Tag Archives: Randy Gordon

New York State Boxing HOF Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony Postponed until September 20

NEW YORK (March 19, 2020) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) announced today that its ninth annual induction dinner has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic from April 19th to September 20th at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Money already collected for tickets and journal ads may be used for the Sept. 20th event or returned in full upon request at point of purchase.

“Because of new city mandates and the uncertainty of the coronavirus,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy announced, “we have postponed our event until September 20.  It would not have been fair to the honorees, their friends and guests, and general public to wait any longer.  I must commend the ownership and management at Russo’s On The Bay for working with us during this crisis to give us a date that will hopefully work for us all.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience, advise and insight into making this decision.  With the extra time I’m confident that we can make this award dinner our best ever.”

Other living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include three-time World light heavyweight title challenger Jorge Ahumada (42-8-2, 22 KOs), of Woodside, Queens  by way of Argentina; (1975-78) WBC super featherweight World Champion Alfredo “El Salsero” Escalera (53-14-3, 31 KOs), of New York City by way of Puerto Rico; WBC super featherweight World title challenger Freddie “The Pitbull” Liberatore (20-4-1, 11 KOs), of Bayside, Queens; WBC middleweight World Champion and four-time New York Golden Gloves winner Dennis “The Magician” Milton (16-5-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx; World heavyweight title challenger and two-time New York Golden Gloves winner Lou Savarese (46-7, 38 KOs), of Greenwood Lake; and WBA super middleweight title World title challenger Merqui “El Corombo” Sosa (34-9-2, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of the Dominican Republic.   

Posthumous participants being inducted are Brooklyn welterweight Soldier Bartfield (51-29-8, 33 KOs), who fought a reported 55 world champions; Bronx middleweight Steve Belloise (95-13-3, 59 KOs); NYSAC and World lightweight champion (1925) Jimmy Goodrich (85-34-21 (12 KOs), of Buffalo; World heavyweight title challenger Tami Mauriello (82-13-1, 60 KOs), of Bronx; WBA light middleweight World champion (1982-83) and four-consecutive New York Golden Gloves titlist Davey “Sensational” Moore (18-5, 14 KOs), of Bronx; and World lightweight champion Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch (74-5-7, 34 KOs), of New York City by way of Wales.

Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Wantagh journalist/producer Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Oneida judge Don Ackerman, Buffalo manager Rick Glaser, Rockaway Beach journalist Jack Hirsch, Bronx boxing broadcaster Max Kellerman, Ardsley ringside physician/NY Medical Director Dr. William Lathan, Orangeburg judge Julie Lederman, Hyde Park referee Ron Lipton, and Staten Island/Catskill trainer Kevin Rooney.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn’s Ring Magazine editor Lester Bromberg, New York City sportswriter Dan Daniel, Brooklyn’s Gleason’s Gym founder Bobby Gleason, Sunnyside, Queens boxing writer Flash Gordan, Manhattan journalist A.J. Liebling, Long Island City’s NYSBHOF co-founder Tony Mazzarella and New York City manager Dan Morgan.

INFORMATION:

www.NYBoxingHOF.org

Meet the New York State Boxing HOF Class of 2020

Sunday, April 19, Induction Dinner

NEW YORK (January 27, 2020) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) has officially announced its 28-member Class of 2019. The ninth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 19, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“I am proud that we are continuing to honor New York men and woman in boxing for their dedication to the sport that they’ve served,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said.  “This is our way to thank them all and let each new inductee know that we do remember all that they did and continue to do. The Class of 2020 is strong across the board, boxers and non-participants, continuing the NYSBHOF tradition of honoring our own.”   

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include three-time World light heavyweight title challenger Jorge Ahumada (42-8-2, 22 KOs), of Woodside, Queens  by way of Argentina; (1975-78) WBC super featherweight World Champion Alfredo “El Salsero” Escalera (53-14-3, 31 KOs), of New York City by way of Puerto Rico; WBC super featherweight World title challenger Freddie “The Pitbull” Liberatore (20-4-1, 11 KOs), of Bayside, Queens; WBC middleweight World Champion and four-time New York Golden Gloves winner Dennis “The Magician” Milton (16-5-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx; World heavyweight title challenger and two-time New York Golden Gloves winner Lou Savarese (46-7, 38 KOs), of Greenwood Lake; and WBA super middleweight title World title challenger Merqui “El Corombo” Sosa (34-9-2, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of the Dominican Republic.   

Posthumous participants being inducted are Brooklyn welterweight Soldier Bartfield (51-29-8, 33 KOs), who fought a reported 55 world champions; Bronx middleweight Steve Belloise (95-13-3, 59 KOs); NYSAC and World lightweight champion (1925) Jimmy Goodrich (85-34-21 (12 KOs), of Buffalo; World heavyweight title challenger Tami Mauriello (82-13-1, 60 KOs), of Bronx; WBA light middleweight World champion (1982-83) and four-consecutive New York Golden Gloves titlist Davey “Sensational” Moore (18-5, 14 KOs), of Bronx; and World lightweight champion Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch (74-5-7, 34 KOs), of New York City by way of Wales.

Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Oneida judge Don Ackerman, Wantah, Long Island journalist/producer Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Buffalo manager Rick Glaser, Rockaway Beach journalist Jack Hirsch, Bronx boxing broadcaster Max Kellerman, Ardsley ringside physician/NY Medical Director Dr. William Lathan, Orangeburg judge Julie Lederman, Hyde Park referee Ron Lipton, and Staten Island/Catskill trainer Kevin Rooney.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn’s Ring Magazine editor Lester Bromberg, New York City sportswriter Dan Daniel, Brooklyn’s Gleason’s Gym founder Bobby Gleason, Sunnyside, Queens boxing writer Flash Gordan, Manhattan journalist A.J. Liebling, Long Island City’s NYSBHOF co-founder Tony Mazzarella and New York City manager Dan Morgan.

There are a number of firsts regarding some Class of 2020 inductees:  husband-wife – Dr. William and Melvina (Class of 2018) Lathan; daughter-father – Julie and Harold (Class of 2012) Lederman.  Bobby Jr. and Bobby Cassidy, Sr. (2013) are the fourth son and father inducted into the NYSBHOF, but the first boxer/journalist combination. The others are boxers Floyd and Tracy Patterson, executive administrators Bobby and Murray Goodman, and referees Arthur, Sr. and Arthur Mercante, Jr.

Welch is going into the NHSBHOF as a boxer, but he also managed fellow Class of 2020 inductee Goodrich.

Each attending inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF. 

The 2020 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members:  Randy GordonHenry HascupDon Majeski,Ron McNairJim Monteverde and Neil Terens.

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16) and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as a full course dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the day.  Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304 or depcomish@aol.com.  Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available: half-page $100.00,  full page $200.00 front and back inside covers are $400.00 each, and $500.00 for back cover.  Mail checks and ads by the April 6 deadline to Bob Duffy, 1112 Whitewood Landing, Massapequa Park, NY 11762.  Checks should be payable to NY Stare Boxing Hall of Fame, call Duffy to charge on a credit card.

NEW YORK STATE BOXING HALL OF FAME

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

CLASS OF 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, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

CLASS OF 2015: Saoul 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 and Al Weill.

CLASS OF 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 and Jimmy Jacobs.

CLASS OF 2017:  Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan and Dan Parker.

CLASS OF 2018:  Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, “Baby” Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar and Sam Taub.

CLASS OF 2019:  Wilfredo Benitez, Dick DiVeronica, Rogelio Tuur, Davey Vasquez, Michael Olajide, Monte Barrett, Jimmy Carter, Al “Bummy” Davis, Marty Servo, Roland LaStarza, Paddy DeMarco, Sid Terris, Leach “The Fighting Dentist” Cross, Don King, John McKaie, Steve Albert, Arthur Mercante, Jr., Bob Jackson, Dewey Fragetta, Johnny LoBianco, Wayne Kelly, Harry Hill, Jimmy Cannon, and Joe Dwyer.

33rd annual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony Dec. 8 in New York

Amanda Serrano, Adam Kownacki, Iran Barkley, Junior Jones and Tim Witherspoon among 2019 major award winners

NEW YORK (November 11, 2019) – The 33rd annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), December 8, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.  

Ring 8 has announced its 2019 award winners (see complete list below), headlined by Fighter of the Decade Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (37-1-1, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of Puerto Rico; undefeated heavyweight contender (Fighter of the Year) Adam “Babyface” Kownacki (20-0, 15 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of Poland; Legend Award winners three-time, three division world champion Iran “The Blade” Barkley (43-19,1 27 KOs), of Bronx, and two-time, two-division world champion Junior “Poison” Jones (50-6, 28 KOs), of Brooklyn; and two-time world heavyweight champion “Terrible” Tim Witherspoon (55-13-1, 28 KOs), of Philadelphia, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award winner.

2019 RING 8 Award Winners

Fighter of the Decade:  Amanda Serrano

Fighter of the Year: Adam Kownacki

Legends Award:  Iran Barkley & Junior Jones,

Muhammad Ali Humanitarian: Tim Witherspoon

Sam Kellerman Media Award:  Gerry Cooney & Randy Gordon

Long & Meritorious Service:  Daryl Peoples

Uncrowned Champion: John Capobianco

Prospect of the Year: Left “2 Gunz” Gonzalez

Member of the Year:  James Monteverde

NYS Official of the Year:  Waleska Roldan

Trainer of the Year: Scott Lopeck

Manager of the Year: Keith Connolly

Community Service Award:  Michael Corleone

Amateur of the Year: Nisa Rodriguez

Amateur Official of the Year: Michael “Biggie” O’Conner

Good Guy Award:  Peter Frutkoff

The famous Jack Johnson Exhibit will be on display, Gerry Cooney will conducted a book signing and special guests will also be on hand.

David Diamante will once again serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. 

Tickets are $125.00 include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, followed by seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible to secure favorable seating. Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities. 

Program ads are available for Back Cover ($500.00), Inside Front or Back Cover ($400.00), Full Page ($200.00), Half-Page ($100.00), and Quarter-Page ($60.00). The deadline for all ads is November 24, 2019.  All checks for tickets or journal ads should be payable to Ring 8 (credit cards are acceptable).  Checks and journal ads should be mailed to Ring 8, P.O. Box 89, Massapequa Park, NY 11762

For additional information about Ring 8 or its annual Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony, contact Ring 8 president Charflie Norkus (516.781.3065 or Bob Duffy (516.313.2304), or go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information.

Russo’s On The Bay is located at 162-45 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach (718.843.5055).

ABOUT RING 8:  Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association — hence, RING “8″ — and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

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


NYSBHOF Class of 2018: (L-R) seated: Charley Norkus, Jr. (accepting for Charley Norkus), Melvina Lathan, Herb Goldman, Bob Goodman and Jake Rodriguez; standing: Joe Mesi, Al Cole, Ron Scott Stevens, Pete Brodsky and Joseph McAuliffe (accepting for Jack McAuliffe)
 All pictures by Peter Frutkoff
NEW YORK (May 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, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

 

 

 

“Those being honored tonight are humble, honorable people,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said. “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 (Long Island) WBA light heavyweight Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle (36-6-2, 22 KOs), (Central Islip) IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Jake Rodriguez (28-8-2, 8 KOs), (Brooklyn) world lightweight title challenger Terrence Alli (52-15-2, 21 KOs), undefeated, No.; 1 heavyweight contender “Baby” Joe Mesi (Buffalo) and former world cruiserweight champion Al “Ice” Cole (Rockland County).

 

 

 

Posthumous participants inducted were NBA & NYSAC World Featherweight Champion (Manhattan) Kid “Cuban Bon Bon” Chocolate (136-10-6, 51 KOs), (New York City) 20thcentury heavyweight James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett (11-4-3, 5 KOs), (Williamsburg) World Lightweight Champion Jack “The Napoleon of The Prize Ring” McAuliffe, (Kingston) WBC Super Lightweight Champion Billy Costello (40-2, 23 KOs), (Beacon) NYSAC Light Heavyweight World Champion Melio Bettina (83-14-3, 36 KOs), (Brooklyn/Yonkers) world-class middleweight Ralph “Tiger” Jones (52-32-5, 13 KOs) and (Port Washington) heavyweight contender Charley “The Bayonne Bomber” Norkus (33-19, 19 KOs).

 

 

 

Living non-participants now in the NYSBHOF are (Troy) Pulitzer Prize-winning sportswriter Dave Anderson, (Brooklyn) trainer/advisor Pete Brodsky, (Rockaway) boxing historian/editor Herb Goldman, (Bronx) matchmaker Bobby Goodman, (Ardsley) NYSAC chairperson/judge Melvina Lathan, and (Brooklyn) NYSAC Chairperson/matchmaker/promoter Ron Scott Stevens.

 

 

 

Posthumous non-participant inductees were (Brooklyn) ring announcer Johnnie Addie, (Brooklyn) matchmaker Johnny Bos, (Bronx) boxing publicist Murray Goodman, (New York City) boxing writer/historian Bert Randolph Sugar and (Lower East Side) radio & television announcer/journalist Sam Taub.

 

 

 

Each attending inductee (or direct descendant of) received a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

 

 

 

The 2017 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members:Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy GordonHenry HascupDon MajeskiRon McNair, and Neil Terens.

 

 

 

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

 

 

 

Boxers who attended the seventh annual NSBHOF included NYSBHOF past inductees Iran BarkleyJunior Jones, Mustafa HamshoBobby Cassidy, Sr., Bobby Bartels, and Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, as well as Monte BarrettRay MercerDennis MiltonRichard KileyScott LopezMichael CorleoneTommy RainoneKevin CollinsCletus SeldinJames DuranVictor Paz, and Jaime Dugan. Other notable attendees from the boxing world included Mike Reno (FDNY Boxing), Darryl Peoples (IBF), international judges Steve Wesisfeld and John MacKay, and NYSBHOF inductees Tommy Gallagher and 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 AcuntoDonna 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) – Herb 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, then 16,00 and finally 18,000 people. 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.
“I was 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. In 2002, I got a call to work for the New York State Athletic Commission as its Community Co-Ordinator and Director of Boxing. Then, I was made chairman and I served two terms.   Today, 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 and Sugar 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, unfortunately, one called in sick. I was sitting at ringside with no responsibilities. Randy said I had to worktonight. 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. And 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
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 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, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul 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 and Al Weill.
CLASS OF 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 and Jimmy Jacobs.
CLASS OF 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan and Dan Parker.
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

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

         
                                      
Sunday, April 29, Induction Dinner
Kid Chocolate, James J. Corbett, Jack McAuliffe and Sam Taub head new class

(L-R) – Bob and Murray Goodman
NEW YORK (March 26, 2018) – Boxing lifers Bob Goodman and his father, the late Murray Goodman, are among 23 members of the Class of 2018 being inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) on Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 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) service. 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, Sugar 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, perhaps, 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, the ring, 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 (far right) 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, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Wilfredo Gonez, Ricardo Lopez, Bernard Hopkins and so many more.
Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include (Spring Valley) IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Al “Ice” Cole (35-16-3, 16 KOs), (Long Island) WBA light heavyweight Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle (36-6-2, 22 KOs), (Central Islip) IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Jake Rodriguez (28-8-2, 8 KOs), (Brooklyn) world lightweight title challenger Terrence Alli (52-15-2, 21 KOs), and (Buffalo) undefeated world-class heavyweight “Baby” Joe Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs).
Posthumous participants being inducted are NBA & NYSAC World Featherweight Champion (Manhattan) Kid “Cuban Bon Bon” Chocolate (136-10-6, 51 KOs), (New York City) 20thcentury heavyweight James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett (11-4-3, 5 KOs), (Williamsburg) World Lightweight Champion Jack “The Napoleon of The Prize Ring” McAuliffe, (Kingston) WBC Super Lightweight Champion Billy Costello (40-2, 23 KOs), (Beacon) NYSAC Light Heavyweight World Champion Melio Bettina (83-14-3, 36 KOs), (Brooklyn/Yonkers) world-class middleweight Ralph “Tiger” Jones (52-32-5, 13 KOs) and (Port Washington) heavyweight contender Charley “The Bayonne Bomber” Norkus (33-19, 19 KOs).
Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are (Troy) Pulitzer Prize-winning sportswriter Dave Anderson, (Brooklyn) trainer/advisor Pete Brodsky, (Rockaway) boxing historian/editor Herb Goldman, (Ardsley) NYSAC chairperson/judge Melvina Lathan, and (Brooklyn) NYSAC Chairperson/matchmaker/promoter Ron Scott Stevens.
Posthumous non-participant inductees are (Brooklyn) ring announcer Johnnie Addie, (Brooklyn) matchmaker Johnny Bos, (Bronx) boxing writer/historian Bert Randolph Sugar and (Lower East Side) radio & television announcer/journalist Sam Taub.
Each attending inductee (or direct descendant of) will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.
The 2017 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
 
NYSBHOF
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 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, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul 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 and Al Weill.
CLASS OF 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 and Jimmy Jacobs.
CLASS OF 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan and Dan Parker.
Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult and $70.00 for children (under 16),and include a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the day. Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304 ordepcomish@aol.com. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $80.00 to $200.00, by contacting Duffy. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

5th annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2016 inducted in festive ceremony 

NYSBHOF Class of 2015
Boxers
World welterweight champion (’90-91) Aaron “Superman” Davis,                                                 Bronx
World junior welterweight champion (’93-94) Charles “The Natural” Murray                                 Buffalo
Two-time world lightweight title challenger Vilomar Fernandez                                                      Bronx
World lightweight title challenger Edwin Viruet.                                                               New York City
(Deceased)
4-time, 3-division world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho                                        Spanish Harlem
World middleweight champion (1952) Rocky Graziano                                                             Brooklyn
World lightweight (’25-26) titlist Rocky Kansas                                                                           Buffalo
2-time world bantamweight titleholder Joe Lynch                                                                      Brooklyn
“Uncrowned welterweight champion” Joe Miceli                                                                         Buffalo
Non-Participants
International Boxing Hall of Fame executive director Ed Brophy                                             Canastota
Promoter Joe DeGuardia                                                                                                            Bronx
Commissioner/media personality Randy Gordon                                                                       Melville
Promoter/manager Dennis Rappaport                                                                                      Queens
(Deceased)
Manager Howie Albert                                                                                                               Bronx
Trainer/cutman Freddie Brown                                                                                            Manhattan
New York City television commentator Howard Cosell                                                    New York City
Boxer/referee Ruby Goldstein                                                                                             Manhattan
Manager Jimmy Jacobs
NYSBHOF Class of 2016 (L-R):  Seated – Vilomar Fernandez, Dennis Rappaport, Randy Gordon and Ed Brophy; Standing:  Aaron Davis and Joe DeGuardia
-All pictures by Peter Frutkoff-
NEW YORK (April 5, 2016) – More than 300 people packed Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, NY this past Sunday for the fifth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner.
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.  Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.
The 2016 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members:  Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
(L-R) – NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy, Don Majeski, Ed Brophy and Jill Diamond (WBC)
 
Ed Brophy:  “I’d like to thank the committee of the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame and Ring 8, a wonderful group that sponsors the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.  I’m so proud to have been born in New York, in the small town of Canastota, where boxing is in our blood.  I’m thrilled to be honored today.  My name is attached to the International Boxing Hall of Fame as director, but so many different people help out.  I only accept this honor on their behalf.  Boxing is the greatest sport.  Congratulations to all of the inductees.  This is the greatest day of my life.”
  (L-R) – Ron McNair, Aaron Davis and Bob Duffy
 
Aaron Davis:  Thanks, Ring 8.  Boxing is a hard sport.  It was much harder in the gym.  I saw Gerry Cooney, Iran Barkley and Roberto Duran and wanted to do what those guys did and it made me a fighter I was.  I’d like to thank my father and Billy Giles, who was my trainer. I’d also like to thank Joe DeGuardia, who managed me later in my career, and thanks to everybody who supported me.”
 
(L-R) — Bob Duffy, Dennis Rappaport and family
 
Dennis Rappaport:  “It seems like yesterday when a six or seven year old living in Brooklyn watched a fight between Jake LaMotta and Jim Hairston.  This young man was mesmerized.  The next month he watchedSugar Ray Robinson knockout Rocky Graziano and that was the start of a love affair that’s lasted 63 years.  Boxing, at its best, is poetry in motion.  It’s Shapespeare, Picasso, Rembrandt.  But it can also be crude.  I started in boxing managing three fighters:  Ronnie Harris, Gerry Cooney and Howard Davis. Jr.  Because of the creative marketing of our fighters, one reporter called me and my partner, Mike Jones, ‘The Gold Dust Twins’ but then the media starting calling us, ‘The Wacko Twins.’ I preferred ‘The Gold Dust Twins.”

(L-R – Jack Hirsch, Joe DeGuardia and Bob Duffy
Joe DeGuardia:  It’s a real pleasure, honor and privilege to be inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.  Like many of you here, I live and bleed boxing, which has been a big part of my life.  Four months ago, I received the (Ring 8 at its Holiday awards dinner) Promoter of the Year award.  I said then that we are truly a family of boxing; it’s a real brotherhood.  I also talked about how boxing tied into lire.  In that room – not with us now – was my father who passed away three weeks ago.  Because of him, I developed this love of boxing that I’ve carried in life: work hard to do the best you can in life.  I’m truly honored to be inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.  In honor of my father and everybody else who loves this sport.  I accept on behalf of my father who, I know, is watching us now.”
(L-R) – Charles Murray and Bob Duffy
 
Charles Murray:  “They called me, ‘The Natural.’  I appreciate this, being honored for my contributions to boxing.  Thank you very much.”
  (L-R) – Steve Farhood, Vilomar Fernandez and Bob Duffy
 
Vilomar Fernandez:  “It wasn’t easy fighting guys like Roberto Duran and Alexis Arguello.  They were the best in the world.  I’m thankful for the opportunities to fight them, I’m honored today.”
  (L-R) – Henry Hascup, Randy Gordon, Melvina Lathan, Bob Duffy and Gerry Cooney
Randy Gordon:  “Thank you, everyone.  This amazing event we have every year, I never expected this would happen.  My career was born out of the aches of one of boxing’s biggest scandals, the US Championships on ABC, promoted by Don King, and Ring Magazine produced the ratings for the tournament.  It turned out the ratings and some of the records were padded and it just about knocked Ring Magazine out of business. Bert Randolph Sugar hired me to be its Editor In Chief.  Working together, we brought Ring Magazine back from the dead.  I burst into tears when Jack Hirsch called to tell me I was being inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.  This is an absolute dream.  Anybody who has ever or will ever be inducted into any hall of fame, nobody can possibly enjoy this more than me.  I love boxing with every ounce of my body.  My wife and family drive me back into boxing.  This is the greatest honor.  I can’t get enough of boxing.  I’m truly the luckiest man ever placed on this planet.”
 (L-R) – Ed Brophy, Don Majeski, Jack Hirsch and Joe DeGuardia
NYSAC Executive Director Dave Berlin and Harold Lederman
 
(L-R) – Joe DeGuardia and NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum,  Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano,  Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 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, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, 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 and Al Weill.

2016 Class Inductees honored to be going Into New York State Boxing Hall of Fame This Sunday, April 3, at Russo’s On The Bay

               

Hector Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Aaron Davis and Howard Cosell head 2016 class
NEW YORK (March 29, 2016) – The fifth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, will be held this Sunday afternoon (April 312:30-5:30 p.m.) at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
 
NYSBHOF Class of 2015
Boxers
World welterweight champion (’90-91) Aaron “Superman” Davis                               Bronx
World junior welterweight champion (’93-94) Charles “The Natural” Murray                Buffalo
Two-time world lightweight title challenger Vilomar Fernandez                                    Bronx
World lightweight title challenger Edwin Viruet.                                                          New York City
(Deceased)
4-time, 3-division world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho                                    Spanish Harlem
World middleweight champion (1952) Rocky Graziano                                               Brooklyn
World lightweight (’25-26) titlist Rocky Kansas                                                           Buffalo
2-time world bantamweight titleholder Joe Lynch                                                        Brooklyn
“Uncrowned welterweight champion” Joe Miceli                                                         Buffalo
Non-Participants
International Boxing Hall of Fame executive director Ed Brophy                                 Canastota
Promoter Joe DeGuardia                                                                                         Bronx
Commissioner/media personality Randy Gordon                                                       Melville
Promoter/manager Dennis Rappaport                                                                      Queens
(Deceased)
Manager Howie Albert                                                                                            Bronx
Trainer/cutman Freddie Brown                                                                                Manhattan
New York City television commentator Howard Cosell                                             New York City
Boxer/referee Ruby Goldstein                                                                                Manhattan
Manager Jimmy Jacobs                                                                                         New York City
Randy Gordon:  “What a journey this has been from boxing fan to boxing writer…to boxing announcer…to boxing commissioner…to boxing promoter…to boxing talk show host….to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.  If I’m dreaming, I don’t want to wake up!”
Dennis Rappaport:  “It is with the utmost pleasure and profound appreciation to be inducted into the NYSBHOF with such a class of distinguished honorees.  At the age of six, I watched my first fight between Jake LaMotta and Gene Harston.  I was so captivated and mesmerized by the sport that it began my 63 year love affair with boxing.  From the bottom of my heat, I would like to thank each and every member of the boxing fraternity for a lifetime filled with magical moments and unforgettable memories.”
Ed Brophy:  “This is a wonderful honor that truly caught me by surprise. I am humbled by this acknowledgement and thank the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.”
Joe DeGuardia:  “I am honored to be recognized and included among the past and present boxing luminaries inducted into the prestigious New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.”
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.  Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.
The 2016 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members:  Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum,  Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano,  Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 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, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, 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 and Al Weill.
Limited tickets are still available, priced at $150.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16), which includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the event.  Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304.  Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction dinner tickets selling fast Sunday, April 3 at Russo’s On The Bay

Hector Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Aaron Davis and Howard Cosell head 2016 class
NEW YORK (March 23, 2016) – Tickets are selling fast for the fifth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 3, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
 
NYSBHOF Class of 2016
Boxers
World welterweight champion (’90-91) Aaron “Superman” Davis                                   Bronx
World junior welterweight champion (’93-94) Charles “The Natural” Murray                    Buffalo
Two-time world lightweight title challenger Vilomar Fernandez                                        Bronx
World lightweight title challenger Edwin Viruet.                                                              New York City
(Deceased)
4-time, 3-division world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho                                        Spanish Harlem
World middleweight champion (1952) Rocky Graziano                                                   Brooklyn
World lightweight (’25-26) titlist Rocky Kansas                                                               Buffalo
2-time world bantamweight titleholder Joe Lynch                                                            Brooklyn
“Uncrowned welterweight champion” Joe Miceli                                                             Buffalo
Non-Participants
International Boxing Hall of Fame executive director Ed Brophy                                      Canastota
Promoter Joe DeGuardia                                                                                              Bronx
Commissioner/media personality Randy Gordon                                                            Melville
Promoter/manager Dennis Rappaport                                                                           Queens
(Deceased)
Manager Howie Albert                                                                                                  Bronx
Trainer/cutman Freddie Brown                                                                                      Manhattan
New York City television commentator Howard Cosell                                                    New York City
Boxer/referee Ruby Goldstein                                                                                       Manhattan
Manager Jimmy Jacobs                                                                                                New York City
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.  Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.
The 2016 inductees were selected by NYSBHOF nominating committee members:  Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum,  Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano,  Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 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, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, 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 and Al Weill.
Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16), and include a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the evening.  Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304.  Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $50.00 to $250.00, by contacting Duffy. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 978.590.0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

Timothy Bradley, Melvina Lathan & Sadam Ali Leading 2015 award winners honored at  29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony 

(L-R) — 2015 Ring 8 Award Winners: New York Fighter of the Year Sadam Ali, Woman of the Decade Melvina Lathan and Fighter of the Year Timothy Bradley
(photo by Peter Frutkoff)
NEW YORK, NY (December 21, 2015) – A capacity crowd enjoyed the recent 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
Five-time, two-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley received the Ring 8 Fighter of the Year Award.  Other 2015 Ring 8 award winners (see complete list below) included former New York State Athletic Commission chairperson Melvina Lathan(Woman of the Decade), undefeated No. 1 world welterweight contender Sadam “World Kid” Ali (NY Fighter of the Year), Heather Hardy (NY Female Fighter of the Year), “Ireland’s” John Duddy (Uncrowned Champion), Andre Rozier (Trainer of the Year) and Joe DeGuardia (Promoter of the Year). Randy Gordon served as the Master of Ceremonies.
“We had 340 people and everybody enjoyed themselves,” reported Ring 8 president Bob Duffy.  “Things went very well.  There were a few emotional acceptance speeches and some tears shed.
“We donated a table to Wounded Warriors and also presented Keith Sullivan with a special trophy for all the legal work and support he gives Ring 8, New York State Boxing Hall of Fame, Atlas Foundation, Boxing Writers Association of America, and boxing in New York.”
2015 Ring 8 Award Winners
(Photo by Peter Frutkoff)
2015 RING 8 Award Winners
Fighter of the Year:  Timothy Bradley
Woman of the Decade:  Hon. Melvina Lathan
NY Fighter of the Year:  Sadam Ali
NY Female Fighter of the Year:  Heather Hardy
Uncrowned Champion: John Duddy
Co-Cutmen of the Year:  George Mitchell & Mike Rella
Board Member of the Year:  Billy Strigaro
Trainer of the Year:  Andre Rozier
Community Service Award: Kevin Collins & Gerard Wilson
Promoter of the Year:  Joe DeGuardia
Sponsor of the Year: George O’Neill
Official of the Year:  Carlos Ortiz, Jr.
Amateur Official of the Year:  Christina Vila
Long & Meritorious Service Award:  Jack Hirsch
Profiles of Courage Award: Paddy Dolan
Prospects of the Year:  Wesley Ferrer & Danny Gonzales
Ring Announcer of the Year:  David Diamante
Patriotism Award: Corporal Ron McNair, Jr.

Fighter of the Year Timothy Bradley to attend 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony Dec. 13 in New York; Melvina Lathan, Sadam Ali, Heather Hardy & John Duddy among 2015 award winners

Timothy Bradley (R) vs. Juan Manuel Marquez
(pictures courtesy of Chris Farina / Top Rank)
NEW YORK, NY (November 30, 2015) – Five-time, two-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley will attend the 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony, Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), December 13, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.  Bradley will receive his award as the 2015 Ring 8 Fighter of the Year.
Randy Gordon will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.  Other 2015 Ring 8 award winners (see complete list below) include former New York State Athletic Commission chairperson Melvina Lathan (Woman of the Decade), undefeated No. 1 world welterweight contender Sadam “World Kid” Ali (NY Fighter of the Year), Heather Hardy(BY Female Fighter of the Year), “Ireland’s” John Duddy (Uncrowned Champion), Andre Rozier (Trainer of the Year) and Joe DeGuardia (Promoter of the Year).
The 32-year-old Bradley, fighting out of Palm Springs, California, is a two-time and reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO welterweight champion, in addition to being a three-time world light welterweight titlist.
His list of victims reads like a Who’s Who of boxing in the 140 to 147 pound divisions:  Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ruslan Provodnikov, Joel Casamayor, Devon Alexander, Jessie Vargas, Luis Carlos Abregu, Lamont Peterson, Kendall Holt,Junior Witter and Brandon Rios.
“Timothy Bradley earned his award with an outstanding performance against Brandon Rios (WTKO9),” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  “Working with his new trainer, Teddy Atlas (pictured to below to right with Bradley) , the sky is the limit for Bradley. We’re very fortunate to have Timothy traveling cross country to attend our Holiday Event to receive his Fighter of the Year award.
“Because this is such a great group we’re honoring this year, we expect a sold out crowd of 400.  Our members look forward to this event every year.  We truly appreciate them lending their support as Ring 8 proudly continues its record for lending a helping hand to  those in the boxing community who are less fortunate. Each year our Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony celebrates our great sport of boxing, insuring much-needed funding is raised so we may continue our mission for our needy brothers and sisters in boxing. We will never waver from their corners.”
2015 RING 8 AWARD WINNERS
Fighter of the Year:  Timothy Bradley
Woman of the Decade:  Hon. Melvina Lathan
NY Fighter of the Year:  Sadam Ali
NY Female Fighter of the Year:  Heather Hardy
Uncrowned Champion: John Duddy
Co-Cutmen of the Year:  George Mitchell & Mike Rella
Board Member of the Year:  Billy Strigaro
Trainer of the Year:  Andre Rozier
Community Service Award: Kevin Collins & Gerard Wilson
Promoter of the Year:  Joe DeGuardia
Sponsor of the Year: George O’Neill
Official of the Year:  Carlos Ortiz, Jr.
Amateur Official of the Year:  Christina Vila
Long & Meritorious Service Award:  Jack Hirsch
Profiles of Courage Award: Paddy Dolan
Prospects of the Year:  Wesley Ferrer & Danny Gonzales
Ring Announcer of the Year:  David Diamante
Patriotism Award: Corporal Ron McNair, Jr.
Limited tickets, priced at $125.00 per person, are still available to purchase by contacting Bob Duffy by phone (516.313.2304), email DepComish@aol.com, or mail checks (payable to Ring 8) to him (164 Lindbergh Street, Massapequa Park, NY 11762). Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities.
Tickets include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, followed by seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible in order to secure favorable seating.
The deadline for program ads is approaching for full Page ($150.00), Half-Page ($80.00), and Quarter-Page ($50.00). All ads must be emailed (DepComish@aol.com) or mailed to Duffy (516.313.2304) at the address listed above.
Go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about Ring 8 or its annual Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony.
Russo’s On The Bay is located at 162-45 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach(718.843.5055).
Ring 8 News:  Jack Hirsch, who will be receiving the 2015 Ring 8 Long & Meritorious Service Award, was recently elected as Vice President of Ring 8.
Attending Ring 8 Holiday and Awards Ceremony celebrity guests include former world champions Mark Breland, Luis Collazo, Iran Barkley and Vito Antuofermo, as well Sean Monahan, Bobby Cassidy, Harold Lederman and Frankie Galarza