Tag Archives: Travis Simms

Boxing saved the life of Two-Division World Champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera

COLORADO SPRINGS, Lap. (Junie 4, 2020) – Like many boxers, twee-afdeling wêreldkampioen “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera credits boxing for saving his life.

“Absolutely,” Rivera agreed. “After my mom passed away when I was 10 jaar oud, I gave up on life and my decision-making reflected that: hanging around with the wrong crowd including gang members, consuming alcohol between the ages of 10 and 15. I was definitely going in the wrong direction.

“I never thought I had a future until I started boxing. It’s hard to say what I’d be doing if I had never boxed, but by the way I was living, I’d probably be in jail or dead by now.”

Born in Philadelphia, Rivera lived in Puerto Rico and Springfield, MA, prior to him moving to Worcester, MA, where he met a man who helped change his lifeCarlos Garcia, who was in charge of a special boxing program at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club.

Rivera had started boxing at the age of 14 ½ in a basement with his friendFelix Lopez.  He had fallen in love with boxing after watchingRoberto Duran omgekrap“Sugar” Ray Leonard in their first fight. The young Puerto Rican-American specifically used his amateur boxing experience to prepare for the professional ranks. Garcia, who is in the National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame, put him in a novice match after only one amateur fight in order to put Rivera on the fast track, because he understood that Rivera dreamed of becoming a world champion as a professional. Rivera finished with a 35-15 amateur rekord, highlighted by a bronze medal performance at the PAL Nationals.

“I never had big amateur aspirations but, natuurlik, I wanted to win every fight I competed in,” Rivera said. “Once I didn’t qualify for the Olympic Trials, my plan was to turn pro. I didn’t know how much the amateurs would groom me to be a successful professional boxer. I’m glad I listened to my coaches, otherwise I would have turned pro earlier, because I would get frustrated with the politics of the amateurs. I hated losing, but I hated losing even more when I knew that I should have won. After three years together (with Garcia) in the amateurs and gaining a great wealth of experience traveling all over New England, the country and even fighting in Canada, I saw all types of styles and talented boxers that helped me as a pro. Carlos is like a father figure to me and during all of our training and travels, he was always in my head, building me up to become a good boxer, but also to help me become a better man.”

Op November 7, 1992, Rivera made his pro debut, klop uitFrancisco Mercedes in the second round. He went on to win his first 23 pro bouts, including the Massachusetts State welterweight title in 1995. His first pro loss was to veteran Philadelphia fighterWillie Wise (20-3-4), who won a controversial 10-round split decision at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. Rivera had proven that he was more than a prospect in his first loss, losing a close decision (98-95, 94-97, 94-96) to an opponent that upset Mexican iconJulio Cesar Chavez (102-3-2) only three years later.

Showing the same resiliency that stayed with Rivera his entire career, two fights later Rivera stoppedGilberto Flores in two rounds to capture the International Boxing Organization (IBO) world welterweight championship. Rivera extended his new win streak to seven, before losing back to back fights. Four fights later, al, Rivera registered his first statement victory in 2001, klop uitFrankie Randall (55-10-1) in die 10ste round to retain his North American Boxing Association (Ook) crown in his first defense.

Now promoted by legendary Don King, Rivera traveled across the Atlantic Ocean in September 2003 to Germany, where few Americans were able to win. Rivera proved early that he meant business, dropping previously undefeatedMichel Trabant in the second round en route to winning a 12-round majority decision for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA).  His reign, egter, didn’t last long. In his first defense, Rivera lost a 12-round split decision at home in Worcester to challengerLuis Collazo (24-1)

Rivera moved up one weight class for his next fight, showing the resiliency that was a staple during his career for his next fight, also at home, against WBA junior middleweight World championAlexandro Garcia (25-1).

In his next fight and first defense of his third world title, Rivera was stopped for the first time in his pro career, by new champTravis Simms (24-0), and then he was knocked out byDaniel Santos (24-0) in round eight of their WBA junior middleweight title eliminator.

Rivera retired in 2008 only to make a comeback in 2001, after which he retired again until returning for two fights in Worcester to complete his pro career with 50 gevegte, the last coming at the age of 46.

“Jose’s USA Boxing experiences shaped him into the man of character he is today, beide in en uit van die ring,"SêChris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Director. “He took the road less traveled for a world champion, and in doing so he showcased his toughness and perseverance that made him a great example for today’s USA Boxers.”

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boksers, amptenare, afrigters en boksondersteuners — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspirerend en terug te gee aan USA Boxing se toekomstige bokskampioene, in en uit van die ring.

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

To join the Alumni Association, registreer eenvoudig byalumni@usaboxing.org vir 'n $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, sleutelhanger en e-beursie.

Rivera was a true working world champion. Few world champions also had full-time jobs during their title reigns. Rivera used vacation time, as well as personal and sick days, when he went to training camp for some of his major fights.

“I always had a good work ethic growing up,” he explained. “When I moved to Worcester at 16 jaar oud, I lived by myself: school, work, and then to the Boys & Girls Club to train. I kept the same work ethic I had at 19 when I turned pro. I became a father at 20, so providing for my family was essential. Although it was hard, I knew boxing wasn’t going to last forever, and I was lucky enough to find a good job working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trial Courts. It made for long days when I was training, especially when I was fighting for or defending my world championships. In the end, al, keeping my job was the best decision I could have made for me and my family.”

Rivera. who was an Associate Court Officer for years and promoted last year to Assistant Chief Court Officer, is still involved in boxing. He and his oldest sonA.J. Rivera, own and operate a boxing promotional company, Rivera Promotions Vermaak, to give young fighters in his area opportunities to fight more often and at home. Jose occasionally drops by the Boys & Girls Club to visit his former coaches, Garcia andRocky Gonzalez, to support their young talent. He also goes to his friendKendrick Ball’s gym, Camp Be Right, to give young fighters there a few tips and to keep in shape (not for another comeback).

Jose Antonio Rivera will be best known for his toughness and determination, which led him into a different life, including three world championships and a wonderful life he never would have enjoyed.

INLIGTING:

www.usaboxing.orgi

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT 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.

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

Picture courtesy of Edward Boches / Boches Photography
LOWELL, Mass. (Februarie 23, 2018) – Byna 50 past New England Golden Gloves boxers turned out last night for the inaugural USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet in a private room, prior to the opening bout of the New England Tournament of Champions, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The USA Boxing Alumni Association gathering was also to promote the 2018 USA vs. Ierland Noordooste Boxing Tour, which kicks-off Maandag, Maart 12, at Royale Entertainment Complex in Boston’s famed theater district. The USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour will continue Maart 15 by die Mass Mutual Sentrum in Springfield, Mass. and concludes Maart 21at The Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Among the USA Boxing Alumni Association attendees were former professional world champions “Ierse” Micky Ward, a Lowell boxing icon, en Jose Antonio Rivera, sowel as Die Stryders star Peter manfredo, Jr., “Iceman” John Scully
Geskep om 'n lewenslange kampioen te word, wedersyds voordelige verhoudings tussen USA Boxing en sy alumni, –boksers, amptenare, afrigters en boksondersteuners — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspirerend en terug te gee aan USA Boxing se toekomstige bokskampioene, in en uit van die ring.
Die USA Boxing Alumni Association is oop vir almal wat lief is vir boks en graag met amateurbokse wil bly. Lede kry toegang tot 'n wye verskeidenheid spesiale geleenthede wat deur die Alumni-vereniging aangebied word, insluitend Vrydagaand se US Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame-ontvangs.
To join the Alumni Association, registreer eenvoudig by alumni@usaboxing.org vir 'n $40.00 per jaar ledegeld. Nuwe lede sal 'n T-hemp ontvang, sleutelhanger en e-beursie.
INLIGTING:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS Open division semifinal results from Lowell

Nieu-Engeland
Tournament of Champions

Open Division semifinals results from Lowell

72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities
Golden Gloves Championship
New England-toernooi van Kampioene
Open Division championship finals vanaand in Lowell
LOWELL, Mass. (Februarie 22, 2018) – A highly-competitive semifinal round was held last night, setting the stage for this evening’s finals of the New England Tournament of Championships, by die historiese Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
The New England Tournament of Champions, also known as the All-New England’s, is part of the 72nd annual New England Golden Gloves Championships.
Vanaand se individual winning N.E. champions will qualify for Team New England, which will compete at the National Golden Gloves Championship, begin Mei 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. Western New England is seeking its fifth straight N.E. team title.
After watching last night’s semifinals,” N. En. Executive Director Bobby Russo gesê, “Ek kan nie wag vir vanaand se great match ups in the finals. These are the best amateur boxers in New England and all the winners will have a shot at national titles.
Ook, USA Boxing will host a USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet vanaand.All USA Boxing Alumni Association members, as well as any prospective members, are welcome to attend this unique meet-and-greet, starting when doors open at 6:30 namiddag. EN, until the first bout at 7:30 namiddag. EN.
Many of New England’s all-time great amateur boxers will participate, including former wotld champions such as hometown hero and three-time New England champion,“Ierse” Micky Ward, Jose Antonio Rivera, Travis Simms and Iran Barkley, Die Contender star Peter manfredo, Jr., John Scully, Richie LaMontagne, Dave Sullivan, USA Olympian Lawrence Clay-Bey and many other past New England Golden Gloves favorites including Tarvis Simms, Bobby Harris, Joe Alloj en Troy Wortham. (onderhewig aan verandering)
Kaartjies begin by $18.00, net $7.00 vir studente (ID vereis) and are available to purchase by calling the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or ordering online at www.lowellauditorium.com. Buy tickets early to avoid long lines the night of the show.
Opbrengs van die Lowell Sun doelen Golden Gloves Championship gaan na die stuur van die New England Golden Gloves kampioene van die Nasionale Golden Gloves Championship (begin Mei 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska), bykomend tot die ondersteuning van plaaslike atlete en area gimnasiums, die seuns & Girls Club, sopkombuise, hawelose skuilings, kanker fondse, beurse en baie ander groot liefdadigheid.
Amptelike uitslae
(Feb.21, 2018)
NUWE ENGELANDE TOERNOOI VAN KAMPIOENE
OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS
FEATHERWEIGHTS (123 lbs.)
Felix Parilla, Noord Haven, CT / WNE
WDEC (5-0)
Joseph Valdes, Nashua, NH / Central CNE
Liggewigte (132 lbs.)
Joseph DePina, Dorchester, MA / CNE
WDEC (3-2)
Josua Orta, Springfield, MA / WNE
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Sharad Collier, Hartford, CT / WNE
WDEC (4-1)
Mike Bloodworth, Woonsocket, RI / SNE
WOMEN’S JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Ashleigh Moore, Buzzardsbaai, MA / CNE
WDEC (5-0)
Deborah Basora, Hartford, CT / WNE
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 LBS.)
Josniel Castro, Portland, ME / VIER
WDEC (5-0)
Luca Botis, West Point, NY / WNE
James Perella, Mansfield, MA / SNE
WDEC (5-0)
Charles Espinel, Salem, MA / CNE
LIG swaargewigte (178 lbs.)
Miguel Teo, Marlboro, MA / CNE
WDEC (5-0)
Tony Adams, Bridgeport, CT / WNE
Swaargewigte (201 lbs.)
Edmond Worley, Lowell, MA / CNE
WDEC (4-1)
Hampton Miller, Waterbury, CT / WNE
SUPER SWAAR GEWIGTE (201+ lbs.)
Tim Hatfield, Providence, RI / SNE
WDEC (5-0)
Zack Calmus, Gloucester, MA / CNE
WNE – Wes-Nieu-Engeland
CNE – Sentrale New England
VIER – Noord-Nieu-Engeland
SNE – Suid-New England
72de jaarlikse Lowell Sun doelen Golden Gloves Championship Bylae
(Lowell Memorial Ouditorium – 6:30 namiddag. deure oop, 7:30 namiddag. eerste bout)
New England-toernooi van Kampioene
Oop Klas Championship Finals – Donderdag, Februarie. 22
INLIGTING:
New England Golden Gloves Uitvoerende Direkteur: Bobby Russo
Direkteur van deelnemers: Art Ramalho
Hoof van Amptenare: Laurie Purcell
ring omroeper: John Vena
Plek: Lowell Memorial Ouditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA
Twitter: @LowellGloves

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

1stUSA Boxing Alumni Association Event in N.E.

Donderdag, Februarie 22
Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Mass.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Lap. (Februarie 19, 2018) – USA Boxing will host a private USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet hierdie Donderdag nag (Februarie. 22), prior to that evening’s open division finals of the New England Tournament of Champions, part of the 72nd annual New England Golden Gloves Championships, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The Feb. 22nd USA Boxing Alumni Association also being held, gedeeltelik, to promote the 2018 USA vs. Ierland Noordooste Boxing Tour, which kicks-off Maandag, Maart 12, at the newly renovated Royale Entertainment Complex in Boston’s famed theater district. The USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour will continue Maart 15 by die Mass Mutual Sentrum in Springfield, Mass. and concludes Maart 21 at The Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Many of New England’s all-time great amateur boxers will participate, including hometown hero and three-time New England champion, “Ierse” Micky Ward. Others include Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully, Richie LaMontagne, Dave Sullivan, Travis en Tarvis Simms, Bobby Harris, Peter manfredo, Jr., Joe Alloj, Lawrence Clay-Bey en Troy Wortham.
All USA Boxing Alumni Association members, as well as any prospective members, are welcome to attend this unique meet-and-greet, starting when doors open at 6:30 namiddag. EN, until the first bout at 7:30 namiddag. EN.
Kaartjiepryse begin by $18.00, net $7.00 vir studente (ID vereis) and are available to purchase by calling the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or ordering online at www.lowellauditorium.com.
Geskep om 'n lewenslange kampioen te word, wedersyds voordelige verhoudings tussen USA Boxing en sy alumni, –boksers, amptenare, afrigters en boksondersteuners — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspirerend en terug te gee aan USA Boxing se toekomstige bokskampioene, in en uit van die ring.
Die USA Boxing Alumni Association is oop vir almal wat lief is vir boks en graag met amateurbokse wil bly. Lede kry toegang tot 'n wye verskeidenheid spesiale geleenthede wat deur die Alumni-vereniging aangebied word, insluitend Vrydag evening’s USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.
To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing,.org for a $40.00 per jaar ledegeld. Nuwe lede sal 'n T-hemp ontvang, sleutelhanger en e-beursie.
INLIGTING:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

Connecticut’s top all-time great fighters & Foxwoods’ best fights

PBC op ESPN & ESPN Deportes Doubleheader
Donderdag, Julie 21
From Foxwoods Resort Casino8 namiddag. EN/5 namiddag. PT
MASHANTUCKET, CT (Julie 19, 2016) — Connecticut may not have equal status with New York City or Las Vegas in terms of being a fight capital, but the Nutmeg State has produced five Hall-of-Famers with Foxwoods Resort Casino, located in Mashantucket, CT, hosting many of the sport’s greatest fighters and fights over the past two decades.
The tradition continues on Donderdag, Julie 21, as rising middleweight contender SergiyThe Technician” Derevyanchenko (8-0, 6 Uitklophoue) faces former world champion Is “King” Soliman (44-13, 18 Uitklophoue) in die 10-ronde belangrikste gebeurtenis van Premier Boxing Champions op ESPN & ESPN.
Televisie dekking begin by 8 namiddag. EN/5 namiddag. PT, and features a 10-round middleweight clash between powerful Ievgen Khytrov (13-0, 11 Uitklophoue) and California’s Paul Mendez (19-2-2, 9 Uitklophoue).
Connecticut’s all-time greatest boxer is the late Willie “Will ‘o the Wisp” Pep (229-11-1, 65 Uitklophoue), who was born in Middletown and lived in Rocky Hill. Pep, who fought professionally between 1940 en 1966, was a two-time world featherweight champion who had an epic rivalry with Sandy Saddler.
Other Hall-of-Famers from Connecticut are world heavyweight champion (1926-28)GeneThe Fighting MarineTunney (65-1-1, 48 Uitklophoue), of Greenwich, who defeated the legendary Jack Dempsey twee keer; Ukrainian-born world featherweight (1925) titlist Louis “Kid” Kaplan (108-22-12, 72 Uitklophoue), from Meriden; world light heavyweight champion (1933) Slapsie” Maxie Rosenbloom (222-42-31, 2 NC, 19 Uitklophoue), of Leonard Bridge; world light heavyweight titleholder (1926-27) Jack “Bright EyesDelaney (73-11-2, 43 Uitklophoue), who was born in Canada but lived in Bridgeport.
Over the year, many other Connecticut fighters have made an impact on the sport including Hartford’s NBA featherweight champion Battling Battalino (57-26-3, 26 Uitklophoue), who was the first world champion to lose his title on the scale, Hartford’s two-time world welterweight titlist Marlon “Magic Man” Starling (45-6-12, 27 Uitklophoue), Norwalk’s WBA junior middleweight champion TremendousTravis Simms (28-1, 21 Uitklophoue), New Haven’s three-time world light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (33-4, 18 Uitklophoue) and world welterweight contender Gaspar “Injun” Ortega (131-29-6, 69 Uitklophoue), Stamford’s world No. 1-ranked welterweight Chico Vejar (92-20-4, 43 Uitklophoue), and Bloomfield’s 1996 Olympic Team USA captain Lawrence Clay-Bey (21-3-1, 16 Uitklophoue).
The No. 1 Foxwoods fight of all-time, held on April 16, 2011, was also promoted by DiBella Entertainment, and was selected as the 2011 Ring Magazine and BWAA Fight of the Year. Defending champion Andre Berto (27-0) en uitdager Victor Ortiz (28-2-2) battled for 12 rondes, each getting dropped twice, with Ortiz winning a hard-fought decision (114-111, 114-112, 115-110) for the WBC welterweight title.
A close second place is the 2003 BWAA Fight of the Year, in which future Hall-of-FamerJames Toney (65-4-2) won a 12-round decision over reigning IBF cruiserweight champion Vassiliy Jirov. The action started days earlier at the pre-fight press conference when a skirmish erupted as tables were overturned and glasses thrown. The animosity continued between the two fighters and their respective camps right up to the final bell. Previously undefeated, Jirov (31-0) started fast but faded, getting decked in the final round.
In 2004, New England favorite Scott “The SandmanPemberton, hailing from nearby New Bedford, MA, was involved in a great 12ste ronde, come-from-behind knockout of always-tough Omar Sheika in a rematch of a previous draw, for a regional super middleweight title.
Two other N.E. fan favorites who fought regularly at Foxwoods were multiple-time world champion Vinny Paz (Pazienza during his boxing career), veg uit Cranston, RI, and New Bedford’s all-action SucraRay Oliveira. Paz had a 13-3 record at Foxwoods, highlighted by his 1998 decision over Glenwood Brown and his 50stecareer win in his retirement fight against Tocker Pudwill in 2004. Oliveira was only 6-7-1 fighting at Foxwoods, but he faced nothing but iron and he did defeat a world champion, Vince Phillips, in hul 2000 non-title fight that produced the second-most total punches (2,989) recorded at that time.
Brazilian boxing fans always turned out in force when countryman Acelino “Butt” Freitas fought at Foxwoods, primarily because of the large Brazilian community in Connecticut. Freitas fought there four times, all in lightweight world title fights, verslaanZahir Raheem en Artur Grigorian en verlies aan Juan Diaz en Diego Corrales.
Other great fights at Foxwoods include future world middleweight champion Andy Leecoming back from the brink of possibly getting knocked out to stop Craig McEwan in die 10ste ronde van hul 2011 stryd, Carl Froch‘s dramatic late surge in 2009 to knock outJermain Taylor (who was well ahead on the scorecards) in die 12ste round for the WBC super middleweight championship, Pernell Whitaker taking a close decision fromAndrey Pestryaev (115-113, 115-112, en 114-113) in hul 1997 WBA eliminator (later ruled a No Decision due to Whitaker’s failed drug test), en Ike Quarteyovercoming two knockdowns to successfully defend his WBA welterweight title versusJose Luis Lopez in 1997 (Quartey was originally awarded a win by majority decision, but a scoring error was discovered and the fight was ruled a majority draw).
Two of the greatest boxers in modern boxing history, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. en Roy Jones, Jr., both fought at Foxwoods in 1998. In sy 15ste pro stryd, Mayweather registered a third-round technical knockout of Miguel Melo, while Jones successfully defended his WBC/WBA light heavyweight titles with a 10ste-ronde TKO van Otis Grant. In the Jones-Grant co-feature, IBF lightweight champion Shane Mosley successfully defended his title against Jesse James Leija, who was unable to answer the bell for the 10ste ronde.
Kaartjies vir die lewende gebeurtenis, wat bevorder word deur DiBella Vermaak, word geprys teen $150, $75 en $45, nie, insluitend toepassing diensgelde en belasting, en is nou op die rakke. Kaartjies is beskikbaar by www.ticketmaster.com en www.foxwoods.com of deur die besoek van die Foxwoods’ Box Office. Te hef per telefoon, noem Ticket by (800) 745-3000.
Vir meer inligting, besoek www.premierboxingchampions.com, volg op TwitterPremierBoxing, LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt, @FoxwoodsCT, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights are available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, beste Beer.