Tag Archives: Muhammad Ali

boxing, USA Boxing

One of the best all-time…. 1988 Olympic silver medalist Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub peb hlis ntuj 9, 2020) – By any standards, U.S. Olympian and former unified World heavyweight champion Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe is inarguably one of the all-time greatest boxers, pib xyaum ua thiab kev.

Born and raised in the infamous Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York, which also produced fellow World heavyweight championsMike Tyson thiabShannon Briggs, Bowe started boxing at 13 in the Bedford-Stuyvesant Boxing Association Gym.

“I wanted to do everythingMuhammad Ali did,” Bowe explained why he got into boxing. “He was my idol. I wanted to join the Marines, but I fell in love with boxing and stayed with it. I forgot about the Marines.”

Bowe developed his craft and became an outstanding boxer, compiling ib tug 104-18 pib xyaum ua cov ntaub ntawv, highlighted by his controversial silver-medal winning performance at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Kauslim.

A four-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Bowe also captured top honors at the 1986 Junior World Championships, along with a bronze medal at the 1987 Yias American ua si, despite fighting in his final match with a fractured hand he hid from his coaches.

Bowe had a rivalry withRobert Salters, with whom he split four matches, but he defeated Salters, 3-2, nyob rau hauv lub U.S. Box-Offs to qualify for the 1988 USA Boxing Olympic Team. His Olympic teammates includedRoy Jones, Jr., Ray Mercer, Kennedy McKinney thiabAndrew Maynard.

Controversary surrounded his Olympic championship fight against future World heavyweight champion, Canadian super heavyweight Lennox Lewis, who returned home with the Olympic gold medal. During his fight with Lewis, Bowe was deducted a point for a “ghost” head butt that never happened, and the referee gave Bowe a pair of disputed standing-eight counts, the last of which resulted in the stoppage of the fight in Lewis’ favor.

“That fight never should have been stopped,” Bowe commented. “I’m still happy about winning a silver medal. I still have it. And then I turned pro. My mother had 13 kids and I wanted to make my mother happy. I wanted to buy her a house. That’s what inspired me to box.”

“Bowe’s success as an amateur and professional has made him a household name amongst USA Boxing Alumni,"Hais tiasChris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director. “His combination of power and skill, along with his legendary battles with other USA Boxing Alumni at the pro ranks, establishes him as one of the greatest fighters that USA Boxing has ever produced.”

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

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

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

With legendary trainerEddie Futch nyob rau hauv nws lub ces kaum, Bowe became the first truly unified World heavyweight champion, winning the title belt for all four recognized major sanctioning bodies: Qhov, WBA, IBF and WBO.

Bowe retired with an amazing 43-1 (33 Kos) pro record. He had a 5-1 (4 Kos) mark in world title fights, 7-1 (5 Kos) versus past world heavyweight champions such asEvander Holyfield (ob zaug), Pinklon Thomas, Tony Tubbs, Bruce Seldon, Michael Dokes thiabHerbie Hyde.

Bowe later avenged his lone pro loss to Holyfield, winning two of three fights with the “Real Deal.”

“I’m very happy with my pro career,” Bowe added. “I beat Holyfield two times and I think it should have been three. I’m not a sore loser, but I was the World heavyweight champion. How did he win that fight? The challenger needs to take the belt from the champion, and he didn’t do that. I thought I won by a point, at worst, maybe it should have been a draw, but I shouldn’t have lost the fight. I did become the first to ever knockout Holyfield. My pro career wasn’t too bad. I kept working hard and became two-time World heavyweight champion.”

Tam sim no 51 and living in Maryland, Bowe has some advice for the American boxers trying to qualify for the 2020 Team USA Boxing Olympic Team.

“Just don’t think about it,” stressed Bowe, sounding like a Nike commercial. “Just do it! It worked for me. I showed up and didn’t think about it. And always finish strong.”

Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015, left his mark in amateur and pro boxing. Nobody can ever take that away from the big guy from Brownsville.

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.orgi

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

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

boxing, USA Boxing

USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame Reception another KO

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Class of 2019: Mark Breland, Joe Frazier,
Al Mitchell & Ray Rodgers


COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 19, 2019) – The Class of 2019 was inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame this past Friday night at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The HOF reception was held in conjunction with the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and 2019 Teb chaws Championships. Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Bernstein from Showtime Sports served once again as the event’s emcee.

Olympic gold-medalists Mark Breland thiab “Smokin'” Joe Frazier along with decorated coach Al Mitchell and famed cut-man Ray Rodgers, were inducted during the 3rd annual USA Boxing Alumni Association HOF reception.

Sen. John McCain was posthumously presented a special Lifetime Achievement Award. His daughter, Megan McCain, sent an acceptance video on behalf of her family that was played for the audience.

“We are extremely thankful for the hundreds of USA Boxing Alumni who showed up to support this year’s Hall of Fame class and enjoy an incredible evening of reflection, camaraderie, and joy,” said USA Boxing Alumni Association Director Chris Cugliari. “Tu siab, George Foreman was unable to attend the event, so we will be sure to honor him at a later date. Txawm li cas los, the legacies of Ray Rodgers, Al Mitchell, Joe Frazier, Mark Breland, and Senator John McCain were celebrated with passion and gratitude. It was an evening to remember, and we look forward to a strong 2020 for the USA Boxing Alumni Association.”

The ceremony was well attended, muaj ntau tshaj li 200 traveling to Lake Charles in celebration of this year’s class. 1988 Eastern Olympic Qualifier Champion John “Iceman” Scully, 1972 Olympic kub medalist Sugar Ray Seales, 1984 Olympic kub medalist Frank Tate, former middleweight and light heavyweight champion “Sweet” Reggie Johnson, thiab 1992 Olympian Raul Marquez celebrated amongst peers from their amateur days.

To watch the entire ceremony, go NTAWM NO

Below are quotes from the inductees, or those representing inductees, with pictures:

HOOB NTAWM 2019



MARK BRELAND

Mark Breland: “I enjoy boxing, it’s a lot of fun. I’m glad to be here because I’ve seen a lot of fighters I grew up with in the amateurs. I enjoy boxing because it kept me off the streets. I wasn’t a street guy., My father would have beaten me up if I had gotten into trouble in the streets. Boxing kept me off the streets, kept me in the gym. I guess I was good at it. I had a fight with a bully when I was 14 and I beat him up. I went to the gym the same day and my coach asked me what happened. My knuckles were shredded with blood. I told him I had a fight in the street. He said you can’t fight in the street. Then I realized boxing and street fighting are two different things.

Shelly Finkel (his manager), when he came into my life, changed a lot of things. Things changed a lot. I focused more on boxing, focused on the Olympic Games, and won championships. Every tournament I went into, Kuv yeej, but it was a lot of fun. I wanted to inspire youths. I hope I can inspire some amateurs coming up. To keep going, stay off the streets, and do something that can change your life in a good way., Eddie Futch for life!”



JOE FRAZIER

Marvis Frazier(Joe’s son, pictured): “It is so good today to speak about my father, what he meant to me, and Joe Frazier always said to me, ‘There’s no right way to do wrong, no wrong way to do right.’ He said, if you don’t do right, you’re going to smell this, putting his left fist right to my nose. When it was time for me to do bad, it wasn’t me, wasn’t Marvis Frazier. Yog li ntawd, hnub no, I’m still smelling it even if he’s not here.

“I just love to talk boxing. As an amateur I was 46-1 and then when I turned pro, I beat the guy who had knocked me out. I love my father. He was a good guy and a champion. I know everybody know Muhammad Ali and I know everybody know ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier.”



AL MITCHELL

Al Mitchell: “I got rid of anybody over 16 who didn’t want to go to school. I’ve been doing this the longest time and I want to thank the coaches. I had three or four who didn’t care about boxing, but they wanted their kids to get an education. Izzy Acosta is one. I got a perfect record at Marquette High, they’ve all graduated. I have four kids with master’s degrees, I’ve got 14 who have degrees, and four guys who are policemen and no way they should be policemen. Kuv foom koob hmoov rau.

“Old coaches would tell one you’re only as good as your memories. It’s crazy with kids 14, 14, 15. I had a kid named Vernon Forrest, a four-time world champion., It’s not just about boxing. It’s getting an education and after ten years they have a good life. I want to thank you all for putting me in the Hall of Fame.”




Michael Rodgers (Ray’s son): “Thawj, I want to apologize for my father for not being here. He hurt his back over the weekend working a boxing match, believe it or not, and he apologizes for not being here.

“I want to thank USA Boxing and the Alumni Association for recognizing my father for this award. And when he heard about this, he said he didn’t do any of these things during the 72 years he’s been in the sport for awards. He just did what he did for the love this sport and he did what needed to be done.”

USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION



Mike McAtee, Executive Director, USA Boxing (pictured): “On behalf of the Board of Directors, President Tyson Lee, I can only say thank you, ua tsaug rau koj, and thank you. Hmo no, is a culmination of work between our members, our alumni association, but I have to recognize a couple of people. This great event wouldn’t be done without Chris Cugliari, Al Valenti and Nicole Anderson, our Alumni Association Coordinator.

“I have the honor of talking about boxing and obviously we have passion. When Marvis Frazier said this was a brotherhood, a sisterhood, and none of us, quite frankly, who’ve stepped in the ring – I include myself in that – we’re not right. Takes a special person to climb in the ropes. You all can give yourselves a hand for not being right.

“USA Boxing is proud of our history, but more proud of our future, and I can tell you the young men and women battling at the elite levels, we started at 104 and that will be taken down to 13 by Sunday evening. Tab sis, more importantly, we’re going to be breeding the next generation of champions, because this is closing the chapter of 2020, but starting the chapter of 2024, and ultimately, when the Olympic Games comeback here in 2028. This is a special time.”



Chris Cugliari, Executive Director, USA Boxing Alumni Association: “Three years ago a group of us sat around a table in Kansas City at the National Championships and this idea was hatched: John Brown, Al Valenti, John Scully, Christy Halbert, Mike McAtee and a few others. Yog li ntawd, it’s something I’m very proud of and an organization I’m proud to lead with the support of all of you.

“A quick update of the Alumni Association, we’re at about 1200 members right now and this is our third year. We had events across the country the past year, honoring Micky Ward and Vinny Pazianza in the New England area. We gathered in Chicago. We honored Izzy Acosta at the Junior Olympics in Wisconsin, as well as Buster Douglas and coach Mike Stafford at the Ohio Legends celebration, and here we are today honoring our third Hall of Fame class. We’ve come a long way. Our theme in 2020 is two missions: Thawj, we want to take this down to the grassroots level, second is supporting our athletes and their families as they travel to the 2020 Olympic Games.”



Al Valenti, Special Projects Consultant for USA Boxing: “USA Boxing is the one fundamental difference that makes a difference in a young person’s life. The path to self-confidence, the path to self-respect, kev qhuab qhia, yeej, and how to accept defeat all comes through amateur boxing.

“Hmo no, the story will be told. Hmo no, we will take you on a path, of amateur boxing in the United States that rivals no other nation. Gold medalists, silver medalists, coaches, officials, doctors…they’re all here. It’s like Woodstock for boxing; everybody’s here!”



Al Bernstein, Master of Ceremonies: “I’m delighted to be back here for my third year at USA Boxing’s Alumni Association Hall of Fame. I hosted a lot of events, MC’d a lot of events, and this is the final event because it’s in the end of December. It’s definitely my favorite.”




HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

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 the 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.


HOOB NTAWM 2017: The charter class was headed by Muhammad Ali thiab Evander Holyfield, in addition to veteran coaches Roosevelt Sanders thiab Tom Coulter.

HOOB NTAWM 2018: U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (kev) champions Roy Jones, Jr., Lwm Ward thiab Claressa Shields, as well as former USA Boxing National Director of Coaching Emanuel Steward and veteran USA Boxing official Tom Cleary.

NTAUB NTAWV:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
boxing, USA Boxing

3rd annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception

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Sen. John McCain to be honored

Class of 2019 ceremonyno hnub Friday at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 11, 2019) -Senator John McCain will be posthumously presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work to protect boxers and elevate the sport this Friday night at a special ceremony during the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The HOF reception is being held in conjunction with the ongoing 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and 2019 National Championships at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The finals of the Olympic Trials will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Twv txiaj yuam pov. Hall of Fame broadcasterAl Bernstein from Showtime Sports will serve as the event’s emcee for the third year in a row.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association’s third HOF class also includes three Olympic gold-medalists, “Big” George Foreman, Mark Brelandthiab“Smokin’” Joe Frazier, as well as legendary coachesAl Mitchell thiabRay Rodgers.

The late Sen. McCain boxed at the U.S. Naval Academy, where the 5’ 7” lightweight competed three years as a fearless boxer who reportedly always came forward, never reversing gears. In his final year, he managed the battalion boxing team to a brigade championship.

“Our family believes our father would accept this award graciously as a very high honor,” daughterMegan McCain said on behalf of the McCain family. “The courage, character and action needed to step into the ring is something he felt very strongly about.

“He learned many life lessons through boxing, including the value of fitness, kev qhuab qhia, individual performance training and operating as part of a team. Boxers run up against opposition they have no idea how to attack or defend against, yet they figure it out and learn about themselves, as well as develop endurance during the process.”

“Senator McCain was a true ally to the sport, having personally understood the courage and risk-taking required from those who enter the ring,"Hais tiasChris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. Throughout his career in politics, USA Boxing communicated with his office numerous times as part of a collaborative effort to safeguard the future of Olympic style, pib xyaum ua boxing, and Senator McCain never hesitated to offer to do more for our athletes. For this and many other reasons, the USA Boxing Alumni Association looks forward to honoring his legacy this weekend.”

Confirmed special guests include 1988 Olympic kub medalistAndrew Maynard, three-time National AAU Coach of the Year (1972-76-77) Joe Clough, 1984 Olympic gold medalist Frank Tatethiab nws tus tij laugThomas, 1972 OlympianTim Dement, 2002 Teb chaws Golden hnab looj tes championJaidon Codringtion, 1980 Olympic QualifierJackie Beard, 1981 Junior OlympicsGlen Modicue, four-time National championEric Kelly, 1988 Eastern Olympic Qualifier championJohn Scully, Obie Beard, Mark Lanton thiab covStephensbrothers –Donald, Anthony thiabJerry.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

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 the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

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

HOOB NTAWM 2017: The charter class was headed byMuhammad Ali thiabEvander Holyfield, in addition to veteran coachesRoosevelt Sanders thiabTom Coulter.

HOOB NTAWM 2018: U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (kev) championsRoy Jones, Jr., Lwm Ward thiabClaressa Shields, as well as former USA Boxing National Director of CoachingEmanuel Steward and veteran USA Boxing officialTom Cleary.

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

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

boxing, USA Boxing

Simply The Best! Mark Breland

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Class of 2019 ceremony Dec. 13 at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 3, 2019) – Arguably the greatest American amateur boxer of all-time, Mark Breland will be inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame on Friday night, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 13, during a special Class of 2019 ceremony at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The HOF reception is being held in conjunction with the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and 2019 Teb chaws Championships, Dec. 7-15, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The finals of the Olympic Trials will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Twv txiaj yuam pov. Hall of Fame broadcasterAl Bernstein from Showtime Sports will serve as the event’s emcee for the third year in a row.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association’s third HOF class also includes two other Olympic gold-medalists, “Big” George Foremanthiab “Smokin’” Joe Frazier, as well as legendary coachesAl Mitchell thiabRay Rodgers. 

Sen. John McCain will be posthumously presented a special Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work to protect boxers and elevate the sport.

“I’m very happy to be inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame,” Breland said. “It really means a lot, especially going in this year with Foreman and Frazier. I guess it proves I’ve done a lot in boxing. I’m happy to be going in. I had a lot of fun in USA Boxing. To be going into the same Hall of Fame withEvander (Holyfield) (Muhammad) Yog, Foreman, Frazier…champs like that, it’s something for me to be with them.”

Breland, Tiam sis, first got into boxing at the age of eight, due to him being brought to his first boxing match, Frazier-Ali I, at Madison Square Garden. “We were up in the top seats,” the Brooklyn-born and raised Breland remembered like it was yesterday. “The crowd, the atmosphere…all I could think of was, wow!  I didn’t realize until I got older that there were so many stars there watching Ali and Frazier, because they were all at ringside.

“The next day I went to a gym. I was really skinny, small, but I came back the next day. I enjoyed working out and fell in love with boxing. I wanted to box in big tournaments. This is what I wanted to do, but I had hid boxing from my parents. They knew I had I played football, but that was okay with them, because unlike in boxing, we had a helmet. I won at the Junior Olympics and it was in the papers. I saw it and thought my mother was going to kill me. My mother asked me why I hadn’t told her, so I invited her to watch me fight in the Golden Gloves. She was in one of the front rows, but afterwards when I asked her what she thought when I knocked out my opponent, she said she didn’t see it because she had closed her eyes.”

Breland went on to become a five-time New York Golden Gloves champion with a 21-0 cov ntaub ntawv, kuj muaj 19 knockouts, 14 coming in the opening round. In 1982, Breland captured a gold medal at the prestigious World Championships in Munich, Lub teb chaws yelemees, after which he was named the No. 1 welterweight in the world by AIBA. He was also selected as Boxer of the Year (1982) by USAABF.

Thaum lub 1984 Olympic ua si, held in Los Angeles, Breland fought his way to a gold medal,

along with eight of his American teammates: Paul Gonzalez, Steve McCrory, Meldrick Taylor, Pernell Whitaker, Jerry Page,Frank Tate, Henry Tillman thiabTyrell Biggs.

Breland, who completed his amateur career with an amazing 110-1 (73 Kos) cov ntaub ntawv, appeared to be cooler than the other side of the pillow on a hot, steamy night. No real celebrations after he won gold, to the contrary, Mark was emotionless, the same as he still is today as a trainer of champions.

“I’ve always been really laid back,” he explained. “I just remember raising my hands. At an Olympic press conference, I was asked if I was happy, and I just said I was glad it was over. I guess I didn’t seem excited. I was happy but calm. It’s the same way now (as a trainer); it’s just me. I’m happy to win and happy to be doing what I do.”

“Mark’s dominance over his competition throughout his USA Boxing career cements him as a legend,” commentedChris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “His ring intelligence, commitment to his craft, and ability to fight at any pace against any style makes him a tremendous example for today’s group of amateur champions. It has been a long time coming, but the Alumni Association looks forward to reflecting on his accomplishments and honoring Mark in Louisiana.”

Confirmed special guests include 1988 Olympic kub medalistAndrew Maynard, three-time National AAU Coach of the Year (1972-76-77) Joe Clough, 1984 Olympic gold medalist Frank Tatethiab nws tus tij laugThomas, 1972 OlympianTim Dement, 2002 Teb chaws Golden hnab looj tes championJaidon Codringtion, 1980 Olympic QualifierJackie Beard, 1981 Junior OlympicsGlen Modicue, four-time National championEric Kelly, 1988 Eastern Olympic Qualifier championJohn Scully, Obie Beard, Mark Lanton thiab covStephensbrothers –Donald, Anthony thiabJerry.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

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 the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

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

Breland made his much-anticipated pro debut November 15, 1984, at the famed Madison Square Garden, defeating Dwight Williams by way of a six-round unanimous decision. During his illustrious pro career (1984-1997), Breland compiled a sterling 35-3-1 (35 Kos) record and he was a two-time World welterweight champion.

The 56-year-old Breland, who once trained the late, zoo 1992 US OlympianVernon Forrest, currently trains another great USA Boxing alumni and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, Deontay Wilder, the reigning World Boxing Council heavyweight champion.

“Once I started boxing in the amateurs,” Breland concluded, “I started progressing. I learned a lot from other amateurs like different styles. Boxers from New York/New Jersey had different styles than boxers from Georgia/Florida, and fighting Cubans was completely different. I was beating up a Cuban fighter, but every time I hit him, somehow, they took away a point from me. I knew right away that I had to knock him out to win, and they did end up stopping the fight.”

HOOB NTAWM 2017: The charter class was headed byMuhammad Ali thiabEvander Holyfield, in addition to veteran coachesRoosevelt Sanders thiabTom Coulter.

HOOB NTAWM 2018: U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (kev) championsRoy Jones, Jr., Lwm Ward thiabClaressa Shields, as well as former USA Boxing National Director of CoachingEmanuel Steward and veteran USA Boxing officialTom Cleary.

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing, USA Boxing

Closing cuts & controlling blood flow leads 83-year-old Ray Rodgers into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame

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Class of 2019 ceremony Dec. 13 at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 25, 2019) – Arkansas boxing icon Ray Rodgershas successfully dealt with more cuts than most surgeons, all the way into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame, in which he’ll be inducted on Friday night, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 13, during a special Class of 2019 ceremony, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The HOF reception is being held in conjunction with the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and 2019 Teb chaws Championships, Dec. 7-15, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The finals of the Olympic Trials will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Twv txiaj yuam pov. Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Bernstein from Showtime Sports will serve as the event’s emcee for the third year in a row.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association’s third HOF class also includes three Olympic gold-medalists, “Loj” George foreman, “Smokin'” Joe Frazier thiab Mark Breland, as well as legendary coach Al Mitchell.

Sen. John McCain will be posthumously presented a special Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work to protect boxers and elevate the sport.

There isn’t much in boxing, if anything, that Rodgers hasn’t done: boxer, official, tus kws qhia, administrator and, ntawm chav kawm, txiav txiv neej. “I’m a boxing guy,” Rodgers said in his Southern twang. “I’ve been around the block, several times. But I don’t say I’m a cut man, I’m a laceration management specialist.”

Rodgers first got into boxing when he was in the fifth grade, back in Oklahoma, where he was born. A memo was sent around that there would be a tryout for boxing held the next day at the local high school gym. His parents gave their permission to let him tryout, the first chapter of his incredible boxing career.

“From the first moment,” the charming boxing character remembered, “Kuv twb hooked. I still have the letter I received in boxing. That was in 1947 and I’m still in boxing. I’m very proud of that.”

Rodgers has worked 39 world championship fights in professional boxing, as a cut man (he only trains amateur boxers) for the likes of world champions Jermaine Taylor, Wayne McCollough thiab Tommy Morrison.

“It’s been beyond belief for a regular old boxing guy like me,” Rodgers said about his life in boxing. “I’ve traveled all over the world, many times, as a cut man.”

He was the first national official of both the Golden Gloves and Silver Gloves. Ntau, he’s already been inducted in three Hall of Fames: Silver Gloves, Golden Gloves and Arkansas Sports HOF.

“Ray’s sacrifice to countless youth as a coach, mentor, txiav txiv neej, and leader throughout the amateur boxing community is inspirational,” commented Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “His years of service and the knowledge he has passed on to other generations is what makes him a Hall of Famer, and we look forward to honoring him in December.”

Rodgers hasn’t slowed down, despite recently celebrating his 83rd hnub yug. He still owns and operates Ray Rodgers Boxing Club in West Little Rock, Arkansas, in addition to serving as director of the Arkansas Golden Gloves and Mid-South Tournament, which includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Western Tennessee and Arkansas. And he’s also the vice-president of the National Golden Gloves and chairman of the National Silver Gloves.

“At my age, I’m happy to have any birthday,” Rodgers joked. “I’m hoping to live another 10-12 xyoo, Lord willing. It’s all in the Lord’s hands; controlling the flow of blood, tab sis yog, is in my hands.”

Confirmed special guests include 1988 Olympic kub medalist Andrew Maynard, three-time National AAU Coach of the Year (1972-76-77) Joe Clough, 1984 Olympic kub medalist Frank Tate thiab nws tus tij laug Thomas, 1972 Olympian Tim Dement, 2002 Teb chaws Golden hnab looj tes champion Jaidon Codringtion, 1980 Olympic Qualifier Jackie Beard, 1981 Junior Olympics Glen Modicue, four-time National champion Eric Kelly, 1988 Eastern Olympic Qualifier champion John Scully, Obie Beard, Mark Lanton thiab covStephens brothers – Donald, Anthony thiab Jerry.


HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

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 the 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.




HOOB NTAWM 2017: The charter class was headed by Muhammad Ali thiab Evander Holyfield, in addition to veteran coaches Roosevelt Sanders thiab Tom Coulter.

HOOB NTAWM 2018: U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (kev) champions Roy Jones, Jr., Lwm Ward thiab Claressa Shields, as well as former USA Boxing National Director of Coaching Emanuel Steward and veteran USA Boxing official Tom Cleary.
boxing, USA Boxing

“Smokin’”Joe Frazier punched way into USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame

Cia ib saib

Class of 2019 ceremony Dec. 13 at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 21, 2019) – One of boxing’s all-time greatest, lub lig, zoo“Smokin’” Joe Frazier, will be inducted posthumously into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame, Friday yav hmo ntuj, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 13, during a special Class of 2019 ceremony, at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The HOF reception is being held in conjunction with the 2020 Olympic Trials and 2019 National Championships Dec. 7-15, at Lake Charles Civic Center. The finals of the Olympic Trials will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Hall of Fame broadcasterAl Bernstein from Showtime Sports will serve as the event’s emcee for the third year in a row.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association’s third HOF class also includes two other Olympic gold-medalists, “Big” George ForemanthiabMark Breland, in addition to a pair of decorated coaches, Al Mitchell thiabRay Rodgers. 

Sen. John McCain will be posthumously presented a special Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work to protect boxers and elevate the sport.

“On behalf of our family,” Joe’s sonMarvis Frazier hais tias, “we’d like to thank the USA Boxing Alumni Association for remembering Joe Frazier. Honoring him like this will introduce to him to new generations of boxing fans.

“My father learned discipline he needed to go on and win Olympic gold and do what he need to be world champion. He took that to the pros and beatMuhammad Ali in the best fight in the world. They were two great champions who worked together to show people what boxing is really all about.”

Born in South Carolina, Frazier was well known as an elite Philadelphia boxing product, compiling ib tug 38-2 amateur record. He was a three-time National Golden Gloves champion whose only two losses were both toBuster Mathis, who was the only opponent to defeat Frazier, including a loss by decision – questionable according to Frazier – in the Olympic Trials.

When U.S. Olympic Team heavyweight qualifierBuster Mathis was unable to compete at the 1964 Olympic Games due to injury, Frazier took full advantage of this opportunity as a replacement.

Frazier went on to become one of only four American boxers to medal in Tokyo, Joe the lone gold medalist, despite breaking a thumb in the semifinals. Nyob rau hauv lub qhib puag ncig, Frazier knocked outGeorge Olynello (Uganda), followed by a third-round stoppage ofAthol McQueen (Australia) in the quarterfinals. AgainstVadim Yemelyanov (Russia) nyob rau hauv lub semifinal round, Frazier won by way of a second round KO, even though he broke his left thumb.

Unwilling to tell anybody that he had broken his thumb, fearing that he wouldn’t be allowed to fight, Frazier showed the tremendous grit he became famous for by winning a close decision, 3-2, tiv tiagHans Huber (United Team of Germany) in the championship final to capture a gold medal.

“Winning an Olympic gold medal was the highlight of his amateur career,” Marvis noted. “It meant that he was the best in the world, and it also made things easier for his next step into the pros. I think he felt it helped made him a real man, the best in the world, and not many people can say that. Winning Olympic gold with a broken thumb showed our father what he could do and proved that he was the man. He wasn’t afraid to get the job done. No excuses, get the jog done, was what my father said all the time. And you better had gotten the job done.”

Frazier (32-4-1, 27 Kos) went on to become a three-time world heavyweight champion, defeating the likes ofMuhammad Ali, Jimmy Ellis (ob zaug), Bob Foster, Oscar Bonavena(ob zaug), Jerry Quarry, Mathis, Doug Jones, Eddie Machen thiabGeorge Chuvalo during his 16-year professional career.

Listed at only 5-11 ½, Frazier was best known for his bobby, weaving, relentless pressure and liver-damaging left hook. He passed away November 7, 2011 due to complications from liver cancer at the age of 67.

“Joe’s legacy will live on forever throughout USA Boxing,” addedChris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “His toughness and heart were second to none, and today’s USA Boxing champions can look to Joe for the definition of a champion in and out of the ring. We look forward to honoring his legacy as a Hall of Famer on December 13th."

Confirmed special guests include 1988 Olympic kub medalistAndrew Maynard, three-time National AAU Coach of the Year (1972-76-77) Joe Clough, 1984 Olympic kub medalistFrank Tatethiab nws tus tij laugThomas, 1972 OlympianTim Dement, 2002 Teb chaws Golden hnab looj tes championJaidon Codringtion, 1980 Olympic QualifierJackie Beard, 1981 Junior OlympicsGlen Modicue, four-time National championEric Kelly, 1988 Eastern Olympic Qualifier championJohn Scully, Obie Beard, Mark Lanton thiab covStephens brothers –Donald, Anthony thiabJerry.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

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 the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

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

HOOB NTAWM 2017: The charter class was headed byMuhammad Ali thiabEvander Holyfield, in addition to veteran coachesRoosevelt Sanders thiabTom Coulter.

HOOB NTAWM 2018: U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (kev) championsRoy Jones, Jr., Lwm Ward thiabClaressa Shields, as well as former USA Boxing National Director of CoachingEmanuel Steward and veteran USA Boxing officialTom Cleary.  

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

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

boxing, USA Boxing

USA Boxing Alumni Association announces Hall of Fame Class of 2018

Cia ib saib
Roy Jones, Jr., Lwm Ward, Claressa Shields,
Emanuel Steward & Tom Cleary
Dec. 7 reception in Salt Lake City, Utah

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub yim hli ntuj 6, 2018) – The USA Boxing Alumni Association has announced its second class to be inducted into its Hall of Fame, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 7, at the Radisson Hotel (215 S. Temple St.) in Salk Lake City, Utah.

 

 

 

The reception is being held in conjunction with the 2018 USA Boxing Elite and Youth National Championships and Junior and Prep Open, Dec. 2-8, also held in Salt Lake City.

 

 

 

The Class of 2018 includes U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (kev) champions Roy Jones, Jr., Lwm Ward thiab Claressa Shields, as well as former USA Boxing National Director of Coaching Emanuel Steward and veteran USA Boxing official Tom Cleary. The latter two will be posthumously inducted.

 

 

 

This year’s inductees were selected amongst a group of 17 nominees by the hundreds of registered USA Boxing Alumni Association members during the months of June and July.

 

 

 

“USA Boxing Alumni Association is extremely excited to honor this year’s Hall of Fame class, as each inductee represents everything good that amateur boxing has to offer,” hais tias Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “Last year’s class contributed to a fantastic inaugural Hall of Fame reception and we’re looking forward to recognizing this year’s class with an even better event.”

 

 

 

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, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

 

 

 

The charter class inducted last year included Muhammad Ali thiab Evander Holyfield, in addition to veteran coaches Roosevelt Sanders thiab Tom Coulter.

 

 

 

“Each inductee has given so much to Olympic-style amateur boxing and the alumni community wants to thank them, for doing so,” Cugliari added. “We look forward to seeing USA Boxing Alumni members come out in droves to support this year’s Hall of Fame class in December.”

 

 

 

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 the 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.

 

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing, Nplhaib 8

Class of 2018 inducted into New York State Boxing Hall of Fame

Cia ib saib

NYSBHOF Class ntawm 2018: (L-R) seated: Charley Norkus, Jr. (accepting for Charley Norkus), Melvina Lathan, Tshuaj ntsuab Goldman, Bob Goodman and Jake Rodriguez; sawv: Joe Mesi, Al Cole, Ron Scott Stevens, Pete Brodsky and Joseph McAuliffe (accepting for Jack McAuliffe)
Tag nrho cov duab los ntawm Peter Frutkoff
TSHIAB YORK (Tej zaum 1, 2018) — Twenty-three members of the Class of 2018 were inducted into the New York Stare Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF), this past Sunday afternoon during the seventh annual NYSBHOF induction dinner, ntawm Russo lub Rau Bay nyob rau hauv Howard Puam, New York.

 

 

 

“Those being honored tonight are humble, honorable people,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy hais tias. “We do this as an act of love. Many of the inductees are here today and those no longer with us are represented by family members. This is our way of saying thank you to all the inductees for what they have done for boxing in New York.”

 

 

 

Class of 2018 living boxers inducted heading into the NYSBHOF included (Ntev Island) WBA teeb heavyweight Lou “Honey tub” Valley (36-6-2, 22 Kos), (Central Islip) IBF Junior Welterweight ntiaj teb tau zus ib Jake Rodriguez (28-8-2, 8 Kos), (Brooklyn) ntiaj teb no sib title challenger Terrence Alli (52-15-2, 21 Kos), undefeated, No.; 1 Heavyweight contender “Tus me nyuam” Joe Mesi (twm) and former world cruiserweight champion Al “Ice” Cole (Rockland County).

 

 

 

Posthumous participants inducted were NBA & NYSAC ntiaj teb Featherweight Champion (Manhattan) Kid “Cuban Bon Bon” Qhob noom xim kasfes (136-10-6, 51 Kos), (New York City) 20thxyoo pua heavyweight James J. “zoo Jim” Corbett (11-4-3, 5 Kos), (Williamsburg) Lub ntiaj teb no Hnav zus Jack “Lub Napoleon ntawm Lub nqi zog nplhaib” McAuliffe, (Kingston) WBC Super Hnav Champion Billy Costello (40-2, 23 Kos), (beacon) NYSAC teeb Heavyweight ntiaj teb tau zus Melio Bettina (83-14-3, 36 Kos), (Brooklyn / Yonkers) ntiaj teb no-chav kawm middleweight Ralph “Tsov” Jones (52-32-5, 13 Kos) thiab (Chaw nres nkoj Washington) Heavyweight contender Charley “Lub Bayonne Bomber” Norkus (33-19, 19 Kos).

 

 

 

Living non-participants now in the NYSBHOF are (Troy) Pulitzer yam khoom muaj nqis-winning sportswriter Dave Anderson, (Brooklyn) tus kws qhia / advisor Pete Brodsky, (Rockaway) boxing historian / editor Tshuaj ntsuab Goldman, (Bronx) matchmaker Bobby Goodman, (Ardsley) NYSAC thawj / tus kws txiav txim Melvina Lathan, thiab (Brooklyn) NYSAC Chairperson/matchmaker/promoter Ron Scott Stevens.

 

 

 

Posthumous non-participant inductees were (Brooklyn) nplhaib announcer Johnnie Addie, (Brooklyn) matchmaker Johnny Bos, (Bronx) boxing publicist Murray Goodman, (New York City) boxing txawj sau ntawv / historian Bert Randolph Qab Zib thiab (Lower East Side) radio & TV announcer / journalist Sam Taub.

 

 

 

Txhua mus kawm inductee (los yog ncaj xeeb leej xeeb ntxwv ntawm) received a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

 

 

 

Lub 2017 inductees raug xaiv los ntawm cov NYSBHOF nominating pawg neeg:Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, thiab Neil Terens.

 

 

 

Tag nrho boxers yuav tsum tau mus yuav tsaug zog rau tsawg kawg peb lub xyoos yuav tsum tau tsim nyog rau NYSBHOF induction, thiab tag nrho cov inductees yuav tsum tau nyob rau hauv New York State rau ib tug tseem ceeb feem ntawm lawv boxing hauj lwm los yog thaum lub sij hawm lub prime ntawm lawv cov hauj lwm.

 

 

Boxers who attended the seventh annual NSBHOF included NYSBHOF past inductees Iran Barkley, Junior Jones, Mustafa Hamsho, Bobby Cassidy, Sr., Bobby Bartels, thiab Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, raws li zoo raws li Monte Barrett, Ray Mercer, Dennis Milton, Richard Kiley, Scott Lopez, Michael Corleone, Tommy Rainone, Kevin Collins, Cletus Seldin, James Duran, Victor Paz, thiab Jaime Dugan. Other notable attendees from the boxing world included Mike Reno (FDNY Boxing), Darryl Peoples (IBF), international judges Steve Wesisfeld thiab John MacKay, and NYSBHOF inductees Tommy Gallagher thiab Bobby Miller, and Emmy-award winning producer Bobby Cassidy, Jr.

 

David Diamante served once again as Master of Ceremonies. Special presentations were made to the daughter of the late Steve Acunto, Donna Acunto, and Miller’s close friend, Dave Wojcicki.

 

QUOTES & PICTURES FROM THE NYSBHOF INDUCTEES

 


(L-R) – Ron McNair, Jake Rodriguez and Bob Duffy
JAKE RODRIGUEZ: “I want to thank Ring 8 for the opportunity for me to be here. I’d also like to thank my wife for always being there for me, and my trainer.”

(L-R) – Tshuaj ntsuab Goldman, Don Majeski and Bob Duffy
HERB GOLDMAN: “If I have made any contributions to boxing – I hope I have – I did by redefining record keeping and creating a new perspective on boxing history. I’m proud of that, but I didn’t do it alone.”
(L-R) – Joe Mesi, Jack Hirsch and Bob Duffy
JOE MESI: “I have so many people to thank for this honor. I’m a Buffalonian. There’s nobody more in favor of one New York, but it’s not. This is special for me because it’s the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. This solidifies me and makes me think I’m not just a local boy. There was a huge disadvantage coming from a small city, sparring wasn’t the same as in the gyms of New York City, but I had an advantage coming from Western New York. Nobody was welling out like we did in Buffalo with 10,000, ces 16,00 and finally 18,000 neeg. They were always behind me and I share this with them because their support made me. My dream was to fight in Buffalo and to continue to fight there.
“One of the highlights of my life was fighting Monte Barrett on HBO in Madison Square Garden. He was one of the greatest fighters in the world who fought for the world title. I always wanted to get my world title shot, but I never got it. That’s okay, I was little bitter for a while, but I couldn’t be happier with my career. The best part of boxing is the brotherhood we share.

(L-R) – Randy Gordon, Ron Scott Stevens and Bob Duffy
RON SCOTT STEVENS: “I know people always say it, but this is the truth: I owe so many people who have supported me throughout my career. Boxing has always been home away from home for me and today I feel like I’m home.
“Kuv yog 30, living in Brooklyn Heights, and back driving a taxi a waiting on tables. A light went off in my head: boxing is the sport of the underdog and I’m an underdog. The next day I went to Gleason’s Gym – the center of the universe. I made my way around all the gyms in the city, meeting promoters, managers and trainers. I started making matches for promoters and then Cedric Kushner hired me from 1980-2002. Nyob rau hauv 2002, I got a call to work for the New York State Athletic Commission as its Community Co-Ordinator and Director of Boxing. Ces, I was made chairman and I served two terms. Hnub no, I’m extremely proud to be part of the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

(L-R) – Bob Duffy, Henry Hascup, Bob Goodman and Tommy Gallagher
BOB GOODMAN: “I can’t believe this crowd. In order to do what we do, the sacrifices and support you get from your family is so important and (in Goodman’s case) was for so many years. They allowed us to do what we do. All of us love boxing!”

(L-R) – Ray Mercer, Penny Allen, Al Cole, Clay Jenkins and Bob Duffy
AL COLE: “I thought boxing was the stupidest and dumbest sport ever. Who wanted to get punched in the face? I started boxing late. I played around some and people said I was pretty good. I started boxing when I was 20, in the Army, stationed at Ft. Hood. Four years later, I was on the Olympic Team. The reason why is I had a great sparring partner, Ray Mercer. If I was going to be in the ring everyday with Ray, I was either going to get beat up, or get better.
“I remember Bob Arum giving me his business card. I didn’t know him. I only knew of three people in boxing: Don King, Muhammad Ali thiab Qab zib Ray Leonard. I didn’t follow boxing and the only reason I boxed was I would have had to sleep in the woods if I didn’t (in Army). Boxing is: hit him, before he hits me.”

(L-R) – Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Jaime Drubin and Pete Brodsky
PETE BRODSKY: “I want to thank the board. I’m going to be 70 and started in boxing when I was 18. It created a new direction in my life. I’m so proud to be in company with guys who didn’t just talk it, they loved it. If you really love this sport, you really have to learn it. Any man who stepped in the ring, plus all the roadwork, time in the gym and sacrificing what they eat, did it to be the best they can be.
“In boxing, you’re not going to win every fight, but whether a fighter wins or loses, if he gives 100-percent, he’s a winner. They work a job, run five miles day, workout at the gym, and then went home to spend time with his family. Friends and family always have your back.”

(L-R) – Darryl Peoples & Melvina Lathan
MELVINA LATHAM: “I’m speechless. It’s wonderful. Randy (former NYSAC chairperson Gordon), do you remember this story? There were only three judges and, hmoov tsis, one called in sick. I was sitting at ringside with no responsibilities. Randy said I had to workhmo no. I said that I wasn’t licensed and couldn’t do it. Randy said, ‘Raise your right hand’, and it was on. I was thrown in there, but it was okay.
“My greatest accomplishments are my children and husband. I couldn’t ask for a better situation. Thiab Ralph Petrillo is part of my family; he was my second in command. I also had the best officials: deputy commissioners, inspectors, judges and referees. I wouldn’t be here with without them. Bob Duffy put this whole thing together. I personally think he’s amazing. My journey continues, I am blessed.”
NYSBHOF
HOOB ntawm 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Qab Zib” Ray Robinson, Noob Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Leej Fleischer, Bill Gallo thiab Arthur Mercante, Sr.
HOOB ntawm 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Phooj ywg” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry ua lag luam, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Txhab Rickard thiab Don Dunphy.
HOOB NTAWM 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Noob Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D'Amato, William Muldoon thiab Tom O'Rourke.
HOOB NTAWM 2015: Xa-u Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon thiab Al Weill.
HOOB NTAWM 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein thiab Jimmy Jacobs.
HOOB NTAWM 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug DeWitt, “Lub Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tsov, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan thiab Dan Parker.
HAIS TXOG NPLHAIB 8: Tsim nyob rau hauv 1954 los ntawm ib tug ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Nplhaib 8 ua lub yim chaw hauj lwm ntawm dab tsi yog ces hu ua tus National qub tub rog boxers Association – li no, NPLHAIB 8 – thiab hnub no lub koom haum motto tseem: Boxers Pab boxers.
NPLHAIB 8 yog tag nrho cog lus rau txhawb tsawg hmoo neeg nyob rau hauv lub boxing zej zog uas tej zaum yuav pab nyob rau hauv cov nqe lus ntawm kev them nqi xauj tsev, cov nqi kho mob, los yog txawm justifiable xav tau.
Mus rau kab www.Ring8ny.com yog xav paub ntxiv txog NPLHAIB 8, qhov loj tshaj plaws pab pawg neeg ntawm nws zoo nyob rau hauv lub tebchaws United States nrog ntau tshaj 350 neeg. Txhua xyoo ua tswv cuab dues tsuas yog $30.00 thiab txhua tus mej zeej muaj cai mus rau ib tug buffet noj hmo tom NPLHAIB 8 txhua hli rooj sib tham, tsis suav Lub Xya hli ntuj Lub yim hli ntuj thiab. Tag nrho cov active boxers, pib xyaum ua thiab kev, muaj cai mus rau ib tug complimentary NPLHAIB 8 txhua xyoo ua tswv cuab. Guests ntawm nplhaib 8 cov mej zeej yuav txais tos ntawm ib tug nqi xwb $7.00 rau ib tug neeg.
boxing

Son/father Bob & Murray Goodman to be inducted into Class of 2018 New York State Boxing Hall ntawm koob meej

Cia ib saib
Sunday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 29, Induction noj
Kid Qhob noom xim kasfes, James J. Corbett, Jack McAuliffe and Sam Taub head new class

(L-R) – Bob and Murray Goodman
TSHIAB YORK (Lub peb hlis ntuj 26, 2018) – Boxing lifers Bob Goodman thiab nws txiv, lub lig Murray Goodman, are among 23 members of the Class of 2018 being inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) rau Sunday yav tav su (12:30-5:30 p.m. THIAB), Plaub Hlis Ntuj 29.
The seventh annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held once again at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
A legendary boxing publicist, Murray Goodman (Bronx) brought his son into the sweet science when Bob was only eight years old. The rest was historic for the Goodmans, who are both inductees in several Halls of Fame, including the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
“This is a great honor for me and my father,” Bob said. “I wish he were alive today to be there. I’m a boxing lifer. I was eight years old going to all the training camps with my father, who was a boxing writer and sports editor for the INS (Hearst News Service) cov kev pab cuam. The joke is I was conceived at Grossinger’s (Catskill Resort Hotel training camp). Boxing just came into my life. My dad and I had some businesses in promotions and public relations, all different kinds of sports-related businesses, but there was always boxing.
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world. I was brought up doing the very things I loved. How many people can say that? I met and became friends with Joe Louis, Marcel Cerdan, Qab Zib Ray Robinson, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Marciano and so many others. I’d stay in camps for weeks. I’d get up to run with the boxers and got a chance to be around my heroes. I also got to know trainers and others in boxing and later fans. I got to know everybody. I was brought up in boxing, my whole life was boxing, 65 years in the business.”
Bob is, tej zaum, best known as Vice President and Matchmaker for Madison Square Garden (1985-1994), as well as a quarter-century serving as Vice President of Boxing Operations, Matchmaker and Director of Public Relations for Don King Productions. He also promoted many world champions as President of his own company, Garden State Boxing.
“I remember going away to training camps for weeks at a time,” the 78-year-old Goodman fondly remembered. “I’d take pictures, write stories every day and use my telecopier to send them to AP and UPI. I did so much being brought up un the business, even loading trucks up with chairs, lub nplhaib, speakers and more. My father was the Publicity Director for the International Boxing Club at Madison Square Garden. I worked there when I was a teenager.
“I’m honored to be inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame with my father and so many boxing guys. They’re different from people in any other sports. One of the awards I’ve won that I’m most proud of is the James J. Walker Memorial Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Boxing (BWAA in 1960).
“I’m fortunate to have transcended various eras in boxing. It was a different world back then, we had 20-30 writers stay for weeks at training camps. I got to know old-time boxers and trainers.”
Bob Goodman (L) checking Muhammad Ali’s weight and on right with Rocky Marciano
Goodman, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1958-62, stays active today working with veterans’ groups. He is President of the Weymouth Township Veteran’s Advisory Board, and also active with the American Legion and part of the Honor Guard with the Korean War Veterans Association.

Bob Goodman (deb txoj cai) was inducted into the IBHOF in 2009, his father Murray in 1999
Among the world champions Bob has worked with are Muhammad Ali, George foreman, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Ken Norton, Felix Trinidad, Roberto Duran, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Bob Foster, Salvador Sanchez, Qab zib Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Wilfredo Gonez, Ricardo Lopez, Bernard Hopkins and so many more.
Nyob boxers mus rau hauv lub NYSBHOF muaj xws li (Caij nplooj ntoos hlav Valley) IBF Cruiserweight ntiaj teb tau zus ib Al “Ice” Cole (35-16-3, 16 Kos), (Ntev Island) WBA teeb heavyweight Lou “Honey tub” Valley (36-6-2, 22 Kos), (Central Islip) IBF Junior Welterweight ntiaj teb tau zus ib Jake Rodriguez (28-8-2, 8 Kos), (Brooklyn) ntiaj teb no sib title challenger Terrence Alli (52-15-2, 21 Kos), thiab (twm) undefeated world-class heavyweight “Tus me nyuam” Joe Mesi (36-0, 29 Kos).
Posthumous koom tau inducted yog NBA & NYSAC ntiaj teb Featherweight Champion (Manhattan) Kid “Cuban Bon Bon” Qhob noom xim kasfes (136-10-6, 51 Kos), (New York City) 20thxyoo pua heavyweight James J. “zoo Jim” Corbett (11-4-3, 5 Kos), (Williamsburg) Lub ntiaj teb no Hnav zus Jack “Lub Napoleon ntawm Lub nqi zog nplhaib” McAuliffe, (Kingston) WBC Super Hnav Champion Billy Costello (40-2, 23 Kos), (beacon) NYSAC teeb Heavyweight ntiaj teb tau zus Melio Bettina (83-14-3, 36 Kos), (Brooklyn / Yonkers) ntiaj teb no-chav kawm middleweight Ralph “Tsov” Jones (52-32-5, 13 Kos) thiab (Chaw nres nkoj Washington) Heavyweight contender Charley “Lub Bayonne Bomber” Norkus (33-19, 19 Kos).
Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are (Troy) Pulitzer yam khoom muaj nqis-winning sportswriter Dave Anderson, (Brooklyn) tus kws qhia / advisor Pete Brodsky, (Rockaway) boxing historian / editor Tshuaj ntsuab Goldman, (Ardsley) NYSAC thawj / tus kws txiav txim Melvina Lathan, thiab (Brooklyn) NYSAC Chairperson/matchmaker/pab txhawb Ron Scott Stevens.
Posthumous uas tsis yog-koom tes inductees yog (Brooklyn) nplhaib announcer Johnnie Addie, (Brooklyn) matchmaker Johnny Bos, (Bronx) boxing txawj sau ntawv / historian Bert Randolph Qab Zib thiab (Lower East Side) radio & TV announcer / journalist Sam Taub.
Txhua mus kawm inductee (los yog ncaj xeeb leej xeeb ntxwv ntawm) yuav tau txais ib tug kev cai tsim siv signifying nws los yog nws induction mus rau hauv lub NYSBHOF.
Lub 2017 inductees raug xaiv los ntawm cov NYSBHOF nominating pawg neeg: Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, thiab Neil Terens.
Tag nrho boxers yuav tsum tau mus yuav tsaug zog rau tsawg kawg peb lub xyoos yuav tsum tau tsim nyog rau NYSBHOF induction, thiab tag nrho cov inductees yuav tsum tau nyob rau hauv New York State rau ib tug tseem ceeb feem ntawm lawv boxing hauj lwm los yog thaum lub sij hawm lub prime ntawm lawv cov hauj lwm.
NYSBHOF
HOOB ntawm 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Qab Zib” Ray Robinson, Noob Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Leej Fleischer, Bill Gallo thiab Arthur Mercante, Sr.
HOOB ntawm 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Phooj ywg” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry ua lag luam, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Txhab Rickard thiab Don Dunphy.
HOOB NTAWM 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Noob Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D'Amato, William Muldoon thiab Tom O'Rourke.
HOOB NTAWM 2015: Xa-u Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon thiab Al Weill.
HOOB NTAWM 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein thiab Jimmy Jacobs.
HOOB NTAWM 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug DeWitt, “Lub Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tsov, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan thiab Dan Parker.
Daim pib no yog luv nqi ntawm $150.00 ib tug neeg laus thiab $70.00 rau cov me nyuam (nyob rau hauv 16),thiab muaj xws li ib tug tag nrho brunch thiab cocktail teev raws li qhov nkag, pib thaum 12:30 p.m. THIAB, raws li zoo raws li noj hmo (prime tav, ntses los yog poultry) thiab qhib bar thoob plaws hauv lub hnub. Daim pib muaj nyob rau yuav los ntawm kev hu NYSBHOF / nplhaib 8 tus thawj tswj hwm Bob Duffy ntawm 516.313.2304 los yogdepcomish@aol.com. Tawm rau lub NYSBHOF kev pab cuam no muaj nyob rau, xws li los ntawm $80.00 rau $200.00, los ntawm kev hu Duffy. Mus hauv on line ntawm www.Ring8ny.com rau cov lus qhia ntxiv txog lub New York lub xeev Boxing Hall ntawm koob meej.
HAIS TXOG NPLHAIB 8: Tsim nyob rau hauv 1954 los ntawm ib tug ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Nplhaib 8 ua lub yim chaw hauj lwm ntawm dab tsi yog ces hu ua tus National qub tub rog boxers Association – li no, NPLHAIB 8 – thiab hnub no lub koom haum motto tseem: Boxers Pab boxers.
NPLHAIB 8 yog tag nrho cog lus rau txhawb tsawg hmoo neeg nyob rau hauv lub boxing zej zog uas tej zaum yuav pab nyob rau hauv cov nqe lus ntawm kev them nqi xauj tsev, cov nqi kho mob, los yog txawm justifiable xav tau.
Mus rau kab www.Ring8ny.com yog xav paub ntxiv txog NPLHAIB 8, qhov loj tshaj plaws pab pawg neeg ntawm nws zoo nyob rau hauv lub tebchaws United States nrog ntau tshaj 350 neeg. Txhua xyoo ua tswv cuab dues tsuas yog $30.00 thiab txhua tus mej zeej muaj cai mus rau ib tug buffet noj hmo tom NPLHAIB 8 txhua hli rooj sib tham, tsis suav Lub Xya hli ntuj Lub yim hli ntuj thiab. Tag nrho cov active boxers, pib xyaum ua thiab kev, muaj cai mus rau ib tug complimentary NPLHAIB 8 txhua xyoo ua tswv cuab. Guests ntawm nplhaib 8 cov mej zeej yuav txais tos ntawm ib tug nqi xwb $7.00 rau ib tug neeg.