Category Archives: Ring 8

boxing, Ring 8

31stannual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony This Sunday afternoon in New York

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NEW YORK (December 5, 2017) – Limited tickets are still available for this Sunday afternoon’s 31st annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony, between 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. ET, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
Six world champions will be attending, including three award winners: WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl “Hi Tech” Lomachenko (Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year), Hall-of-Famer Michael Spinks (Historical Award), and five-time world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (New York State Female Fighter of the Year).
Another Hall-of Fame star, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, is unable to attend the festivities because of a travel conflict but he did receive his Legends Award at the last Ring 8 meeting.
World champions Vito Antuofermo, Iran Barkley and Luis Collazo are confirmed special guests.
Other 2017 Ring 8 award winners include two-time Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (International Prospect of the Year Award), 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne(New York State Fighter of the Year), of Staten Island.
“The anticipation is continuing to grow as we move closer to the Ring 8 awards banqueton Sunday,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said. “We are honored that Vasyl Lomachenko and Michael Conlan will be attending despite having fought at Madison Square Garden the night before.  Many consider Lomachenko the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and Conlan the best prospect. And it will be a special treat for fans to see Michael Spinks, who will be given recognition as being the first light heavyweight champion in history to have won the heavyweight crown.
“The awards banquet is very reasonably priced. Not only will people get to mingle with great fighters, but the food at Russo’s on the Bay is superb and the atmosphere first rate.”
2017 RING 8 Award Winners
Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year: Vasyl Lomachenko
Historical Award: Michael Spinks
International Prospect of the Year: Michael Conlan
NYS Fighter of the Year: Marcus Browne
NYS Female Fighter of the Year: Amanda Serrano
Sunnyside Gardens Award:: Bobby Cassidy, Sr.
NYS Prospect of the Year: Devaun Lee
Rising Contender Award: Skender & Enver Halili
Sam Kellerman Media Award: Matt Christie
NYS Trainer of the Year: Hector Rosa
Long & Meritorious Service: Edwin Torres
NYS Official of the Year: Robert Perez
NYS Promoter of the Year: Mercedes Vasquez Simmons
Uncrowned Champion: Richard Kiley
Ringside Physician of the Year: Dr. Osric King
Good Guy Award: Joanne Doyle Hutchins
Ring 8 Member of the Year: George Newman
Community Service Award: Mike Reno
David Diamante will once again serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
Tickets are $125.00 and 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. Contact Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch (516.790.7592 orAjhirsch5@aol.com) to purchase tickets.
Go online to www.Ring8ny.com for additional 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).
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.
boxing, Ring 8

Evander Holyfield & Luis Collazo Ring 8’s Special Guest Speakers

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Tuesday, Nov. 21 at O’Neill’s Restaurant
In Maspeth, NY
NEW YORK (November 15, 2017)) – Hall of Famer Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield and former world welterweight champion Luis Collazo will be special guest speakers at Ring 8’s next monthly meeting,Tuesday night, November 21, at O’Neill’s Restaurant (64-21 53rd Drive) in Maspeth, New York,
Because a large crowd is expected, only Ring 8 members will be allowed to attend this meeting, but membership may be obtained at the door for those interested in joining Ring 8.
“Evander Holyfield is one of the few living legends in our sport,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said. “So, you can imagine how thrilled we are to have him as a guest speaker. We had planned to present Holyfield with the Ring 8 Legends Award at our holiday banquet, but a lucrative business opportunity will prohibit him from being there that afternoon. Instead, we will present him with that award at O’Neil’s. It says a lot about Evander that he adjusted his schedule to remain in New York to attend our meeting.
“Luis Collazo is a terrific fighter in his own right, having been a former world champion. His career seems to be on an upswing once again and we are anxious to hear about his future plans.”
Holyfield has retired as a boxer with an outstanding 44-10-2 (29 KOs), but this past year he has operated a New York City-based promotional company, Real Deal Boxing. A U.S. Olympian, Holyfield is the only unified world cruiserweight champion, as well as a four-time heavyweight champion of the world.
He had a 16-7-2 record in world title fights and won 19 of 30 fights with two draws against past or present world champions, defeating a Who’s Who list of all-time greats such as Dwight Muhammad Qawi, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson (twice), among the more notables.
Born in Brooklyn and now a resident of Queens, Collazo (37-7. 20 KOs) captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight world title on April 2, 2005, winning a 12-round split decision over hometown favorite and defending champion Jose Antonio Rivera in Worcester, Massachusetts.
The 26-year-old Collazo, who has also defeated world champions Miguel Angel Gonzalez and Victor Ortiz, remains a world title contender having upset 21-1 Sammy Vasquez in his last action by way of a sixth-round knockout last February.
ABOUT RING 8: 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, with a current boxing license or book 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.
boxing, Ring 8

31stannual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony Dec. 10 in New York

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Vasyl Lomachenko, Evander Holyfield, Michael Conlan,
Marcus Browne, Amanda Serrano among 2017 award winners
Vasyl Lomachenko (R) – 2017 Ring 8 Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year)
(photo courtesy of Top Rank – more pictures below)
NEW YORK (October 31, 2017) – The 31st annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), December 10, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
Ring 8 has announced its 2017 award winners (see complete list below), WBO Junior Lighweight World Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl “Hi Tech” Lomanchenko (Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year), Hall-of-Famer Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield (Legends Award), two-time Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (International Prospect of the Year Award), 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (New York State Fighter of the Year), of Staten Island, and five-division world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, of Brooklyn by way of Puerto Rico.
“There is an incredible amount of interest for our holiday awards banquet this year” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said. “Vasyl Lomachenko is arguably the world’s greatest fighter, and Evander Holyfield is a living legend. They are both confirmed to attend as are future superstars Michael Conlan and Marcus Browne. There will be other high-profile honorees and boxing personalities on hand as well. It will be a treat for fans who will have the opportunity to interact with them.
“Russo’s on the Bay is a great venue; the food is fantastic. Everyone attending should come away with wonderful memories of the event. Tickets are very reasonably priced for an affair of this magnitude. We usually sell out, so I suggest that anyone planning to attend purchase their tickets as soon as possible. Our profits from the afternoon go back to the boxing fraternity, helping those less fortunate, who need assistance.”
 
2017 RING 8 Award Winners
Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year: Vasyl Lomachenko
Legends Award: Evander Holyfield
International Prospect of the Year: Michael Conlan
NYS Fighter of the Year: Marcus Browne
NYS Female Fighter of the Year: Amanda Serrano
Sunnyside Gardens Award:: Bobby Cassidy, Sr.
NYS Prospect of the Year: Devaun Lee
Rising Contender Award: Skender & Enver Halili
Sam Kellerman Media Award: Matt Christie
NYS Trainer of the Year: Hector Rosa
Long & Meritorious Service: Edwin Torres
NYS Official of the Year: Robert Perez
NYS Promoter of the Year: Mercedes Vasquez Simmons
Uncrowned Champion: Richard Kiley
Ringside Physician of the Year: Dr. Osric King
Good Guy Award: Joanne Doyle Hutchins
Ring 8 Member of the Year: George Newman
Community Service Award: Mike Reno
Special Guests will include Teddy Atlas, Vito Antuofermo, Iran Barkley, Tommy Gallagher and many others.
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 26, 2017, and must be emailed (Ajhirsch5@aol) or mailed to Ring 8, P.O. Box 153, Rockaway Park, NY 11694. All checks for tickets or journal ads should be payable to Ring 8 (credit cards are acceptable).
For additional information about Ring 8 or its annual Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony, contact Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch (516.790.7592 or Ajhirsch5@aol.com) 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).
 Vasyl Lomachenko (photo courtesy of Top Rank)
Evander Holyfield (photo courtesy of Real Deal Sports and Entertainment)
Michael Conlan (Picture courtesy of Top Rank)
Marcus Browne (photo courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions)
Amanda Serrano (picture courtesy of DiBella Entertainment)
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
boxing, Ring 8

Bobby Cassidy, Sr. & Jr. Ring 8’s October Guest Speakers

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Thursday, Oct. 19 at Plattdeutsch Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, NY
NEW YORK (October 18, 2017) – New York State Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Cassidy, Sr. and his son, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., will be the Ring 8 guest speakers at its next monthly meeting tomorrow night (Thursday night, Oct. 19, 7 p.m. ET start), at Plattdeutsch Park Restaurant (1132 Hempstead Turnpike) in Franklin Square, New York.
Cassidy, Sr. (59-16-3, 27 KOs) fought professionally between 1963 and1980, capturing the Irish-American and New York State light heavyweight titles. His most notable victory, perhaps, was a 10-rpound split decision at the Felt Forum over world title challenger Don Fullmer in 1971. Bobby will speak about his career as a boxer and trainer.
Cassidy, Jr., who is a longtime sportswriter at Newsday, will discuss the rich boxing history of and documentary he made about the famed Sunnyside Gardens in Queens, where his father had a 21-3 record as one of the main attractions there. In addition to his work as a sportswriter, Bobby Jr. is also a playwright having penned the acclaimed theatrical piece, “Kid Shamrock,” which was about his father’s life.
ABOUT RING 8: 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 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, with a current boxing license or book 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.
boxing, Ring 8

Gleason’s Gym owner  Bruce Silverglade, Alex Montaldo & Frederick Romano Ring 8’s September Guest Speakers

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK (September 18, 2017) – New York State Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Silverglade, special boxing program director Alex Montaldo and boxing historian Frederick Roman are Ring 8 guest speakers at its next monthly meeting,tomorrow night (Tuesday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. ET start), at O’Neill’s Restaurant (64-21 53rdDrive) in Maspeth, New York.
Silverglade has owned the world-famous Gleason’s Gym since 1983. The iconic boxing gym dates back 80 years, when Gleason’s Gym was originally founded in the Bronx, before moving to Manhattan from 1974 to 1984, then to Brooklyn in 1985, and finally into its present location in Brooklyn a year ago at 130 Water Street.
Montaldo developed and operates a special program at Gleason’s Gym – stoPD (Support training to overcome Parkinson’s Disease) designed to help people with Parkinson’s Disease.
Romano has had work experience in boxing for more than 35 years as a research consultant for HBO, as well as a producer and host of a cable television show about boxing, and he is a certified amateur boxing judge in New York. Frederick will speak about boxing books – he’s written several – and movies.
TOMORROW NIGHT
Tuesday, Sept. 19 at O’Neill’s Restaurant
In Maspeth, NY
ABOUT RING 8: 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, with a current boxing license or book 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.
boxing, Gleason's Gym, Ring 8

Gleason’s Gym owner  Bruce Silverglade, Alex Montaldo & Frederick Romano Ring 8’s September Guest Speakers

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Tuesday, Sept. 19 at O’Neill’s Restaurant
In Maspeth, NY
  2015 NYSBHOF inductee Bruce Silverglade and his wife, Jo Ellen
(photo by Peter Frutkoff)
NEW YORK (September 11, 2017) – New York State Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Silverglade, special boxing program director Alex Montaldo and boxing historian Frederick Roman will be the Ring 8 guest speakers at its next monthly meeting on Tuesday night, September 19 (7 p.m. ET start), at O’Neill’s Restaurant (64-21 53rd Drive) in Maspeth, New York.
“Full credit should be given to Bruce Silverglade for turning Gleason’s into arguably the top boxing gym in the world,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said. “With all the great fighters who have trained there over the years, he probably will have some fascinating stories to share with us. Alex Montaldo runs a boxing program at Gleason’s for people afflicted with Parkinson’s disease. We look forward to him explaining how it works.
Frederick Romano has written a new book detailing the history of boxing on the radio, taking us back to a golden age before television came into existence. He will bring along some books for purchase at a discounted price for Ring8 members.   Our three speakers should make this a very enjoyable night for the membership.”
Silverglade has owned the world-famous Gleason’s Gym since 1983. The iconic boxing gym dates back 80 years, when Gleason’s Gym was originally founded in the Bronx, before moving to Manhattan from 1974 to 1984, then to Brooklyn in 1985, and finally into its present location in Brooklyn a year ago at 130 Water Street.
Many of boxing’s greats have trained at Gleason’s including Jake Lamotta, Roberto Duran, Mike Tyson and even Muhammad Ali, who as Cassius Clay trained there for his first fight with Sonny Liston in 1964. Many actors, including Robert DeNiro andWesley Snipes, have also trained there for roles in movies.
Montaldo developed and operates a special program at Gleason’s Gym – stoPD (Support training to overcome Parkinson’s Disease) designed to help people with Parkinson’s Disease.
Romano has had work experience in boxing for more than 35 years as a research consultant for HBO, as well as a producer and host of a cable television show about boxing, and he is a certified amateur boxing judge in New York. Frederick will speak about boxing books – he’s written several – and movies.
ABOUT RING 8: 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, with a current boxing license or book 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.
boxing, Ring 8

Famed manager Stan Hoffman & World champion Regelio Tuur Ring 8’s June Guest Speakers+

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOMORROW
Tuesday, June 20 at O’Neill’s Restaurant
In Maspeth, NY
NEW YORK (June 19, 2017) – New York State Boxing Hall-of-Fame manager Stan Hoffman and former world champion Regelio “Turbo” Tuur will be Ring 8 guest speakers tomorrow evening (Tues., June 20), starting at 7 p.m. ET, at O’Neill’s Restaurant in Maspeth, New York.

This Ring 8 meeting is sponsored by Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment.
ABOUT RING 8: 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, with a current boxing license or book 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.
boxing, Ring 8

Famed manager Stan Hoffman & World champion Regelio Tuur Ring 8’s June Guest Speakers

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Tuesday, June 20 at O’Neill’s Restaurant
In Maspeth, NY

NEW YORK (June 12, 2017) – New York State Boxing Hall-of-Famer, manager Stan Hoffman, and former world champion Regelio “Turbo” Tuur will be Ring 8 guest speakers at its June monthly meeting on Tuesday night (June 20), starting at 7 p.m. ET, at O’Neill’s Restaurant in Maspeth, New York.

This coming Ring 8 meeting is sponsored by Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment.

“Ring 8 is looking forward to having Stan Hoffman and Regelio Tuur as our featured speakers this month,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said. “Stan has managed or advised many world champions over his career, Tuur included. He will have some fascinating stories to share with us. Although Tuur was a world champion as a professional it was his one-punch knockout of Kelvin Banks in the Olympics that many remember him for. It will be nice to hear him relive that and other fights of his stellar career.”
Hoffman, 86, has managed, advised or promoted 38 world champions during nearly 50 years working in the boxing industry. A product of Brooklyn and Bronx, Hoffman still advises some boxes and attends fights, but he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Hoffman worked with 38 world champions starting in 1980 with Joe Manleyand later including his first world heavyweight champion, Michael Benntt, as well as others such as Hasim Rahman, Iran Barkley and James Toney.
Suriname-native Tuur (46-4-1, 30 KOs), who fought out of Hoogvliet, Netherlands, was a 1988 Olympian. In 1991, Tuur became the New York State lightweight champion and the following year, he captured the European super featherweight titlist.
Tuur defeated 28-1-1 Eugene Speed by 12-round unanimous decision to become World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Super Featherweight Champion. He held the WBO crown for two years, (1994-1996), successfully defending it six times, before retiring for five years until he made a comeback in 2001.

ABOUT RING 8: 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, with a current boxing license or book 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.
boxing, Ring 8

Referee and retired boxer Randy Neumann Ring 8 Guest Speaker Tuesday, May 16

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NEW YORK CITY (May 14, 2017) – Referee/retired boxer Randy Neumann (31-7, 11 KOs) Randy Neumann will be Ring 8’s guest speaker at its mnthly meeting this coming Tuesday night, May 16 (7 p.m. ET start), at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive, Maspeth, NY 11378.
Ring 8’s May meeting is sponsored by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank.
“Ring 8 is fortunate to have such a fascinating speaker this month who will share his vast experience with us,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said.  “Randy Neumann was a heavyweight of note in the 1970’s who boxed a main event at Madison Square Garden against Jerry Quarry. Later he would become one of the best-known referees in boxing working major fights involving Mike Tyson and other champions.”
ABOUT RING 8:  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, with a current boxing license or book 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.
boxing, Ring 8

6th annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2017 induction ceremony review

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(L-R) – Seated – Alex Ramos, Boby Bartels, Doug Dewitt, Stan Hoffman and Gaspar Ortega; standing – Don Majeski, Renaldo Snipes & Ron Katz
All pictures by Peter Frutkoff
NEW YORK (May 1, 2017) – More than 300 people thoroughly enjoyed yesterday’s sixth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction ceremony at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York. NYSBHOF is sponsored by Ring 8.
“It seems like yesterday that we started the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame but here we are in our sixth year,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said opening the festivities. “I’ve been asked what VIPs were coming here and I said the 15 inductees are VIPs.   This is how we remembers our New Yorkers in boxing.  We recognize them for their achievements in boxing and all of them are great guys, too.”
“Today is a validation of their (inductees’) careers,” added Ring 8 president/Chairman of the NYSBHOF Induction Committee Jack Hirsch.  “This is a great honor for all of them.  Congratulations to all of the honorees.”
Living boxers inducted into the NYSBHOF were Manhattan welterweight Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega (131-39-6, 69 KOs), Yonkers’ world heavyweight title challenger Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes (39-8-1, 22 KOs), Yonkers middleweight Doug “Cobra’ Dewitt (33-8-5, 19 KOs), and world middleweight title challenger Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos (39-10-2, 24 KOs)
Posthumous participants inducted were Queens’ former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Dick Tiger (60-19-3, 27 KOs), Brooklyn/Manhattan light heavyweight world champion Jose “Chegui” Torres(41-3-1, 29 KOs), and Williamsburg’s middleweight world champion, “The Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey (51-4-11, 23 KOs).
Non-participants now in the NYSBHOF are Brooklyn/Bronx manager Stan Hoffman, Long Island matchmaker Ron Katz, and past Ring 8 president/NYSAC judge Bobby Bartels and Queens’ International agent Don Majeski.
Posthumous non-participant inductees were Brooklyn boxing historian Hank Kaplan, Long Island cut-man Al Gavin, Bronx referee Arthur Donovan and New York City columnist Dan Parker.
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.
The 2017 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members:  Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero 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.
Past world champions and NYSBHOF inductees Iran Barkley, Vito Antuofermo and Mark Breland were in attendance, as were retired boxers and others such as Dennis Mitlon, Bobby Miller, Jimmy Lange and Richard Brown.
(L-R) – Michael & Gaspar Ortega.


Gasper Ortega: “I’m very honored to have people come out to honor me.  It’s truly a pleasure to be here. I want fans to know how much I appreciate their support.  Right now, I feel like a champion; I’m on top of the world.”
Stan Hoffman
 
Stan Hoffman: “A lot of things have been said about me in boxing and I’m grateful for the success I’ve had in boxing.  I wish I had 200 friends but the problem is I [probably have a 1000, so I can’t name them all today.  This is special because I’m going into the Hall of Fame the same year as my godson, Ron Katz, who was the best matchmaker.  He’s terrific.  Boxing has been good to me.”
(L-R) – Ron & Barbara Katz


Ron Katz: “During the past 42 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many great fighters, over 200 world champions.  I’ve had the pleasure to work for some great promoters, to say I’ve world for some of the giants of this industry is an understatement.  I learned so much from Johnny Bos, Mickey Duff, Bruce Trampler and my mentor, Teddy Brenner.  I’m so grateful to them.”
(L-R) — Melvina Lathan, Doug Dewitt & his son
Doug Dewitt: “I could have done better in the Tommy Hearns fight.   Took Robbie Simms too lightly but I won the rematch.  I was No. 3 (in the world) and I was going to fight Marvin Hagler, who was world champion when there was only one.  Boxing is a tough business.  I’m not walking around like I used to 20 years ago.  I had some good teachers.  I had a good career, I wouldn’t call it great.  Thank you very much.”
(L-R) — Renaldo Snipes & Mike Taroli
Renaldo Snipes: “I have a lot of friends. I had a lot of enemies but now they’re friends. You have to know how to get along with everybody even though you had to fight some in the ring.  You can’t go into the ring without freaking killer instinct.  I’d like to thank everybody who supported me.  I took what I learned in boxing and took it into the business world.”
(L-R) — Bobby Bartels & Lenny Mangiapane
Bobby Bartels:  Dick Tiger wanted me to go to Africa with him but I said I couldn’t.  I wish I had gone with him.  When I was in Stillman’s Gym sparring, Gasper helped me a lot. He’s a beautiful man.  I want to congratulate all the inductees.  It’s great to be inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.  It’s been a long road from the gym, through Golden Gloves, becoming a judge, and then Ring 8 president for nine years.  This is the icing on the cake.”
(L-R) — Alex Ramos & Bob Duffy
Alex Ramos:  First, I want to thank the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame and everybody here from the bottom of my heart.  I want to thank Shelly Finkel, who did so much for me, and all the people who trained me.  I was my own problem. I had a brain injury but it’s great to be alive.”
(L-R) — Michael Griffith, Don Majeski & Jack Hirsch
Don Majeski: “I have much to be humbled about.  I congratulate all the inductees for their hard work and incredible contributions to boxing.  I’m a beneficiary for all the fighters who gave me a chance to be a small part of their careers.  This is a great honor, probably the only one I’ll ever get.  It’s been a wonderful life in boxing the past 50 years.”
Master of Ceremonies Dave Diamante
 
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.
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.
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.