Tag Archives: Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame 2018 award winners announced

CTBHOF logo

 

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (September 24, 2018) – Undefeated East Hartford junior welterweight prospect “Action” Anthony Laureano (pictured to right, photo courtesy of Star Boxing) has been selected as the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) 2018 Professional Boxer of the Year.

 

Other award winners include Nephateria Miller, Amateur Boxer of the Year; Pete HaryJr., Professional Official of the Year; Jason Concepcion, Amateur Official of the Year; and Roland Roy, Contribution to Boxing.

 

 

 

The 2018 CBHOF award winners, as well as its six-member Class of 2018, will be honored October 13 at the 14th annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

 

 

 

The new CBHOF inductees are boxers Cocoa Kid and Angel Vazquez, judge Don Trella, and trainers John HarrisBill Gore and Brian Clark.

 

 

 

“We have an incredible group of honorees this year,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. “Pro Boxer of the Year, Anthony Laureano, is an exciting up-and- comer who clearly earned this award. The selection of Nephteria Miller as Connecticut’s best amateur boxer really underscores the ascendancy of women’s boxing, not only in Connecticut, but in the world. Jason Concepcion and Pete Hary richly deserve being named amateur and pro officials of the year. We at CBHOF are most pleased to posthumously present the George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award to Roland Roy’s family. His recent passing is a tremendous loss to Connecticut’s Boxing Community. His lifetime of tireless effort on behalf of and devotion to the mission of USA Boxing will be honored and celebrated by this award.”

 

 

 

The 23-year-old Laureano (8-0, 3 KOs), a former New England amateur champion, is an all-action, fan-friendly fighter who is arguably the top prospect today in N.E. His next fights is scheduled for Sept..21 in Huntington, New York. His promoter, Joe DeGuardia(Star Boxing), was induced into the CBHOF in 2013. Anthony earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Manchester Community College.

 

 

 

Miller, of New Haven, captured a silver medal at the 2017 U.S. Nationals in the 125-pounds featherweight division. She accepted an invitation earlier this year to attend the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is currently the No. 2 rated women’s featherweight in the United States.

 

 

 

A pro boxing judge since 2008, Hary has judged more than 250 fights during his career. The most notable fight Hary has judge to date was in 2015, when current IBF light heavyweight world champion Eleider Alvarez defeated Isaac Chilemba by way of a 12-round majority decision in Quebec City for the WBC Silver championship.  The vice president of the CBHOF, Hary lives in Ledyard with his wife, Lauri, and their son, Matthew.

 

 

 

After joining the ranks of USA Boxing, Concepcion rapidly was voted Treasurer and was then appointed Chief of Officials. Jason was the catalyst in terms of creating the Willie Pep Invitational. He and his wife, Heather, continue to serve on the Connecticut USA Boxing Board of Directors. Last year, Jason was unanimously voted to the CBHOF Board of Directors.

 

 

 

The late Roy was president of USA Boxing in Connecticut for nearly 20 years. He was president of USA Boxing Region 1, which includes all of N.E. and metro New York, until his recent passing. The Glastonbury native was also the coordinator for the Junior Olympics in the Northeast Region and worked 16 years with the US Olympic committee to further Olympic-style boxing. An original member of the CBHOF, Roland had been heavily involved in the annual selection of the CBHOF Amateur Fighter of the Year. Roland Roy was responsible for keeping amateur boxing alive and well in the Nutmeg state.

 

 

 

Tickets for the CBHOF 13th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling Ann Murphy at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.8846) or Sherman Cain at 1.860.212.9029. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, followed by a full sit-down dinner at 7 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 14th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2018 Announced

CTBHOF logo
 
Cocoa Kid, John Harris, Bill Gore, Brian Clark, Angel Vazquez & Don Trella

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (August 13, 2018) – The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) has announced its six-member Class of 2018 to be inducted during the 14TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Saturday night, October 13, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

 

 

 

The new CBHOF inductees are boxers Cocoa Kid and Angel Vazquez, judge Don Trella, and trainers John HarrisBill Gore and Brian Clark.

 

 

 

Once again,” CBHOF president John Laudati said, “the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame has elected a fantastic class of inductees. We are excited about the historical significance of inducing Cocoa Kid, the great fighter from the 1930’s. Our other honorees come from across the state. We hope to see a large contingent come out to congratulate a great local boxer, Angel Vasquez, and to celebrate the life of Willie Pep’s famous trainer, Bill Gore. This class also includes two other incredibly accomplished trainers, Bill Clark, of New Haven, and John Harris from Fairfield County. Don Trella, who is from my hometown of Waterbury, is one of the best boxing judges in recent history. It promises to be a great night for the entire boxing community: inductees, their families and friends, but, most importantly, our Connecticut boxing fans!”

 

 

 

Cocoa Kid (56-20-2, 48 KOs) came to prominence in 1933, when as an 18-year-old he registered a shocking upset of former world featherweight champion Louis “Kid” Kaplan, who was inducted into the CBHOF charter class in 2005. Cocoa Kid, who settled in New Haven, captured the New England welterweight and middleweight titles. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012 and passed way in 1966.

 

 

 

Considered one of the hardest hitting featherweights of his era, Vasquez won his first 21 pro fights and finished his pro career with a 22-2 (16 KOs) record. The Hartford native captured the WBO Latino, NABA and USBA featherweight titles. The highlight of his pro career came at home in Hartford, when he defeated previously unbeaten Berbardo Quinones (19-0-1) for the USBA crown.

 

 

 

Trella has been a boxing official for the past 21 years on the local, national and global scenes. He officiated more than 500 amateur bouts before he was awarded his first professional license in 2001 at Mohegan Sun, where he has been employed the past 17 years in various Human Resources positions, currently holding the title of Director of Employee and Guest Experience. A resident of Noank, Trella is highly regarded as one of boxing’s best judges. Last year, for example, he officiated three of the most high-profile fights in the world: Gennady Golovkin vs. Danny JacobsVladimir Klitschko vs. Anthony Joshua (more than 90,000 fans in attendance at Wembley Stadium in London) and Golovkin vs. Canelo Alvarez.

 

 

 

Harris established himself as the preeminent trainer in Fairfield County, founding the Meadow Gardens Boxing Club in 1989, which was later renamed the John Harris Boxing Club, after he died in 2012 at the age of 85. A native of Cleveland, where he fought in the Golden Gloves, Harris lived most of his life in Norwalk. The highlight of his career was in 1993, when he trained four fighters who qualified for the National Golden Gloves Championships, including Travis Simms, a CBHOF Hall of Fame inductee and two-time World Boxing Association (WBA) junior middleweight world champion.

 

 

 

Gore is best known for training the great Willie Pep, who was also inducted into the CBHOF charter class, to a pair of world featherweight championships. Gore, however, also trained another all-time great, world light heavyweight champion Bob Foster. A native of Providence, Gore died in 1978 at the age of 84 and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008.

 

 

 

Clark opened the Ring One gym in New Haven nearly 30 years ago to keep kids off the streets, producing many amateur champions, and even one light heavyweight world champion, Chad Dawson. Often bankrolling the gym, himself, Clark has become an icon in New Haven, where his gym is in one of the city’s roughest neighborhoods. Ring One is believed to be the oldest continuously operating boxing gym in Connecticut.

 

 

 

Tickets for the CBHOF 13th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling Ann Murphy at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.8846) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, followed by a full sit-down dinner at 7 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 14th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Induction caps Judging career of Clark Sammartino

Oct. 28 at Mohegan Sun

Clark Sammartino

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 19, 2017, 2017) – His induction into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) on Saturday night, October 28, as part of the six-member Class of 2017, will cap the boxing career of retiring judge Clark Sammartino at 13TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The other new CBHOF inductees are pioneer boxer “Professor” Charles Hadley, ring physician Dr. Tony Alessi, referee/judge Dick Flaherty, boxing writer Dan Parker and boxer/boxing contributor Hugh Devlin, Sr.
A graduate of Brown University, the now 80-year-old Sammartino has enjoyed two other careers as an oral surgeon and investment advisor at Blue Fin in Providence, in addition to his role as an international boxing judge since 1985.
“I first got into boxing because Joey Angelo married my cousin,” Sammartino explained. “He fought back in the early forties. Joey fought Willie Pep twice and Sandy Saddler. That’s what got me started. We used to have the great Monday Night Fights at Rhode Island Auditorium and I remember watching Rocky Marciano fight “Tiger” Ted Lowry there.”
Because he was a successful oral surgeon, Clark could take long weekends to judge fights all over the world. His first and most memorable world title fight was Vinny Paz-Greg Haughn I. Through his long career, Sammartino judged more than 400 pro fights, including 50 major world title fights.
The list of boxers whose fights Sammartino judged reads like a Who’s Who of Boxing during the past 32 years: Mike Tyson, Oscar de la Hoya, Evander Holyfield, Julio Cesar Chavez, Johnny Tapia, Naseem Hamed, Chris Eubank, Marco Antonio Barrera, Mark Johnson, Wayne McCullough, Wladimir Klitschko, Gennady Golovkin, Anthony Joshua, Sergey Kovalev, Bernard Hopkins, Juan Manuel Lopez, Nonito Donaire, Acelino Freitas, Ivan Calderon, Felix Trinidad, Tommy Morrison and many more.
Sammartino, who proudly says he never missed a day of work in 40 years, has decided to retire, although he’ll remain a boxing fans for the rest of his life. “I started slowing down at my age, doing local shows and maybe three or four world title fights a year, mostly WBO and IBF,” Sammartino remarked. “I had a tough bout with pneumonia the past 5-6 months and that made working difficult.”
His CBHOF induction is a fitting ending and tremendous tribute to Sammartino and his career in boxing. “I’m humbled to be inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame,” he said. “This is a great way to end my career.”
Limited tickets for the CBHOF 13th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are still available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun(1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:00- p.m. ET (cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 13th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
ABOUT CBHOF: The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The CBHOF’s new location is in the Sky Casino at Mohegan Sun.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Announced

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame
Class of 2017 Announced
“Professor” Charles Hadley, Dr. Tony Alessi,
Clark Sammartino, Dick Flaherty, Dan Parker & Hugh Devlin, Sr.
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Augus14, 2017) – The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) has announced its six-member Class of 2017 to be inducted during the 13TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Saturday night, October 28, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The new CBHOF inductees are pioneer boxer “Professor” Charles Hadley, ring physician Dr. Tony Alessi, international boxing judge Clark Sammartino, referee/judgeDick Flaherty, boxing writer Dan Parker and boxer/boxing contributor Hugh Devlin, Sr.
“We continue to break barriers at CBHOF as we induct ‘Professor’ Charles Hadley who may have been the best ‘pound-for-pound fighter of his era,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. Like many black athletes of this period, he never received the recognition he richly deserved. The CBHOF will rectify that this year. Other members of this year’s class are equally deserving and represent all aspects of this great sport. Dr. Alessi is not just an accomplished ring physician but also a world-renowned sports doctor. Clark Sammartino is one of the best judges in boxing.  Dan Parker is an International Boxing Hall of Famer whose career as a reporter is unparalleled in any sport. Hughie Devlin Sr.’s contributions to this sport in Connecticut are immeasurable. We look forward to seeing boxing fans of all ages at this year’s dinner. It will be a wonderful evening for our inductees, our award winners, and especially for their family and friends.”

Fighting out of his adopted hometown of Bridgeport, Tennessee-native “Professor” Charles Hadley (25-13-6, 14 KOs) was the reigning World Colored Heavyweight Champion from 1881-1883. His professional career was from 1869 to 1891.

A familiar figure at ringside for major fights at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, Dr. Tony Alessi is a graduate of the University of Rome who moved to the Nutmeg State after completing his residency and neuro-muscular fellowship at the University fo Michigan. Alessi is a neurological consultant to the Connecticut State Boxing Commission, as well as the NFL Players Association and New York Yankees Player Development. He is based in Norwich, where he CEO for a medical management company.
At the height of career as a boxing judge, Clark Sammartino would average 100 bouts a year, including 10 world championships. A Providence native and Brown University graduate, he started judging boxing matches after he retired as an oral surgeon. The 80-year-old Sammartino has judge fights involving some of boxing biggest stars such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Oscar de la Hoya, Julio Cesar Chavez and many others.
An accomplished referee/judge from Braintree, Massachusetts, who now lives in Glastonbury, CT, Dick Flaherty has worked numerous notable fights featuring Bernard Hopkins, Chad Dawson, Vernon Forrest and Sal “Canelo” Alvarez, among the more notables. Flaherty is best known for judging the first of three Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward fights, held at Mohegan Sun, voted the 2002 Fight of the Year), in which Dick scored the Round of the Year (ninth), 10-7 for Ward, and the fight, 94-93, in Ward’s favor. His score proved to be the difference as Ward won a 10-round split decision.
Waterbury, CT-native Dan Parker was a Waterbury sportswriter back in the early part of the 20th Century, whose articles in the New York Daily Mirror later exposed corruption in boxing. He exposed International Boxing Club (IBC) corruption and, due to Parker’s crusade, it was disbanded. Parker is induced in the prestigious International Boxing Hall of Fame, as well as the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame.
Hugh Devlin, Sr. (22-13) made his professional boxing debut in 1927 at the age of 18, stopping Johnny Lorenzo in New Bedford, Mass. He developed into one of New England’s top featherweights, fighting across Connecticut in New Haven, West Haven, Waterbury and New London. Devlin’s contributions to the Norwich boxing community made him an icon in southeastern Connecticut. He opened a restaurant in New London where menus were shaped like boxing gloves.
Individual Connecticut award winners were also announced: Jimmy Williams, Conn. Professional Boxer of the Year; Kevin Bonilla, Conn. Amateur Boxer of the Year; Hector Rosario, Contribution to Boxing; Danny Schiavone, Professional Boxing Official of the Year; Sachs Medina, Amateur Boxing Official of the Year:
Tickets for the CBHOF 13th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, will soon go on sale and be available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun(1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:00– p.m. ET (cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 13th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.

Grand Opening of Connecticut Boxing HOF new location Monday night, June 26, in Sky Casino at Mohegan Sun

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (June 13, 2017) – The Grand Opening of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame’s (CBHOF) new location in the Sky Casino at Mohegan Sun will be held there Monday, June 26, starting at 6 p.m. ET.
The media and public is welcome to attend the grand opening festivities. Dignitaries representing from Mohegan Sun and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes will be in attendance, as well as many CBHOF inductees, including Marlon Starling and “Irish: Micky Ward.
The original CBHOF location was in Mohegan Sun Arena but public availability for viewing was restricted to only during scheduled events held there. CBHOF inductees’ plaques and video of major fights held in Connecticut were displayed.
The new CBHOF will be open to the public during Mohegan Sun Casino operating hours.   In addition to the inductees’ plaques and videos of famous fights held in the Nutmeg State, the new location will also include rotating displays of historically significant boxing memorabilia. There will also be interactive displays for public use.
“We at the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame are extremely grateful to Mohegan Sun for hosting this great facility and for contributing generously to its construction,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. “We are very excited and anxious to have the ability to present the rich history of boxing in Connecticut while simultaneously honoring those who have contributed to that history.”
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.
ABOUT CBHOF: The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

12th annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame  Induction & awards dinner review & photo gallery

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (November 7, 2016) –  Last Friday night’s 12 TH annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) Gala Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner, held in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun, was a major success by all standards.  HBO “judge” and International Hall-of-Famer Harold Lederman served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
The Class of 2016 inductees are Stamford amateur coach/boxer Orlando Montalvo, Newington former ESPN boxing director Bob Yalen, Wallingford boxer Sean Malone, Jr., New Bedford (MA) boxer “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Waterbury judge/referee John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
The 2016 CBHOF award winners are its first female Boxer of the Year, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent; Jacob Marrero, Amateur Boxer of the Year; Mike Mazzulli,Professional Boxing Official of the Year; Heather Concepcion, Amateur Boxing Official of the Year; Pete Hary, Contribution to Professional Boxing; and Carlos Nieves, Contribution to Amateur Boxing.
CBHOF president John Laudati announced the imminent opening of the new Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, located in the heart of Mohegan Sun, as well as a scholarship fund to assist young boxers in their pursuit of a higher education as they pursue their boxing dreams.
“Boxing fans will now be able to visit the beautiful Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame when they are in the casino,” Laudati said.  “Thank you to the Board of Directors for all of your efforts to make this happen.  Special thanks to Maynard Strickland, Don Trella, Mike Mazulli and Kim Baker who spearheaded the effort.
“I would also like to thank my friend, Tom Vaughn, whose father Tom, Sr., left money to donate to a worthy cause.  Tom’s dad was a boxing fan and these funds will be earmarked and grown for future scholarships to young boxers.”
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 12th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, or past CBHOF inductees.
All pictures courtesy of Emily Harney Photography:
2016 CBHOF inductee Kenny Reels
2016 CBHOF inductee Sean Malone, Jr.
2016 CBHOF inductee John “Duke” Lawson
2016 CBHOF inductee Orlando Montalvo
2016 CBHOF inductee Bob Yalen
2016 CBHOF inductee “Sucra” Ray Oliveira
2016 CBHOF Professional Fighter of the Year Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent
2016 CBHOF Amateur Boxer of the Year Jacob Marrero
Mike Mazzulli, 2016 CBHOF Professional Boxing Official of the Year
Pete Hary, 2016 CBHOF Contribution to Professional Boxing
 
Heather Concepcion, 2016 CBHOF Amateur Boxing Official of the Year
Carlos Nieves, 2016 CBHOF Contributor to Amateur Boxing
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

Limited Tickets still available for this Friday night’s 12th annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Awards Dinner at Mohegan Sun

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 30, 2016) –  Limited tickets are still available for this Friday

night’s 12TH annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) Gala Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

The Class of 2016 inductees are Stamford amateur coach/boxer Orlando Montalvo, Newington former ESPN boxing director Bob Yalen, Wallingford boxer Sean Malone, Jr., New Bedford (MA) boxer “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Waterbury judge/referee John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
The 2016 CBHOF award winners are its first female Boxer of the Year, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent; Jacob Marrero, Amateur Boxer of the Year; Mike Mazzulli,Professional Boxing Official of the Year; Heather Concepcion, Amateur Boxing Official of the Year; Pete Hary, Contribution to Professional Boxing; and Carlos NievesContribution to Amateur Boxing.
Tickets for the CBHOF 12th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, will soon go on sale and be available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET(cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 12th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Announces 2016 Award Winners Shelly Vincent 1st female Fighter of the Year

12th annual CBHOF induction dinner Nov. 4
CBHOF 2016 Fighter of the Year Shelly Vincent
(Photo by Ed Diller / DiBella Entertainment)
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 18, 2016) – The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) has announced its 2016 award winners, including its first female Boxer of the Year, popular super bantamweight Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent.
The 2016 award winners, as well as its Class of 2016 inductees, will be honored Fridaynight, November 4, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun, at the 12TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner.
Other 2016 CHBOF award winners include Jacob Marrero, Amateur Boxer of the Year; Mike Mazzulli, Professional Boxing Official of the Year; Heather Concepcion, Amateur Boxing Official of the Year; Pete Hary, Contribution to Professional Boxing; and Carlos Nieves Contribution to Amateur Boxing.
The new CBHOF inductees are Stamford amateur coach/boxer Orlando Montalvo, Newington former ESPN boxing director Bob Yalen, Wallingford boxer Sean Malone, Jr., New Bedford (MA) boxer “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Waterbury judge/referee John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
This year’s class hails from all over Connecticut and from every segment of the sport,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. “We’ve inducted great boxers and trainers Orlando Montalvo, Ray Olivieri and Sean Malone Jr. We’ve also acknowledged the tremendous contributions to the sport by Bob Yalen and Kenny Reels. From my hometown of Waterbury comes world renowned boxing judge and referee Johnny “Duke” Lawson.  This year’s class of boxers and officials of the year is incredibly accomplished and includes the first woman professional Boxer of the Year, Shelly Vincent.  Emcee Harold Lederman is an icon of the boxing world and he will surely keep us entertained all night.”
Vincent (18-1), fighting out of Providence, is arguably the most popular boxer in New England.  A native of New London, she has won two world title, Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) and International Boxing Association (IBA). She has fought 10 times in Connecticut without a loss during her professional career, 6-0 at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 4-0 at Mohegan Sun.
Past CHBOF Boxers of the Year include Chad Dawson (3X), Luis Rosa, Jr. (2X), Matt Remillard (2X), Eric Harding, Delvin Rodriguez, Tony Grano and Mike Oliver.
Representing the Ortiz Boxing Gym in Bridgeport, Marrero is the Northeast Regional champion, and he was the 2015 USA Boxing’s Prep National Championship gold-medal winner in the 125-pound division.
Mazulli is president of the powerful Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) and longtime Director of Athletic Regulations for Mohegan Sun.
Hary is a veteran professional boxing judge as well as CHBOF vice president, while Nieves is head coach/owner of Ortiz Boxing Gym in Bridgeport.
Tickets for the CBHOF 12th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, will soon go on sale and be available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun(1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET (cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 12th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Announced

Orlando Montalvo, Bob Yalen, Sean Malone, Jr., Ray Oliveira, John Lawson & Kenny Reels
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (August 25, 2016) – The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) has announced its six-member Class of 2016 to be inducted during the 12TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Friday night,November 4, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The new CBHOF inductees are Stamford amateur coach/boxer Orlando Montalvo, Newington former ESPN boxing director Bob Yalen, Wallingford boxer Sean Malone, Jr., New Bedford (MA) boxer “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Waterbury judge John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
“The Board of Directors of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is very excited to announce this incredible class of inductees for 2016,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. “We anticipate a great crowd for our honorees at the induction ceremony on November 4th at Mohegan Sun. As always, our dinner is a wonderful coming together of the boxing community, friends and family.”
Montalvo and his wife, Sandra, moved to Stamford in 1980, training amateur fighters for the first 20 years in parks and in their backyard until relocating at the Union Memorial Church for seven years.  Orlando was an amateur and professional boxer in his native Puerto Rico, traveling around the world to compete.  He won 110 of 125 amateur matches and 22 of 29 as a professional with 18 knockouts, reaching a No. 10 rating in the junior middleweight division.
Yalen is best known, perhaps, as boxing director for ESPN and its popularFriday Night Fights series.   He has also been a consultant for ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and Showtime.  A recipient of the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting, Yalen was associate editor of the Ring Record Book and FightFax.  He was also Director of Sports & Entertainment at Mohegan Sun while one of the original CBHOF board members, contributing much to the success of its inaugural awards dinner.
Malone is the son of CBHOF inductee Sean Malone, Sr., who was inducted in 2011.  He had a 23-6 (21 KOs) record.  In 1992, he had one of his most notable victories against Greg Cadiz for the Nevada State light welterweight title.  He also defeated Pat Ireland in 1993 for the New England welterweight crown.
Oliveira was an all-action fighter who set a record in a fight with Zack Padilla, in which they threw more than 1,000 combined punches. During his outstanding 15-year professional career, Oliveira defeated the likes of Vince Phillips, Vivian Harris, Tracy Spann and Charles Murray twice.  Completing his career with a 47-11-2, Ray had a great chin and he wasn’t stopped prior to his loss to WBU light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in 2004.
Involved in boxing for 60 years, Lawson was one of only 10 referees and judges selected by Willie Pep and Chico Vejar to work sanctioned bouts when boxing returned to Connecticut in the 1970s.  Lawson was a judge for a world heavyweight title fight in Germany between Wladimir Klitschko and Francesco Pianetta.  He was also involved in fights featuring world champions such as Roy Jones, Jr., “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, Joe Calzaghe, Chad Dawson, Antonio Tarver and Zab Judah.  Lawson served 20 years with the Waterbury police department.
Reels was appointed by the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming & Athletic Commission in 2009 to oversee boxing and MMA at Foxwoods.  Known for his caring about the health and safety of boxers, Reels followed CBHOF inductee Peter Timothy.  Reels has received countless awards and honors for his humanitarian work and commitment to human values, interests and concerns.
Tickets for the CBHOF 12th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, will soon go on sale and be available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET (cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 12th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

Limited tickets available for Nov 13. Conn Boxing HOF induction & awards ceremony dinner at Mohegan Sun

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 27, 2015) – Limited tickets are still available for the 11th annual  Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) Gala Induction Dinner, highlighted by the Class of 2015 induction ceremony, as well as the presentation of the 2015 CBHOF individual awards, Friday night, November 13 in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
Tickets are reasonably priced at $90.00 and available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun(1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails at 6 p.m. ET, followed by dinner.
2015 CBHOF Inductees
                                           Lou DiBella, Promoter
                                           Shelly Finkel, Promoter/Manager
                                           Peter Timothy, Boxing Commissioner
                                           Carey Mace, Boxer
                                           George Russo, Trainer/Boxer
                                           Mort Sharnik, Writer/Manager
                                           Arnie Bayer, Boxing Advocate
2015 CBHOF Award Winners
                                           Luis Rosa, Jr., Professional Boxer of the Year
                                           Chordale Booker, Amateur Boxer of the Year
                                           Glenn Feldman, Official of the Year
                                           Brian Clark, Contribution to Boxing
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 11th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.