Category Archives: Ring 8

boxing, Ring 8

Limited Tickets still available for this Sunday’s  30th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony 

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Barry McGuigan, Carl Frampton, Danny Jacobs, Joe Smith, Jr. &
 Shakur Stevenson among 2016 award winners
 NEW YORK (December 6, 2016) – Limited tickets are still available for this Sunday afternoon’s (Dec. 11) 30th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET) at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Ring 8’s 2016 award winners are listed below:
2016 RING 8 Award Winners
International Fighter Achievement:  Barry McGuigan
International Fighter of the Year:  Carl Frampton
International Promoter of the Year: Cyclone Promotions
NYS Fighter of the Year:  Danny Jacobs
NYS Female Fighter of the Year:  Sonya Lamonakis
Knockout of the Year: Joe Smith, Jr.
Uncrowned Champion: Larry Stanton
Manager of the Year: Phil Capobianco
Trainer of the Year: Jerry Capobianco
Rising Promoter of the Year: Ronson Frank
Official of the Year:  Frank Lombardi
Amateur Official of the Year: Frankie Martinez
Amateur Boxer of the Year:  Christina Cruz
Long & Meritorious Service:  Dr. Barry Jordan
Contender of the Year: Cletus Seldin
Prospect of the Year: Julian Sosa
Sunnyside Garden:  John Clohessy
USA Olympic Boxer of the Year: Shakur Stevenson
Sam Kellerman Media:  Bobby Cassidy, Jr.
David Diamante will once again serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
Tickets, priced at $125.00 per person, are available to purchase by contacting Bob Duffy by phone (516.313.2304) or email DepComish@aol.com. Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities.
Tickets include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, followed by seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible to  secure favorable seating.
Go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about Ring 8 or its annual Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony.
Russo’s On The Bay is located at 162-45 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach (718.843.5055).
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.
boxing, Ring 8

Brian Adams & Bob Mladinich Ring 8 Guest Speakers Tuesday night in NY

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 NEW YORK (November 10, 2016) – Daily News Golden Gloves Tournament director Brian Adams and highly respected boxing writer Bob Mladinich and will be Ring 8’s guest speakers this coming Tuesday night (Nov. 15) monthly meeting, starting at 7 p.m. ET, at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive in Maspeth, New York.

“
Brian and Bob have experience in a variety of areas in boxing,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  “Both guys boxed earlier in their lives.  Brian rates among the top site coordinator in our sport and Bob is a veteran boxing writer. Our members know both these men very well and they’re anxious to hear them speak about their experiences and expertise.”
A 4-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Adams is the director of the largest amateur boxing tournament in the world, as well as being an acclaimed broadcaster for promoter DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series.  Brian fought professionally from 1997 to 2003, retiring with a 17-4-1 (8 KOs) record, highlighted by his decision over previously undefeated lightweight Calvin Davis (19-0) at the famed Madison Square Garden, and knockout of 28-2-1 Luis Villalta.

Mladinich is a retired New York City Gold Shield detective who regularly writes for boxing.com.
boxing, Ring 8

Edwin Viruet Ring 8 Guest Speaker Tuesday night

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Edwin Viruet
Ring 8 Guest Speaker Tuesday night
NEW YORK (May 16, 2016) – New York State Boxing Hall-of-Famer Edwin Viruet will be Ring 8’s guest speaker at Tuesday night’s (May 17) monthly meeting, starting at 7 p.m. ET, at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive in Maspeth, New York.
“Edwin was inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2016,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  “He was unable to attend the induction ceremony, so we will present him with his Hall of Fame belt at our meeting.  Edwin embodies what the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) is all about in terms of his overall achievements and accomplishments as a New York State fighter.  We’re very happy that Edwin will have this opportunity to be honored and we’re all interested in hearing him speak about his boxing career.”
Viruet (32-6-2) was a standout amateur boxer, albeit brief, registering a perfect 18-0 record, highlighted by his winning two New York Golden Gloves Championship in 1968 as a 118-pound sub-novice and the following year in the 126-pound division, Edwin and his brother,Adolpho Viruet, were declared co-champions.
In 1969, Viruet turned pro and two years later, he fought a draw with future world championSaoul Mamby and he won a decision over another future world champion, Alfredo Escalara.  Three years later, Viruet scored a decision victory against fellow 2016 NYSBHOF inductee Vilomar Fernandez at Madison Square Garden.
Viruet went the distance twice with world lightweight champion Roberto Duran, losing a decision both times, the first in a non-title fight in 1975 and the second as a world title challenger in Philadelphia two years later.
In 1983, Viruet retired as a boxer after having fought in all of the top New York venues – MSG, The Felt Forum, Sunnyside Garden, Nassau Coliseum, Singer Bowl and Audobon Ballroom.
Viruet also enjoyed a successful career as a trainer with heavyweight Alex Steward, a Golden Gloves champion who, as a professional, fought Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfieldand George Foreman.  Viruet also trained actor Wesley Snipes.
Several Vinny Maddalone fights, courtesy of Charley Norkus, Jr., will be shown on six television screens during Tuesday night’s buffet.
 
Ring 8 Summer Picnic
Ring 8’s annual summer picnic will be held Sunday afternoon, August 28, at Brady Park in Massapequa Reserve, Nassau on Long Island, New York.  Complete details coming soon.
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CONTACT:  Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 978.590.0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com @fightpublicist
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

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

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

(L-R – Jack Hirsch, Joe DeGuardia and Bob Duffy
Joe DeGuardia:  It’s a real pleasure, honor and privilege to be inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.  Like many of you here, I live and bleed boxing, which has been a big part of my life.  Four months ago, I received the (Ring 8 at its Holiday awards dinner) Promoter of the Year award.  I said then that we are truly a family of boxing; it’s a real brotherhood.  I also talked about how boxing tied into lire.  In that room – not with us now – was my father who passed away three weeks ago.  Because of him, I developed this love of boxing that I’ve carried in life: work hard to do the best you can in life.  I’m truly honored to be inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.  In honor of my father and everybody else who loves this sport.  I accept on behalf of my father who, I know, is watching us now.”
(L-R) – Charles Murray and Bob Duffy
 
Charles Murray:  “They called me, ‘The Natural.’  I appreciate this, being honored for my contributions to boxing.  Thank you very much.”
  (L-R) – Steve Farhood, Vilomar Fernandez and Bob Duffy
 
Vilomar Fernandez:  “It wasn’t easy fighting guys like Roberto Duran and Alexis Arguello.  They were the best in the world.  I’m thankful for the opportunities to fight them, I’m honored today.”
  (L-R) – Henry Hascup, Randy Gordon, Melvina Lathan, Bob Duffy and Gerry Cooney
Randy Gordon:  “Thank you, everyone.  This amazing event we have every year, I never expected this would happen.  My career was born out of the aches of one of boxing’s biggest scandals, the US Championships on ABC, promoted by Don King, and Ring Magazine produced the ratings for the tournament.  It turned out the ratings and some of the records were padded and it just about knocked Ring Magazine out of business. Bert Randolph Sugar hired me to be its Editor In Chief.  Working together, we brought Ring Magazine back from the dead.  I burst into tears when Jack Hirsch called to tell me I was being inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.  This is an absolute dream.  Anybody who has ever or will ever be inducted into any hall of fame, nobody can possibly enjoy this more than me.  I love boxing with every ounce of my body.  My wife and family drive me back into boxing.  This is the greatest honor.  I can’t get enough of boxing.  I’m truly the luckiest man ever placed on this planet.”
 (L-R) – Ed Brophy, Don Majeski, Jack Hirsch and Joe DeGuardia
NYSAC Executive Director Dave Berlin and Harold Lederman
 
(L-R) – Joe DeGuardia and NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum,  Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano,  Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 2014:  Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.
boxing, Ring 8

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

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Hector Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Aaron Davis and Howard Cosell head 2016 class
NEW YORK (March 29, 2016) – The fifth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, will be held this Sunday afternoon (April 3 – 12:30-5:30 p.m.) at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
 
NYSBHOF Class of 2015
Boxers
World welterweight champion (’90-91) Aaron “Superman” Davis                               Bronx
World junior welterweight champion (’93-94) Charles “The Natural” Murray                Buffalo
Two-time world lightweight title challenger Vilomar Fernandez                                    Bronx
World lightweight title challenger Edwin Viruet.                                                          New York City
(Deceased)
4-time, 3-division world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho                                    Spanish Harlem
World middleweight champion (1952) Rocky Graziano                                               Brooklyn
World lightweight (’25-26) titlist Rocky Kansas                                                           Buffalo
2-time world bantamweight titleholder Joe Lynch                                                        Brooklyn
“Uncrowned welterweight champion” Joe Miceli                                                         Buffalo
Non-Participants
International Boxing Hall of Fame executive director Ed Brophy                                 Canastota
Promoter Joe DeGuardia                                                                                         Bronx
Commissioner/media personality Randy Gordon                                                       Melville
Promoter/manager Dennis Rappaport                                                                      Queens
(Deceased)
Manager Howie Albert                                                                                            Bronx
Trainer/cutman Freddie Brown                                                                                Manhattan
New York City television commentator Howard Cosell                                             New York City
Boxer/referee Ruby Goldstein                                                                                Manhattan
Manager Jimmy Jacobs                                                                                         New York City
Randy Gordon:  “What a journey this has been from boxing fan to boxing writer…to boxing announcer…to boxing commissioner…to boxing promoter…to boxing talk show host….to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.  If I’m dreaming, I don’t want to wake up!”
Dennis Rappaport:  “It is with the utmost pleasure and profound appreciation to be inducted into the NYSBHOF with such a class of distinguished honorees.  At the age of six, I watched my first fight between Jake LaMotta and Gene Harston.  I was so captivated and mesmerized by the sport that it began my 63 year love affair with boxing.  From the bottom of my heat, I would like to thank each and every member of the boxing fraternity for a lifetime filled with magical moments and unforgettable memories.”
Ed Brophy:  “This is a wonderful honor that truly caught me by surprise. I am humbled by this acknowledgement and thank the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.”
Joe DeGuardia:  “I am honored to be recognized and included among the past and present boxing luminaries inducted into the prestigious New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.”
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.  Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.
The 2016 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members:  Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum,  Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano,  Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 2014:  Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.
Limited tickets are still available, priced at $150.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16), which includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the event.  Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304.  Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
boxing, Ring 8

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

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Hector Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Aaron Davis and Howard Cosell head 2016 class
NEW YORK (March 23, 2016) – Tickets are selling fast for the fifth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 3, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
 
NYSBHOF Class of 2016
Boxers
World welterweight champion (’90-91) Aaron “Superman” Davis                                   Bronx
World junior welterweight champion (’93-94) Charles “The Natural” Murray                    Buffalo
Two-time world lightweight title challenger Vilomar Fernandez                                        Bronx
World lightweight title challenger Edwin Viruet.                                                              New York City
(Deceased)
4-time, 3-division world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho                                        Spanish Harlem
World middleweight champion (1952) Rocky Graziano                                                   Brooklyn
World lightweight (’25-26) titlist Rocky Kansas                                                               Buffalo
2-time world bantamweight titleholder Joe Lynch                                                            Brooklyn
“Uncrowned welterweight champion” Joe Miceli                                                             Buffalo
Non-Participants
International Boxing Hall of Fame executive director Ed Brophy                                      Canastota
Promoter Joe DeGuardia                                                                                              Bronx
Commissioner/media personality Randy Gordon                                                            Melville
Promoter/manager Dennis Rappaport                                                                           Queens
(Deceased)
Manager Howie Albert                                                                                                  Bronx
Trainer/cutman Freddie Brown                                                                                      Manhattan
New York City television commentator Howard Cosell                                                    New York City
Boxer/referee Ruby Goldstein                                                                                       Manhattan
Manager Jimmy Jacobs                                                                                                New York City
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.  Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.
The 2016 inductees were selected by NYSBHOF nominating committee members:  Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum,  Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano,  Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 2014:  Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.
Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16), and include a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the evening.  Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304.  Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $50.00 to $250.00, by contacting Duffy. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 978.590.0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing, Ring 8

Trainer Tommy Gallagher Ring 8 Guest Speaker Tuesday night

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NEW YORK (March 12, 2016) – Veteran boxing trainer Tommy Gallagher will be Ring 8’s guest speaker at Tuesday night’s (Mar. 15) monthly meeting, starting at 7 p.m. ET, at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive in Maspeth, New York.

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish menu will feature Corn Beef & Cabbage, as well as Shepard’s Pie.
“Everybody’s Irish for St. Patrick’s Day,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  “It’s only appropriate that our guest speaker is and Irishman, Tommy Gallagher.  He’s done it all in boxing during the past 40 years.  Tommy’s been a big part of Ring 8 for a longtime and he’s known as a good storyteller.”
Best known, perhaps, for his role in The Contenders reality television series, last year Gallagher was inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by Ring 8.  In addition to being a trainer, he has been a promoter and gym owner/operator.
Gallagher has been involved in the careers of boxers such as Doug DeWitt, Vito Antuofermo, Donny Lalonde, Lou Savarese and Sergei Kobozev, among the more notables.
boxing, Ring 8

Ring 8 Guest Speaker Promoter Lou DiBella Pictures 

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NEW YORK (February 18, 2016) – Boxing promoter Lou DiBella was Ring 8’s monthly guest speaker this past Tuesday night at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive in Maspeth, New York.
“Lou was fantastic,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  “He was very informative and spoke nearly 30-minutes.  He kept everybody in tune to what’s happening in boxing today, discussed how difficult it is to promote a boxing show, and answered everybody’s questions.  Our members really enjoyed listening to Lou.”

(L-R) Ring 8 vice president Jack Hirsch, promoter Lou DiBella and Ring 8 president Bob Duffy
(pictures courtesy of John Roe)
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, charity, Ring 8

Ring 8 January Meeting Review & Pictures

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The late Herschel Jacobs’ family & friends
(all pictures courtesy of Stanley Janousek)
NEW YORK (January 21, 2016) – Ring 8’s first monthly meeting of 2016 was held this past Tuesday evening at O’Neil’s Restaurant in Maspeth, New York.
International boxing judge John McKaie (left) was the guest speaker.  McKaie has judged nearly 800 professional fights, including 23 world championships.
Ring 8 historian Henry Hascup (right) eulogized and made a historical tribute to the late Herschel Jacobs, who passed away this past December at the age of 75 (pictured to right).  Jacobs (27-20-2, 11 KOs) fought professionally between 1960 and 1978.  His most notable win was a 10-round decision in 1971 against three-time world light heavyweight champion and Hall-of-Famer, Harold Johnson, at the famed Sunnyside Garden in Queens.  Jacobs also gave Rubin “Hurricane” Carter (4-0) his first pro loss in 1962 by way of a six-round decision.
Jim Kinney (speaking) made a special presentation to Herschel Jacobs’ son (far left).  Ring 8 historian Henry Hascup (white shirt) and Ring 8 president Bob Duffy (far right) also took part in the presentation.
boxing, Ring 8

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

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