Category Archives: boxing

Georgia flyweight Sa’Rai “Warrior Princess” Brown-El the future face of women’s boxing

November 15, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 14, 2022) – Georgia flyweight Sa’Rai “Warrior Princess” Brown-El is on a sensational run as she prepares to compete in the upcoming Youth World Championships, November 14-26, in La Nucia, Spain.

The 17-year-old from Marietta is a three-time National Junior Olympic champion (2017-19) who has also captured gold medals at the 2021 USA Boxing Youth National Championships, 2020 USA Boxing Junior National Championships, 2019 Junior Open and 2019 National PAL, among the many titles she owns.

She got into boxing at the age of 8 in Albany, New York, where her family was visiting, eventually leading them all to her uncle’s gym. Her father originally wanted her brothers to box, but Sa’Rai also wanted to get involved in combat sports. It was a natural transition for her, who is a legacy boxer because her father, mother and brothers have all boxed.

“Me and my mom went to find a pair of gloves after we were told there weren’t any left. I started hitting the bag and then I did mitts with my uncle. That’s where I fell in love with the sport and discovered I was naturally born to do this.”

She has excelled in every area on her remarkable roll, which she will attempt to extend at the Youth World Championships over the next two weeks.

“I am super pumped and ready to go to Spain for the Youth Worlds,” the ultra-confident Sa’Rai said. “My mindset is on gold. My manifestation and hard work will put me in top by the last day with the gold medal around my neck on that number one podium. It’s truly a blessing to be representing the USA.

“My biggest challenge is probably myself; boxing is 90-percent mental, meaning I have to have a mindset that nothing can be hard enough to stop me from reaching my goals. My short-range goals, right now, are to win the Youth Worlds and finish out the year making the Youth High Performance Team. Long range, I’d say, is to fight in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Being world champ, looked up to as an inspiration to all and, most importantly, having proven to be the most feared female boxer.”

Brown-El believes USA Boxing has helped in terms of working against other styles at tournaments, in addition to benefiting from training with her elite stablemates, and under the guidance of world-class coaches, at the state-of-the-art United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I can show my skills and have learned many other skills and drills there (training center) to become a universal boxer,” she noted. “I’ve been able to go against every style there is in international fighting and be able to dominate every time. USA Boxing has taught me very valuable lessons: to be professional, disciplined and dedicated, because there are a lot of obstacles that come with it. For me, being professional is the only way to have a career in this sport.”

Winning at the 2021 National to be part of the 2022 Youth High Performance Team, thus far, are the highlights of her relatively young boxing career. To win that gold medal, Sa’Rai explained, she needed to push through injuries that nearly forced her to pull out of the tournament.

Brown-El has a high ring IQ. Basically, the sweet science is about hitting the opponent without getting hit, especially in Olympic style boxing. Her ring IQ is advanced beyond her years, using angles, constantly moving, and confusing her opponent with her evasiveness. And, Brown-El quickly adds, that doesn’t mean she won’t bang if needed.

“I love representing my country,” she concluded. “I want to show the world we are the greatest. Team USA will come out on top at the Youth Worlds. My message for U.S. boxing fans is to keep watching. The future of boxing is coming in hot!”

INFORMATION: www.usaboxing,org Twitter: @USABoxingInstagram: @USABoxingFacebook: /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 to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

boxing, Granite Chin

Mike Ohan, Jr. lands dream fight vs. U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson

November 15, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Dec. 10 at Madison Square Garden

Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (L) is ready for Tiger Johnson(photo by Emily Harney / Fightography) QUINCY, Mass. (November 10, 2022) – Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike Ohan, Jr. (16-1, 9 KOs) is preparing for his potential career-changing fight on December 10^th against 2020 U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (6-0, 4 KOs) at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City. Johnson vs. Ohan, Jr. is a scheduled 8-round welterweight match on a Top Rank card, headlined by a Heisman Night fight featuring Teofimo Lopez against Jose Pedraza, which will be streamed live on ESPN+. Ohan, Jr. isn’t overly concerned about fighting a much-hyped prospect, who is promoted by event promoter Top Rank,, at the mecca of boxing on a much larger viewing platform. “I’ll embrace it,” Ohan, Jr. “I’ve fought a lot of top guys in the amateurs like Jamaine Ortiz, who just fought Vasiliy Lomachenko. I feel like I belong at the top level with them, but they started competing earlier than me in the amateurs. I was 16-17 and had a lot of catching up to do. “This is what all the years of me working so hard has been for. It’s been a dream of mine even as a kid, before I started boxing. It’s starting to payoff; I need to executive the game plan on fight night.” “I couldn’t be prouder of Mike and what he has accomplished so far in boxing,” Ohan’s promoter, Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “He’s a great guy with great work ethic, and he has a ton of heart. He jumped all over this opportunity when it was presented. This is why guys fight; to hopefully get a chance to shine at an event like this at Madison Square Garden. Mike grinded and grinded, now he has his well-deserved opportunity at stardom.” Ohan, Jr. is the son of a retired pro boxer, (14-6-2, 11 KOs), who served as a sparring partner for the great Marvelous Marvin Hagler. The 24-year-old Johnson, fighting out of Cleveland, was a highly decorated U.S. amateur boxer who was a member of the 2020 .USA Olympic Boxing Team. He was a 2-time winner of the USA National Championships (2016 & 2017), as well as a gold medalist at the 2016 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships, and 2014 USA Junior Olympic National Championships. “He’s a great fighter,” Ohan, Jr. talked about his upcoming opponent. “Everything he does, he’s excellent at, not just good. I have to bring my A game to prove I belong. All the greats have adjusted to the situation and that’s what I have to do. I’ve put in all the blood, sweat and tears. Whatever he throws, I’ll be ready.” Fighting in Madison Square Garden is the ultimate venue for Ohan, Jr. along with most fighters. Some may feel that the cards are stacked against Ohan, Jr., but he clearly isn’t worried about all the hoopla associated with fighting at MSG on ESPN+ against the event promoter’s highly touted boxer. “It’s just going to be me and him in the ring,” Ohan, Jr. concluded. “Madison Square Garden is an historic place. Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Robinson…all the greats have fought there. I love boxing history and I’m blessed to be fighting there. I do live closer to New York City than him and I’m sure people will come out for me. “At the end of the day, though, everybody will know who I am. An impressive performance will raise my stock, but I’m going in the ring to win!” INFORMATION: Facebook.com/GraniteChinTwitter: @Granite_Chin

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Pennsylvania featherweight Cornellio Phipps living the dream 2022 Youth World Championships November 14-26 in La Nucia, Spain

November 15, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 10, 2022) – As talented featherweight Cornellio “Chada” Phipps prepares for the upcoming Youth World Championships, he admits to living the dream, and before he turns pro in a few years, the Olympic-style boxing plan for him is medaling in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

The 17-year-old Phipps, who fights out of Oxford, Pa., first got into boxing four years ago on the advice of his father. Phipps played basketball and football, but he didn’t feel either of those were his true spot. He actually fell in love with boxing while watching fights before he even boxed, when he was seven.

“I tell people to never give up their dreams, to keep punching, and never let anybody doubt you,” Phipps said. “This feels good (preparing for the Youth Worlds). I never thought I’d get to this stage. It’s been tough but fun. I’m on Team USA representing my country.

“It starts on the big stage by me medaling at the Youth Worlds (November 14-26, in La Nucia, Spain). Being on Team USA has made a big difference for me. I’ve learned how to box against different moves, understanding the points system, and how to win. Training in Colorado Springs has helped me to succeed and also have fun learning from my new coaches.”

Phipps has already tasted success prior to the Youth Worlds. He has captured gold medals at the 2022 USA Boxing National Qualifier, 2021 USA Boxing Youth National Championships, as well as the 2020 and 2019 Junior National Championships.

All-around boxer-puncher is the best way to describe Phipps style in the ring. He can brawl, box, and move around well. “I’m more of a boxer than brawler,” he noted. “I can fight on the outside or lay on the ropes. I move and show angles, plus I can easily switch to southpaw (from his orthodox stance).”

Like many of his young USA Boxing teammates, the Youth Worlds will be the first international competition of his career. These championships is something he is really looking forward to for a wide variety of reasons.

“I’m excited to be fighting on my first international competition at the Youth Worlds in Spain,” Phipps concluded. “I was supposed to fight in a tournament in Bulgaria in 2020, but that was canceled due to COVID. I’m going to show my skills at the Youth Worlds to prove I belong at the top level, and that is the Olympics.”

Competition begins in La Nucia, Spain on Tuesday, Nov. 15 and can be followed along by clicking here.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing,org

Twitter: @USABoxing

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 to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

boxing

Coyle to defend NABA title December 11 in Orlando

November 15, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Orlando, FL (November 7, 2022) – NABA middleweight champion Connor “The Kid” Coyle will defend his title against knockout artist Anibal Cleto Francisco in a battle of unbeatens Sunday, December 11 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando.

The card takes place during the WBA’s annual Centennial Convention, which is held at the Caribe Royale from December 11-14.

A native of Derry, Northern Ireland who trains out of Pinellas Park, FL Coyle’s 17-0 with 7 knockouts. Coyle became the NABA champion this past May when he earned a hard-fought decision against Antonio Todd. He was slated to face Felix Cash October 8 in England but the entire card was cancelled after main event participant Conor Benn failed a drug test.

Hailing from Monte Plata, Dominican Republic, Francisco’s 10-0 with 9 of his victories coming by KO. On July 2, the 22-year-old stopped Yeison Gonzalez in the fifth round to capture the WBA Fedelatin title.

“After the disappointment surrounding the cancellation of Connor’s fight in England, we wanted to find a good opportunity,” said Coyle’s promoter Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “The WBA Centennial Convention is a great event and Connor loves fighting at the Carribe Royale because he’s got a big fan base in Central Florida. He’s already back in the US preparing with Jim McLaughlin for this fight and is planning to put on a great show December 11.”

The card is promoted by Boxlab Promotions.

More information on the card including ticket and broadcast details will be announced shortly.

boxing

DANIEL DUBOIS BECOMES THE NEW WBA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD

June 13, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND PEACE: FIGHT NIGHT LIVE FROM CASINO MIAMI JAI-ALIA

**Fight Night Photos:** https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R0TreZJOHZc2DF-URwEEdOFV75RVhsht?usp=sharing
**Photo Credit:** David Martin-Warr / DKP
**All official scorecards:** https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t8LZip4oDLriuhUXnkTFiGbxP_U0DP8k?usp=sharing

**WBA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 12 ROUNDS**
**Trevor Bryan (22-1, 15 KOs) vs. Daniel DuBois (18-1, 17 KOs)**
**Result:** Daniel Dubois Wins via TKO (4^th Round at 1:58)
**Scorecard:** https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-PRjTMzT0u1xbTPLJkF8WbXuMNbE4UCH/view?usp=sharing

**Daniel Dubois Quote:** The only words are ‘and the new’ and I am just so glad it is now. It is happening now and we have made it real, my dad and my family, I’ve done everyone proud, the country and I can’t wait.

In the first round I was just trying to figure him out and see what he had. I said I was going to test the chin and I just went for it.

He brought out something in me, he brought out a wicked left hand! It was a punch-perfect ending, and I am just so happy. I had a few rough patches during this camp, but we pulled through and we got the victory.

I am just so happy to have got this world title. This is what all the hard work was for and, no disrespect to Trevor, but his 0 had to go and I was just in there on a demolition mission.

I am ready for whoever is next. I believe this will instantly make me a better fighter now. When you win the world title they say you become next level so names like Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker are all on my hitlist. I will fight whoever Frank puts me in with next.

It has been amazing. Coming out here and winning a world title is what I dreamed of as a little kid and now it has finally happened.

**Trevor Bryan Quote:** “I’m feeling alright. I knew he was going to come out with big punches, and I was trying to land some and let him tire himself out. But I wasn’t shooting my jab enough.”

**SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT ATTRACTION – 6 ROUNDS**
**Luis Rodriguez (9-0, 9 KOs) vs. Ryan Adams (8-5-2, 6 KOs)**
**Result:** Luis Rodriguez Wins via TKO (3^rd Round at 2:26)
**Scorecard:** https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U7uzf55jwRHFwzibpQ_kMcNuMlIl0PKy/view?usp=sharing

**Luis Rodriguez Quote:** “It’s the best feeling finally getting the knockout. He was a complicated boxer, a brawler. I don’t like these types of fights. We will see what’s next – but I’m ready for the next challenge.”

**NABA GOLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS**
**DaCarree Scott (7-1, 6 KOs) vs. Jonathan Guidry (18 -1-2, 6 KOs)**
**Result: Johnathan Guidry Wins via TKO (7^th Round at 2:01)**
**Scorecard:**

**Johnathan Guidry Quote:** “I’m feeling good. I didn’t even get to have a proper training camp or the right sparring partners. I’m looking forward to whatever is next.”

**NABA CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS**
**Joltin Johnnie Langston (11-3, 4 KOs) vs. Isaiah Thompson (6-1-2, 5 KOs)**
**Result:** Johnnie Langston Wins via Split Decision (95-94, 94-95, 92-97)
**Scorecard:**https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vln447gXJBlroxrgeBJhgIf5q7tYRne8/view?usp=sharing

**Johnnie Langston Quote:** “I didn’t even have a chance for a full training camp. I blew up [in weight] during camp and was a bit dehydrated in the ring. I’m just glad we came up with this result and that I’m still a champ.”

**NABA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS**
**Ahmed Elbiali (22-1, 18 KOs) vs. Dervin Colina (16-2, 14 KOs)**
**Result:** Ahmed Elbiali Wins via Disqualification
**Scorecard:** https://drive.google.com/file/d/1URsbHgUf3xDThEOAXC-9z1dXVexiQo3l/view?usp=sharing

**Ahmed Elbial Quote**: “I’m just glad that the both of us left the ring healthy. I’m excited to be crowned the new champion, and I hope that the next show I get to better showcase my skills. We had a great, old-school boxing crowd out here tonight, and that made it a fun experience.”

**SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT ATTRACTION – 4 ROUNDS**
**Raynel Mederos (7-0, 2 KO) vs. Ryan Wilson 1-1, 1 KO**
**Result:** Raynel Mederos Wins via TKO (2^nd Round at 2:07)
**Scorecard:** https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mdnashyn81jVR6EDi1kePK46oGrJ3Wcq/view?usp=sharing

**Raynel Mederos Quote:** “I feel really great, and I want to give a special thanks to my trainer who has helped me get this far. We are taking my career step by step, round by round.”

**NABA WELTERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS**
**Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 KOs) vs. Travis Castellon (17-4-2, 12 KOs)**
**Result:** Tre’Sean Wiggins Wins via TKO (1^st Round at 2:07)
**Scorecard:** https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ra9wAwRWWoRHV41zFw1iYkfo-bFHfQYP/view?usp=sharing

**Tre’Sean Wiggins Quote:** “The gameplan for inside the ring was to take my time. I didn’t want to rush it,”
“I want to be in the top 10. Whatever Don King has for me next; I will do.”

**WBA CONTINENTAL AMERICAS MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS**
**Anthony Lenk (17-9, 7 KOs) vs. Ian Green (16-2, 11 KOs)**
**Result:** Ian Green Wins via Unanimous Decision (91-99, 92-98, 92-98)
**Scorecard:** https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m8trcSoLu6qRDwSPi_2tP6sbhlz-xaz1/view?usp=sharing

**Ian Green Quote**: “I am feeling really good, this was the first time I’ve pushed to 10-rounds. Lenk was a crappy opponent and didn’t really bring anything to the table. He was just really good at surviving and pacing himself.”

**Anthony Lenk Quote**: “He’s a good fighter. He came to represent for Don King, for sure. I’m still one of your fighters, and I just hope you still keep me here after this.”

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime

TOWERING HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT BAKHODIR JALOLOV CLOSES THE SHOW IN STYLE WITH 11TH STRAIGHT KNOCKOUT IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

June 13, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

George Arias Earns Split-Decision Over Alante Green; Chann Thonson Impresses With TKO Victory Over Tyler Tomlin in Telecast Opener on SHOWTIME^®

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

(Photos will be uploaded shortly)

VERONA, N.Y. – June 10, 2022 – Undefeated heavyweight knockout artist Bakhodir Jalolov took his time on Friday night, but ultimately closed the show in dramatic fashion with an eighth-round knockout over Jack Mulowayi in the main event of a SHOBOX: The New Generation telecast at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. that helped kick off the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in nearby Canastota, N.Y.

Known as “Big Uzbek”, the 6-foot-7 Jalolov, a two-time Olympian and 2020 Gold Medalist from Uzbekistan, improved to a perfect 11-0 with 11 KOs when he landed a huge left hand that sent Mulowayi (11-3-1, 7 KOs) flat on his back in the eighth and final round.

“I’m feeling really good about the performance,” said the 27-year-old Jalolov. “The opponent was at a really good level and a great fighter. He was a really tough, durable guy. I landed some big shots on him and he can take a punch.”

In front of a who’s who of boxing royalty including the likes of Andre Ward, Shane Mosley, Antonio Tarver and Terence Crawford, Jalolov put an exclamation mark on an exciting night of boxing during an historic weekend of Hall of Fame inductions which will include the last three classes of inductees during Sunday’s ceremony.

Jalolov was dominant throughout the entire fight, with the only question being whether or not he would continue his knockout streak. It looked likely in both the third and fifth rounds, as Jalolov wobbled Mulowayi but the game Belgium showed heart in making it out of both rounds unscathed. In the sixth round, Mulowayi was dropped for just the second time in his career by a left cross as the bell sounded. He rose to his feet and beat the count, but was knocked down for good with yet another signature left hand at 1:20 of the final round.

“I thought I was going to stop him at the end of the sixth round when I dropped him, but the referee let him continue and the round was over,” said Jalolov, who was deducted a point for holding in the fourth round. “I thought that was the time. But I had to wait until the final round. I’m happy that I got the stoppage. I feel like I hurt him three or four times.”

Jalolov went past the fifth round for the first time in his career, landing 47 percent of his power punches and out-landing Mulowayi 99-17 in total punches.

In the co-main event, undefeated Dominican heavyweight prospect George Arias (18-0, 7 KOs) won a tactical duel over previously unbeaten Alante Green (10-1-1, 7 KOs) via split-decision with scores of 78-74, 77-75 in favor of Arias and 77-75 for Green.

“I definitely learned more than anything from this fight so I give my performance a C-plus or a B-minus because this is the type of fight that makes me go back to the gym hungrier and knowing there’s a lot more to do,” said Arias, who now lives and trains out of the Bronx. “But we were blessed this time because should he have been a little bit stronger, things could have been more disastrous.”

Arias jumped out to a commanding lead in the first half of the fight, executing the game plan by outboxing Green and landing the cleaner, harder punches. Cleveland’s Green grew into the fight in the later rounds, but it was too little too late and Arias was able to do enough to hold off the late rally.

It was a difficult fight to score, as all three judges agreed on just two out of the eight rounds but the punch stats backed up the judges’ decision as Arias out-landed Green 81-58. Green became the 213^th fighter to have his undefeated record spoiled on SHOBOX.

“Everyone who I face always trains for me a thousand percent better,” continued Arias. “He was real complete. He didn’t really necessarily have any weakness that I could exploit. The reaction time he had was really good and he had good inner footwork where it took me a little too long to get into a zone because every strategy I used he seemed to have a good reaction.”

In the telecast opener, undefeated lightweight prospect Chann Thonson (11-0, 8 KOs) put on a boxing display, bruising, battering and eventually breaking down the previously undefeated Tyler Tomlin (13-1, 9 KOs) en route to a fifth-round TKO. Referee Mark Nelson stopped the action 1:01 into the round.

“I knew if I stayed in the pocket with him that the shots I was going to give him would put him away,” said Canada’s Thonson, who is trained by former Olympic bronze medalist and light heavyweight contender Chris Johnson. “Surprisingly, he was a little tougher than I thought because when I hit him hard, he wasn’t taking a step back. So eventually I knew that would be his own demise and it was just a matter of time.”

Thonson, who was fighting for the fourth time in 2022, controlled the tempo and distance from the opening bell and looked like the more relaxed and experienced fighter. He used his jab and straight right hand to cause both swelling around Tomlin’s left eye and serious cause for concern in Tomlin’s corner. Prior to the start of the third round, Tomlin’s father and trainer Darryl urged his son to pick up the pace.

However, it was Thonson who stepped on the gas even more. Late in the third round, Thonson landed a barrage of punches that hurt Tomlin and left his face a bloody mess. The sound of the bell temporarily saved Tomlin but his night would come to an end in the fifth round. Unable to avoid the constant punishment that Thonson was dishing out, the action was stopped after the ringside physician assessed Tomlin.

Overall, Thonson landed 44 percent of his power punches and out-landed Tomlin 102-39 in total punches.

“I feel fine, I feel like I was in the fight. I just got caught with two overhand rights and I’m pretty sure one of them either broke or fractured my nose,” said the 22-year-old Tomlin. “It was in the second or third round when I got caught. I felt and it threw off the game plan as far as what I was trying to do. I got a little more hesitant than I should have. I just can’t get hit by those overhand rights. SHOWTIME, that’s what they do, they put good fighters against good fighters. I felt like I was going to come out on top but we have to go back and watch film and see what comes next.”

2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside alongside former world champion Raul Marquez and renowned combat sports authority Brian Campbell serving as expert analysts. Steve Farhood, a 2017 IBHOF inductee, was the unofficial scorer and Al Bernstein, a 2012 inductee, was the ringside reporter. Ray Flores served as the ring announcer. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event was promoted by DiBella Entertainment, whose owner, Lou DiBella, is a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee and will be formally inducted along with the classes of 2021 and 2022 on Sunday. The SHOBOX tripleheader will re-air on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 86 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing

2-time Dominican Olympian Leonel de los Santos Shipping up to Boston

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Alex Rivera _ Santos.jpg — **BOSTON (May 4, 2022)** – Two-time Dominican Olympian, lightweight Leonel de los Santos (6-0, 5 KOs), may be settling in the Boston area to enhance his professional boxing career. In fact, he recently spent a month there preparing for his last fight, which resulted in a win by way of a 6-round decision this past March in his native Dominican Republic.

Santos’ manager, Ryan Roach, lives in Boston and he introduced his undefeated lightweight to trainer Alex Rivera, and that paid immediate dividends in terms of improvement.

Santos, 26, trained at the Somerville Boxing Club under Rivera, who trains 26-0 welterweight Rashidi Ellis, who Santos sparred with several times, and US Olympian Rashida Ellis, Rashidi’s sister.

“The conditions at our training camp in Boston were very good,” Santos said. “I learned a lot of new things about professional boxing from Alex in just a short time, especially my defense about dodging smaller boxers. He really helped my performance in my last fight.
Rivera only worked with Santos two weeks, but the two connected right away.

“Leonel is a good boxer with a lot of experience,” Rivera remembered. “He has speed and power. We worked on making him more technically sound. It’s about hitting without being hit. He is very tall for his weight class – 5’ 8’ or 5’ 9” – with a good reach. We got along right away, and it was like we had been working together for a long time. I think he can make some noise with his amateur background. He has all the tools. Reminds me a little of Ryan Garcia: tall and strong for his weight class. Leonel has what it takes.

“I wasn’t with Leonel for his last fight, but I did watch some highlights. The guy he fought (Andres Bens Zapata) could really take a punch. Leonel’s hands were swollen after the fight from hitting his opponent so much. Leonel hit him with everything he had. I noticed how his defense and distance had improved. That’s what we worked on. He kept his distance and had a clean fight.”

Santos, who has relatives living in nearby Lawrence, MA, is applying for a work visa to train with Rivera.

“I think training with Alex vastly improved Leonel’s boxing and timing,” Santos’ manager Roach added. “Alex worked a lot on distance, which will lead to more power behind his shots. I saw big changes in Leonel’s last fight. He applied the skills he learned with Alex, and I look forward to more.”

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers also includes California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), New York’s ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (16-0, 11 KOs), Connecticut’s ABF USA super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (18-5-2, 6 KOs), Colorado’s ABF American West super middleweight champion “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (10-0, 6 KOs), Massachusetts super lightweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (12-0, 9 KOs), Florida super bantamweight Daniel “The Dedication” Bailey, Jr. (10-1, 5 KOs), Massachusetts featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs), 2-time Brazilian Olympian & 2016 Olympic silver medalist Yuberjen Martinez, Brazilian Olympian Jorge Vivas, Dominican cruiserweight Roki “Rocky” Berroa (2-0, 1 KO), Dominican super welterweight Juan Solano Santos (1-0, 1 KO), Georgia super middleweight James Hagler, Jr. (2-1, 1 KO), Dominican featherweight Orlando Perez Zapata (10-0, 8 KOs), Dominican lightweight Isaelin Florian Henriguez (8-1, 4 KOs), Florida light heavyweight Robert Daniels, Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs), Irish light heavyweight Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (3-0, 2 KOs), Texas super lightweight Miranda “La Alacrana” Reyes (5-1-1, 2 KOs), Massachusetts super featherweight Alex Rivera (3-0, 2 KOs), Kansas brothers, welterweight Marcus (3-0, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Marcell (1-0), and Utah brothers, ABF American West lightweight champion Ignacio Chairez (9-0-1, 5 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (4-0-1, 2 KOs).

**INFORMATION:**

WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com
FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker
TWITTER: @RoachRyan
INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

boxing

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame induction dinner Displayed pride, emotions and grateful thanks

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

NYSBHOF CLASS OF 2022 – (L-R) Seated: Don Elbaum, Bill Verigan, John Turner, Ron McNair, John Verderosa, Jill Diamond, Larry Barnes and Verno Phillips; Standing: Donny Lalonde, Shannon Briggs, Michael Bentt and Mike Silver.

(all pictures by Peter Frutkoff – NYSBHOF)

**NEW YORK (May 3, 2022)** – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame’s (NYSBHOF) Class of 2122 was inducted this past Sunday at a special ceremony, sponsored by Ring 8, in front of 360 attendees at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“This was the most emotional NYSBHOF induction dinner ever,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said. “Several inductees cried during their acceptance speeches and that really made everything more exciting for everybody. You could see how really proud each of the inductees were as they proudly displayed their belts. This is all about honoring New York boxing people for their accomplishments and contributions. It was another knockout!”

One of the largest ovations was for Master of Ceremonies Dave Diamante for his remarkable recovery from a near-death accident that left him with a broken back.

(L-R) – MC Dave Diamante & NYSBHOF President Bob Duffy

Living boxers inducted into the NYSBHOF included Brooklyn WBO Heavyweight World Champions Jamaica’s Michael Bentt (11-2, 6 KOs), also a 4-time New York Golden Gloves gold medalist, and Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs); Albany’s 3-time World light middleweight titlist Verno Phillips (42-11-1, 2 KOs), WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Donny “Golden Boy” Lalonde (42-11-1, 21 KOs), Staten Island’s WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion Johnny “The Heat” Verderosa (41-5-1, 33 KOs), Mount Vernon’s 2-time World title challenger and No. 1 ranked welterweight contender Larry “No Fear” Barnes (44-3-1, 17 KOs), and Brooklyn’s welterweight Johnny Turner (42-6-2, 32 KOs)

Posthumous participants inducted were World Lightweight Champion Bronx’ Al Singer (62-9-2, 26 KOs), World’s Colored Light Heavyweight Champion Kid Norfolk (88-25-7, 49 KOs), Brooklyn’s lightweight Pasquale Patsy Giovanelli (44-7-1, 14 KOs), Brooklyn’s World Bantamweight Champion Cannonball Eddie Martin (81-12-4, 29 KOs), New York City’s World Light Heavyweight title challenger Battling Siki (60-24-4, 31 KOs), Brooklyn’s Novice New York Golden Gloves and Intercity Golden Gloves champion Solly Krieger (82-25-6 , 54 KOs), New York City’s No. 1 world ranked middleweight contender Herbie Kronowitz (55-23-5, 10 KOs), Buffalo’s World featherweight champion Tommy Paul (80-28-10, 26 KOs), and Brooklyn’s World Bantamweight Champion and US Olympian Lou Salica (67-17-12, 13 KOs).

Living non-participants who were inducted the NYSBHOF were judge Queens New York Golden Gloves finalist, inspector and licensed judge Ron McNair, promoter/manager/matchmaker Don Elbaum, New York City journalists Ed Schuyler of New York City and Bill Verigan, New York City author/journalist Tom Hauser, Queens author/journalist/ Mike Silver, and Brooklyn’s Jill Diamond, Secretary of the World Boxing Council and International Chair or WBC Cares.

Posthumous non-participant inductees now in the NYSBHOF are Brooklyn’s trainer and Stillman’s gym owner Lou Stillman, New York City’s promoter/manager Bill Cayton, NYC Mayor James Walker who legalized boxing in NY, publicists John Condon, of Queens, and New York City’s Irving Rudd, Brooklyn’s journalist Richard K. Fox, and trainer Victor Valle.

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

The 2021 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Jim 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.

**CLASS OF 2021 INDUCTEE QUOTES & PICTURES**

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like “free” “personalized” “complimentary” or “customized.” A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like “for a limited time only” or “only 7 remaining”!

Bill Verigan: “Whether a boxer is in the Hall of Fame or not, they train hard, compete hard and have overcome hard losses. I’m very, very thankful to be here today. Thank you so much.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Henry Hascup, Shannon Briggs, Bob Duffy & Tommy Gallagher

Shannon Briggs: “Let’s go champ! Let’s go champ. Let’s go champ. This is amazing. I grew up in Brooklyn and lived in Brownsville. I weighed less than 2 pounds when I was born and asthmatic. I was bullied growing up in Brownsville, but I made it. We lost our home. Tough times growing up. I had to fight. I can’t believe I’m in the Hall of Fame. My aunt said, ‘We going to make it.’ She’s here today.

“I fell into boxing. I was never into sports. I can’t catch and still can’t dribble. But when I put gloves on, something about me changed, and nobody could do anything to me. No more bullying. I went from sleeping on the train or in the gym to traveling around the world. Nobody believed in me until Vito Antuofermo said, ‘This kid can be something.’ I just turned 50 and I’m up here with Vito. I won the Golden Gloves when I was homeless. This is all unexpected. I never though I’d be a boxer. I put gloves on and got busy. I started winning. Boxing helped me stay out of jail, selling drugs, or running the streets. I became heavyweight champion of the world. Shout out to everybody who believed in me. A lot are here today. Thank you, guys. Let’s go champ!”

(L-R) – Jack Hirsch & John Turner

Johnny Turner: I want to thank everyone for having me here today. I want to thank my trainers and Joe DeGuardia for believing in me. My most prestigious fight was with Wilfredo Benitez, and I was in the move, ‘Raging Bull.’ I’m a very lucky guy.”

(L-R) – Diamante, Ryan O’Leary, Larry Barnes, Melvina Lathan & Bob Duffy

Larry Barnes: “I’m going to be short; I can’t match Shannon. Let’s go champ! I’m very excited to be here with all these champions. I want to thank all the people in boxing for believing in me. I never gave up. Most of all, I want to thank me for putting in all the hard work.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Michael Bentt, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. & Bob Duffy

Michael Bentt: “It’s wonderful to be back in New York. I didn’t get here by myself. I want to thank four groups: my mentors, sponsors and facilitators, boxers who inspired me, and my allies. I was captain of the USA Boxing Team and got a call to be in the movie ‘Ali’ (he played Sonny Liston). Young people should seek people like those who inspired me: Muhammad Ali, Mark Breland, Mike McCallum, Shannon Briggs, Evander Holyfield, Ronald Turner and Monte Barrett. They fueled my flame.”

(L-R) – Jill Diamond & JoAnn Aquilera

Jill Diamond: “I want to thank my two biggest mentors, Jose Suliaman and Joe Dwyer. I’d like to thank my New York family who still think I go to the Golden Globes instead of the Golden Gloves. And thanks to my WBC family that embraced me, especially Mauricio Suliaman, who said to come join us. I do know that in the big boxing family, if anybody hurt somebody, they would always help. I wish, especially with what’s going on today, others settled things in the ring like us. The world would be a better place.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Mike Silver, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. & Bob Duffy

Mike Silver: “I’m very humbled and appreciative to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame selection committee to receive this honor. It’s so gratifying coming from peers. Boxing is the most colorful sport. In my books I give my perception to be informative, educational, and entertaining. I used to check newsstands for the new Ring magazine and Boxing News. I respected boxers and fell in love with the sport. One thing will never change in boxing. In the ring it’s about hitting without getting hit, the science of the sport. Boxers’ stories are not written. It takes their blood, sweat and tears. And that will never change.”

(L-R) – Don & Kipp Elbaum

Don Elbaum: “I’m honored and thankful by this. What a run it’s been running shows. I’m still doing it. I remember putting shows on at Madison Square Garden. No sport has 1-on-1 world champions like boxing. Many countries have kings, but there is only one in boxing, and that’s the world heavyweight champion.”

(L-R) – Tommy Gallagher, Donny Lalonde & Bobby Cassidy, Jr.

Donny Lalonde: “I would be here without Bobby Cassidy. Bobby Cassidy, Sr. was the number one light heavyweight in the world. He was also a trainer who taught me what it took to be a boxer. Now, I’m in the New York Hall of Fame with him and his son, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. I was from Canada, and I was told that being a champion from there was worthless. When you grow up in a broken home, you really need somebody to believe in you. Don Majeski believed in me. Tommy Gallagher and Bobby Cassidy made my spirit rise high. I was ready to take on the world. Everybody said I had no business being in the wring with Eddie Davis, after he went 15 rounds with Michael Spinks. I knocked him out 22 seconds into the second round to win the world title. Thanks to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame for having me here.”

(L-R – John & Wiliam Verderosa

John Verderosa: “I appreciate the accolades. This is fantastic. Forty years later, it blows my mind that people remember me from so long ago. I’m so honored. Thank you so much.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Henry Hascup, Verno Phillips and his son K.J. Phillips, & Bob Duffy

Verno Phillips: “New York Hall of Fame, baby. I made it! I put in the work. Like my grandmother said, ‘You got to go out and run.’”
_____________________________________________________________________

**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.

**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.

*No class of 2019 or 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions*

**CLASS OF 2021:** Jorge Ahumada, Alfredo Escalera, Freddie Liberatore, Dennis Milton; Lou Savarese and Merqui Sosa, Soldier Bartfield, Steve Belloise, Jimmy Goodrich, Tami Mauriello, Davey Moore, Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch, Don Ackerman, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Rick Glaser, Jack Hirsch, Max Kellerman, Dr. William Lathan, Julie Lederman, Ron Lipton, Kevin Rooney, Dan Daniel, Bobby Gleason, Flash Gordan, A.J. Liebling, Tony Mazzarella, and manager Dan Morgan
_____________________________________________________________________.

Go online at www.nyboxinghof.org or 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 online 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 are 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.

**INFORMATION:**
www.nyboxinghof.org

Class of 2022.jpg — NYSBHOF CLASS OF 2022 – (L-R) Seated: Don Elbaum, Bill Verigan, John Turner, Ron McNair, John Verderosa, Jill Diamond, Larry Barnes and Verno Phillips; Standing: Donny Lalonde, Shannon Briggs, Michael Bentt and Mike Silver.

(all pictures by Peter Frutkoff – NYSBHOF)

**NEW YORK (May 3, 2022)** – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame’s (NYSBHOF) Class of 2122 was inducted this past Sunday at a special ceremony, sponsored by Ring 8, in front of 360 attendees at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“This was the most emotional NYSBHOF induction dinner ever,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said. “Several inductees cried during their acceptance speeches and that really made everything more exciting for everybody. You could see how really proud each of the inductees were as they proudly displayed their belts. This is all about honoring New York boxing people for their accomplishments and contributions. It was another knockout!”

One of the largest ovations was for Master of Ceremonies Dave Diamante for his remarkable recovery from a near-death accident that left him with a broken back.

(L-R) – MC Dave Diamante & NYSBHOF President Bob Duffy

Living boxers inducted into the NYSBHOF included Brooklyn WBO Heavyweight World Champions Jamaica’s Michael Bentt (11-2, 6 KOs), also a 4-time New York Golden Gloves gold medalist, and Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs); Albany’s 3-time World light middleweight titlist Verno Phillips (42-11-1, 2 KOs), WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Donny “Golden Boy” Lalonde (42-11-1, 21 KOs), Staten Island’s WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion Johnny “The Heat” Verderosa (41-5-1, 33 KOs), Mount Vernon’s 2-time World title challenger and No. 1 ranked welterweight contender Larry “No Fear” Barnes (44-3-1, 17 KOs), and Brooklyn’s welterweight Johnny Turner (42-6-2, 32 KOs)

Posthumous participants inducted were World Lightweight Champion Bronx’ Al Singer (62-9-2, 26 KOs), World’s Colored Light Heavyweight Champion Kid Norfolk (88-25-7, 49 KOs), Brooklyn’s lightweight Pasquale Patsy Giovanelli (44-7-1, 14 KOs), Brooklyn’s World Bantamweight Champion Cannonball Eddie Martin (81-12-4, 29 KOs), New York City’s World Light Heavyweight title challenger Battling Siki (60-24-4, 31 KOs), Brooklyn’s Novice New York Golden Gloves and Intercity Golden Gloves champion Solly Krieger (82-25-6 , 54 KOs), New York City’s No. 1 world ranked middleweight contender Herbie Kronowitz (55-23-5, 10 KOs), Buffalo’s World featherweight champion Tommy Paul (80-28-10, 26 KOs), and Brooklyn’s World Bantamweight Champion and US Olympian Lou Salica (67-17-12, 13 KOs).

Living non-participants who were inducted the NYSBHOF were judge Queens New York Golden Gloves finalist, inspector and licensed judge Ron McNair, promoter/manager/matchmaker Don Elbaum, New York City journalists Ed Schuyler of New York City and Bill Verigan, New York City author/journalist Tom Hauser, Queens author/journalist/ Mike Silver, and Brooklyn’s Jill Diamond, Secretary of the World Boxing Council and International Chair or WBC Cares.

Posthumous non-participant inductees now in the NYSBHOF are Brooklyn’s trainer and Stillman’s gym owner Lou Stillman, New York City’s promoter/manager Bill Cayton, NYC Mayor James Walker who legalized boxing in NY, publicists John Condon, of Queens, and New York City’s Irving Rudd, Brooklyn’s journalist Richard K. Fox, and trainer Victor Valle.

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

The 2021 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Jim 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.

**CLASS OF 2021 INDUCTEE QUOTES & PICTURES**

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like “free” “personalized” “complimentary” or “customized.” A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like “for a limited time only” or “only 7 remaining”!

Bill Verigan: “Whether a boxer is in the Hall of Fame or not, they train hard, compete hard and have overcome hard losses. I’m very, very thankful to be here today. Thank you so much.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Henry Hascup, Shannon Briggs, Bob Duffy & Tommy Gallagher

Shannon Briggs: “Let’s go champ! Let’s go champ. Let’s go champ. This is amazing. I grew up in Brooklyn and lived in Brownsville. I weighed less than 2 pounds when I was born and asthmatic. I was bullied growing up in Brownsville, but I made it. We lost our home. Tough times growing up. I had to fight. I can’t believe I’m in the Hall of Fame. My aunt said, ‘We going to make it.’ She’s here today.

“I fell into boxing. I was never into sports. I can’t catch and still can’t dribble. But when I put gloves on, something about me changed, and nobody could do anything to me. No more bullying. I went from sleeping on the train or in the gym to traveling around the world. Nobody believed in me until Vito Antuofermo said, ‘This kid can be something.’ I just turned 50 and I’m up here with Vito. I won the Golden Gloves when I was homeless. This is all unexpected. I never though I’d be a boxer. I put gloves on and got busy. I started winning. Boxing helped me stay out of jail, selling drugs, or running the streets. I became heavyweight champion of the world. Shout out to everybody who believed in me. A lot are here today. Thank you, guys. Let’s go champ!”

(L-R) – Jack Hirsch & John Turner

Johnny Turner: I want to thank everyone for having me here today. I want to thank my trainers and Joe DeGuardia for believing in me. My most prestigious fight was with Wilfredo Benitez, and I was in the move, ‘Raging Bull.’ I’m a very lucky guy.”

(L-R) – Diamante, Ryan O’Leary, Larry Barnes, Melvina Lathan & Bob Duffy

Larry Barnes: “I’m going to be short; I can’t match Shannon. Let’s go champ! I’m very excited to be here with all these champions. I want to thank all the people in boxing for believing in me. I never gave up. Most of all, I want to thank me for putting in all the hard work.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Michael Bentt, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. & Bob Duffy

Michael Bentt: “It’s wonderful to be back in New York. I didn’t get here by myself. I want to thank four groups: my mentors, sponsors and facilitators, boxers who inspired me, and my allies. I was captain of the USA Boxing Team and got a call to be in the movie ‘Ali’ (he played Sonny Liston). Young people should seek people like those who inspired me: Muhammad Ali, Mark Breland, Mike McCallum, Shannon Briggs, Evander Holyfield, Ronald Turner and Monte Barrett. They fueled my flame.”

(L-R) – Jill Diamond & JoAnn Aquilera

Jill Diamond: “I want to thank my two biggest mentors, Jose Suliaman and Joe Dwyer. I’d like to thank my New York family who still think I go to the Golden Globes instead of the Golden Gloves. And thanks to my WBC family that embraced me, especially Mauricio Suliaman, who said to come join us. I do know that in the big boxing family, if anybody hurt somebody, they would always help. I wish, especially with what’s going on today, others settled things in the ring like us. The world would be a better place.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Mike Silver, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. & Bob Duffy

Mike Silver: “I’m very humbled and appreciative to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame selection committee to receive this honor. It’s so gratifying coming from peers. Boxing is the most colorful sport. In my books I give my perception to be informative, educational, and entertaining. I used to check newsstands for the new Ring magazine and Boxing News. I respected boxers and fell in love with the sport. One thing will never change in boxing. In the ring it’s about hitting without getting hit, the science of the sport. Boxers’ stories are not written. It takes their blood, sweat and tears. And that will never change.”

(L-R) – Don & Kipp Elbaum

Don Elbaum: “I’m honored and thankful by this. What a run it’s been running shows. I’m still doing it. I remember putting shows on at Madison Square Garden. No sport has 1-on-1 world champions like boxing. Many countries have kings, but there is only one in boxing, and that’s the world heavyweight champion.”

(L-R) – Tommy Gallagher, Donny Lalonde & Bobby Cassidy, Jr.

Donny Lalonde: “I would be here without Bobby Cassidy. Bobby Cassidy, Sr. was the number one light heavyweight in the world. He was also a trainer who taught me what it took to be a boxer. Now, I’m in the New York Hall of Fame with him and his son, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. I was from Canada, and I was told that being a champion from there was worthless. When you grow up in a broken home, you really need somebody to believe in you. Don Majeski believed in me. Tommy Gallagher and Bobby Cassidy made my spirit rise high. I was ready to take on the world. Everybody said I had no business being in the wring with Eddie Davis, after he went 15 rounds with Michael Spinks. I knocked him out 22 seconds into the second round to win the world title. Thanks to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame for having me here.”

(L-R – John & Wiliam Verderosa

John Verderosa: “I appreciate the accolades. This is fantastic. Forty years later, it blows my mind that people remember me from so long ago. I’m so honored. Thank you so much.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Henry Hascup, Verno Phillips and his son K.J. Phillips, & Bob Duffy

Verno Phillips: “New York Hall of Fame, baby. I made it! I put in the work. Like my grandmother said, ‘You got to go out and run.’”
_____________________________________________________________________

**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.

**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.

*No class of 2019 or 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions*

**CLASS OF 2021:** Jorge Ahumada, Alfredo Escalera, Freddie Liberatore, Dennis Milton; Lou Savarese and Merqui Sosa, Soldier Bartfield, Steve Belloise, Jimmy Goodrich, Tami Mauriello, Davey Moore, Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch, Don Ackerman, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Rick Glaser, Jack Hirsch, Max Kellerman, Dr. William Lathan, Julie Lederman, Ron Lipton, Kevin Rooney, Dan Daniel, Bobby Gleason, Flash Gordan, A.J. Liebling, Tony Mazzarella, and manager Dan Morgan
_____________________________________________________________________.

Go online at www.nyboxinghof.org or 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 online 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 are 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.

**INFORMATION:**
www.nyboxinghof.org

boxing, Granite Chin

Undefeated light heavyweight New Bedford Edet Mkapanam battling back from surgeries Granite Chin’s “Hometown Royalty” this Saturday in Bridgewater, MA (see attached with pictures)

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Edet Mkapanam.jpeg — Edet Mkapanam
(Picture courtesy of Jess Marie Photography)

**QUINCY, Mass. (May 3, 2022)** – Undefeated New Bedford (MA) light heavyweight prospect Edet Mkapanam (6-0, 5 KOs) is battling back from retina and shoulder surgeries that sidelined him 16 months before his successful ring return this past March.

The 27-year-old Mkapanam faces Scott “Bombz” Scott on the May 7^th Hometown Royalty” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions in association with Cappiello Boxing Promotions and Shearns Boxing Promotions, at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts (85 Cottage St.), marking the first professional boxing event ever held in that town.

Raised in Brockton, known as the “City of Champions, Mkapanam had an abbreviated amateur career (8-3), although he was a heavyweight winner in the 2017 Rocky Marciano Tournament, as well as runner-up a year later in the prestigious New England Golden Gloves Championships.

Mkapanam had back-to-back surgeries, starting with a torn ligament in his shoulder, followed by surgery to repair his retina in the right eye.

“I didn’t have much of an amateur career and I’ve been learning on the job (as a pro),” Mkapanam explained. “I learned in the gym sparring with some of the top fighters in New England like Peter Manfredo, Jr. and Mark Deluca. In my mind, I wanted to continue fighting and I kept working hard in the gym while recovering. Some doctors said I shouldn’t fight again, so I upped my intensity in the gym, and when I was examined again the doctors said my eye was a lot better and I was cleared to fight. I had a tough training camp before my last fight, the first after my surgeries, and I wasn’t even thinking about my eye during that fight.”

Mkapanam looked relatively sharp in his March 19^th comeback fight, stopping pro debut fighter Igor Pessoa in the third round of their fight in Derry, New Hampshire.
Now, Edet is on a mission to make up for lost time.

“I’ve been working on my jab and some other things,” he said. “My goal is to fight on bigger stages, which is one of the reasons I signed with (Granite Chin promoter) Chris Traietti. I respect Scott Lampert, but I’m on a whole different level in New England boxing, and I’m going to prove it this fight. I know Chris is going to get me opportunities to fight on bigger stages.”

“Edet was somebody I was interested in working with in the past, but then his injuries happened before we could formally get a deal together,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti explained. “Once he reached out and told me he was cleared to fight again, I wasted no time making him an offer to sigh with Granite Chin. Edet is a great guy who works hard and wants to fight. We talked about a game plan for his career. We are both on the same page and you will be seeing him on a big stage in the very near future.”

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man Ohan, Jr. (14-1, 8 KOs), of Holbrook, MA, headlines “Hometown Royalty” in the 8-round main event against Argentinian opponent Jose “El Chino” Aubel (8-9, 7 KOs).

Quincy (MA) lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (30-6, 11 KOs), a 2008 National Golden Gloves silver medalist and 2-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, faces another Argentinian, Mario Lozano (18-5-1, 9 KOs), in the 8-round co-featured event.

Brockton welterweight prospect David Ribeiro makes his pro debut in a 4-round bout versus Joshua Zimmerman (0-8). Ribeiro was a celebrated amateur having won gold medals at the 2020 New England Golden Gloves, 2019 King of the Ring, and the regional Mike Tyson Tournament.

Fall River (MA) welterweight Damon Towns (4-0, 3 KOs) meets Robert Bricks (0-9) in a 4-round bout.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale, $60.00 standing room and $40.00 floor seats, and available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: Hometown Royalty).

**INFORMATION:**
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

boxing, women's boxing

Coyle inspired by Katie Taylor’s performance

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Tampa, FL (May 2, 2022) – Like most who love the sweet science, undefeated middleweight Connor “The Kid” Coyle was fully engaged in the Katie Taylor–Amanda Serrano fight.

Recognized as the biggest in women’s boxing history, Taylor-Serrano took place in front more than 19,000 fans at a sold out Madison Square Garden. It was the first time a female fight headlined at The Mecca of Boxing.

Following four fast-paced and competitive rounds, Serrano rocked Taylor in the fifth with a left hook followed by a left cross. Taylor was in bad shape and nearly tasted the canvas for the first time in her career but managed to finish the round on her feet.

Serrano kept the momentum over the next few rounds as she appeared to be headed towards the biggest win of her great career. Taylor impressively turned the tides in the final three rounds of the contest, finding her second wind and outfighting Serrano en route to a split decision victory.

“What an incredible fight that was – major credit to both women” said Coyle, who trained with Taylor in Dublin when both were amateurs. “Katie really had to overcome a lot of adversity against Serrano especially in the fifth round. Katie showed incredible heart and came through like a champion. She’s a true warrior and great inspiration for me heading into the most important fight of my career.”

Coyle, 15-0 (7 KO’s), meets Antonio Todd in a ten round contest for the NABA middleweight title Saturday, May 21 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL. Coyle-Todd airs live on Bally Sports Network as part of the Entrobox Championship Boxing Series at 9 pm et.

Tickets are on sale at https://www.ticketmaster.com/bally-sportsentrobox-championship-boxing-orlando-florida-05-21-2022/event/22005C889425AF5F.

Coyle is promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions.

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Undefeated light heavyweight New Bedford Edet Mkapanam battling back from surgeries Granite Chin’s “Hometown Royalty” this Saturday in Bridgewater, MA (see attached with pictures)

Coyle inspired by Katie Taylor’s performance

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