Tag Archives: Golden Gloves

boxing

Long-Awaited Pro Debut for Worcester Father Owen Minor

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Owen Minor with his sons, (L) Ramiel and Amaren
 
WORCESTER, Mass. (March 5, 2019) – Decorated amateur boxer Owen Minor has spent the past three years focusing on fatherhood responsibilities. Minor will make his long-awaited professional debut with his two sons at his side on the “Every Man for Himself” card, Shearns Boxing Promotions’ (SBP) inaugural event, on Friday night, March 15, at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
 
The 32-year-old Minor, who didn’t start boxing until he was 23, captured bronze medals at the 2014 U.S. Boxing National and National Golden Gloves tournaments. New England boxing fans have been anxiously waiting for his pro debut.
 
Why did it take so long for Minor to turn pro, especially after a relatively late start in the sport, in addition to developing into quality national amateur boxer?
 
“I was being a father,” Minor explained. “I have two sons, now 11 and 8, and living in Worcester is tough. I wanted to make sure that I put them in the right direction.”
 
A former standout football player (fullback/defensive end) at Holy Name High School, Minor knows what he’s talking about, working full-time with juvenile offenders for the Department of Youth Services in Westborough, MA.
 
“We are excited to have Owen making his pro debut on our first card,” promoter Chuck Shearns remarked. “He is at a point in his life where he feels he can balance boxing and family. Owen is in tremendous shape and can punch through concrete! Fans will really enjoy watching his fight.”
 
The 6′ 1″, 235-pound Minor will be making his pro debut on a card headlined by his cousin and fellow Worcester boxer, Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (11-1-2, 8 KOs), who faces upset-minded Danny “Feel Good Hollywood” Rosenberger (4-6-4, 1 KO), of Youngstown, Ohio, in the six-round main event for the vacant New England middleweight title.
 
Kendrick Ball, Sr. trains his son as well as his nephew, Minor, who takes on Philadelphia’s Corey Morley (0-2-1) in the four-round, co-featured event.
 
“It’s a privilege to make my pro debut in my hometown on a card headlined by my cousin,” Minor said. “Not every boxer gets a chance like this. It’s a great honor for me. I love the City of Worcester and the people who live here. Boxing has always been big in my family and I want to continue our legacy in Worcester boxing.”
 
Undefeated Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs) meets an upset-specialist, Peruvian Carlos Galindo (1-7), fighting out of Woburn, MA, in a four-round clash.
 
Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round fights, are Bridgeport, CT junior lightweightCarlos Marrero III (0-2-1) vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO), Worcester cruiserweight Jake Paradise (0-2) vs. Francisco Artri Neto (0-2), of Woburn, MA, New Haven, CT junior welterweight Anuel Rosa (1-0, 1 KO) vs. the Bronx’ Danny Morales (0-7), and New Britain, CT Nathan Martinez (2-0) vs. TBA.
 
Undefeated Providence light heavyweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (15-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring after a three-year absence in a six-round bout against Dallas veteran Larry “Slomoshun” Smith.
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
General admission tickets are priced at $25.00 and available to purchase online atthepalladium.net. Boxers on the card have $50.00 and $25.00 tickets to sell.

 
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.
 
Event sponsors include Lundgren Collision, Tecate, Grill 57, Worcester Railers, Worcester Red Sox, Palley Advertising, and Allstate Insurance.
 

INFORMATION:
 
Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions
 
Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing
amateur boxing, boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED PROSPECT JAMES WILKINS MAKES NATIONAL TELEVISION DEBUT ON SEPTEMBER 21 SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FOLLOWING PREMIERE OF DOCUMENTARY CHRONICLING HIS PATH THROUGH GOLDEN GLOVES

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Former Amateur Standout Featured in Film CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS, Premiering September 21 on SHOWTIME at 8 p.m. ET/PT Prior to ShoBox: The New Generation Telecast 9:45 p.m. ET/PT

 

 

View CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS TRAILER HERE

NEW YORK – September 12, 2018 – Undefeated super featherweight and former amateur standout James Wilkins will make his live television debut on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, September 21 immediately following the SHOWTIME premiere of CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS, a documentary chronicling Wilkins and the 2015 New York Golden Gloves boxing tournament. Wilkins will face undefeated featherweight prospect Misael Lopez (8-0, 4 KOs) in the opening bout of what is now a four-fight ShoBox telecast. The back-to-back programs will begin at 8 p.m. ET/PT with CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS airing before the live ShoBox telecast at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT from Firelake Arena in Shawnee, Okla.

Wilkins, of New York City, has five wins and five knockouts since turning professional two years ago following an accomplished amateur run. CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS documents one of the pinnacle moments of his amateur career as the Staten Island native fights through the 10-week tournament in hopes of establishing himself as an elite amateur prospect. Having already won the New York Golden Gloves in 2013 at 123 pounds, CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS chronicles Wilkins’ journey as a 19-year-old competing in the 132-pound class and culminates with a dramatic 2015 championship bout.

“I’m honored to be a part of CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS,” the 22-year-old Wilkins said. “Fighting in the Golden Gloves was a life-changing experience for me and it’s a great feeling to know that boxing fans can watch the documentary on SHOWTIME and then watch my ShoBox debut right after.”

“They call me ‘Crunchtime’ and that’s what I’m bringing to ShoBox on September 21. I’ll be ripping and running and I look forward to putting on a spectacular performance against Misael Lopez.”

Wilkins, who counts former four-division champion Roy Jones Jr. and former two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi as mentors, fought his way to the 2016 Olympic Trails in what was his last amateur tournament. His professional debut came in June of 2016 when he defeated Jack Grady via second-round knockout in a super lightweight contest.

In Friday’s main event, undefeated super featherweight prospect Jon Fernandez (16-0, 14 KOs) will clash with O’Shaquie Foster (13-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout. In the eight-round co-featured bouts, Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (10-0, 9 KOs) meets Carlos Ramos (9-0, 6 KOs) in a featherweight matchup, and Wesley Ferrer (12-0-1, 7 KOs) will face Steven Ortiz (8-0, 3 KOs) in a battle of lightweights.

Presented by DiBella Entertainment, tickets for the event are priced at $60 for ringside, $40 for floor seats and $30 for general admission and can be purchased in advance.

boxing, Golden Gloves

VICTORY BOXING PROMOTIONS INKS NATIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES CHAMPION KIANTE IRVING

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PITTSBURGH – August 29, 2018 – Chris Middendorf’s Victory Boxing Promotions has signed under-the-radar amateur Kiante Irving to a promotional deal. The 24 year-old middleweight is set to make his professional debut this Sunday in West Virginia.

 

 

 

A 6’3″ middleweight, Irving heads into Sunday’s debut with a National Golden Gloves Championship under his belt, having topped the 165-pound division in the 2018 tournament.  Despite a slew of state and national titles under his belt, Irving began boxing late, compared to his peers.

 

 

He was 16 when he walked into Tom Yankello’s gym, having been drawn to the squared circle after being unable to find his niche in other sports.  Raised by a single mom, boxing was an outlet for Irving, and served as an escape from the poverty and stress that ensconced his home life.  It soon became clear that boxing would long be a part of his future.

 

 

 

A humble spirit, Irving kept his head down and his eye on the ball through various family traumas that included an eviction and his brother’s near-fatal battle with Chrohn’s Disease.   His younger brother, whom he credits as an inspiration and role model, survived the brush with death to become a firefighter.  Irving hopes to use his time in the ring to boost awareness of the disease, and to seize the opportunity to live out his dreams, much like his brother has done in recent years.

 

 

 

After his Golden Gloves Victory, Irving’s trainer Tom Yankello, and his brother and co-manager Mark Yankello, along with Irving, came to the decision that it was time to join the professional ranks.  The two managers, operating under the banner Tom Yankello Boxing, Inc., connected with boxing promoter Chris Middendorf and Victory Boxing Promotions.  Middendorf, who has helped build the careers of many of today’s world champions, seized the opportunity to work with Irving and the Yankellos.

 

 

 

“I am very excited to add Kiante to Victory Boxing’s stable,” said Middendorf.  I had the pleasure of doing a series of shows in Pittsburgh with welterweight Sammy Vasquez, culminating in an ESPN and then a ShowBox show, and a series of events at Consol Energy Center [now the PPG Arena.]  I can’t wait to be back in Pittsburgh, promoting another top prospect. It really is a tremendous sports town, and they really come out to support their local athletes.”

 

 

 

Middendorf was complimentary of the Yankello Brothers.  “I have known his trainer and co-manager, Tom and Mark Yankello, respectively, by reputation for many years, and have enjoyed working with them.  When Mark first spoke to me about Kiante, I knew immediately that I wanted to work with the Yankellos and promote Kiante Irving.  With his stellar amateur career, he is ready to be a pro.”

 

 

 

The future looks bright (and busy) for Irving.  “I plan to build and move Kiante the same way that I moved Ed Brown and Jaron Ennis.  I have promised him a minimum of eight fights in his first year, and I know we will do more.  He is a gifted athlete and it is going to be something to watch him develop into one of the top middleweights.”

 

 

 

For his part, Tom Yankello is excited about the young pugilist’s future with Middendorf and Victory Boxing Promotions.  “I am very pleased with Victory Boxing Promotions.  I have known Chris for many years, and he has a great resume and has been involved with building the careers of elite boxers such as Terence Crawford, Leo Santa Cruz, and Nonito Donaire. We know we’re in good hands, and that Chris knows how to move and develop Kiante.”

 

 

 

“I’m just excited to get my pro career moving,” said Irving of the signing.  “My managers are confident, and I’m confident that we’re going to be successful under the Victory Boxing banner, and we will be getting right to work.”

 

 

 

Irivng makes his professional debut this Sunday at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, versus Philadelphia’s Vincent Burkhalter.  Tickets are available at www.mademenboxing.com.

LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA MAKES FIRST TRIP TO THE NORTHEAST WITH A  WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN

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LFA 49 – BRADY vs. URBINA
MAIN EVENT:
 
UNDEFEATED PROSPECT
SEAN BRADY
vs.
UNDEFEATED PROSPECT
GILBERT URBINA
 
WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN
 
 
CO-MAIN EVENT:
 
UFC VETERAN
JONAVIN “THE SPIDER” WEBB
vs.
WWE TOUGH ENOUGH COMPETITOR
TANNER “THE HAMMER” SARACENO
 
WELTERWEIGHT WAR
 
 
PLUS THE MMA DEBUT OF
3-TIME USA NATIONAL BOXING CHAMPION
AND
ESPN “THE BODY ISSUE” ATHLETE
DANYELLE WOLF
vs.
LFA UPSET QUEEN
COURTNEY KING
 
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th LIVE on AXS TV
Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina in Atlantic City.

in ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY
 
Tickets on sale NOW through Ticketmaster.com

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – LFA CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will head to “The World’s Famous Playground” with a pair of welterweight duels at the top of LFA 49, when the promotion visits Atlantic City, New Jersey in September. This will be the LFA’s first trip to the northeast.

 

 

 

The main event of LFA 49 will feature a welterweight showdown when two of the sport’s most highly-touted prospects collide. The high-stakes headliner pairs Sean Brady and Gilbert Urbina in a battle of undefeated prospects. LFA 49 – Brady vs. Urbina takes place Friday, September 14th at the Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

“I am excited to bring LFA to the northeast,” stated Soares. “Atlantic City is a great fight town with a long, storied history in prize fighting. On September 14th, LFA will add another chapter to the city’s combat sports history. LFA 49 will feature a top-tier main event between undefeated prospects Sean Brady and Gilbert Urbina, which takes place at the world-famous Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina in Atlantic City.”

 

 

 

Tickets for LFA 49 – Brady vs. Urbina are available for purchase NOW at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Brady (8-0) is the top prospect on the east coast and widely-considered one the best welterweight prospects in the world. He comes to LFA after winning all eight of his professional fights, which includes regional title fights in his last three contests. The Renzo Gracie Philly standout won his first title in May of last year by submission. He then defended it by submitting LFA vet Mike Jones this past October. The biggest win of his career, however, came this past March in his second title defense. This came against UFC vet and The Ultimate Fighter 16 winner Colton Smith. Brady defeated the four-time UFC vet  via Unanimous Decision. Now the 25-year-old Philadelphian has upped the ante by signing with LFA to face a fellow unbeaten prospect at LFA 49.

 

 

 

Urbina (5-0) is perhaps the only welterweight prospect that can match the intrigue surrounding Brady. This is due in large part to the fact that Gilbert Urbina, age 22, comes from a famous Texan fighting family. His older brother Hector Urbina, age 30, is a three-time UFC vet that was also a cast member on two seasons of the UFC’s hit reality television show The Ultimate Fighter (TUF 19 and TUF 25). Meanwhile, his other brother Elias Urbina, age 24, has competed on UFC President Dana White’s television series Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series as well as  The Ultimate Fighter as he was a cast member on TUF 23. Now Gilbert Urbina, after a quick submission victory at LFA 7, is looking to build his own legacy by securing a marquee win at LFA 49.

 

 

 

The co-main event of LFA 49 will also feature a welterweight clash when two of the division’s most exciting fighters look to make a statement during the LFA’s first trip to AC. They happen to be men used to bright lights and media attention. The first is Jonavin “The Spider” Webb (10-2), who is a teammate of Brady at Renzo Gracie Philly. Webb made a name for himself on the east coast before signing with the UFC in 2015. Webb is currently riding a two-fight win streak and will meet one of the flashiest fighters in the division. That would be Tanner “The Hammer” Saraceno (7-2). When Webb was fighting in the UFC, Saraceno was busy making a name for himself by competing on the sixth season of the WWE’s professional wrestling television series Tough Enough. Saraceno, who now lives in South Carolina, is eager to continue his rise in MMA by capturing the biggest win of his career at LFA 49.

 

 

 

The main card of LFA 49 will also feature one of the year’s most anticipated debuts in women’s MMA. That would be the debut of three-time USA national boxing champion Danyelle Wolf. In 2014, Wolf appeared in ESPN’s world-renowned “The Body Issue” alongside boxing legend and fellow southeastern Pennsylvania native Bernard Hopkins. Wolf was a three-sport athlete at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where she competed in basketball, track (heptathlon), and field hockeybefore winning her three USA national boxing titles, Golden Gloves title (boxing), and IBJJF title (jiu-jitsu). Wolf competed at 152-pounds in boxing, but will be competing at 145-pounds in MMA. That next chapter in her career begins against LFA vet Courtney King at LFA 49. King is a well-known Upset Queen in LFA, who made a name for herself last summer by derailing the highly-anticipated debut of Colbey Northcutt, who is the older sister of UFC star Sage Northcutt. King stopped Northcutt via TKO at LFA 14 and will look to spring another upset at LFA 49.

 

 

 

 

Currently Announced Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT):

 

 

 

Main Event | Welterweight Bout (170 lb)

– Sean Brady (8-0) vs. Gilbert Urbina (5-0)

 

 

 

Co-Main Event | Welterweight Bout (170 lb)

– Jonavin Webb (10-2) vs. Tanner Saraceno (7-2)

 

 

 

Women’s Featherweight Bout (145 lb)

– Danyelle Wolf (0-0) vs. Courtney King (1-1)

 

 

 

Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)

– Andrew Salas (5-1) vs. Ahmet Kayretli (8-2)

 

 

 

 

LFA 49 will serve as the fourth LFA event to take place on the east coast.  It will also be the first time that LFA has traveled to “The Garden State” of New Jersey before or after the merger. Further information about LFA 49 will be announced soon. The entire main card of LFA 49 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

Please visit LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.

 

 

 

In 2017 RFA and Legacy FC merged to form LFA, the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts. The combined forces of LFA launched the careers of over 130 athletes to reach the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.  In May of 2018 the promotion joined the London Trust Media Holdings group of companies.

boxing

10 Questions with up and coming Junior Welterweight prospect “Action” Anthony Laureano

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By: John Scully

 

 

Photo By: David Spagnolo

Anthony “Action” Laureano

7-0 (3)

Age 23

East Hartford, CT

140 lbs/Junior Welterweight

2016 Western New England and New England Golden Gloves 152 pound champion

2016 National Golden Gloves Semi-Finalist

Trainer: Angel Gonzalez

Manager: Nate Torres

Promoter: Joe DeGuardia/Star Boxing

 

 

 

Anthony Laureano is a 23 year old rising prospect in the boxing game today. An extremely hard working and focused young man, Laureano is a throwback type of fighter. He put the hard work in each and every day, strives to learn the finer points of the game and approaches each fight like a Do Or Die event.

 

 

 

Thus far Anthony and his team have chosen a unique path to success in the boxing world. They have not shied away from tough competition thus far and, in fact, have had to dig down and overcome several very stiff challenges from eager opposition. Laureano’s last two opponents in particular, Tobias Green (7-1) and John Hernandez (8-2), both provided extremely tough challenges in bouts that forced “Action” Anthony to dig down to places that most up and comers simply aren’t forced to go until quite a bit later in their careers.

 

 

 

Both performances drew rave reviews from fans and media alike and compelled me to conduct this interview with one of the best professional prospects the Hartford-area has seen in many years.

 

 

 

Humble, clean living, fearless, hard-working and as fan friendly and approachable as they come, undefeated (7-0) Anthony Laureano is definitely one to root for.

 

 

 

The following is a 10 question interview in advance of his June 30 bout at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut against Juan Rodriguez (8-9-1) of Haymarket, Virginia on Star Boxing show that features contender Joe Smith Jr. in the main event against Melvin Russel in a light heavyweight match up.

 

 

 

“10 Questions With “Action” Anthony Laureano”

 

 

 

QUESTION 1. How did you originally get started as a boxer?

 

 

LAUREANO: My father put me in boxing. He wanted us to stay active and in shape. I originally started boxing at age 8 with (former lightweight contender) Pito Cardona. We used to follow him everywhere he went to teach us some techniques. I started competing at age 11 or 12 in a garage. Where the ropes were sheet rock walls. The ring floor was a rug and in the winter time you’d better bundle up. I would go to the gym in all types of weather. Snow, rain and heat waves. I didn’t care, I would just go on my bike. Right after school I would get my big bag ready and get my bike ready to ride.

 

 

QUESTION 2. What are your goals as a fighter? What do you want to do in this game?

 

 

LAUREANO: My goal as a fighter is to become champion of the world. It would be an achievement that I could share with the people. In this game I want to show that no matter how hard it is at first you still can accomplish big things. With hard work, dedication and will power anything is possible. I want to put God first. I want to give people hope.

 

 

QUESTION 3. In your opinion what was the highlight of your amateur boxing career?

 

 

LAUREANO: The highlight of my amateur career was my first fight with my trainer Angel Gonzales. This fight changed everything. I felt had the talent, but I was coming from a back to back losing streak. This fight was a close one. I was just getting ready to lose because when it was close I never got the decision. Angel yelled at me “What;s wrong with you? You don’t do this in sparring. You better show me something!!!” I went out  that round and gave the kid two standing 8 counts in the 3rd round. This fight was the turning point of my career. This made everything possible.

 

 

QUESTION 4: So far you’ve faced several tough opponents for someone with only a few fights yourself under your belt. And as long as I have known you its been very obvious that you are not shy about stepping in with the tougher competition.  Where do you think that comes from? Where did you develop this mindset?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: The reason that I’m not shy about taking on competition is because I have faith God. I failed a lot in the amateurs so I know what it is to lose. Every time I lost one of my amateur fights I went right back at it the next day. Of course, I felt like I shouldn’t be in the gym. I even felt embarrassed to go to the gym. I wanted to be something in the sport of boxing, though, so I didn’t care what other people thought. The reason I’m willing to take on better competition is to prove to myself and get better as a fighter.

 

 

 

QUESTION 5: How did you begin working with your trainer, (1986 New England Golden Gloves 106 pound champion) Angel Gonzalez, and what is the training like?

 

 

 

LAUREANO:  Angel Gonzalez was always around me. He would do little group exercises and I’d jump in sometimes. I eventually got to work with him when I was looking for a new trainer. I even thought about doing Muay Thai, but I still had a love for boxing. So I went back to boxing and started training with Angel. Angel gave me discipline in the sport and that was something I needed. After my first pro fight, Angel spoke to Nate Torres and ask him to help him train me. Nate accepted and now is my manager and co-trainer.  The professional game is different and we must continue to improve my skill set in order to continue my success as a professional boxer. 

 

 

 

I have a great team now. Truly blessed!

 

 

 

QUESTION 6: Were u a boxing fan growing up or are you one now? Who did you grow up watching in the sport and who are your favorite boxers?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: My favorite boxers of course are the fighters who take risk and keep coming forward. I look up to Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti wars. Growing up I just really loved doing boxing. It’s really an art form. There is Lomachenko, he shows that it’s sometimes just a master in his angles. I see fights of his to learn new things that I like. Adrian Boner when he is on his game boxing is really nice to see. Of course, people really down play him but, if you take all the drama and leave it to the side, he is really something to see when he has it together.

 

 

 

QUESTION 7. Do you have anyone in the sport who you try and emulate as a fighter? What boxers influenced your style as a professional fighter?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: My style is like Ward and Gatti in terms of heart and will to win. My trainers say my style resembles Miguel Cotto at 140. Similar left hook to body and boxing style. Miguel is a warrior with no quit in him and I’d like for people to see that in me, too..

 

 

 

I also really like Mikey Garcia today because he is a complete fighter. He takes on big challenges. Can adjust to any situation. He has such good speed and power. Even after a two year layoff he still came back so strong.

 

 

 

QUESTION 8. What is the best thing about being a professional boxer?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: For me the best thing about being a pro is I’m doing what I love. Using the gifts that God gave me to honor him. Also the opportunity it creates to provide a better life for my family.

 

 

 

Question 9: So far what has been the toughest part of being a professional fighter for you?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: I would say the toughest part about being a professional fighter is just managing life and training. Right now I’m in the come up. So it’s tough I would love to work but, then I would lack in training. It’s managing the people around you some support and some don’t. So you really just got to stay with positive people that support. Your mindset is everything so if your failing to manage your emotions it will hit hard when you got a fight coming up.

 

 

 

QUESTION 10. At this point in your career you are still working your way up, fighting on undercards in preliminary bouts.  Spots often open up on these smaller cards on short notice. How long would you need to get ready for a fight if called for one?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: I’m always ready for a fight because I don’t take any time off from the gym. I do my cardio at a fitness club then I do my boxing later on in the day. Always.

 

 

Photo By: Peter Pabon

 

                                                       

                                                                                    ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY

 

 

 

“The wait in the dressing room before a professional boxing match -that last hour- could be enough to strip a man who never fought before of whatever pride, desire, heart or courage he thought he had.” – Iceman John Scully, April 2002

amateur boxing, Golden Gloves

New York’s Premier Amateur Boxing Tournament “New York Metro Qualifier: The Road to the Garden” Opens with a Bang!

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March 7, 2018 – New York, NY – Competitors and fans alike braved the elements as Mother Nature’s “bomb cyclone” struck the area, selling out the first two nights of Metro’s The Road to the Garden event. World champion Iran Barkley and five-time Golden Gloves champion David Villar were among the luminaries witnessing the events, along with former New York State Athletic Commissioner Melvina Lathan. Yonkers PAL saw ten exciting bouts in the 152 pound (welterweight) Novice class, with nine going to a decision and one stopped by the referee:
  • Zachary Blumberg (Freeport PAL) defeated Muhammad Saeed, (Rustam’s BC) – RSC, Rd 2.

 

 

  • Abdraimov Arat (Unattached) defeated Cristian Calderon (Woodside BC) – SD.

 

 

  • Wilson Valencia (Morris Park BC) defeated Joshua Wilson (Atlas Cops & Kids) – SD.

 

 

  • Patrick Gough (Green Fitness) defeated Hansel Gonzalez (John’s Gym) – UD.

 

 

  • Richard Daunt (Finest Fitness BC) defeated Salvatore Pomilla (Champs BC) – UD.

 

 

  • Jayson Capetillo (Brotherhood BC) defeated Jason Castanon (Sweatbox BC) – UD.

 

 

  • Davaughn Stevens (John’s Gym) defeated Bryant Kim (New York Athletic Club) – UD.

 

 

  • Kevin Anderson (Gleason’s Gym) defeated Jeffrey Barreau (FDNY BC) – SD.

 

 

  • Lloyd Rosario (Starrett City BC) defeated Karem Elnokrashy (Mendez Boxing) – UD.

 

 

  • David Moore (Freeport PAL) defeated Damion Nelson (Lou Benson’s Elmcor BC) – UD.
Friday night, March 2, at Church Street Boxing, the 132-pound and 141-pound Novices showed what amateur boxing is all about, hosting seven 132 pound (lightweight) bouts as well as one 141 pound (light welterweight) bout.
  • Desean McCain (Lou Benson’s Elmcor BC) defeated Nestor Velez (Ardon’s Sweet Science) – UD.

 

  • Taquee McDaniel (Eastern Queens BC) defeated Michael Feldman (Extreme Fight Club) – UD.

 

  • Brandon Pena (Atlas Cops & Kids) defeated Gerald Alvarado (Unattached) – RSC Rd 2.

 

  • Kelvin Renoso (John’s Gym) defeated Elijah Brown (Brotherhood BC) – SD.

 

  • Arique Hayes (Green Fitness BC) defeated Algenis Amparo (Ardon Sweet Science) – UD.

 

  • Ronny Reyes (Morris Park BC) defeated Wagner Morales (John’s Gym) – RSC Rd 2.

 

  • Musa Cham (Morris Park BC) defeated Chanel Delacruz (El Maestro BC) -UD.

 

 

  • Julius Wallace (Kayo BC) defeated Alex Marshall (Main Street BC) – UD.
With competitions scheduled through March and into April, the tournament promises many more exciting matches. For information, go to usaboxingmetro.com, and be sure to watch the action live on YouTube and Facebook at Puglife Chronicles (@publifechronicles).
The tournament continues this week on Thursday night, March 8, starting at 7:30 PM at Main Street Boxing, 156 Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon, featuring the 178 (light heavyweight) Novice weight class. On Friday night, March 9, the 165 (middleweight) Novice weight class will compete at Work Train Fight, 636 Broadway in Manhattan, also starting at 7:30 PM.
amateur boxing, Golden Gloves

New England   Tournament of Champions  Open Division championship finals results from Lowell

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72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities
Golden Gloves Championship

2018 Team New England (missing Angel Gonzalez)
(pictures courtesy of Edward Boches / Boches Photography)
LOWELL, Mass. (February 23, 2018) – Eleven New England champions were crowned last night during the New England Tournament of Champions at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Central New England snapped the Western New England’s four-year reign in team scoring to capture the covered Bill Hoar Memorial Award as Most Outstanding Team.
The New England Tournament of Champions, also known as the All-New England’s, is part of the 72nd annual New England Golden Gloves Championships.
Each individual N.E. champion qualified for Team New England, which will compete at the National Golden Gloves Championship, starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska.
Central N.E. had five individual winners, edging Western NE with four, North N.E. and Southern N.E. had champion one apiece.
“There were some great fights, hotly contested because there was so much on the line,” N. E. Executive Director Bobby Russo said. “We closed the season in grand style with great matches and a loud, packed house that’s been the Lowell tradition for 72 years. There were some disputed decisions and the crowd let everybody know how they felt after a few of the fights.
“We have a lot of talent on this year’s Team New England. It’s a strong team with some fighters who now have national experience like Angel Gonzalez, Felix Parilla, Liz Leddy, Miguel Teo and Fernely Felix, Jr. The other fighters look like they could do very well at the National Golden Gloves.”
N.E. featherweight champion Felix Parilla (WNE), of North Haven, CT, was selected as the Thomas Costello Memorial Award winner as Most Outstanding Boxer.

Most Outstanding Boxer Felix Parilla
The Rocky Marciano Memorial Award as the Most Outstanding Heavyweight Boxer was presented to Lowell, MA’s Edmond Worley, who edged Randolph, MA’s Edit McApman, 4-1, to clinch the team title for Central New England in the second to last bout of the night.
Rocky Marciano Memorial Award winner Edmond Worley
The unofficial Fight of the Night was a toss up between lightweights Jonathan DePina and Elijah Peixoto (DePina won 3-2) and middleweights Michael Fontanez and Victor Reynoso (Fontanez won 3-2).
In the most anticipated match of the evening, Mansfield, MA welterweight James Perella (SNE) defeated USA No. 5-rated and defending N.E. champion Josniel Castro(NNE), by way of a controversial 5-0 unanimous yet very closely contested decision that drew the wrath of the disapproving crown.
USA No. 7 rated light heavyweight Miguel Teo (CNE), of Marlboro, MA, took a unanimous 5-0 decision versus Rashane Doyle (SNE), of Boston.
In a N.E. super heavyweight rematch, Danbury, CT’s Fernely Felix, Jr. (WNE) repeated by the same score las last year, 3-2, against Providence’s Tim Hatfield(SNE), for his third straight N.E. title.
In women’s competition, Portland, ME lightweight Liz Leddy (NNE) captured her seventh N.E. women’s title, taking a unanimous 5-0 decision over Willow Crawford(CNE), of Manchester, NH, unanimous 5-0 decision, while USA No 10- rated Ashleigh Moore (CNE), representing Buzzards Bay, MA, won a unanimous 5-0 decision against Gorham, ME’s Lindsay Kyanjohnian (NNE), who was runner-up for the second year in a row after she took top honors in 2016.
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska), 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.
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(Feb.22, 2018)
 
NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS
BANTAMWEIGHTS (114 lbs.)
Angel Gonzalez, Hartford, CT / WNE
WDEC3 (5-0)
Shin Murinda, Haverhill, MA / CNE
FEATHERWEIGHTS (123 lbs.)
Felix Parilla, North Haven, CT / WNE
WRSC1 (2:31)
Danny Pang, Portland, ME / NNE
WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Liz Leddy, Portland, ME / NNE
WDEC3 (5-0)
Willow Crawford, Manchester, NH / CNE
LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Joseph DePina, Dorchester, MA / CNE
WDEC3 (3-2)
Elijah Peixoto, Providence, RI / SNE
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Sharad Collier, Hartford, CT / WNE
WDEC3 (5-0)
Brandon Higgins, North Chelmsford, MA / CNE
WOMEN’S JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Ashleigh Moore, Buzzards Bay, MA / CNE
WDEC5 (5-0)
Lindsay Kyajohnian, Gorham, ME / NNE
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 LBS.)
James Perella, Mansfield, MA / SNE
WDEC3 (5-0)
Josniel Castro, Portland, ME / NNE
MIDDLEWEIGHTS (165 lbd.)
SUPER HEAVYWEIGHTS (201+ lbs.)
Fernely Feliz, Jr., Danbury, CT / WNE
WDEC (3-2)
Tim Hatfield, Providence, RI / SNE
TEAM STANDINGS
CNE – Central New England – 5
WNE – Western New England – 4
                                   NNE – Northern New England – 1
SNE – Southern New England – 1
INFORMATION:
New England Golden Gloves 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
amateur boxing, Golden Gloves

1stUSA Boxing Alumni Association event in N.E. A knockout in Lowell, Mass

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Picture courtesy of Edward Boches / Boches Photography
 
LOWELL, Mass. (February 23, 2018) – Nearly 50 past New England Golden Gloves boxers turned out last night for the inaugural USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet in a private room, prior to the opening bout of the New England Tournament of Champions, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The USA Boxing Alumni Association gathering was also to promote the 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour, which kicks-off Monday, March 12, at Royale Entertainment Complex in Boston’s famed theater district. The USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour will continue March 15 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. and concludes March 21at The Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Among the USA Boxing Alumni Association attendees were former professional world champions “Irish” Micky Ward, a Lowell boxing icon, and Jose Antonio Rivera, as well as The Contenders star Peter Manfredo, Jr., “Iceman” John Scully
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations 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 host by the Alumni Association, including Friday evening’s 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:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
amateur boxing, Golden Gloves

NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS Open division semifinal results from Lowell

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New England
Tournament of Champions

Open Division semifinals results from Lowell

 
72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities
Golden Gloves Championship
New England Tournament of Champions
Open Division championship finals tonight in Lowell 
LOWELL, Mass. (February 22, 2018) – A highly-competitive semifinal round was held last night, setting the stage for this evening’s finals of the New England Tournament of Championships, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
The New England Tournament of Champions, also known as the All-New England’s, is part of the 72nd annual New England Golden Gloves Championships.
Tonight’s individual winning N.E. champions will qualify for Team New England, which will compete at the National Golden Gloves Championship, starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. Western New England is seeking its fifth straight N.E. team title.
“After watching last night’s semifinals,” N. E. Executive Director Bobby Russo said, “I can’t wait for tonight’s great match ups in the finals. These are the best amateur boxers in New England and all the winners will have a shot at national titles.”
Also, USA Boxing will host a USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet tonight.All USA Boxing Alumni Association members, as well as any prospective members, are welcome to attend this unique meet-and-greet, starting when doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, until the first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Many of New England’s all-time great amateur boxers will participate, including former wotld champions such as hometown hero and three-time New England champion,“Irish” Micky Ward, Jose Antonio Rivera, Travis Simms and Iran Barkley, The Contender star Peter Manfredo, Jr., John Scully, Richie LaMontagne, Dave Sullivan, USA Olympian Lawrence Clay-Bey and many other past New England Golden Gloves favorites including Tarvis Simms, Bobby Harris, Joe Alloj and Troy Wortham. (subject to change)
Tickets start at $18.00, only $7.00 for students (ID required) and are available to purchase by calling the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or ordering online at www.lowellauditorium.com. Buy tickets early to avoid long lines the night of the show.
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska), 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.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(Feb.21, 2018)
 
NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS
FEATHERWEIGHTS (123 lbs.)
Felix Parilla, North Haven, CT / WNE
WDEC (5-0)
Joseph Valdes, Nashua, NH / Central CNE
LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Joseph DePina, Dorchester, MA / CNE
WDEC (3-2)
Joshua Orta, Springfield, MA / WNE
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Sharad Collier, Hartford, CT / WNE
WDEC (4-1)
Mike Bloodworth, Woonsocket, RI / SNE
WOMEN’S JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Ashleigh Moore, Buzzards Bay, MA / CNE
WDEC (5-0)
Deborah Basora, Hartford, CT / WNE
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 LBS.)
Josniel Castro, Portland, ME / NNE
WDEC (5-0)
Luca Botis, West Point, NY / WNE
James Perella, Mansfield, MA / SNE
WDEC (5-0)
Charles Espinel, Salem, MA / CNE
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (178 lbs.)
Miguel Teo, Marlboro, MA / CNE
WDEC (5-0)
Tony Adams, Bridgeport, CT / WNE
HEAVYWEIGHTS (201 lbs.)
Edmond Worley, Lowell, MA / CNE
WDEC (4-1)
Hampton Miller, Waterbury, CT / WNE
SUPER HEAVYWEIGHTS (201+ lbs.)
Tim Hatfield, Providence, RI / SNE
WDEC (5-0)
Zack Calmus, Gloucester, MA / CNE
WNE – Western New England
CNE – Central New England
NNE – Northern New England
SNE – Southern New England
 
72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Schedule
(Lowell Memorial Auditorium – 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. first bout)
New England Tournament of Champions
Open Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 22
INFORMATION:
New England Golden Gloves 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
amateur boxing, boxing, Golden Gloves

Former USA boxers to hold private meet-and-greet at New England Tournament of Champions Open Division Championships

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1stUSA Boxing Alumni Association Event in N.E.
 

Thursday, February 22
Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Mass.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 19, 2018) – USA Boxing will host a private USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet this Thursday night (Feb. 22), prior to that evening’s open division finals of the New England Tournament of Champions, part of the 72nd annual New England Golden Gloves Championships, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The Feb. 22nd USA Boxing Alumni Association also being held, in part, to promote the 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour, which kicks-off Monday, March 12, at the newly renovated Royale Entertainment Complex in Boston’s famed theater district. The USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour will continue March 15 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. and concludes March 21 at The Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Many of New England’s all-time great amateur boxers will participate, including hometown hero and three-time New England champion, “Irish” Micky Ward. Others include Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully, Richie LaMontagne, Dave Sullivan, Travis and Tarvis Simms, Bobby Harris, Peter Manfredo, Jr., Joe Alloj, Lawrence Clay-Bey and Troy Wortham.
All USA Boxing Alumni Association members, as well as any prospective members, are welcome to attend this unique meet-and-greet, starting when doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, until the first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Ticket prices start at $18.00, only $7.00 for students (ID required) and are available to purchase by calling the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or ordering online at www.lowellauditorium.com.
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations 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 host by the Alumni Association, including Friday evening’s 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:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing