove that us 125ers might be small, but we are all tough guys that know how to fight!”

 

“Last time me and Dustin met in the cage, we went to war,” recalled Burgess.   “Expect nothing less than that in our rematch. Many people considered it a close split decision fight, and although I wasn’t able to utilize my ground striking as I had hoped, I don’t see how you can call it a close match when I was able to impose my will on him throughout the entire three rounds. I believe that he does deserve this rematch, though, as he made the trip to Hyannis, Mass for the last event and was unfortunately not able to compete due to his opponent not making weight. Opponents in my weight class are hard to come by in this region and I believe of all the guys who are consistent with their weight cuts, Dustin deserves another shot.”

 

The Hyannis, Massachusetts bout that Burgess refers to was to take place earlier this month between Veinott and Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Kane (4-3).  The match was cancelled at weigh-ins when Kane did not make the agreed-to catchweight.

 

“I was very frustrated about Razzle Dazzle not making weight,” stated Veinott.  “Especially after I gave him the extra four pounds that he asked for.  However, he disrespected me by not showing up on weight – that is why I didn’t take the fight.”

 

Burgess, a member of Berserkers MMA in Rumford, Maine, is clear that he plans to finish the rematch with Veinott and not leave any room for controversy with another decision.  He is not out to simply retain his title, but to also prove a point – that he is the undisputed top amateur flyweight in Maine.  And to do that, Burgess knows he has to put Veinott away definitively.

 

“All I have to say to Dustin is ‘congrats, you got your rematch that you’ve been asking for.’ I hope you don’t expect the same fighter you got last time – your fans may be disappointed at the end of the night.  Come June 18th, I will solidify myself as the top flyweight for NEF, as well as make a statement of the improvements I have been making outside of the cage.  There will be no ‘fan controversy’ after I finish this fight in the first or second round.”

 

Veinott contends that he will be more focused this time around.  A member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Veinott is confident in his ability to submit Burgess should Burgess, a three-time state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School with 150 wins to his credit, take the fight to the mat.

 

“The difference that I will make going into this fight is to have no distractions,” said Veinott.  “I will make sure I am the most mentally prepared I have ever been.  I feel I already have all the tools to beat him.  I caught him in several submissions our last fight, and I know for a fact he doesn’t want to stand with me.  He will be going for another wrestling match and I am fully prepared for that.”

 

And while the coveted NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Title may be on the line on June 18, both Veinott and Burgess are looking to finish their rivalry once and for all.

 

“Find your seats early folks ’cause this one will be a quick thriller,” said Burgess in closing.  “Our last bout I had a game plan to grind out a decision victory.  A finish will go in the books after this fight.”

 

“The one thing Ryan should know is not to think this fight will be the same as the first one,” Veinott stated emphatically.  “I will leave everything in the cage.  You will see a different fighter, and I will come out victorious.  It is time to release the beast!”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT HAS ALL THE MAKINGS OF A WRESTLING CLASSIC

Lewiston, Maine (May 23, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  The fight promotion will put on another full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cage fights and pro boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur lightweight matchup to the MMA portion of the card.  After a year’s absence, “Dangerous” Dom “Hands of Stone” Cofone (6-5) will return to the NEF MMA cage to face Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

Dom Cofone was a Class A state wrestling champion out of Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine.  He entered the MMA ranks in February of 2013.  Since that time, he has been featured on nine NEF cards.  Cofone’s last appearance in the promotion was in June 2015 at “NEF 18.”  That night, Cofone submitted Jason Lachance (2-3) in the second round.  He is currently a member of the Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine, training under MMA pioneers Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner.

 

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to step into the NEF cage once again,” said Cofone.  “With my coaches and teammates from the Academy behind me, I know I’ll be able to have a great performance.  June 18th is going to be an awesome night for the NEF fans and an even better night for the Westbrook wrestling alumni!”

 

Steve Bang is a member of the famous Bang fighting family of Auburn, Maine.  On June 18, he will join his father and brothers in the NEF MMA cage.   Bang wrestled as an independent during his years at Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine.  He is currently a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).  Bang will look to rebound from a second-round submission loss to Fabian Miranda (2-0) last week at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

 

“I’m super pumped to fight with all of my family,” said Bang.  “It’s always a great experience. This past year has been a rough year for me in many different ways and I feel like I am just – as of a month or two ago – coming out of it. I feel great in all aspects; mentally, spiritually, and physically.  I am fired up and ready to do battle with so much of my family doing what Bangs’ do just fires me up more.  I’m excited to fight alongside Shawn again who I haven’t seen in two years and have only spoken to three times.  I’m excited to fight Dom. I think it will be a great match up. I don’t get to fight many wrestlers.  And I want to thank him for the opportunity to allow me to do what I love to do.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.

 

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

“Knockout Night at the D” & “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” Streaming live on FITE

  
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
This Friday and Saturday from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
LAS VEGAS (May 17, 2016) – Neon Star Mediaannounced today thatFITE will stream this weekend’s amateur and professional boxing events, respectively, “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising II” and “Knockout Night at the D, live from the outdoor

Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).

FITE will stream this Friday night’s amateur boxing event, “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising II,” starting at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET, worldwide via its increasingly popular app (go online to Google Play or iTunes APP stores to download).  “Battle Born Boxing” is an amateur boxing series created by Neon Star Media for the D Las Vegas to support amateur boxing in Nevada, as well as provide a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
The action continues this Saturday evening at the DLVEC, starting at 6 p.m. PT, with the second installment of the “Knockout Night at the D” pro boxing series. FITE will stream all of the preliminary matches worldwide.  In addition, the entire card may be watched on FITE APP outside of North American from 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.,. ET to 10 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. ET on the FITE APP.
“FITE APP is a perfect fit for our client that wants to have its brands, Knockout Night at the D and Battle Born Boxing: Uprising instantly connected to a global viewing audience live each month,” said John Anderson, Neon Star Media, SVP of integrated sales.
FITE is an app that can be downloaded at either the Google Play or iTunes app store.  FITE TV provides the very best of all things fighting including boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts and grappling.  Not only can viewers watch FITE programming on either Android or IOS smart mobile devices, it allows viewers to automatically stream the program from your mobile device to a Wi-Fi connected or smart TV.  The app download is free and available anywhere in the world that has Wi-Fi capabilities. FITE is a product of Flipps Media, Inc. For more information go to FITE.tv.
“We are excited to be working with the team from ‘Knockout Night at the D’ to bring its distinct brand of boxing to FITE TV,” commented Michael Weber, Senior Vice President of Marketing for FITE TV.  “With FITE investor and spokesperson, Jim ‘JR’ Ross, as its blow-by-blow announcer, our relationship is a natural.  We are excited to grow FITE as Neon Media grows the ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series.”
FITE will also stream the June 9th & 10th “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising III” and “Knockout Night at the D” event from DLVEC.
“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising II” tickets, priced at $19.00 for ringside (rows 1 and 2) and $15.00 for general admission, are on sale at www.DLVEC.com.  All tickets purchased for “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising II” will entitle ticketholders to receive $10.00 off any tickets purchased for the following evening’s (May 21) “Knockout Night at the D” pro event.  Those tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @johnverajr, @joey_ruelas, @jerrencochran, @jflashgang (Nichols), @Realdevinhaney @RandyMoreno

“BATTLE BORN BOXING” Amateur series returns to Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

LAS VEGAS (May 16, 2016) -“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising II” is on tap Friday night, May 20, starting at 7 p.m. PT, at the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.

“Battle Born Boxing” is an amateur boxing series created by Neon Star Media on behalf of its client, the D Las Vegas, to support amateur boxing in Nevada, as well as provide a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
Las Vegas-based boxing clubs represented at “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising II” includes Barry’s Boxing, Richard Steel Boxing Club and Johnny Tocco’s Ringside Boxing.
“Battle Born Boxing” was successfully launched April 15 and the amateur boxing series will continue the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional boxing events, airing live throughout 2016 on CBS Sports Network from the DLVEC.
“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising II” tickets, priced at $19.00 for ringside (rows 1 and 2) and $15.00 for general admission, are on sale at www.DLVEC.com.  All tickets purchased for “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” will entitle ticketholders to receive $10.00 off any tickets purchased for the following evening’s (May 21) “Knockout Night at the D” pro event.  Those tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.

“BATTLE BORN BOXING” New amateur series coming to Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

Inaugural event, Friday night, Apr. 15
LAS VEGAS (April 8, 2016) -Neon Star Media, on behalf of its client, the D Las Vegas,  today announced the formation of a new amateur boxing series, “Battle Born Boxing.”
The “Battle Born Boxing” series will present amateur boxing events the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional events, airing live on CBS Sports Network from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
Created to support amateur boxing in Nevada, “Battle Born Boxing” also provides a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
The inaugural event, “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising”, will take place Friday night, April 15 (starting at 7 p.m. PT), outdoors at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
“We are thrilled to add this new component to our ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of the D and DLVEC. “We are always seeking new ways to support Las Vegas businesses, and this event will truly give local boxing amateurs, programs and gyms a moment in the spotlight.”
“On behalf of Neon Star Media,” commented John Andersen, SVP Integrated Sales, “First and foremost, I would like to thank Derek Stevens, who is working very hard to help instill boxing in downtown Las Vegas.  I think that by supporting ‘Battle Born Boxing,’ clubs and the gyms in LasVegas, he is willing to do whatever it takes to not only support professional boxing, but also support kids in local amateur programs. We at Neon Star Media simply thought this was a vision that we had to do and who better to make it happen than the DLVEC and Derek?”
“This is blowing up big,” added event coordinator Dawn Berry.  “Derek Stevens is one of the nicest, most honest people I’ve met in this business.  He loves boxing and really wants to do this series.  I’ve worked with Derek before and he’s so easy to deal with.  Derek has always supported amateur boxing and we’re so grateful because it really helps the community.  We’ve had a huge turnout of so many people who want to be involved that I’ve had to cutback the number of matches to 15 or 20.  We have some boxers coming from New Mexico and California. The next date is May 20th and we have boxers coming here from Arizona for that show. It’s a great venue for boxing, too.”
“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” tickets, priced at $15.00 for ringside (rows 1 and 2) and $10.00 for general admission, are on sale at www.DLVEC.com.  All tickets purchased for “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” will entitle ticketholders to receive $10.00 off any tickets purchased for the following evening’s (Apr. 16) “Knockout Night at the D” pro event.  Those tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” will be streamed live atwww.knockoutnightboxing.com.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas

Boxers needed for Gleason’s Gym Amateur Boxing Show Saturday Evening, April 16th

Boxers are needed for our next amateur show on Saturday April 16th. It is only 10 days away.
Anybody with an up to date boxing book can participate.
Men, Women, Juniors, Seniors and Masters.
Join us on, Saturday evening the 16th of April and enjoy the excitement of amateur boxing at the grass roots level.
The weigh-in for this show will begin at 4:00PM and the first bout will begin at 6:00PM.
All our bouts are sanctioned by USABoxingMetro. All boxers must have their boxing book with them in order to participate.
The ticket price is $20 per person. Children 6 and under are not charged. All gym members and registered amateurs with their books in hand pay $15 per person.
P.S. If you can’t make it but still want to see the fights, they’ll be streaming at
Gleason’s Gym website: www.gleasonsgym.net

 

Two Exciting Events at Gleason’s Gym for Females and Masters – Sign up today

April 14-16,2016
Gleason’s Gym will host the sixth annual All Female Clinic and boxing show.
The cost of the Clinic is $369.00.
If you are interested please contact Bruce Silverglade at (718) 797-2872 or emailbruce@gleasonsgym.net.
The boxing show will be at Gleason’s Gym on April 16
6:00PM
$20.00 admission
All our bouts are sanctioned by USABoxingMetro. All boxers must have their boxing book with them in order to participate.

If you wish to compete, please contact our matchmaker Jieun Lee atmatchmaker@gleasonsgym.net. All matchmaking is done by email.

June 15-18, 2016
Gleason’s Gym will host the second annual Master’s International Championship Tournament
The cost of entry for this Tournament is $135.00.
If you are interested please contact Bruce Silverglade at (718) 797-2872 or email bruce@gleasonsgym.net.
Check in day Wednesday June 15 at Gleason’s Gym from
5:00AM to 10:00PM
Preliminary bouts Thursday and Friday June 16 and 17
Finals Saturday June 18
Spectators $25.00 admission
All our bouts are sanctioned by USABoxingMetro. All boxers must have their boxing book with them in order to participate.

August 1114, 2016

Gleason’s Gym will host the fourteenth annual Fantasy Boxing Camp at Honor’s Haven Resort and Spa.
The cost starts at $1799.00
All Female Show

 

 

All Female Show
Bruce with Female Fighters

 

Holt McCallany & Marcel Hutte
Master’s Clinic
Master Clinic

Sign up for our next Charity Boxing Event at BB Kings Broadway!

 


MAY MELEE – May 25th
Hold the date!
 
Our Fighters4Life have raised over $700,000 to date and have supported wounded and disabled veterans, inner city youth development, cancer causes as well as the Sato Project Dog Rescue.

Join our next Charity boxing event benefitting Gleason’s “Give a Kid a Dream”
 
Box on Broadway.
The venue is BB King Blues Club & Grill
 
We are looking for new people interested in the sport of boxing. It promises to be the adventure of a life time. You will get in the best shape of your life as you help great causes.

 

 
Both men and women, who are keen to learn the ins and outs of the sweet science and to showcase what they learn in the ring.
 
For the ten weeks leading up to your bout, the World famous Gleason’s Gym will provide the training required to get you prepared for May 25th.
 
We will document your training and progress along with photos on several web and social media sites. Your family, friends and co-workers can follow and share the journey as you get into fighting shape.
 
Your progress will inspire them to support you and make donations on your behalf.
 
 
If you are interested in being a part of this or know someone who is, email us at info@gleasonsgym.net , for more information.
You can also call Bruce at Gleason’s Gym, 718 797 2872.

New England Golden Gloves Championship OPEN CLASS FINALS RESULTS

Members of the open class winning-N.E. team from Western NE celebrate
(more pictures below – all courtesy of Jeffrey Freeman / KO Digest)
LOWELL, Mass. (February 26, 2016) – Western New England dominated the open class finals of the New England Tournament of Champions, part of the 70th annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship, winning seven of 10 matches last night at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
The eight men’s individual open class winners earned spots on Team New England for the 2016 National Golden Gloves Championships, May 16-21, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Team New England includes two of the top ranked boxers in the country, light heavyweight Elvis Figueroa and light welterweight Jaime Ortiz Rodriguez (repeat NE champion), both members of N.E. open class team champion from Western NE.  Burlington, MA featherweight Amanda Pavone captured her sixth NE. title.
“In the last 10 years,” explained New England Golden Gloves Executive Director Bobby Russo, “we hadn’t been on a good run. Attendance dropped off a little each year.  Last year’s horrible weather killed us.  This year, though, the excitement was back and attendance was up 30-percent.  There was a younger crowd and many novice boxers had good fan bases, which we need to build up every year. We had a lot of good fights and good boxers this year.  Boxing is back in Lowell!  We had a great season.
“Team New England will be very strong.  We have a young team but many of these boxers have a lot of invaluable experience from Junior Olympics competition, from heavyweight on down.  I think we have an impressive team that will do very well at The Nationals this year.”
Team champions were Western N.E. in the open class, Central N.E. in the novice class.
Three New England novice champions were also crowned last night.  See complete results below as well as more pictures.
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship, in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
 
NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS FINALS RESULTS
(winners listed first)
OPEN CLASS
BANTAMWEIGHTS (114 lbs.)
James Aquino, Meriden, CT (WNE)
WDEC3 (5-0)
Joe Ferrer, New Bedford, MA (SNE)
FEATHERWEIGHTS (123 lbs.)
Jacob Marrero, Bridgeport, CT (WNE)
WDEC3 (5-0)
Gabriel Morales, Portland, ME (NNE)
FEMALE FEATHERWEIGHTS (125.lbs.)
Amanda Pavone, Burlington, MA (CNE)
WDEC4 (5-0)
Eydir Lima, Worcester, MA (WNE)
LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Anuel Rosa-Lopez, New Haven, CT (WNE)
WDEC3 (5-0)
Marcelino Debarros, North Providence, RI
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Jaime Ortiz Rodriguez, Worcester, MA (WNE)
WDEC3 (5-0)
Abraham Nova, Brookline, MA (CNE)
FEMALE LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Lindsay Kyajohnia, Westrook, ME (NNE)
Walkover
Meisha Tuitt, Springfield, MA (WNE)
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 lbs.)
Anthony Laureano, East Hartford, CT (WNE)
WDEC (4-1)
Joseph Muese, Millis, MA (CNE)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS (165 lbs.)
Victor Reynoso, Providence, RI (SNE)
WDEC3 (5-0)
Jalen Renaud, Springfield, MA (WNE)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (178 lbs.)
Elvis Figueroa, New Haven, CT (WNE)
WDEC3 (5-0)
Henry Ventura, North Dartmouth, MA (SNE)
HEAVYWEIGHTS (201 lbs.)
Derek Edmonds, Worcester, MA (WNE)
WDEC3 (4-1)
Jesus Flores, Methuen, MA (CNE)
NOVICE CLASS
FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHTS (112 lbs.)
Alissa Dias, Boston, MA (CNE)
WRSC1 (1:27)
Rachel Albino, Woodbury, CT (WNE)
FEMALE FEATHERWEIGHTS (125 lbs.)
Katherine Parker, Suitate, RI (SNE)
WRSC1 (0:21)
Sierra Hoey, Danielson, CT (WNE)
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Nathan Rosa, Lowell, MA (CNE)
WDEC3 (5-0)
Jose Masonet, Hartford, CT (WNE)
_______________________________________________________________________
NNE – Northern New England (Burlington, VT)
CNE – Central New England (Lowell, MA)
WNE – Western New England (Holyoke, MA)
SNE – Southern New England (Fall River, MA)
 
Thomas Costello Memorial Award
Most Outstanding Boxer – Open Class
 

 
Jaime Ortiz Rodriguez
 
Luis Ayala Memorial Award
Most Outstanding Boxer – Novice Class
(L-R) – Gabriel Morales & Bobby Russo
2016 Rocky Marciano Memorial Award
New England Heavyweight Champion
Demek Edmonds
Information:
Tournament Executive Director: Bobby Russo
Director of Contestants: Art Ramalho
Chief of Officials:  Laurie Purcell
Ring Announcer:  John Vena
Venue:  Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA
Twitter:  @LowellGloves

“60 MINUTES SPORTS” CAPTURES THE EXCITEMENT AND SPIRIT OF NAVAL ACADEMY BOXING ON THE  75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THIS ANNAPOLIS TRADITION, TUESDAY, MARCH 1 ON SHOWTIME®

 

Cameras Will Be Following the Fighters At The Brigade Boxing Championship This Friday Night

 

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 25, 2016) – 60 MINUTES SPORTS will offer a window into one of the most time-honored traditions in America’s military when it presents a segment on the U.S. Naval Academy’s boxing program and its annual Brigade Boxing Championship.   The feature builds up to the 75th championship this Friday, Feb. 26, in Annapolis, Md., and correspondent Jack Ford and 60 MINUTES SPORTS will be in the arena to record the action for the men’s and women’s bouts.  The report will appear on the next edition of 60 MINUTES SPORTS, Tuesday, March 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, on SHOWTIME.

 

Boxing has been practiced at the nation’s second oldest military institution for 150 years, and midshipmen have vied for the Brigade Boxing Championship since 1941.  Along the way to this year’s 75thanniversary, the academy has made learning to box a requirement of graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy.

 

The man who teaches the “sweet science” to midshipmen – male and female – is Head Boxing Coach Jim McNally.  It’s about future leaders facing fear.  “We use boxing…as a laboratory…an environment of controlled stress, physical fear,” says McNally.  “We want them to learn a lot about themselves and how they’re going to react to those situations,” he tells Ford.

 

60 MINUTES SPORTS shot the story in Annapolis in the fall and last January to show the process and tell the stories of three midshipmen who will be in the ring this Friday fighting for a championship.  One of them, Samantha Glaeser, has a chance to make academy history.  There have been only 19 at Annapolis to win the crown all four years at the Naval Academy, and none was a woman.  Glaeser has a chance Friday night.

 

Ford also speaks with Glaeser’s foe, Stephanie Simon, another midshipmen with pugilistic talents who has a National Collegiate Boxing championship under her belt.  She has not been able to defeat Glaeser, however, in their two previous meetings for the brigade championship.

 

Ford also talks to Midshipman Jourdan Looney, whose two brigade championship titles are testament to what boxing means to the Academy.  He had no boxing experience before he entered the Naval Academy.   “Boxing…fighting is one of my biggest fears. I conquer that one fear, I’ve conquered any other fear that I could possibly have.”  He’ll be in contention for his third brigade title Friday night.

 

The U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent, Vice Adm. Walter Carter, sums up the importance of boxing to America’s future naval officers for Ford.  “[Boxing] is that moment where no matter how well you think you have planned out your couple minutes in the ring, you’re going to learn something new, because that plan is going to have to be different….”